We are thrilled to be back and to be bringing you another year of slams! We start today's episode with our lovely host, Tony Soto and our open mic, before jumping right into our two wonderful headliners. Ryan Dale is a husband, father, teacher, and writer. After being haunted by the fictional history of fictional characters for more than eight years, he hopes to “finish” his first novel before his next birthday.

Asher Phoenix, is a non-binary freelance photographer, writer, mental health advocate, dog dad, and self-proclaimed tiktoker. They are a Midwest to LA transplant of 3 years, and are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Previously featured at Homo-centric, and with artist & activism organization, Be More Heroic, Asher deeply values the power of artistic expression through words and sharing the lived neurodivergent transgender experience through their poetry and prose.