Drag Queens, Burlesque, and Unicorns - How Jake DuPree Found His Calling

Jake DuPree is a burlesque dancer and fitness personality who has been featured on PopSugar Fitness, The Doctors, Clevver, and Patreon. On this episode we chat about finding self confidence, the hustle of being a performer, and the commitment it takes to live the life you want!

Instagram: @JakeDuPree
Website: http://jakedupree.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jakedupree

Hosts:
Stephanie: @giveasweat
Bradley: @hiitflexandchill
@giveStrength

Transcript

Jake:   0:00


Bradley:   0:38
We love this week's episode with Jake to pre. We talk about being your true, authentic self. We talk about being a merman. We talk about being a unicorn.

Stephanie:   0:48
Yeah, we talk about all the exciting things he's been up to. We also talk about showing up and putting in the work. It's a great episode for anyone who is following their dreams. Little no audio on this one is Justus good as our first couple episodes. We had some zoom audio issues, but this is a great episode. Jake is a great guy, and we wanted you to hear this information. So give a listen, enjoy wear so excited to welcome Jake to pre to our podcast today. He is a jack of so many trades. He has been featured with Cosmopolitan, the doctors, The Wall Street Journal, Pop Sugar Fitness, RuPaul's drag race, among many others. So I can't wait to dig into all that how we got there, Jake, You're a very exciting person, huh? So I'm really excited to kick things off by asking you three quick questions, and then we'll just expand upon that. So number one, what is it that you do?

Jake:   1:46
So I do a lot of things. I think what I'll say. What I mainly do is burlesque performer that it is. Instructor, fitness host, entertainment house. Sometimes whenever I'm asked dancer, performer, and I'm kind of see what's like, If you throw anything at me, I'm gonna be, like, sure all day that way.

Stephanie:   2:05
Love that. We love that. All right, question at number two, what is a book podcast? Author, radio host. Anything that really speaks to you right now or something that has really given you a lot of value in the past.

Jake:   2:22
I'm an avid reader, and I try to read as much as possible, mainly fiction. Um, the one author. That is my absolute favorite. Her name is Taylor Jenkins read and actually became friends with her, Um, about two years ago, because she wrote this book called The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. It's about this actress sort of like back in like Elizabeth Taylor kind of times, and she sort of modeled after, Like Elizabeth Taylor and she There's like a twist about her, where she's hiding a certain sexuality secret. And she's married to all these men to kind of like Hide who she actually isn't it? It's so well thought out. And what I like about this author is that she grew up with two moms or her mom and her dad split up into her mom and become a lesbian. And I'm sort of It's sort of like her childhood story with this like, super fictionalized fabulous version of Hollywood. So it's amazing.

Stephanie:   3:16
That sounds really cool. Quick question over three. The final one. Because this is the give strength podcast. We like to highlight people that are giving strength, the others or giving shrink to themselves. So what is the time in recent memory that you remember giving strength to yourself or to someone else

Jake:   3:31
often like because what I do, it'll be like super late at nights of the nightlife stuff that I do and then have to wake up super early to teach. So it's like I try to practice like strength for myself a lot and try to really take care of myself as much as I can, because it can really get to me like those late hours in the early mornings. And it's not a lot of sleep. It's sort of like one of those things from just like I have to do it now because I love it. And B there's opportunities. So it's leaking come later. So sometimes, like the strength that I give us just pushed through, so really just overcome.

Stephanie:   4:02
You are so deeply embedded in fitness like you were rated one of the top our instructors in Los Angeles. You were the biggest names and fitness. You've been featured on the doctors for fitness pop sugar fitness. So you have over like 30 million views on pop sugar fitness.

Jake:   4:21
Yeah, there's been some like, crazy number like that. I'm just Michael. It's so weird, but cool.

Stephanie:   4:27
Super cool it super amazing. If you guys look up at Jake to pre on Instagram. Just check out his body dude is shredded.

Jake:   4:38
It's all it's all fake. 

Bradley:   4:41
Year around way don't know how he does it. 

Stephanie:   4:45
but we love it. We're here for it. But you also have this thing that I've seen you give more time and energy and get more recognition for, which is the whole burlesque thing. So I am really curious how you got into that and how that's evolved for you.

