QUEST: A Journey To Wellness

Let's practice letting go this ♊ Gemini season and get into our Divine Duality. We're back with another

Get grounded in Mother Earth's teachings as we chat with Naomi Westwater (they/them); a Queer multi-racial folk singer-songwriter from Massachusetts. We discuss the release of their new album “Cycle & Change”, a deeply spiritual ode to the seasons and cycles of both our planet and the human experience. We also get personal about Naomi's recent experience with grief, and how having a deep spiritual practice, connection to nature and strong community has made it possible for them to continue to find joy and purpose. We hope this episode grounds and uplifts your spirit! FEATURED GUEST:Naomi Westwater (they/them/theirs/she) is a genre-defying artist whose music spans a range of sounds from dark, atmospheric indie rock to introspective pop to folk. Known for their captivating voice and witchy lyricism, Naomi delves deep into themes of self-discovery, queer identity, and mysticism. Their sound reflects both vulnerability and strength, blending ethereal melodies with gritty, experimental production.www.naomiwestwater.comwww.instagram.com/naomiwestwaterwww.tiktok.com/@naomi_westwaterwww.youtube.com/channel/UCQZzjk9rxiL5QgcVXTaTZLA

We get comfy and cozy this Taurus season with Gangsta Gurry (GG) (he/him) and our host V (all pronouns). This season is all about holding tight to those boundaries we set in Aries season, and practicing compassion as we step more into ourselves. We hope this episode grounds you in your own power, and holds your hand on this journey called life.

We're back with Part 2 of our Self Compassion snackable episode with your host V (all pronouns). V will be answering the questions discussed in Part 1, and getting real with you on their own journey of self discovery through the process. Self compassion work is not easy, but it's worth its weight in gold. Love you loads and enjoy!

What does it mean to practice self-compassion? In our latest solo episode, V will be sharing some of their journal reflections on what it looks like when you've stopped prioritizing yourself, and some useful questions and exercises  to help maneuver these reflections for yourself. Don't miss out! This one's gonna be a wild ride. 

Hold on to your knickers, it's Aries season ♈️ We have another fantastic episode with GG (@gangstagurry). Get ready to let go AND hold on as V and GG discuss the energy of the season, embrace their inner ram and face their fears head on. We hope this episode will ignite your spirit and bring you closer to YOU!

Grief in its many forms is very present right now for many. To honor this, we have on the Ceremonial & Decolonial Deathcare duo Floripondio, Batul True Heart (they/them/aapo) and Melissa (they/them). Listen in as V and Floripondio discuss the traditional roles of Two Spirit individuals in ancestral practices, and how moving through the emotions of grief through ceremony can bring you closer to yourself and your community. We hope this episode brings you comfort

It's time to swim in the Celestial Pisces ♓️ water y'all! Don't miss out on another amazing episode with the one and only Gary D'Andre aka Gangsta Gurry aka GG (@gangstagurry). Him and V will be tapping into this Zodiac season of Pisces and discussing what the energy is bringing up for them in their lives. This season is all about dreaming BIG and betting on YOURSELF

In the spirit of positive evolution, we're trying something new! Our host V is stepping out of her fear and stepping into her main character energy. We love to highlight the magic of those in our community (and we still will be), but it's time to trust in the wisdom we have here at home. We hope you find inspiration and support in V's vulnerability, and can step into your own main character energy as well!  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:25 New Year, New Format 00:59 Facing Fears and Personal Growth 03:35 Collective and Personal Fears 09:13 Intentional Actions and Self-Care 14:19 Reflective Question and Conclusion

Get ready y'all! We're so excited to be bringing you a new collaboration with the baddie from Brooklyn, Gangsta Gurry aka GG (Gary D'Andre)! GG will be using his gift of a Tarot reading to tap into the current Zodiac season, while also providing thought provoking questions for him and V to discuss and for you to tap into as well.  This episode will be about sharing a new wellness resource/tool with the community, a form of medicine that has been used for millennia. We hope you are inspired and find this and future episodes helpful while you continue on your wellness journey! FEATURED GUEST: Gary D'Andre (he/him), or “Gangsta Gurry” (GG for short), is a queer Black mystic, healer, educator, and writer based in Brooklyn. The creator and host of Mystic Moments Podcast, through Flawless Noises Media Network, he shares what's happening in our world energetically while teaching his listeners practical tools to help them stay grounded through the shifts and upheavals of life.  His work has previously been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Oprah Daily, BuzzFeed, The Toronto Star, and Teen Vogue. He is also the resident energy forecaster for The Purple Pants Podcast, hosted by Brice Izyah. He's committed to helping the world find themselves and break free from the matrix, one step at a time with love, compassion, a little sass, and care. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is obsessed with all things competitive reality television. Purchase GG's deck “Tarot For You & Me: A Queer Deck & Guidebook”. Email him for a personal reading gangastagurry@gmail.com. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:20 Introducing Gangsta Gurry: The Queer Tarot Expert 03:57 The Power of Tarot: Personal Journeys and Skepticism 13:56 Aquarius Season: Embracing Change and Community 21:58 Navigating Relationships: Support and Boundaries 24:41 Tarot Pull for Aquarius Season: Insights and Guidance 25:57 Aquarius Vibes and Street Energy 26:51 The Ace of Lanterns: Finding Your Purpose 29:00 Understanding Reversals in Tarot 30:03 Aquarius Season: Motivation and Community 32:31 Personal Reflections and Imposter Syndrome 35:36 Navigating Change and Finding Fulfillment 37:43 Aquarius Season Forecast and Final Thoughts 43:04 Building Community and Staying Connected

Happy New Queer!

It's time to wrap it up y'all! 2024 was full of so many great guests and so many great memories, so why not reminisce? In this episode V and co-producer Raphaella (she/her) (@la.vida.bruja14) discuss their favorite moments from recent episodes. Don't miss out as we discuss the intersectional experiences of our guests and how their vulnerability opened our minds and their hearts. See you next year dear listeners!

