Brad Fuhr Caricature

Two sure signs of Spring to report as we start another busy week in #ILoveGayPalmSprings: Daylight Saving Time took effect over the weekend and I’m wearing my summer robe each morning. No more donning heavy cotton as a peel away the flannel sheets and arise for another day. Heck, I can even walk outside without slippers! And DST means our Concert in the Park, Red Dress Party and many other evening events will be held in twilight rather than darkness.

The Oscars didn’t disappoint on Sunday night. I’m always happy to hear acknowledgement of LGBTQ+ issues – like the drag ban – weaving their way into the narrative. Our Palm Springs International Film Festival is an early bellwether for winning films.

Brad Fuhr, your Gay Desert Guide on KGAY 106.5 Palm Springs

For the latest, follow our socials @GayDesertGuide and @KGAY1065 and listen to KGAY Palm Springs wherever you may be!
#ILoveGayPalmSprings #ILoveGayCatCity #ILoveGayTravel #ILoveGay #SayKGAY (and win!)

Rock the Park: Bon Jovi Tribute – Canceled

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Rock the Park series of free outdoor concerts continues with Wanted, featuring the music of Bon Jovi, Wednesday, March 15 at 7 pm * Due to weather conditions this concert has been canceled and a new date will be announced soon.* Upcoming concerts: Bee Gees Gold (April 5) and DSB – The music of Journey (May 3). More info

Puttin’ on the Glitz

CVRep celebrates their 15-year Crystal Anniversary with Puttin’ on the Glitz, a gala event on Monday, March 13 from 5–9 pm at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort. Wear something black, white, and or shiny and dress to impress. This unique immersive dining and entertaining experience under the stars will provide an exclusive look at what is coming next for CVRep. Get tickets

Glenn Miller Orchestra

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Monday, March 13 at 7 pm. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. The current music director, Erik Stabnau, is a young tenor saxophonist & vocalist who is equally entertaining and informative while hosting the evening. During the course of their show the band features Erik, female vocalist Jenny Swoish, the vocal group The Moonlight Serenaders, and the 16 instrumentalists on all of Glenn Miller’s biggest hits: “A String of Pearls,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “In The Mood,” “At Last,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo” and many more. Get tickets

BNP Paribas Open Quarterfinals through Finals

The BNP Paribas Open is underway, now through March 19 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This is the largest two-week combined ATP & WTA professional tennis tournament outside of the four majors. This week runs up to the Championship Weekend with the ATP and WTA Final matches on Sunday, March 19. And with 20 easily accessible practice courts, the opportunities are endless to encounter tennis’ hottest rising stars and most legendary icons as they prepare to take center stage in the desert. If you can’t make it in person, nearly 120 hours of live coverage is planned. Get tickets

Coco Peru is Bitter, Bothered & Beyond

Hotel Zoso presents the one and only Miss Coco Peru for a limited engagement of Coco Peru is Bitter, Bothered & Beyond, now through Sunday March 19. After everything that’s been going on in the world, Coco is ready to unleash her thoughts about the past, present, and future. Yes, this exhausted dinosaur of drag is not holding back anything in her new show! A veteran of numerous feature films (Trick, To Wong Foo…, and the cult classic Girls Will Be Girls), and television shows (How I Met Your Mother, Arrested Development, Will & Grace), Coco has also become a viral sensation on social media platforms. Get tickets

Food Drive for the Community Food Bank at The Center

The Community Food Bank at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is having a Food Drive on Wednesday, March 15, between 10 am–2 pm. Help The Center restock the shelves at the Community Food Bank. Click this link for a list of specific needs and wishes. The Community Food Bank is grateful for your support and generosity! More info

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos

Mizell’s Center’s 3rd Wednesday Speaker Series celebrates Women’s History Month with a screening of the documentary Unidad: Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU) by filmmaker Gregorio Davila on Wednesday, March 15 from 5:30–8 pm. The film showcases the critical role women played in Gay & Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU). GLLU was founded in 1981, only a dozen years after the Stonewall rebellion and only a couple of years before the HIV/AIDS pandemic began to ravage LGBTQ communities. Immediately following the screening, Mr. Davila will be joined in conversation with activist Rita Gonzalez and historian Lydia Otero, highlighting the extraordinary contributions of ordinary people. More info

