Be The Glitter ✨ 🌈 Podcast

About Be The Glitter ✨ 🌈 Podcast

Welcome to Be the Glitter, where LGBTQ+ voices share their stories with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. I'm Wa'am, and I amplify misunderstood voices to change minds and save lives. Subscribe to hear true stories that challenge assumptions, celebrate authenticity, and prove that representation matters. 🎧 New episodes weekly ✨ Clips that go viral for good reasons 💖 Stories that remind you: you belong here Ready to Be the Glitter? Add some SASS (Share And Subscribe Support) to spread these life-changing conversations. PLEASE BE ADVISED THERE MAY BE SWEARWORDS ON SOME EPISODES. Music provided by Chillhop Music https://chillhop.ffm.to/creatorcred 🔗 Everything: linktr.ee/waamwrites #BeTheGlitter #LGBTQ #AuthenticStories

Publisher

Wa’am Writes by Laura Paisley Beck

Category

business · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Sept 2025

Latest episode

1 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Aug 2026

   Be the Glitter: 13 ✨ Trans, Thriving, and Taking Up SpaceTrans, Thriving, and Taking Up Space | Addison Radcliff

   "I was just existing." That's how Addison Radcliff describes childhood — before the world started handing her labels she never asked for. In this episode of Be the Glitter, host Laura Paisley Beck sits down with Addison Radcliff — Dane County realtor, board member for Advocates for Transgender Equality, and a woman who's been navigating the world as her authentic self since third grade. Addison opens up about realizing her identity before she had the words for it, the complicated relationship with a biological father who responded to her identity with violence, the mom who became her fiercest advocate, and why "if you can't love yourself, you can't love somebody else" isn't just a cliché — it's survival. She also gets into what real allyship looks like (and where it goes wrong), and why trans rights, reproductive rights, and healthcare access are more connected than most people realize. This conversation moves through hard truths and real joy — because that's what Be the Glitter is all about: tough topics, told with heart, that leave you with something that sticks. Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & Meet Addison Radcliff0:25 – Realtor by day, advocate at heart1:47 – Coming and going as "Addison" in elementary school3:44 – Starting hormones at 14 & living out loud in high school5:02 – Her mom: the ultimate advocate7:31 – Realizing her identity before she had the words for it11:40 – The relationship with her biological father16:20 – Choosing to walk away for her own safety17:05 – "If you can't love yourself..." — self-love as survival18:55 – Building her own chosen family22:26 – Be the Glitter: what it means to Addison23:49 – When allies get it wrong26:56 – Trans rights, reproductive rights & why they're connected30:20 – Advice for anyone finding their authentic self31:20 – Gratitude & shoutouts36:20 – Closing thoughts If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. Follow and subscribe to help us build a community rooted in compassionate curiosity. 🔗 All the links for Wa'am — https://linktr.ee/waamwrites 🔗 Connect with Addison Radcliff: https://aradcliffe.starkhomes.com/ 🔗 Learn more about Advocates for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org 🎵 Music provided by Chillhop Musichttps://chillhop.ffm.to/creatorcred #BeTheGlitter #TransVoices #LGBTQ #Allyship #TransRights #SelfLove #Authenticity #TransgenderJourney

2. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Be the Glitter: 12 ✨ Rising Out of Deep Dark Space - Trans Guest Interviews Queer Host, Wa’am

