The Unity Project

Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend Emily about her incredible journey with tarot and sobriety. We delved into her deep passion for tarot and how it’s been a pivotal part of her healing journey. Emily opened up about her experiences with body image and self-acceptance, and how she’s navigated those challenges. Emily also shared her journey with her decision to quit drinking. We discussed how crucial it is to find support and resources when you’re on the path to sobriety, and the profound impact of sharing personal stories. She also talked about the concept of connecting with her higher self, which was unbelievably beautiful. To wrap up our conversation, Emily did a tarot card reading that really highlighted the importance of making adjustments, setting practical plans, and taking time for meditation and contemplation. It was a deeply insightful chat that left me inspired by Emily’s journey and the power of tarot in her life. Enjoy!   Follow Emily: IG: @_empressemily_ TikTok: @_empressemily_   Follow Me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegandrews.com   Watch Interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aBnyf6HB_P0

Author of the amazing memoir, Boyslut, and sex and relationship columnist Zachary Zane joined me on the podcast this week to talk about allllll the things. We talked about bisexuality, navigating polyamory, the importance of therapy and medication, and how he developed a healthy relationship with his body along the way. I first came across Zach when I was working a slow morning at my local bookstore. I was sipping a coffee, shelving all the new releases of the week, minding my own business, then BAM. I saw Boyslut on the shelving cart and instantly had to pick it up. I had a so much fun talking with Zach on the podcast, and SO much fun reading his book. Enjoy the listen, and go check out his memoir!   Follow Zach: IG: @zacharyzane_ https://www.zacharyzane.com/   Follow Me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegtv.com

Moriah Conant is a queer, disabled psychologist-in-training who specializes in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the areas of trauma, identity development, and identity integration. She utilizes a relational psychodynamic approach to therapy, along with feminist psychology and LGBTQIA+ affirming psychology. They are also passionate about suicide prevention and making psychoeducation and mental health care accessible. In the episode, Moriah shares their experience of being queer in a Christian higher education environment and the challenges she faces at a school with lawsuits for expelling queer students filed against it. They also discuss gender identity the process of coming out as an adult and the second puberty-like experience it can be.  Moriah shares their work in suicide prevention, emphasizing the need for community support and systemic change. They provide resources for individuals in crisis and highlight the importance of education for clinicians in working with suicidal clients.   Follow Moriah: IG: mconantpsychology   Follow Jackie: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegtv.com   Helpful Resources: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention fundraiser- https://supporting.afsp.org/participant/2866170 Trans Lifeline- https://translifeline.org/ The Trevor Project- https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Today is the day we finally get to release Part Two of my interview where my wonderful, beautiful wife Kailey switched seats with me to be the host, interviewing yours truly. I loved part two SO much. After processing through some difficult parts of my story in part 1, it felt hopeful getting to share what the recovery journey looked like on the other side. Coming to terms with the fact that I had an eating disorder, an addiction, and severe depression changed everything for me. I got to talk with Kailey about what it was like going to therapy with a badass therapist, admitting myself into a treatment center for people with eating disorders and addiction, coming out, and falling in love. Ultimately, we talked about how recovery is not linear, how it was always about connection, and how important our relationships with our bodies truly are. If you want to listen to part one before this episode, you can do so here: https://spoti.fi/49RvlML Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Follow Kailey: @kailey424   Cover Art by Casey Williams Music by Lucas Taffo  

Welcome back, dear listeners! Season 5 - holy mother forking shirt balls - starts today with a surprise switcheroo. My beautiful perfect wife, Kailey, is joining us today to interview ME. In the episode I share my experience growing up with ultra-conservative "Left Behind movie era" (IYKYK) parents obsessed with thinness, trying to scare my sister and I into heaven, ultimately leading to me doing everything I could to be as disconnected from my body as possible. I go on to talk about being sexually assaulted as a teenager, being the personal assistant to an emotionally and sexually abusive boss ten years older than me (IYKYK), and falling head-first into an eating disorder and alcohol addiction.  After recording this for about an hour, I remembered how EXHAUSTING it is to dive deep into these stories and conversations. That being said, Kailey and I decided it would be best to continue this in our next episode with part 2. That'll be where I talk about coming out, therapy, treatment, meeting Kailey, and ultimately learning how to be connected to my body and why I would want to be.  Anyway, thank you so much for following me through so many twists and turns over the past five-plus years. I can't get over how cool that is, and will forever be grateful for that.  Okay, that's enough for now. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Follow Kailey: IG: @kailey424   Cover Art by Casey Williams IG: @helloimcaseyw Music by Lucas Taffo  

“When I came out as trans, I realized I wanted a body that was all for me.” - @abby.jo.mo   I got to interview Abbie Jo Morris on the podcast today and was reminded why I started the show in the first place. Abby is incredible, and if this is your first time listening, you’re making the right choice. Abby is a Maine based writer who explores the intersections between various identities including trans woman, Jewish convert, chronically ill spoony, and sex-positive poly slut. Abby joined me on the podcast today to talk about her experience growing up in a highly conservative part of Florida while being raised as a fundamentalist evangelical. We definitely bonded over the correlation with that, and how we both struggled with eating disorders in the midst of it. It was really interesting to dive deep into the similarities of the rigidness between Evangelicalism and eating disorders. We went on to talk about her journey coming out of Christianity and finding Judaism, and how that coincided with her coming out as a trans woman. Abby is someone who I feel like I’ve known for my whole life. We both left this conversation feeling so full of life and wanting to dive even deeper into who we are, and that is exactly why I love doing this podcast. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Follow Abby: IG: @abby.jo.mo   Podcast Music by Lucas Taffo  

For today’s episode, I had the honor of talking with Bex Mui, a queer witch, energy worker, and spiritual organizer. Bex is the founder of House of Our Queer, a Spiritual place base, and the author of the book House of Our Queer, Healing, Reframing, and Reclaiming Your Spiritual Practice. In our interview, Bex talked about what it looked like being raised Catholic in regard to her sexuality and her relationship with her body, what it looked like to take the space that she needed to heal, and then being able to freely reclaim what felt true and enjoy the spirituality that has always been rightfully hers. One of the things that Bex said in the interview that stood out the most to me was: “As a young witch and a young healer, I did have this sense that all of this noise, everything that I was hearing from the church and the community had to do with the fact that there was some type of power in my body. There was a lot of noise and a lot of control, and that wouldn’t be something that was happening if there wasn’t something that they wanted” Hearing those words gave me goosebumps. Enjoy the episode, and don''t forget to check out Bex's book. House of Our Queer will forever have a place on my shelf. Buy House of Our Queer: https://www.purplepalmpress.com/shop/p/houseofourqueer   Follow Me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Follow Bex: IG: @houseofourqueer https://www.houseofourqueer.com/   Podcast Music by Lucas Taffo  

Today I got to interview James Barnes, also known as The Trans Coach. James is a Corporate Motivational Speaker and Stress + Mindset Coach whose mission in life is to empower people through life transitions in and out of work. He wants to help people create more empathy and understanding for not only others, but also themselves. He is a father, and husband, and also happens to be a Trans man.  It was such an honor to have James on the podcast today to share his story about his own transition, and how his experience was healing the man that he’s always been. My favorite part of our conversation was when James talked about what it looks like to define yourself both in and out of your transition, versus just jumping from one checked box to the next. He talked about how important it is to just be a friend to yourself and learn who you’ve always been. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Follow James: https://www.thetranscoach.com/ thetranscoach@gmail.com IG: @thetranscoach   Podcast Music by Lucas Taffo  