Jake:   5:01
So I went to my very first burlesque show. I think I was I think I was maybe 21. I was dating a guy in New York while I was in college, and I would go and visit him sometimes because I went to Scott College in Savannah, Georgia, and he actually took me to this place called Duane Park. And it's like this sort of like a cabaret club. But you go for dinner, they have a live band, and these girls and sometimes some guys like coming. They do strip numbers or circus acts where they're like hanging from the ceiling on. I just remember I was like that is truly incredible. I mean, this was you know, um, I've always just been a super fan of for less stuff. And when I moved to L. A, I had a lot of time like going to burlesque shows, and I would leave after every show I would go to, And I would tell, you know, whoever I went with me like, I wish I could do that. Um, and I never thought that I would because I never saw Boyd do it the way that I wanted to do it. And then a lot Two years ago in September, No, August, I auditioned for Dita von Teese, and she's, you know, been an idol of mine for a very long time. I got kind of I was very hesitant to go because I thought that she was looking for, like, backup dancers. And I was just not interested in doing that or, you know, uh, being behind somebody anymore. And, uh, I went and I made it all the way through was just for those moments where I was like I saw, like, the power that I had always wanted to express their dancer performance, and it's like the room stopped and it was like crazy. And I wasn't even trying for that to happen. And it just did. And it was. And I feel even weird likes talking about that, cause it sounds like so, well, crazy, but it's really true, and it's amazing. Um, And then I found out a few weeks later that I was gonna be performing in her show, and she's gonna be teaching me her giant martini glass act, which is like her act has been doing for 25 years. Like, I mean,

Stephanie:   6:59
it's so iconic.

Jake:   7:00
I, like, sat down with her in the theater. It was just the two of us and then one other person and I have just, like, sobbed in front of her. I felt like so silly because she's, you know, I've looked up to him for so long, and it was, But I was just and she was like, I was like, I'm so sorry. I don't mean to like crying for new shoes. I know I'd be really mad if you didn't. I did hurt show here in L. A. And that was amazing. And it started this, like, whole journey, where she kind of saw me this like expression between like masculine and feminine energy and like looking at a master away but moving in a feminine way. It's just really and then sort of that kind of, like, kind of cold to me into what I do now. And I'm gonna do all these crazy, crazy things in travel with all that some like I just can't believe that's my life. But I'm so thankful, you know, because that's it's honestly like what I've talked about. Jim wanted to do for, like, 11 years, and I finally I'm doing it. So I love it.

Stephanie:   7:55
Yeah, so what does that look like now? What is your trouble Plant? What is

Jake:   7:58
Yeah, I was supposed to be traveling a lot over these next few months. Of course, that's all cancelled, but I just found out I'm having announced this yet on the instrument, but you'll get first. There's a burlesque competition called the Burlesque Hall of Fame, and every year they dio they crowned like the Queen and the King and then, like a debut performance, which is like usually women that compete in that category. But this year, um, I'm one of five guys will be competing for best of Boyle esque, so

Stephanie:   8:26
Oh my gosh, that's amazing.

Jake:   8:28
So it's true, like surreal because, I mean, I followed all that for so long, and it's like, crazy don't actually get to compete. You know, I would love to win, but if not, it's just an awesome opportunity, Frank. Lots of people to see me toe show out. So I'm happy.

Stephanie:   8:43
Oh, cool circle. I know that. When Brad and I were talking about this before we interviewed you, we definitely wanted to touch on, like the masculine and the feminine together.

Bradley:   8:56
I actually made a note to ask you about that. Because most of us are taught that men are masculine. Women are feminine. Um, as enlightened man, I know that that is not true at all. How is that a show up in your life?

Jake:   9:12
I mean, I was always, like, super after outdoors, you know that that's like anything to do with boys. But like traditionally male expression, I guess, is like to be like dirty and, you know, like rough and tumble. And I've always been very tough, like a tough kid, and as a gymnast growing up it was always, You know that, too. But I would always go to my grandmother's house and she would let me dress up like insurers have these, like, really fun, like nineties and, uh, like fun nightgowns and I would wear it. Shows had this amazing costume jewelry like So I always wear those. And it was just It is because of her, truly that I looked at it. That kind of expression is not as bad because she in treated like it was bad or were strange, and it was just kind of let me be. But it wasn't until, like going into school and behaving just as I waas and realizing that people were making fun of that or, you know, talking to me like it was a bad thing. And so I think there was a lot of years, especially like junior high and high school, where it was like I always just try. I was always just trying to make myself a CZ like, smallest possible. Where's where you would try to, like, hide that And in college, I you know, I came out and accepted that stuff, and then, uh, even even in the game world to its still not super a cooler, you know, attracted to show this feminine side. So it's like he's sort of mask that. And I think that's sort of how why I found fitness in the first place because it was like, traditionally, like having a good body. Whatever that is is looked at us as attractive, and I thought that that's what would make me happy. But it wasn't until, like in my mid too late twenties, that I've found the unicorn opportunity it from Cosmo. And it was like, I got to be that little kid again, that I always waas that I tried to hide or like, suppressor pushed down. And now I'm just like, I don't give a shit to be honest, what anybody thinks. I'm gonna behave, how I want to, And if you have a problem with that, get in line. You know

Stephanie:   11:15
there are so many things I want Thio, Yeah,

Jake:   11:19
but it's like I think it's now. It's great. It's a good thing, because in the world there are so many people that express themselves both in like a super masculine instant riff, eminent way or everything in between, which is awesome that I've found that for myself and been able to express myself that way. But, you know, it's taken a long time in a lot of years to really feel okay with me and to realize that I'm valuable and allow that creativity to show.

