In this episode of Slightly Unhinged, Justin sits down with Riley Burrows, a high-glamour, high-energy drag performer whose story is as compelling as the performances themselves. From starting drag at just 13 years old in deeply conservative Idaho to building a full-time career as a traveling entertainer, Riley opens up about identity, ambition, survival, performance, and what it really takes to make drag your whole life.

Justin and Riley get into growing up queer in places that were anything but safe, the tension between performance persona and real self, and the very real physical, emotional, and financial labor behind drag as a full-time job. They also talk about Portland, chosen family, favorite local venues, drag community, and the strange, beautiful reality of building a life completely on your own terms.

This one is hilarious, brutally honest and full of the kind of perspective that makes Slightly Unhinged feel like more than a podcast. It feels like community.

• how Riley started drag at 13
• growing up queer in Idaho
• being openly visible in conservative spaces
• why drag is much harder than people think
• the difference between Riley the performer and the person underneath
• the challenge of work-life balance in full-time drag
• what inspires Riley creatively right now
• Portland drag culture and chosen family
• favorite venues to perform in Portland
• the June tour and producing Sun Valley Pride

Riley Burrows is a full-time traveling drag entertainer originally from Boise, Idaho, now based in Portland. Known for high-energy performances, sharp humor, and serious stage presence, Riley has been performing for over a decade and has built a career touring, producing, and performing across cities while staying rooted in queer community and live performance.

Instagram: @rileyburrowsofficial

Riley says Instagram is the best place to keep up with performances and what's happening next.

CC Slaughters Website: ccslaughterspdx.com Instagram: @slaughterspdx

Alberta Street Pub Website: albertastreetpub.com Instagram: @albertastreetpub

Clinton Street Theater Website: cstpdx.com Instagram: @clinton_street_theater

Sun Valley Pride Website: Sun Valley Pride Instagram: @sunvalleypride

Humpin’ Hannah’s Website: humpinhannahs.com

The Balcony Club Website: thebalconyclub.com

Nicole Onoscopi Instagram: @nicoleonoscopi

Kharisma with the K Instagram: @kharismakwiththek

Sheniqua Volt Instagram: @sheniqua_volt

Riley specifically shouts out Nicole, Kharisma, and Sheniqua as queens she loves and respects in the Portland scene.

Instagram: @slightlyunhingedthepodcast

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