When Sam finds himself at St. Christopher's – an in-patient addiction treatment facility – for the second time, he discovers an unexpected solace when he becomes a church choir director. Tune in to learn how, when his community learns of a tragic loss, Sam (and the Grateful Dead) helps them find harmony within the chaos. If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Writing Prompt: Write a true story a...
Jun 05, 2024•15 min
The youngest of four boys in a family that abides by a “stifle-your-feelings” approach to life, Jonathan learns how to process his chaotic life through his dreams. Listen in to find out how, at 9 years-old, he’s awoken from a recurring nightmare to find it’s become a reality. If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a time when you felt misunderstood or ove...
May 29, 2024•15 min
As a result of historical and generational trauma, Tyana’s elders are not comfortable expressing anxiety and depression. She feels she’s being trained to smile through trauma. Listen to hear how Tyana discovers she has a superpower; a world where she is made of magic. If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a personal experience that made you feel empowere...
May 22, 2024•11 min
In her own recovery from alcoholism, Patty sifts through resentments toward her father, known to most as Wild Bill , after navigating a lifetime of family chaos and grief, all sparked by his drinking and wild ways. Listen to hear how Patty came to see herself in her father, and find the compassion to forgive him, and ultimately herself. If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Writing Prompt: Writ...
May 15, 2024•16 min
Morris has learned how to navigate a life filled with challenges by finding solace in keeping busy with all the things he enjoys, from watercolor painting to working out mathematical equations. However, when TMI Project offered a storytelling workshop in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Ulster County (MHA), he was hesitant to join. When he decided to overcome his fear of public speaking and give it a try, though, he transformed into a powerful storyteller. In his story, Morris...
May 08, 2024•31 min
For years, Eva resisted the idea of medication while simultaneously self-medicating her ever-present depression. However, when running, herbal supplements, binge drinking, and all the other tactics that she’s tried still leave her unable to stop crying, she finally takes the plunge. Tune in to hear how Eva comes to accept and find the right treatment for her clinical depression which opens up a whole new world. If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental He...
May 01, 2024•21 min
Discover the transformative power of true storytelling on Season 7 of The TMI Project Story Hour : Vicarious Resilience. In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, each episode features real people, real voices, and real stories surrounding experiences with mental illness and mental health - all written during a TMI Project workshop. These unsung heroes craft true stories that intentionally include the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves. Listen in, subscribe, and emb...
Apr 24, 2024•2 min
In this special episode of The TMI Project Story Hour, Jay Jackson, known to many as RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Laganja Estranja, reveals a more intimate side of her true self. Tune in to hear how her drag career inspired a profound shift in embracing her femininity-- and how full self-acceptance helped her not only live authentically but become a fierce advocate for the trans community. The episode culminates with a powerful speech from Celeste Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project, as th...
Apr 20, 2024•27 min
With support from Maureen Paul, executive director Eva Tenuto offers gratitude for your support this year. This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson. Featured: Eva Tenuto (she/her), Host Maureen Paul (she/her), Storyteller Tahyira Cordner-Arias (she/her), Storyteller Katie Willingham (she/they), Storyteller Kat Samedova (she/her), Storyteller Tina Dierna (she/her), Storyteller Raine Grayson (he...
Dec 27, 2023•7 min
After a waiting room experience that forces her to leave the doctor’s office before receiving the services she needed, Katie is slow to trust doctors. A small gesture from a kind, affirming doctor helps not only restore Katie’s faith in healthcare, but strengthen her faith in humanity. Featured: Katie Willingham (she/her), Storyteller Raine Grayson (he/him), Host Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a challenge you’ve encountered while trying to access healthcare. This episode was produced i...
Dec 20, 2023•14 min
In a candid conversation with her partner, Tahyira grapples with the realities of an unplanned pregnancy, reflecting on the racial disparities and societal expectations that shape her decisions. While Tahyira has to face many challenges alone, her abortion experience becomes a profound turning point in which she gains confidence, claims independence, and for the first time, feels like a grown woman she can depend on. This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, e...
