The TMI Project Podcast

TMI Project

The TMI Project Podcast features stories from more than a decade of live performances, profiling the brave souls who stepped on stage and shared the stories they were most afraid to tell. Here we will take a deeper dive and share the stories behind the secrets, and what happened next. read less

Black Trans Stories Matter: Cece Catwalks Into the Future
Apr 26 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Cece Catwalks Into the Future
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 productions. As the 1st trans woman of color at WOW Cafe Theater, she’s produced many works in her 12 years as a collective member. Cece is also one of the founders of TRANSLAB where she recently did a residency in partnership with The Public Theater & WP Theater. Ms. Suazo’s ballroom career began in 1988 as the youngest member in the Iconic House Of LaBeija. She earned Legendary status in 2010, and departed the house after 27 years in 2013.FeaturedKiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorCece Suazo  (she/her), StorytellerTMI Project StaffEva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerRaine Grayson (he/him), Organizational AdministratorLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital CoordinatorThis episode was sound designed, mixed, and mastered by Blake Pfeil (he/him) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).We encourage you to listen in community and utilize this helpful resource: Black Trans Stories Matter: A Listening and Discussion GuideOur next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.Links:https://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.tiktok.com/@tmiprojectRadiokingston.org
Black Trans Stories Matter: Aren Reveals The Man He Is
Apr 19 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Aren Reveals The Man He Is
From growing up with gender freedom to his experience in the military and child rearing, Aren (he/him) explores alternate expressions and uncovers the true man he is.This is Episode 10 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Aren McDaniel. Aren is a U.S. Army Veteran and aspiring graphic novelist living in Lynchburg, Virginia. Aren strives to turn his experiences as a survivor of Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence, into stories of hope that will guide others to better informed life choices. As a newly-wed and a dad, when he isn’t working on creating middle-grade or YA graphic novels, he’s having nerdy adventures with his family, mixing fancy non-alcoholic drinks, or over-planning dinner. Featured:Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorAren McDaniel(he/him), StorytellerTMI Project StaffEva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital CoordinatorThis 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).We encourage you to listen in community and utilize this helpful resource: Black Trans Stories Matter: A Listening and Discussion GuideOur next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.Linkshttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.tiktok.com/@tmiprojectRadiokingston.org
Black Trans Stories Matter: Theadora Goes From Boots to Pumps
Apr 12 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Theadora Goes From Boots to Pumps
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 additional two years to obtain her degree in Nursing. Theadora plans to be a collaboratively-skilled professional who will empathetically advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. You can find out more about Theadora at @newdaynewme553.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 next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorSyd Williams (she/her), StorytellerWRITING PROMPT:How have you created your own family?TMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Black Trans Stories Matter: Syd Says “I Do”
Apr 5 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Syd Says “I Do”
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 can find out more about Syd at @mr.midwife.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 next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorSyd Williams (he/him), StorytellerWRITING PROMPT:How have you created your own family?TMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Black Trans Stories Matter: Mars’ New Path
Mar 29 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Mars’ New Path
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 ANT FEST in 2022. Mars aims to amplify the voices of Trans/Gender variant people of color, adjusting the volume and turning the dial from the familiar to the unsung and unconventional. You can find out more about Mars at @mars.wolfe.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 next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorMars Wolfe (they/them), StorytellerWRITING PROMPT:When have you created your own path in the shadow of family expectations or legacy?TMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Black Trans Stories Matter: Sanaia is a Survivor
Mar 22 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Sanaia is a Survivor
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 others. She sets time aside every day to reflect.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 next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorSanaia Hood (she/her), StorytellerWRITING PROMPTS:-Think back to a time when you realized others’ perceptions of you had changed. What happened and how did it feel?TMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Black Trans Stories Matter: Jahir Wrestles With His Identity
Mar 15 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Jahir Wrestles With His Identity
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 men in Georgia.  You can find out more about Jahir at @j_thom4s.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 next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorJahir Thomas (they/them), StorytellerWRITING PROMPTS:- How has your upbringing influenced your self-image?TMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Black Trans Stories Matter: Eddie Takes Healing Into His Own Hands
Feb 22 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: Eddie Takes Healing Into His Own Hands
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 @EddieMStoryteller or EddieMaisonet.net.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 next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorEddie Maisonet (he/him), StorytellerWRITING PROMPTS- When have you taken your healing into your own hands?TMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Black Trans Stories Matter: K.C. Has Superpowers
Feb 15 2023
Black Trans Stories Matter: K.C. Has Superpowers
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 produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, EditorErik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, EditorK.C. Nyabinyere Jallah (they/them), StorytellerWRITING PROMPT:Write a true story about... someone who has seen and supported the “real you” before you even did?LINKS/RESOURCES:Black Trans Feminism, by Marquis BeyRadio KingstonTMI PROJECT STAFF:Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Season 5: Black Trans Stories Matter (Trailer)
Feb 8 2023
Season 5: Black Trans Stories Matter (Trailer)
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 The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter introduces you to the 10 storytellers who were chosen, all of whom performed their true stories on Zoom for audiences around the world, and the creator, Ms. Ceece Suazo. The performance was a culmination of a true storytelling workshop led by Kiebpoli Calnek and Erik Harris. This season features the recording of those inaugural stories, along with interviews with each storyteller, and is accompanied by a listening and discussion guide to inspire deep introspection, a willingness to transform oneself, and take bold action to end systemic racism and transphobia. We hope these stories inspire you to take action to create a world where we can all live our truth with safety and freedom.A note from Season 5 hosts, Kiebpoli and Erik, for our Black trans and gender-expansive listeners, “We welcome you. This community is for you. It doesn’t matter where you come from, your size, religion, sexual orientation, or what you got in your pocket. You are welcome here, and we love you.”TMI Project StaffEva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founderBlake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs ManagerLaura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital CoordinatorThis 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).We encourage you to listen in community and utilize this helpful resource: Black Trans Stories Matter: A Listening and Discussion GuideOur next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.Linkshttps://www.tmiproject.orghttps://www.instagram.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.facebook.com/tmiprojecthttps://www.tiktok.com/@tmiprojectRadiokingston.org