The final episode of Absolutely Not! In episode 10, my friend of fourteen (!) years, Sydney Seau, talks about losing her father, NFL superstar Junior Seau, to suicide. She lets us in on all the things that have (and haven’t) helped her on the long, non-linear journey of grief. PLEASE reach out if you need help! Call 1-800-273-8255 (24/7). If you’re interested in learning more/supporting the cause of suicide awareness and prevention, check out and consider donating to AFSP.org (shoutout Jamie!).

This is part 2 of the two-part series on education, where I speak with Liv (former teacher, current principal) and Viv (former teacher, current charter school founder) about contemporary issues AND solutions (!!!) within education. We explore the charter question, the lack of respect given to educators, the use of schools as resource hubs, and so much more.

In part 1 of a 2-part education series, I chat with four of my former students, whose ages range from 13 to 16. We discuss what it's like attending online school during a pandemic, the parallels of gender roles in a Latinx household and at school, the school-to-prison pipeline, and so much more. Tune in to be inspired by our incredible youth!

In this episode, fellow boricuas Katia and Paola tell us all the things most “gringos” absolutely do not know about Puerto Rico. We talk elitism, respectability & feminism in music, machismo culture, the question of statehood & more. Wepaaaa!

In episode 6, my friends Ariya and Insia teach me all about being Indian-American hotties. They explain the religious, linguistic, and cultural dynamics, as well as the difference between appreciation and appropriation of Indian culture. They strongly recommend starting your Bollywood journey with the films “Devdas” and “Kabhi Kushie Kabhie Gham.” Plus, they urge listeners to learn more by researching Hindu nationalism (extra relevant this week) and the hijra community!

In Episode 5, filmmaker Diante Singley takes me through whether or not to cancel all-white movies, what diversity would really look like in Hollywood, and why Hamilton does not deserve the hype. Check out his work at DianteSingley.com or on Instagram @DownpourSummerFilms.

Episode 4 of Absolutely Not invites fellow white lady Kelsey Peter to dive into the harm white women cause, even when their “hearts are in the right place.” Tune in for a conversation on Teach for America, white saviorism in nonprofits, and who gets to say "Karen."

In episode 3, the brilliant Marquita explores the ways in which dating preferences can be racist, colorist, and otherwise problematic, even when people are aware! Be sure to check out her podcast, "Don't Hold Back" (https://soundcloud.com/user-785038078).

In this episode, my friends Julius, Yeab, and Greg speak on being Black men in America. They break down their own conceptions of masculinity, interracial dating, and their current absolutely not's.

In this very first episode of "Absolutely Not," I interview my best friend and roommate, Kris. Kris walks us through the details of gay sex, Pokemon, and the problem with "White Gays."

Episode resources: Pose (https://www.netflix.com/title/80241986#:~:text=Netflix-,Pose,Murphy%2C%20Brad%20Falchuk%2C%20Steven%20Canals)and Disclosure (https://www.netflix.com/title/81284247)on Netflix and the book "A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Day_in_the_Life_of_Marlon_Bundo).