Frankie Grande attends the 'Wicked: For Good' European premiere at London's Cineworld London Leicester Square on Nov. 10, 2025. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Tracy E. Gilchrist is holding space for a new podcast. The veteran journalist and media personality, who found herself at the center of a wildly viral moment last year thanks to an interview and finger-holding incident featuring Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has launched Holding Space With Tracy E. Gilchrist. The weekly podcast series promises up close and personal chats with boldfaced names from entertainment, culture, politics and beyond. The first episode dropped Wednesday and features Grande's big brother, performer Frankie Grande, in a candid conversation that covers everything from gay sex and his definition of a "power bottom" to how his superstar sister has supported his recovery by attending 12-step meetings. And, yes, Gilchrist held Grande's finger during the conversation. Related Stories Movies Cynthia Erivo on Historic Golden Globe Nomination and End of 'Wicked' Journey: "It Doesn't Feel Like A Goodbye, More Like A See You Later" Movies Ariana Grande on Rare Second Globes Nomination for 'Wicked' Role: "You Don't Expect Something Like This" Gilchrist and Grande Courtesy of Tracy Gilchrist "Why are we shaming power bottoms? You tops need them. We serve a purpose in the community. It is in the name. Power. Power is in the name. Power bottom," Grande explained while on the subject of gay sex, which is getting a lot of play in pop culture right about now, thanks to Heated Rivalry on HBO Max. His appearance came a few months after Grande released his debut studio album, Hotel Rock Bottom. "I really just wanted to put a really queer piece out into the world," he said of its release. "Especially during this time, just so that people are like, oh, there's still people that are really gay that are not dialing the dial back during this administration, that are not afraid to be themselves today." Grande also opened up on his recovery journey and said that his sister has supported him by attending 12-step meetings. "My family has come to meetings with me. My sister once at a meeting was so overwhelmed. It was one of my birthdays that she said, 'I am bringing food next week for everybody.' They asked for a volunteer to set up chairs and she said, 'Me.' Then they asked who could bring orange juice and she raised her hand again. Chairs and juice. Ariana Grande." As for Gilchrist, she launches the podcast after exiting her former post of vp of editorial and special projects at equalpride. Prior to that, she served as editor-in-chief at the brand's top publication, The Advocate, where she also made history as the first feminism editor. Prior to Holding Space, she dipped her toes in the podcast space by launching the company's first podcast, The Advocates. She also once served as entertainment correspondent for Out. During her time with The Advocate and Out, Gilchrist penned cover profiles of Erivo, Brandi Carlile, Leslie Jordan, Ariana DeBose, Cynthia Nixon, Harvey Guillen, Janelle Monáe and more. Holding Space is produced by João Dall'Stella and marks the first project of his Main Character Productions as he embarks on a new chapter from filmmaker to producer. The show's next guest is Bruno Alcantara, a pit crew member from RuPaul's Drag Race on Dec. 17. "In the last year, I've held more fingers than I can count," Gilchrist explained. "With this podcast, I can't wait to continue to connect with the millions of fans who were moved by my 'holding space' interview. There's clearly a demand in media for conversations that prize substance and joy." Courtesy of Subject THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up Production Assistants United 'Abbott Elementary' Production Assistants Unanimously Vote to Unionize Warner Bros. Discovery "I Think It's Imperative That CNN Be Sold": Trump Plays Warner Bros. Kingmaker Warner Bros. Discovery David Ellison Pitches WBD Shareholders Directly on Why Paramount Is a Better Buyer Than Netflix Representation Celebrity Photographer Markus Klinko Signs With CAA (Exclusive) Theater Broadway Sees Lowest Suburban Attendance in 30 Years UTA 'Assistants vs. Agents' Founder Warner Bailey Signs With UTA Production Assistants United 'Abbott Elementary' Production Assistants Unanimously Vote to Unionize Warner Bros. Discovery "I Think It's Imperative That CNN Be Sold": Trump Plays Warner Bros. Kingmaker Warner Bros. Discovery David Ellison Pitches WBD Shareholders Directly on Why Paramount Is a Better Buyer Than Netflix Representation Celebrity Photographer Markus Klinko Signs With CAA (Exclusive) Theater Broadway Sees Lowest Suburban Attendanc