Best Midwest Institute for Sexuality Podcasts (2024)

1
Knowledge in the Land, Stories in the Seeds 48:07

4M ago48:07

48:07

We take a bite out of the First Nations Garden, a healing space for the Intertribal Native community of Chicago. Co-founder Fawn Pochel (they/kwe) shares the origins of this youth-led project, the importance of establishing and maintaining relationship with plant relatives, and how the garden has transformed the neighborhood and provided a communit…

1
A Midwest Princess and her Mighty Kingdom 48:48

4M ago48:48

48:48

We take a bite out of Chappell Roan through a brief queer history of Midwest music and media influences. Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) highlights queer and trans music artists with ties to the Midwest, how the Midwest is used intentionally in film and streaming series for dramatic effect, and the impact of Midwest stereotypes on racialized and gende…

1
The (Literal) Debate for Trans Lives [redux] 1:10:42

5M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

We take a bite out of local legislation with Minnesota State Representatives Liish Kozlowski (they/them) and Leigh Finke (she/her). We all have a role to play – but our roles aren’t all the same. We chat with these powerhouses about their motivations to run for office, their experiences on the legislative floor, and how Trans Refuge Bills can offer…

1
Cause of Death: Kids 1:13:52

6M ago1:13:52

1:13:52

We bite into a hard conversation around Nex Benedict’s death as well as the two teenagers who killed Brianna Ghey receiving life sentences after jury conviction. Robert Alberts (they/them) and host R.B Brooks (they/them) process their rough thoughts and devastated feelings in an attempt to answer “what does it mean that the project of annihilating …

1
Tristan and R.B. Take on Fat Con 42:24

6M ago42:24

42:24

We take a bite out of Fat Con! In January 2024, Tristan and R.B. attended Fat Con in Seattle, a celebration of fat joy featuring keynotes, a fashion show, and brunch. These fattie baddies reminisce on their glorious time at the inaugural event and share their aspirations for a Midwest Fat Fest. Additional Resources and References: Learn more about …

1
Midwest: More than Cows, Corn, and Conservatives 56:41

7M ago56:41

56:41

We take a bite out of Midwest queer history! Vince Tripi (he/him, co/cos) is a homegrown historian dedicated to compiling LGBTQ+ history into digestible exhibits for pride-goers and LGBTQ+ youth. We chat about his latest project called “Flyover Country,” an exhibit highlighting LGBTQ+ firsts of the Midwest, including some wild discoveries about the…

1
Small Bites: Doctor Who Discourse, Two Palestines, and Coding with Empathy 1:11:50

7M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

We’re delivering a batch of small bites featuring Doctor Who and extraterrestrial gender education [06:29]; parallels and lessons from a trainwreck in East Palestine, Ohio and Gaza, Palestine [35:54]; and getting things done (like web coding) with empathy [45:27]. Additional Resources and References from this episode: No Pride in Genocide – a colle…

1
Today’s Gender Is Up for Debate 1:24:08

1y ago1:24:08

1:24:08

We take a bite out of “the gender debate” with sports journalist Katie Barnes (they/them). We reminisce about our days as student leaders at gay camp, how Katie’s educational background in history, higher education, and even Russian studies has positioned them to be a leading reporter at/on the intersection of sports and gender, and the release of …

1
This “Dad” Has More Than Jokes 1:03:06

1y ago1:03:06

1:03:06

We take a bite out of asexuality across generations with Cody Daigle-Orians (they/them) aka Ace Dad Advice and author of “I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life.” We chat about their Ace Dad persona, the nebulous concept of being a “queer elder,” and Cody’s aspiration for a multigenerational book series guiding folks through their asexua…

1
Animate Me Like One of Your Canonically Queer Characters 58:13

1y ago58:13

58:13

We take a bite out of queer animation, TV shows and characters with resident nerds Andy Newhouse and Michelle Walters. We discuss the finale of The Owl House, D20’s Dungeons and Drag Queens, and which other queer streaming moments we’d smash or pass. Additional Resources & References Listen to “The Anatomy of a Liberatory Think Tank” Learn more abo…

1
Inside the “Journal of a Black Queer Nurse” 1:06:50

1y ago1:06:50

1:06:50

We take a bite out of emergency-room and travel nursing with Britney Daniels, a Black, masculine-presenting, tattooed lesbian and author of “Journal of a Black Queer Nurse”. We chat about Britney’s observations in the emergency room, the derailment that led to her career, and her high hopes for improvements to healthcare systems. Connect with Britn…

