Queerify | Demystifying Wellness for QTBIPOC

In the spirit of positive evolution, we’re trying something new! Our host V is stepping out of her fear and stepping into her main character energy.

We love to highlight the magic of those in our community (and we still will be), but it’s time to trust in the wisdom we have here at home. We hope you find inspiration and support in V’s vulnerability, and can step into your own main character energy as well! 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:25 New Year, New Format

00:59 Facing Fears and Personal Growth

03:35 Collective and Personal Fears

09:13 Intentional Actions and Self-Care

14:19 Reflective Question and Conclusion

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

Get ready y’all! We’re so excited to be bringing you a new collaboration with the baddie from Brooklyn, Gangsta Gurry aka GG (Gary D’Andre)! GG will be using his gift of a Tarot reading to tap into the current Zodiac season, while also providing thought provoking questions for him and V to discuss and for you to tap into as well. 

This episode will be about sharing a new wellness resource/tool with the community, a form of medicine that has been used for millennia. We hope you are inspired and find this and future episodes helpful while you continue on your wellness journey!

FEATURED GUEST:

Gary D’Andre (he/him), or “Gangsta Gurry” (GG for short), is a queer Black mystic, healer, educator, and writer based in Brooklyn. The creator and host of Mystic Moments Podcast, through Flawless Noises Media Network, he shares what’s happening in our world energetically while teaching his listeners practical tools to help them stay grounded through the shifts and upheavals of life. 

His work has previously been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Oprah Daily, BuzzFeed, The Toronto Star, and Teen Vogue. He is also the resident energy forecaster for The Purple Pants Podcast, hosted by Brice Izyah. He’s committed to helping the world find themselves and break free from the matrix, one step at a time with love, compassion, a little sass, and care. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is obsessed with all things competitive reality television.

Purchase GG’s deck “Tarot For You & Me: A Queer Deck & Guidebook”. Email him for a personal reading [email protected].

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

01:20 Introducing Gangsta Gurry: The Queer Tarot Expert

03:57 The Power of Tarot: Personal Journeys and Skepticism

13:56 Aquarius Season: Embracing Change and Community

21:58 Navigating Relationships: Support and Boundaries

24:41 Tarot Pull for Aquarius Season: Insights and Guidance

25:57 Aquarius Vibes and Street Energy

26:51 The Ace of Lanterns: Finding Your Purpose

29:00 Understanding Reversals in Tarot

30:03 Aquarius Season: Motivation and Community

32:31 Personal Reflections and Imposter Syndrome

35:36 Navigating Change and Finding Fulfillment

37:43 Aquarius Season Forecast and Final Thoughts

43:04 Building Community and Staying Connected

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

Happy New Queer! 🎉🌈 Let’s dust off 2024 and rejuvenate our souls with the incredible Parker McMullen Bushman (she/they) aka Kweenwerk (@kweenwerk). Parker is a trailblazing Social & Environmental Justice Activist/Educator. Their mission is to reshape our society's expectation on what an outdoorsy, earth-focused human “should” look like.

Listen in as we discuss the importance of representation in the fight against climate change and what Parker means when they say that racism is killing the planet. We hope you enjoy this episode dear listeners, and happy 2025! 🎉💕

FEATURED GUEST:

Parker is the CEO/Founder of Eco Inclusive Strategies and Founder of Summit for Action. They are also the Board President for the National Association for Interpretation. Listed by Outside Magazine in 2022 as one of the 20 Most Influential People in the Outdoor Industry, Parker is dedicated to reshaping the environmental fields to be more inclusive and equitable.

Parker has a background in non-profit leadership, conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation, spanning over 25+ years. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

02:36 Introducing Parker McMullin Bushman

05:55 Parker's Background and Inspiration

08:29 Connecting with Nature and Wellness

12:42 Challenges and Representation in the Outdoors

16:09 Environmental Justice and Social Media

33:11 Impact of Redlining and Environmental Racism

42:32 Inclusive Guide and Community Engagement

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

It’s time to wrap it up y’all! 2024 was full of so many great guests and so many great memories, so why not reminisce? In this episode V and co-producer Raphaella (she/her) (@la.vida.bruja14) discuss their favorite moments from recent episodes.

