The TMI Project Podcast

Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy, will be released on April 1, 2020 with eight episodes, including:An ethnomusicologist facing her grief through stand up comedy.A gas station clerk once consumed with rage finds her true voice.A fan-fiction writer who wakes up in Benedictine Hospital Psych Ward.Over ten years, TMI Project has collected nearly 2,000 stories. And now, in The TMI Project Podcast, we’re releasing some of our favorites, along with profiles of the brave and fascinating people who got on stage and shared the stories they were most afraid to tell. It’s about the stories behind the secrets, and what happened next. Season one: Tragedy + Time = Comedy launches April 1, 2020.Useful Links:Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectEpisode Contributors:Eva Tenuto, TMI Project Co-founder, Executive Director, & Podcast Co-hostMicah Blumenthal, TMI Project Workshop Leader & Podcast Co-hostHayley Downs, TMI Project Podcast ProducerAnchor Episode: Verrna Gillis, StorytellerDusty Childress, StorytellerSam Osterhout, StorytellerErin Baretto, StorytellerErica Chase Salerno, StorytellerMargarita Meyendorff, StorytellerMaria Elena DeValle, StorytellerMarkel Mosley, StorytellerBlake Pfeil, Operations Manager, TMI ProjectSara DeRose, External Affairs Director, TMI Project

Today is March 14, 2020 and we’re scheduled to launch the TMI Project Podcast on April 1 – two weeks away. Just in time for the COVID 19 pandemic. The world has changed overnight. Right now, at the moment I’m recording this, there are more than 150 thousand cases worldwide. But that number will be higher by the time you hear this. Markets are crashing.People are losing their jobs, kids can’t go to school. The psychic and economic toll –well, we don’t know yet how bad it can get because all of this is beyond what we’ve allowed ourselves to imagine, except in the movies. And at the moment when we really need to find each other. To come together and talk and share stories –we must isolate ourselves to keep those who are most vulnerable safe. That’s the most striking irony to me. When we most need each other, we have to shut ourselves away.So this is my message in a bottle. During this time, TMI Project will remain dedicated to helping you tell your stories and we’ll help you stay connected even if we can’t be in the same room with each other right now. I don’t know what things will look like on April 1 when we officially launch. Like so many other organizations, we had to cancel our launch party.Instead, we’re going to try an experiment and invite people to come together online. We’re going to do what we do best – offer a mini TMI Project workshop with spontaneous writing and then daring ourselves to read it in community. Warts and all. It’s scary, it’s exhilarating, it’s cathartic. And for the first time, we’re going to do it virtually.So if you’re sick, or you’re a caretaker, or just bored from the drudgery of social distancing, check out the website for details and join us.If you haven’t yet, subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you’ll get a notification on April 1 when our first series, Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy launches with an episode about the amazing Verna Gillis. Over the course of the series every storyteller manages to find some levity as they reflect on the most surreal and harrowing experiences of their lives. I think there is something to learn from each of them right now. In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, try not to panic, leave some toilet paper on the shelves for your neighbors and if you’ve got something on your mind, something that’s weighing you down – write about it. You’ll feel better. You can stay up to date on our new online offerings by following us on social media or visiting our website at TMIProject.org

This is Episode 1, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Verna Gillis. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Dr. Verna Gillis has a storied career recording and producing multicultural albums with famous world musicians like Daneile Ponce. She founded Soundcape, a jazz club in New York City, a musical home to nurture the careers of countless musicians. In this premiere episode of The TMI Project Podcast we take a deep dive into Verna’s life story and discover that through grief Verna found her voice as a writer and “sit down” comedian. Useful Links: Verna’s WebsiteVerna Gillis on WikipediaBradford Graves on WikipediaDaniel Ponce on WikipediaRoswell Rudd on WikipediaSoundscape on WikipediaVerna’s albums on Smithsonian FolkwaysThe Muse of the Melting Pot, The New York Times, April 1990Awesome and Gruesome by the Olders 

This is Episode 2, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring storyteller Dusty Lynn Childers. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan,  Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 3, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectUpstater: https://upstater.com/contributors/sam-osterhout/

This is Episode 4, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Erin Baretto. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectMental Health Association in Ulster County: https://www.mhainulster.com/

This is Episode 5, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring the late storyteller Erica Chase Salerno. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Sari Botton, TMI Project’s previous editorial director and workshop leader, worked closely with Erica on this monologue which she read for the first time at a gallery in New Paltz, New York in 2017. She passed away in February 2019. Six days before she died she invited Shana Falana from the podcast, I WANT WHAT SHE HAS to interview her at her bedside about the experience of dying.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectRemembering Erica Chase Salerno: https://www.tmiproject.org/remembering-erica-chase-salerno-enthusiasm-incarnate/Erica’s writing on HV1: https://hudsonvalleyone.com/author/erica-chase-salerno/I want what SHE has podcast: https://iwantwhatshehas.org/podcast

This is Episode 6, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectMargarita Meyendorff’s Website: https://margaritameyendorff.com/home/

This is Episode 7, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectGender at Work: https://genderatwork.org/

This is Episode 8, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Markel Mosley.It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Markel wrote and performed his story during a 10-week TMI Project workshop produced in partnership with the Mental Health Association in Ulster County in 2017. Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 9, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Hayley Downs. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Hayley wrote and performed her story during TMI Project’s weekend writing intensive at Omega Institute in September 2016. We invited her to read it a few weeks later at Voices in Action, our annual fundraiser.

This is a Bonus Episode for Season One of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was created to celebrate the May 1st, 2020 online release of Vicarious Resilience. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs in partnership with Radio Kingson.The docu-short Vicarious Resilience follows three Hudson Valley residents over the course of a 10-week TMI Project true storytelling workshop held in partnership with The Mental Health Association in Ulster County (MHA) as they experience the transformative power of true storytelling; they face mental illness, childhood neglect, and addiction head-on; and, ultimately, share deeply personal stories about love, loss, and triumph. In this bonus episode, we share all ten stories that came out of the workshop.Since 2012, twice a year, TMI Project has offered 10-week memoir writing and true storytelling workshops specially tailored to meet the needs of MHA's population of adults with mental illness. Our partnership with this peer-based organization–where a portion of the staff are people who have recovered from mental illness–is designed to help destigmatize mental illness, while also empowering participants to imagine and work toward the possibility of their own recovery.The documentary was shot by North Guild Films and premiered locally at The Rosendale Theater on May 29th, 2018.

True storytelling is a vehicle for human connection and can ignite hope during the darkest of times. Alone Together was launched by TMI Project in the spring of 2020 with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming space for people to connect around their shared experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. TMI Project invited writers from across the country via an open call to submit a story of up to 1000 words about hope, resilience, loss, loneliness, silver linings, and the unexpected gifts they’ve received during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting performance Alone Together was performed live via Zoom.Alone Together is a bonus episode of TMI Project’s Podcast. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and edited by Nate Brogan in partnership with Radio Kingson. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. TMI Project’s External Affairs Director is Sara DeRose, Operations Manager is Blake Pfeil, and Graphic Designer is Lauren Gill. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and Kashka Glowascka. STORY SYNOPSESJacquese Armstrong, Edison, NJFor Jacquese, the isolation of quarantine sparks flashbacks of a time nearly 40 years ago when psychosis, depression, paranoia, and anxiety held her captive in her apartment. Instead of focusing on the details of her past trauma, she puts to use what helped her so many years ago: her creative mind.  Isa Coffey, Chatham, NYWhen Isa’s COVID-19 symptoms reach their climax, she fears she may die alone and longs to connect with those she loves, but physical closeness is out of reach. As she fights for her life in solitude, she finds hope in the sound of Andrea Bocelli’s voice, as he sings by himself to the empty Duomo of Milan on Easter Sunday broadcast live worldwide.Ryan Pfeil, Medford, ORRyan’s wife is a nurse and “called to war” during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a journalist, suddenly forced to work from home and to grapple with the juggling act of meeting deadlines, while being the primary caretaker of two young daughters. They want nothing more than his undivided attention.Thomas Pickarski, New York, NYThomas contemplates his long-standing love affair with solitude as the backdrop of his alone time quickly shifts from the fast paced-world he has no desire to keep up with to one at a standstill.Amanda Reed, Washington, DCAmanda recently moved into her apartment in Washington, DC across the street from Smithsonian National Zoological Park. She lives alone, hasn't made many friends, and her whole family lives far away. She finds unexpected comfort in the company of her new neighbors, the captive lions. Their regular roars remind her to use this time to tap into her calling.Terri Weagant, Brooklyn, NYAmidst the global pandemic, Terri, newly unemployed and feeling desperate, becomes obsessed with a man she calls Charles. She calls him over 2,000 times before she gets through. You’ll have to hear her story to find out why her husband is not just understanding but grateful for her persistence and devotion to another man.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Alone Together Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/covid-19/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiproject

Reclaiming Our Time is a Bonus Episode of The TMI Project Podcast. It was released in honor of the first anniversary of Nikole Hannah-Jones' New York Times podcast: #1619Project, a reframing of the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of our national narrative. Hayley Downs produced this episode in partnership with Radio Kingson.On Juneteenth 2017, five writers accompanied by Terry James, living historian and board member of The Slave Dwelling Project, participated in TMI Project’s immersive program of workshops that began with an overnight stay in a preserved cellar kitchen where enslaved Africans once lived.  The resulting production, “Reclaiming Our Time,” was performed live at the Reformed Church of New Paltz on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, and was the recipient of the 2017 Awards of Excellence from Greater Hudson Heritage Network, which recognizes creative vision in the preservation of the history, culture, and diversity of the region. Inspired by Maxine Waters, this special bonus podcast episode features the recordings of the five participating storytellers--Victory Reese, Dara Lurie, Freedom Walker, Tameka Ramsey, and Micah--performing their stories during the live performance.The Slave Dwelling Project raises awareness about enslaved Africans’ history by organizing overnight stays at sites where they once lived. Historic Huguenot Street, a national landmark in New Paltz, New York, comprises seven stone houses from the 18th century that were inhabited by Huguenot settlers fleeing religious persecution in France. Contrary to the popular belief that slavery was practiced exclusively in the South, Northern states were also dependent on enslaved African labor in the 17th and 18th centuries. Victory Reese was born and raised in the mostly-white New Paltz, NY, where she wasn't exposed to the history of slavery in the Hudson Valley, nor did she ever ask herself the question, "How do you move forward without knowing where you come from?"Dara Lurie spent years searching for ways to find communion with the spirits of her African ancestors, only to discover an unexpected new language which helped her communicate with those spirits: dance.Freedom Walker As the turbulent feelings ebb and flow during Freedom Walker's (formerly TinaLynn Dickerson) night in a cellar where former enslaved Africans once lived, she drifts off to sleep. She awakens to the voice of an unknown entity who awards her a new name and helps her see the current state of racism in America.Tameka Ramsey addresses a letter to her ancestors, in which she reveals the truth about why history never interested her until recently: it was never hers to learn.Micah knows the trials and tribulations he and his ancestors carry, and he's not afraid to face them: in fact, he seeks them out to find his retribution and honor his past.Useful Links: The Slave Dwelling Project: https://slavedwellingproject.orgHistoric Huguenot Street: https://www.huguenotstreet.orgRadio Kingston: https://radiokingston.orgGreater Hudson Heritage Network: http://www.greaterhudson.orgTMI Project: https://www.tmiproject.org

The TMI Project Podcast is a free quarterly podcast featuring radically candid true stories from historically underrepresented populations often overlooked by mainstream media. In alignment with the Black Lives Matter movement, Season two of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter amplifies the voices of Black storytellers who got on stage and shared their stories of joy, pain and resilience.TMI Project will launch Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter, on October 28th, 2020.About TMI ProjectTMI Project is a nonprofit transmedia organization that believes in the power of changing the world one radically true story at a time. Since 2010, TMI Project has led approximately 90 true storytelling workshops and staged live storytelling performances by more than 1,750 storytellers, which have been presented to audiences of nearly 50,000 people in schools, colleges, prisons, mental health clinics, theaters, community centers and the United Nations. The culminating content – written stories, live storytelling performances, videos, and podcasts – is accessible to an all-inclusive audience. In response to Trayvon Martin’s and so many other Black people's murders at the hand of police, TMI Project launched Black Stories Matter – Black-led true storytelling programming where Black folks can write about, share, and reflect upon their experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend the truth of their lived experiences.The Voices of Season 2: Black Stories MatterDara LurieSTORYTELLER AND WORKSHOP LEADER“Writing and then sharing my story in my first TMI Project performance in 2017 allowed me to affirm and claim an important part of my life experience. Performing with and now mentoring other groups of TMI Project workshop writers, I’ve found the family I always wanted: a family based on telling stories with truth, courage and compassion.”Freedom WalkerSTORYTELLER“Reading the story was my gift to my family members who have passed on and to my ancestors. I was able to acknowledge them. I never had that opportunity to do that publicly before. I was able to challenge what society labelled as one of the many terrible situations to go through. In society’s term, my life was basically over.”Twinkle BurkeSTORYTELLER“I felt and feel empowered to speak up about racism that I encounter daily. It has helped me be stronger in sighting and correcting the ‘pedestrian’ racism in the world.Jessieca McNabbSTORYTELLER“TMI Project has definitely changed my life. It has taught me how to express myself in a way that is healing. I am able to articulate situations without the shame that normally would have been attached.”Shawaine DavisSTORYTELLER“Writing my story with TMI Project was like a light coming through a dark door. My story brought out elements in myself I did not previously think I had. It also helped me gain confidence, and most importantly, it helped me find the strength to speak up. I felt free to share my story, I felt like now I had a voice and people would hear it.”This show would not be possible without:Hayley Downs, Podcast ProducerWriter, storyteller, documentary filmmaker and TMI Project workshop leader. Radio Kingston, Podcast Partner Radio Kingston is a non-commercial platform dedicated to a vibrant, just, and healthy Kingston centered around community storytelling, artistic and musical expression, conversation and connection.Black Stories Matter will be of particular interest to the growing Black Lives Matter movement to end systemic racism as activists and allies continue the work of amplifying Black voices.In conversation with shows like The 1619 Project and Into America, Black Stories Matter serves as a resource for authentic, intersectional and nuanced stories about the Black experience that inspires introspection and accountability.Visit tmiproject.org/podcastseason2 for more information, and subscribe to The TMI Project Podcast everywhere you listen to podcasts.

This is Episode 1, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring Jessieca McNabb. In this premiere episode we take a deep dive into activist, stand-up comedian, and radio personality Jessieca McNabb’s life story.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Useful Links: Stewart’s Shops: https://www.stewartsshops.com/TMI Project: https://www.tmiproject.org/"Don't Step on Jessieca's Nikes" on Medium: https://medium.com/black-stories-matter/dont-step-on-jessieca-s-nikes-79f4874e86c6

This is Episode 2, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller and Co-director of Black Stories Matter, Dara Lurie. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. In addition to leading TMI Project’s Black Stories Matter program, Dara is an author and manuscript coach. She received a B.A. in Film & Theater from Vassar College and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Dara grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and migrated in the early 1980s to West Berlin, Germany, where she tended bar, wrote, and performed in the theater while living in different communities of squatters, Green Party activists, journalists, teachers, and social workers. Her first book, Great Space of Desire; Writing for Personal Evolution, is a memoir and creative guide for writers wishing to tell their own stories.Useful Links: “Great Space of Desire: Writing for Personal Evolution” https://www.amazon.com/Great-Space-Desire-Personal-Evolution-ebook/dp/B006IGCJLIhttps://darajoycelurie.com/ 

This is Episode 3, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller and Co-director of its Black Stories Matter program Micah. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. In addition to leading TMI Project storytelling workshops, Micah serves as the manager at GWI’s (Good Works Institute) Greenhouse Kingston, a yoga teacher at Mudita, and creator of DAY 1 (a New Year’s Day community event). He is on the board of Wild Earth (a non-profit Wilderness School), Radio Kingston, The Center for Creative Education, and O+ (a nonprofit health and wellness festival for artists and creators). He also serves as City of Kingston’s Art Commissioner at the Kingston Farmers Market.Useful Links: MTV: https://www.mtv.com/BET: https://www.bet.com/

This is Episode 4, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Freedom Walker. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. There are two sides to the gentrification coin: creation and destruction. Freedom Walker saw both during her exile from Harlem to Kingston, NY. Freedom Walker was one of our first Black Stories Matter workshop participants, and her story is from TMI Project's first Black Stories Matter performance at Point of Praise Family Center in Kingston, NY in 2017. Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.org

This is Episode 5, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Shawaine Davis. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Shawaine Davis was born in Jamaica where she was in the majority but at 7 she moved to Kingston, NY, where she quickly learned that racism, ignorance, and fear are synonymous words. Shawaine wrote and performed her story during TMI Project's first-ever all-teen production of Black Stories Matter. Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.orgKingston High School: https://www.kingstoncityschools.org/khs

This is Episode 6, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Kesai Reddick. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.org

This is Episode 7, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Erica Brown. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. After years of enduring intimate partner violence, working mother Erica Brown reaches a tipping point in her lengthy, toxic, and abusive relationship, all thanks to a corned beef sandwich. Here she is reading her story at TMI Project’s first Black Stories Matter performance in 2017.Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.orgNational Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

This is Episode 8, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Callie Jayne. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Callie Jayne grew up in a white world. Faced with mental illness and addiction, Callie had to learn how to overcome all of the pressures of a white-driven, racist world, but those struggles, piece by piece, brought them to a different perception of their own expectations.This story was presented as part of TMI Project's Black Stories Matter true storytelling performance Truth to Power, which was presented at Pointe of Praise Church in Kingston, NY on June 21, 2019.Callie Jayne is the Founder & Executive Director of Rise Up Kingston.Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.orgRise Up Kingston: https://riseupkingston.org

This is Episode 9, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storytellers, mother-son duo Twinkle Burke and Ezra Burke. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Twinkle isn't a teacher or a nurse, but sometimes she plays one on TV. Because in the acting world, producers and writers like to cast women of color as nurturers: teachers and nurses being the most popular forms.11-year-old Ezra was playing in the street with his two friends when the cops were called for a "disturbance." During his questioning, Ezra began to worry about how he's perceived. He realized that he has a small panic attack every time he sees a police car.Twinkle and Ezra’s stories were presented as part of TMI Project's Black Stories Matter true storytelling performance Truth to Power, which was presented at Pointe of Praise Church in Kingston, NY on June 21, 2019.Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.org

This is Episode 10, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Shai Brown. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Growing up, Shai's mother was the neighborhood booster: she sold what she stole to people in the neighborhood. It supported her drug habit, but she couldn't do it alone: at six years old, Shalawn became her mother's partner in crime. Shai reads her story at TMI Project’s first Black Stories Matter performance in 2017.Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.org

This is Episode 11, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Odell Winfield. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. In 1954, Odell told his third-grade teacher that he wanted to be the President of the United States; she told him it would be at least 150 years until that happened. Today, Odell is the Executive Director of the Library at the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center in Kingston, NY, and he reflects on how his experiences have turned him into the leader he always dreamed of being.This story was presented as part of TMI Project's first intergenerational Black Stories Matter performance during Black History Month Kingston at Pointe of Praise Family Center on February 16, 2019.Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.orgThe Library at the A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Center: https://africanrootslibrary.org/

About TMI ProjectTMI Project is a nonprofit transmedia organization that believes in the power of changing the world one radically true story at a time. Since 2010, TMI Project has led approximately 90 true storytelling workshops and staged live storytelling performances by more than 1,750 storytellers, which have been presented to audiences of nearly 50,000 people in schools, colleges, prisons, mental health clinics, theaters, community centers and the United Nations. The culminating content – written stories, live storytelling performances, videos, and podcasts – is accessible to an all-inclusive audience. Stories for Choice features 13 episodes addressing reproductive justice themes ranging from access to birth control, to the need for trans competency in reproductive healthcare, to the dangers of pre-Roe v. Wade abortions. Featured storytellers: Alice Tenuto, Betty MacDonald, Mourka, Rita Worthington, Ilyse Simon, Raine Grayson, Brian Macaluso, Antionette Armocida, Crystal Schachter, MacKenzie Kell, Tamika Dunkley, Stephanie Ellis, and Deborah Gordon-Brown.

This is Episode 1, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Alice Tenuto. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Alice is a writer, and just so happens to be “Mom” to Eva Tenuto, TMI Project's co-founder and executive director.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/alice/Writing prompt: Write a true story about a time a decision was made for you.Contributors:Eva TenutoAlice TenutoLinks:https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/01/21/opinion/roe-v-wade-abortion-history.html

This is Episode 2, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Betty MacDonald and Mourka. Their stories were initially shared in the ensemble piece “The Lucky Ones”, as a part of What to Expect When You're NOT Expecting: True Stories of Slips, Surprises, and Happy Accidents, presented at the Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock, NY on June 29th, 2013.This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil and Eva Tenuto.Margarita Meyendorff (Mourka) is an award-winning author of two published books: her memoir entitled DP: Displaced Person and an anthology of 30 short stories entitled Flipping the Bird.Betty MacDonald is a writer, actor, and artist whose essay “Before Roe v. Wade” appears in the anthology “Get Out of My Crotch!”. Betty reads from her work and hosts other writers and artists on her own Livestream show “Words Carry Us”, from Green Kill in Kingston, NY.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/betty-mourka/Contributors:Betty MacDonaldMargarita Meyendorff (Mourka)Eva TenutoLinks:Adoption & GriefPre-Roe v. Wade AbortionsPlanned ParenthoodThe Lucky Ones Full Performancehttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 4, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Ilyse Simon. This episode was written by Eva Tenuto. Our audio producer is Dacia Clay. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Ilyse is a parent, avid birdwatcher, and head of  a nutrition therapy practice specializing in disordered eating.This episode  was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/ilyse/ Links:Queering Reproductive Justicehttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://twitter.com/tmiprojectContributors:Ilyse SimonEva Tenuto

This is Episode 3, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Antoinette Amorcida. Antoinette is a 56-year-old mother of one, living and working in NJ. She recently graduated from college with a degree in philosophy and religion, summa cum laude with highest honors.This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/antoinette/ Contributors:Antoinette AmorcidaEva TenutoLinks:Sex Positive ParentingSex Ed for TeensWhere do Teens Get Sex Informationhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 5, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Rita Worthington. This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Rita was just re-elected to as Alderwoman of the 4 Ward in mid-town Kingston, NY and was also voted in unanimously as the Kingston Common Council's Majority LeaderShow links:Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/rita/Dismantling Myths About Teen PregnancyRita's Work as Kingston Alderwomanhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 6, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Brian Macaluso.  Brian is a  lifelong Hudson Valley resident currently living in Kingston with his amazing wife Sari (who served as the editorial director of TMI Project for the first seven years of the organization).This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil and Eva Tenuto.Episode Links:Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/brian/How to Give a Good Apologyhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 7, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Crystal Schachter.Crystal grew up in Ulster County and is glad to be back in the area near her family and participating in the community. She is the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at SUNY Ulster Community College, a mother, crossword fanatic, cat herder, snack-enthusiast, member of the United Way of Ulster County Board of Trustees, and proud TMI Project Story Slam winner.  This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branditz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalaz, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/crystal/LINKSResources- Why Expectant Parents Change Their Minds About Adoption- Coping With a Failed AdoptionTMI Project- https://www.tmiproject.org- https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/- https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject-https://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 8, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Stephanie Ellis. Stephanie is a mom of two amazing teenagers and one extremely lovable rescue dog. She is the owner of Creekside Acupuncture and Natural Medicine in Rosendale, NY. This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branitz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/stephanie/LINKSResources- https://www.parentshelpingparents.org- "Parental burnout: how juggling kids and work in a global pandemic brought us to the brink" -- The Guardian- Stephanie's Acupuncture PracticeTMI Project- https://www.tmiproject.org- https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/- https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject-https://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 9, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring MacKenzie Kell. MacKenzie is a mother, writer, poet, Waldorf teacher, adventurer, and storyteller. She currently resides in Downsville, NY and Kingston, NY with her son Zephyr where she spends much of her time writing, fly fishing, and playing in the woods.This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branitz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/mackenzie/What to Expect If I have a Vasectomyhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 10, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Raine Grayson. Raine Grayson is a multi-genre writer whose work focuses on uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community. This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branitz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/raine/Links:Stop Anti-Trans BillsTransgender Discrimination in HealthcareQueering Reproductive JusticeAnti-Trans Legislation Trackerhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 11, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Tamika Dunkley. Tamika is the Executive Director of Seasoned Gives, a Hudson Valley organization whose mission is to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and social injustice through education, ownership and self-sufficiency.This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branitz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/tamika/Impact of Religiosity on Teen Birth RatesDismantling Myths About Teen PregnancyTamika's Work At Seasoned Giveshttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 12, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Deborah Gordon-Brown. Deborah Gordon-Brown is a resident of Marbletown, NY. She was an actress for over 30 years, appearing in stage productions across the country as well as on television. After retiring from acting, Deborah became a theatre manager, then a psychotherapist, or as she likes to describe it, "More theatre." These days, you can find Deborah reading, painting, and volunteering for organizations in Ulster County. She first worked with TMI Project in 2018.This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branitz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Episode webpage: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcastseason3/deborah/Adoption & GriefPre-Roe v. Wade AbortionsPlanned Parenthoodhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 13, Season 3 of The TMI Project Podcast: Stories for Choice featuring Eva Tenuto. Eva is the co-founder and executive director of TMI Project. Since 2010, she has brought TMI Project from her living room to a host of performance spaces, schools, detention centers, mental health facilities and the United Nations. Eva is the editor and director of multiple solo shows, one of which was awarded Best Comedic Script of 2014 in the United Solo Festival. In 2018, her directorial film debut, Vicarious Resilience, a docu short, celebrated its world premiere at The Woodstock Film Festival. This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Eva Tenuto, and edited, produced, and mixed by Dacia Clay. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. Our Operations and Programs Manager is Blake Pfeil. Our Marketing and Digital Coordinator is Laura Marie Ruocco. Our Administrative Assistant is Elijah Jackson. Our graphic designer is Lauren Gill. Our workshop leaders are Perla Ayora, Seth Branitz, Kiebpoli Calnek, Hayley Downs, Jonathan Gonzalez, Raine Grayson, Erik Harris, Rae Lipkind, Dara Lurie, Julie Novak, Blake Pfeil, and Eva Tenuto.Planned Parenthoodhttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is the trailer for Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories. Each episode in this 9-part season will feature a personal narrative from a TMI Project storyteller focused on the “too much information” parts of their story that are usually left out due to shame, embarrassment, fear or cultural expectation. Storytellers include: Ray Taylor, Ness White, Zelda - aka Judith Z. Miller, Windy Sharpe, Liam Juanis, Ralph Goneau, Pat Meeker, Bailey Anderson, Kiepboli Calnek, Erik Harris, as well as this season's co-hosts Julie Novak and Blake Pfeil.This episode was written by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced by Eva Tenuto, and edited/mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston.https://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.twitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 1, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Celeste Lecesne and Ray Taylor. This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Celeste Lecesne is an Academy Award winner, writer, actor, storyteller, LGBTQIA+ youth activist, and co-founder of The Trevor Project and The Future Perfect Project.Ray is a film student who has been filming 12 short films in 12 months, currently working with a screenwriter to create a LGBTQ+ feature film.thetrevorproject.orgthefutureperfectproject.comradiokingston.orgmrjulietees.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiproject/facebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 1, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Julie Novak and Blake Pfeil. This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Since before she was even born, it seems like everyone in Julie's life has had an opinion on her gender presentation. She is mocked for playing with race cars and toolboxes and regularly “sir/ma'amed” by strangers. When she gets her first job, it comes with an unexpected perk: a McDonald's uniform that provides a glimpse of gender euphoria. As a kid, Blake feels at home in his Presbyterian church. However, as he becomes aware of his sexuality, he realizes not all parts of him are welcome there. He tries to keep his true desires a secret, but eventually, his mom discovers what he's been hiding, which begins a long road to mutual understanding.www.julienovak.comwww.blakepfeil.comwww.allamericanruins.comthetrevorproject.orgthefutureperfectproject.comradiokingston.orgmrjulietees.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiproject/facebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 3, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Ness White. This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Ness (he/him) is a storyteller living in Rosendale, NY. Taking a pause from the poet duo Nia & Ness, he is refocusing his energy on developing individually as an artist and human. When he's not writing, you might see him walking or jogging the Walkill Valley Rail Trail or bringing a food delivery to your door.

This is Episode 4, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Zelda, aka Judith Z. Miller. Zelda (she/they) is a multifaceted artist: performer, producer, visual artist, workshop leader, and healer who lives in an erotic, musical, spiritual universe. As a feminist Jew who studies shamanism, she is inspired by the beauty of nature and the guiding force of her intuition as she explores the themes of connection to the Earth, spirituality, sexuality, and gender via a variety of art forms. This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Radiokingston.orgMrJulieTees.comJulieNovak.comBlakePfeil.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiprojectfacebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 5, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Liam Juanis. Liam (he/him) recently graduated from Full Sail University with a BA in Digital cinematography.This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Radiokingston.orgMrJulieTees.comJulieNovak.comBlakePfeil.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiproject/facebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 6, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Bailey Buckles. These days Bailey (she/her) is focusing on endurance running through the mountains and creating adventure with her amazing wife and pack of puppies. This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Radiokingston.orgJulieNovak.comBlakePfeil.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiproject/facebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 7, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Ralph Goneau and Pat Meeker.Ralph Goneau (1931-2021) lived in Woodstock, NY. He married his partner of 41 years as soon as same-sex marriage became law in NY. Pat Meeker participated in TMI Project's 2019 true storytelling performance at the Mental Health Association in Ulster (Kingston, NY).This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Radiokingston.orgMrJulieTees.comJulieNovak.comBlakePfeil.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiproject/facebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 8, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Windy Sharpe.Windy Sharpe (they/them) is a poet and author who has been writing since age six. Windy moved to New Jersey to be closer to friends (one of whom is TMI alum and workshop leader Raine Grayson) and is nearly done with the first draft of their novel.This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.thetrevorproject.orgradiokingston.orgMrJulieTees.comJulieNovak.comBlakePfeil.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiprojectfacebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 9, Season 4 of The TMI Project Podcast: Pride Stories featuring Kiebpoli Calnek and Erik Harris. Kiebpoli has always identified with male and female energies, but it isn't until they meet a trans man at a queer sex party that they begin to have the language to claim their trans identity.Erik has never been comfortable with his Triple D chest. Finally, a gender-affirming surgery allows him to shine like the sun.Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), a non-binary queer Black creative born and raised in Lenapehoking/New York City, has generated nuanced performances and artistic direction seeped in poetic elements for over two decades.​​Erik Harris (he/him) is living his best life as a Black, queer, trans man in Richmond, VA. As an aspiring chef, he spends most of his time cooking, both at work and at home. When he isn't in the kitchen, he is lounging at the James River or playing bass guitar for his cat, Tux.This episode was written collaboratively by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Julie Novak, produced and edited by Eva Tenuto, and mixed and mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston and sponsored in part by MrJulieTees.com.Radiokingston.orgMrJulieTees.comJulieNovak.comBlakePfeil.comtmiproject.orginstagram.com/tmiprojectfacebook.com/tmiprojecttwitter.com/tmiproject

This is the prologue to Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter. Each episode in this 11-part season will feature a personal narrative from a TMI Project storyteller focused on the “too much information” parts of their story that are usually left out due to shame, embarrassment, fear, or cultural expectation.Storytellers featured include:Theodora Green, Julian Harris, Sanaia Hood, K.C. Nyabinyere Jallah, KT Kennedy, Eddie Maisonet, Aren Somers, Jahir Thomas, Syd Williams, Mario (Mars) WolfeThis episode was written by Eva Tenuto, Kiebpoli Calnek, and Erik Harris, produced by Eva Tenuto, and edited/mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston.https://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.facebook.com/tmiproject