For this time in November we like to focus our attention on the experiences of the indigenous community. So this week we have Tiana-Malia Keleli'i Kawaihoa-Marquez (all pronouns accepted), a kanaka ‘oiwi (Native Hawaiian), Māhū (two-spirit), raised in the ‘aina (land) of Maunalua, Oahu. They practice Uhi (Hawaiian traditional tattooing), are a student of Genealogy, and produce ‘awa, a traditional drink that helps to calm and relax the body and mind. In this episode, we discuss getting back to authenticity through community and ancestral medicine, and what it's like to be unapologetically Māhū in spaces that aren't traditionally carved out for those identities.  We hope you love this episode as much as we did

Tensions, anxiety, and uncertainty is high on this historical day in American history, and we wanted to ground you in hope and unity. We share an important conversation with Yinka Freeman (She/her), CEO of Triple Pocket Events and Know Other Festival, a queer wellness festival based in California, created to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the LGBTQ+ community.  Yinka discusses her passion for creating wellness spaces for the queer community, and her joy as a first time voter in this country. As an immigrant from Sierra Leone who fled during the country's civil war, Yinka's unique life experiences encompass true resilience and hope. FEATURED GUEST: Yinka Freeman (She/her) @yinkagenevieve / @triplepocketevents / @knowotherfestival Yinka Freeman is a trailblazer in the event industry and has over fifteen years of experience designing, producing, and executing events. She's an event production expert, and fiercely passionate about making her client's vision come to life. As a mission-driven individual, Yinka started Triple Pocket Events with the sole desire to create diversified, valuable experiences for all kinds of people. Yinka has spearheaded events for San Diego Pride, Sum of Us Festival, Clexacon, Kaiser Permanente, and many more. Notable press features include The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Voyager, and Shoutout LA, among others. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to Radical Acceptance 00:39 Welcome to Queerify 01:09 Election Day Special 03:29 Meet Yinka Freeman 04:05 Yinka's Journey and Triple Pocket Events 05:18 The Queer Wellness Festival 08:58 Yinka's Childhood and Cultural Experiences 15:42 Navigating Racism and Immigration 21:44 Becoming a U.S. Citizen During COVID 23:13 The Importance of Voting and Resilience 29:01 Support System and Accountability 29:43 Coming Out Journey 30:42 Family Reactions and Challenges 33:12 Chosen Family and Community Support 38:16 Building a Business Empire 47:21 Festival Mission and Activism 52:41 Self-Care and Radical Acceptance 59:40 Closing Thoughts and Socials

Happy Spooky Season!

Hey lovelies! We're so excited to finally be back in your ear balls with our first full episode of Season 4! We sit and chat with the amazing duo, Jordan ‘Joho' Daniels (He/Him) and Dr. Jon Paul (They/Them) of the Black, Fat, Femme Podcast (BFF).  We dive into the intersectional experience of being queer, POC and fat plus how to use fear as a catalyst for change, how to maintain your self worth through the current political season, and building a mindset and life for yourself, where the limit does not exist (don't listen to your inner plastics). We hope you enjoy this episode! FEATURED GUESTS: Dr. Jonathan Paul Higgins (They/them) Instagram | Twitter | Website | BioSite Dr Jon Paul is a Leo and an educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader, and media critic who is passionate about television and film. A Culture Strike 2021 Disruptor and Twitter Spaces Spark Creator, Dr. Higgins is a trailblazer who is creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn't get to tell. Dr. Higgins has held positions at both Chernin Entertainment & Edith Productions and currently consults at United Artists, Amazon, and other media leaders. Some fun facts about them are that they were on “Nailed It” and that they are an avid user of Peloton. Jordan 'JoHo' Daniels (He/Him) Instagram | Twitter  JoHo is a Libra and a Fat Queer Afro-Jew writer, photographer, activist, and fashionista. As co-host of the BFF: Black Fat Femme podcast, JoHo focuses on diving deep into the guests' experiences, their power as BFFs, and their joy. As a creative, Jordan has been featured locally and nationally in publications such as Tablet Magazine, Essence, and San Diego Voyager. During his free time, Jordan plays kickball in his queer kickball league, volunteers in the community, and spends his weekends at museums and art galleries." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Welcome to Queerify! 01:48 Introducing the New Season and Guests 02:49 Meet Dr. John Paul and Joho 03:41 Diving into Personal Quirks and Interests 05:08 Discussing the Spectrum of Sexuality 05:50 Celebrity Crushes and Attraction 11:00 The Birth of the Black Fat Femme Podcast 15:40 Navigating Identity and Intersectionality 29:12 Wellness Journeys and Self-Care Practices 37:21 Nature and Personal Preferences 37:50 Relaxation and Popcorn 38:37 Social Media Habits 39:38 Good and Evil Inclinations 42:10 Advocacy and Fear 45:33 Standing Your Ground 49:07 The Power of Collective Action 54:44 Messages of Hope and Resilience 01:02:50 Radical Acceptance 01:07:57 Closing Remarks and Socials

Welcome to Queerify (formerly known as QUEST: A Journey To Wellness) where we help to demystify wellness for queer people of color. By sharing stories from folks who have opened their hearts to radical acceptance, and are taking their wellbeing into their own hands.  Our mission on this podcast is for you to feel less alone, more connected to yourself and to community. We hope this podcast brings you joy where you'll learn, laugh, heal, and grow. Hosted by V Vasquez (all pronouns), a two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker, and dad joke connoisseur.

We're back!! Did you miss us? We missed you loads and are so excited to get Season 4 up and running. As always we have more amazing guest and wellness stories to share, but the biggest change coming this season…we're rebranding!  Tune into this teaser episode to find out more of what lies ahead for us. We hope you're just as excited as we are.  With love,  The QUEST Crew

Hey QUEST fam! We're on summer break, but we didn't want to leave you hanging on Juneteenth! So this week we're featuring the amazing podcast duo Dr. Jon Paul (they/them) and Jordan ‘Joho' Daniels (he/him) from the Black, Fat, Femme (BFF) Podcast.  The BFF Podcast gives voice to two of the leading queer, fat and Black changemakers while calling in the world to examine and understand what it means to love oneself unapologetically - in a world where loving oneself often feels impossible. On this episode, the hosts chat with the incomparable Angelica Ross (she/her). They expound on the obsession that cis-gender people have with queer people, while also exploring activism, allyship and advocacy.  We hope you enjoy lovelies and have a wonderful Juneteenth. FEATURED GUEST: Dr. Jonathan Paul Higgins (They/them) is a Leo and an educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader, and media critic who is passionate about television and film. A Culture Strike 2021 Disruptor and Twitter Spaces Spark Creator, Dr. Higgins is a trailblazer who is creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn't get to tell. Dr. Higgins has held positions at both Chernin Entertainment & Edith Productions and currently consults at United Artists, Amazon, and other media leaders. Some fun facts about them are that they were on “Nailed It” and that they are an avid user of Peloton. Jordan 'JoHo' Daniels (He/Him) is a Libra and a Fat Queer Afro-Jew writer, photographer, activist, and fashionista. As co-host of the BFF: Black Fat Femme podcast, JoHo focuses on diving deep into the guests' experiences, their power as BFFs, and their joy. As a creative, Jordan has been featured locally and nationally in publications such as Tablet Magazine, Essence, and San Diego Voyager. During his free time, Jordan plays kickball in his queer kickball league, volunteers in the community, and spends his weekends at museums and art galleries." WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here THE TEAM: ♊ Host: V Vasquez (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ ♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ ♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ ♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast produced by ⁠pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).  Episode transcripts available by email request⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/questwellnesspod/message

It's the end of our season Queer Kittens, thank you so much for joining us on this amazing ride, we couldn't have done it without you!

Queer kittens this episode is one for the books! This week we share sacred space with the host of  “A Little Juju Podcast w/ Juju Bae”.  Juju (She/her) is an Oshún Priestess, author, star on the Emmy/GLAAD nominated Hulu series “Living For The Dead”, and an all-around “bad bitch witch”.  In this episode, Juju discusses the impact of colonialism as a child growing up in Baltimore, and how de-colonizing her spiritual practices led her to find her voice.  She talks about her connection to her Ancestors, and how this has greatly impacted her wellness, her work as a healer and her role as an educator on spiritual traditions of the Black Diaspora. We also discuss her upcoming book, 'The Book of Juju: Africana Spirituality for Healing, Liberation, and Self-Discovery” aimed at empowering readers to engage with their ancestral spiritual practices in order to find healing, liberation and self-discovery.  Instagram | Podcast | Linktree | Website

We're excited to be back with the incredibly talented Toushai (@toushai). Toushai is a Puerto-Rican Lesbian, multi-faceted artist known for her contributions to the QTBIPOC community through music, tattoos, and the creation of the widely popular #TEEFTuesdays.  Tune into the beautiful sounds of nature in the background as we discuss with Toushai the power of self-reflection, silence and internal healing. Toushai discusses how her music is a healing space where she processes emotions, and how she hopes to empower others by sharing her story through her songs. V and Toushai also discuss the transformative power of nature, and how a simple hike can positively affect your emotional and spiritual growth.  FEATURED GUEST: Toushai (she/her) @toushai Lesbo, artist (music/tattoo/bodyart) Sagittarius Sun/Scorpio Moon. I am Boricua from Perth Amboy / Carteret, NJ. I cook 90% of my meals all vegan/gluten free ; never tasted vegan food that taste like my grandma's food till I made mine. Raspberries make my throat small. I have 3 brothers names Luis along with my dad, uncle and grandpa, all with the same initials. Super athlete. Creator of #TEEFtuesday. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Self-Care 00:36 Introducing the Podcast: A Queer Compass 01:19 Spotlight on Touche: A Multifaceted Artist's Journey 03:07 Touche's Personal and Artistic Evolution 07:27 From Childhood to Queer Identity: Touche's Story 10:39 Athletic Achievements and Coaching Success 15:02 Navigating Anger and Healing Through Self-Reflection 27:13 Exploring Silence, Nature, and Self-Discovery 30:02 Emotional Release Through Music 30:36 Discovering New Music and Emotional Connections 31:44 The Power of Silence and Self-Reflection 32:57 Exploring Meditation and Mindfulness 34:10 Spirituality Beyond Religion 35:35 Family's Spiritual Influence and Experiences 38:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance 40:19 The Impact of Reading and Personal Growth 41:40 Starting a Spiritual Journey and Embracing Nature 44:02 Transitioning to Veganism for Health 45:55 The Art of Vegan Cooking and Future Projects 47:35 Radical Acceptance and Self-Care 49:21 Closing Thoughts and Social Media Connect WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here THE TEAM: ♊ Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ ♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ ♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ ♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast produced by ⁠pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).  Episode transcripts available by email request⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/questwellnesspod/message

On this latest episode we get vulnerable with the one and only Luis Cornejo (He, Him, They, Them) a Queer, Indigenous, Latinx(e), Licensed Marriage & Family/Sex Therapist, a model and host of the podcast, Queer Magic. Luis shares his journey towards embracing his queer expression, and how being authentic impacted his private practice serving the QTBIPOC community. He also discusses the importance of healthy relationships in personal growth, and how being honest about your personal experience can help you heal through trauma.  We hope this episode brings you closer to YOU queer kittens!  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Self-Care 00:53 Introducing the Hosts: Stories of Queer Identity and Empowerment 02:49 Journey to Self-Discovery: Moving Away and Finding Oneself 04:10 The Transformative Power of College and Embracing Queerness 12:37 Unpacking Religious Trauma and Embracing Queer Identity 15:33 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and Launching a Private Practice 33:43 Overcoming People Pleasing and Embracing Authenticity 36:19 Unlearning People Pleasing: A Journey to Self-Love 36:57 The Roots of People Pleasing: Trauma and Survival 38:32 Personal Growth: From Self-Neglect to Self-Care 40:20 The Power of Supportive Relationships 41:07 Love and Learning in a Long-Term Partnership 42:55 Embracing Differences: The Dynamics of a Complementary Relationship 44:16 Navigating Love, Self-Discovery, and Therapy Together 46:11 The Importance of Communication and Empathy in Relationships 49:37 Green Flags and Red Flags in Connections 59:49 Radical Acceptance and Self-Care: Closing Thoughts WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here THE TEAM: ♊ Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ ♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ ♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ ♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast produced by ⁠pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him). Episode transcripts available by request⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/questwellnesspod/message

This week we chat with the wonderfully unique and multi-talented, Alexis Benefield (she/her). Alexis is a Black/Filipina Bay Area native, queer femme, and multidisciplinary artist, designer and community organizer, who believes we are all perfectly and uniquely made beings finding our way back home to ourselves ✨ We discuss her community driven projects SIS (Solidarity in Sisterhood) and Tender, aimed at fostering BIPOC liberation by creating safe spaces for artistic expression and healing in nature.  We hear about Alexis' need for a community that she felt aligned with. Which led to her creating events that specifically focus on healing spaces for BIPOC to be seen, heard, and supported in their wellness journeys.  We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we're honored to feature the artist THEIA (she/her), a proud ‘wahine moe wahine' (lesbian) from the Waikato-Tainui and Ngaati Tiipaa tribes of New Zealand. Theia shares her journey as an artist, and how her Māori upbringing and identity influenced her music and activism. She shares her deep connection to her indigenous heritage, discussing the importance of language, traditional practices, and the concept of radical acceptance. She also examines self-care through the lense of culture, spirituality, and queerness.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Self-Care 00:35 Introducing the Hosts: A Celebration of Queer Identity 03:57 Exploring Intersectionality: Race, Culture, and Spirituality 04:36 The Power of Language and Tradition in Māori Culture 06:21 Understanding Incantations and Spiritual Practices 13:46 The Significance of the Haka in Māori Culture 19:29 Wellness Practices and Cultural Healing 28:14 Art, Activism, and the Impact of Colonialism 30:12 Navigating Identity and Culture Through Art 31:04 The Power of Performance in Community Spaces 34:36 Embracing Bilingualism in Music Projects 37:08 Upcoming Releases and the Importance of Language 37:42 Tour Dates and How to Stay Connected 40:09 Spotlighting Influential Māori Musicians 43:23 Closing Thoughts on Radical Acceptance and Self-Care 49:19 Final Blessings and Podcast Wrap-Up FEATURED GUEST: Theia (⁠@theiaofficialxo⁠) makes unapologetic, trailblazing bilingual (Māori language) alternative music! Staunchly independent and writing political, challenging anthems, the enigmatic artist who proudly represents her indigenous Māori heritage hails from Aotearoa, New Zealand and is now based in Los Angeles. Theia has clocked up more than 17 million streams on Spotify alone and has earned critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone and Billboard Magazine, which described her as “one of the most exciting voices to emerge from New Zealand in the last five years”. Theia's now gearing up to release her debut album, which she revealed for the first time at the official LA Pride 2023 afterparty and headlining Sum Of Us festival in the Sierra Nevada mountains in September. In February she is playing the sold out Camp A Lo Hum, in March she is headlining Vancouver queer club night Babes On Babes and the prestigious WOMAD festival. In April 2024 she is performing at Miami Beach Pride, in May she is performing at Belltown Bloom in Seattle. Theia is of the Waikato-Tainui and Ngaati Tiipaa tribes. STAR SIGN : Libra QUEER FUN FACT : “In my native language te reo Maaori, 'moe' means both 'to marry' and 'to sleep with' - our phrase for 'lesbian' is 'wahine moe wahine' which means 'a woman who marries or sleeps with women' - i think that's incredibly beautiful and tender." WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. THE TEAM: Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ Music: Produced and Composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast is produced by pukapuka. Episode transcripts available by request ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/questwellnesspod/message

