KB Brookins on Writing, Identity, and Becoming

We are BACK BABY, with a Spoiler Episode on our latest obsession, You Can See Everything. There’s something haunting about documentaries that get under your skin, and Nathan Fielder’s latest work on Elizabeth Holmes is no exception. After watching it, we found ourselves reflecting on the tension between perception and reality, and the delicate dance of identity.

In this episode, we explore the roots of Pride in Toronto, how activism shaped it, and the many ways we can all show up for Pride in ways that feel authentic. We also share listener traditions, talk about navigating Pride with social anxiety, and reflect on how we cultivate queer joy. Support Queer Organizations in Toronto! Rainbow Railroad The 519

This week, we’re joined by Nathan Radke, who is a professor, author, and co-host of The Uncover Up podcast and Alena’s colleague. Nathan helps us dive into what makes conspiracy theories so compelling and why they are everywhere right now. We also explore the surprising connections between conspiracy culture and the queer community, from historical persecution and coded communication to the fine line between healthy skepticism and harmful paranoia. Plus, we tackle the big questions: Why do conspiracy theories feel so satisfying? How do you talk to a loved one who’s deep in a rabbit hole? Are aliens real!? FIY: Canada's equivalent to the Stonewall riots occurred on February 5, 1981, when Toronto police raided four gay bathhouses in a coordinated operation known as Operation Soap. The mass arrests galvanized the LGBTQ2S+ community, resulting in mass protests that eventually laid the foundation for Toronto's annual Pride parade Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

We catch up on the latest Summer House Episode and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Reunion. Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this episode, we cover what’s going on in reality TV right now, including (obviously!) the Summer House Scamanda Scandal and Mormon Wives. We talk about why we are enamoured with Love on the Spectrum, introduce some new shows to each other, and cover some oldies but goodies. Victoria’s shows: Traitors (Number one favourite show) The Bachelor The Bachelorette Love on the Spectrum Love is Blind Beverly Hills and Atlanta Housewives Queer Ultimatum Summer House Vanderpump Rules Southern Charm Miss Education Podcast @victoriaen__ Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

What makes something “queer cinema”?  Why queer films are important Why Birdcage is a Queer film landmark Casting heteros in Queer roles Is a movie a good first date? Go see Peter at Queer Cinema’s home, the Paradise Theater on Bloor St. @queer.cinema.club @peterknegt Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic Transcript:

Trans Writer KB Brookins joins us to talk about: Their memoir, Pretty The importance of finding your people Having mentors Writing things down when it's hard to say the thing out loud Refined rage Not excusing behaviours but giving them context Trans news that doesn’t suck Links: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pretty-a-memoir-kb-brookins/46b2a7822f45f3a6 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTqNmhvEfdi https://transnews.substack.com Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

And yes, the lesbians are watching! Tune in for our takes on: The characters, the quiet negotiations Why we are NOT here for the critiques But are here for straight people celebrating a queer romance Why are we all crying in episode 5 Cottage Cottage and more Cottage Is Heated Rivalry the new Pink Shirt Test? This and a whole lot more on this week's Heated Rivalry Episode! Thank you, Jacob Tierney, Connor Storrie & Hudson Williams! SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this week's episode, we give the gift of dating advice What are we thinking about going into the holidays How to DTR a non-traditional relationship, and what is a QPR? Dating and kids: Is it a deal breaker? Green flags when dating a parent What to do if you are the only queer in your family over the holidays SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic

On this week's episode, we learn all about our anger. What is it? What's going on in our bodies when we're experiencing anger? What can we do to get in touch with our anger before it gets out of hand? What are some physical/somatic things we can do for ourselves to expel or manage anger? Robin Lacambra (she/they) is a queer Filipinx creative, speaker, and facilitator. Drawing from somatic relational psychotherapy, mindful movement, and conflict mediation, Robin’s work aims to demonstrate how interconnected we are, highlighting our shared responsibility to co-create a just and liberated world. Alongside their roles as the creator of GOODBODYFEEL Movement & Therapy, the director of the Safer Spaces Project, and a counsellor at SACHA (Sexual Assault Center of Hamilton Area), Robin works with individuals, groups, and organizations to foster self-awareness, resilience, and healthier relationships. LINKS https://www.goodbodyfeel.com https://www.instagram.com/saferspacesproject/?hl=en SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Music By: Sean Patrick Brennan @ayeayeayemusic