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Peeing in an Empty Bottle: And Other Glamorous Shenanigans of an Almost-Famous Transgender Comedienne on the Road
Come along for an unforgettable ride with beloved comedian and podcaster Roz Hernandez, as she spreads transgender joy across the country on an epic fifty-show summer road trip tour. This one-of-a-kind audiobook blends memoir with exclusive audio from Roz's stand-up and behind-the-scenes moments from her life on the road.
Over 13,000 miles behind the wheel. Fifty standup comedy shows. One funny transgender lady on an epic summer adventure.
Roz Hernandez should be more famous. She thinks so, anyway. The problem is, she needs more of the right people to know who she is. And in a deeply divided country where transgender people are under constant attack, Roz—all 6'1" of her, usually dressed in rhinestones, feathers, and platform boots—sometimes feels as though her very existence is too controversial for the masses.
When she found herself with an empty calendar and a refusal to put her dreams on hold, Roz decided to spend the summer of 2025 looking for the people who will truly get her, performing stand-up in the most magical places across America she can think gay bars. Oh, and since she couldn’t afford a private jet or even a tour bus, she was going to drive herself across the country to do it. Alone. What could go wrong?
Peeing in an Empty Bottle tracks Roz's hilarious, heartfelt journey from iconic LGBTQ+ venues like New York City's Stonewall Inn to off-the-beaten-path spots that this Hollywood diva never thought she would find herself in. With a tape recorder in hand, Roz documents all the highs and lows, talks to fellow queer performers and venue owners that she meets along the way, and checks in with her own friends and family back home. This immersive memoir includes exclusive material from Roz's stand-up comedy shows, where she attempts to unite people the only way she knows laughter.
Over 13,000 miles behind the wheel. Fifty standup comedy shows. One funny transgender lady on an epic summer adventure.
Roz Hernandez should be more famous. She thinks so, anyway. The problem is, she needs more of the right people to know who she is. And in a deeply divided country where transgender people are under constant attack, Roz—all 6'1" of her, usually dressed in rhinestones, feathers, and platform boots—sometimes feels as though her very existence is too controversial for the masses.
When she found herself with an empty calendar and a refusal to put her dreams on hold, Roz decided to spend the summer of 2025 looking for the people who will truly get her, performing stand-up in the most magical places across America she can think gay bars. Oh, and since she couldn’t afford a private jet or even a tour bus, she was going to drive herself across the country to do it. Alone. What could go wrong?
Peeing in an Empty Bottle tracks Roz's hilarious, heartfelt journey from iconic LGBTQ+ venues like New York City's Stonewall Inn to off-the-beaten-path spots that this Hollywood diva never thought she would find herself in. With a tape recorder in hand, Roz documents all the highs and lows, talks to fellow queer performers and venue owners that she meets along the way, and checks in with her own friends and family back home. This immersive memoir includes exclusive material from Roz's stand-up comedy shows, where she attempts to unite people the only way she knows laughter.
Audible Audio
Published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 23, 2026
4.5*
Travelogue of a trans comedienne traveling through the USA in 2025.
A great read and listen. Lots of issues addressed with humor and light. It is a combination of the author reading and audio clips from the tour. The audio clips added life to the book but was hard for me bc they are at a different speed and sound level than the rest of the book. I almost needed to turn my speed down to understand and appreciate the audio clips. Regardless, it is a spectacular listen.
Thank you to @netgalley for my ALC. It was wonderful!
Travelogue of a trans comedienne traveling through the USA in 2025.
A great read and listen. Lots of issues addressed with humor and light. It is a combination of the author reading and audio clips from the tour. The audio clips added life to the book but was hard for me bc they are at a different speed and sound level than the rest of the book. I almost needed to turn my speed down to understand and appreciate the audio clips. Regardless, it is a spectacular listen.
Thank you to @netgalley for my ALC. It was wonderful!
June 30, 2026
I have been listening to Roz’s podcast, Ghosted! By Roz Hernandez, for YEARS - probably since 2019, when I was introduced to her as a guest on another podcast. I’ve been a huge fan ever since so when I found out she was writing an audiobook, I was so excited to listen to it! Roz is smart, hilarious, and very honest writing about her experiences and did a wonderful job of weaving in the cultural, political context of the time with her story. While that is certainly depressing to hear about and be reminded of, it also adds a lot to the book. The interviews and audio clips from her shows also add to the story, more so than just summarizing the conversations. I had never heard an audiobook like this where it wasn’t just the author (or narrator) reading the book, but interview and other audio being included as well and I wasn’t sure what to expect but it worked really well! I’m used to listening to Roz in podcast form but this didn’t just feel like a long podcast because the interview clips and other portions were not very long and the narration was still the majority of the book. I genuinely feel like I learned so much from this audiobook and am so glad Roz created it!
