Lory Tatoulian is a Sagittarius Sun, Pisces Moon, Sagittarius Rising, a writer, performer, and cultural curator. Join us for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about identity, ancestry, and the healing power of creative expression. Lory shares what it was like growing up in Reedley, California, as the daughter of Armenian immigrants, and how moving to San Diego as a teenager sparked a deeper exploration of both cultural belonging and personal authenticity.

We explore the impact of inherited trauma, generational storytelling, and the subtle ways our lineage lives in our bodies. From her grandmother’s escape from genocide to her own experiences in the Armenian church, Lory reflects on how tradition, memory, and creative expression have shaped her life. She also discusses her comedic work as a means of preserving culture, processing emotion, and creating connection—both within the Armenian community and beyond.

Through humor, vulnerability, and spiritual insight, this episode reminds us that honoring the past can be a portal to healing and artistic liberation.

(01:38) Growing up in Reedley, California in a close-knit Armenian household

(07:12) Moving to San Diego as a teenager and navigating cultural identity in a new environment

(13:20) Her grandmother’s survival story and the legacy of the Armenian Genocide

(20:41) The role of the Armenian church and community in preserving tradition

(28:33) Lory’s journey into comedy and how humor became a healing and cultural bridge

(36:47) Performing Armenian characters and using art to hold ancestral memory

(44:15) The deeper intention behind her work—elevating Armenian stories through laughter and love

(52:52) Connecting to spirit through food, ritual, and storytelling

(01:00:39) Why cultural work is sacred, and how art can transform pain into meaning

(01:09:14) Lory’s creative process and how inspiration flows from everyday life

(01:16:50) Memories of growing up with a strong matriarchal lineage

(01:24:19) How grief, joy, and performance intersect in her solo shows

(01:31:48) The complexity of Armenian-American identity and generational shifts

(01:39:03) Finding empowerment through language, voice, and reclaiming narrative

(01:46:12) Reflections on Armenian weddings, community gatherings, and cultural ceremony

(01:54:37) Honoring ancestors through food, celebration, and storytelling

(02:02:21) Closing thoughts on purpose, healing, and the magic of staying connected to your roots

https://lorytatoulian.com/

Lory's Instagram

https://www.theweeklytransit.com/