1
Hey Google, Who is Barbara May Cameron? 1:05:04

1+ y ago1:05:04

1:05:04

We take a bite out of a Google Doodle commemorating Native American and lesbian activist Barbara May Cameron. We’re joined by queer Mexican and Chitimachan artist Sienna Gonzales, aka Somewhere in June, who had the opportunity to design the homepage artwork. We discuss the stepping stones into her artistic and queer identities, a bumpy road to a BF…

1
The Anatomy of a Liberatory Think Tank 39:28

1+ y ago39:28

39:28

We take a bite out of Third Places, such as conferences, think tanks, liberation labs and other liberatory-conscious spaces that offer queer and trans community and connection outside of home, work and social media. Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) reflects on sharing (third) space with a small but mighty group of LGBTQ+ higher education scholars and e…

1
Trans Fat: Lessons from Large Trans & Nonbinary Folks [redux] 1:36:14

1+ y ago1:36:14

1:36:14

We take a large bite out of fat trans folk’s experiences & unearth some incredible lessons about desire, wellness, design, language, love and so much more. In December of 2022, the Midwest Institute for Sexuality & Gender Diversity hosted the 6th annual Transgender Justice Teach-In and invited TK Morton, Dr. Jonathan Higgins, and Shane Smoore to pa…

1
"Chef" is Gender Neutral 1:06:46

1+ y ago1:06:46

1:06:46

We take a BIG bite out of BRUNCH with Catie Randazzo, a nonbinary chef from Columbus, Ohio who showed off their “filthy biscuits” as a cheftestant on HBOMax’s The Big Brunch—a wholesome cooking competition where the winner gets support with their big food dream. We chat about Catie’s vision for connecting trans youth to food & service industry skil…

1
The Golden Era of Queer Comic Books 54:18

1+ y ago54:18

54:18

We take a bit out of queer comic books with Amara Vear, the Queer Comic Peddler. We geek out about our personal literary faves, the impact of book banning, and the future of queer publishing. Additional Resources & References Learn more about participating in the Makers Market at MBLGTACC 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky! From the Intro Target’s officia…

1
Ope, I’m a Queer Trope! 46:42

1+ y ago46:42

46:42

Snapbacks. Rings of keys. An inability to sit properly. We all know a queer trope when we see one but where do they come from? And what’s the line between a queer stereotype and a queer trope? We take a bite out of queer stereotypes with Justin Drwencke and Danielle Kropveld from the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity. Additional …

1
Behind the Scenes of “Diving for Rays: A Queer Conservationist’s Story” 58:28

1+ y ago58:28

58:28

We take a bite out of marine conservation and documentary filmmaking with Nova West (they/them), Angel Morris (they/them), and Nicole Morris (she/they/he)– the producers and muses of “Diving for Rays: A Queer Conservationist’s Story.” We chat about how what started as an impromptu instagram DM and a conversation about childhood dreams manifested in…

1
Putting Queer Folks on the Map 49:24

1+ y ago49:24

49:24

We kick off season four talking to Charlie Sprinkman (he/they), creator of the Everywhere is Queer map– an interactive tool to locate queer and trans businesses around the globe. We chat about the inspiration for the project, the importance of promoting queer-owned businesses, and Sprinkman’s big ideas for the future of the map. Additional Resource…

1
Small Bites: Gallbladders, Imposter Syndrome, and No-Contact with Family 1:24:15

2y ago1:24:15

1:24:15

In 2022, what was something you did that you didn’t think was possible? In this small bites series, we sink our teeth into this question and more as we discuss overcoming imposter syndrome as a web developer (05:19), seeking answers through a faulty healthcare system (25:45), and the hard choice of going no-contact with a family member (54:16). Res…

1
You Are Not a (Student) Loan 1:10:51

2y ago1:10:51

1:10:51

We take a bite out of student loan debt cancellation with Juan Ramiro Sarmiento (he/him), press secretary of Young Invincibles. We examine the history of higher education becoming less affordable, the emergence of student loan debt cancellation as a political platform, and upcoming legal battle over federal loan forgiveness. Additional Resources & …

1
Tracking Patterns that Produced the Club Q Attack 29:35

2y ago29:35

29:35

We take a slow, careful bite out of processing the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs. Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) pieces together what we’ve learned in the aftermath of the shooting, tracks the circumstances and context that produced the tragic incident, and grapples with key questions about how we move forward. Additional Resources & References…

