episode 7: separating the art from the artist

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?

meg and i talk about the misconceptions of polyamory, the philosophy and practice of being in love or romantically involved with more than one person. does it stem from a fear of commitment or intimacy? do people use it as an excuse to be selfishly promiscuous? do all polyamorous couples have multiple sexual partners and do they all know each other? what about STD’s? is it the same thing as an open relationship or polygamy? how do i know if it’s for me? how can i talk to my current or prospective partner about it? is monogamy the end all, be all for all couples?

a lawyer and a teacher walk into a bar. miranda and i discuss why we love our jobs and are committed to staying in our fields. we talk lessons, challenges, and motivation to do the best work we can in tough, contentious fields.

happy halloween! 💀🎃👻 join me for a special on why abandoning projects that aren’t meant to come to life can be a good thing. in this episode, i reflect on the question of if channeling pain through art be more harmful than helpful, even if you pursued it for catharsis or healing?