Hey there Queer Kittens!  This episode we're so excited to bring you one half of the Bad Queers (@badqueerspod) podcast duo Shana Sumers! Hang with us and Shana as we discuss life, community and what it means to be a gold member of the Beyhive. Shana shares her journey from being a music therapist,  to working for the HER app and how that led to the creation of the Bad Queers Podcast.  She also discusses her current role as the senior manager of diversity, equity and inclusion at Hubspot, and how she focuses on the importance of building safe, identity-based professional spaces.  We hope you enjoy!  FEATURED GUEST: Shana Sumers (she/her) Shana is the Co-Host and Creator of Bad Queers Podcast. By day, Shana is a corporate baddie building online communities for professionals who deserve it most (aka those of us from underestimated backgrounds and identities) in order to help them achieve their professional goals. Shana is an Aquarius and has no idea what that means and my queer fun fact is that I used to work for a queer dating app. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to Radical Acceptance and Self Care 00:37 Meet the Host: Vee's Journey and Mission 01:15 Confessions and Introducing Shana Summers 03:51 Shana Summers: A Force in the Queer Community 07:52 Beyoncé Trivia: Testing Shana's 'Gold Member' Status 16:51 Being Black and Queer: Shana's Perspective 20:16 Community Building: Shaina's Impact and Experience 20:44 Finding Purpose in Mission-Driven Work 21:13 Unexpected Career Shifts: From Music Therapy to Community Building 21:39 The Journey to Australia and Joining the 'HER' App 23:01 Returning Home and Navigating Career Challenges 24:13 The Unexpected Job Offer and Moving to Arizona 25:06 Starting Community at 'HER' and the Evolution of the Brand 26:52 The Birth of 'Bad Queers' Podcast 27:33 Transitioning to New Work and Building Communities for Professionals 28:19 The Importance of Community and Networking 30:56 Self-Care and Personal Well-being 33:08 The Power of Community and Building Foundations 36:07 Resources for Community Building and Professional Growth 40:31 The Impact of Community Events and the Power of 'Yes' 42:49 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. THE TEAM: Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ Music: Produced and Composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with ⁠Kinoko Chocolates⁠ & ⁠Puka Puka Creative⁠. Episode transcripts available by request ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠.

“All walls gon' fall, free them all, free them all.” On this week's episode we discuss black liberation and collective wellness through the power of sex magick with the incredible, Halo the Gxdbody (they/them). Halo opens up about their own journey of exploration, and how the combination of black sex magick and BDSM practices has brought them closer to their divine energy. They believe that through intentional sex magick, marginalized communities have the power to manifest social justice and collective liberation.  FEATURED GUEST: Halo is a Queer, non-binary magical Black radical, anti-capitalist alchemist, shapeshifter and shift shaper currently residing in East Oakland, CA. Halo is the creator of the #fuckthesystem series in the 2020 Navel LA: ASSEMBLIES cohort which explored the role of radical thought, sacral healing and sex magic in re-imagining Black liberation. Read their article, “Black Sex Magick: How Activating Pleasure Can Change the World” on The Other Almanac and listen to their track “FBW” from the #fuckthesystem assembly mentioned in the episode. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:17 Celebrating Black Liberation and Introduction of Special Guest 02:05 Exploring Sexual Wellness and Liberation 02:26 Discussion on HALO's Article and Concept of Black Sex Magic 03:02 Introduction to Carnal Alchemy 03:50 Guest Introduction and Personal Journey 04:29 Exploring Creativity and Expression 05:17 Understanding Sacral Magic and Chakras 06:22 Guest's Personal Healing Journey and Self-Care Practices 09:36 Exploring the Concept of Sex Magic 10:40 Understanding the Power of Healing Sacral Chakras 14:21 Discussion on Kink and BDSM as Somatic Experiences 19:26 Exploring the Connection between Sex and Pleasure 22:56 Understanding Sex Magic as a Divining Tool 24:30 Practical Ways to Incorporate Sex Magic into Personal Life 26:54 Harnessing Orgasmic Energy 28:00 Sex Magic Rituals for Liberation 29:57 Exploring Personal Sexuality and Ancestry 36:36 The Power of Collective Energy and Ritual 38:27 The Future of Collective Rituals 40:26 The Intersection of Tech and Magic 42:47 Closing Thoughts and Shout-outs WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. THE TEAM: Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ Music: Produced and Composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast is produced in collaboration with ⁠Kinoko Chocolates⁠ & ⁠Puka Puka Creative⁠. Episode transcripts available by email request ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠.

We're celebrating Black History Month by featuring an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Bad Queers hosted by Shana and Kris. They beautifully weave the black queer experience, pop culture, entertainment, and so much more. We hope you enjoy this episode queer kittens! FEED DROP: BAD QUEERS | EPISODE 192: For the second year in a row, Angela Bassett did the thing. This time with Regina King.This week, we circle back to Katt Williams' interview and the fallout from  Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard and the emerging anti-DEI culture war. In politics, trans youth in Louisiana are suing the state over their ban on gender-affirming care. In Am I A Bad Queer, we talk friends with benefits vs. dating apps (and the limitations of vibrators) and if having an LGBTQ+ family member you respect prevents you from being homo/transphobic. Are lesbians who intentionally try to "turn" straight women a service to the community or problematic? Is Lil Nas X the most disrespected young superstar of all time? We answer in Bad Queer opinions.Shoutouts:Shana: Black Alphabet - Black LGBTQ+ nonprofit arts organization based in Chicago with national/international programming. They are committed to giving the Black LGBTQ+ community a voice through the arts and media. They host art therapy, film festivals and more  - Follow @black_alphabet  Kris: Segregation By Design - IG page featuring data & remastered historic photos documenting the destruction of communities of color by redlining, highways & urban renewal IG: @segregation_by_design Affiliates we actually loveSupport Lucky Skivvies and our pod by using coupon code badqueers10 for 10% off your next purchase. Treat your butt today.Shop NowEmail us for advice at badqueerspodcast@gmail.com or DM on InstagramFollow us @badqueerspod on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & Tik TokLove our soundtrack? Check out Siena Liggins: @sienaligginsLike us? Love us? Leave a review*The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use"... WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. HOST: Vanessa Vasquez aka V ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ (All Pronouns Accepted) THE CREW: Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ Music: Produced and Composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast is produced in collaboration with ⁠Kinoko Chocolates⁠ & ⁠Puka Puka Creative⁠. Episode transcripts available by email request ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠.

