A Dependent Species

In this episode, Katelyn Boerke speaks with Leave the Light On alum Tiyandza Mngomezulu, who introduces her mom: a woman of quiet strength, sharp wit, and open arms. Tiyandza takes us home to Eswatini, where care is communal and caring only for yourself is almost taboo. She shares a powerful philosophy into care as something you have to make space for, even if it’s just an hour together in the living room.

In this episode, Chloe Johnston speaks with Leave the Light On alum Bernachaly Santiago, who introduces her dad, Manuel: energetic, charismatic, and always “on deck” for the people he loves. Bernachaly reflects on growing up in a Puerto Rican household with a father who rejected the machismo mold, showed up fully as a co-parent, and taught her that it’s okay to talk about your feelings. She shares powerful insight into how care is not a chore, but rather what you were brought here to do.

In this episode, Kirsten Robinson speaks with Leave the Light On alum Audrey Pauer, who introduces her granny, Shirley Anita Pauer. Audrey takes us to the family farm where her granny grew up, one of ten kids helping raise the younger ones, and to the summers of “granny camp” that followed. She shares powerful insight into how care can truly be found in the little things.