1
Riding a Trans-Inclusive Tidal Wave with Schuyler Bailar 1:03:53

2y ago1:03:53

1:03:53

We take a bite out of trans inclusion and participation in sports with Schuyler Bailar, also known as PinkMantaray on social media. Schuyler was one of the keynote speakers at MBLGTACC 2022 and during our candid conversation he shared incredible wisdom about tackling anti-trans aggressors as well as sharing his story as a young swimmer coming into …

1
Cheers to 30 Years of Midwest Queers 1:06:47

2y ago1:06:47

1:06:47

We're back for another serving of the 30th annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference. This week, members of the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Diversity team come together exactly 24 hours after the closing remarks to honor the 30-year legacy of MBLGTACC, reminisce on the successes and learning curves of this y…

1
Building the Next Genderation [redux] 1:38:26

2y ago1:38:26

1:38:26

We revisit our 2022 Transgender Justice Teach-In where panelists Merrique Jenson, Codi Charles, Romeo Jackson and Bishop Howard discuss building liberated futures with queer and trans youth. In a moment where we’ve experienced an endless barrage of anti-trans attacks that deeply affect young trans people, the key messages from this conversation are…

1
Our Post-Roe Reality 1:00:43

2y ago1:00:43

1:00:43

We take a bite out of reproductive health, rights, and justice with two stellar advocates from Gender Justice and UnRestrict MN. Erin Maye Quade and Abena Abraham share their firsthand experiences on how the landscape has shifted since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and what cumulative actions we can all take to embrace this new, pos…

1
Big Gay Group Project 40:33

2y ago40:33

40:33

We take a bite out of student conference planning with Lulu, Daleelah and Abby, three student leaders from Ohio who’ve dedicated ample time to planning the 30th annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference. We kick off season three talking about the process of coordinating the largest and oldest continuously-held confe…

1
Right On, Cuee 48:38

2+ y ago48:38

48:38

We take a bite out of hip-hop and music making with Cuee, a Black trans artist based in Lawrence, Kansas. We chat about his shift from higher education into a full-time music career, how creating music can be a tool for exploring identity, and the invaluable role community plays in establishing art. To check out Cuee’s work, head to cueemusic.com. …

1
I Guess I'll Vote shrug 1:10:47

2+ y ago1:10:47

1:10:47

We take a bite out of progressive voter guides with Stephanie Skora, author of the "Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide" that provides public education to voters in Illinois’s Cook County. We chat about the hesitancy of leftists/progressives/radicals to participate in electoral politics, how voter guides can be used as an accountability tool for …

1
Why Are We Talking about Sports? [redux] 1:02:20

2+ y ago1:02:20

1:02:20

We take (another) bite out of the trans policy issues surrounding anti-trans legislation targeting participation in sports. We’ve pulled the audio from our queer policy event from July 2021 for this special episode as we continue to monitor the impact of these policies in current time. This discussion between Katie Barnes, espn feature writer; Chri…

1
Taking Care of the Electrified Meat We Inhabit 1:03:46

2+ y ago1:03:46

1:03:46

We take a bite out of queer and trans affirming healthcare with Asher Wickell (they/he) a family & marriage therapist based in Wichita, KS. We get philosophical in our exploration of what healing looks like in the face of perpetual harm, how the pandemic has unearthed realizations about the flaws in our healthcare systems, and what a future of affi…

1
Making the Personal Political, Locally 1:11:52

2+ y ago1:11:52

1:11:52

We take a bite out of local politics with Oprah Jrenal and Azrin Awal, who both ran for city council positions in their respective municipalities in Fall 2021. We chat about their motivations to run, how community played a huge role in their campaigns, and how the complexity of local politics plays into creating lasting change. ★ Support this podca…

1
Binders, Bridesmaid Dresses, and Burritos 1:20:35

2+ y ago1:20:35

1:20:35

We take a bite out of ALL things gender in this roundtable discussion with four members of the Midwest Institute for Sexuality & Gender Diversity team. We share our earliest memories of questioning gender, overcoming feeling like trans imposters, and what our hopes are for upcoming generations of trans, nonbinary and intersex youth. Resources menti…

1
Trans Joy, in a Meadow, with Daffodils and a Ribeye 48:49

2+ y ago48:49

48:49

What does justice smell like? What does a liberated future taste like? Black trans queer artist, scholar, educator, and dreamer TK Morton (ze/zir) has a vision all mapped out and at the center of it all is joy. We chat about seeking daily joy, the importance of seeing trans folks with different body types, and visualizing trans joy using all the se…