   🎙️ Be the Glitter: Kammie Flips the Script and Interviews ME In this special role-reversal episode, my guest Kamryn Fraser decided she wasn't going to let me get away with just asking the questions this time. She turns the mic around and interviews me — so you get to hear a lot more about my own story than usual, including the dark place that led me to OPEN Foundation, why safe spaces matter so much to me personally, and what it really means to be an ally. 💫 KEY TOPICS: Why safe spaces matter — and what it's like living without them How community and self-love create a "ripple effect" of confidence and joy The Watertown HS Wind Symphony story — standing up when a school board banned a piece honoring Marsha P. Johnson How OPEN Foundation's affirming career fairs are changing lives (90% of one event's applicants were trans or non-binary) The dark spiral that led me to found my path with OPEN Foundation What allyship actually looks like — small, simple, everyday acts Kammie's journey navigating identity as a kid of the '70s, and reclaiming her name 🌈 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Omar Thomas — composer of "A Mother of a Revolution," dedicated to Marsha P. Johnson Watertown High School Wind Symphony concert (hosted by Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church) OPEN Foundation's "Ready, Set, Glow" affirming career fair Skipping Stone Foundation (Calgary) — support for trans people Sponsor: New Valley Labs — hello@newvalleylabs.com ⏱️ TIME MARKERS: (placeholders — adjust to your final edit)0:00 – Intro & welcome1:30 – "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"6:00 – Why safe spaces matter14:30 – Sponsor message: New Valley Labs15:30 – Self-love, community & the "ripple effect" of joy18:00 – The Watertown Wind Symphony story26:00 – OPEN Foundation's origin story & "Ready, Set, Glow"33:00 – Subscribe/share reminder34:00 – Kammie's story: identity, allyship & small acts of kindness44:00 – Wrap-up & what's next (listener Q&A idea!) Ready to Be the Glitter? Add some SASS (Share And Subscribe Support) to spread these life-changing conversations.PLEASE BE ADVISED THERE MAY BE SWEARWORDS ON SOME EPISODES. Music provided by Chillhop Music: https://chillhop.ffm.to/creatorcred📖 Read my debut novel: https://www.waamwritesllc.com/book-page💌 Newsletter: https://waamwrites-newsletter.beehiiv.com🔗 Everything: linktr.ee/waamwrites #BeTheGlitter #LGBTQPodcast #AuthenticStories #RepresentationMatters #QueerJoy #Allyship #SafeSpaces #TransRights Would you like to sponsor Be the Glitter? Check out our new sponsor levels and purchase one today! https://www.waamwritesllc.com/podcast

3. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Be the Glitter: 11 Why Most DEI Training Backfires — And What Actually Works | Dr. Bill Cox

   Welcome to Be the Glitter, where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. In this episode, we talk about one of the sticky subjects that pops up in Pride Month: DEI. What if the training meant to reduce bias was quietly making it worse? Dr. William Cox is a social psychologist with a PhD from UW-Madison, founder of the nonprofit Inequity Agents of Change, and author of the new book Overcoming Bias Habits: An Evidence-Based Guide to Creating a Joyfully Inclusive World. He has spent 20 years developing and testing bias reduction methods through more than a dozen randomized controlled studies.In this episode: ✨ Why giving people information is one of the worst ways to change behavior ✨ How some DEI training causes managers to avoid colleagues of color ✨ The zip code story that will make your jaw drop ✨ Equality vs. equity — explained with one perfect example ✨ Why diverse joy is a scientifically proven tool for reducing bias Resrouces mentioned: 📚 Book: Search "Overcoming Bias Habits" everywhere books are sold 🎙️ Podcast: Diverse Joy (top 5% of all podcasts worldwide) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diverse-joy/id1692372910 🔗 Free resources + training: www.biashabit.com Music provided by Chillhop Music Aviino - Hotel Lobby Birthday Party https://chll.to/1ac17f01 A Special Thanks to Be The Glitter's Sponsor, New Valley Labs, Where Founders Bloom! https://www.newvalleylabs.com Music provided by Chillhop Music Venuz Beats, Bao - Circles https://chll.to/8af1d579 For more from Wa'am: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites #DEI #BiasTraining #DiverseJoy #OvercomingBias #BeTheGlitter #Inclusion #SocialPsychology #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQ #evidencebasedpractice

4. 

   15 May 2026

   Be the Glitter: 10 Scary Times. 5 Simple Tools to Find Your Power When Fear Takes Over | Tawni Sofia Acosta

   🌟 "No matter where I go, guess who shows up? It's me." Feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world? Trans Latina life coach Tawni Sophia Acosta shares practical tools to navigate fear, reset your nervous system, and discover you're more powerful than you think. In this conversation, Tawni guides us through simple breathing exercises you can use RIGHT NOW - including box breathing and the "learning state" technique - plus deep wisdom on managing trauma, building healthy support networks, and finding trans joy even in the hardest times. What You'll Learn: ✨ Box breathing technique to reset your nervous system (do it anywhere!) ✨ The "learning state" eye exercise to break out of fight-or-flight ✨ How to acknowledge anger as information, not enemy ✨ Why "no matter where you go, you show up" changes everything ✨ Building healthy support networks as a trans woman ✨ Navigating intersectionality: Trans, Latina, and human ✨ White male privilege loss during transition (and what it taught) ✨ Why community cooperation emerges in crisis ✨ Setting boundaries with social media consumption ✨ The difference between toxic positivity and real transformation TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - Meet Tawni Sophia Acosta 05:30 - Intersectionality: Trans & Latina Identity 08:45 - Navigating Current Political Reality 12:20 - White Male Privilege Loss During Transition 16:40 - The Power of Community Response 20:15 - Managing Fear vs. Denial 24:30 - BOX BREATHING Exercise (Try it now!) 26:45 - LEARNING STATE Eye Technique 30:20 - Building Healthy Support Networks 34:50 - Anger as Information 38:15 - "No Matter Where I Go, I Show Up" 42:30 - Affirming Career Fair Story 46:20 - Transform, Don't Just Let Go 50:10 - Social Media Boundaries 53:45 - Gratitude & How to Connect BREATHING EXERCISES FEATURED: 🧘 Box Breathing - Breathe in 4 counts, hold 4, out 4, hold 4. Repeat 4x 🧘 Learning State - Look up, extend peripheral vision with fingers, reset ABOUT TAWNI SOPHIA ACOSTA: Tawni Sophia Acosta (she/her) is a life coach and founder of Empowered Journeys. She helps people remove the "gunk" so they can shine bright and pursue goals aligned with their authentic selves. As a trans woman, Latina, and Buddhist practitioner since 1988, Tawni brings intersectional wisdom and practical tools for transformation. 🔗 Connect with Tawni: 🌟 Website: https://www.empowered-journeys.com 📅 Book a free connection call with Tawni https://www.empowered-journeys.com/contact EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by New Valley Labs - a startup studio by founders, for founders. Not consultants with PowerPoint frameworks, but scrappy outsiders who've been in the trenches. New Valley disrupts the norm and amplifies diverse, underrepresented founders building the next generation of unicorns. Welcome to New Valley, where founders bloom. 🚀 Learn more: https://www.newvalleylabs.com 📧 Email: hello@newvalleylabs.com ABOUT BE THE GLITTERPODCAST: Tough topics with giggles, inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Laura Paisley Beck (Wa'am of Wa'am Writes). 🎙️ More Episodes: https://www.waamwritesllc.com/podcast 🌟 All Links: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites KEY QUOTES: 💬 "No matter where I go, guess who shows up? It's me." 💬 "We're more powerful than we really think we are." 💬 "Anger is there for a reason. It's informative." 💬 "We're all connected. We're all interdependent." 💬 "The journey gave me strength I never knew I had." Music provided by Chillhop Music Aviino - Citrus Snow https://chll.to/ce0cf279 Music provided by Chillhop Music Venuz Beats, Bao - Circles https://chll.to/8af1d579#TransIdentity #LifeCoaching #BreathingExercises #MentalHealthTools #NervousSystemRegulation #BoxBreathing #TransLatina #LGBTQWellness #AnxietyRelief #TraumaHealing #Intersectionality #TransJoy #CommunityBuilding #Mindfulness #SelfEmpowerment #CopingSkills #FightOrFlight #GroundingTechniques #TransWisdom #InclusiveWellness #BeTheGlitter #FindingYourPower #NavigatingFear #Heali

5. 

