In this episode, Caroline steps into her role as host of The Trans Narrative Podcast, formerly known as Transatlantic Conversations. She’s joined by Fort Wayne’s own Della Licious — also known as Branden Blaettner — a seasoned drag performer with over two decades of experience shaping community and challenging perception.
For Della, the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” carries profound meaning. After 21 years in drag, she’s witnessed the prejudice and stereotyping faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, from name-calling and exclusion to assumptions about identity and lifestyle. Yet through those experiences, Della has cultivated a sharp intellect, a deep empathy, and a gift for storytelling that reframes hardship into humor and humanity.
Together, Caroline and Della explore how authenticity, resilience, and art can reshape the narrative of visibility. As Della says, “I want to share an insight of acceptance that can change the perception of my community.”
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“Della Licious has been a fixture on Fort Wayne’s nightclub scene for over twenty years. She emcees and performs regularly at After Dark, bringing theatricality and presence to late-night stages. 
More than a drag performer, she shapes community: Della speaks to identity, prejudice, and belonging—not through abstraction, but through lived experience. “
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
