In this episode, we talk to writer, performance artist, and organizational consultant Alissa Schwartz (she/her) and book worker, artist, and publisher Patrick Barber (he/they) about Alissa’s book Ancestral Performance Art, published through Patrick’s publishing company - Impeller Press. We talk with them about so many things - but it centers around how we can build deeper relationships with our ancestors (not just genealogical, deceased, human ancestors - but all ancestors!), through speculative work, re-narrativization, and drag. 

We are so appreciative to them both for this conversation and if you’re in NYC, we hope you’ll come see Alissa perform an ancestral drag piece at our upcoming Hanukah Market with Pushcart Judaica on December 14th!

Some links to things mentioned in this episode…

-Alissa’s new book!

-Alissa’s first book

-Patrick’s publishing company & instagram

-Alissa’s website & instagram

-Theydy Bedbug’s drag class

-Helen Klonaris’s workshop

-My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem

[This episode was recorded in August 2025.]

Big thanks to Alissa and Patrick for being on the pod, Jessie for editing the podcast, and to Nate for our podcast music. If you want to support our work, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can do so here.⁠⁠⁠⁠