Exclusive with Jackie Beat
Jackie Beat, welcome to Spill the Tea my darling. How are you doing?
I’m doing great, thank you! And I’m definitely ready to spill the tea! That’s why I wore 100% polyester today… So I can just throw it in the wash after the interview!
Jumping into your show, how did the concept for "Dr. Jackie" come about, and what inspired you to create this comedic take on psychotherapy?
I had done a short-lived show called “Judge Jackie” and, although it was a lot of fun, I thought to myself, “This has been done a lot.” So I tried to think of a more unique, more creative way to feature all my talented friends - famous and otherwise - and came up with “Dr. Jackie!”
"Dr. Jackie" revolves around helping funny and famous "friends" navigate mental health. What challenges did you face in approaching sensitive topics with humour while still respecting their gravity?
I’m honestly not sure if I truly respect their gravity. And let me explain… We have survived as a species by laughing at very serious things. No one needs to laugh about sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. We need to laugh about war, disease and mental health. I used to write for Joan Rivers and no one told her she couldn’t make a joke about the Holocaust. Everyone deals with some sort of mental struggle and could probably benefit from some therapy, so I think people can really relate. Also, I think we take it to such an extreme and make it so ridiculous that you really cannot take it seriously and just find yourself laughing. And finally, not to over analyze comedy, I think that ultimately the jokes and humour are at my expense - because I am so self-centered, so clueless, and so unqualified!
“My job is to make people laugh. And laughter really is the best medicine. So by not walking on eggshells and not being too sensitive I think we are allowing people to blow off some steam”
The second season of "Dr. Jackie" boasts a star-studded line-up of guests from the world of drag and beyond. Can you give us a sneak peek into some of the hilarious and heartfelt moments viewers can expect from the upcoming season?
Well, as a glorified prostitute I hate to give anything away for free, but I suppose I could entice you with a few anecdotes… For instance, in one scene Bianca Del Rio is filling in for my receptionist, Willam is watering the office plants and Alaska Thunderfuck is delivering my lunch because, thanks to rightwing politicians, doing drag shows is now illegal so they have to take any job they can find. And just when you think there couldn’t possibly be any more star power, Trixie Mattel pops up. And that’s just one scene in one episode! When I look at all the supremely talented people I was able to get on the show it really blows my mind.
Mental health is an important topic, and comedy can sometimes provide a unique lens through which to explore it. How do you balance the need to entertain with the responsibility to address serious issues sensitively?
My job is to make people laugh. And laughter really is the best medicine. So by not walking on eggshells and not being too sensitive I think we are allowing people to blow off some steam by laughing at mental health issues. Obviously, there are certain things that are just not funny, but in a way I consider it my job to creatively find a way to even approach those subjects. A long time ago I wrote a song called “Cancer Don’t Care That It’s Christmas” and it was this horrible mash-up of, you guessed it, cancer and Christmas. It really pushed the envelope and was quite brutal. But it was also very funny. Well, after a show on night, this woman came up to me and said, “I have been battling cancer now for over a year and that song…” I was terrified. Did this woman buy a ticket to my show to escape from the reality of what she’s been dealing with and, instead, was she slapped in the face with a song that many could argue was mocking her health situation. She grabbed me and hugged me and said, “That song made me laugh so hard! Thank you! And fuck cancer!”
Your character, Dr. Jackie, is an unlicensed psychotherapist. What aspects of her personality or approach do you find most amusing or challenging to portray?
Like I said, she’s very self-centered. This person is paying a professional to help them and she’s making it all about herself. And when she does give advice, it’s usually terrible. That’s why my office and my hair and outfits are the complete opposite of warm and nurturing… They are alien and cubist and demonic and brutalist and disturbing. I wanted the office to be weird and uncomfortable. And my looks are just bonkers!
As an artist, how do you see comedy's role in addressing societal taboos and fostering conversations about mental health and other important issues?
Maybe my show can remove a little bit of the stigma surrounding mental health. It’s okay to talk about it and it’s even okay to laugh about it. Listen, the show is not serious at all, but I think comedy can help people feel less scared or overwhelmed by certain things whether they realize it or not. You sneak in by making them laugh and then the whole subject isn’t quite so scary.
Throughout your career, you've collaborated with a diverse range of talents. Is there someone you haven't worked with yet that you'd love to collaborate with in the future?
I was texting with Paul Reubens who plays Pee Wee Herman and he almost did a phone session for the show. He said he really wanted to do it, but it was a “bad time.” Of course, no one knew he was ill and then all of a sudden he was gone. I really wish he could have done it because he is just so magical. But as far as someone I would love to work with I would have to say Dolly Parton. I know a few people who know her and if there is a season 3 we are going to see if maybe we can get her to do a phone session. As crazy as it seems, it’s actually possible because she’s such a generous and gracious person. And such a great ally to the LGBTQ+ community. And she’s fucking hilarious!
Shout-out time! What queer artists deserves your shout-out? This can be a king, queen or anything in between.
Oh dear, does it have to be just one!? I simply adore my friend Roz Hernandez. She’s on the Hulu show “Living For The Dead” and she has her own amazing podcast called “Ghosted.” Check her out! And I am also obsessed with Devon Poole. He does what we used to call “booger drag” - bad wigs, big glasses, and he still has his beard - and he expertly lip syncs these crazy women who call into QVC and HSN. I cackle! The lip syncs are perfection and he’s just so funny, crossing his eyes and mugging for the camera! He’s a true clown and he brings me so much joy! Follow him on Instagram - @ItsDevonPoole - so you can watch his hilarious videos. Of course you should do that AFTER you watch “Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist!” LOL!