Don’t miss out as we discuss the intersectional experiences of our guests and how their vulnerability opened our minds and their hearts. See you next year dear listeners! 💕 

....and special S/O to the fab, Dr. Jon Paul Higgins (They/Them) for the idea for the show title ;)

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

For this time in November we like to focus our attention on the experiences of the indigenous community. So this week we have Tiana-Malia Keleli’i Kawaihoa-Marquez (all pronouns accepted), a kanaka ‘oiwi (Native Hawaiian), Māhū (two-spirit), raised in the ‘aina (land) of Maunalua, Oahu. They practice Uhi (Hawaiian traditional tattooing), are a student of Genealogy, and produce ‘awa, a traditional drink that helps to calm and relax the body and mind.

In this episode, we discuss getting back to authenticity through community and ancestral medicine, and what it's like to be unapologetically Māhū in spaces that aren’t traditionally carved out for those identities. 

We hope you love this episode as much as we did 💕

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

03:01 Kele's Background and Identity

03:37 The Role of Genealogy and Traditional Practices

05:02 Kele's Personal Journey and Spiritual Growth

20:24 Connecting with Ancestors and Community

30:36 Advice for Tourists Visiting Hawaii

38:24 The Significance of Mauna Lua

39:00 Community Efforts and Challenges

43:35 Personal Reflections and Family Influence

48:07 The Cultural Importance of Tattoos

49:16 Tattooing Practices and Symbolism

55:03 Spiritual and Personal Growth

01:00:58 Radical Acceptance and Authenticity

📇 Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

Tensions, anxiety, and uncertainty is high on this historical day in American history, and we wanted to ground you in hope and unity.

We share an important conversation with Yinka Freeman (She/her), CEO of Triple Pocket Events and Know Other Festival, a queer wellness festival based in California, created to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the LGBTQ+ community. 

Yinka discusses her passion for creating wellness spaces for the queer community, and her joy as a first time voter in this country. As an immigrant from Sierra Leone who fled during the country’s civil war, Yinka’s unique life experiences encompass true resilience and hope.

FEATURED GUEST:

Yinka Freeman (She/her)

@yinkagenevieve / @triplepocketevents / @knowotherfestival

Yinka Freeman is a trailblazer in the event industry and has over fifteen years of experience designing, producing, and executing events. She’s an event production expert, and fiercely passionate about making her client’s vision come to life.

As a mission-driven individual, Yinka started Triple Pocket Events with the sole desire to create diversified, valuable experiences for all kinds of people. Yinka has spearheaded events for San Diego Pride, Sum of Us Festival, Clexacon, Kaiser Permanente, and many more. Notable press features include The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Voyager, and Shoutout LA, among others.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to Radical Acceptance

00:39 Welcome to Queerify

01:09 Election Day Special

03:29 Meet Yinka Freeman

04:05 Yinka's Journey and Triple Pocket Events

05:18 The Queer Wellness Festival

08:58 Yinka's Childhood and Cultural Experiences

15:42 Navigating Racism and Immigration

21:44 Becoming a U.S. Citizen During COVID

23:13 The Importance of Voting and Resilience

29:01 Support System and Accountability

29:43 Coming Out Journey

30:42 Family Reactions and Challenges

33:12 Chosen Family and Community Support

38:16 Building a Business Empire

47:21 Festival Mission and Activism

52:41 Self-Care and Radical Acceptance

59:40 Closing Thoughts and Socials

📇 Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here including:

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

Happy Spooky Season! 👻🧙🏽‍♀️🎃

Step into the dark side with us as we discuss all things Scorpio energy with the amazing Gangsta Gurry aka Gary D’Andre (He/him) who's the creator and host of Mystic Moments podcast, and writer of, “Tarot For You and Me: A Queer, Gender-Queer, Non-Binary and Allies tarot deck that is inclusive, joyful and dynamic”.

We dig into the Scorpio theme of death and rebirth, and discuss how this energy can be used to evolve and elevate your personal life. overcoming your inner saboteur, and how finding fun and light hearted ways to do just that can be so helpful. 

Hope you enjoy! 💕🎃

FEATURED GUEST:

Gangsta Gurry aka Gary D’Andre (@gangstagurry) (he/him), is a queer Black mystic, healer, educator, and writer based in Brooklyn. The creator and host of Mystic Moments Podcast, through Flawless Noises Media Network, he shares what’s happening in our world energetically while teaching his listeners practical tools to help them stay grounded through the shifts and upheavals of life. 

