The Endless In-Between: Recent Episodes
Donovan James
A queer podcast centered on advocate and author Donovan James' book of poetry The Endless In-Between. Every episode I talk to artists, creatives, and healers who've inspired me by sharing their truth and joy with the world. I hope by sharing a bit of my experiences you can reflect upon the experiences and stories that are a part of your life. I think by holding space together we can build a bridge across those moments in life that feel like the endless in between.
Britney Spears debut album “…Baby One More Time” was released 25 years ago on January 12, 1999 and changed pop music forever. The single has become a pop classic made only sweeter by the iconic “schoolgirl” music video and spent 32 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 chart. On this special bonus episode, I break down how Britney was able to break into and redefine pop stardom, her impact, and the future of (pop) music and its stars. More so, this episode reminded me how fun it is to be a fan of pop music and feel empowered through a once in a generation artist’s impressive discography. Cheers to the one who started it all for me, the legendary Britney Jean Spears!
endlesspodcast #britneyspears #babyonemoretime #babyonemoretime25 #freebritney #itsbritneybitch #popmusic #popstars #music #lgbt #lgbtpodcast
Carla Nelson's (she, her) dream of being in fashion was denied. Through the eyes of a friend/aspiring fashion stylist, Carla became aware of the many challenges faced by other African Americans seeking fashion industry careers. Her organizational skills and love of fashion collided causing her to create Black Fashion World (BFW), an organization with the focus of providing empowerment via education, networking and opportunity events to Blacks and People of Color in a platform that has not been provided before. On today's episode we discuss the inspiration for creating this platform, fashion history (50 Years of Hip-Hop and Battle of Versailles), and advice she has for emerging fashion-preneurs in the industry.
Connect with Black Fashion World (BFW):
Youtube
Dr. Daniel Cisneros (he, him, el) is an Assistant Professor in the Masters of Counselor Education program at CSU Sacramento. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Private Practice, Professional School Counselor and National Board Certified (NCC) bilingual, strength-based counselor. He previously worked as Coordinator of Mental Health for the Sacramento County Office of Education and Sacramento City Unified School District. Dr. Cisneros also worked as a School Counselor in elementary and secondary settings for Twin Rivers Unified School District and Gateway Charter Schools where he received the Certificated Educator of the year award.
Dr. Cisneros has extensive experience working with diverse communities from different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds including youth, families, adults, adolescents and the LGBTQ community.
On today’s episode we talk about Dr. Cisneros experience working with LGBTQ+ youth and ways that mental health professionals and families can show up for them. We also discuss how to navigate graduate school and preparing oneself for success as a therapist.
Connect with Dr. Cisneros
One Tree Hill premiered on The WB (now the CW) on September 23, 2003 and completely changed the teen drama landscape the 00s. Today I talk about the impact of the show 20 years after its initial premiere, the MUSIC, favorite plot lines, and what some of the cast is up to now.
On today's episode, I wanted to delve into the topics of masculinity and queerness. I'm joined by Jesus Sanchez (he/him). He is a ICF credentialed men's life coach & founder of Purpose First Life Coaching. Jesus creates and facilitates programs that foster brotherhood among men and specializes in working with the Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer (GBTQ) community. We discuss who/what were our earliest models of manhood, queerness and being male, the loneliness epidemic, and how only through vulnerability with ourselves and others can folks foster connection.
Connect with Jesus:
Purposefirstcoach.com
Instagram: hey_zoos
America, America has a problem and it's Queen Bey! I was lucky enough to attend her record breaking Renaissance World Tour this past weekend. I have so many thoughts all up in my mind and discuss the setlist, my personal journey with Beyonce's music, and systemic issues for Black women in "pop music"/music in general.
Lily(she/her) is a disabled, cisgender, immigrant woman from Chicago's southwest side. She is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois and currently provides mental health counseling through a disability-affirming lens. She is guided by the vision of Disability Justice in her personal and professional life. Lily uses her poetry and personal reflections to emphasize the tensions, issues, strengths, and joy in her communities; her writing is a form of advocacy for social change. She has performed her work around the Chicagoland area and was a co-creator of a disability cultural center: one of few disability cultural centers in the nation. Today. Lily discusses disability justice, systemic reconstruction, and shares spoken word with us.
