Queer Gals Watch the West Wing - podcast cover

Queer Gals Watch the West Wing

Leigh Douglas & Fiona Kingwillart19.com
Queer Gals Watch The West Wing is a West Wing podcast with a unique twist, offering an affectionate rewatch of Aaron Sorkin's iconic political drama through the eyes of two funny, LGBT podcast hosts, Leigh and Fi. Combining humour, insight, and curiosity, they dive into the show’s portrayal of American politics, iconic characters, and cultural nuances, all from a British perspective that adds fresh observations and witty critiques. Each week, Leigh and Fi revisit every memorable scene, bringing thoughtful commentary on everything from CJ Cregg’s legendary moments and quick wit to President Bartlet’s fashion sense and his complex moral choices. This comedy podcast is perfect for West Wing fans, political enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a mix of thoughtful reflections and light-hearted banter. With relatable humour and a distinct perspective, Queer Gals Watch the West Wing makes revisiting the show a fun journey for longtime viewers and new fans alike. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or the political insights, join Leigh and Fi as they blend engaging conversations with meaningful reflections on American culture, leadership, and the quirks of U.S. politics. Subscribe for a refreshing, funny, and insightful take on a beloved classic series. After listening, share your favourite West Wing moments in the comments and let us know what you think!
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Episodes

Dick with Pod and Prejudice

Leigh and Fi dive into the movie magic of Dick (1999) with Becca and Molly of Pod and Prejudice. The year is 1972 (via the late 90s) and Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams are Richard Nixon's White House dog walkers and very secret Youth Advisors. Leigh and Fi are baffled to never have heard of this instant favourite before. Watergate but make it girlhood and you've got a very Queer Gals coded movie! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19....

Jun 25, 20251 hr 15 minSeason 3Ep. 2

On the Basis of Sex with Sarah Hester Ross

Our first ever movie special! Queer Gals takes a hiatus from Aaron Sorkin land and the West Wing to discuss the Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic, On the Basis of Sex, with cabaret artist and comedienne extraordinaire, Sarah Hester Ross. With Sarah, Leigh and Fi discuss the life and times of the dead departed Supreme Court Justice, as portrayed in Mimi Leder's 2018 film starring Felicity Jones as the notorious RBG herself. The gals have a mixed response to the portrayal of Martin Ginsburg, applaud a lo...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 1

The West Wing Season 2 Town Hall Q&A

Leigh and Fi wrap up Season Two of the West Wing! This week your favourite queer gals take a look back over Season 2, answer listener questions, make predictions for Season 3, and rank their favourite Season 2 episodes. Where do Josh and Donna go from, “If you were in an accident I wouldn’t stop for red lights?” Who might be Mrs Landingham’s replacement as President Bartlet’s private secretary? And what was the most Let Bartlet Be Bartlet moment of Season 2? Leigh is really hoping for a return o...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 2Ep. 23

The West Wing Season 2 Finale | Two Cathedrals

There is simply too much to discuss in this season finale to have a study session, so it’s all about Two Cathedrals this ep. It’s unexpected flashbacks galore. We are truly on a journey to the past with a grieving President Bartlet. Fi is extremely moved by a young Mrs Landingham and the drama of a President Bartlet soliloquy in the National Cathedral. Leigh is beside herself at the professionalism and indomitable prowess of CJ Cregg managing a crisis. Josh Lyman has to learn to put away childis...

Mar 13, 20251 hr 31 minSeason 2Ep. 22

Who Even is Edith Wilson? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 21

The moment has come for the most devastating episode yet, Season 2 Episode 21 “18th and Potomac.” It’s all Leigh and Fi can do to actually recap the whole episode and not jump right to the gut punch at the very end with the death of our dearly departed, the legend, the icon that was Dolores Landingham. Frankly, Fi is very angry with Aaron Sorkin for killing off such a classy dame as Mrs. Landingham. Joey Lucas delivers her polling data on the president’s illness and the news is not good for Pres...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 34 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Who Even is Pramila Jayapal? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 20

CJ Cregg is sparring with our new favourite White House Counsel and Leigh has the hots for Oliver Babbish in Season 2, Episode 20 “The Fall’s Gonna Kill You.” Abbey Bartlet is a woman scorned and she’s back with a vengeance giving full Elizabeth Taylor glamour whilst learning she may have criminal exposure. Fi is tickled by Sam Seaborn going toe to toe with the Progressive Caucus and tying himself in feminist knots and Leigh dives into the history of the CPC and the story of the Progressives’ mo...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 32 minSeason 2Ep. 20

What Even is Executive Privilege? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 19

Toby Ziegler is a man on a rampage in Season 2, Episode 18, “Bad Moon Rising.” President Bartlet may have engaged 16 people in a massive criminal conspiracy to commit fraud in order to win a presidential election, Toby won’t stop shouting, and Fi is extremely exasperated with Josh Lyman and Donna Moss for acting like last week never happened. It’s Charlie Young that’s the king of our hearts this week though, for being so smart and so brave. Leigh breaks down exactly what Oliver Babbish was shout...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 26 minSeason 2Ep. 19

What Even is the ERA? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 18

Toby Ziegler is a regular Nancy Drew in Season 2, Episode 18, “17 People.” Ainsley Hayes is arguing against the Equal Rights Amendment and Joshua Lyman is “punching up” President Bartlet’s White House Correspondent’s Dinner speech. Fi is tantalized by the revel of some more Donna Moss backstory and Leigh is claiming suffragist, Alice Paul, author of the Equal Rights Amendment for the queer gals team. With honourable mention to the suffragettes, the acting prowess of Richard Schiff and Bradley Wh...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 46 minSeason 2Ep. 18

What Even is the Filibuster? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 17

Like Sabrina Carpenter, the whole of the West Wing is working late because it’s Season 2, Episode 17, “The Stackhouse Filibuster.” CJ Cregg is entering a criminal conspiracy with Donna Moss over a missing cat statue and Toby Ziegler is Sam Seaborn’s all time favourite writer. Fi is emotionally moved by the “grandfathers all” of it all with Senator Stackhouse and Leigh wants you to know we have Hamilton’s own Aaron Burr to thank for the filibuster and the filibuster to thank for the continued pre...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Who Even is Harriet Tubman? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 16

Big Block of Cheese Day has returned in the West Wing, Season 2 Episode 16, “Somebody’s Going to Emergency, Somebody’s Going to Jail.” Sam Seaborn is in his feelings listening to power ballads and Toby Ziegler is trolling protesters and flirting with cops. Fi is tantalized by Donna Moss’s gal pal being the granddaughter of a Soviet Spy and Leigh is chatting all things espionage with particular reference to Rose O’Neal Greenhow, Harriet Tubman and the Civil War. Because if you think Harriet Tubma...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 16

What Even is the Press Pool? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 15

It’s a huge week for Leigh and Fi with the arrival of Eleanor Bartlet in “Ellie,” The West Wing Season 2, Episode. It’s the third Bartlet daughter the queer gals have been waiting for and she beyond delivers on middle-child angst. Fi is thrilled by the arrival of Surgeon General, Milicent Griffth, and the triumphant (and crackling) return of Toby Ziegler’s ex-wife, Andrea. After Ellie’s leak to the press, Leigh chats about the historic relationships between the First Family and the white house p...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 21 minSeason 2Ep. 15

What Even is the War on Drugs? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 14

Leigh and Fi talk all things “The War at Home,” the West Wing Season 2, Episode 14. We’ve got FLOTUS Abbey Bartlet absolutely taking Jed Bartlet to task in the White House kitchens and the POTUS back in the sit room in crisis. Inspired by the DEA agents in need of a rescue mission, Leigh is chatting the War on Drugs from the Opium Wars to President Reagan’s America to today. With honourable mention to the blossoming friendship of Mrs Landingham and Charlie Young. Find Us Online: Instagram: @quee...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Who Even is Lorena Hickok? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 13

Leigh and Fi are thrilled to be reaching “Bartlet’s Third State of the Union”, the West Wing Season 2, Episode 13. There is simply so much to unpack. Fi is absolutely tantalized by both the return of Joey Lucas and a fight in the kitchens between Jed and Abbey Bartlet. Leigh is holding space for a drunk Ainsley Hayes and for Eleanor Roosevelt’s special lady, Lorena Hickok. With honourable mention to Donna Moss’s self-destructive instincts and CJ Cregg on national television with no pants on. Fin...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 28 minSeason 2Ep. 13

What Even is the Special Relationship? The West Wing Season 2 Episode 12

Leigh and Fi are dropping into the West Wing Season 2, Episode 12, “The Drop In.” Fi is gobsmacked by CJ Cregg’s trip to New York and President Bartlet’s view on vegans while Leigh explains the history of the “special relationship” between the United States and Great Britain (with particular reference to current UK ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce.) With honourable mention to the brewing bromantic love of Toby Ziegler and Sam Seaborn and Bonnie, Ginger and Donna actually getting to attend some meet...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 31 minSeason 2Ep. 12

What Even is the College Admissions Scandal? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 11

Leigh and Fi bring in the New Year with the West Wing Season 2, Episode 11, “The Leadership Breakfast.” Fi is scintillated by the arrival of Ann Stark, as played by Felicity Huffman, and Leigh chats through the Varsity Blues scandal, why it’s politics, and what’s happened since 2019. With honourable mention to Donna Moss’s underwear, the Karen Cahill of it all, and Toby Ziegler’s flirting game. Let the Bartlet reelection campaign BEGIN! Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queerg...

Dec 26, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 11

What Even is Christmas? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 10

Leigh and Fi are emotionally destroyed by the West Wing Season 2, Episode 10, “Noël.” Fi is all about the sound design and Bradley Whitford and Leigh takes a step back from all the trauma to talk about the history of the White House’s Christmas decorations. With honourable mention to Yo-Yo Ma, CJ Cregg’s off the shoulder red satin Christmas gown and President Obama’s fear of Michelle’s snowmen. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 10

What Even is the Space Race? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 9

Leigh and Fi discuss the West Wing Season 2, Episode 9, “Galileo.” Fi is obsessed with CJ Cregg’s blue armani and Leigh talks space race then and now. With honourable mention to Sam Seaborn’s diabolical love life, Jed Bartlet’s aversion to green beans and modern music and the anticipated return of Mallory McGarry. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatch Credits: Our show artwork was created by ...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 2Ep. 9

What Even is DOMA? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 7

Leigh and Fi flash back to the West Wing Season 2, Episode 7, “The Portland Trip.” Fi learns about the concept of Notre Dame’s Touchdown Jesus and Leigh chats the history of gay marriage in the USA. With honourable mention to Air Force One’s catering staff, Josh Lyman for having gay friends and how good CJ Cregg looks in a baseball cap. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatch Credits: Our show ...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 2Ep. 8

What Even is Thanksgiving? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 8

Surprise! Leigh and Fi have swapped the order of the West Wing Season 2, Episode 7 and Episode 8 in order to bring you “Shibboleth” on Thanksgiving. Fi is gagged at the concept of the turkey pardon and Leigh breaks down the fact vs fiction of the Thanksgiving story. With honourable mention to Toby Ziegler’s childhood trauma and Charlie Young’s Paul Revere moment. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerG...

Nov 28, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 2Ep. 7

What even is a Lame Duck? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 6

Leigh and Fi chat through the chaos of the West Wing Season 2, Episode 6, “The Lame Duck Congress.” Fi is deeply invested in the vibes between Ainsley Hayes and Sam Seaborn and Leigh travels back to 2006 to chat George W. Bush’s lame duck. With honourable mention to CJ and Danny’s non-breakup breakup and the Legally Blonde of it all. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatch Credits: Our show art...

Nov 21, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Who even is Karoline Leavitt? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 5

Leigh and Fi are spiritually revived by the West Wing, Season 2, Episode 5, “And Surely to Their Credit.” Fi is beside herself at the sex life of Abbey Bartlet and POTUS and Leigh has become a woman obsessed with Trump’s Campaign Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt. With honourable mention to Josh Lyman’s health insurance and CJ Cregg getting her groove back. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWat...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 2Ep. 5

What even is the 2024 Election? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 4

Leigh and Fi lose themselves in Season 2, Episode 4 of the West Wing, “In This White House.” Fi is bewitched by everyone’s favourite Republican, Ainsley Hayes and twenty-four hours later, Leigh and Fi respond to Trump’s election win in the 2024 election. With honourable mention, to Kamala Harris, angel of our dreams and love to all our American listeners from across the pond. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patre...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 2Ep. 4

What even is an assassination attempt? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 3

Leigh and Fi dive into Season 2, Episode 3 of the West Wing, “The Mid-Terms.” Fi is mesmerised by Jenna Jacobs in her emerald cape and Leigh relishes the great crumbling of Ron DeSantis’s 2024 primary campaign. With honourable mention to the pettiness of Jed Bartlett and Jeffrey Mackintosh, the cutest child to ever live. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatch Credits: Our show artwork was crea...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 3

What even is a primary? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 2

Leigh and Fi dive into Season 2, Episode 2 of the West Wing, “In the Shadow of two Gunmen Pt II.” Fi is falling in love with Josh and Donna’s campaign headquarters meet cute and Leigh explains what a Primary is. With honourable mention to CJ Cregg falling in a pool in Hollywood, Donna Moss and come back girls everywhere. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatch Credits: Our show artwork was crea...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 21 minSeason 2Ep. 2

What even is the 25th Amendment? | The West Wing Season 2 Episode 1

Leigh and Fi dive into Season 2, Episode 1 of the West Wing, “In the Shadow of two Gunmen.” Fi is beside herself at the reveal of Sam Seaborn’s backstory and Leigh can’t stop crying at the emotional rollercoaster of it all but pulls it together in time to explain the 25th Amendment. With honourable mention to Mrs Landingham running and CJ Cregg’s concussion. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWa...

Oct 17, 20241 hr 26 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Queer Gals Town Hall Q&A (The West Wing Season 1 Round-Up)!

This week Leigh and Fi take a look back over their favourite moments from series one of The West Wing, manifest their desires for series two and answer your listener questions! With honourable mention to The Great Humbling of Josh Lyman, the life and times of Claudia Jean pre-politcal career and Mrs Landingham’s hat game. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/QueerGalsWatch Credits: Our show artwork was cre...

Sep 19, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 23

What even is a Body Man (or Woman)? | The West Wing Season 1 Finale

“What Kind of Day Has it Been?” It’s the season finale of The West Wing, and Leigh and Fi are absolutely beside themselves. Fi is a ball of stress (WHO IS DOWN) and Leigh (who is extremely stressed about WHO IS DOWN) takes a look at the history of Charlie’s job, focusing on the story of Obama’s Personal Aide, Reggie Love. With honourable mention to Astronewts and Josh Lyman bringing the physical comedy. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watc...

Sep 12, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 22

What even is Polling? | The West Wing Season 1 Episode 21

Leigh and Fi have reached the penultimate episode of The West Wing, “Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics.” Fi is extremely worried about CJ Cregg’s job security and Leigh explains what a presidential approval rating is and why it’s important (as well as how very wrong the polls have been for a while now). With honourable mention to Laurie for being a class act and a law school graduate and the intrigue of Charlie Young’s past. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Faceb...

Sep 05, 20241 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 21

How accessible even is the White House? | The West Wing Season 1 Episode 20

Leigh and Fi dissect episode twenty of The West Wing, “Mandatory Minimums.” Fi is beside herself at the reveal of Toby Ziegler’s hot ex-wife, Andy (Congresswoman Wyatt) and, in honour of the anticipated return of Joey Lucas, Leigh explores the stories of West Wing staffers who identify as having a disability. With honourable mention to Josh Lyman’s Regular Tuesday Suit and Margaret’s newfound cooky, quirky craziness. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Q...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 20

What even is Dark Money? | The West Wing Season 1 Episode 19

Leigh and Fi discuss episode nineteen of The West Wing, “Let Bartlet Be Bartlet.” Fi is sucked in by the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell of it all (not Sam Seaborn being the greatest ally the gays have ever known?) and Leigh explains why everyone should care about campaign finance reform as much as Jed Bartlet. With honourable mention to Mandy’s memo and Bartlet entering his Reputation Era. Find Us Online: Instagram: @queergalswatch Twitter: @queergalswatch Facebook: Queer Gals Watch Patreon: https://www....

Aug 22, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 19
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