DJ Louie XIV on Pride, Podcasts, and Pushing Through

Louis Mandelbaum—known in his world as DJ Louie XIV—is many things: a bi-coastal DJ for the Vanity Fair set, a podcast creator and host, a writer, an actor, and soon, a published author. When the pandemic shut down queer nightlife and silenced DJ booths, Louis pivoted full throttle, launching Pop Pantheon, regularly cited among the  of the nation's smartest, popular, and most deeply researched music podcasts of 2025.   

But Louis’s story isn’t just about beats and playlists. It’s about carving space for yourself in a world that doesn’t always make that easy. For Pride Month, we sat down with DJ Louie XIV to talk about self-expression, creative grit, and what it really means to show up and do the work—even when you’re terrified.

Pride is Wearing What You Want

Ask Louis how he expresses pride and you get a story of evolution—not just of style for which he’s known, but of self.

“As a kid, what I wanted to wear was a source of fear and anxiety,” Louis says. “I was so self-conscious. But now? I wear what I want. That’s pride. Pride is absolute comfort in expressing myself sartorially no matter what anyone thinks.”

Even in Brooklyn, where the fashion police can be judgmental, Louis’s choices of presentation and style are worn proudly. “I’m free with what I want to wear. I enjoy it. I had to grow into that. I’ve done right by my own instinctual desires. The more I honor that, the more the world rewards me—with opportunities, with money, with attention.” 

He’s quick to acknowledge his privilege, especially having the support to pursue his gifts. “I wish everyone had that. If we all had the chance to live in alignment with our talents, we’d be a better society and culture.”

But the work is the work, no matter the fear. His next venture, out soon: his first book, exploring the relationship between pop divas and their queer fans through their performance, struggles, music and power.

Shining Brighter with Age

With time, Louis has come to see self-care as a responsibility—to his work, to his community, and to himself. “I root out anything that gets in the way of my light shining,” he says. That means healthier habits especially when you work in nightlife:  no smoking. Less drinking. More sleep. More boundaries. 

He’s no longer interested in relationships, habits, or environments that drain him. “Anything that’s an energy suck? I have no tolerance for it,” he said, and that extends to skincare.

There’s an evolution in his conviction as he sinks into vinyl grooves.  More sure of what deserves his time. More sure he belongs. Easier with his pride, his place, and his performance. If age brings wisdom, for Louis, it also brings wattage.