About this episode

Kalen Allen discusses his journey of fame, identity, and healing while growing up queer in Kansas.

Kalen Allen joins Joy Taylor for a vulnerable conversation about growing up queer in Kansas, finding fame through viral videos, working with Ellen, navigating Hollywood, and learning how to build a life rooted in joy instead of proving people wrong.   0:00 – Welcome Kalen Allen + the Interstellar Detour 3:53 – Turning 30 and Letting Go of Old Personas 7:00 – The Real Reason He Wanted Fame 12:31 – Coming Out, Family & Choosing Joy Over Tragedy 18:13 – The Mask: Performing Through Pain 24:04 – Beyoncé, Faith & Finding God on His Own Terms 32:02 – The Black Church, Pride Month & "Why Won't You Show Up for Us?" 38:26 – Love, Solitude & Wanting Kids on His Own Terms 45:05 – Hustle, Legacy & Opinion vs. Critique 53:30 – Setting the Record Straight on Ellen 1:01:52 – What's Next for Kalen See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Joy Taylor

Guest: Kalen Allen

Topics covered

• fame
• identity
• mental health
• queer experiences
• joy
• Hollywood
• personal growth

Keywords

• Kalen Allen
• fame
• queer
• joy
• Hollywood
• Ellen
• Beyoncé
• mental health
• personal growth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ellen, The Black Church

More episodes of Two Personal with Joy Taylor

• Episode 32: Tate Brothers Arrested, The Odyssey Backlash & The Money Talk Every Couple Needs · July 21, 2026 · 29 min
• Episode 31: The Man Behind Kehlani, SZA, and Ariana Grande's Biggest Songs: Khris Riddick-Tynes Opens Up · July 16, 2026 · 60 min
• Episode 30: We're Cooked: America's Literacy Crisis, Burnout & The Cost of Speaking Up · July 14, 2026 · 29 min
• Episode 29: Heather Sanders on Marriage, Motherhood & Choosing Yourself · July 9, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Episode 28:Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Royal Wedding, Cardi B’s CNN Moment, & a Wild Fourth of July · July 7, 2026 · 34 min
• Episode 27: Melissa Fredericks On Faith, Marriage & Finding Herself in Her Second Act · July 2, 2026 · 1h 12m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Two Personal with Joy Taylor podcast page.