Content Advisory: This episode contains sensitive themes, including discussion of suicide and suicide awareness. Please listen with care -  mahalo.

In this season of gratitude, I’m excited to share an episode recorded with a close college friend of mine, Coco, an artist in every sense of the word. During a reunion at our alma mater in St. Paul, Minnesota, we revisit our college years and the beautiful, ever-evolving creative path they’ve carved through dance, theater, and - of course - the influence of Beyoncé(!).

Coco opens up about their journey of self-discovery and healing through art, including a pivotal memory of organizing a Suicide Awareness Show in honor of a close friend. Our conversation explores the power of performance, how confidence can be a choice, and what it means to find a sense of home within the arts community as a queer Black person.

Along with plenty of giggling, you’ll hear about our dramatic 19-year-old selves, our carefully curated Cowboy Carter concert outfits, and how Coco’s long-held creative ambitions are taking shape. Mahalo for listening with love.

Episode Highlights

00:47 College memories take center stage

01:18 From Sierra Leone to St. Paul

02:43 We had the walkie talkies

04:24 When creativity calls

04:47 A performance from the heart

06:31 Art as medicine

14:14 Reunion magic

17:51 Friendship forever

18:34 Titanic Dreams, because main character energy

19:48 Beyoncé love

20:38 Enter the Beyhive

25:58 Find home in the Twin Cities dance community

31:13 Confidence as a choice

33:32 Final bow

Instagram & TikTok: @unapologetically_coco
YouTube: youtube.com/@unapologeticallycoco

Photo Credit: Coco

Episode Art: Molly Mamaril

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Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik