Activist, model, and writer Munroe Bergdorf sits down with Adam to talk about her spark: the cult classic queer comedy But I’m a Cheerleader. Hear Munroe’s personal story discovering the film, why it remains a game-changer for queer representation, and how its fearless humor and camp style shaped her path as a trailblazer.

• Origin Story: Munroe shares the story of renting But I’m a Cheerleader from Blockbuster as a teen and finding queer joy, self-acceptance, and unexpected inspiration from the now-iconic film.
• Queer Visibility in Film: Learn how the movie’s razor-sharp satire of conversion therapy, pastel aesthetic, and joyful queer storytelling offered both healing and laughter during hard times.
• Representation Matters: Adam and Munroe discuss why authentic, joyful queer stories—made by queer creators—matter, especially in a world where LGBTQIA+ voices are often silenced.
• Reflections on Activism: Munroe talks about the legacy of growing up queer during Section 28 in the UK, the importance of supportive community, and how media like But I’m a Cheerleader paved the way for her own work as an activist, author, and media leader.
• Cultural Impact: Explore the enduring influence of But I’m a Cheerleader—from its legendary cast (including RuPaul, Natasha Lyonne, and Clea DuVall) to its impact on generations of queer audiences and creatives.
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Munroe Bergdorf is a globally recognized writer, model, broadcaster, and LGBTQIA+ activist. She’s British Vogue’s contributing editor, an award-winning author, and the star of LOVE & RAGE: MUNROE BERGDORF, the brand-new documentary telling her own story and the fight for trans visibility. Her second book, Talk To Me, is out now.

Released in 1999 and directed by Jamie Babbit, But I’m a Cheerleader is a groundbreaking queer comedy that follows Megan (Natasha Lyonne) as she’s sent to a conversion therapy camp. Its pastel sets, absurdist humor, and focus on authentic queer joy have made it one of the most beloved LGBTQIA+ movies of all time.

• Perfect for fans of Munroe Bergdorf, queer cinema, pop culture buffs, and anyone looking for heartfelt conversations about identity and inspiration.
• Get real talk about coming out, forging pride through media, and how stories like But I’m a Cheerleader continue to spark hope and creativity.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready for a trip down music memory lane? On this episode, Adam hangs out with Katie and Jules from The Ting Tings to talk all about the album that shaped their sound: Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms.

What’s Inside

• First Dire Straits Memories: Katie and Jules share how Brothers in Arms became the soundtrack to their childhoods and teen years—think car rides, record store windows, and stealing albums from siblings.
• Why Brothers in Arms Still Hits: Find out why this album is still a go-to for The Ting Tings, and how Mark Knopfler’s songwriting and guitar playing continue to inspire their music today.
• Studio Magic & Innovation: The duo talks about the groundbreaking production on Brothers in Arms, from its crystal-clear sound to its record-breaking CD sales, and how it set the bar for studio albums.
• The Art of Songwriting: Adam, Katie, and Jules dive into why the storytelling and musicianship on this album make it timeless—and what today’s artists can learn from it.
• Favorite Tracks & Stories: Hear which songs from Brothers in Arms Katie and Jules keep coming back to, and how those tracks influenced their own new music.
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About The Ting Tings

The Ting Tings are a UK indie pop duo known for their massive hits like “That’s Not My Name” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go.” Their music is packed with catchy hooks, bold energy, and a love for mixing genres. Their latest record is out now and brings a fresh twist to the classic sounds that inspired them. They're new album Home is out now.

About Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms

Released in 1985, Brothers in Arms is one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring hits like “Money for Nothing,” “Walk of Life,” and the epic title track. The album blends rock, pop, and a little bit of everything else, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a legendary spot in music history.

Why Listen?

• Perfect for fans of The Ting Tings, Dire Straits, and anyone who loves hearing how classic albums inspire new music.
• Get behind-the-scenes stories about songwriting, band life, and what it takes to make a record that stands the test of time.
• Hear how Brothers in Arms keeps sparking creativity for artists today.

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith joins Adam to talk about her biggest musical inspiration: Adele’s breakthrough album, 21. Lauren shares how hearing “Rolling in the Deep” as a kid changed everything for her, why Adele’s powerhouse vocals and honest songwriting became her comfort zone and how 21 shaped her own journey as an artist.

Lauren opens up about singing Adele songs at every competition, learning every vocal nuance and how Adele’s ability to blend genres and emotions inspired her to find her own voice. Adam and Lauren also discuss the impact of 21’s massive hits—like “Someone Like You,” “Rumour Has It” and “Turning Tables”—and what makes the album a timeless classic for songwriters and fans alike.

About Lauren Spencer Smith:

Lauren is a chart-topping singer-songwriter known for her raw vocals and relatable lyrics. She first gained major attention as an American Idol finalist and has since built a global fanbase with her viral singles and debut album. Lauren's new album The Art Of Being A Mess is out now!

About Adele’s 21:

Released in 2011, Adele’s 21 is one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century, featuring hits like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain.” The album blends soul, pop, blues, and country influences, earning multiple Grammy Awards including Album of the Year. 21 is praised for its emotional depth, unforgettable melodies, and Adele’s stunning vocal performances.

In this episode:

• Lauren’s first memories of hearing Adele and buying her music
• Why 21 became Lauren’s comfort album and creative blueprint
• The influence of Adele’s vocals, songwriting, and genre-blending on Lauren’s own music
• How personal storytelling and emotional honesty make 21 a modern classic
• Favorite tracks from 21 and the stories behind them

The Spark Parade is a podcast that dives deep into the films and albums that have inspired today’s creative icons. Hosted by Adam Unze, each episode features a unique conversation with an artist about their chosen film or album, and how it sparked their artistic journey.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok: @sparkparade

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen!

For more info, visit: www.thesparkparade.com

Copyright © 2025 The Spark Parade. All rights reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.