On today’s episode, it’s all about Public Health! I’m joined by Sal Sanneh (he/him) a Sacramento native born and raised. He attended Sacramento State for both undergrad and grad school, majoring in Public Health. We discuss Sal’s passion for environmental health and the impact upon Sacramento’s marginalized populations. Sal also talks about how his professional experiences with nutrition education/food security have allowed him to evolve in the field and what his career can look like. We also touch upon what the future of public health looks like on a national level. I hope you enjoy!
Connect with Sal:
Instagram:ssanneh92
I’m feeling the fever dream high and deep in my ERAS Tour era with a SWIFTIE sized episode. On today’s episode, I’m joined by therapist & fellow Swiftie, Lauren (she/her). She is a reader, writer, and former politico. Lauren’s therapeutic work is through The Expansive Group which focuses on queer folks, relationships and sex therapy. We reflect on our experience at the Eras tour in Chicago, review the setlist, Speak Now T.V., and give our hot takes on the pop star.
Connect with Lauren:
lnrbailey
David Jay Collins (he/him) is an Indie author of LGBTQ novels Gaybash (fiction) and Summerdale (horror). On today's episode, David discusses his experience navigating the practice of writing & calling of being a writer. He also discusses how his work examines topics in queer culture like body image and socio-economic status through the horror genre. David calls attention to the changing infrastructures of Chicago and the importance of supporting small businesses throughout the city.
Insta @davidjaycollins
davidjaycollins.com
Sakai (she/her) is an emerging stylist, creative, and founder of Flow State Styling. In today's episode she talks about her experiences as a Black woman navigating the fashion industry, the influence of Lizzie McGuire and 2000s fashion, and what's on the horizon for her business.
Connect with Sakai
Instagram: flowstate_styling
Website: https://www.flowstatestyling.com
Today’s conversation has moved me so deeply. I talk so often with guests on the pod about connection and community. I’m very honored that historian, Kris Alejo (he, him), has shared his knowledge and understanding of cultures. More so, the deeply interwoven stories that ties the not so distant past to the present moment. Kris was born and raised in San Diego, California. He graduated from San Diego State University with a Masters of History in 2022. Kris currently live in Chicago, Illinois with his partner of 12 years and works in the airline industry as he searches for new opportunities.
endlessinbetween #lgbtpodcast #lgbthistory #queerhistory #lgbt
Connect w/Kris: khriztofff
Sophia (she/her) is a psychotherapist living and working in Chicago, IL. She works primarily with current and former sex workers, LGBTQIA+ folks, and survivors of complex trauma. On today's episode she discusses her experience doing therapy with sex workers and de-mystifying myths around the topic.
Connect with Sophia:
setling@liveoakchicago.com
Kennedy Healy (she/they) is a Fat, Queer, Crip Chicago-based writer and media maker. On today's episode we discuss her podcast Crip Crap which is focused on media about disability, by and for disabled people. We also talk about disability justice and creating media that is a reflection of the world around us.
www.cripcrapmedia.com
Instagram @crip.crap.media
Corissa (she/her/ella) is a psychotherapist, researcher, activist, training psychologist. On today's episode we discuss navigating counselor education/grad school as a Latina, life narratives, and creating healthier relationships through therapy.
Connect with Corissa:
@corissabarrow
Kenzie (they/them) is a sex worker residing in Las Vegas and co-host of the podcast Nine Track Mind. On today’s episode we discuss what sex work actually is, criminalization laws against sex work and homelessness. We also discuss politics of race, gender, class, and sexuality in the U.S. workforce system as it currently is.
Azure Grimes (she/her) is a west-Baltimore native and independent consultant for social change organizations. Previously serving as the Senior Program Manager for Libraries Without Borders US, Azure brings six years of nonprofit experience by advancing racial equity through community-led initiatives and incorporates that in every program she creates. Prior to working with LWB, Azure served on a variety of AmeriCorps national service programs and was honored to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award for completing over 4,000 community service hours. On today's episode, We discuss the challenges and rewards of working within nonprofits, workplace equity for Black and people of color, and how she created the career/work environment that feels best for her at this moment.
