The Lighter Side with Jay

This special episode is brought to you by Lemonada Media's No One is Coming to Save UsContinue to follow Jay across Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok for up to date analysis, musings, and assorted hijinks. As we continue to investigate what life looks like for pregnant people and parents in a post Roe America, No One is Coming to Save Us host Gloria Riviera sits down with an abortion clinic nurse who was in the middle of a procedure when the news broke about the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. They talk about what it was like in the clinic that day, what this decision will mean for the countr y's remaining abortion providers, and how it will impact those who already have difficulty accessing reproductive care. Plus, she tells Gloria about some of her most memorable patients, including girls as young as 11, 12, and 13 years old.You can find more episodes of  No One is Coming to Save Us at https://link.chtbl.com/NOICTSU Check out additional series from Lemonada Media at www.lemonadamedia.com   Show Notes This podcast is presented by Neighborhood Villages, and is brought to you with generous support from Imaginable Futures, Care For All Children by the David and Laura Merage Foundation, and Spring Point Partners.  Support the show

I'm giving my feed to important stories, starting with this one. You can listen at the #linkinbioIn this special breaking-news edition, @andyslavitt helps you understand the impact of the Supreme Court's decision on Roe v. Wade.As health clinics in several states halt abortion procedures due to thedecision, Andy gets reaction and action items from Caitlin Cruz, a reporter from Jezebel who covers reproductive rights; Grace Howard, an expert on reproductive law; and Renee Bracey Sherman areproductive justice activist protesting outside the Supreme Court. Find out what the ruling means, where to seek help if in you or someone you know is worried they could be prosecuted for their actions, and how to support those in need.To hear more of In the Bubble: https://link.chtbl.com/InTheBubbleKeep up with Andy on Twitter @ASlavitt and Lemonada Media @LemonadaMedia on Twitter and Instagram.Follow Renee Bracey Sherman, Grace Howard, and Caitlin Cruz on Twitter @RBraceySherman, @ProfGraceHoward, and @caitlinrcruz.Presented by @lemonadamedia #Roe#abortionishealthcareSupport the show

Quick rant on the SCOTUS decision on 6/24. Support the show

Hi! Quick message and update. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

This is from a year ago. It was a talk with Helen, an MTA worker in NYC whose superiors at the time didn't think masks were necessary. A year ago this was INSANE to me. That anyone would deny anyone a MASK or act as though a MASK was controversial. And here we still are. Helen is an MTA Conductor for the NYC Subway system, an organization that is losing 3-people per day to Covid-19. She and her co-workers requested masks in January and were denied. 50 of her fellow MTA workers died before masks were distributed. We talked about fun things too, but I implore you to listen to Helen's story and remember that what you are seeing on the news is lacking in one thing: humanity. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

A year has passed since the show became daily. Here is the first episode of that run. Both Stacy and Nicole are doing well a year later. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

My stirring conversation with Shauntelle, who has gone on to become the first Black Trans Executive Director of a Recovery Home in Virginia.  She has also launched a podcast dealing with the topic of inclusion in recovery, which you can check out here The idea of Transgender Visibility Day is a good -intentioned one, but it's not even 10 am and I've seen more hateful comments about the Trans community on posts like this picture than anyone should ever have to read, let alone an actual member of the community.Our Trans brothers and sisters are some of the most marginalized members of society. They are murdered at an alarming rate, and their murders are truly under-reported. Their names are un-spoken.I don't know the answers. But I do know we have to listen and learn how to help. Long after these "days" stop filling our feeds.From the Human Rights Campaign: Sadly, 2021 has already seen at least 12 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means. We say at least because too often these stories go unreported — or misreported. In previous years, the majority of these people were Black and Latinx transgender women.In 2020, HRC tracked a record number of violent fatal incidents against transgender and gender non-conforming people. A total of 44 fatalities were tracked by HRC, marking 2020 as the most violent year on record since HRC began tracking these crimes in 2013Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

In honor of Transgender Visibility Day,  a replay of my deep-dive into the life of AK, a non-binary force of nature operating out of Asbury Park, NJ. The idea of Transgender Visibility Day is a good -intentioned one, but it's not even 10 am and I've seen more hateful comments about the Trans community on posts like this picture than anyone should ever have to read, let alone an actual member of the community. Our Trans brothers and sisters are some of the most marginalized members of society. They are murdered at an alarming rate, and their murders are truly under-reported. Their names are un-spoken. I don't know the answers. But I do know we have to listen and learn how to help. Long after these "days" stop filling our feeds. From the Human Rights Campaign: Sadly, 2021 has already seen at least 12 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means. We say at least because too often these stories go unreported — or misreported. In previous years, the majority of these people were Black and Latinx transgender women.In 2020, HRC tracked a record number of violent fatal incidents against transgender and gender non-conforming people. A total of 44 fatalities were tracked by HRC, marking 2020 as the most violent year on record since HRC began tracking these crimes in 2013.https://www.glaad.org/blog/tdor-memoriamSupport the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Nate Holder and I had a long chat back in August. Since then he has gone and published ANOTHER book, which you can buy right here: https://www.thewhybooks.co.uk/shopNate is a sax player, a teacher, an advocate, a Brit, and a black man working to combat colonialism in music education. Loved every minute and glad to call Nate a pal. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Fredi was the original Joanne in Rent. She's also a powerful. brilliant, black woman, who was gracious enough to sit down with me and make me into a better interviewer. Check out all things Fredi here.Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

One of my favorite episodes. Aria and Catherine of Nutley for Black Lives, are two of the youngest, and also the most impressive, guests I've had on the show to date. These two young women are motivated and focused on getting their message out, and I am proud to give them whatever platform I can.Recently, they participated in a march in Nutley, NJ which drew headlines when a group of counter-protestors showed up to prevent the destruction of a statue of Columbus. The statue was never a part of anyone's plan, but that didn't stop them from shouting hate while Aria gave her speech. You can read about it, and even see video footage, here. Follow Nutley for Black Lives on Instagram and Facebook.Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

This summer, I spoke with a young man who made a difference in his traditionally very white/not so secretly racist town. Clarence Celius. Clarence Celius is a young, black man who grew up in Wall Township, NJ, an idyllic suburb where he describes the very "air quality" as being "filled with racism and discrimination". In light of recent events, and as an act of love for his younger twin sisters, Clarence took it upon himself to do something about it: He organized a Black Lives Matter March in Wall.Since then, Clarence has been thrust into activism at a breakneck pace. He is ready to give a part of himself over to the cause for racial equality. He bravely took me through the seemingly endless, exceedingly racist moments he has endured as black man growing up in suburbia. I applaud Clarence and implore you to follow him, as I know he will be making big waves in the future. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

My friend Khy and I had a long chat. Khy Garner is tired. He was raised to be, and is, a gentleman to the core. But, he is tired. Of the loss. Of the ignorance. Of the systemic racism. Of learning that many people he thought were allies were anything but. And, he is tired of having to repeat himself, so I made sure to put a microphone in front of him and press record. Besides that, I got to catch up with someone I greatly admire and learn more about his past, present, and future. Khy is a true teacher, and gives all of himself to his craft. It was an honor and a pleasure to chat with Mista Khy.Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Sara and I chatted a few months ago. She's done some great work since then. You should read it. Sara Benincasa wrote a book called "Agorafabulous", all about her adventures in mental health. As you would imagine, Sara has been training her whole life for a quarantine, and she is dominating by putting out stellar episodes of her podcast, "Well, This Isn't Normal" , which blends one-on-one interviews with relaxation techniques. Go listen to it. After you listen to this. She wrote more books too. It's all here. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Sara and I went to high school together in a suburb of NYC called Manalapan. It was one of those seemingly perfect places, which now has a seemingly endless list of alumni who suffer with substance use disorder. Sara told me a story of a long road to recovery, one filled with setbacks and toxic relationships, but ultimately one of inspiration and hope. This is a raw conversation about drug use, so be ready for that. But also be ready for a woman who is full of guilt over her past, but who really emanates nothing but empathy and compassion for those around her. I am so happy for her and so glad she chose my podcast as one of the first times she has publicly spoken about her past, present, and future. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

My friend Marder was the Exec Producer of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The Mick, and now, Rick and Morty.  We recorded this in June. Since then he won an Emmy for his work on Rick and Morty. He's great Enjoy Happy New Year!Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

I sat down with the USA Singers, creators of true protest music for our times. Enjoy their latest single, " Dance on Your Graves" With 5 days until the election, it is more important than ever that you get out there and vote. Donate if you can. Volunteer if you can. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

My best friend Michael Buckley tells me the story of how he met the love of his life on a cruise ship right before Corona and moved across the country to take a chance on love. UPDATE:  THEY ARE ENGAGED. Please vote. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

I talk to one of my oldest friends about our time growing up together, and our divergent paths since.  Mike takes me through his substance use disorder, and gives perhaps the most raw interview I have conducted. Mike is now one year and sixteen days sober. Since recording this episode back in April, he has been diagnosed with epilepsy and hit with a tremendous number of medical bills, while also not being able to work. If you are so inclined to do so, please visit this fundraiser in his name. Also, VOTE. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

My cousin Angela and I both grew up around addiction and abuse. We compared notes. Please vote.  Donate. Write Letters. Send Texts. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

