Episode 2: Reimagining Relationships with Kaya

In this episode, our co-host Kaya shares the types of messages and behaviors she learned as a child regarding romantic and platonic relationships and her process of unlearning them. She unpacks how the “Strong Black Woman” stereotype impacted how she connected with others. Frankly. is a podcast that explores the health and wellbeing of youth from the perspectives and lived experiences of young people on Chicago’s South and West sides. Co-produced by Chicago youth Kaya Thomas and Alizha Vernon and the University of Chicago’s Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Frankly. is a seven-episode series that builds on the findings from Ci3’s Adolescent X study, a research project that studies narrative methods to explore the messages that young people receive about their bodies, identities, and sexual health. Frankly. centers the voices of young people marginalized by race, gender, and/or sexual orientation as they navigate various social environments, develop their identities, and understand the world around them. Frankly. aims to contextualize the stories of young people by examining the ways in which structural barriers and institutions impede their health and wellbeing. Frankly. is a podcast that explores the health and wellbeing of youth from the perspectives and lived experiences of young people on Chicago’s South and West sides. Co-produced by Chicago youth Kaya Thomas and Alizha Vernon and the University of Chicago’s Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Frankly. is a seven-episode series that builds on the findings from Ci3’s Adolescent X study, a research project that studies narrative methods to explore the messages that young people receive about their bodies, identities, and sexual health. Frankly. centers the voices of young people marginalized by race, gender, and/or sexual orientation as they navigate various social environments, develop their identities, and understand the world around them. Frankly. aims to contextualize the stories of young people by examining the ways in which structural barriers and institutions impede their health and wellbeing. Production Team: Ireashia Bennett, Co-Host, Executive Producer, Sound Engineer Kaya Thomas, Co-Host, Ci3 Fellow, Producer Alizha Vernon, Ci3 Fellow, Producer Melissa Gilliam, MD, MPH, Creator, Ci3 Founder, and Director Valerie Reynolds, Senior Producer, Story Editor Erisa Apantaku, Story Editor, Podcast Consultant Liz Futrell, Project Manager, Producer Crystal Tyler, Ci3 Executive Director and Story Editor Erin Garcia, Story Editor Adriana Brodyn, Story Editor and Researcher Melissa Sherwin, Story Editor Music featured in the episodes by Blue Dot Sessions and King Mastermind