Hot Mic, Feisty Dykes: Why Rachel Scanlon Started a Queer Podcast with Her Lesbian Best Friend
Scanlon dishes on ‘Two Dykes and a Mic’ live podcast show, coming soon to Royal Oak

Rachel Scanlon, comedian and co-host of the popular podcast “Two Dykes and a Mic,” is set to bring her infectious energy and comedy to Royal Oak for a special live podcast recording as part of the “Two Dykes and a Mic: Topping Your Best Friend” tour. Known for her no-apologies take on queer identity and smart, sharp humor (she’s the self-professed funniest dyke you’ve ever met — our internal fact check reveals this claim quite possibly to be true), Scanlon, along with co-host McKenzie Goodwin, has cultivated a devoted following within the LGBTQ+ community.
Scanlon recently collaborated with fellow LGBTQ+ comedians by taking part in queer-friendly apparel brand Wildfang’s popular “gender-reveal” Instagram sketch, which skewers the concept of gender reveals involving pregnant people. In the sketch, which centers on Wildfgang’s CEO and her wife hosting a gender reveal event, Scanlon appears alongside Cameron Esposito and “SNL” cast member Punkie Johnson, posing questions like “Why don’t we have goth babies?” and “If we’re revealing genders, can I get one?”
As for Scanlon and McKenzie’s podcast, celebrated for its fun, unfiltered sex-positive discussions and candid queer perspectives, it has taken the duo on a whirlwind of performances across the country. The Royal Oak show, set for Oct. 29 at the Comedy Castle, is a much-anticipated stop right before her own wedding. Audiences will have a front-row seat as the two lesbian BFFs create a podcast in real-time, perhaps diving into popular “Two Dykes” segments like bad dates (“Bumble Fumbles”), “Gay News” and relationship advice (“Ask a Dyke”).
In an interview with Pride Source, Scanlon spoke about the upcoming show, the evolution of “Two Dykes and a Mic,” and why she says queer joy and silliness are more important than ever.
The live podcast tour for “Two Dykes and a Mic” seems like it’s been a whirlwind, with shows across the U.S. and Canada so far. How are you doing?
I’m doing great! I’ve been touring a lot, which has been awesome, but I’m also getting married soon, so every time I’m home, I’m running around getting ready for that. I literally just got my marriage license today. Detroit is my last stop before the wedding. It’s all happening so fast, but I’m excited.
“Two Dykes and a Mic” has a big following at this point, but take us back to the start. What was your inspiration for the podcast?
So, I’m a stand-up comedian, and my co-host McKenzie Goodwin and I started the podcast after this wild experience I had running an open mic with my then-girlfriend. We actually broke up on stage during a show, and the audience thought it was a joke — but it was very real! After that, McKenzie reached out to me, and I thought she was hitting on me. Turns out, she just wanted to start a business together, which, honestly, is the gayest thing ever — starting a business with your lesbian best friend.
What’s been the most surprising thing about touring and performing live?
Honestly, it’s been the queer community. Growing up, I didn’t really have queer friends, and I never thought I’d be part of something like this. Touring with the podcast and seeing these incredible, diverse queer communities has been healing. It’s not just about the comedy; it’s about creating a space where people can feel seen and celebrated.
The live show is like snorting pure queer joy! It’s high-energy, interactive and way more dynamic than just two dykes sitting on a couch. McKenzie and I are both comedians, so we bring that live-performance experience to the stage. We play games, interact with the crowd and just let loose. If people love the podcast, the live show is like that, but dialed up to 10.
How do you think the podcast and your live performances resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, especially during this political era, where queer people are routinely targeted?
It’s such a tough time for our community right now, with so much uncertainty and fear. But that’s exactly why creating spaces for laughter and joy is so important. When politics directly impacts you and your loved ones, it feels very personal. Our show gives people a place to come together, feel safe and just have fun. It’s more than just laughs — it’s about community, friendship, and a break from the heavy stuff.
That’s so important. Lastly, any advice for those attending the show who are new to the “Two Dykes and a Mic” podcast?
Oh, if you’ve never heard of us, just know this: Our show is unlike anything else you’ll see. It’s all about queer joy, silliness and realness. We bring a unique energy that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. If you want to laugh, feel good and connect with other queer folks, come to the show and bring your friends. You won’t regret it!
“Two Dykes and a Mic: Topping Your Best Friend Tour,” Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle (310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak). Find tickets at twodykesandamic.com.