   28 Mar 2026

   Be the Glitter: 9 ✨TomboyX Co-Founder Fran Dunaway: 5 Ways We’re Fighting Back Against Trans Erasure

   👕 "We're not going anywhere. We're here to conquer." Meet Fran Dunaway, co-founder of TomboyX - the LGBTQ+ owned underwear and apparel company that started in a one-car garage and became a symbol of resistance, representation, and damn fine underwear for ALL bodies. In this powerful conversation, Fran opens up about coming out at 21, becoming an activist when the world wasn't as welcoming as she hoped, and building a B Corp that puts community and sustainability before profits. She also shares the shocking story of receiving an FDA warning letter, why TomboyX walked away from Target, and how joy itself becomes resistance. 🌼 This episode is sponsored by New Valley Labs, where founders bloom. 🌼 https://www.newvalleylabs.com/ 5 Ways TomboyX Is Fighting Back Against Trans Erasure: 1️⃣ Refusing to bow to FDA fear-mongering - After receiving a warning letter targeting chest binders, they made compliance changes but launched Compression Top 2.0 anyway 2️⃣ Walking away from Target's millions - When Target quietly pulled trans products from their website, TomboyX pulled ALL their products rather than compromise values 3️⃣ Saying NO to big box stores - Actively turning down lucrative partnerships with companies that don't share their values, even when it hurts the bottom line 4️⃣ Centering trans voices in product development - Working directly with trans community members when designing trans-adaptive clothing and compression tops 5️⃣ Showing up visibly and vocally - Attending Trans Day of Visibility, making monthly donations to LGBTQ+ orgs, and refusing to be silent or disappear You'll Also Hear About: ✨ Fran's coming-out story at 21 and immediate dive into activism ✨ The Kickstarter campaign that revealed a massive market gap ✨ Why they pivoted from button-ups to underwear (customers asked!) ✨ Building a team that's 40% LGBTQ+ and 75% queer leadership ✨ Why TomboyX refuses to charge more for extended sizes ✨ How to stay resilient when corporations betray your community ✨ Why "surviving in this political climate is a royal fuck you" TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome & Introductions 03:15 - Fran's Coming Out Story at 21 06:40 - Becoming an Activist & Video Producer 10:25 - The TomboyX Origin Story: From Garage to Revolution 15:30 - The Kickstarter That Changed Everything 18:45 - "We're Getting Requests for Underwear for Women" 22:10 - Representation Matters: Real Bodies, No Photoshop 26:35 - The B Corp Commitment & Values-First Business 31:20 - THE FDA WARNING LETTER: What Really Happened 37:45 - Target's Betrayal & Why TomboyX Walked Away 42:50 - Extended Sizing Without the Upcharge 46:30 - Working WITH Trans Community on Product Development 51:15 - How to Stay Resilient Through Disappointment 55:40 - Advice for Allies: Vote With Your Dollars 58:20 - Trans Day of Visibility & How to Help 01:00:45 - Gratitude & Final Thoughts ABOUT FRAN DUNAWAY & TOMBOYX: Fran Dunaway (she/her) is the co-founder of TomboyX, an LGBTQ+ owned B Corporation creating quality underwear and apparel for all bodies. What started as a passion project in a one-car garage has become a beacon of representation, sustainability, and resistance. TomboyX refuses to compromise on values - they use eco-certified fabrics, pay living wages, donate excess inventory to community organizations, and put people before profits. With a team that's 40% LGBTQ+ and 75% queer leadership, TomboyX isn't just making underwear - they're making a statement. 🔗 Shop TomboyX & Support LGBTQ+ Business: 🏳️🌈 Website: https://tomboyx.com 📱 Follow TomboyX: https://www.instagram.com/tomboyx/ 🌈 Trans Day of Visibility Event Info: https://christopherstreetproject.org/tdov/ ABOUT BE THE GLITTER PODCAST: Be the Glitter is where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Laura Paisley Beck (Wa'am of Wa'am Writes), this podcast celebrates authentic voices, challenges societal norms, and creates tsunamis of positive soci

6. 

