Typed Out: The Podcast

America has such a deep, dark history with race—something we still greatly struggle with—but what is it like for a country that is largely homogenous? Season Two co-host Tamara Coleman stars in our second episode to share her experience as a black woman living in Japan. Tamara opens up about what it was like growing up with interests outside of her own culture, her apprehensions versus lived reality when it came to traveling abroad, and how she finally felt like the main character of her own story.

The Typed Out podcast returns for its second season, and in this anniversary episode, I am joined by actor PJ Johnnie Jr, who shares his story of growing up a young, queer black man in the American South. From homelessness to graduate school and beyond, PJ takes us on his personal journey, and reminds us that, even in our darkest moments, there is always light.

Science is all about using diverse methods to solve for any given problem, but what if the problem is a lack of diversity? Molecular biologist Eliud Sepulveda guests to chat about growing up gay in Puerto Rico, surviving the military during DADT, and offers his insight into the challenges and benefits of shaking up the laboratory when it comes to seeking out a different way of thinking.

Hosted by Yotpo, the Typed Out podcast goes LIVE! once again, and this time I am sitting down with special guest and investor at Stripes Group, Rachael Foo. In an effort to keep the conversation about Pride ongoing, Rachael shares what it was like growing up queer in Hong Kong, the importance of embracing your identity (as well as letting it go), and offers some insight on how a more diverse tech environment has so much more to gain—especially when women and minority people are at the fore!

General crime statistics are down, but hate-fueled attacks are on the rise. More than ever, people are feeling emboldened to act on their intolerance and bigotry. But in a society that is trying so hard to progress, how do you stand up in the face of hate? In this LIVE! episode of the Typed Out podcast, I am joined by Lex Evan of Alt Pronouns, Joanna Hoffman of Athlete Ally, and David Garten of host company RXR to chat about disarming those who are motivated by fear.

As June continues, there are so many events marking the 50th year of Pride, but none are half as exciting as #HowAboutLove, an On The Quays concert dedicated to celebrating fifty years of divas. In this special release episode, OTQ company members Nicola Murphy, Keiji Ishiguri, and Zia guest to chat about their event, the crossroads of entertainment and activism, and what it means to celebrate Pride here and now.

There are many relationships in our lives, and not all are with people. So, are you giving each relationship what it deserves? Astrologer and Headmistress of the Venus Academy, Miz Chartreuse, guests on this episode of the Typed Out podcast to discuss a whole slue of things. We chat about Char's Zambian roots, the importance and meaning of 'home', the difference between closure and forgiveness, and we even skim the surface of cancel culture, but all of it comes back to Love—love for each other, love for ourselves, and how it may not always be so easy to give. Be sure to tune in for this memorable conversation!

There is beauty in age, so why do we fear getting older? Model and ageless style protagonist, Deborah Darling, guests on this episode of the Typed Out podcast to chat about the stigma against the aging woman. Together we unpack the power of silver hair, how she received a new lease on life at the age of fifty, and why we should all embrace the lines on our faces—because they tell our story! Follow Deborah on Instagram @deborah__darling or via her website at deborahdarling.com!

What do you do when the narrative isn't typically written for you? You take matters—or words—into your own hands. Poet and host of Yellownin, Emily Gao, joins the the Typed Out podcast to talk about her experience as a first generation Chinese American, the process of exploring identity through writing, and how expression through art can be the first step to healing.

Storytelling can serve two purposes—to build empathy and let us know we are not alone—and it was exactly for these reasons why Nathan Manske founded his non-profit organization, I'm From Driftwood. Now, ten years later, Nathan guests on the Typed Out podcast to reflect on how far the video series has come, the lives and brains (!) it has changed, and what the next decade has in store.

What if the things we suffered from manifested as a magical ability? Illustrator and first-time author, Bill Masuku, answers this question in his forthcoming novel, Misfortunism, where misery becomes real power. Bill joins the Typed Out podcast this week to chat about his literary debut, the importance of diversifying niche genre literature from page to cover, and his personal journey of discovering his own creativity. Visit Sera Blue Publishing to see and purchase a copy of all available titles.

Ever been "mansplained" or talked over because of your gender or other pre-determined factor? In this special podcast-crossover episode, I am joined by Welcome To My Vagina co-hosts Rebekah Frank and Jessy Caron to discuss the various ways in which women and non-male identifying folks become the subject of many men's tirades, just who gets access to your body (ps: no one without your consent!), and how women have been notoriously left out of the most important conversations regarding their own rights. Be sure to subscribe to Welcome To My Vagina to stay up-to-date with Jessy and Rebekah, and if you'd like to check out the Joanna Chiu's Twitter thread as mentioned by Rebekah in this episode, that can be found here. Want to check out one of the books recommended in this episode? Begin your 30-Day Audible trial with Typed Out by following our sponsor link: www.audibletrial.com/typedout

Being raised under the influence of two cultures can be a difficult situation to navigate. For Rebecca Imaizumi, she had trouble finding a home in her native country of Japan because of her mother's American heritage—but then she found hip-hop, and the dancer and entrepreneur has not looked back since. In this episode, Rebecca and I chat about her family's integrated history of pursuing what you love, and how following your passions can be the map that leads you home.

Is the education curriculum keeping up with the modern world? Have the history books and reading assignments expanded to include more diverse voices? Educator and high school English teacher Tiffany Danielle joins as this week's guest to discuss whether or not the classroom—from setup to syllabus—is changing quick enough, and what real challenges stand in the way of the today's young minds.

Felice Cohen was minding her own business when a stranger—claiming to be a medium—offered her a message from a lost flame. That fateful encounter spurred what is now her forthcoming memoir, Other Duties As Assigned. In this episode, Felice and I discuss the convergence of spirit and happenstance, the therapeutic powers of writing, and how boxing up your past can help you live more fully in the present.

How can we connect two seemingly-disconnected worlds to generate better resources, accessibility, and understanding? Three NYC-based entrepreneurs share stories of shaping industry and community through diverse innovation. During our first-ever LIVE podcast recording, I chat with Jyll Hubbard-Salk, Lamont Blackstone, and Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo about making space and building bridges in modern day America & Africa. Spencer Jones co-hosts. Special thanks to RXR Realty for the making the discussion possible! For more info on each business, please see the websites below: Urban Asanas G.L. Blackstone & Associates African Health Now

What happens when society overlooks your heritage and only sees your race? First generation Guinean American Néné Diané joins the conversation on Black History Month and details her account growing up between Maryland in the United States and Mauritania in Africa. Together, Néné and I take a look at discovering your own identity, the desire to fit in, and the importance of standing out.

It's Hollywood's biggest night, and they are calling it the Queerest in Oscars history. But just how gay are the Academy Awards? In this special release episode, actor and writer David Robert Moore guests to talk why so many queer roles are played by straight actors, the importance of visibility, and whether or not people should publicly identify in order to land the part.

What if you were in love with your best friend, and then he was in love with somebody else? Sometimes love doesn't always work out the way we want it to, but instead the way we need it to. In this special Valentine's Day episode, Mikki Hommel guests to share how she wrote the wedding song for an unrequited love—accompanied by the man who would eventually become her husband. Listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear City Of Fate, written and performed by Mikki Hommel. On The Moon, Mikki's debut album, is available for listen on iTunes and Spotify.

Typed Out & HuffPost contributor Spencer Jones returns to continue the conversation about racism in America. Together, Spencer and I cover such topics as "reverse racism," racial preservation, and how your political views and affiliations do not give you armor when it comes to accountability—but most importantly, how time has been stolen from the Black community.