On this episode, we're honored to have the amazing Chhoti Maa (They/ella). Born in Guanajuato, Mexico; Chhoti Maa is a rapper, singer, and songwriter whose music is rooted in ecofeminism, migrant rights and the power of community. Their music reflects decolonial living, ancestral medicine, queerness, love and radical sisterhood.  We discuss Chhoti's passion for learning their ancestral traditions, what sparked their wellness journey, how they've embraced their intersectionality, plus the role of compassionate listening of Indigenous Peoples. Listen and download their music on Bandcamp. We hope you enjoy the episode Queer Kittens!  FEATURED GUEST: Chhoti Maa started in 2007 within the migrant rights movement and hip hop scene of Richmond, VA. The production team expanded in 2012 with beto guapoflaco and Keith Avelino Hernandez. The music of Chhoti Maa is rooted in community organizing, hip hop, neufolk, r&b, cumbia, migrant soul and oral tradition. It reflects decolonial living, ancestral medicine, queerness, migrant empowerment, love and radical sisterhood. To date, Chhoti Maa has performed, collaborated and taught in Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, China, US, Cuba, Spain, Qatar, U.A.E., Ghana, Sweden, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and multiple Indigenous nations. Chhoti Maa has released two studio albums Agua Corre (2016) and Caldo de Hueso (2018) featuring musical legends such as jazz saxophonist Howard Wiley, flautist KJ Pied Piper of the Bay, cumbia accordionist Ivan Flores and Native emcee Dioganhdih. 7 Luminarias is set to release in 2024. As the creative engine of Chhoti Maa, Vreni Michelini-Castillo is also a cultural producer, curator, educator and organizer based in Huichin, Ohlone land (Oakland, CA). WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. HOST: Vanessa Vasquez aka V ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ (All Pronouns Accepted) THE CREW: Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) ⁠@steviesees⁠ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠ Music: Produced and Composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram ⁠@questwellnesspod⁠ Be a guest on the pod ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠ Podcast is produced in collaboration with ⁠Kinoko Chocolates⁠ & ⁠Puka Puka Creative⁠.Episode transcripts available by email request ⁠questwellnesspod@gmail.com⁠.

Listen in as the QUEST team, Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) and Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) define what radical acceptance means to them, and how they apply it to their own lives and to others they love.  We discuss cultivating healthy boundaries with family and friends in order to honor authenticity, and what it means to be radical when faced with adversity and dysfunction.  We hope this episode brings you clarity of spirit, and closer to your own sacred strength

“What is your gift? What is the medicine you can give to the world?” - Madame Gandhi Happy 2024 folks! We're so excited to be back with you and to be starting this season off with such an amazing guest.  In this episode, we sit down with Madame Gandhi (she/her). She is a musician, activist, gender liberation and personal empowerment speaker. Listen in as we discuss tools to overcome life's roadblocks and ways to stay connected to your own personal power. May this new year bring you joy, where you learn, laugh, heal and GROW

Hello Queer Kittens! 2023 is nearing its end, and we wanted to take this chance to reflect and recharge amongst community. In this episode we have Aïma The Dreamer (They/Them/Femme) joining us in meaningful and healing conversation. They are a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and activist based in Oakland, CA. They use their art as a tool for liberation by uplifting the principles of QTBIPOC empowerment, intersectional feminism, women's rights, and anti-racism. Listen in as we discuss current global affairs and how we can show up authentically for ourselves and for humanity.  FEATURED GUEST: Aïma Paule (They/Them/Femme), also known as Aïma the Dreamer, is a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, and activist based in Oakland, CA. With a career spanning over two decades, Aïma has made a significant impact locally, nationally, and internationally through their art exhibitions, performances, event productions, and event hosting. As a living embodiment of intersectionality, Aïma embraces their Queer mixed-race identity, which encompasses Black, Indigenous, North African Amazigh, Arab, and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. As the first-generation child of an immigrant single mother and a survivor of homelessness, assault, and poverty, Aïma possesses a deeply personal understanding of life's complexities. Aïma's artistry serves as a powerful tool for liberation, as they utilize mixed art disciplines to uplift the diverse voices and perspectives of their communities. Their work is deeply rooted in the principles of QTBIPOC empowerment, intersectional feminism, women's rights, and anti-racism. Follow Aïma on all platforms @aimathedrmr  Linktree / Bandcamp Music / Makers Page @huemanstyle Watch And Follow FemmeRage Film Website / Instagram

On this episode, we are reclaiming the holiday season with our guest, Bex Mui (She/her). We discuss the importance of setting intentional practices for yourself during the holidays in order to enter the new year with some ease. Bex also discusses her QTBIPOC-centered spiritual play space, “House of Our Queer” and book, “House of Our Queer: Healing, Reframing and Reclaiming Your Spiritual Practice”.  We hope that this episode will help you cultivate ease into your holidays Queer Kittens.

On this episode, we had the privilege of talking to the incredible and multifaceted Sie Savage Chambers @ThaPlantbasedSavage⁠. He is a Southern-born, Plant-Based Wellness Coach, Chef, Educator, Creator, Poet, Community Organizer, and Founder of @Hyer_wellness. We discuss all things gut health, and what it's like navigating family holiday dynamics while living a plant-based lifestyle. Sie also highlights some simple food/ingredient alternatives that can improve your mental, physical, and emotional health.  We hope these tips help you navigate the holiday season with your own care in mind!  Use Sie's referral code to get 10% off a Magic Pop Mic! WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. THE CREW: Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by email request questwellnesspod@gmail.com.

Halloween has arrived Queer Kittens!  Now is the time to let our true-est self come out and play, and there is no better person to help us do just that than Helixir Jynder Byntwell!  Helixir (he/they) is a gender-bending trans-nonbinary Drag King who is taking the Bay Area by storm. Join us as we discuss the magic of transformation and how Helixir found authenticity through drag and by leaning in on their community.  Shine on, Spooky Kitties!  FEATURED GUEST:  Helixir (he/they) @helixirdrag is the crowned San Francisco Drag King of 2022. This black, trans non-binary, queer drag king is your local emo sad-boi and the dapper daddy of your dreams! He's also a gender affirming barber in SF, so if you want a haircut hit him up @jenjibarber!  THE CREW: Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by email request questwellnesspod@gmail.com.