Stephanie:   11:47
Yeah, I'd really like Thio talk about that evolution because when I first met you, which obviously you were talented, you were so kind. That was the biggest thing you guys ever let me stake. They go, Oh, he's so pretty and he's really hot. But he's also just the nicest guy here that we're over so really awesome. But I do feel like you were a slightly smaller personality back then. You were always outgoing and kind. But just following your journey, like you touched on the glitter fantasy, the unicorn thing and I really want to expand on that I must be like After that, you just evolved into this very open person and I've seen on social media. So I'd love to talk about how the glitter fantasy thing came about. And then how that lead to other things?

Jake:   12:33
Yeah, So the glitter fantasy thing happened. A good friend of mine was the head of video for Cosmopolitan. And then now it's become head of video Hearst. Um and so they re shots makes They were casting this pilot for a lifetime late night talk show. They wanted to film. They wanted in unicorn to write really big at the time. And they were like, We wanna have, like, a unicorn or somebody like looking for a real life Unicorns. That's what the original like, prompt of it was there, like, Can you do that? I was like, Yeah, but that sounds like boring. I want to do something, like be an actual unicorn there, like, Okay, just film something in your apartment so we can show that people, like show the executives and like, see what's up, but recorded this thing in my room, and I was just, like, talking about because there was ah, I was reading about unicorns and there was like, the blood that you like. If you get stabbed by the horn of unicorn, you become a virgin again, some crazy shit, and I just, like, ran with I think that the executives like who is this person like? He is insane. And, uh, it was one of those moments, Just like I just let my life teaching self cause in class. I kind of became like there was, like, a personality that I created. It was like bitchy and sassy, but like, you know, like hearted old person. Um, so that's who the unicorn is. It's like my teaching self, but like like acid, Um, we shot the pilot for it here in L. A. And it was truly like the best two days of my life because it was kind of just up to me, like they had an idea of what it wanted to be. They wanted it to be like Mariah Carey's reality show like, delusional like Super Fame hungry and thinks that they're like the ultimate. That uniform thinks he's like the ultimate celebrity. And so I was just like, okay, and then it was nice, because when I was shooting and I was just improbably like, just talking, let my mouth run and all the like the all the executives for the magazine, like behind the camera, they were all like, Who is this? Uh, the pilot didn't get picked up, but they offered me a contract to do you know like to make a yearlong Siri's with it, and I would come to New York every six weeks, and so that's what I did. And it turned this whole crazy thing, but we never expected it to be that. I mean, it was supposed to this one off thing and it turned this whole thing. But it was amazing because I think it allowed me to express himself the way I always wanted to be expressed. And I was like being paid to do it. So it made it like, Oh, I have to do this Causes my job. Yes. So it was like it was amazing for me. Is it really just, like, shattered this wall that I had put up to protect myself, You know, from being judged or

Stephanie:   15:10
Yeah, I remember when those videos came out, like people that knew you were all like, didn't d m ing each other Like, did you see Jake as a unicorn like we were all there for it? We're like, Yes, this is amazing. I feel like that was the tipping great that I saw observing from the outside that you got to be a little more open. And now you know, I see you in fishnets and wearing

Jake:   15:32
songs and anything less than that

Stephanie:   15:36
in very minimal clothing.

Jake:   15:40
It's fun because I don't think there's something like, really sexy about this in Geroge in this kind of thing. Like I've always thought that even as a kid, So it's it's cool to just do that, and Happy will respond in such a positive way.

Bradley:   15:54
And have you always been comfortable being quote unquote sexy?

Jake:   16:00
No. But what's so funny is like when I was in dance and stuff, even as a kid, I would get notes and likes stuff. This is something be so weird saying this to you, but I don't make it sexy, and I was like, Really 12 and like, didn't know anything, But I just have always responded well to that. I think it's probably like because I always, like, wanted to be in my grandmother's like laundry. That sounds so weird, but it comes. Dr Graham was laundering. Yeah, there's always, you know, I'm not in the bedroom like private time in laundry, like throwing splits and stuff like I'm pretty traditional when it comes to that stuff, like I get to express myself other ways like that in public and then be, like, private Be like, Okay, I'm boring. You

Stephanie:   16:45
tap into all of it.

Bradley:   16:47
Yeah. And where do you think that confidence comes from? Because a lot of people have these feelings and the like, I want to show it. But then when it comes to showing it like, No, no, no, no, no, I'm not gonna do it.

Jake:   17:01
I think it's just part of me. That's like, there's like, I've always been like a rules person. But then, like, wanted to be just over that, like, how far can I push it, which has gotten me a lot of trouble sometimes in life, But I just think that's where it comes from. It's like I've always just been like a rule breaker and like a why a person like, not like an aggressive way just being like, Why doesn't have to be that way and also the age I'm gonna be 32 in just a few weeks? I don't know. You just kind of feel at a certain point, you're like, I just I just don't want to care what anybody else thinks.

Stephanie:   17:33
I just turned 30 a few weeks ago and I love it. I love getting older. So the reason I first connected with you is you're a musical theater nerd, as am I. And you still perform in shows now, like you were just in kinky boots.

Jake:   17:51
Yeah, I, uh, I had taken a break for like, two years ago. There was a moment there. I was like every year was just like nonstop doing shows, which is so, so cool. But doing kinky boots was amazing because it's so close to what I do now. And it's like such a positive, like happy show. What I like about the show. It's like the people that, um, like the factory workers, they're like, quote unquote like normal people. They're the ones that have to change to meet how the drag queens are because they've already, like, fully realized people. And I think it's fun to see that for people to get that, too.

Stephanie:   18:28
I think that's what's so interesting. Well, first of all, Brad and I saw that show on Broadway and look every moment of it. Anything's the songs at home all the time. It's on. The

Jake:   18:39
music is incredible, like truly great. I mean, Cyndi Lauper to So it's super catching. Amazing,

Stephanie:   18:45
so good. But then, yes, I always I think it's so interesting. When I was first introduced to drag, I think I was living in New York and I went to a drag show and he's like you, He is this'll and I was so confused. And I was like, Who are these people? What is going on? And I was very I just thought it was so strange. Initially, when I first saw it, it was accepting like I feel like, viscerally drawn to it. But I was also is like, This is breaking all the rules like what is going on? You know, the more I've seen it and I think people like RuPaul and just more visibility with it. It's like, Oh, you know, these people don't care. These people are doing it right, But like your city,

Jake:   19:25
it's hard. It's remember seeing it for the first time, and I was like, so turned off by it, to be honest, like I just was like, I think it was showing too much of me, actually, and I was like, scared to see it, and I think that's why but now I'm like, obsessed by performing a lot of drag shows, which is so fun. And I, like some of the best people that know, are drag queens because they're truly like the most brave people that I've ever met in my entire life. And the truly some of the most creative and courageous people, it's so good.

Stephanie:   19:54
Well, I feel like drag is still such a passion art form because it's becoming more commercially viable, but still pretty small. So if you're doing, you gotta love it.

Jake:   20:06
I mean the thing, and it's so it's really expensive. It's like painful, you know, like there's lots of stuff that goes into it, that what you don't see just cause they see like beauty. And it's like, No, it's actually like, really painful. And I think you have to admire people that really want to pursue it just and I know a lot of people that are like full time, full time drag queens, which is amazing.

Bradley:   20:27
You saw something that I find very interesting and I think a lot of people can relate. You said when you first all drag, you are kind of like turned off, but you and I think that, like a lot of straight people, when they see any kind of burlesque drag, especially men, let's be honest. Even someone has a different sexual orientation. Our initial don is like just comfort because we don't understand it. And then people like, turned off in like, uh, no, I don't want to Do you want that? And then some stupid comments. I come from that. But it is interesting to like, really like that The initial feeling isn't necessarily that bad. It's just like what you do from that initial feeling, right? So, yeah, I feel like we should definitely, like, hit on, because I know as a man I walked into, like, burlesque are like a drag show, and it is uncomfortable, you know, You have all these like, conceptions of life. Are they gonna pick on me? Because I'm, like, one of the only dunes in here, Like

Stephanie:   21:27
I will say, Actually, Brad and I have gone to drag lunch because we own a drag brunch and a few drag things and drag queens love Brad,

Bradley:   21:39
I bowled It matter. Yeah, So then I become, like, the fun, easy target do, but yeah,

Jake:   21:45
he's staying. You see a straight guy like Who's like Like just game should just have fun. It's like that someone that's who everyone's gonna go to because usually girls and gay guys, they're gonna be into it whenever you see a straight burst like a straight dude and you're like Yes, and so it's like all the attention, literally. I don't even know what it is. It must be like some like gravitational pull. It's like always like lands on a straight dude.

Stephanie:   22:10
It's so funny. I've seen bread dipped by a drag queen that was like two feet taller than yeah,

Jake:   22:16
it's money jigs That's like, How often does a straight guy and get to feel that sensation? You know,

Stephanie:   22:22
totally And brats, Brats. Pretty good, pumping open toe like I don't know. When we first met, we talked about this, Um, but when we first met, he was such a dude, stewed and he would joke about, you know, I'd ask him about how I felt about something you would say. Don't worry about it. I'm a man. I don't feel things. And he was kind of kind of not

Jake:   22:42
that I mean, that's like, I don't know. That's just how it that's just how it happens, you know, like that's way that people are raised. And that's the way that media has betrayed us, even like without even consciously deciding that that's sort of like the way it's supposed to be. I don't even know what Even if it's nice to see, like, growth that way, too.

Stephanie:   23:05
Yeah, and I think the biggest thing is like, You know, When I first saw drag, I was like, I am very confused by this When Brad first thought he was a little confused or maybe a little uncomfortable and then no like, Oh, it's great. So I think part of evolving as a human and as a society is just being like, Oh, I don't understand this, but it's okay.