   28 Jan 2026

   Be the Glitter: 8 ✨ Where LGBTQ Joy Meets Business Real Talk with Yolanda Brown

   This is where it all started—no script, no plan, just two queer entrepreneurs refusing to dim their light. Join Wa'am and Yolanda Brown (Copyright Brown) as they coin the phrase that became a movement: "Be the Glitter." Spread love like glitter spreads—getting into crevices, showing up seven months later, impossible to forget. You'll hear: Why DEI rollbacks are like cutting table legs with a chainsaw The "frog in a well" moment that changes everything about inclusion How small businesses run this country (yes, really—90%+ of revenue) The Alphabet Gang's superpower: compound experiences that create "one plus one equals 45" Why rest isn't luxury, it's resistance Mac and cheese philosophy: how intersectionality makes everything better This episode is raw, authentic, and full of the giggles we promised. Two Black queer women talking about values over profits, collaboration over competition, and why your neighbor's small business matters more than you think. Perfect for: LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, BIPOC founders, anyone tired of corporate rainbow-washing, and everyone who believes business should feel like community—not capitalism's grinding machine. Warning: Contains unfiltered joy, strategic napping advocacy, and plans for an Alphabet Scouts league (coming 2027, bring your sash). 🎧 Listen if you're ready to: Stop dimming your light, align your values with your business, and remember that if you're not in with inclusivity, you're out of touch.To give Yolanda Brown some business, visit her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativebrown/Wa'am's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites Music provided by Chillhop MusicBirocratic, Dotlights - Loominghttps://chll.to/88aae67c

7. 

   21 Jan 2026

   Be the Glitter: 7 ✨ Rae Dillon ”72 Countries Later: What Travel Taught Me About LGBTQ+ Safety”

   72 Countries Later: What Travel Taught Me About LGBTQ+ Safety on Be the Glitter Podcast with Rae Dillon of CopywriteRight, UK. Rae Dillon has traveled to 72 countries as a queer person—and what she's learned might surprise you. In this conversation, Rae (CopywriterRight, UK) shares how travel transformed her understanding of safety, belonging, and what it means to be "out" in the world. We talk about why she often felt safer abroad than at home, how language shapes inclusion (like ditching "expat" for "foreigner"), and why workplaces thrive when people can show up authentically. Topics we cover: ✨ Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person and challenging safety assumptions ✨ Why inclusive language matters—both in travel and at work ✨ Creating workplaces where people don't have to hide who they are ✨ How authenticity leads to happier, more productive teams ✨ Cultural respect as the foundation for safer spaces everywhere Connect with Rae: https://copywriteright.co.uk/ And give love to our sponsor: https://cfopowerup.com Music: Music provided by Chillhop Music Marcus D - All That Glitters https://chll.to/a8a234db and for Eliana's Ad: Eliana's ad: Music provided by Chillhop Music Aviino - Citrus Snow https://chll.to/ce0cf279 About Be the Glitter: Be the Glitter ✨🌈 Podcast talks about tough topics with giggles and leaves inspiration that sticks. This podcast amplifies voices from marginalized communities—sharing stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation. ✨✨✨✨✨ Your Reviews help this little podcast reach those who need it! ✨✨✨✨✨Hosted by Wa'am. https://linktr.ee/waamwrites 🌈 Subscribe for more conversations that celebrate authenticity and challenge assumptions.#LGBTQ #QueerTravel #InclusiveWorkplace #DiversityAndInclusion #TravelStories #Authenticity #BeTheGlitter #QueerPodcast #InclusiveLanguage #WorkplaceCulture #DEI #QueerVisibility #SafeSpaces

8. 

