the pastel podcast

originally recorded in september 2024, this episode is rich with conversation threads that weave into the ultimate question of how do we, if at all, adjust to all of the changes in american culture and society in the past 20 years? our language, our responses, our norms - what is right and acceptable, what is worth discourse, what is irredeemable, and how much grace do you give in the context of the 90's, early 2000's, and now?

in a multi-part sub series, i talk to different neurodivergent cardinal signs about the stereotypes and misunderstandings associated with both their zodiac signs and adhd or autism diagnosis.

empress of prophecy, a musical artist and entrepreneur, sits down with me to discuss the importance of respecting a woman's choice to be a homemaker and caretaker as a mother and wife. we talk parental influence, immigrant values, religion, colorism, hyper-independence, and the challenges of traditional dating with the intention of marriage in the age of social media, the over-saturation of choice, and instant gratification that comes with the illusion of all this access. empress' music can be found on spotify and apple music, and her social media is @eirvkha on both instagram and tiktok.

alyssa and i talk existentialism, different planes of reality, and if using our imagination is actually us tapping into a super power.

rachel and i discuss the many non-dairy alternatives to milk, including their accessibility, affordability, and taste. listen to us share our journeys, suggestions, and tips for these eco-friendly and body-friendly options.

haig and i discuss when and why, if at all, should we separate the art from the artist? is cancel culture effective, do celebrities with large platforms have any political responsibilities? who do you have to keep in mind when you produce work as a self described or designated artist and activist? are these fair expectations to have of all public figures?

pand shares the story of her younger sister and their family’s journey of research + advocacy. how can we show up better as people interacting with neurodiverse people all the time? how have media portrayals and casting decisions affected neurodivergent people? what is it like to be a parent or guardian fighting for accessibility and understanding? in what ways do our thinly veiled moments of ableism go unchecked? you can also read more in an interview she did with her family that goes into detail about their experience with getting diagnoses, services, and the right and helpful information to accommodate and empower a loved one who just happens to be autistic and have ADHD: https://twotwoone.nyc/the-world-is-still-learning-to-how-to-accept-austism/

pronouns, harry styles wearing a dress, and discriminatory laws. what’s the point of gender if not to choose how you’re going to judge or oppress groups of people? dru gannon and i discuss our respective relationships to our gender identities and instances where the recent mass-visibility of gender non-conformity and queerness actually invited more debate and intolerance.

in a follow up conversation with my son, i own up to my internalized ageism. aubreyne brizette and i discuss the concept of age as a marker for maturity, ability, and success...and why that’s a bunch of harmful nonsense in many cases.

cc and i talk about the big moves we have made in the years since graduating high school. was it about escapism, self discovery, mental health or a mix of everything? how do you define, find and create a sense of “home”? when do you know you need to stay, go, or come back?