Welcome to Episode 4 of JJ Unplugged. This one’s close to the heart.

We unpack:

Why pretending starts early and often sticks

Growing up queer in a conservative culture

The performance of safety: at work, at home, and on stage

Attachment styles, emotional regulation, and overstimulation

Why “being yourself” isn’t always an option and how to choose it anyway

Farting, soup-based coming outs, and the persona named Igor

This episode is vulnerable, honest, and packed with the kinds of stories that rarely get told out loud. If you’ve ever had to edit yourself to feel safe, you’re not alone.

Content Note: Includes themes of queerness, identity masking, family trauma, and emotional dysregulation.

P.S. We’re not medical or mental health professionals. Everything we share on this podcast is based on our own personal experiences and opinions. If you’re dealing with any mental health concerns, we always recommend speaking to a qualified professional.