   28 Oct 2025

   Be the Glitter: 6 ✨ "That's Us!" How One Trans Muralist Connects People with Evelyn McBride

   Trans muralist Evelyn McBride is painting queer representation into public spaces—and making it impossible to ignore. From a "glass closet" to bold bi-flag colored murals, Evelyn shares her journey to visibility, the power of art that helps LGBTQ+ folks see themselves, and why taking up space matters now more than ever."You're going to have to accept that the mural at your local coffee shop was painted by a trans woman. We're here."💫 KEY TOPICS: • Trans artist journey and identity exploration • LGBTQ+ representation in public art • Murals as activism and visibility • Queer art and design • Coming out and authenticity • Chosen family and community support • Art school during the pandemic • Working with queer businesses 🌈 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • Columbus College of Art and Design • Hey Famm (LinkedIn alternative) • Bi-flag color palette symbolism • Labrys (double-sided ax) lesbian symbolism • Janet Mock and other trans visibility advocates 🎙️ ABOUT BE THE GLITTER: Be The Glitter is the podcast where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Wa'am (aka Laura Paisley Beck), we create space for authentic conversations about identity, healing, and what it means to live fully and visibly. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with fellow art lovers and LGBTQ+ supporters! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟  More links: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites Connect with Evelyn McBride: https://www.evelynmcbride.com/ https://dribbble.com/eveofswordshttps://www.tumblr.com/eve-of-swordshttps://www.instagram.com/eveofswords For Midwest Mujeres ad: Music provided by Chillhop Musicsadtoi - Beach Volley Clubhttps://chll.to/d9efc2c2Evelyn's Music provided by Chillhop MusicParkbench Epiphany - Dumbarhttps://chll.to/d55259b7 #BeTheGlitter #TransArtist #QueerArt #LGBTQRepresentation #MuralArt

9. 

   22 Oct 2025

   Be the Glitter: 5 ✨ We Don’t Get Smaller, We Grow Bigger with Ana Devine on Identity, Healing & Self-Compassion

   What if the people who shine the brightest are the ones who've walked through the darkest fires? In this deeply moving episode, intuitive astrologer and energy worker Ana Devine (they/she) shares their powerful journey from growing up in a restrictive religious environment to stepping fully into their authentic identity. Ana reminds us of a truth we often forget: healing doesn't make our pain smaller—we grow bigger to hold it. Through psychotherapy, energy work, and profound self-discovery, Ana has learned to create a "myelin sheath" around their wounds, honoring them without letting them define their entire existence. In this conversation, we explore: • Why joyful people aren't naive—they've survived and chosen compassion • The journey of identity and becoming more yourself than ever before • How to practice self-care when you're in your darkest moments • The power of practical magic: from personal styling to astrology • Why "you should be healed already" is like pulling the e-brake while trying to drive faster Ana's message to the world? Be kind to yourself. And if you don't know how, that's okay—they get it, and they're here to help. 🌟 CONNECT WITH ANA: Website: AnaDevine.com (Ana with one N) Services: Intuitive astrology readings, angelic reiki, energy clearings 💫 RESOURCES MENTIONED: • YouFeelLikeShit.com - Self-care tool for when executive function is shot • Emmaline Chappel - Personal styling (emmalinepersonalstyling.com) • Phoebe Robinson - Comedian, author, "You Can't Touch My Hair" • Alok Vaid-Menon - Poet and thought leader on gender Thank you to our sponsor: www.MidwestMujeres.com! 🎙️ ABOUT BE THE GLITTER: Be The Glitter is the podcast where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Laura Paisley Beck (Wa'am), we create space for authentic, heartfelt conversations about healing, identity, and what it means to be fully human. Sponsor ad opportunities and more links here: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites 👍 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear Ana's message. "For Midwest Mujeres ad: Music provided by Chillhop Music sadtoi - Beach Volley Club https://chll.to/d9efc2c2" For Ana's: Music provided by Chillhop Music Lady Donli, Jms - WantU2Stay https://chll.to/f4bc617e #BeTheGlitter #AnaDevine #IdentityJourney #SelfCompassion #Healing #IntuitiveAstrology #TransJoy #QueerJoy #MentalHealth #SelfCare #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #EnergyWork #Podcast

10. 