Happy October Queer Kitties!  In this episode, we welcome back one of our amazing guests, Melissa from episode “The Giver (2020 Wrap-up)”. Listen in as we glimpse some of her incredible personal growths and life changes since last year at Sum Of Us festival.  We were also blessed to get a chance to speak to Melissa's kiddo, Morgan, who gave us a new perspective on their mother's transformation, as well as a look into their own personal journey towards wellness.  Hope you enjoy!  FEATURED GUESTS: Melissa (all pronouns): @felicia_tamaguchi Morgan (they/them): @morgana_97 WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here THE CREW: Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by email request questwellnesspod@gmail.com.

Hey Queer Kittens! Join our host, V as they guide you on a QUEST to discover what radical self love and acceptance really means. You'll hear inspiring stories, alternative wellness practices, and resources from people in our community along their own personal QUEST for wellness. QUEST: Q = Queers sharing wellness experiences U = Understanding the past, present, future and how that impacts our wellness E = Education, the source evidence and resources behind the truth S = Storytelling, powerful and courageous stories from our community leaders T = Transformation because self-discovery and care is a lifelong journey THE TEAM: Host: V (All pronouns accepted) @lovenessmonsta Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All pronouns accepted) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/her) @la.vida.bruja14 CONTACT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us with thoughts and feedback questwellnesspod@gmail.com Music produced and composed by BASK. This podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates and Puka Puka Creative.

Hey Queer Kitties! We've missed you! For our new listeners we welcome you with open arms. Come hang out with the QUEST crew in our first episode of season 3 kick-off. You will hear the team discuss some of our summer highlights, set backs, and learning moments. We have a lot to catch you up on, so tune in!  Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here. THE CREW: Host: Vanessa Vasquez aka V ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠ (All Pronouns Accepted) Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Some episode transcripts available here. Send us a request questwellnesspod@gmail.com.

Be an official supporter of the podcast DONATE HERE if you are able. Happy Pride Queer Kittens! For our final episode of season two we wanted to honor this month of celebration/protest by featuring a true beacon of hope in the SF community; the amazingly talented Niko Storment!  Niko Storment (He/They) is a transgender event producer, videographer/photographer, and singer-songwriter. He is the founder and creator of Rosen Creative House (RCH), a creative agency aiming to center and uplift the art of queer women and transgender people.  Listen in as Niko discusses his journey to wellness in the queer nightlife of SF, and how producing events/ safe spaces for his community brings him purpose and joy.  Niko shares how centering trans joy in his work and life amidst the current political climate keeps him hopeful, and is his form of protest against the powers working against the trans community.  We hope you enjoy this episode. Until next season Queer Kittens!   FEATURED GUEST: Niko Storment (he/they) is a transgender event producer, videographer/photographer, and singer-songwriter. He is the founder and creator of Rosen Creative House (RCH), a creative agency aiming to center and uplift the art of queer women and transgender people. Through RCH, Niko is able to produce a multitude of events and projects like The Trans Futures Stage at SF Pride, VAMP - A Queer and Trans Dance Party, The Trans Agenda - a trans podcast by Transclinique, The Queer Wellness Symposium, and many other projects. You can find out more about Niko at www.rosencreativehouse.com, or by following him on Instagram Niko Storment  IG : @Niko_storment  @vamp.queerevents  @rosencreativehouse Linktree : Rosen Creative House Website + Upcoming Events WELLNESS RESOURCES: Check out all of the resources mentioned in our episodes here. HOST: V aka Vanessa Vasquez @lovenessmonsta (All Pronouns Accepted).  THE CREW: Executive Producers: Stevie Cua (all pronouns accepted) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) Cover art designer: Ace Vincenzo Canzone (He/Him) @thehoodedace CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

Be an official supporter of the podcast DONATE HERE if you are able. Spring has Sprung Queer Kittens, it's time to dust off the cobwebs of winter! This episode we will be giving you some tips on how to incorporate the energy of spring into your life and spirit. Join us as we talk to our associate producer Raphaella Landestoy, as she shares some of her favorite cleansing practices for your mind, body and home. We hope this episode will help recharge your life and bring you closer to your authentic self!  FEATURED GUEST: Raphaella Landestoy @la.vida.bruja14 (She/Her), Associate Producer of QUEST Wellness Podcast She's an Afro-Latina, Colombian y Dominicana from the Bay Area. An energy healer, bad bitch witch from the House of Hufflepuff. She haas a love for hiking, traveling, and getting weird with those I love, has a big heart and even bigger hair. WELLNESS RESOURCES DOC:  Check out the doc for all the resources listed in each episode. HOST: V aka Vanessa Vasquez (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta Kori Houston (He/Them) ⁠@who_lost_grandpa THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/Them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (She/He/Them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) Cover Art Designer: Ace Vincenzo Canzone (He/Him) @thehoodedace CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

Be an official supporter of the podcast DONATE HERE if you are able to. Join us on our part 2 of the mushroom spectrum where work to de-stigmatize psilocybin and bring attention to its powerful medicinal and spiritual capabilities. We discuss the history of the psychedelic renaissance, different social/political impacts psychedelics have had in the United States, and give you useful tips and information on how to use mushrooms in your own wellness journeys.  Plus our co-hosts, Vanessa, Kori and our guest, Stevie Cuo co-founder of Kinoko Chocolates dive into their own transformational and trippy stories using psychedelic mushrooms in their wellness practice.  We hope you enjoy Queer Kittens!  FEATURED GUEST: Our guest this week is one of our amazing Executive Producers Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted. They are also the Co-Founder of Kinoko Chocolates, a functional mushroom chocolate bar brand that is making the consumption of healthy mushrooms easy and delicious. Born and raised in San Francisco, Stevie aims to anchor their entrepreneurial endeavors in the power of intention, the optimization of self and community. WELLNESS RESOURCES: All the resources mentioned on each episode in this doc here. HOST: V aka Vanessa Vasquez @lovenessmonsta (All Pronouns Accepted).  THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/Them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/Them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) Cover art designer: Ace Vincenzo Canzone (He/Him) @thehoodedace CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

Be an official supporter of the podcast DONATE HERE if you are able. On this week's episode we'll be talking all things mushrooms! Join us as we deep dive into the wonderful world of functional fungi and some of the amazing benefits they hold for not only our bodies, but also this planet.  Our guest this week is one of our Executive Producers, Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted), who is an all around fantastic human. Stevie is also the Co-Founder of Kinoko Chocolates, a functional mushroom chocolate bar brand that is making the consumption of healthy mushrooms easy and delicious.  We will be going over our top 5 uses of mushrooms, and why incorporating these amazing fungi into your daily life will not only enrich your body, but also your soul. We hope you enjoy the episode! WELLNESS RESOURCES: We have all the resources mentioned on each episode right here. HOST: V aka Vanessa Vasquez @lovenessmonsta (All Pronouns Accepted).  THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/Them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/Them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) Cover art designer: Ace Vincenzo Canzone (He/Him) @thehoodedace CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

