From the Werkroom to the MCU: Shea Couleé on where drag is heading next

From the Werkroom to the MCU: Shea Couleé on where drag is heading next

From Creative Control by Fast Company

October 14, 2025 · 35 min

About this episode

Shea Couleé discusses her journey in drag, her impact on mainstream culture, and the future of drag in the entertainment industry.

Shea Couleé has become an undeniable force in drag, rising from Chicago’s local scene to snatching crowns on RuPaul’s Drag Race to breaking new ground in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Shea has been an integral part of drag becoming mainstream—and she has a few ideas on where it should be headed next. In this episode, Shea charts her creative journey through drag, lessons she’s learned in building a brand, how her Black and queer identities have turbocharged her creativity, her iconic debut in the MCU starring in Ironheart, and why more risk-taking in drag is what’s needed now more than ever. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

People in this episode

Guest: Shea Couleé

Topics covered

  • drag culture
  • creativity
  • identity
  • branding
  • entertainment
  • risk-taking

Keywords

  • drag
  • Shea Couleé
  • Marvel
  • creativity
  • branding
  • RuPaul
  • Ironheart
  • risk-taking
  • queer identity
  • Black identity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Marvel Cinematic Universe, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Fast Company

Books & works: Ironheart

Places: Chicago

More episodes of Creative Control

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Creative Control podcast page.