“Dressing as a woman for the first drag for the first time certainly had an enormous impact on my life.”

An award-winning author, artist and journalist with Ivy League degrees, Meredith Talusan’s story has humble beginnings. She grew up in a rural village in the Philippines, born an albino boy. As the only light-skinned and light-haired child for miles and miles -- who also happened to like other boys -- Meredith was used to feeling different. But when she immigrated to the U.S., her sense of cognitive dissonance deepened further. All of a sudden, she was perceived as an able-bodied, native-born American. By the time she got to Harvard, Meredith found herself reflecting over issues around race, class, sexuality and her place within the gay community. But a drag show would change the trajectory of her story -- and illuminate a path toward her true self. https://letsnottalkaboutit.com

Hosts:
Camille Tuutti
Sharon Tiger
Amanda Ziadeh

Guest:
Meredith Talusan, author of "Fairest"

Expert:
Dr. Akua K. Boateng

Editor:
Tessa Hall

Behind the Scenes:
Lisa Abeyta

Music: 
“Incoming” by Jeffrey C. Mund 
"Arms of Gold" by Tape Machines

“There's a tremendous amount of stigma about coming forward, especially for men.” 

It wasn’t until Phil Goldstein was 30 years old he began unpacking a childhood trauma subconsciously affecting his adult life. As a kid, Phil was sexually abused by his older brother, and he kept it to himself for years, along with feelings of shame, guilt and fear. But when Phil met the woman who'd become his wife, sex and intimacy problems led him to therapy, where he opened up about his childhood sexual abuse. Already an established journalist, Phil is about to become a published author with a poetry book that narrates his trauma and emotions in their rawest forms. He found solace in expressive poetry, and has chosen to combine that passion with speaking out about something so stigmatized. https://letsnottalkaboutit.com

National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline, operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800.656.HOPE (4673) 

Hosts:
Camille Tuutti
Sharon Tiger
Amanda Ziadeh

Guest:
Phil Goldstein, author of "How to Bury a Boy at Sea" (Stillhouse Press)

Expert:
Dr. Akua K. Boateng

Editor:
Tessa Hall

Behind the Scenes:
Lisa Abeyta

Music: 
“Incoming” by Jeffrey C. Mund 
"Arms of Gold" by Tape Machines

“Every single day was just complete hell.”

Ashley Brumbaugh’s father was her hero without a cape. So, when he was diagnosed with cancer, Ashley fell apart. Internalized stress led to chronic pain, which brought about an addiction to painkillers at 14. After her father died, Ashley spent years in and out of depression, self-isolation and substance abuse. But this wasn’t the end of her trauma. While in recovery, Ashley was trapped in an abusive relationship that lasted 6 years. Eventually, she left when her abuser was at work -- and she never looked back. Today, Ashley is a writer helping people escape the real world through storytelling. https://letsnottalkaboutit.com

National Domestic Violence Support Hotline:
Call 1-800-799-7233 or text SAFE to 88788

Hosts:
Camille Tuutti
Sharon Tiger
Amanda Ziadeh

Guest:
Ashley Brumbaugh

Expert:
Dr. Akua K. Boateng

Editor:
Tessa Hall

Behind the Scenes:
Lisa Abeyta

Music: 
“Incoming” by Jeffrey C. Mund 
"Arms of Gold" by Tape Machines