    16 Oct 2025

    Be the Glitter: 4 ✨ Housing Discrimination & 1 App Fighting Back | Houstory

    🏘️ What happens when finding an apartment depends more on how you look than your credit score? In this powerful episode, meet LP - founder of Houstory, a tech startup using storytelling and transparency to expose landlord bias and rental discrimination. LP shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing housing discrimination firsthand in New York City to building a platform that's changing the rental game for everyone. You'll hear about: LP's richly intersectional upbringing at the crossroads of Black American, Caribbean, Muslim, Catholic, and Puerto Rican cultures The shocking moment she realized landlords treated her differently based on race Her "apartment from hell" story that became the catalyst for Houstory Why NYC remains the largest legally segregated city in the US How Houstory uses data-driven reviews to hold landlords accountable The connection between historical redlining and modern gentrification LP's journey embracing queer identity alongside cultural identity Why oral tradition and storytelling build stronger communities This episode is especially for you if: You've ever felt discriminated against while apartment hunting You're curious about the intersection of tech and social justice You want to understand how housing discrimination still happens today You're a renter who wishes you had more information before signing a lease You love stories about founders solving problems they've personally experienced SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: This is our FIRST episode with a paid sponsor! 🎉 ✨ This episode is brought to you by Midwest Mujeres ✨  Closing the Gender Wage Gap One Story at a Time. They empower Latinas and Black women to unleash their voices for greater impact and wealth.🎟️ Celebrate Voices & Dreams 2025 on Saturday, November 8 at the MyArts Theater in Madison, WI. Hear powerful stories, connect with community, and experience the brilliance of our mujeres on stage. "Yo Quiero Dinero 2025: Our Stories Have Value" celebrates the voices of Latina and Black women entrepreneurs who are redefining wealth, confidence, and community through storytelling. Hosted by Midwest Mujeres, this annual event brings together local leaders, artists, and families for an evening of inspiration, joy, and connection. Each storyteller shares a personal journey of growth and empowerment, turning lived experiences into lessons of resilience and hope. Together, we uplift the power of narrative as a path to healing, economic justice, and collective liberation. Learn more at: https://midwestmujeres.com ABOUT OUR GUEST: LP is the founder and managing director of Houstory, a tech startup bringing rental transparency to big cities. With a background in human resources and operations, LP is on a mission to help renters access verified information about properties and landlords before they sign a lease. Want to join the Houstory waitlist or share your rental story with LP? Connect with her through the links below! Connect with LP & Houstory: 1:1 rental story link: https://calendly.com/houstoryapp/15min TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@houstoryapp Instagram: http://instagram.com/houstoryapp Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/houstory website: HoustoryApp.com email: Info@houstoryapp.com ABOUT BE THE GLITTER: Be the Glitter is where we talk about tough topics with giggles and leave inspiration that sticks. Hosted by Laura Paisley Beck (Wa'am of Wa'am Writes), this podcast celebrates authentic voices, challenges societal norms, and creates tsunamis of positive social change - one conversation at a time! ✨ More ways to connect: 🌟 All our links: https://linktr.ee/waamwrites LOVE THIS EPISODE? 💬 Share it with someone who needs to hear LP's story ⭐ Leave us a rating and review - it helps others find the podcast 📧 Have a story to share or topic suggestion? Reach out through our Linktree! KEYWORDS: housing discrimination, rental transparency, tech startup, social justice, queer identity, intersectionality, NYC housing, la

11. 

    3 Oct 2025

    Be the Glitter: 3 ✨ The Shocking Truth About LGBTQ Life in Europe with Angelica Polmonari

    Italy is the country with the highest amount of trans murders in Europe." Angelica Polmonari, international LGBTQ+ activist and certified DEI trainer, reveals the shocking reality of LGBTQ+ life in Italy - a founding member of the European Union that ranks 35th out of 49 countries for LGBTQ+ safety. "There is no anti-discrimination bill protecting LGBTQ+ people from hate speech, from street violence, from workplace discrimination." What makes this even more powerful? Angelica has been hired by Maserati - twice - to train their employees on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Her story proves that change is possible, even in the most unexpected places."They asked me: 'What can we do daily to make our LGBTQ+ colleagues feel seen, heard, and valued?'" This conversation covers the ILGA maps, workplace discrimination, the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ violence, and why authentic allyship matters more than ever.Spread the Glitter!✨ Subscribe✨ Share✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ Rate🎧 Wa'am Writes 🔗 linktr.ee/waamwrites Other Links: Angelica on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-polmonari-926358284 https://ilga.org/ https://www.arcigay.it/en/chi-siamo/ https://www.agedonazionale.org/Music provided by Chillhop Music Kreatev - E 500 https://chll.to/f4c0bd3d #ItalianActivist #LGBTQ #TransRights #LGBTQSafety #TransMurder #EuropeanUnion #Italy #Activism #HumanRights #Discrimination #BeTheGlitter #LGBTQActivist #TransActivist #EqualRights #SocialJustice

12. 

    18 Sept 2025

    Be the Glitter: 2 ✨ Queer Startups and Volunteer Magic with Réna Wienclaw

    In this powerful episode of Be the Glitter, I sit down with Laveréna "Réna" Wienclaw, co-founder of New Valley Labs, a startup studio dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ founders. Réna shares her incredible journey from trying to fit into corporate expectations to embracing authentic entrepreneurship - and how that transformation led to both personal fulfillment and business success. What You'll Learn: How authenticity in business can actually drive better results (backed by data!) The real stats on why diverse teams outperform: 19% higher revenues and 21% better profitability Practical ways allies can show up and support LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and community members How to find your authentic voice in professional spaces that pressure conformity The power of volunteer work in building community and creating change Key Topics Covered: Startup studio model and supporting early-stage founders Coming out as a queer entrepreneur and the business transformation that followed Community gardening and Food Strong's amazing work in Cleveland Out in Tech Cleveland chapter relaunch and creating inclusive tech spaces Why visibility matters for both LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies Connect with Réna: Email: laverna@newvalleylabs.com New Valley Labs: [website] Out in Tech Cleveland events and updates This conversation is a beautiful reminder that when we show up as our authentic selves, we not only find our people - we create space for others to do the same. Music provided by Chillhop Music DESH, delaney. - Fairy Tales https://chll.to/41c90fe7 #LGBTQIA #Entrepreneurship #StartupStudio #Diversity #Inclusion #Authenticity #Cleveland #TechCommunity #Allyship #CommunityBuilding #QueerFounders #BeTheGlitter #VolunteerWork #SocialImpact

13. 

    11 Sept 2025

    Be the Glitter: 1 ✨ How 1 Trans Woman’s First Public Appearance Changed Everything (Audio Only Version)

    Meet Kamryn Ainsley - a 55-year-old trans woman from Canada sharing her journey just one year into transition. Her first public appearance story will stay with you forever.What you'll discover: ✅ The security guard incident that could have ended everything ✅ How cosmetics counter employees became unexpected heroes ✅ How being laid off 5 times taught resilience lessons✅ The friend who saw her truth 25 years before she did ✅ Simple ways to be an ally that make all the differenceKey moments: ✨ The 30-minute layoff story ✨ First time shopping as herself ✨ Nicole's incredible foresight and friendship ✨ Why "What's the weather like?" can make someone's day Kamryn proves that growth happens when we're uncomfortable, allies show up in unexpected places, and sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact. ✨ Connect with me: linktr.ee/waamwrites ✨ Subscribe for more conversations that change how you see the world 🎶 Music provided by Chillhop Music Nokiaa, Molly McPhaul - Loaf https://chll.to/965796f9#transgender #transition #allyship #workplace #canada #resilience #friendship #inclusion #lgbtq #betheglitter #growth #authenticity #firsttime #cosmetics #security #superheroes

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Be The Glitter ✨ 🌈 Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.