As she says herself, Roz Hernandez should be more famous! This is a perfect audiobook for fans of Roz, those who are members of or interested in the LGBTQ community and history, and those who love audiobooks or podcasts but are seeking a unique listening experience.
As she says herself, Roz Hernandez should be more famous! This is a perfect audiobook for fans of Roz, those who are members of or interested in the LGBTQ community and history, and those who love audiobooks or podcasts but are seeking a unique listening experience.
July 17, 2026
Roz Hernandez is a transgender comedian who wants to reach a wider audience and share her humor with the world. In the summer of 2025, she decides to take matters into her own hands by driving alone across the United States to perform stand-up comedy at fifty different gay bars. Her book tells the funny and emotional story of her long road trip, capturing her visits to a variety of queer venues and audiences. Along the way, she records her experiences, talks with other performers and locals, and tries to bring people together through the power of laughter while finding a community that truly understands her, and stands in her own power as a comedian who knows she has a large audience that just doesn't know who she is yet!
To put it simply, this book blew me away. I was initially confused that it was only available in audio format, but after listening, I cannot imagine it any other way! The interview snippets and live comedy clips made it a uniquely captivating experience. I first discovered Roz in October 2024 when she opened for Bob the Drag Queen here in Madison, Wisconsin. My husband and our friends had no idea there was an opening act, but we were completely won over by her electrifying and hilarious set. I became an instant fan. While I unfortunately missed her gay bar tour across America, I was thrilled when she announced this book and knew I had to listen to it right away. Funny enough, my husband and I listened to it together while road-tripping from Madison to a gay men's campground in southern Indiana. Hearing Roz talk about her own cross-country journey—visiting major cities as well as places not necessarily known for being safe for Queer people—made our listening experience even better. Listen to this audiobook and follow Roz Hernandez on social media... You will not be disappointed.
To put it simply, this book blew me away. I was initially confused that it was only available in audio format, but after listening, I cannot imagine it any other way! The interview snippets and live comedy clips made it a uniquely captivating experience. I first discovered Roz in October 2024 when she opened for Bob the Drag Queen here in Madison, Wisconsin. My husband and our friends had no idea there was an opening act, but we were completely won over by her electrifying and hilarious set. I became an instant fan. While I unfortunately missed her gay bar tour across America, I was thrilled when she announced this book and knew I had to listen to it right away. Funny enough, my husband and I listened to it together while road-tripping from Madison to a gay men's campground in southern Indiana. Hearing Roz talk about her own cross-country journey—visiting major cities as well as places not necessarily known for being safe for Queer people—made our listening experience even better. Listen to this audiobook and follow Roz Hernandez on social media... You will not be disappointed.
July 13, 2026
Loved, loved, LOVED every second of this book from the opening credits until the end. I've been a big fan of Roz Hernandez Roz Hernandez for many years. She is so bright, funny and should be more famous! In this audiobook, Roz demonstrates what it means to be a one-woman show. She has a wild idea to tour the country and after posting it on IG and getting instant suggestions of where to go from fans nationwide, Roz resourcefully books her own gigs, maps out her own route and drives herself across the country to bring her joyful magic to everyone she meets. It's such a "walk the walk" not "talk the talk" about what it takes to make your dreams come true. With humor she shares the highlights and low moments of this experience, bravely doing this alone and meeting new friends and allies along the way. It's sprinkled with snippets from her act, interviews with club owners, drag queens, old friends and family. It's inspiring, entertaining and I am so grateful that Simon & Schuster chose to release this to the masses.
July 16, 2026
I broke my rule of not reading celebrity written books, and man am I happy I did. Roz Hernandez truly should be more famous. She is hilarious, thoughtful, and relatable. Most celebrity autobiographies leave me wondering why I wasted my time reading them. Either the person isn't all that likable, isn't relatable, or just doesn't have anything interesting to say. This book was nothing like that.
