Today’s guest is Kelly Balch—a queer, nonbinary artist, filmmaker, and intuitive storyteller whose work feels like both a mirror and a portal. With over 15 years behind the lens as a photographer and director, Kelly’s creates mediums for us to be seen and celebrated. From their mythic fantasy book series Aphrodite’s Sister , to their docuseries Beyond the Norms , Kelly weaves stories that celebrate identity and transformation. In this episode, we talk about their journey as a creator, how they c...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Matt McKenley is a model, actor, and content creator whose bold blend of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle has made waves across TikTok and Instagram. But beyond the aesthetic, Matt shares something much deeper—his journey of growing up gay in a religious household, the process of unlearning shame, and embracing his full, authentic self in both life and online. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to find your voice, show up for yourself unapologetically, and create content tha...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Hey everyone, welcome back to She Comes With Baggage ! Where we unpack the real, unfiltered experiences that shape who we are. My hope is that through these deep conversations and laughs, we realize we’re all more alike than we are different. Today, I’m joined by two incredible guests, Dominic Pérignon and Carter Nelson—creators, storytellers, and passionate advocates for the trans community. Dominic shares authentic experiences through travel, fashion, and his series T-Time , while Carter, an a...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Season 2 of She Comes With Baggage is officially here. The season is going to look a little different as I, Kirstie Pike, am opening up the mic to friends and creatives who inspire me. I truly believe in the power of stories to connect us, heal us, and remind us that we are never alone in the baggage we carry. In a time when so many stories are being silenced or overlooked, it's up to us to create new spaces that amplify those stories that matter. My hope is that the conversations inspire more c...
Jun 05, 2025•1 min
Hey everyone, welcome back to She Comes With Baggage ! This season is going to look a little different as I am opening the mic up to friends and creatives who inspire me…and where we unpack the real, unfiltered experiences that shape who we are. Whether you’re here for the deep conversations, the laughs, or just to feel a little less alone in the baggage you might be carrying, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sitting down with the incredible Louis Levanti producer, host, and content creator...
Jun 05, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Throughout this season, we have opened up and shared some of the baggage we carry, so we thought it is only right to end Season 1 on how we protect our peace. In this episode, we are getting vulnerable about deeper conversations from the fear of abandonment and body dysmorphia, to our experiences during COVID. We hope that in sharing some of our methods we use to protect our health mentally, physically, and emotionally, we can help you in some way as well! Thank you SO much for tuning in this se...
Mar 25, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Join us for a hilarious and revealing episode of She Comes With Baggage, where we put our relationship to the test with "How Well Do You Know Me?" This interactive game isn't just about us; it's an opportunity for you, our valued audience, to get to know us better as we ask each other a series of personal questions. Who knows... you might even know some of these about us already! We can't wait to hear your guesses :) If you are enjoying this podcast, don't forget to subscribe for more engaging c...
Mar 18, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Nearly 70 countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ identities. Join us in this episode as we discuss the complexities of traveling as a queer couple and how we explore destinations where LGBTQ+ rights are still not fully recognized. We are discussing why boycotting may not always be the most effective solution, and sharing insightful tips on navigating non-progressive destinations such as traveling in the Middle East. Excited for you to join us on this adventurous episode! Follow the full adventure: I...
Mar 11, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Kirstie was born and raised in Tennessee aka the Bible Belt. The South is known for religious rhetoric which was instilled in a lot of her life growing up. This week, Kirstie shares her experiences coming out to her family and the hardships she went through when she told her friends. Come on this journey to hear how she moved from Tennessee to California and experienced being fully accepted for the first time. Are you enjoying this podcast? Let us know your thoughts! Leaving 5 star ratings and d...
Mar 04, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Join us on an emotional journey in our next podcast episode, "Christine's Coming Out Story." Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride as we dive into Christine's journey of self-discovery, starting at the young age of 11 in a latin family. In this heartfelt episode, Christine shares the struggles, unexpected triumphs, and her experience coming out as a young lesbian. From her first relationship, navigating societal norms as a femme presenting queer woman, to understanding her personal identity, C...
Feb 26, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 6
When navigating life as queer women, it is often we are confronted with some really ridiculous questions, especially from straight men. For this episode, we asked all of you to submit some of the most common questions you have been asked as a lesbian or queer woman. We are going to be talking through these submissions and... yall, some of these questions are WILD! It is 2024... why are people still talking like this??! Are you enjoying this podcast? Let us know your thoughts! Leaving 5 star rati...
Feb 19, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In 2019, we quit our jobs, sold all of our things, and moved to South East Asia. It was one of the riskiest things we have ever done, but also the year that completely changed our lives. Tune in to Episode 4 of "She Comes With Baggage" as we take you through our backpacking adventures and the start of our platform On Airplane Mode . Get ready for some unfiltered stories as we reminisce on the year that started it all! Have any questions or suggestions for any upcoming episodes? Use this link to ...
Feb 12, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 4
As a sequel to Episode 2, we are continuing to unfold Kirstie and Christine's love story. Now, brace yourselves for Episode 3, where we unveil the stories behind Kirstie's final days with Christine before embarking on a life-altering journey to New Zealand. The air is thick with suspense—did Kirstie choose to stay for love or travel into the unknown? Tune in to find out! Have any questions or suggestions for any upcoming episodes? Use this link to submit! shecomeswithbaggagemedia.com @kirstieand...
Feb 05, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In Episode 2 of "She Comes With Baggage," we are taking it back to the beginning - how we actually met, our first date, and the early days of our relationship. Get ready for some laughs and cringe-worthy moments as we share the nitty-gritty details that kicked off our love story. This episode is all about the unfiltered and cute beginnings that set the foundation for what's to come. Have any questions or suggestions for any upcoming episodes? Use this link to submit! shecomeswithbaggagemedia.com...
Jan 29, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 2
The first official launch of She Comes With Baggage is here! Thank you for tuning in - we can't wait to go on this journey together. In this episode you are going to be learning about why this podcast is important to us and a little introduction to who we are. Have any questions or suggestions for any upcoming episodes? Use this link to submit! shecomeswithbaggagemedia.com @kirstieandchristine Advertise with us: info@shecomeswithbaggagemedia.com Follow the full adventure on Instagram, TikTok, an...
Jan 22, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1