Jake:   23:23
Ultimately, it's I just being more comfortable with yourself where it's like no matter what anyone else does, it doesn't affect you as a person. So it's like if that's the way they need to be, be that you know, I think that's I think it just comes with just security, you know, in your own self, a great person. It's like Fuck yeah, let's do that So it's like just be a straight person. You know,

Stephanie:   23:45
Brand are big fans of people just doing things, whether that's starting a band with a drag because it feels good. But it's dancing and fishnets like whatever feels good to use on, you're not hurting anyone else. Do it. What's the

Jake:   24:00
go interesting, like about about what I've been doing is like the straight person like reaction to me, like I honestly didn't expect that at all, especially straight. Dudes like that coming to me and be like that was so hot and there's no like It's like they could just be like That was amazing. You know, it's not like they're trying to hit on me or I'm trying to hit on them or whatever. It's just like that was a killer like thank you and that that has been honest, like the most surprising thing to me, because in my life I've been made from by straight men for a long, long time. It's really, like, kind of like remedied my relationship with, like how I do with anybody and everybody. So I love it.

Bradley:   24:40
Yeah, I think a big part of that is like once a straight dude can kind of peel away that thin layer of like discomfort. Then you can, like, enjoy the performance put into that later dissolved and you just sit in that the whole time of like, this is weird. This is weird. I don't like it. I don't like it, but just like, let that layer go away. Everyone safe and everything's okay and you can, like, watch the performance. You can watch the dance, you can watch the singing. You can watch whatever enough. That's always amazing.

Jake:   25:13
And it, to be honest, I like, actually prefer performing in front of, like, straight audiences because they've never seen anything like what I do. And they just are so super responsive and like, appreciative. In a way, it's it's very it's very weird, but like it's it's been honest, like my favorite thing that I've learned through doing all this is like ruminating those wounds and myself. To

Stephanie:   25:34
do you feel like that has shown itself like this shift incompetence and doing things that feel good and feel right and owning what you want to do. Do you see that play out in your quote unquote real life, too?

Jake:   25:47
Yeah, absolutely, because it's I feel like there's like a sense of, like, calm and like, a level of normal quote unquote that I've never really felt before. It's always felt before, like expressing myself this way. I felt like I was always like, trying to have to, like, prove myself or like and I got this kind of I don't even like using this word, But it's like there's like an anxiety to that where you're like, always like you feel like you're tryingto I and that will still show itself sometimes in my life. But now I'm just kind of like I get oh do and live like exactly the way I want to. So there's nothing I really have to complain about or, you know, if times get hard. But I'm just like it's all okay because I'm like, genuinely happy, which is nice,

Stephanie:   26:33
yeah, Can we talk about the financial side of it could get real about? Do you make enough performing or do How's that look for you?

Jake:   26:41
It is tough for sure. I mean, luckily, I have my teaching job to like help me, but ultimately I would love to just perform and then, like, make videos on, you know supplement that, too, But, um, being physically in the classroom, like, really helps me have, like, a stable income. But I will say, like, you know, from traveling and doing all this stuff, people bringing me places to perform like I mean, the money is good, the money is good, but paying for costumes and all that it can. It just adds up. And it is definitely It's been an interesting like learning curve with the whole thing like there have been times, especially within this last year has 19. It was like the moments where I was like I have no money and my make It cannot but have to pretend to be like uber fabulous. But it just wasn't what you were like. This sucks so bad. But I'm like, you know what? And you get to just, like, leave that behind a perform and make those tips and stuff, and it's just you kind of just have to be, like ride it out and be like, This is really hard right now. I might just be eating like beans and rice, but I have to keep going because I know I know it's going to pay off and I just have to believe that

Stephanie:   27:50
definite love talking to people that are like entrepreneurial or within the fitness industry within performing. Whoever has kind of uneven paychecks about finances because it was scary. It is. It's tough, and I think sometimes we forget about, especially in the age of instagram, which you have so many followers. So your urine, it winter of sorts, right?

Jake:   28:11
You know, it's there sometimes, like pressure to feel like perfect or everything's together like this is the way that it appears, especially somebody coming from the South like that's a big part of it is always appearance like you don't want anyone to know that anything's going wrong and stuff. So it's, I mean, it's only I'm still battle with Is that like not wanting to let people into, like, a struggle of stuff? And I'm like, I realized that just makes you or human and also able to get through it quicker. If you just share, like once, you're actually going through an opportunity like everything's perfect sense agenda rainbows.