Be an official supporter of the podcast DONATE HERE if you are able. Radically loving our bodies is an act of rebellion, and our guest this week is living by that mindset. Listen in as we talk to Luca Yacón, the founder of Radically Fit Oakland, the Bay Area's radical community gym rooted in fat liberation & joyful movement for all queer, trans, black and brown folks and allies, regardless of experience, size or ability. In this episode we discuss what effects fat phobia, anti-blackness, and white supremacy can have on our self worth, and what tools we can use to begin to liberate ourselves and our bodies. FEATURED GUEST: Luca Yacón (They/Them) Founder/Owner Radically Fit Oakland Luca Yacón is the founder of Radically Fit, The Bay Area's radical community gym rooted in fat liberation & joyful movement for all queer, trans, Black and brown folks and their allies, regardless of experience, size or ability. They are a Queer, Trans, Non-binary, Guatemalan adoptee living in Oakland, CA. They love to lift heavy weights, hangout with their dog Logan, rest & build community. RADICALLY FIT GYM IG @RadicallyFitOakland Get a 2 week UNLIMITED pass $20 for BIPOC / $49 for Allies at radicallyfitoakland.com. Queer & Well event on Earth Day, Sat April 22nd WELLNESS RESOURCES DOC: Check out the doc for all the resources listed in each episode. HOST: V aka Vanessa Vasquez @lovenessmonsta (All Pronouns Accepted). THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/Them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (She/He/Them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) Cover Art Designer: Ace Vincenzo Canzone (He/Him) @thehoodedace CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

Be an official supporter of the podcast DONATE HERE if you are able. Happy Valentine's Day Queer Kittens! In this episode of QUEST we bring attention to the most important expression of love there is; radical self love. Join us as we chat with our amazing guest Kaylynn Marisol aka The Vulva Witch, a positive body image activist, sex educator and birth doula. In this episode we dive deep into Kaylynn's journey towards radical self love and acceptance, while also learning some amazing self love practices that can aid you on your own path. We discuss the importance of healthy self-talk and recognizing how our society oppresses our worth, and how we can begin to dismantle that. We love and support you Queer Kittens and hope that this episode will help you on your radical journey of self-love. FEATURED GUEST: Kaylynn Marisol (she/her) is a queer femme, wife, mama, birth doula, sex educator and positive body image advocate. I am a queer, femme, WOC, self-relationship and body-connection educator. I am on this earth to challenge the ways in which we view our bodies through a toxic, systemically oppressive lens. I am dedicated to advocating for the liberation of all bodies through accessible education, conversation and community. WELLNESS RESOURCES: HOST: V aka Vanessa Vasquez @lovenessmonsta (All Pronouns Accepted). THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/Them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/Them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14 Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him) Cover art designer: Ace Vincenzo Canzone (He/Him) @thehoodedace CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

Be an official supporter of our podcast DONATE HERE if you are able to. Happy New Queer! We are recharged and ready to bring you amazing stories and resources for 2023. In this episode, our host V and guest co-host Kori Houston (our Executive Producer) catch us up on their holiday season and discuss alternative ways of thinking about new year's resolutions that can be more kind to the mind and heart. They also discuss the idea of "Dry January" and how alcohol use has impacted their lives and health, all while giving helpful tools and resources for those wanting to change their relationship to drinking. WELLNESS RESOURCES: Southern New Hampshire University Dry January Tips Article Yahoo “Dry January, Explained” article “What Alcohol does to your Body, Brain and Health” by Andrew Huberman Podcast New Moon / Full Moon Prayer on Instagram SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAFE Project Addiction and Mental Health Resources Alcoholics Anonymous Gabor Maté renowned addiction expert “How To Change Your Mind” documentary on Netflix Kaylynn Marisol aka The Vulva Witch Sum Of Us Festival HOSTS: V aka Vanessa @lovenessmonsta (All pronouns accepted). A two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker and dad joke connoisseur. THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/her) @la.vida.bruja14 CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod Email us your community S/O questwellnesspod@gmail.com Music produced and composed by our third amigo, BASK. Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for free support at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In the last few months of this podcast…we have hit the highs and the lows in our quest for wellness with you. We want to thank you for embracing all of our stories and the folks that we've had on the pod so far. This month we dove deeply into suicide ideation and prevention. We know the depths of emotions that could have triggered you. We hope it hasn't been too taxing to listen to. We have been shedding more tears than We could have imagined throughout this month We wrap-up 2022 with V and Allena sharing their QUEST highlights and biggest learnings. Plus a bonus guest, our dear friend, Melissa; Who we met and camped with this past May at Sum Of Us Festival. She wholeheartedly shares her journey to find wellness, community, resources and most importantly her own self worth. WELLNESS RESOURCES: Donate to July Muñozs' scholarship fund by going to Horizons Foundation website and add “July Muñoz Spirit Award'' in the additional information section. Sum Of Us Festival, the first LGBTQ+ Women & Trans Identities @sumofusfest. Get your early bird tickets now! HOSTS: V aka Vanessa : All pronouns accepted. A two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker and dad joke connoisseur. Mexican/Indigenous Yaqui & Hopi Nations / Filipinx @lovenessmonsta. Allena : AfroLatina, she/her pronouns. A cat lady queer, your empirical evidence bae and likes to keep it funky 420 @allena.thecomrade. THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/her) @la.vida.bruja14 CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod. Email us with thoughts and feedback questwellnesspod@gmail.com. Music produced and composed by our third amigo, BASK. Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available here.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, text/call 988 for free support at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. “It's not enough to change the external environment. You must deal with changing the self-destructive processes, the inner patterns that erode the self and mental wellbeing.” - Dr. Israel Orbach (1943-2010) On this week's episode of QUEST we continue our conversation around the more shadow aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience. Our hosts and guest will be discussing “suicide prevention / harm reduction practices” on this episode, while also going over some research / data around suicides in the LGBTQ+ community. We get open and vulnerable with our guest Anna Richmond who is a Clinical Training, Competency Specialist and LGBTQ+ Navigator at TLC Child & Family Services. She speaks on some of her experiences serving the queer youth, while also providing evidence based treatment practices that she and the organization she works with offer. She also shares some of her own stories around mental health, and how coming out to the queer youth she serves was incredibly impactful to her wellness journey. Anna also walks through the caring and thoughtful steps to take when reaching out to someone in crisis, what to do and what not to do. WELLNESS RESOURCES: LGBTQ+ Youth Resource Guide Flare Project Youth Acceptance Project Community Matters Tyler Clementi Foundation Dr. Jill Rees, PhD “Dr. Gender” HOSTS: V aka Vanessa : All pronouns accepted. A two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker and dad joke connoisseur. Mexican/Indigenious Yaqui & Hopi Nations / Filipinx @lovenessmonsta. Allena : AfroLatina, she/her pronouns. A cat lady queer, your empirical evidence bae and likes to keep it funky 420 @allena.thecomrade. THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/her) @la.vida.bruja14 CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod. Email us with thoughts and feedback questwellnesspod@gmail.com. Music produced and composed by our third amigo, BASK. Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available here.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for free support at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. “Sometimes life's a masterpiece, you paint it in the dark” - Kolohe Kai Here at QUEST we want our listeners to know from the bottom of our hearts that you are not alone. We strive to be a safe space and useful resource to our listeners, and hopefully help you on your journey towards radical self love. In this episode we talk about the more shadow aspects of the human experience, and specifically how that relates to the LGBTQ+ community. Our hosts will be discussing “suicide prevention / harm reduction practices” on this episode, while also going over some research / data around suicides in the LGBTQ+ community. They also dive into their own personal stories around some dark and light times in their lives, but just as importantly they will go over helpful tools they have used to help them navigate these experiences in the past and present. Listen in as Kori Houston (He/Them) shares part of his quest towards radical self acceptance. Kori is a self proclaimed goofball who's fumbled his way through adulthood. He is Lipan Apache and grew up in a small town of 1500 in Texas. He's a traveler of space and time through his psychedelic journeys. He's been a cultivator and student of plants and fungus. Kori is also a gogo dancer in the queer and trans community, He is a ray of sunshine in our community. A co-founder of Kinoko chocolates where he makes functional mushroom chocolates, and a producer of this podcast. He's a guy who's really trail-blazed his path. WELLNESS RESOURCES: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg Niko Storment, Producer of Rosen Creative House The Trevor Project SF LGBT Center Larkin Street Youth Program National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call or Text 988 #BeThe1To (For more guidance on steps you can take to help someone thinking of suicide) Disaster Distress Helpline Call or Text 1-800-985-5990 (ASL Now)