Cheeky Charity at The Barracks This Week

Cheeky Charity will be at The Barracks this week for Underwear Night, Wednesday, March 15 from 9 pm–2 am. Dance your butt off, try Cheeky’s signature peaches & cream jello shots, show off your cheekiest underwear in the #cheekchallenge photo booth, and take the commit-to-your-colon pledge. Cheeky Charity will also be at The Barracks for Bingo on Saturday, March 18 from 3–5 pm, plus the Pig Daddy event on Saturday night, and Beer Bust on Sunday afternoon. Also from Cheeky Charity in March: a clothed hike series every Sunday at 10 am at the South Lykken Trail, and nude (clothing optional) hikes every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am–11 am, meeting in Palm Desert to travel to Mecca for the hike. There will also be an Eisenhower Health panel discussion on March 22, and a Sassy Soiree on March 31 to officially launch Cheeky Charity, whose mission is 100% focused on enabling the early detection of colorectal cancer. More info

Glow in the Park

The wildly popular nighttime event, Glow in the Park, returns to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens with a Members Only preview on Wednesday, and Thursday, March 15 and 16 from 6:30–10 pm. This spring spectacular new lineup of hand-crafted lantern displays represent wildlife from around the world—and even under the sea, open nightly from March 17 through April 30. These larger-than-life displays, which feature breathtaking artistry, interactive elements, and a never-ending number of photo-ops, will create a truly unforgettable night for guests of all ages. Get tickets

Desert X is Here

Sleeping Figure by Matt Johnson

After welcoming a total of more than 1.25 million to all three previous iterations in the Coachella Valley, Desert X returns for their fourth biennial exhibition, running now through Sunday, May 7. The exhibition of site-specific installations by acclaimed international artists examines social and environmental themes with a focus on the changes that give form to a world increasingly shaped by climate crisis, globalism, and the political and economic migrations that follow in their wake. Free and open to the public, stop in at the Desert X hub at the Ace Hotel or download the app for information on artists, a map to find the installations, and interactive content. More info

My Palm Springs – New Paintings by Joe Dietl

Local artist, Joe Dietl, has a brand-new show of original pieces at Dietlart Gallery, inspired by life in the city since moving to town from Los Angeles five years ago. An Opening Cocktail Reception is Thursday, March 16 from 6–9 pm. A former comedy actor, known for his work in the successful gay web series, “Where the Bears Are,” Joe has made a new life for himself as an artist here in the Coachella Valley. His new pieces reflect what he views as “Iconic Palm Springs Locales.” His idea of what constitutes “iconic” might differ from those visiting the city, because each locale has special meaning to him, the artist, and the local gay community to which he belongs. More info

Desert Blues Revival: Len Rainy and the Midnight Players

Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs presents the Desert Blues Revival every Wednesday at 8 pm in the Cascade Lounge. On Wednesday, March 15, Len Rainy and the Midnight Players take the stage. Each week, come enjoy great bands playing authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard. Get tickets

Jazzville: The Jive Aces

Jazzville invites you to experience the hottest acts in jazz and step back in time to when all the cool cats came to play and put Palm Springs on the map! On Thursday, March 16 from 7–8:30 pm, Jazzville brings The Jive Aces from the U.K. to Palm Springs! Renowned worldwide for their high-energy and spectacular showmanship. This in-demand sextet have worked with Van Morrison, Keely Smith and performed for HM the Queen. They’ve headlined and sold-out the Royal Albert Hall and thousands of festivals, theatres and dance halls in 35 countries. Get tickets

Palm Springs Single Guys Mixer

Palm Springs Single Guys returns with a social mixer on Thursday, March 16 from 5:30–7:30 pm in the VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. This free event is, according to organizers, “nothing too complicated, just a great group of single guys who are looking for connection.” Take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, and chat with some wonderful guys. There will be additional mixers on April 13, May 18, June 15 and July 13. More info

Legislative Breakfast Series

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce presents its first Legislative Breakfast in the series on Friday, March 17 from 7:30–9 am at Mizell Center, featuring California’s 47th Assembly District Representative, Greg Wallis. Enjoy an early breakfast and get an update on the issues impacting District 47 and the actions being taken to address them. Everyone is welcome to attend. More info

Procrastinating: All About Your Legal Documents

PALS ( Planning Ahead for LGBTQ Seniors) presents Procrastinating: All About Your Legal Documents with Jennifer Hughes on Saturday, March 18 from 9:30–11 am via Zoom. This seminar is designed to help seniors know what legal documents they need. The Zoom Link will be sent once you register. More info

St. Paddy’s Day at Agua Caliente

Agua Caliente Casinos has fun St. Paddy’s Day plans at all three locations on Friday and Saturday, March 17 & 18. In Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage, Irish dancers perform throughout the casino floor on Friday, followed by a special Darby O’Gill & The Little People concert at the Agave Caliente Terraza in Cathedral City on Saturday at 8 pm. In Palm Springs, there will be bagpipe performances every thirty minutes from 6–8:30 pm on Friday, and all three locations will have festive food and drink specials like Shepherd’s Pie, Lucky Blonde Green Beer, Corned Beef Tacos and Irish Margaritas! More info

Visitor Map & Guide Spring Edition

The Spring 2023 edition of our Gay Desert Guide Visitor Map & Guide (great for locals too!) is available now around town and online. We help you find everything you need to know while visiting or living in the Coachella Valley, featuring the top places for Food & Drink, Nightlife, Shopping, Attraction, Gay Resorts with passes, Dispensaries and other services. You can also view it online, and download the PDF [here].

Click below to sign up for our Gay Desert Guide Oasis Insiders Newsletter to get our Weekly Blog, Top 3 Events for the weekend, Hot Deals and Cool Events all delivered to your inbox every Friday!

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THIS WEEKEND

Red Dress Dress Red 2023

The LGBTQ Center of the Desert presents Red Dress Dress Red 2023 on Saturday, March 18 from 8–11 pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This is one of the biggest parties on the year in Palm Springs, a night of community, fun, and fantasy where the theme of “Red” guides our imagination as everyone comes dressed to impress. Drag is not your thing? No worries. An actual dress is not required. Just wear something red. And make sure you’re dressed to impress. Guests will be in everything from red top hot and tails to red sequin and feathers as they dance the night away. Get tickets

On Saturday, March 18, door open at 9 pm as Reforma Palm Springs presents the Red Dress Dress Red After Party from 10 pm–2 am, with sounds by Guy Schieman and proceeds to benefit The LGBTQ Center of the Desert. Scheiman’s live sets are all about energy beats, combining old and new school vocals that ignite his dance floors and create euphoric experiences. So even if you couldn’t get tickets to the event itself, dance the night away and check out all the Red Dress finery at the red-hot after party! More info

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man – Final Weekend

Bus Stop Productions presents Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man in the Tropics Lounge at the Margaritaville Resort on Fridays and Saturdays through March 18, with two shows per night at 7 pm & 9:30 pm. This show has been sharing its upbeat brand of humor with theater audiences all across America for over five years! The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month’s featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar. Get tickets

Escape to Margaritaville

Desert Theatreworks presents Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, playing now through Sunday, April 2. This upbeat and energetic new show features all your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Volcano”, “Fins”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and of course “Margaritaville.” With a tropical island theme, this heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! Get tickets

Kafka’s Joke

Desert Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of Kafka’s Joke by Rich Rubin for its second and final weekend of performances, March 17–19 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. On his deathbed, Franz Kafka instructs his best friend Max Brod to burn his unpublished manuscripts. Brod does not destroy his work, believing Kafka is a literary genius. This leads to Kafka’s writings rising to literary prominence decades after his death. Brod then escapes from Nazi Europe with Kafka’s works in 1939, bringing them to Palestine. At the time of Brod’s death in 1968, he left the manuscripts to his secretary. However, Brod’s will is very confusing. Who owns Kafka? A true story based on a 2016 Israeli Supreme Court case. Get tickets

Masters of Harmony at the McCallum

The McCallum Theatre presents Masters of Harmony on Sunday, March 19 at 3 pm. The group was founded in 1985 and chartered as the Foothill Cities, California Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Now based in Santa Fe Springs, the Masters of Harmony has grown from just a few voices to an a-cappella chorus of well over 100 members. They have won nine International Chorus Championships in competition with over 800 choirs. Don’t miss this high-energy extravaganza!. Upcoming shows at the McCallum include: The Kingdom Choir™ (3/24), Katherine Jenkins (3/25), and Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin (3/28 and 3/29). See the full March schedule for the McCallum Theatre with ticket info on our event listing: Get tickets

Fashion Week El Paseo

Indulge your inner fashionista at Fashion Week El Paseo, taking place March 17–23. This is the west coast’s largest runway-to-consumer fashion experience, bringing together internationally recognized designers like Josie Natori, Michael Costello and Nikki Yassemi Wirthensohn plus emerging talent for a week of runway shows, ranging from resort-ready styles to sheer fantasy. Get access to designers as soon as they step off the catwalk, check out intimate daytime pop-up stores, meet-and-greets, cocktail receptions and much more. Get tickets

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical

Desert Theatricals presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical this Friday through Sunday, March 17–19. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Desert Theatricals’ Theatre Under the Stars takes place in Rancho Mirage’s Amphitheater, with an available dinner theatre experience as well as individual tickets. Get tickets

Desert Open Studios Tour

Desert Open Studios is offering self-guided art-tours that span the Coachella Valley, uniting 150 artists this weekend and next, March 18–19 & March 25–26. The studios are open 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays and 12–4 pm on Sundays. The free, self-guided, studio tour, open to the general public, invites art lovers into artists’ workspace, a unique opportunity to meet and talk with individual artists and to buy art directly from them. Discover new artists and start planning your tour now with their handbook. More info

During the Desert Open Studio Tours, visit the South Palm Canyon Art Collective on Saturday and Sunday, March 18–19, to see 10 artists at this one location! They feature a wide variety of artists with all kinds of mediums of art work. Come up to the 2nd floor and check out the fun and creativity. More info

CV Firebirds Hockey “Pucks & Paws” Benefit

Join Animal Samaritans at the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey game at Acrisure Arena on Sunday, March 19 from 12–3pm for an adoption event and you’ll be helping Animal Samaritans save animals lives when you purchase game tickets using a special promo code. See the Firebirds take on the San Diego Gulls and a portion of the proceeds from each ticket will go back towards supporting Animal Samaritans. Get tickets

Hot Seat Retreat

Red Handed Events LLC in conjunction with CCBC Resort present Hot Seat Retreat from March 16–19. All men, adult boyz and naughty ones interested in spanking, paddling, caning and flogging are welcome to join. CCBC Resort is sold out but overflow rooms are still available. Organizers are committed to making it a great experience for EVERYONE who attends—however you play and wherever you stay, so daily passes are available for visitors and locals. Get tickets

AMP Bash: Turn Up the AMP!

The Academy of Musical Performance (AMP) presents the return of their famed AMP BASH – Turn Up the AMP on Saturday, March 18 from 5–8 pm, under the stars at the renowned Heckmann Estate in Rancho Mirage. Special guests include former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum and his wife, designer Ace Harper. Guests will enjoy an evening with great food from Ruby’s Diner Food Truck, beverages by Best Beverages, Live Auction with items including VIP Tickets to Coachella and Stagecoach as well as a host of amazing Silent Auction items. Get tickets

Grace: A Theatrical Ice Show

Ice Dance International presents Grace: A Theatrical Ice Show at the Acrisure Arena’s Berger Foundation Iceplex on March 18, from 7–8:30 pm. Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill and two-time U.S. Olympic Team Member JoJo Starbuck will serve as hosts of the show, performed by an ensemble of ten world-class figure skaters (5 of whom are from the LGBTQ community) including two-time United States Champion Alissa Czisny and 2022 U.S. Open Champions Kseniya Ponomaryova and Collin Brubaker. Get tickets

Madame Harlequin’s Royal Ball

The Joshua Tree Royal Ball Society, dressed in black & white desert formal, celebrate the spring equinox in grand style with Madame Harlequin’s Royal Ball on Saturday, March 18 from 7–11 pm at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree. The event features live and DJ dance music, awesome heavy hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, and fabulous prizes. Before the dance music takes off, the ball opens with a ceremony honoring the spring equinox’s balance of day and night. Then the ball launches with Madame Harlequin on electric bass leading a live, funky, jam band. DJ Uncle Abe keeps the dance floor hot with funky, disco, and EDM sets. Get tickets

Alohana: A Celebration of Palm Springs Tiki Culture

On Sunday March 19, Alohana returns for a Spring celebration of tiki culture at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from 12–4 pm. Come for the live music, hula dance, marketplace and food and cocktails, and they’ll be launching another ALOHANA signature mug for your collection. Don’t miss this fun afternoon where they will take you away to the islands! Each of 100 tiki mugs will come numbered and initialed by the artist, Tim Rains. More info

Screwball Sundays: The Thin Man

The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents a series of the greatest screwball comedies of Hollywood’s golden age, showing The Thin Man (1934) on Sunday, March 19 at 3 pm. The Thin Man was adapted from a popular novel by the great mystery writer Dashiell Hammett, but the mystery around which the plot turns is relatively unimportant to the movie’s focus and its enduring appeal. What makes the film so entertaining is not the unraveling of the murder but the movie’s central relationship of Nora and Nick Charles, one that redefined the screen depiction of marriage. It also helped to set the tone and style of a new, then-emerging Hollywood genre – the screwball comedy. Get tickets

San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir

Jewish Federation, Temple Isaiah Twice Blessed and the University of California Riverside Bob & Cheryl Fey Lecture Series come together to bring you an afternoon of beautiful music and history from San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir on Sunday, March 19 from 4–5 pm at the Jewish Community Center of Palm Springs. The award winning San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir lends their unique blend of class and schmaltz to any occasion. The non-profit group of “25 good-looking guys who can also sing and dance,” has been together for 20 years. More info