I talk to Dr. Maggie Perry about my particular form of OCD, known as Pure O. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Day, please vote Donald Trump out of office, so that we may all get some of our mental health back. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Everything is insane. Here is one of my favorite episodes, featuring my friend Val Emmich, who has done a lot of very cool things. We learned a lot about each other during this talk, despite having known each other for over 30 years. Enjoy. Vote. Please. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Apropros of nothing, one of my favorite episodes of The Lighter Side Podcast. Stephanie Wittels Wachs and I have a lot in common. This was our first chat. You can find the second one here. Also, vote. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

On the season finale, I round out my Education Panels by speaking with Jo Ann Cimato (Theatre, English - NYC), Mike O'Keefe (Elementary,  NJ), and Kristina Ulmer (English, PA)A huge thank you to Producer Katie Mare for her work and PodBear Audio for the phenomenal editing. VOTE Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Today I am joined by Dan Wiener (Language Arts Teacher, Seattle), Marisa Brady (Theater Teacher, Arizona), and Marc Siegel (Educational Technology Specialist, NJ) for a discussion on the reopening of schools. May the odds be ever in our favor. 5Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Elaine Appleton Grant is a podcast producer, public radio broadcaster and magazine journalist. Her work has appeared in Inc., Fast Company and on NPR. She produces Business Wars Daily, a Wondery podcast about corporate rivalries. I got to geek out with her about podcasts, as well as learn all about her new venture, Podcast Allies, a consulting and production company specializing in high-quality audio storytelling. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Matt Yee has spent the better part of the last five years as Lady Celestina, his top-hat wearing drag persona. I learned all about the world of drag, how Matt has spent the last few months adjusting from a hectic schedule of working a day job and a late late night job to well, you know, and the #dragoutthevote movement, for which Lady Celestina is an ambassador Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Jess is a dear friend and former costar of mine who has had some struggles with fertility over the years. After trying every single thing she could, it took moving to Florida and living through a pandemic for her to announce to the world that she is ready to bring a mini-her into the future. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Michelle Patton is the Artistic Director of Cutting for Pureology Professional Color Care. She is a hairstylist, an educator, and an empathetic, warm person whose company I so thoroughly enjoyed, however virtual it was. We talked about her change from working in the cut and dry world of finance to the cut and dry world of hair. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Our continuing story of how the nation's schools are reopening (or not) in the midst of the insanity. Joining me this time are Frank Guastela (Middle School Biology, NJ), Jade Cintron (ESL and Theater Educator, PA), and JD Wilson (3rd Grade, Hawaii). We had a great talk, and I am proud to continue to give our nation's educators a voice as we all struggle to ensure a safe education for our children. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Anthony Giorgio Schmidt is the host of the Queer Teen Podcast, showcasing and encouraging the next generation of queer youth from across the world to stand up for what's right. He is also the Director/ Choreographer/ Production-Manager for The Golden Gays NYC, the country's premier Golden Girls drag show. We had a great talk about all of it. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Omer Basatemur is the owner of Kaya's Kitchen, a Vegan restaurant in Belmar, NJ. He has been working in, and running, vegan restaurants for decades, and he is one of the few restaurant proprietors who is growing during the pandemic, having opened a new location in Asbury Park, with plans for yet another location in the next year. We talked about all that, and Omer taught me a lot about vegan food that I did not know before. Check out his menu. Me want food. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

As we head into the reopening of schools across our nation, I am speaking with educators, school employees, administrators, and more in order to get a full picture of the situation. Today's special episode features Howard Whitmore (Music, NJ), Nicole Perkins (Cafeteria Staff, Delaware), and Deb Brown (Professor, Oregon). We talked about our various re-opening plans and discussed the impact that COVID-19 is set to have on the strangest year of education in history. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

John Flynn is on the search for the gayest movie ever. On his podcast, Two Old Queens, John and his cohost judge movies by an obscenely hysterical list of criteria in order to find the queerest flick in all the land. It's great. You will be surprised by the films in the lead John has spent years with the Upright Citizens' Brigade as a Writer/Director/Teacher/Everything, and once starred as Miranda Priestly in a musical parody of The Devil Wears Prada. I really loved this conversation in my very very tired soul. Thanks John!Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Fredi Walker Browne originated the role of JoAnne Jefferson in the Pulitzer Prize winning musical RENT!, a show which somehow got me to sleep out on the streets of New York. Overnight. Several times. I have been hearing Fredi's voice for the last 25 years, and it was beyond an honor and a pleasure to get to actually talk back.  Fredi is a no-nonsense, powerful "suburban housewife" who has carved out a lifelong career in the arts as a performer, teacher, writer, producer, director, and everything between. Please check out everything she is up to, including news on her upcoming album of protest music, at Big Spoon Productions, as well as on her Instagram. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