As a mother to a transgender son, we have states that we consider "travel banned" because we're afraid of transphobia putting our family in dangerous situations. This book honestly made me look at some of those states differently. It reminded me that even in places I tend to write off, there are incredible queer communities that have survived, thrived, and built something really special. Instead of just seeing places to avoid, it actually made me want to travel more and support those communities. It's almost secretly a queer travel book, and I mean that as a huge compliment.
Roz has a way of making you laugh one minute and then hit you with something that sticks with you the next. Queer stories need to be heard, and I'm really glad I gave it chance.
As a mother to a transgender son, we have states that we consider "travel banned" because we're afraid of transphobia putting our family in dangerous situations. This book honestly made me look at some of those states differently. It reminded me that even in places I tend to write off, there are incredible queer communities that have survived, thrived, and built something really special. Instead of just seeing places to avoid, it actually made me want to travel more and support those communities. It's almost secretly a queer travel book, and I mean that as a huge compliment.
Roz has a way of making you laugh one minute and then hit you with something that sticks with you the next. Queer stories need to be heard, and I'm really glad I gave it chance.
August 1, 2026
Comedienne Roz Hernandez goes on a road trip doing stand-up comedy in gay bars and other nontraditional queer venues.
Her friends are concerned, because Roz is a trans woman and America is America. Roz shares her own concerns about where to pee safely, avoiding crossing international borders in the current Administration's atmosphere, and large men in dressing rooms. But she chooses to go forward, barreling down the road to adventure and laughs.
This is an audio-only narrative, so she offers recordings of interviews with people she meets along the way, sharing their experiences as queer people in small(er) towns as well as gay oases like Provincetown.
Some places are less welcoming, like the crowd in Mobile, Alabama, and then there were places basically built for gay comedy like the OutFront Theater in Atlanta.
Ending in the Cavern Club at Casita del Campo in Los Angeles (a place where she chose her name and the place where Jackie Beat played Dorothy Zbornak in the drag parody Golden Girlz) brings her full circle.
Her friends are concerned, because Roz is a trans woman and America is America. Roz shares her own concerns about where to pee safely, avoiding crossing international borders in the current Administration's atmosphere, and large men in dressing rooms. But she chooses to go forward, barreling down the road to adventure and laughs.
This is an audio-only narrative, so she offers recordings of interviews with people she meets along the way, sharing their experiences as queer people in small(er) towns as well as gay oases like Provincetown.
Some places are less welcoming, like the crowd in Mobile, Alabama, and then there were places basically built for gay comedy like the OutFront Theater in Atlanta.
Ending in the Cavern Club at Casita del Campo in Los Angeles (a place where she chose her name and the place where Jackie Beat played Dorothy Zbornak in the drag parody Golden Girlz) brings her full circle.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not familiar with the comedy of Roz Hernandez, but that cover grabbed me right away. And I always always always say YES to autobiographies performed by the author. Winner! I'm definitely a fan now :)
Roz Hernandez is not only a fine comedienne but an amazing activist as well. Peeing in an Empty Bottle is the chronicle of her time on the road touring LGBT+ venues and interviewing other activists along the way. This is a lovely audiobook and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
an audiobook copy of Peeing in an Empty Bottle and Other Glamorous Shenanigans of an Almost Famous TransgenderComedienne on the Road was provided by Simon & Schuster Audio | Simon & Schuster Audio Originals, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Roz Hernandez is not only a fine comedienne but an amazing activist as well. Peeing in an Empty Bottle is the chronicle of her time on the road touring LGBT+ venues and interviewing other activists along the way. This is a lovely audiobook and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
an audiobook copy of Peeing in an Empty Bottle and Other Glamorous Shenanigans of an Almost Famous TransgenderComedienne on the Road was provided by Simon & Schuster Audio | Simon & Schuster Audio Originals, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
June 24, 2026
Thank you, Netgalley for the advanced audiook.
I first became aware of Roz Hernandez when I watched her hunting ghosts on YouTube. Her queerness and love of Chipotle were endearing. When I found her audiobook Peeing in an Empty Bottle, I had to get it, and it did not let me down.
In the wake of the 2024 election, Roz knows that the mood has shifted in the LGBTQ+ community, and she believes that her comedy can help ease some of the emotional burden. She then goes on a cross-country tour of gay establishments, performing her comedy and learning queer history along the way.
