Jon Kung: A Recipe for Self Exploration

On this week's episode, Jonathan Fernandez [VH1's Love & Hip Hop] talks selling confidence. Jonathan walks us through his journey of perseverance. From being bullied as a kid, sent to Gay conversion therapy, to later taking a risk going to beauty school, becoming a celebrity makeup artist, and eventually a TV personality on a major network reality show. Jonathan provides insight on how to use self doubt, and the doubt from others to fuel your fire to pursue your dreams. He shares how he built confidence to follow his dreams, which led to becoming a reality TV star, entrepreneur, and now star of a new web series, The Misadventures of Cyn and Jonathan on the Love & Hip Hop YouTube channel.

On this weeks episode, and the premier of Season 2, Michael Mott  [Internationally critically acclaimed songwriter, vocal producer and award winning composer/lyricist: Playbill's "Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know" and winner of Broadway World 2020 Cabaret Award for 'Best Original Song’] talks writing your own story. He discusses his journey of leaving acting in 2012 to pursue writing. Michael shares insight on how to accept that while there are elements of your story you cannot control, you can do the work yourself to identify the right steps to creating a path forward. 

On this weeks episode, and the finale of Season 1, Corey Cruppi [Creator and Host of Louder Queerer] shares about a challenging childhood; at one point being homeless, to how later in life navigating being Queer, bi-racial, and suffering mental health challenges, led to making a space for others. Learn the why behind this podcast and some insight on how to accept life’s struggles and setbacks and use them as steps forward to making that space.

On this weeks episode SIXFOOT 5 [LGBTQ Musician-focused Record Producer, with work quoted by MTV as one of the top Queer anthems of the 2000’s] talks the pressure of producing not only in the studio but in life. They discuss the journey of starting off producing in a basement to later releasing 26 records alone with LGBTQ artists in the first year. SIXFOOT provides insight on navigating professional relationships, mental health, and how to grow for the discomfort of the many pressures of life and work.

On this weeks episode Pixie Aventura [New York City Drag Performer, Singer/Songwriter, and 2021 Pepsi Girl "Pepsi, It's a New York Thing"] talks performing with a purpose. Pixie discusses perseverance in overcoming the boxes and stereotypes created for a Latin Drag Queen, and how to perform while relaying a message that you’re passionate about to enact change.

On this weeks episode Victoria Beltran [Award Winning Actress. The Dictator, New Years Eve, Law & Order, Mastercard’s Commercial of the year, and Maxim Magazine Model] talks acting on the unexpected. Tori discusses her journey of being a Mexican American, growing up in Texas to being outed as Trans multiple times in her modeling and acting career. She speaks on how to rebound and push forward through unexpected moments in life and how it’s made her a stronger person.

On this weeks episode Jon Kung [Professional cook from Detroit and popular social media content creator on Tik Tok] talks about how with pursuing a passion comes self exploration and vice versa. He discusses what it was like being a Chinese American and finding himself and his culture through creating with food and bringing it to Detroit. He also talks about what it was like to recently become a Tik Tok sensation, where he empowered others during the pandemic to be creative with food, and now starting a YouTube channel to educate and inspire others to pursue their passions with food creativity.

On this weeks episode Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière [First-generation Haitian-American, Current-reigning Queen of the Navasse; a micronation inspired by Haiti’s royal history] talks transcending expectations, and overcoming obstacles as a Black Trans Woman. She discusses her journey of pursing her education, and striving to make a difference. She also discusses navigating friendships as she distanced herself from nightlife, and in 2017 established Navasse; a micro nation maintaining a royal mission to create, advocate and support projects that empower marginalized communities. She is also launching a coffee brand with beans sourced from Haiti, and proceeds that go to the charitable efforts of Navasse, coming Fall 2022.

On this week's episode Cory Alexander [Singer, Songwriter, and former Model; featured in Vogue Paris, and Yst St Laurent; photographed by Inez and Vinoodh] talks about tuning into the right opportunities. He shares insight on his journey of learning what opportunities to engage with, when to say no, and how to navigate professional relationships as he's transitioned from modeling to pursue his music career and release his first EP this year.

On this week's episode, Dimitri Moïse [National HIV Activist, Deputy Organizing Director for Vot-ER, award-winning writer, and Broadway Actor] shares insight on how to advocate for yourself. Dimitri talks about his journey to Broadway, where he encountered many Micro-aggressions, and what inspired him to focus on activism to advocate for, and promote health care based voter registration.