Season 2 is hereeee! The Grammy Awards is this weekend. Guest/friend of the podcast, Jocelyn, (founder of JJ Elegance Creations and Beyhive member) and I discuss our favorite artists (we Stan SZA), albums, and songs that got us through the year 2022. More importantly OUR AOTY and artist of a generation Queen Bey’s Renaissance. We go track-by-track on the album and discuss where we think she’s hiding the visuals haha. I hope you enjoy <3
Songs of 2022:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5rzk6yny2ktHP1XFLPqWiL?si=59f8a99e9cc34e99
Album of the Year Ranking (Revised Version):
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What I Didn’t Tell You-EP Coco Jones (Standouts: No Chaser, ICU)
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Pigments Dawn Ricahrd and Spencer Zahn (Umber, Sandstone)
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Wanderlust Durand Bernarr (Mango Butter, Leveled)
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The Lead-EP Flo (Cardboard Box, Summertime, Immature)
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MUNA-self-titled (Loose Garment, Solid)
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HYPNOS Ravyn Lenae (Light Me Up, Inside Out)
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Ivory Omar Apollo (Go Away, Petrified)
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Midnights Taylor Swift (Midnight Rain, High Infidelity, Dear Reader)
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Sex, Age, Location Ari Lennox (Pressure,POF, Waste My Time)
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S.O.S. SZA (Gone Girl, F2F, Special)
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Renaissance BEYONCE (Cozy, Church Girl, All Up In Your Mind)
Follow Jocelyn
Instagram: @jelegancebyjocelyn_
Aisha Engle (she, her) is a dynamic feminist musilimah just trying to find her purpose admist the every day hustle and bustle. In today's episode we discuss the power of returning to self through faith, friendships, and self-exploration. Aisha discusses how the COVID-19 lockdown has brought her closer to her highest self and finding purpose simply by living.
Monte-Angel Richardson (she, they) is a social worker, violence and trauma researcher, and writer. In today's episode they share how community, friendship, and their lived experiences informs their life's work. Monte-Angel also discusses the Impact of collective healing and advocacy on post traumatic stress and post traumatic growth.
Website:
https://safehandssafehearts.com/
B aka The Caffeinated Therapist (she, her) is a Twin Cities-based trauma therapist (MSW, LICSW) whose clinical focuses include domestic and sexual violence, as well as developmental and complex trauma. B is also a classically trained pianist and expert in all things Taylor Swift. In fact, she hopes to one day develop a "Taylor Trauma Therapy" model and tell us all about it. We also talk about our first introduction to Taylor's music, the impact of her album RED in pop culture and music landscape, as well as what we hope is ahead for the global superstar. (Sidenote, I apologize to OMI, the artist whose name I forgot and with the global bop "Cheerleader")
Follow B on twitter @bellabee13
Monday, Oct 11th was National Coming Out Day. In celebration and honor of LGBT+ History Month I wanted to share my story with you all. I'm so thankful for my journey and all those that have been on it with me. Coming Out is continual and I can't wait to see what the queer future looks like.
IG:endlessinbetween_podcast
Jocelyn Merkerson (she.her) is the founder of JJ Elegance Creations. She creates custom tea cup candles made with intention and love. In today's episode we discuss how she started her business during a pandemic, the importance of community and joy in the Black community, Beyonce's influence, and pursuing dreams even when faced with uncertainty.
Instagram: @jelegancebyjocelyn_
This interview was recorded around the one year anniversary of my book The Endless In-Between in October 2020 with my best friends Cody and Nate(he/him) .They've seen me in various stages of my life and are inspirations behind the book as well. Join us as we read some of our favorite poems/short stories from the novel and my friends ask me to spill the tea behind who and what experiences inspired the book.
Courtney Luckman, MA, CCC-SLP, is a person who stutters and speech-language pathologist at speech IRL. Courtney is active in the stuttering community, currently serving as chair of the junior board for Shared Voices. We discuss what stuttering is and what it isn't, representation in media, and how to advocate for yourself as well as how to be an ally to those that stutter.