Although the holiday season has arrived, we believe that re-indigenizing your life is a all-year long practice. We wanted to spend this episode shining a light on our indigenous communities fighting every day to regain sovereignty, and take a look at what indigenous joy looks like. We chat with Two-Spirit community leaders, Victoria/Victor, Batul True Heart, and Kenta while at the Indigenous Red Market in Oakland to find out what wellness means to them and how indigenous and non-indigenous folks can incorporate traditional practices in their own lives. We hope to honor those that historically have not had a voice, while also bringing you information and tools to both de-colonizing and re-indigenizing your life. Hope you enjoy! OUR GUESTS: Kenta @kenta.chumil (all pronouns except He/Him) Victoria/Victor @creative_mudafukah (They/Them but All are Welcome), Shuumi Land Trust @sogoreatelandtrust Batul True Heart @maasomedicina (They/Them/Aapo) Maaso Medicina Store

On the third stop of our QUEST we dive into “Play” and why it should be incorporated into our wellness practices. We explore different methods of play with our guests and co-hosts; from having an adventurous spirit, to incorporating art into your daily life. Our guests discuss some of their play methods; like creating sound healing in and out of the nightclub and even performing comedy. But as our host Allena points out, it can be as simple as playing Mario Kart with your friends! We chat with the high-spirited comedian and actress Jacq The Stripper at the Sum Of Us Festival and DJ CLA, a badass international DJ and sound healer. Listen in to hear how they've both incorporated play into their lives! OUR GUESTS: Jacq The Stripper @jacqthestripper is a serious artist. Author of irreverent titles like The Beaver Show, Striptastic and Divorce Illustrated. She is free, expensive and does not currently have a fixed address. DJ CLA @djcla plays for some of the top-grossing nightclubs on the Las Vegas strip. Her high energy sets energize crowds locally, nationally and internationally, from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas. There's no place C.L.A. would rather be than behind two turntables and a mixer, she happily calls her “office.” WELLNESS RESOURCES: Chani Nicholas Abraham Hicks Lousie Hay Dr. Wayne Dyer Jay Sheti Lewis Howes Aubrey Marcus Insight Timer Dr. Masaru Emoto OUR HOSTS: V aka Vanessa : All pronouns accepted. A two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker and dad joke connoisseur. Mexican/Indigenious Yaqui & Hopi Nation / Filipinx @lovenessmonsta. Allena : AfroLatina, she/her pronouns. A cat lady queer, your empirical evidence bae and likes to keep it funky 420 @allena.thecomrade. THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/them) @who_lost_grandpa & Stevie Cua (They/them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/her) @la.vida.bruja14 CONNECT: Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod. Email us with thoughts and feedback questwellnesspod@gmail.com. Music produced and composed by our third amigo, BASK. Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available here.

On the second stop of our QUEST: Part 2 of “Community Is The Cure”, we journey bravely towards the question; how does community mold our sense of self, and what ways can it positively impact our well-being? Listen in to our intimate firechats at last spring's Sum Of Us Festival with DJ Olga T (All pronouns accepted); a Bay Area based DJ and Queer event coordinator for over 20 years and Kenj (They/She); a non-binary inclusive strength coach and founder of CAMP (Creating Affirmative Movement Practices). In this episode you'll hear open and real conversations around our guest's paths to wellness, how community can transform and save lives, and how transitioning helped them both find their power and sense of peace. We hope this podcast brings you joy where you'll learn, laugh, heal + grow. DJ Olga T (All pronouns accepted) @djolgat A Puerto Rican lover of all things music, dogs, community and human connection through the language of rhythm and beats, born in NYC and raised in San Francisco, Olga T has an exceptional style of DJing that never fails to grab your attention on the dance floor. Known for masterfully transitioning through nearly every genre of music and often creatively implementing both analog & digital gear when spinning, Olga T consistently delivers a uniquely infectious excitement to the audience. DJing for the past 20 years while producing legendary Bay Area events year-round in addition to teaching DJ classes, creating exclusive remixes, edits and mixtapes is Olga T's full time passion. Go to www.soundcloud.com/djolgat to explore, take a listen and download a plethora of mixtapes of various music genres created by DJ Olga T. Kenj (They/she) @thecoachkenj Kenj is a non-binary inclusive strength coach and founder of CAMP (Creating Affirmative Movement Practices). With meaningful dialogue and good laughs they strive to help people in all bodies improve their relationship with movement. Ultimately she is helping create a world in which we challenge the harmful structures that limit our ability to experience movement as an activity that fulfills our physical, mental, and social health by queering fitness. OUR HOSTS: V aka Vanessa : All pronouns accepted. A two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker and dad joke connoisseur. Mexican/Indigenious Yaqui & Hopi Nation / Filipinx @lovenessmonsta. Allena : AfroLatina, she/her pronouns. A cat lady queer, your empirical evidence bae and likes to keep it funky 420. @allena.thecomrade. THE CREW: Executive Producers: Kori Houston (He/them) @who_lost_grandpa and Stevie Cua (They/them) @steviesees Producer: Leah Jackson (She/her) @djmsjackson Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/her) @la.vida.bruja14