Charmed

Inside Art Simone’s world: Drag droppings, spooky dolls & The Bachelor

Charmed

Show Notes

What happens when the character you create becomes part of who you are? In this episode of Charmed, host Sam Todd is joined by Australian drag royalty, Art Simone, to chat about over 15 years of transformation, wigs, costumes, and the ridiculous little treasures collected along the way. Art takes us behind the scenes of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under, revealing why she collects "drag droppings" (from main stage curtains to lost outfit pieces), the origin of Australia's famous styrofoam wigs, and her unexpected stint on The Bachelor. They also dive deep into the emotional side of collecting - reclaiming childhood joy through dolls, carrying sentimental touchstones on tour, and why the things that look like trash to others can mean everything to us. Plus, for Show Me Your Charm, Art brings in a very special (and slightly haunted) vintage 90s Barbie, while Sam reveals a custom, handmade Drag Race treasure of her own. Charmed, with Sam Todd. Stories worn to tell, with Pandora.

THE END BITS Follow Sam Todd on instagram/ TikTok @SamTodd HOSTED BY: Sam Todd PRODUCED BY: Sally Best DOP: Becky Lillyman VIDEO EDITOR: Phoebe Edwards EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Shauna Anderson We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from Charmed

Oct 12, 2026

What if growing up didn’t mean growing out of the things you love? For the very first episode of Charmed, Sam Todd is joined by actor, author and collector Chloe Hayden to talk about the tiny treasures, childhood obsessions and sentimental objects that become part of who we are. Chloe takes us inside her collections, from a lifelong Titanic obsession and hundreds of model horses to Bratz dolls, Pokémon cards and pieces she kept from Heartbreak High. She and Sam also get into the joy of collecting as an adult, why your treasures are meant to be enjoyed, and finding your way back to the things you once thought you had to grow out of. Then, for Show Me Your Charm, Chloe brings in an extraordinary Titanic keepsake with a story that perfectly sums up why the things we save can mean so much. Because maybe growing up isn’t about losing your childhood obsessions. Maybe it’s finally getting to love them without being embarrassed. Charmed, with Sam Todd. Stories worn to tell, with Pandora.

Oct 5, 2026

Why do we keep the things we keep? Hosted by Sam Todd, Charmed is a new podcast about collecting, nostalgia, pop culture and the tiny treasures that end up meaning everything. From sentimental jewellery and childhood toys to concert tickets, Disney pins, lucky charms and the completely irrational purchases we’ll never part with, Sam is getting into the stories and memories behind the things we treasure. Because sometimes we collect things. And sometimes, what we’re really collecting are memories. Welcome to Charmed, with Sam Todd. Stories worn to tell, with Pandora.

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