MEET THE MINDS BEHIND RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE

Oct 9, 2025

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What happens when a niche fandom becomes a global streaming powerhouse?

In this episode of the Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet sit down with World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the creative minds behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a streaming empire built on fandom. They explore how World of Wonder transformed drag culture into an international media brand spanning 17 territories, while redefining what “community-first” streaming looks like in the era of algorithmic sameness.

The conversation dives into how WOW thrives outside traditional Hollywood logic through owning its IP, embracing global fandoms, and turning social engagement into subscription loyalty. The founders share how RuPaul’s Drag Race became a template for modern, participatory media and how WOW’s next frontier lies in audience-driven global storytelling that stays defiantly weird.

Key Takeaways:

1. From Subculture to Global Brand
World of Wonder built its empire by championing authenticity over mass appeal. Instead of chasing algorithms, they built a streaming platform for passionate fans—and let those fans drive expansion into over a dozen localized Drag Race editions worldwide.

2. DTC Before DTC Was Cool

Long before YouTube or Netflix, WOW pioneered a direct-to-consumer model on Manhattan Cable in the early 1990s—building a loyal audience through raw, participatory storytelling that bypassed traditional TV gatekeepers. That same spirit lives on in WOW Presents Plus, which now connects millions of subscribers directly to the creators and culture they love.

3. The Power of Ownership and Community
WOW’s success comes from owning its IP and nurturing a direct-to-fan relationship. By combining strong brand identity, event culture, and social storytelling, the company has created a flywheel that sustains both fandom and revenue across platforms and formats.

4. Streaming Against the Grain
While major platforms chase scale, WOW proves that specificity is the new mainstream. Their model rooted in community, creativity, and unapologetic individuality shows how small, focused streamers can thrive even as the broader industry consolidates.

5. A Blueprint for Creator-Led Media
Bailey and Barbato’s approach blurs the line between creator and audience. By empowering talent and fans alike, WOW Presents Plus anticipates a media future where participation, not programming, drives value.

Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8

Connect with us on Linkedin:

Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/

Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/

The Media Odyssey Podcast - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast

Fenton Bailey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fenton-bailey-4270204/

Randy Barbato - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-barbato-866a1146/

World of Wonder - https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-of-wonder/

(00:00) - Chapter 1
(00:00) - The Origins of Drag Race
(01:14) - Meeting the Founders of World of Wonder
(01:59) - The Early Days: Film School and Beyond
(03:58) - Starting World of Wonder
(06:10) - From Public Access to Channel 4
(10:19) - The Rise of RuPaul
(17:36) - Creating Drag Race
(23:08) - International Success and Adaptations
(30:56) - The Early Days of Newsletters and Online Communities
(31:21) - The Rise of RuPaul's Drag Race and Direct-to-Consumer Strategy
(32:33) - The Genesis of WOW Presents Plus
(35:11) - Challenges and Successes of WOW Presents Plus
(37:28) - New Projects and Collaborations
(48:56) - Advice for Producers and the Future of Media
(58:43) - Conclusion and Gratitude