Tour Life, Safe Spaces, and Censorship with Ryan Cassata

Mattie Bynum and Shane Lukas welcome Ryan Cassata (along with bandmates Top Surgeons, Kyle and Lauren) to talk about life on tour and the surprising ways different cities show up for queer communities. They dig into why house shows feel intimate, safer, and more sustaining—especially when traditional venues and platforms feel shaky. Ryan reflects on the long arc of trans and queer musician visibility, and how the internet helped shift who gets to be seen and heard. The episode closes with a playful speed round (comfort foods, rainy days, first dates, LA spots) and a clear through-line: building spaces where people can show up fully.