Bradley:   28:44
So is there, like a money tick that you would have for like a performer out there who may be trying to establish themselves may be something to like. Look for when get there or how to get started, or just like the finances in performing

Jake:   29:00
well. It's like it's tough, especially when performing like nightlife things. You kind of have to do a lot of free shows. We're just like a tip spot, which is like not a base pay and tips. It's just just what you make during your number. That's it. And luckily, I was able to like, get going and was doing something different that people were wanting and seeing and liking, So I'm happy about that. But it's tard initially because you have to spend so much money on new costumes and especially dry cleans with wigs and make up all kinds of crazy stuff. It's expensive and it adds up, Um, but I think it's important. I am always a person of my do as much as you can, like if sometimes there's days where I have two or three shows, like one early evening and then I'm going driving to Orange County and doing like a late night like it's it is a hustle and you gotta, like, be willing to do that and also If you are struggling with money, it's okay to have a day job like it's it's not shameful. You should. You should be willing to do anything it takes to make money. If it's a problem, Yeah, from like I'm like, you can't starve and you've got to support yourself and it's hard. But you have to figure it out like you can't just sit back and cry about it. You have to do something about it.

Bradley:   30:16
So there is a lot in there that I liked, Um, but working hard aspect. I think a lot of people can connect with that relate with that. But there was also a little stupid in there that I want to kind of bring back because I think it's really valuable. When you were talking about how you just have to put in the work for a while before you can start expecting to get paid for things, you're just working for tips. You said you were able to get through that little bit quicker because you did something more. You and I just want to make sure everybody got that leg. There is an element of hard work in any business that you're started, but like you also don't need to just bang your head against the wall for, like, years and years and years, cause that might just mean you're not offering something unique. Yeah, that's huge.

Jake:   31:00
And it's also, I think, it's about to, like making connections with people that are actually running the shows and also making effort to go to the show whenever you're not there or, like, you know, reaching out to them, trying to make a personal relationship with them because it's there's a ton of people, especially with repose. Drag race. There's a ton of people that are doing it now because you're like, Oh, these people are on TV like there, you know, making money traveling and it looks very attractive. I think that a lot of them don't see like some other people have been performing for, you know, 10 years, seven years, like lucky few on Lee of one year. But that's just not the nature of the business like you got to, like, be willing to work, willing to work for free, willing to work for less money that you think you should be making, like they're still shows that I do that air. I get paid less than I think I should. But I like doing them, and I know it's going to keep like it just makes me better as a performer to be there.

Stephanie:   31:52
Yes, I love that, Yeah, I want to tap into what you said about besides working hard and maybe taking the non paying or low paying gigs. You also said showing up to the show's like making appearances, supporting other people supporting their shows. And that's a big thing that Brad Night. Try and impress on people that's so crucial not only because it's the right thing to do, right. You're part of this family now. You're part of this community, but also in business sense. The more your faces out there, the more people see that you are going to be a team player, the more likely they're gonna call you next time they want to hire someone. So it's a good business idea to do a swell

Jake:   32:29
Absolutely. I think that that's like, really smart, and that translates in anything in life, any profession.

Stephanie:   32:35
Yeah, a lot of the sponsorships we've gotten are strictly because we've shown up. We show up, we give out Free service is every once in a while we support, we check in, and then eventually, when they have some sort of paying job or sponsorship, they'll call us because they know we're gonna show up, We're gonna do the work, and we're gonna have a smile on our face about it. So a lot of people now I'm seeing, like the younger millennial generation or Gen Z They see these instant stars on Instagram and they see instant baby happening and they don't realize that a It might not be instant. That person might have put a tano working behind the scenes and B That's really not the norm.

Jake:   33:12
That's why you see a lot of people talking about anxiety. Depression is like, I think that people one thing's instantly here and it doesn't help like being in such like with social media and stuff. But like growing up without that, I just I don't even regard it in that way, like I know it's I'm not like glued to my instrument all the time. Thinking about like my life is just not like right. I'm like that is what I'd choose for anybody to see like that's not actually who I am. I think a lot of people in tax that stuff to it, and I'm like, That's you just can't be satisfied that because it's not riel.

Stephanie:   33:49
Yeah, it's literally curated. Everyone is selecting the prettiest, most exciting to

Jake:   33:54
tell you that I have, like, $2 in my bank account, like I'm showing you like I'm fabulous and I'm working all the time. That's that's what I choose to show you. I think that that hard work stuff, sometimes people can get really down about themselves and down about an opportunity because it's not just being handed to them because they expect that I don't expect anything. I worked for everything I have, and I think that people are always like, How did you You know, like you know, how did you get started? Or like I want to do that to my well, you gotta make it happen for yourself because it's no one's going to give it to you. No one's going to make that happen for you, ever. And I don't think that there's anything wrong with, like, having like I said, like having a job at sports that are doing things. And you know that people might judge, like I've done, like, some influence or stuff with, like, different brands. And, like, you know, I have people reject me and be like, this is terrible and such, like, why would you do that? I'm like, I have to support myself. So while you're worried about me, I'm worried about how I'm gonna get through the world.

Stephanie:   34:56
Yeah, I think that's such an interesting thing because you have a big audience. Just naturally, people are attracted to you, Um, which makes you an influencer. And I've seen a couple campaigns, but I haven't seen a ton. And is that a mindful decision you've made?