I first became aware of Roz Hernandez when I watched her hunting ghosts on YouTube. Her queerness and love of Chipotle were endearing. When I found her audiobook Peeing in an Empty Bottle, I had to get it, and it did not let me down.
In the wake of the 2024 election, Roz knows that the mood has shifted in the LGBTQ+ community, and she believes that her comedy can help ease some of the emotional burden. She then goes on a cross-country tour of gay establishments, performing her comedy and learning queer history along the way.
June 26, 2026
Roz Hernanez should be more famous. Period. My heart simultaneously hurts and is also filled after that listen. It was surprising and wonderful to be able to hear so many different stories, not only from her life, but from the lives of other LGBTQ+ people and entertainers she came across on her journey. Make sure you listen to Peeing in an Empty Bottle: And Other Glamorous Shenanigans of an Almost-Famous Transgender Comedienne on the Road for a hilarious, heartfelt, and even educationally good time.
Queer stories are human stories, and Roz gives it all to us.
Queer stories are human stories, and Roz gives it all to us.
July 16, 2026
Phenomenal! Roz Hernandez is such a breath of fresh air. She’s funny and poignant and includes so much queer history as she tells the story of her cross-country comedy tour. There are so many issues addressed, both politically and socially, and Roz does it all with humor and joy. This audiobook makes for an especially good listen because Roz’s narration is intermixed with actual clips from her standup shows and her tape recorder, capturing her successes and disappointments of the tour as well as conversations with other members of the LGBTQ+ community. 🌈
June 27, 2026
Important first person storytelling that we are lucky to have delivered from a natural entertainer. I am impressed not only by the final product, but by everything that went into it. I’m grateful for Roz’s gay audacity to book a 50-show tour on her own and then turn it into even more. That’s not to say I’m surprised.
It seems like she could do about anything!
It seems like she could do about anything!
July 9, 2026
Such a beautiful mosaic of the queer people around america who work every day to make sure we all have somewhere to go be together. the writing and the scene setting and the emotional pacing was all so wonderful I can’t even believe it’s a debut memoir! An absolute gem of an adventure, fascinating tour experiment, and thorough contemplations on queer joy in our current culture.
July 14, 2026
How is Roz not more famous?! This audiobook was a funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking, beautiful look at LGBTQ+ communities across the United States in 2025. Roz artfully blends humor with the reality of being a trans comedian and shares so much of herself in this audiobook. Thank you for this, Roz!
I want to quit my job and travel to all of her shows next time she tours!
I want to quit my job and travel to all of her shows next time she tours!
July 29, 2026
Absolutely stunning!! What a powerful and inspiring story of courage and determination. I love Roz so much and I felt like this novel gave me a chance to get to know her more. Not only was it incredibly well written and poignant, but funny as fuck and provided me with much needed comic relief about the state of world right now.
July 6, 2026
A fun little queer documentary in the form of an audiobook!
Randomly found Roz on an instagram reel, when I saw she wrote I book I instantly asked my library to put it on Libby! I got my way and had a ton of laughs and feel good moments!
Randomly found Roz on an instagram reel, when I saw she wrote I book I instantly asked my library to put it on Libby! I got my way and had a ton of laughs and feel good moments!
July 9, 2026
I had never heard of Roz before this book but I always enjoy a memoir, so I picked it up. Whether you are a long time fan or you are like me and are not familiar with the author, its definitely worth reading! I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend listening on audio, such a fun read.
July 17, 2026
A bit of a memoir, a bit of a narrative of a comedy tour around the United States, lots of oral narratives of gay bar owners, employees, performers and capturing queer joy in America in 2025. She did that shit… anyways highly recommend on audio
July 26, 2026
Roz Hernandez should be more famous! I was fascinated by the history of the clubs she visited and the vivid physical details she shared about each stop on her comedy tour. If you enjoy wonderful humor and unforgettable road trips, this audiobook is for you.
July 24, 2026
Such a great book by Roz. The ending was perfectly written and got me teary eyed.
July 29, 2026
ROZ HERNANDEZ SHOULD BE MORE FAMOUS!
August 2, 2026
ILY ROZ! DC loves you and we think you have just the right vibe too ❤️
August 2, 2026
Roz should be more famous. Couldn’t love her more. And I loved hearing her speak with queer and trans folks in small, rural places and red states about their communities.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews