When Aries Met Leo

in this episode, shawndeez shares openly about what it means to come into trans fatherhood. they vulnerably discuss their fears and griefs in becoming a father as they reflect on what forms of (non)fathering they have personally experienced. talking intergenerational loss, self-love, and absent fathers, shawndeez gives an intimate insight into their own consciousness and what important lessons they've learned for reformulating what a father is.

in this episode, Aly & shawndeez discuss their process of envisioning a family. they discuss intergenerational wisdom, ancestral guidance, and the values and dreams they enshrine in their queer/trans home.

in this episode, Aly & shawndeez discuss their journey through queer pregnancy: getting there, waiting for the news, and the experience of being pregnant. they share of their challenges, physical pains and emotional isolation, and how excited they are to greet their little one.

in this episode, shawndeez & Aly talk all things pride: first memories of pride, dyke days v. pride parades, critiques of rainbow capitalism, and dreams of what pride can be. pushing for queer/trans intimacy, connection, and communal exchange, their joint vision paints a dreamy future for what possibilities lie ahead in queer/trans life.

why do-it-yourself? in this episode, shawndeez & Aly share the creative abolitionist framework that leads them to so many diy projects, from garden trellises to plumbing projects to homemade hot tubs. talking self-reliance, creative processes, and local knowledge, they describe what becomes possible when we remember and cultivate our power beyond the state.

in this episode, shawndeez & Aly share the intimate details of a transmasculine egg retrieval journey. talking daily logistics, hormonal changes, and cost, they give the nitty gritty on ivf in hopes of making it less scary for other QTs.

where do gay babies come from? shawndeez and Aly share their process of dreaming up a queer family, describing their experiences with bottom dysphoria, doctor's visits, and a transmasc egg retrieval process.

spring is coming! in this episode, Aly & shawndeez share their excitement for the upcoming Norooz festivities, as well as opening up questions of cultural authenticity, interracial family dynamics, ritual, and ancestral connection.

what compelled shawndeez & Aly to up and move out of LA into a small Colorado town? in this episode, they share how they've learned to reconceptualize ideas around community, collective care, spacious terrain, and the beauties of small town love.

what does it mean to slow down? to live slow? to intentionally pause in the face of a rapidly moving capitalist world? in this episode, shawndeez & aly explore their own journeys with choosing to live a slow life and what becomes possible when we do.

In this episode, we introduce the why of this podcast, who we are, and what topics we will be diving into in the future. We are so happy to have you all here.