On this episode of Militantly Mixed, I speak with author Quincy Carroll about writing from a Mixed-Asian lens and how a brief period living there as an adult reshaped his perspective and practice as a writer. We also dig into how Quincy’s work consciously centers his personal anxieties—and how the act of writing helps him process and work through issues that affect him.

Guest links

• Instagram: @quinzorro

• Website: quincycarroll.com

• Unwelcome (Changsha)

• Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside (Ningyuan)

Quincy will be appearing as a panelist at Mixed Asian Day. Learn more and get details here: https://mixedasianmedia.com/mixedasianday

“Have thoughts about this episode or the topics we cover?

Leave me a voice note on SpeakPipe at ⁠https://speakpipe.com/MilitantlyMixed⁠ — your message may be featured on a future episode!

If you love Militantly Mixed and want to help keep it going, consider supporting via Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/militantlymixed⁠

Stay connected:
Website: ⁠www.militantlymixed.com⁠
Instagram: @militantlymixed
YouTube: Militantly Mixed

This week on Militantly Mixed, I’m joined by the planning committee of Free To Be Fest, a celebration of Mixed identity, community, and creativity. Fresh off the success of this year’s festival, we sat down together to debrief the event, share our reflections, and dream out loud about the future of Free To Be Fest.

We talk about the highs, the challenges, the magic moments, and what we hope to build for next year and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a festival rooted in identity, inclusion, and joy, this behind-the-scenes conversation is for you.

- Got thoughts, feelings, pitches, or film submission inquiries? Reach out to the team at: [email protected]

- Want to make a donation to support Free To Be Fest? Contribute via PayPal: https://www.paypal.biz/freetobefest

“Have thoughts about this episode or the topics we cover? Leave me a voice note on SpeakPipe at ⁠https://speakpipe.com/MilitantlyMixed⁠ — your message may be featured on a future episode!

If you love Militantly Mixed and want to help keep it going, consider supporting via Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/militantlymixed⁠

Stay connected:
Website: ⁠www.militantlymixed.com⁠
Instagram: @militantlymixed
YouTube: Militantly Mixed

In this episode, Alex Chester‑Iwata dives deep into the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of Mixed Asian Day, a vibrant celebration that amplifies the voices and experiences of Mixed Asian and Pacific Islander communities. She shares how the day came to be and what she hopes for this and future Mixed Asian Days.

Mixed Asian Day info: https://mixedasianmedia.com/mixedasianday

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Have thoughts about this episode or the topics we cover?

Leave me a voice note on SpeakPipe at ⁠https://speakpipe.com/MilitantlyMixed⁠

your message may be featured on a future episode!

If you love Militantly Mixed and want to help keep it going, consider supporting via Patreon:

⁠https://patreon.com/militantlymixed⁠

Stay connected: Website: ⁠www.militantlymixed.com⁠Instagram: @militantlymixedYouTube: Militantly Mixed

In this special “Take Over” episode, friend and Ep. 12 alum, Gretchen Brunner, returns to flip the script—interviewing Mane as the guest on their own show. Expect real talk about identity, grief, creative evolution, and what it means to hold space for Mixed folks while still claiming your own. Candid. Curious. It’s the conversation Mane usually hosts—only this time, she has to answer the tough questions.

Have thoughts about this episode or the topics we cover? Leave me a voice note on SpeakPipe at https://speakpipe.com/MilitantlyMixed — your message may be featured on a future episode!

If you love Militantly Mixed and want to help keep it going, consider supporting via Patreon: https://patreon.com/militantlymixed

Stay connected:

• Website: www.militantlymixed.com

• Instagram: @militantlymixed

• YouTube: Militantly Mixed

This week on Militantly Mixed, I’m recapping my amazing weekend in Los Angeles at the Free To Be Fest 2025 — a full day of celebrating Mixed identity, community, and representation. I also share my big personal announcement.

At the festival, I had the honor of moderating the panel:

"Permission to Be Mixed"
This panel explored the emotional and societal complexities of a Mixed identity, from questions of authenticity to the power of representation.
Panelists:

• Alex Chester-Iwata – @alexfchester

• Maris Lidaka – @MarisLidaka

• Mannie Williams – @itsmanniew

💬 Share Your Voice!Have thoughts about this episode or the topics we cover? Leave me a voice note on SpeakPipe at https://speakpipe.com/MilitantlyMixed — your message may be featured on a future episode!

💖 Support the ShowIf you love Militantly Mixed and want to help keep it going, consider supporting via Patreon: https://patreon.com/militantlymixed

📲 Follow Militantly Mixed and stay connected:

• Website: www.militantlymixed.com

• Instagram: @militantlymixed

• YouTube: Militantly Mixed

In this episode, Maris Lidaka returns to Militantly Mixed to reflect on his experience at last year’s Free to Be Fest, where his film Gabriella was screened to a fully Mixed audience. He shares how experience affinity spaces like Free To Be Fest is important for Mixed people..

This year, Maris is stepping from behind the camera to center stage as a panelist on the “Permission to Be Mixed?” panel moderated by Sharmane at this year’s fest. Together, they discuss the emotional layers of visibility, what it means to “claim” a Mixed identity, and how storytelling continues to be a vital tool for validation and connection.