I met Jesse Kay when he was 15 years old and one of my tutoring students. I take full responsibility for the fact that he is now 19 and has created an all-out entrepreneurial empire, including the podcast Trendsetters, on which he recently interviewed Marc Cuban. NBD.  He also recently formed a nonprofit, Makin' Lemonade, a Coronavirus Relief Fund, and, with the help of his team, has raised over $100,000. Jesse is the kind of nineteen year old who gives you, not just hope, but excitement for the future. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Pete Capella called me out on some things that I've been thinking about ever since. Even though he committed the cardinal sin of making me think about myself, I still enjoyed the hell out of our conversation. Pete has been featured in an array of films, commercials and television. He is also an accomplished voice-over actor, lending his voice to many cartoons and video games, including Sega's Silver the Hedgehog, in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Nate Holder BA, is a musician, author, speaker and music education consultant based in London. He is an advocate for decolonising music education and has been writing, speaking and consulting on the subject for the last five years. He is also an international saxophonist,  having played in venues all around the world. His newest book,  "Why is my Piano Black and White?" is available for pre order and is already climbing the charts. It was great to chat with Nate about his history, his work, and his view of us from across the pond. Check out all things Nate at www.nateholdermusic.com Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Rajni Jacques is Fashion Director for Conde Naste. This is a very big deal, but she talks about it as though it is nothing. This is likely due to the fact that she is one of the coolest people I have ever met. Rajni is raising money for Building Black Bed Stuy, formed in response to stagnant growth when it comes to accumulating black wealth and gentrification. She is a force of nature, and I was honored to get the chance to catch up with my old friend. Class of '97 represent. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Brad Loekle is a comedian and writer who was a semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing, a talking head on TruTV's World's Dumbest, a writer for Joan Rivers, and was once hailed as "The most hilarious & wonderful a**hole” by Carrie Fisher. I concur with my Princess and enjoyed every moment of our uproarious chat!!!Check out all of this things at https://www.bradloekle.com/  Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Sara Benincasa wrote a book called "Agorafabulous", all about her adventures in mental health. As you would imagine, Sara has been training her whole life for a quarantine, and she is dominating by putting out stellar episodes of her podcast, "Well, This Isn't Normal" , which blends one-on-one interviews with relaxation techniques. Go listen to it. After you listen to this. She wrote more books too. It's all here. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Constantine Maroulis has a new album, Until I'm Wanted. He is my friend, but that does not influence me at all when I say that it has an old-school rock vibe that will melt your face off. It's available wherever you get your music. We talked about the record, the tragic loss of his good friend Nick Cordero, and how he has pivoted to some interesting live stream events during the pandemic.  We didn't talk about American Idol or Broadway, because we covered all of that the last time he was here. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Shauntelle is a black trans woman living in Richmond, VA, where she is blazing trails in the Recovery world by forming Peter's Place RVA, the first LGBTQIA+ centered recovery house organization in Richmond, VA. She puts a very human voice to the phrase "Black Trans Lives Matter" Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Danielle Moodie is the Warrior Queen of the Resistance. Her daily podcast, Woke AF, is a much needed reality check on the news of the day. That's just one of the many amazing things Danielle is doing as an activist and a journalist. We spoke in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder, and Danielle gave me advice on being an ally that I have kept in my mind ever since. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Lauren Duca is a journalist and author. She releases a weekly newsletter called "Pancake Brain" which you should subscribe to. We had an open conversation about her experiences with Teen Vogue, Fox News, and the political war in her own home. She is awesome. Read all her things. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Eileen Shaklee is the "Mama Fry" behind the popular blog, "Autism with a Side of Fries", in which she chronicles her daily life with her autistic son. Her no-nonsense , raw approach makes it easy to see why so many people find comfort in her musings. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Andrea D'Oria is a dietician with decades of experience. Her interview stands out to me because she is easily the most accessible and empathetic nutritionist I've spoken with. You should check out her website. She's awesome. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Stacey Lentz is part owner of The Stonewall Inn, and she gave me a fascinating history lesson on the origins of the Pride movement and the Stonewall Riots. She also told me all about her organization, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, as well as the story of how she went from being born in the middle of Kansas, to being part of the fabric of the LGBTQ+ movement. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

At the start of the pandemic, actor Adam Pally sat down with me from his basement to talk about the pandemic, his time on Happy Endings, parenting, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Since the show aired, Adam and the rest of the cast of Happy Endings got together to do a reunion show for charity. Adam is a genuinely good guy and I enjoyed the talk. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Gabe Clay is a chef in North Carolina, where he has lived for his entire life. I really enjoyed hearing about his experiences growing up as a "nerdy black kid" in the South as well as his newly found love of gardening. Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)

Parvesh Cheena has been in shows like Outsourced and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. He is also a prolific voice over actor and beard grower. This conversation was eerily prescient, as we discussed the topic of masks and the very American decision not to wear them. I loved talking to Parvesh!!Support the show (http://patreon.com/lightersidepodcast)