Today I got to talk to somatic educator, award-winning speaker, author, restorative justice advocate, and lesbian Jewish feminist, @marleeliss on The Unity Project Podcast. Marlee made history in the justice system when her sexual assault case became the 1st in North America to conclude with restorative justice through the courts. Since then, she has coached hundreds of women and non-binary folk in healing shame and transforming trauma. I had the privilege of talking with Marlee about her story and the correlation between sexual assault and eating disorders, somatic healing after sexual assault, and somatic sex ed. Enjoy!   Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3X8RO0V   Follow Marlee: IG: @marleeliss marleeliss.com 2SLGBTQIA+ F*ck Comphet Support Club: https://www.patreon.com/fckcomphetsupportclub    Follow Me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Podcast Music by Lucas Taffo

Hello people of the world, and welcome back. Oh, I have missed you. Season 4 of The Unity Project is kicking off with an incredible interview with the author of My Government Means to Kill Me, Rasheed Newson. "My Government Means to Kill Me is an exhilarating, fast-paced, coming-of-age story that lends itself to a larger discussion about what it means for a young, gay, Black man in the mid-1980s to come to terms with his role in the midst of a political and social reckoning." I learned so much reading his book and talking with him on the podcast about the AIDS crisis, and practical ways we can do so much better. Enjoy!   Follow Me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com Follow Rasheed IG: @rasheed.newson.author https://www.rasheednewson.com/

Hello loves! This week on the podcast I got to talk with Manny Mac, a Trans-Deity and self-intimacy coach. In summary, Manny was AMAZING. I found him on Instagram and am soooo happy that I did. In our interview we talked about intimacy, queerness, representation, coming out as trans, spiritual trauma, gender, and so many things. Enjoy!   Follow Me: IG: @jackieg.tv www.jackiegronlund.com   Follow Manny IG: @blacknqueerdivinity linktr.ee/blacknqueer   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qA-yQaltJXI

Hello my friends! This week, meet Tammaka Staley. Tammaka was a JOY to talk to about her relationship with her body and all the work they are doing around sex education. She is the Founder and CEO of Youth Affirming Sex Education (YASÉ), LLC. YASÉ is a youth organization specializing in comprehensive, decolonized sex education for 12-19-year-olds. Their mission is to provide culturally sound workshops, curriculum, and one-on-one parent sessions to encourage healthy sex practices so all youth can have the tools to affirm themselves and their communities. We talked about everything from masturbation to ranch dressing. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome   Follow Tammaka:  IG: @sexaffirminggoddess weareyase.com    WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/cysl7D65GEo

Hello, my favorite people on the internet! Today I had the honor of interviewing Mikki Kendall. Mikki is a writer, diversity consultant, and "occasional feminist". She's the author of the NYT best-selling book, Hood Feminism, which EVERYBODY should drop what they're doing and go pick up a copy right now. She was so generous to share her story about her relationship with her body and had so much wisdom on topics like food accessibility, feminism, poverty, eating disorders, and more. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome   Follow Mikki: IG: @karnythia mikkikendall.com Buy Hood Feminism: https://mikkikendall.com/books-2/

Holy bajeezus I'm excited about this week's episode. I got to talk with sex educator Erica Smith on the podcast today about her journey with her relationship with her body. I've wanted to have someone on to talk about this topic with for a while and now feels like an incredibly important time. Erica shares so much of her story regarding feminism, queerness, being a riot girl, and proper sex education. Go listen, trust me.  Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome   Follow Erica: IG: @ericasmith.sex.ed purityculturedropout.com Webinar on Sexual Communication: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N8yGjDSERI2goY3meAjyYg

Hello, my dear internet friends! This week I got to interview Brian Sonia-Wallace, the West Hollywood Poet Laureate, Harper Collins Author, and one of the most creative/ unique people I've ever gotten to talk to.  In 2012, Brian set up a typewriter on the street with a sign that said “Poetry Store” and accidentally started their business: RENT Poet. Over 5,000 poems later, their book of essays, The Poetry of Strangers, profiles the communities they've written for across America, and the desperate desire to be listened to and heard that they found. Excerpts have been published in The Guardian and Rolling Stone, and they've been the official Writer in Residence for unlikely clients from Amtrak to the Mall of America. I got to talk with this incredible human about what it was like traveling America with a typewriter, meeting countless strangers, and talking about what they need.  We also talked about Brian's story of how they became who they are today, how their relationship with their body has grown over the years through outlets like bodybuilding and theatre, and what it means to be a poet. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome   Follow Brian: IG/ Twitter/ Facebook: @rentpoet www.briansonia-wallace.com   PRIDE POETS: "This Poems for You" podcast debuts in June 2022. ON JUNE 11TH: Call 202-998-3510 and poets will be standing by to write you a custom poem over the phone! More info at www.weho.org/pride or @wehoarts.  

Hello friends! Today I have an episode that felt like a holiday to record. Truly. I had the honor of chatting with Sofia Lapuente and Jarrod Shusterman, NYT best selling YA romance/thriller authors. We got to talk about their writing process when it comes to character development, and how being connected to themselves plays a role in that. Sofia is from Spain and had so much to share regarding the differences in pressure on the bodies in Spain versus America. Jarrod talked about his experience growing up as a wrestler, and the pressures put on young bodies in that culture.  I had so much fun interviewing them, and can't wait for you all to listen. Enjoy :)    Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome    Follow Sofia and Jarrod: IG: @sofiandjarrod TikTok: @sofiandjarrod   Keep an eye out for their upcoming YA novel, RETRO, coming soon.

Today I had the honor of chatting with Sierra Holland, an apprentice midwife, full-spectrum doula, childbirth educator, and reproductive advocate. Sierra had so much important wisdom to share with us on how to support marginalized people in healthcare better. We talked a lot about the oppression of families made up of LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary individuals, black indigenous and people of color, and other marginalized groups.  She also has a PhD in sociology, is a roller skater, and is one of the most interesting people I’ve talked to here.  After talking with her, I feel like a changed human being and can’t wait to share this conversation. Enjoy! Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome    Follow Sierra: IG: @allbodiesbirth https://www.allbodiesbirth.com/   Other helpful links https://softcornermidwifery.com/ https://www.uua.org/re/owl https://queerdoulanetwork.com/  

Hello, my lovely friends! This week we're finally back with another episode of The Unity Project, and it's one I cannot wait for you to hear. I interviewed Julissa Llosa Vite, a ceramic artist, ceremonialist, and educator working in NYC. Julissa shares their experience immigrating from Peru to the US as a little girl, which is a story that I still think about. We talked a lot about what it's like being a woman in a patriarchal society, and how to find a way to express ourselves freely while still staying safe. I thought about this interview for weeks after we talked, and am so honored to get to share it with you. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome    Follow Julissa: IG: @tierrajulz julissallosavite.com

Listeners, I am so happy you're here. In this conversation, Kimberly H. Coleman shares her profound journey of self-acceptance and healing through trauma, including her experiences with body dysmorphia, cancer, and the impact of childhood trauma on her health. She discusses the importance of advocating for oneself in medical situations, the role of therapy in her healing process, and how she has embraced her identity as a model and author. Kimberly emphasizes the ongoing nature of healing and the significance of community and connection in her life.   Follow Kimberly: www.kimberlyhcoleman.com Socials: @kimberlyhcoleman   Follow Jackie: www.jackiegandrews.com IG: @jackieg.tv

Hello loves! This week I had such an incredible time getting to talk to Fallon Lapan, a body-centered psychotherapist (LICSW), and coach. Her work involves helping her clients with the development of deeper understanding and communication with themselves, moving through blockages, healing their relationships to trauma, and becoming more empowered, confident and alive. In our interview, Fallon shares her story with autoimmune disorders, learning to listen to her body guide her to what she needed, integrative medicine, cycle tracking, and so much more. Enjoy!   Follow me: IG: @jackieg.tv Twitter: @jackieeg7 Support this Podcast: Patreon.com/jackiegtv Buy My Book: Gumroad.com/l/findinghome     Follow Fallon: IG: @fallonkings www.https://hereandawake.com