His work has previously been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Oprah Daily, BuzzFeed, The Toronto Star, and Teen Vogue. He is also the resident energy forecaster for The Purple Pants Podcast, hosted by Brice Izyah. He’s committed to helping the world find themselves and break free from the matrix, one step at a time with love, compassion, a little sass, and care. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is obsessed with all things competitive reality television.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to Grace and Acceptance

00:21 Welcome to Queerify

01:03 Meet Gary D’Andre aka Gangsta Gurry

01:45 Understanding Scorpio Season

02:01 Navigating Emotional Waves

02:24 Personal Insights and Fun Facts

16:06 Spirituality and Personal Growth

20:01 Growing Up Queer and POC

27:05 Mystic Moments Podcast

28:12 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

29:56 Navigating Spirituality and Wellness

31:15 Struggles and Accountability in Wellness

36:36 Introducing the Tarot Deck

38:18 The Journey of Creating the Tarot Deck

47:36 Radical Acceptance and Grace

50:43 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

📇 Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

Hey lovelies! We’re so excited to finally be back in your ear balls with our first full episode of Season 4! We sit and chat with the amazing duo, Jordan ‘Joho’ Daniels (He/Him) and Dr. Jon Paul (They/Them) of the Black, Fat, Femme Podcast (BFF). 

We dive into the intersectional experience of being queer, POC and fat plus how to use fear as a catalyst for change, how to maintain your self worth through the current political season, and building a mindset and life for yourself, where the limit does not exist (don't listen to your inner plastics). We hope you enjoy this episode!

FEATURED GUESTS:

Dr. Jonathan Paul Higgins (They/them)

Instagram | Twitter | Website | BioSite

Dr Jon Paul is a Leo and an educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader, and media critic who is passionate about television and film. A Culture Strike 2021 Disruptor and Twitter Spaces Spark Creator, Dr. Higgins is a trailblazer who is creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn’t get to tell. Dr. Higgins has held positions at both Chernin Entertainment & Edith Productions and currently consults at United Artists, Amazon, and other media leaders. Some fun facts about them are that they were on “Nailed It” and that they are an avid user of Peloton.

Jordan 'JoHo' Daniels (He/Him)

Instagram | Twitter 

JoHo is a Libra and a Fat Queer Afro-Jew writer, photographer, activist, and fashionista. As co-host of the BFF: Black Fat Femme podcast, JoHo focuses on diving deep into the guests' experiences, their power as BFFs, and their joy. As a creative, Jordan has been featured locally and nationally in publications such as Tablet Magazine, Essence, and San Diego Voyager. During his free time, Jordan plays kickball in his queer kickball league, volunteers in the community, and spends his weekends at museums and art galleries."

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Welcome to Queerify!

01:48 Introducing the New Season and Guests

02:49 Meet Dr. John Paul and Joho

03:41 Diving into Personal Quirks and Interests

05:08 Discussing the Spectrum of Sexuality

05:50 Celebrity Crushes and Attraction

11:00 The Birth of the Black Fat Femme Podcast

15:40 Navigating Identity and Intersectionality

29:12 Wellness Journeys and Self-Care Practices

37:21 Nature and Personal Preferences

37:50 Relaxation and Popcorn

38:37 Social Media Habits

39:38 Good and Evil Inclinations

42:10 Advocacy and Fear

45:33 Standing Your Ground

49:07 The Power of Collective Action

54:44 Messages of Hope and Resilience

01:02:50 Radical Acceptance

01:07:57 Closing Remarks and Socials

📇 Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).

Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

Welcome to Queerify (formerly known as QUEST: A Journey To Wellness) where we help to demystify wellness for queer people of color. By sharing stories from folks who have opened their hearts to radical acceptance, and are taking their wellbeing into their own hands. 

Our mission on this podcast is for you to feel less alone, more connected to yourself and to community. We hope this podcast brings you joy where you'll learn, laugh, heal, and grow.

Hosted by V Vasquez (all pronouns), a two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker, and dad joke connoisseur.

🌿🍄 Podcast organically grown by ♊ V Vasquez (All/Any) ⁠@lovenessmonsta⁠, ♋ Leah Jackson (She/Her) ⁠@djmsjackson⁠, and ♈ Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) ⁠@la.vida.bruja14⁠.

🎛️ Edited and sound design by Leah Jackson of ⁠Puka Puka Creative. 🎨 Cover art by Allena Braithwaite. 🎶 Music produced and composed by ⁠BASK⁠ aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him).
Follow us on Instagram ⁠@queerifywellness and email us to be a guest on the show [email protected]⁠.

We’re back!! Did you miss us? We missed you loads and are so excited to get Season 4 up and running. As always we have more amazing guest and wellness stories to share, but the biggest change coming this season…we’re rebranding! 

Tune into this teaser episode to find out more of what lies ahead for us. We hope you’re just as excited as we are. 

With love, 

The QUEST Crew