🎟️ Get your tickets now for Free to Be Fest — happening August 9, 2025, in Los Angeles:
https://freetobefest2025.rsvpify.com/

🤝 Support the mission of Free to Be Fest by donating or sponsoring someone else's attendance:
https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freetobefest

🎬 Learn more about Maris Lidaka and the Blended Future Project at:
https://www.blendedfutureproject.com

📲 Follow Militantly Mixed and stay up to date:
Website: www.militantlymixed.com
Instagram: @militantlymixed
YouTube: Militantly Mixed

This week on Militantly Mixed, host Sharmane Fury is joined by filmmaker Sarah Shuman, who is not only a brilliant creative mind but also a member of the planning committee for Free To Be Fest. In this episode, Sarah shares her powerful experience screening her film, TSEHAI, at last year’s Free To Be Fest—for the first time ever with a fully Mixed audience.

We dig into what it means to be seen, heard, and understood through the lens of a shared cultural identity—and how transformative that is compared to screening in predominantly non-Mixed spaces on the broader film festival circuit.

Watch Sarah’s short film “TSEHAI” here:

⁠https://youtu.be/VhGhFGHHnjw?si=uGouMoOyKeCd7xZZ⁠

Visit Sarah's sustainable picnic company, Solstice Picnics here.

https://solsticepicnics.com/ or IG: https://www.instagram.com/solsticepicnics?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

At the time of airing, we are just 11 days away from the Free To Be Fest, happening August 9, 2025, in Los Angeles!
Get your tickets now: https://freetobefest2025.rsvpify.com/
Support our mission by donating or sponsoring someone else's attendance: https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freetobefest

Whether you’re Mixed, allied, or just curious, this episode is a beautiful reminder of why representation and safe spaces by and for us matter.

Militantly Mixed is a ManeHustle Media podcast, hosted and produced by Sharmane Fury.
Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sharmanefury

Konnichiwassup, cousins! After a longer-than-expected hiatus, Militantly Mixed is officially back on the mic.

In this return episode, I (Sharmane) share a bit about why the relaunch has been delayed — namely, because mental health has required me to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. And right now, that one thing is Free to Be Fest 2025 — a celebration of Mixedness, community, and joy!

Joining me today is Dr. Jenn Noble, licensed psychologist and the creator of Free to Be Fest. As both a co-planning committee member and the Official Podcast Sponsor, I’m honored to share space with Dr. Jenn to talk all things fest: how it started, what’s coming this year, and why events like this are transformative for the Mixed-race community.

FREE TO BE FEST 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025 11 AM – 12 MIDNIGHT
Citizens of the World School Mar Vista
11561 Gateway Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Buy Tickets: https://freetobefest2025.rsvpify.com/
Support the Fest (Donations): https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freetobefest

Follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram: @DrJennPSYCH

Militantly Mixed is the award-winning podcast about race and identity from the Mixed-race perspective. This space is here to affirm, celebrate, and explore the richness of Mixedness — with honesty, joy, and nuance.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the show to keep us in the ears and hearts of the people!

Support this show and help keep it going!
Become a patron at: https://patreon.com/sharmanefury

#MilitantlyMixed #FreeToBeFest #MixedRaceExperience #MentalHealthMatters #DrJennNoble #MultiracialIdentity #MixedAndProud #MixedVoices

Konnichiwassup, cousins!

I'm back with a quick life update from your Sir Auntie, Sharmane Fury! This week’s mini-episode is a solo check-in as I am getting settled into my new home base in Seattle. I also do a brief recap of my recent trip to Chicago where I got to link up with a couple of amazing cousins of the show—y’all know who you are! It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of the Mixed community and the connections that keep this show going strong.

Stay tuned, cousins—your community is here, and I am working to get back into the groove of the show.

Follow us on all the socials @militantlymixed , including our new Bluesky Social account⁠⁠. And don’t forget to tell your fellow Mixed folks: Militantly Mixed is coming back strong this summer!

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You can continue the conversation on our private Facebook group after you listen to this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://facebook.com/groups/militantlymixed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Produced and Edited by Sharmane Fury

Music by: David Bogan, the One - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dbtheone.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Connect with us on Youtube, Instagram, Bluesky @MilitantlyMixed or send me an email at [email protected].

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Militantly Mixed is a fan-sponsored podcast, if you are enjoying the show please consider sponsoring us on ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠⁠ today! Thank you.

This is a ManeHustle Media Podcast.

Turn your side hustle into your ManeHustle.

Konnichiwassup, cousins! Your favorite podcast is BACK! I’m so happy to announce the return of Militantly Mixed with a brand-new episode featuring the incredible Shannon Luders-Manuel, author of The One Who Loves You: A Memoir of Growing Up Biracial in a Black and White World.

In this episode, we dive into Shannon’s personal journey of navigating her biracial identity, the complexities of belonging, and how her lived experiences shaped her work as a person. We also discuss the importance of Mixed community and finding a way to belong on our own terms. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the power of storytelling to bridge racial and cultural divides.

You can purchase your copy of The One Who Loves You wherever books are sold, but please consider supporting local independent bookstores or ordering through bookshop.org to keep it in the community!

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You can continue the conversation on our private Facebook group after you listen to this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://facebook.com/groups/militantlymixed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠* * *Produced and Edited by Sharmane Fury Music by: David Bogan, the One - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dbtheone.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠* * *Connect with us on Youtube, Instagram, Facebook or send me an email at [email protected].* * *Militantly Mixed is a fan-sponsored podcast, if you are enjoying the show please consider sponsoring us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠ today! Thank you.This is a ManeHustle Media Podcast.Turn your side hustle into your ManeHustle.