1
Let’s Get Down to (Queer) Business 1:09:25

2+ y ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Our guest’s work is centered around getting people to change their mind. Coach Bastian is a writer, speaker, and personal development coach supporting queer and trans entrepreneurs on well-being and mindset. We chat about building queer capital, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and how to stay true to your vision without worrying about …

1
You're Allowed to Fire Your Therapist 1:08:52

2+ y ago1:08:52

1:08:52

We take a bite of queer-affirming therapy with Colton Schoenike (they/them,), M.S., MFT-IT, a training marriage and family therapist based in Menominee, Wisconsin. We talk about protips for queer and trans folks seeking affirming therapists, the continued gatekeeping of trans folks seeking biomedical transitions, and what to do when you just don't …

1
That's a wrap on season 1 6:53

3y ago6:53

6:53

TA-DA! We're putting a bow on our first season as host R.B. Brooks (they/them) reflects on the conversations from this season. We welcome your feedback and ideas for season two at lastbite@sgdinstitute.org.By Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

1
Small bites: Ferrets, farming, and fat kid food 1:00:55

3y ago1:00:55

1:00:55

In 2021, what has brought you the most joy or taught you the greatest lessons? In part two of this "small bites" series, we reflect on these questions and more as we discuss ferrets (1:27), farming (20:13), and fat kid food (40:46). Enjoy these bite sized bits of pet shaming, futurity planning, and recipe recommendations. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Small bites: Animation, grief, and the gay outdoors 1:05:04

3y ago1:05:04

1:05:04

In 2021, what has brought you the most joy or taught you the greatest lessons? In part one of this "small bites" series, we reflect on these questions and more as we discuss quirky, queer animated characters (2:46), collective grief and learning through loss (23:08), and building a relationship with wilderness in the gay outdoors (47:18). Be sure t…

1
Just(ice) joking with Hayden Kristal 1:39:15

3y ago1:39:15

1:39:15

Prepare your diaphragm for some deep belly laughs! Comedian and intersectional accessibility educator Hayden Kristal talks about the craft of writing a good joke, the need for comedy to "punch up" to prevent harm against marginalized communities, and how social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become key tools for content creators to …

1
We're taking a short break 4:39

3y ago4:39

4:39

We’re taking a little break, but not before we issue a challenge to all you home cooks out there to share your last bite images and fat kid feasts with us by tagging @sgdinstitute on social media or emailing us at lastbite@sgdinstitute.org.By Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

1
Trans abolitionist vision [redux] 1:29:02

3y ago1:29:02

1:29:02

The 4th annual Transgender Justice Teach-in brought together T/GQ/Enby folks doing abolition work and organizing around/against state-sanctioned violence. In this week's episode, we revisit a conversation highlighting efforts in the Midwest and emphasize the connections between both queer/trans justice and abolitionist organizing.…

1
Queers who make beers 1:38:19

3y ago1:38:19

1:38:19

Today’s tap list includes: a savory blend of breaking gendered norms in customer service positions and mobilizing service workers to demand affirming working environments. We’re joined by three folks in the craft brewing industry who share how they ventured into the world of beer and some of the rad projects they’re working on to improve labor cond…

1
Rural v. urban queerness 1:31:43

3y ago1:31:43

1:31:43

Ahh yes, the three genders: cities, college towns, and the farm. We share our personal experiences in rural and urban spaces, the disparate resource allocations to rural areas, and how geography impacts building queer community.By Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

1
Queer death and aging 1:19:41

3y ago1:19:41

1:19:41

Why did we receive messaging that "queer death" happens at age 30? Join us as we explore the sacredness of aging, delayed adolescence, and caring for our queer elders. ★ Support this podcast ★By Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

1
Midwest nice 1:06:56

3y ago1:06:56

1:06:56

It's not just holding the door for strangers and long goodbyes. What is "Midwest nice" and why does it cause barriers to communication, boundaries, and relationships? ★ Support this podcast ★By Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

1
Serving the last bite 51:39

3y ago51:39

51:39

What is "the last bite"? Why is it the stuff of Midwest social nightmares? And how is it actually a barrier to organizing? Join us as we serve it and flip this whole buffet table. Meet some of our humans and get a preview of what's on our radar. ★ Support this podcast ★By Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

1
Introducing Take the Last Bite 19:46

3y ago19:46

19:46

Introducing Take the Last Bite, a new podcast from the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity. Season one launches August 31, 2021 with new episodes bi-weekly. In the meantime, learn more about our intentions for this podcast and listen to a sneak peak of episode one. ★ Support this podcast ★…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Midwest Institute For Sexuality Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide