Ever own a journal? Well, this is mine, it’s just public! On this podcast I’ll be discussing everything that flows into this little mind of mine: particularly what I love, what irritates me, and what I’m still reflecting on and trying to learn more about. If it has crossed my mind, maybe it has crossed yours!
I broach pertinent topics with people who have lived and breathed important stories that can help others. I spout the truth and make you spit out your morning coffee with a laugh!
In this episode, I had the pleasure to interview my friend, Antonio who has fully embraced Santeria. I knew barely anything about Santeria before our interview and although we discussed it for about an hour we barely scratched the surface. Santeria's natural mystery has led to many misconceptions about it but Antonio is here to help us understand it and brujeria a bit more! We also discuss his past life as a Christian and what he has gained from embracing a new religion.
15 Jun 2024
Pride Month: Level Up Your Tolerance
This episode is all about trying to understand others by seeking out and empathizing with their experience!
As a member of the LGBT community I am well aware that acceptance varies, even within the community depending on which of those letters you embody. I define tolerance as a ‘live and let live’ mindset, but tolerance isn’t quite acceptance. Acceptance is the next step in the continuum: it happens when the walls fall down and you let go of doubts and approach someone as a human being rather than someone to be curious about.
I remember a conversation with a friend where I expressed not being able to fully relate to trans people since their desire to transition wasn’t something I could fully empathize with. That friend set me straight right away and said, “I will die on this hill, so we are better off agreeing to disagree”, I acquiesced but was surprised to be met with resistance. Resistance doesn’t lead to revelations, so I remained in the same place: embodying ‘tolerance’ but not yet acceptance.
About a year later, I came across an essay written by a young trans woman named Denny Agassi via The New York Times ‘Modern Love’ podcast. While listening, I could relate to so many feelings that Denny was expressing. It had a profound effect on me and I remember feeling a physical shift in my body. Denny sharing her dating/love experiences was so relatable to me, that any curiosity I had about trans people (which may have been manifesting as a sort of wall) diminished and I realized that trans people are EXACTLY like everyone else. We all want the same things in life and by finding and sharing those commonalities people learn to accept each other, and that’s what this podcast is about!
The special guest is Keke Monroe, a trans woman who also performs drag. I wanted to bring her on since she represents another part of the LGBT community and we were able to share our experiences with tolerance and acceptance while providing a genuine look into how we are received both within and outside of our community
28 May 2024
Video Games Reign Supreme
Movies are too short, books aren't interactive, and sometimes you're just too tired to work out. Video games are the 21st century's ultimate art form and this isn't a statement, these are FACTS! My guest and I reflect on our 20-year long experience with video games, which eras were the worst, which were the best, and what makes games so special for us!
14 May 2024
Bogus Bogeyman or Disturbing Development 'Diversity Politics at FGCU'
In 2017 (maybe '18, I'm horrible with time) FGCU offered a course titled 'White Racism'. This class was my first encounter with sociology that focused on race relations and the struggles black people have faced after Reconstruction: but did learning about all of this make a difference? Is divisive rhetoric necessary to disrupt a system that's hesitant to change? Maybe! In this pod I reflect on the course along with my guest Griffin (who protested the course in his own way and was confronted by campus police about it) and we discuss the state of diversity initiatives in Florida today, whether the course was a win or loss for the university, and what we both learned from our experience!
14 May 2024
Introducing Diversity Politics at FGCU
This pod is all about where I think the diversity movement should go next and introducing why I interviewed my guest Griffin in Episode 2. Diversity is having a brand new moment in society, but maybe not the one it was hoping for! I strive to understand the 'why' behind choices and to glance deeper. Why are certain red states pushing back on diversity programs and initiatives? Maybe they feel left out! Perhaps it's because DEI is having its very own identity crisis and is being conflated with other movements such as critical race theory.
You can read more about my thoughts on diversity and how it can become more inclusive here:
https://medium.com/@srohttis17/redefining-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-2024-ceab6e2a7388 (https://medium.com/@srohttis17/redefining-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-2024-ceab6e2a7388)
4 May 2024
Life Is A Laboratory
What you envision and aim for doesn’t turn out quite right but, that just might be a blessing! I met today's guest, Jojo, at work and we came in as polar opposites: I was a lil moody (that's an understatement) and she was sweet as apple pie, but by the end of our time working together we had shifted energies. Jojo decided to let go of teaching and take a leap of faith. This pod details that journey and how one can refresh one's perspective and embrace change.
Host of Gush, Erupt, Deconstruct?
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