Dec 13, 2023•17 min
TMI Project Executive Director Eva Tenuto’s “message in a bottle” about The TMI Project Story Hour’s big win at the International Women’s Podcast Awards in London. Learn More About IWPA: https://everybody-media.com/awards/ RSVP to Stories for Choice: Period Power https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/SFCPeriodPower2023/index.html Support Stories for Choice Today! https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/AnnualAppeal2023/index.html TMI Project Staff Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-f...
Dec 06, 2023•11 min
Stephen Cardile learns to let his freak flag fly at The Saint, a vibrant gay club in 1980s' New York City. There, he reconnects with his childhood friend, Jimmy. In honor of World AIDS day on December 1st, Stephen reveals his personal journey during the AIDS crisis and pays tribute to his dear friend. Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of HIV/AIDS, death and dying, drug use, and descriptions of medical emergencies. Listener discretion is advised. Writing Prompt: Write a true story...
Dec 01, 2023•14 min
Eva talks to Katie, Tina, and Raine to explore the ultimate TMI topic: menstruation. Get a sneak peek into TMI Project’s partnership with the brave students of Kingston High School’s Period Power! Club as they prepare for their upcoming performance and emphasize the challenges faced by those who menstruate, the impact of period poverty, and the urgent need for comprehensive education. Join us on December 6th, 2023 for a live performance in Kingston, NY - or via livestream from anywhere with an i...
Nov 29, 2023•25 min
Growing up in a predominantly white world, Troy Ellen is often criticized for not being black enough. By exploring identity through two different characters—first at 13 when she’s forced to play the role of Tituba, the enslaved character in The Crucible, and at 16 when she chooses to play the role of Peaches in Four Women by Nina Simone—Troy Ellen accepts herself for being black enough just as she is. Today's episode is hosted by Micah. Content Warning: N/A Writing Prompt: Write a true story abo...
Nov 22, 2023•14 min
In this pet-themed episode, three storytellers share mis-adventurous tales that celebrate the unique connection between animals and the crazy human caretakers who love them: Crystal has an epic cat battle, Sarah forms an unbreakable bond with a disabled dog, and Susan goes on a pet rescue mission. These stories were originally presented on February 18th, 2016 at BSP in Kingston, NY. Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a mishap that had you questioning your abilities as a pet owner. TMI Proj...
Nov 15, 2023•26 min
Ray Cocks learned the intricate complexities of violence at a young age - knowledge he continued to carry with him through his deployment during the Vietnam War. In honor of Veteran’s Day, Ray shares his story, which captures the profound strength and resilience of the human spirit. He also opens up about how it felt to tell his story and how storytelling continues to impact him today. Content Warning: This episode contains candid discussion of violence and warfare, child abuse, and domestic vio...
Nov 08, 2023•23 min
Discover the transformative power of true storytelling on The TMI Project Story Hour. In this trailer, we offer a glimpse into the compelling narratives you’ll hear in upcoming episodes. Each episode features real people, real voices, and real stories - all written during a TMI Project workshop. These unsung heroes craft true stories that intentionally include the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves. We’ll take you behind the scenes with our storytellers as they showcase ju...
Nov 01, 2023•2 min
TMI Project’s Executive Director Eva Tenuto is back to deliver another message in a bottle. With our first message in a bottle, which aired back in April of 2020, we filled you in on what was to come with our then brand-new podcast. Now, Eva comes with an update about why things have been so quiet on your feed lately - and unveil some exciting changes on the horizon. The TMI Project Podcast is now The TMI Project Story Hour , designed to make it easier than ever for true storytelling enthusiasts...
Sep 13, 2023•4 min
As a member of the original, legendary Royal House of LaBeija, Cece (she/her) explains how her ballroom background helped her deal with a difficult health diagnosis. This is Episode 11, the Season 5 finale of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Cece Suazo. Cece is a life-long trans activist and artist. She was honored with the 2018 Advocate Magazine Award for her contributions to the ballroom community and performing arts. She has appeared in numerous off-Broadway produ...
Apr 26, 2023•31 min
From military boots to pumps, Theadora (she/her) embodies courage, commitment, and claims her space in the world during her first public walk in women's clothing. This is Episode 9, Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Theadora Green. Originally from Chicago, Theadora is a queer, social, progressive activist. She is currently studying at Northeastern Illinois University to receive her degree in Social Work and will attend Waubonsee Community College for an ad...
Apr 12, 2023•14 min
With feelings of pride and joy for his family, Syd (he/him) takes us back to the day of his wedding. This is Episode 8 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Syd Williams-Black. Syd is a native of Durham, North Carolina. He is a father of two boys and currently works for an LGBTQ law firm, NicholsonPham. When Syd is not at work he is helping put on Name Change Clinics with the support of his firm and local LGBTQ center and spending time with his boys. You ca...
Apr 05, 2023•12 min
Though Mars (they/them) comes from a legacy of performers, their genuine identity emerges after competing in a high school drag show. This is Episode 7 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Mars Wolfe. Mars Wolfe is a genderqueer nomad. They orbit New York, Chicago, and LA, writing, performing, and project managing. Mars moonlights as the genderf*ck drag queen Ella Van o’Clock (11 o’Clock), and their one person show BILL, BILL, BILLZ premiered at Ars Nova's...
Mar 29, 2023•20 min
While chasing her goals, Sanaia (she/her) goes on her first date as a trans woman. The date does not go as planned. Content warning: This story contains graphic violence about a sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. This is Episode 6 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Sanaia Hood. Sanaia is currently busy balancing career, family, social life, and spiritual time with God. She’s made a commitment to be more gentle with herself and patient with o...
Mar 22, 2023•21 min
After coming out as Trans to his father, Jahir (he/him) decides to create his own definition of masculinity. This is Episode 5 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Jahir Thomas. Jahir recently moved back to Georgia with the rest of his family where he has made huge strides in his relationships and confidence. Jahir hosts T-Talk W/ Jahir on YouTube. In addition to reaching an online audience, he’s thrilled to have met and formed strong bonds with many trans...
Mar 15, 2023•17 min
The fourth episode of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter features KT Kennedy. KT is a Black queer non-binary multidisciplinary digital media artist, educator, and youth program coordinator based in Brooklyn, NY committed to resource sharing, artistic expression, and youth leadership as tools for liberation. You can find out more about KT at @KT_Kennedy_. This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI P...
Mar 08, 2023•13 min
The third episode of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter features Julian Harris. Julian is a Black trans man from the mid-Atlantic region, a social worker, and a lover of the written work, music, and travel. You can find out more about Julian at @The_black_trans_therapist. This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her). Our...
Mar 01, 2023•17 min
The second episode of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter features Eddie Maisonet. Eddie is a storyteller, teaching artist, and performer based in NYC, born and raised in Boston, MA. He is a queer, trans, disabled, black boricua: identities that create rich material from which to craft stories based on experience. Eddie is also a dog enthusiast, enjoying everything from looking at canines to one day training them professionally. You can find him on Instagram @EddieMSt...
Feb 22, 2023•15 min
The first episode of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter features K.C. Nyabinyere Jallah. K.C. is originally from the Twin Cities area in Minnesota and currently resides in Los Angeles, California. They serve as a Resource Specialist Teacher and vehemently advocates for the total liberation and sovereignty of disenfranchised people at all intersections. You can find out more about K.C. at @callmekayseee. This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and ...
Feb 15, 2023•18 min
Meet your hosts, Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them) and Erik Harris (he/him), along with the 10 storytellers who were chosen in a national call to perform in TMI Project’s first-ever Black Trans Stories Matter program, spearheaded by ballroom icon, actress, and activist Ms. Cece Suazo (she/her) whose own story is featured in the season finale. In 2021, in the thick of the pandemic, TMI Project conducted a national call for our first-ever Black Trans Stories Matter program. The trailer for Season 5 of T...
Feb 08, 2023•3 min
