Because I Said So

Because I Said So—S2E23: Activism In The Art Of My Existence

In this episode, Isa Cruz and I discuss how she is able to live confidently as a queer Puerto Rican woman in a world that has historically repelled her. Through this conversation, we spoke about what activism means, and how activism can truly extend into one simply existing in spaces where one "shouldn't." Additionally, we speak on the issue behind our generation's short attention span in relation to the efficacy of our advocacy, as well as the importance of ridding ourselves of elitism in activism. Finally, we spoke about art, not only as activism, but as a way to see beauty in the mundane and what this can do to not only connect us to others, but to ground us. Isa is a special gift, and you can identify her intelligence through the eloquence with which she speaks and the patience with which she loves. I cannot wait for you all to hear this!

Because I Said So—S2E21: Tattoos and Piercings and Hair Dye, Oh My!

In this episode, my favorite human Allie Maher and I have a discussion about the ways our external alterations truly reflect internal desires to see ourselves as individuals, and also what this entails about the ways we interact with things such as Instagram and TikTok when it comes to our own stylistic development. Allie has undergone a lot of experimentation with her appearance that she feels has led her to feeling more herself than ever, and she speaks on how she has learned to differentiate what she likes from the expectations and trends around her. As an artist, she has a unique perspective about using your body as a blank canvas and an extension of your mind, and she also speaks from experience how to overcome the fear of change or disapproval that comes with an external alteration of one's appearance. I cannot wait for you to hear this one!

Because I Said So—S2E20: Winners Never Quit, Quitters Never Win

Mario Martinez's story is one for the movies. When he became homeless after the 2008 recession, he was left with only his truck...and his dogs. In order to protect his pets, he decided to take his neighbors up on the offer to stay in their old barn. He goes on to about how his animals saved him when he fell on hard times, and how they became his inspiration to find a way to work for a home. Mario details his time working for the Contributor, the stigmas surrounding homelessness, and the lessons he learned. He says that he and his famous dogs are now the most content they've ever been. We can all learn from the wisdom that resides in Mario's character and his story, and I am tremendously excited for you all to hear this. 

Because I Said So—S2E19: Happy Halloween (Mini Episode!)

Happy Halloween you beautiful people! In this episode, I asked some lovely friends of mine and past guests to tell me a scary story—whatever that means to them. This compilation of stories is definitely a lighter listen, and I hope you guys enjoy:) (P.S. May or may not have included my own ghostly experience in there too;))

Because I Said So—S2E18: You‘re Locked In

We are consistently trying to manipulate the ways that others perceive us, and yet we falter when someone says we've changed or are different than they thought we'd be. In this episode, Kat McBride and I discuss the ways that identity and perception affect every aspect of our lives, both in our internal worlds and our external reactions. Instead of fearing the malleability of our identities, we can CHOOSE to define ourselves instead of locking ourselves into the binaries that are insinuated by what others may innocently describe us as. This episode was so enriching, and it left me with a lot of composure about trying to know myself and giving others the freedom to misunderstand—they see one tile of my mosaic (as Kat says so wisely!)

Because I Said So—S2E17: I Need Help

In this episode, I bring you all along in real time as I decide to seek out a mental health professional, right before I have my first appointment, and the thoughts and emotions afterwards.
In all honesty, I've been putting this off for a long time, but with the conversation surrounding Suicide Prevention Month, I decided that I was tired. Thoughts, fears, beliefs--an incessant siege on my brain that I had grown too tolerant to finally appeared urgent to me. 
It is easy to post an infographic about suicide, and it truly is a lovely way to create conversation that truly helps people. This year, though, I wanted to be genuine--it is hard to seek help for any mental health crisis, and it can be just as hard to admit that, branding yourself with the label of "vulnerable." In weakness, we find strength in our humanity, and we allow space for finding strength in one another. 
Sending love always.
RESOURCES:
--National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)--Text NAMI to 741741
--Online support groups
After Silence (aftersilence.org) -- victims of sexual violence
Eating Disorder Hope (eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/support-groups/online) -- ED's
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (afsp.org) -- Grieving someone who died of suicide, survivor
--Open Counseling: Free or Affordable Counseling in Your Area (https://www.opencounseling.com/) 

Because I Said So—S2E16: I Am A Melting Pot

Tigris Parada is no stranger to the question, "Where are you from?" It may be curt and impolite, but it also tries to isolate her into a binary that doesn't fit. With heritage from places including Hawaii, Guatemala, and Japan, Tigris has learned to embrace the cultures that make her who she is, with one of the most important factors being staying educated on the issues that affect the people in these regions. In this episode, we discuss the untold history of Hawaii and how it still affects the narrative we portray today, as well as Asian American treatment in the US. Through this conversation, I was inspired to be more thoughtful about taking history from the textbook at face value. As I learned, and I hope you will as well, when we humanize the disgraces in our nations past, we open space for empathy and growth. This episode is truly what this podcast is all about, and I cannot wait for you all to hear it!

Because I Said So—S2E15: College COVID Style and Vaccine Verity

Gabby Ess was a high school graduate in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic. However, what has been more difficult was entering into a new season of life--college--whilst still dealing with COVID. In this episode, Gabby details how she was able to develop relationships with people while still being able to set boundaries surrounding safety amidst the pandemic. Additionally, Gabby expands on her internship working on vaccine safety in a CDC funded organization over the summer and what she has learned, as well as why it's dangerous to politicize the pandemic.

Because I Said So⁠—S2E14⁠: Activism in the Face of Adversity

Speaking out and voicing your beliefs can be difficult in any space amongst a collection of peers, but this task becomes increasingly difficult when your peers disagree with you. Emma Rose Smith reflects back on both the experiences she is proud of and those which she has had to learn from whilst being a youth activist in her community, including organizing Nashville's BLM Protest with Teens For Equality in 2020. No matter where you lie politically, this episode offers something to everyone when it comes to learning to humanize others and try to listen even in the midst of passionate disagreement. I cannot wait for you all to hear this!

Because I Said So—S2E13: Tourette's—Invisible Disability

In this episode, my lovely friend Auldyn Plant describes the basics you need to know about what Tourette Syndrome is, how it manifests, and what you can do to better accommodate those who live with it. She is vulnerable and honest with her experiences, including what led her to the process of changing schools and brutal mental health episodes, but also with the ability it has given her to become more empathetic to others with disabilities. I am so excited for you all to hear this, and I am also so humbled to know this amazing human. As you will see, Tourette's is a part of her, but it isn't who she is. 
 
RESOURCES:
Tourette Association of America
https://tourette.org
CDC Tourette Info
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/index.html