Heated Rivalry has taken the world by storm. And now, a little-known app called “Quinn” has capitalized on the success with Ember & Ice. The first audio-only episode on Dec. 30th crashed their servers under the weight of adoring fans wanting in on a little hockey player fantasy.
The relationship between Ember & Ice and Heated Rivalry is driven by the casting of Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, who star in both projects. While they are separate stories, Ember & Ice is widely viewed by fans as a “spiritual successor” and a way to see the actors reunite. (Until season 2)
I’m intrigued as this spinoff confirms the power of the audio medium. As a “radio guy”, I’ve experienced the power of the non-visual medium all my life. I could picture the Hindenburg zeppelin crashing, the aliens aiming their death rays on War of the Worlds and more recently the scenes described in the podcast accompanying Only Murders in the Building.
That Hulu series is perhaps the most famous example of how audio is used to “paint pictures.” Its entire plot revolves around the creation of a true-crime podcast, making it a masterclass in how sound shapes a narrative. And like Ember & Ice, Only Murders in the Building Official Podcast uses sound effects brilliantly.
Our KGAY/Sunny 106.5 team creates some brilliant advertising using audio. While we have to be more forward to communicate a concept or sell a product in 30 or 60 seconds, we don’t just throw some words together with the hackneyed phrase “for all your ___ needs”.
No, we paint a picture of what Club 541 might be like inside! Like Heated Rivalry, we’re giving straight people a look at our world. But it’s much more than that. I don’t have the space to go into it here, but a New York Times op-ed piece sums it up well. (Paywall).
Jim Downs authored the piece “Heated Rivalry’ Is Gay Culture’s Next Frontier” and observes, “There are queer politicians and lawyers, Olympians and celebrities. But representation is not the same thing as intimacy. We still need more stories about us, our relationships, our romances, our desires.”
Non-sequitor – We’re hosting Pride Night with the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Saturday night. Are there any Shane and Ilya’s in the AHL???
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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THRU SUN: Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival continues through Sunday, January 12, transforming the city into a global showcase for cinema with 169 films from more than 70 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 International Feature Film Oscar submissions. The festival offers audiences an extraordinary range of storytelling across multiple venues, including the newly added Plaza Theatre. For those wishing to attend screenings, the festival provides a variety of options, from individual tickets to multi‑film passes, allowing attendees to curate their own experience. Get tickets
MON: DBA New Year Celebration
The Desert Business Association invites the community to ring in the new year at the DBA New Year Celebration on Monday, January 5 from 5:30–8 pm at Boozehounds Palm Springs. This festive gathering brings together LGBTQ and Allied businesses for an evening of connection, collaboration, and renewed energy, featuring delicious Boozehounds bites, live keyboard music, and meaningful networking with local leaders and community members. As the region’s only LGBTQ chamber of commerce, the DBA sets the stage for a year of growth, creativity, and shared success, making this celebration the perfect way to welcome everything 2026 will bring. More info
MON: Modern Men Chorus Auditions
Modern Men – Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus invites singers of all experience levels to audition for a landmark season honoring the final concert of Artistic Director Dr. Stan Hill. This is a rare opportunity to join a welcoming musical community and help create a powerful tribute to an extraordinary legacy. Auditions will be held on Monday, January 5 at 8:30 pm and Saturday, January 10 at 11 am, offering prospective members a supportive, one‑on‑one experience with Dr. Hill. Those interested can complete the audition form to schedule a time and take the first step toward becoming part of this historic performance. More info
TUE: What You Should Know about Elder Abuse
The Positive Life Series welcomes the community to an important educational program, What You Should Know About Elder Abuse, presented by the Palm Springs Police Department on Tuesday, January 6 from 6–7 pm at the Mizell Center. This session offers clear, practical guidance on recognizing, preventing, and responding to elder abuse, empowering attendees with knowledge that supports safety and wellbeing for older adults. More info
WED: Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art Gallery – Grand Opening
Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art Gallery marks its debut with a grand opening on Wednesday, January 7 from 5–7 pm in the Back Street Art District. The celebration introduces the gallery’s contemporary vision with featured works by David Farnsworth and David Gilmore, blending refined artistry with the bold, expressive flair that defines Ramirez’s creative world. It’s an inviting opportunity for the community to welcome a new voice in the Palm Springs arts scene. More info
This Week at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre offers a week of music, magic and masterful performance. Tuesday and Wednesday, January 6 & 7 bring Neil Berg’s The 60’s, a high‑energy tribute to the era that reshaped rock and roll, filled with iconic songs and stories from the artists who defined a generation. On Thursday, January 8 at 7 pm, The Magic of Jen Kramer dazzles with award‑winning sleight‑of‑hand and irresistible charm. Saturday, January 10 welcomes Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole, whose celebrated stage and screen career promises an evening of exceptional vocal artistry. The week concludes on Sunday, January 11 with Chopin – The Romantic, a Keyboard Conversations program featuring Jeffrey Siegel’s insightful commentary and expressive performances of beloved piano works. Get tickets
THU: Hair Transplant Consultation
Contour Dermatology invites the community to start the new year with renewed confidence at its Hair Transplant Consultation Day on Thursday, January 8 from 9 am–3 pm. Guests can meet with the practice’s experienced team, receive personalized recommendations, and learn about advanced techniques that create natural‑looking results. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive an estimate on the number of grafts needed and take advantage of newly lowered pricing. More info
FRI: One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel
One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel brings an stunning tribute to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, January 9 at 8 pm. Renowned for his astonishing vocal likeness to Freddie Mercury, Martel leads a powerhouse performance packed with Queen’s most iconic anthems, delivering the soaring energy, precision and showmanship that fans adore. Get tickets
A Bright New Dawn on Sunny 106.5
Say hello to Sunny 106.5, the Coachella Valley’s fresh new radio station. Sunny 106.5 is your go-to for feel-good favorites from the ’90s, 2000s, and more—music so bright, you gotta wear shades. From Mariah Carey and Matchbox Twenty to Adele, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and hundreds of other favorites, it’s the perfect soundtrack for your day. More than just great music, Sunny 106.5 keeps you connected to the community with local updates and weekday weather from Patrick Evans of News Channel 3, plus friendly, familiar voices throughout the day. Sunny 106.5 is bright music and good vibes for Greater Palm Springs! Learn more