Jake:   35:11
I think because of what I do now, it's, like, harder for brands to want to respond to that. Because of that, it can appear like sexy or sexual or whatever. I think things will come naturally with that. Like I can't worry about, you know, people perceiving that in such a certain way, because that's not gonna make me stop, you know?

Stephanie:   35:28
Yeah, I love it. Love it.

Jake:   35:31
Exactly.

Bradley:   35:32
Project. So I'm a little bit about a merman, our mermaid phase or something, and I just I really want to know more about that.

Jake:   35:40
Yeah, well, I remember seeing a splash of the kid and Daryl Hannah in that tale like swimming. I was like, I just wanted to be her as a kid. It was never Ariel. I just didn't I didn't respond well, so hard, because I was thought it was weird that she, like, give up her voice like the dude like Charlie. No, but it was Daryl Hannah in Splash, and I always just like love mermaids. Ever since then, I, a friend of mine, gave me a mermaid school for Birgitte president one time and I went It was little in me And like like 7 to 12 year old girls, like just me and the lady that runs that company. She was like swimming and temperatures that you professional summer. I was like, No, I have just waited for this moment, but on a tail even of its fabric and $2 I don't care. I'm waiting for this moment my entire life. And she was, you know, I've done work with Hearst. Let's been like a lot of the stuff, you know, it's like private parties, usually like different random parties where there's like a mermaid in a pool, and it's just so fun, like it's so silly and like, I just feel like I get to be, like, beautiful and faggots like with this giant tail on in a pool.

Bradley:   36:48
It's just I have this string. So you're at a party? Yeah, Party in the pool as a mermaid. Yeah, just like walking around you.

Jake:   36:58
I caught myself up on the side like people could take pictures and stuff, but like I'm swimming, I'm like flipping that tail like smack in the water and stuff. It's just so silly because my money in it, too,

Stephanie:   37:09
if they're there's money in that.

Jake:   37:10
Yeah, it's so weird.

Stephanie:   37:13
I One time Brad hates when I tell this story, but I want Time worked at the Playmates Playboy Mansion for one point, but I was in charge of the disco dancers and making sure they were like her. I wasn't turned to the go go dancers. I think the disco was just so people don't go anywhere. I was of go go dancers and making sure they got on stage and then backstage and onstage, backstage and when they're dancing, I just got to go around and I was like, hanging out in the crowd. Oh, which was really gross. And then there were murdered. Cool. And I was astounded that these beautiful women and they were like, kind of creepy, but really cool. And so I'm into this mermaid thing. I'm I I would hire you for my

Jake:   37:56
part. It's so remember, like, so much fun.

Stephanie:   38:00
It's really cool that you created this life that you get to do things that like you up.

Jake:   38:05
Yeah. I mean, I just think that's the most important thing. Like my parents always say, like, life is super short but it's also really long, you know? So it's like, do things that make you happy and, you know, support yourself, obviously. But like, you gotta be happy. I think that that is what I've gotten to the point where I'm like, I choose what makes me happy. And I don't want to compromise that

Stephanie:   38:26
Lovett. And are your parents supportive of everything you're doing?

Jake:   38:29
Oh, yeah, like they love it. My dad. It's so funny. Hell, I like, you know, just send him videos, may performing or whatever that he's like. You look hot. I think it's so. I just love that people like it's like weird, but it's so funny. And they came. There's this big show that I always do every month called tease, if you please. It's in downtown Ally, and, uh, we did like the big anniversary show at the Palace Theater downtown and they came to that. And then my parents came to see kinky boots, and it was nice my mom, like after Kiki because she was just like, I fully like, understand what you do now. It was this really cool moment. I mean, they're super supportive and very, very liberal people, which is nice. But, you know, they they live in Arkansas. They don't see e don't see what I do at all. You know, I feel lucky that I get to be the one to come like open their eyes. Not that that's my job or anything at all. But I it's been nice to see them be so, and I think it's helped them even like politically to like to be like I know somebody that is affected by some of these laws that don't allow people to be completely themselves.

Stephanie:   39:33
Absolutely. I feel like That's one of the biggest things like, you know, our company's called gives strength and we're all about providing strength to other people, preventing shrink to yourself. And I think sometimes people feel like they have to be an idol or they have to be a good example where you just doing what you're doing and doing it? I don't want to see for selfish reasons, but we should all I think we should all be selfish. We should all do

Jake:   39:58
with its very selfish, to be honest,

Stephanie:   40:01
yeah, and which, who doesn't want to feel good in their career? Right? So we should all be publishing that way you shall follow our dreams. But just in seeing someone do that and be unapologetically themselves, you automatically can change minds and change hearts and do really good things in the world just by being you, which is huge. It's huge,

Jake:   40:23
but I think I was trying to make that happen like, you know, in my early twenties and stuff like trying to be that person. But it was just like I was like fighting against who I actually am. I think that's the part that I really like. Push a lot for people in like don't hide who you are, even though it's scarier were, you know, different. It's like that's the parts that actually make people respond to you and like what you're doing and will respond to you and we'll bring you success. Is that a weird decide that, like not everybody does

Bradley:   40:53
totally? Yeah. And along that note, do you have any advice for anybody that's struggling, showing up as themselves?

Jake:   41:00
Yeah, I mean, I've been there, and it's like The thing is you have to like, you have to feel those things. I know it's like You can't just wake up magically one day and be like I love myself and I love everything I knew like we all. I still struggle with that I There was a 10.22 years ago after the uniformed thing, and ended in a relationship that I thought was going to be my forever sort of ended because I was expressing myself the way that I did. And there were points I don't want to say like I know suicide. I was like, Very it's very serious term, and I don't use it lightly. But there was a point where I was like, I don't like my life and all these doors and shut for me or what I felt had shut for me and I I just thought like, I don't want to live this way anymore. You don't? I mean, like, I don't think I would have ever have done anything like that. But there was a point where I just got and it really scared me. Um, and I think that's a big thing for people like there's gonna be points rates really harder. You feel like they're no options for you. And that might even be true. But like, you have to know that it's so corny. But it does get better. And if you're just gonna have to push through it and just realize that everybody is valuable, no matter who they are. And I think that that's hard, because we live in a culture where you know everybody has to be special or everybody has to be like, applauded her praise and it's like, No, you shouldn't have to do that for yourself, and I think that's a really hard thing to Dio, and I don't really know how to achieve that. I think it's just time

Stephanie:   42:31
And don't you think as someone who has struggled with Depression, anxiety in the past and it will still flare up? Um, I just have to remind myself that all of the really bad things that happened my life because I've had similar things for a door opens and you just think like, Oh my gosh, I've made it and it's gonna be smooth sailing and then that ends. And then you're just it's almost harder. We've got up to this peak and then you fall off the other side and it feels really heavy and really dark. But the thing that helps me in part of this is Agent Just experiencing things is that every time I thought, I don't want to live my life like this for the rest of my life. It did get better and really hard, really tragic thing that has happened in my life. Time has fixed it. I

Jake:   43:11
think that's why I found fitness and it's sort of like gave me like it really helped me find my voice and being like, confident in myself because I was responsible for other people feeling that way, so I kind of like I had to uplift them, and that had to uplift myself and like through that, like through that fitness stuff, like I found the unicorn thing. It happened with pop sugar and having with, like, for less stuff.

Stephanie:   43:34
I was feel like action and momentum is the way to go. Like, just if it feels right, go into it and you can always put it. You know, it's strange you can always back out, but yeah, well, I feel like we touched on the burlesque. We touched on your performing in other ways we touched on fitness. Is there anything else that you I've always wanted to share in an interview that you wish someone would ask you anything exciting that you want to share with our audience?

Bradley:   44:01
I don't know.

Jake:   44:01
I think, to a lot of the things I'm focusing on now are like trying to find, like, personal life, too. I'm not had success and that I've had successful like long relationships, but it's always been like me hiding myself for them not being cool with what I do think that's like the biggest thing that I found recently, and that's awesome. I got such a cherry on top of the cake. But I think I made the cake first and be okay with the gay before it had to be like tops. You know, I mean, but very sexual too. But I mean it from a genuine place. Like it's nice to feel happy with myself and then, like, allow myself to be a happy place with someone else too.

Stephanie:   44:41
Isn't it funny? All the stuff they taught us when we were little about like, just do what you want to dio and just listen to yourself. We all fight and we fight and we fight it. And then we all turn 30. Wait, wait,

Jake:   44:56
did all that you know,

Stephanie:   44:57
you gotta just lean into it. Feels good way. Were interviewing the manifesting ninja Maria Contra yesterday. Amazing. Oh Bun. And she was talking about doing what feels good. And I tried to argue with her a little bit. I was like, No, but don't you think hard work, it's hard and you have bad days and years have to keep going And she's like, Of course, it doesn't mean it's not gonna be hard. It's that could be uncomfortable. But if you're a little like soul Tingle says. It's what's right. If you can sit and listen, then as long as it's feeling good to your soul, the hard work, the long days, the days we don't get paid those don't matter as much

Jake:   45:38
of that thing. You know, it's like New Part will do live that way. But you just don't express it and that those terms you don't mean

Stephanie:   45:45
I did realize that you were talking to her like, Ooh, I'm more of a manifest er than I thought I was

Jake:   45:50
at school.

Stephanie:   45:51
Awesome. Well, I would love to know where people confined you where they can support you. Let us know where you're at right now.

Jake:   46:00
I post most of my stuff on my instagram.  @Jakedupree . If you wanna work out at home, if your second home trusted him like cracking jokes and being like crazy on there and trying to make people sweat, so that's patreon.com/jakedupree.

Stephanie:   46:14
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