@sharedvoiceschicago
@speechIRL
The Endless In-Between Podcast
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
Jake Young (they/them) is the Communications Director for Camp Brave Trails. Brave Trails is a leadership camp for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, age 12-18. Throughout ther summer, the camp creates a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. Jake shares their experiences growing up as a queer youth, their incredible work with youth at Brave Trails, and how nature can bring us back to ourselves. We also discuss what queer spaces look like post-coronavirus and queer representation within the past decade.
Eduardo is a first-year graduate student in the Couple & Family Counseling program at NEIU. His interest in the DACAmented identity experience grew as he observed other DACAmented peers struggle with their identity and lack of belonging, just as he did. He is passionate about working with minority groups including DACA and undocumented individuals, families, and couples. Eduardo believes that higher education needs more BIPOC representation to promote cultural humility in training the next generation of mental health professionals. In Part 1, he shares his story with us.
Eduardo is a first-year graduate student in the Couple & Family Counseling program at NEIU. His interest in the DACAmented identity experience grew as he observed other DACAmented peers struggle with their identity and lack of belonging, just as he did. In Part 2, we discuss what the "American Dream" means to him, reforming education, and how to be an ally to DACAmented students
T. Jay Santa Ana is a gay Filipino multimedia artist whose work explores themes of time, space, and line. We discuss these themes, creating a lane for queer folks in the art world, and how identities impact his creativity. T Jay and I also spoke about masculinities, desire, and queer theories that help give voice to trauma.
Website
tjaysantaana.com
@tjaysantaana (all socials)
The Endless In-Between Podcast
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
Jerusha Matsen Neal is an ordained American Baptist minister and Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School. Neal has spent her ministry preaching in cross-cultural spaces and bridging denominational communities. Her newest book, The Overshadowed Preacher asks the sticky question of what we mean when we say preaching is “anointed.” It challenges preachers to leave behind false shadows and be overshadowed by the Spirit of God. We discuss her book, inclusivity within the church, and what it means for us to let all our pieces show as human beings.
The Endless In-Between Podcast
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
Blair is a creative, intuitive and radical healer, He has worked at the intersections of health equity and justice movement for the past decade. Blair seeks QTPOC liberation, using tarot, storytelling, and movement to ignite our power and purpose. We speak about growing into our queer femme identities, community organizing in Baltimore, and the legacy work he provides as a death doula.
IG - blair_witchy
Website - alightbaltimore.com
The Endless In-Between Podcast
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
Kent Matthew has been a close friend for 20 years and together we reflect upon friendship, perseverance, and identity as bi-racial men. Kent and I also discuss his burgeoning acting career, diversity in Hollywood, and podcast Nine Track Mind.
IG: @iamkentmatthew
Twitter: @iamkentmatthew
The Endless In-Between Podcast
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
Jessica Castellon is an aspiring astrologer and creative artist. As an experienced educator, Jessica facilitates birth chart readings and offers astrology knowledge to clients interested in learning more about their life path. Jessica discusses making space for queer identities in astrology, Saturn Returns, and how astrology can move us forward during these uncertain times.
IG: @qxicana
www.qxicana.com
The Endless In-Between Podcast
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
Fridae (they/them) is a long time friend, activist, and drag performer from San Diego, CA. I was thrilled to discuss how Fridae came to be, fashion inspirations, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has effected the local drag scene. We spill the tea on how race, gender, and sexual orientation contributed to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as well as how we're finding joy in this moment (aside from blasting Lady Gaga's album "Chromatica").
IG: @itmust_befriidae
TikTok: @youknowxojo
Purchase The Endless In-Between
IG: @endlessinbetween_podcast
Twitter:@donojames4
A queer podcast centered on advocate and author Donovan James' book of poetry The Endless In-Between. Every episode I talk to artists, creatives, and healers who've inspired me by sharing their truth and joy with the world. I hope by sharing a bit of my experiences you can reflect upon the experiences and stories that are a part of your life. I think by holding space together we can build a bridge across those moments in life that feel like the endless in between.