Willie’s Big Fat Broadway Bash

Willie’s Modern Fare presents the unique dinner show experience, Willie’s Big Fat Broadway Bash, every Sunday in March, including this Sunday, March 19 at 4 pm. The talented students of Musical Theatre University are your singing servers, delivering a three course dinner with a slice of Broadway on the side, with a special Broadway guest star at each performance. Guest stars include: March 5 – Keven McMahon (City of Angels), March 12 – Erik Altemus (Pippin), March 19 – Leslie Tinnaro (Evita), and March 26 – Kim Huber (Beauty and the Beast). Make reservations

On the Air at KGAY 106.5

The KGAY Sunday Tea Dance with DJ Modgirl airs every Sunday from 4–6 pm (right after the Retro Brunch). DJ Modgirl (AKA Kellee McQuinn) is not only the life of the party, she’s also a cover girl on magazines and billboards, a television entertainer, and an award winning producer, director, lyricist and performer. Her moniker is “Music! Dancing! Fashion! Fun!” and she throws down the most irresistible, uplifting beats each week on the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm. Listen online

Ross Mathews hosts his popular weekly radio show on KGAY 106.5 airs on Saturdays from 11:00 am–2 pm. That’s 50% more Ross because now it’s a three-hour show! Ross is a part-time Palm Springs resident and currently working on The Drew Barrymore Show, RuPaul’s Drag Race and many other projects. He brings celebrity gossip and news, plus a rundown of what’s happening each weekend in #ILoveGayPalmSprings as he plays some of his favorite dance hits each weekend on KGAY. Listen Online

The KGAY 106.5 Retro Lunch airs Monday through Friday at noon, with DJ Galaxy (Vincent Corrales) and DJ Eric Ornelas playing an hour of their high-energy throwback mixes. On Sundays, we put all five hours together for the Retro Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm. Perfect party music! Listen Online

Welcome New Partner!

Desert Island Country Club is now open to non-members for dining, golf and…mischief. Enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course alongside two chef-led restaurants: The Penney & Parlour, an indoor/outdoor seasonal-ingredient-driven restaurant and piano cocktail lounge; and 9½ Bar & Kitchen, for casual, alfresco dining. Experience club life less ordinary. Learn more

  1. Coachella Valley Wakes Up to a New Radio Station – MeTVfm 103.1 Timeless & Memorable Music
  2. Desert X: Why This Free Immersive Art Exhibition Should Be on Your Spring Bucket List
  3. Domestic Broadcast Schedule Released For 2023 BNP Paribas Open
  4. The Desert Open Studios Tour Has Returned to Bring Artists and Audiences Closer Together
  5. Dezart Performs’ ‘A Funny Thing Happened’ Brings Humor and Emotion to a Hospital Room

Locally owned & locally grown, Kitchen 86 is a fantastic, welcoming spot to gather and enjoy an eclectic menu of modern, curated small plate continental cuisine. 86 Live is their state-of-the-art live venue stage & ultra lounge with dancing, live music, stand-up comedy, and more, including KGAY’s own DJ Modgirl on Thursdays! You can save big at Kitchen 86 with our HOT DEAL: Save 40% when you get a $50 gift card for just $30! Get Your Deal

We also have Hot Deals at Coachella Valley Coffee Co., V Wine Lounge, Palm Springs Fine Men’s Salon, Grand Central, Hunters Nightclub, Monster Shakes, Desert Mischief, Jolene’s, Rick’s, Lulu California Bistro, Trevor Wayne Pop Art, Destination PSP, Zin American Bistro, The Purple Room and more! See All Deals

Find out what’s happening on any given day by browsing our Gay Desert Guide Online Event Listing Calendar, and for the big picture, take a look at major upcoming events in our 2023 Coachella Valley Calendar of Events.

Listen to KGAY 106.5 over the air, stream it [here], or listen on TuneIn Radio with Alexa or Siri by saying “Play K-GAY 1065 from Tune In Radio.” Ross Mathews is on Saturdays from 11 am–2 pm, John Taylor is on mornings 6–10 am and program director Chris Shebel is on afternoons. Our Retro Lunch with DJ Galaxy and DJ Eric Ornelas is now heard on Sundays as the Retro Lunch & Sunday Brunch from 11 am–4 pm, followed by DJ Modgirl spinning the KGAY Sunday Tea Dance from 4–6 pm.

Don’t miss “This Way Out,” Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on KGAY 106.5. “This Way Out” is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. Listen to the latest episode as a podcast on our streaming page (click “Podcasts” in the upper right hand corner)