The Well and Queer Podcast

Getting super uncomfortable and having my first remote guest on to discuss some topics that we all should care more about. Torey Tomsovic shares her recent journey with anti-racism work, and stays super real as she gets into what she’s learned over these past few months. We talk about difficult conversations we’ve experienced with our parents, learning how to incorporate anti-racism work into our individual lives to stay consistent, and why setting boundaries around our phones might be something to think more about. I was personally nervous to have this conversation, as imposter syndrome and cozy white comfort zones are real, but I just know you’ll be able to take something from this episode. Guest: Torey Tomsovic Contact: @toreytomsovic

What’s kept me chasing, growing, and trying all these new endeavours I go down has been the voices of others encouraging me not to give up. I was feeling inspired and wanted to speak to you from the heart. In this short episode I share my feelings of unworthiness and lack of confidence, and how much of an obstacle it is for me to move through these emotions. I also get into the importance of reflecting on our journey in order to translate these lessons on what to do next. When you have a strong enough why, you can always pick back up where you left off to keep going. I hope this gives you some guidance today!

In this episode I take you down the journey that I went through as I was understanding my natural vagina scents, and why it can sometimes be such a taboo topic. I wanted to discuss the importance of loving the parts of our body we used to shame, and how this self love can open up the doors to us asking for help. I also get into why it’s important to find a doctor who is an LGBTQ+ ally in order to receive the proper care that we all equally deserve.

If you’ve been questioning animal agriculture, factory farming, or whether a cow is any different than a pet dog; then this might be for you. This week we get to listen to a conversation with my best friend Jewels. We’ve traveled around internationally together, lived with each other in so many places, and ironically became vegan at the same time while in different cities. In this episode we get into the importance of micro and macro activism, supplementing, and where to even start when transitioning to a plant based lifestyle. We’ve discovered so much over the past 3+ years of being plant based vegans, and we wanted to offer some insight to what we’ve learned. We hope you enjoy! Connect with Jewels: @easypeasyplantlife

In this weeks episode I get into what the word queer means to myself, my journey to this word, and what it means to others. Queer can have such a vast array of meanings and emotions behind it,  and that's what makes it such a unique word that's being reclaimed today. I wanted to break down why it’s become so empowering to use, and why some people actually prefer not to use it at all. I also point out that as we’re understanding our own sexuality, or even being a good ally, it’s important to remember that it’s completely normal and valid to change our mind, as well as choosing not to label ourselves at all. So, let's talk about it.

In this episode you get to hear me stumble over my own words as I try to pronounce the harmful chemicals that are typically found in our name brand deodorants. You know, things like butane that’s filled inside those lighters we use; makes total sense, right? Products in the U.S are approved safe to use even if there are ingredients found that suggest they could actually be harmful. The FDA's philosophy? It’s safe unless proven otherwise. I discuss the importance of doing our own research, and practicing critical thinking when it comes to purchasing products for ourselves, our home, and our family. While also remembering that change can be challenging, and natural/organic/sustainable products can be expensive; so let’s take it slowly, and start with one thing at a time.

Okay, I’ve been feeling the feels and I know I’m not alone on this one. Feelings of guilt for lack of knowledge in regards to being a better ally. Feelings of frustration for things not working out exactly as planned in my personal life. I know we all have them, or some sort of “them,” but we all might not be sharing it with each other, or even acknowledging them within ourselves. In this episode I get into what toxic positivity is, where to spot it, and how we can all move forward with this new knowledge. When we mask any emotion with pretend positivity, we’re unintentionally saying that these feelings are not real, they’re unimportant, and we only further shame ourselves (and others) into isolation or suppressed emotions. So I thought we could have a conversation today about how we speak to ourselves, and how we speak to our friends and community; whether it’s virtual or in person. Because sometimes we don’t want advice or uplifting bandages, sometimes we just want to feel heard.

During a time when we’re faced with so much fear and uncertainty, it’s important to reflect on our intentions. And look, if I’m being totally real, I know how woo woo that statement even sounds. But all privileges aside, have you been feeling that shift at all? That shift in awareness for how we treat each other? Have you been questioning the way you’ve been living, at all? I know I’m not alone in this. In this very first episode of The Well + Queer Podcast, I discuss the importance of challenging our purpose, why it’s beneficial to dig deep and journal, and how to actually create this change through knowing what you want, visualising, taking action, and letting go of expectations. When we can let go of our fear of being vulnerable, getting judged, or saying the wrong thing, we can actually grow in ways we never imagined.