By V Vasquez
4.1
4040 ratings
The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.
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
Hey QUEST fam! We’re on summer break, but we didn’t want to leave you hanging on Juneteenth! So this week we’re featuring the amazing podcast duo Dr. Jon Paul (they/them) and Jordan ‘Joho’ Daniels (he/him) from the Black, Fat, Femme (BFF) Podcast.
The BFF Podcast gives voice to two of the leading queer, fat and Black changemakers while calling in the world to examine and understand what it means to love oneself unapologetically - in a world where loving oneself often feels impossible.
On this episode, the hosts chat with the incomparable Angelica Ross (she/her). They expound on the obsession that cis-gender people have with queer people, while also exploring activism, allyship and advocacy.
We hope you enjoy lovelies and have a wonderful Juneteenth.
FEATURED GUEST:
Dr. Jonathan Paul Higgins (They/them) 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) 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."
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here
THE TEAM:
♊ Host: V Vasquez (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast produced by pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him). Episode transcripts available by email request.
It’s the end of our season Queer Kittens, thank you so much for joining us on this amazing ride, we couldn’t have done it without you! 💕
To end the season, and kick off Pride month, we’re having a team “tea-time” chat. We discuss the “ups and downs” of celebrating pride, and our personal wellness tips to stay centered and mindful during this fun and energetic month.
We also share our coming out stories with you! As a way to honor our journey and remind us all that we are truly not that different. We love you Queer Kitties! Have a wonderful Pride month and we'll see you later this summer 💕
♊ Host: V aka Vanessa (All pronouns accepted) A two-spirit human, joy influencer, energy worker and dad joke connoisseur. Mexican/Indigenious Yaqui & Hopi Nation / Filipinx. @lovenessmonsta
♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (all pronouns accepted) The Founder of Third Place Wellness, a functional mushroom chocolate bar brand that is making the consumption of healthy mushrooms easy and delicious. Born and raised in San Francisco, Stevie aims to anchor their entrepreneurial endeavors in the power of intention, the optimization of self and community. @steviesees
♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (she/her) Queer, Founder of pukapuka, a podcast studio creating podcasts for LGBTQ+ and womxn, DJ, bulldog lover, proud vegan and Californian. @djmsjackson
♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (she/her) An Afro-Latina, Colombian y Dominicana from the Bay Area. An energy healer, bad bitch witch from the House of Hufflepuff who loves hiking, traveling, and getting weird with those she loves. She also has a big heart and even bigger hair! @la.vida.bruja14
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:49 Season Finale Announcement
01:28 Meet the Team
04:57 Pride Season and Coming Out Stories
06:13 Personal Coming Out Experiences
20:03 QUEST Teams' Coming Out Stories
21:54 First Pride Experience
25:34 Navigating Sobriety and Pride
30:02 Balancing Wellness and Partying
33:41 Imposter Syndrome in the Queer Community
44:22 Respect and Allyship at Pride
45:21 Conclusion and Season Finale
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast produced by pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him). Episode transcripts available by email request.
Queer kittens this episode is one for the books! This week we share sacred space with the host of “A Little Juju Podcast w/ Juju Bae”. Juju (She/her) is an Oshún Priestess, author, star on the Emmy/GLAAD nominated Hulu series “Living For The Dead”, and an all-around “bad bitch witch”.
In this episode, Juju discusses the impact of colonialism as a child growing up in Baltimore, and how de-colonizing her spiritual practices led her to find her voice. She talks about her connection to her Ancestors, and how this has greatly impacted her wellness, her work as a healer and her role as an educator on spiritual traditions of the Black Diaspora.
We also discuss her upcoming book, 'The Book of Juju: Africana Spirituality for Healing, Liberation, and Self-Discovery” aimed at empowering readers to engage with their ancestral spiritual practices in order to find healing, liberation and self-discovery.
Instagram | Podcast | Linktree | Website
📖 Pre-order “The Book of Juju” HERE
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Belonging
00:59 Introducing the Voices Behind the Podcast
01:46 Juju Bae: A Journey into African Diasporan Religions
02:20 The Power of Listening and Personal Stories
03:33 Exploring Spirituality and Relationships
06:10 Juju's Personal Journey: From Quiet Child to Spiritual Educator
09:18 Navigating Identity and Culture in School
15:46 Finding Healing Through Ancestral Connections
22:30 Understanding Ancestral Relationships and Queerness
25:46 The Impact of Authenticity on Depression and Ancestral Healing
27:09 Healing Generational Trauma and Spiritual Exhaustion
28:00 Finding Balance and Listening to Ancestors
28:34 Protecting Your Energy: A Bartender's Mantra
29:27 Discovering and Embracing Spiritual Gifts
30:03 Journey into Adulthood: Embracing Spiritual Gifts
32:15 Living for the Dead: A Unique Paranormal Show
33:27 Maintaining Calm in the Face of the Paranormal
36:46 The Power of Community Support
38:55 Writing 'The Book of Juju': A Serendipitous Journey
43:59 Navigating Spirituality as LGBTQ+
46:36 Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
48:04 Connecting with Juju Bae
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here
THE TEAM:
♊ Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast produced by pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him). Episode transcripts available by email request.
We’re excited to be back with the incredibly talented Toushai (@toushai). Toushai is a Puerto-Rican Lesbian, multi-faceted artist known for her contributions to the QTBIPOC community through music, tattoos, and the creation of the widely popular #TEEFTuesdays.
Tune into the beautiful sounds of nature in the background as we discuss with Toushai the power of self-reflection, silence and internal healing. Toushai discusses how her music is a healing space where she processes emotions, and how she hopes to empower others by sharing her story through her songs. V and Toushai also discuss the transformative power of nature, and how a simple hike can positively affect your emotional and spiritual growth.
FEATURED GUEST:
Toushai (she/her) @toushai
Lesbo, artist (music/tattoo/bodyart) Sagittarius Sun/Scorpio Moon. I am Boricua from Perth Amboy / Carteret, NJ. I cook 90% of my meals all vegan/gluten free ; never tasted vegan food that taste like my grandma’s food till I made mine. Raspberries make my throat small. I have 3 brothers names Luis along with my dad, uncle and grandpa, all with the same initials. Super athlete. Creator of #TEEFtuesday.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
00:36 Introducing the Podcast: A Queer Compass
01:19 Spotlight on Touche: A Multifaceted Artist's Journey
03:07 Touche's Personal and Artistic Evolution
07:27 From Childhood to Queer Identity: Touche's Story
10:39 Athletic Achievements and Coaching Success
15:02 Navigating Anger and Healing Through Self-Reflection
27:13 Exploring Silence, Nature, and Self-Discovery
30:02 Emotional Release Through Music
30:36 Discovering New Music and Emotional Connections
31:44 The Power of Silence and Self-Reflection
32:57 Exploring Meditation and Mindfulness
34:10 Spirituality Beyond Religion
35:35 Family's Spiritual Influence and Experiences
38:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance
40:19 The Impact of Reading and Personal Growth
41:40 Starting a Spiritual Journey and Embracing Nature
44:02 Transitioning to Veganism for Health
45:55 The Art of Vegan Cooking and Future Projects
47:35 Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
49:21 Closing Thoughts and Social Media Connect
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here
THE TEAM:
♊ Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast produced by pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him). Episode transcripts available by email request.
On this latest episode we get vulnerable with the one and only Luis Cornejo (He, Him, They, Them) a Queer, Indigenous, Latinx(e), Licensed Marriage & Family/Sex Therapist, a model and host of the podcast, Queer Magic.
Luis shares his journey towards embracing his queer expression, and how being authentic impacted his private practice serving the QTBIPOC community. He also discusses the importance of healthy relationships in personal growth, and how being honest about your personal experience can help you heal through trauma.
We hope this episode brings you closer to YOU queer kittens!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
00:53 Introducing the Hosts: Stories of Queer Identity and Empowerment
02:49 Journey to Self-Discovery: Moving Away and Finding Oneself
04:10 The Transformative Power of College and Embracing Queerness
12:37 Unpacking Religious Trauma and Embracing Queer Identity
15:33 The Journey of Self-Acceptance and Launching a Private Practice
33:43 Overcoming People Pleasing and Embracing Authenticity
36:19 Unlearning People Pleasing: A Journey to Self-Love
36:57 The Roots of People Pleasing: Trauma and Survival
38:32 Personal Growth: From Self-Neglect to Self-Care
40:20 The Power of Supportive Relationships
41:07 Love and Learning in a Long-Term Partnership
42:55 Embracing Differences: The Dynamics of a Complementary Relationship
44:16 Navigating Love, Self-Discovery, and Therapy Together
46:11 The Importance of Communication and Empathy in Relationships
49:37 Green Flags and Red Flags in Connections
59:49 Radical Acceptance and Self-Care: Closing Thoughts
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here
THE TEAM:
♊ Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
♑ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
♋ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
♈ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast produced by pukapuka. Cover photo by Niko Storment. Music produced and composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him). Episode transcripts available by request.
This week we chat with the wonderfully unique and multi-talented, Alexis Benefield (she/her). Alexis is a Black/Filipina Bay Area native, queer femme, and multidisciplinary artist, designer and community organizer, who believes we are all perfectly and uniquely made beings finding our way back home to ourselves ✨
We discuss her community driven projects SIS (Solidarity in Sisterhood) and Tender, aimed at fostering BIPOC liberation by creating safe spaces for artistic expression and healing in nature.
We hear about Alexis’ need for a community that she felt aligned with. Which led to her creating events that specifically focus on healing spaces for BIPOC to be seen, heard, and supported in their wellness journeys.
We hope you enjoy! 💕
FEATURED GUEST:
Alexis Benefield (She/Her)
Instagram Handles : @alexisben @solidarityinsisterhood @tender_bipocshowcase
Bio: Alexis Benefield (she/her) is a Black/Filipina Bay Area native, queer femme, and multidisciplinary artist, designer and community organizer. With an Aquarius sun and a tender, loving pisces Venus Alexis believes we are all perfectly and uniquely made beings finding our way back home to ourselves ✨
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Exploring Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
00:38 Introducing the Hosts and Their Mission
01:19 Guest Introduction: Alexis Benefield's Journey
02:37 Empowering QTBIPOC Communities Through Art and Solidarity
05:31 The Evolution of Tender: A BIPOC Artist Showcase
11:31 Creating Spaces for Healing and Community
14:48 The Transformative Power of Vulnerability and Community
18:49 Rhythm 33: A Birthday That Unveiled Deep Connections
26:01 The Impact of Intergenerational Trauma and Healing
30:12 Finding Wellness Through Community and Curiosity
33:00 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here
THE TEAM:
♊️ Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
♑️ Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
♋️ Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
♈️ Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him)
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast produced by pukapuka. Cover photo shot by Niko Storment. Episode transcripts available by request.
In this episode, we’re honored to feature the artist THEIA (she/her), a proud ‘wahine moe wahine’ (lesbian) from the Waikato-Tainui and Ngaati Tiipaa tribes of New Zealand. Theia shares her journey as an artist, and how her Māori upbringing and identity influenced her music and activism.
She shares her deep connection to her indigenous heritage, discussing the importance of language, traditional practices, and the concept of radical acceptance. She also examines self-care through the lense of culture, spirituality, and queerness.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Embracing Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
00:35 Introducing the Hosts: A Celebration of Queer Identity
03:57 Exploring Intersectionality: Race, Culture, and Spirituality
04:36 The Power of Language and Tradition in Māori Culture
06:21 Understanding Incantations and Spiritual Practices
13:46 The Significance of the Haka in Māori Culture
19:29 Wellness Practices and Cultural Healing
28:14 Art, Activism, and the Impact of Colonialism
30:12 Navigating Identity and Culture Through Art
31:04 The Power of Performance in Community Spaces
34:36 Embracing Bilingualism in Music Projects
37:08 Upcoming Releases and the Importance of Language
37:42 Tour Dates and How to Stay Connected
40:09 Spotlighting Influential Māori Musicians
43:23 Closing Thoughts on Radical Acceptance and Self-Care
49:19 Final Blessings and Podcast Wrap-Up
FEATURED GUEST:
Theia (@theiaofficialxo) makes unapologetic, trailblazing bilingual (Māori language) alternative music! Staunchly independent and writing political, challenging anthems, the enigmatic artist who proudly represents her indigenous Māori heritage hails from Aotearoa, New Zealand and is now based in Los Angeles.
Theia has clocked up more than 17 million streams on Spotify alone and has earned critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone and Billboard Magazine, which described her as “one of the most exciting voices to emerge from New Zealand in the last five years”.
Theia’s now gearing up to release her debut album, which she revealed for the first time at the official LA Pride 2023 afterparty and headlining Sum Of Us festival in the Sierra Nevada mountains in September. In February she is playing the sold out Camp A Lo Hum, in March she is headlining Vancouver queer club night Babes On Babes and the prestigious WOMAD festival.
In April 2024 she is performing at Miami Beach Pride, in May she is performing at Belltown Bloom in Seattle. Theia is of the Waikato-Tainui and Ngaati Tiipaa tribes.
STAR SIGN : Libra
QUEER FUN FACT : “In my native language te reo Maaori, 'moe' means both 'to marry' and 'to sleep with' - our phrase for 'lesbian' is 'wahine moe wahine' which means 'a woman who marries or sleeps with women' - i think that's incredibly beautiful and tender."
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.
THE TEAM:
Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him)
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast is produced by pukapuka. Episode transcripts available by request [email protected].
Hey there Queer Kittens!
This episode we’re so excited to bring you one half of the Bad Queers (@badqueerspod) podcast duo Shana Sumers! Hang with us and Shana as we discuss life, community and what it means to be a gold member of the Beyhive.
Shana shares her journey from being a music therapist, to working for the HER app and how that led to the creation of the Bad Queers Podcast.
She also discusses her current role as the senior manager of diversity, equity and inclusion at Hubspot, and how she focuses on the importance of building safe, identity-based professional spaces.
We hope you enjoy!
FEATURED GUEST:
Shana Sumers (she/her)
Shana is the Co-Host and Creator of Bad Queers Podcast. By day, Shana is a corporate baddie building online communities for professionals who deserve it most (aka those of us from underestimated backgrounds and identities) in order to help them achieve their professional goals. Shana is an Aquarius and has no idea what that means and my queer fun fact is that I used to work for a queer dating app.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to Radical Acceptance and Self Care
00:37 Meet the Host: Vee's Journey and Mission
01:15 Confessions and Introducing Shana Summers
03:51 Shana Summers: A Force in the Queer Community
07:52 Beyoncé Trivia: Testing Shana's 'Gold Member' Status
16:51 Being Black and Queer: Shana's Perspective
20:16 Community Building: Shaina's Impact and Experience
20:44 Finding Purpose in Mission-Driven Work
21:13 Unexpected Career Shifts: From Music Therapy to Community Building
21:39 The Journey to Australia and Joining the 'HER' App
23:01 Returning Home and Navigating Career Challenges
24:13 The Unexpected Job Offer and Moving to Arizona
25:06 Starting Community at 'HER' and the Evolution of the Brand
26:52 The Birth of 'Bad Queers' Podcast
27:33 Transitioning to New Work and Building Communities for Professionals
28:19 The Importance of Community and Networking
30:56 Self-Care and Personal Well-being
33:08 The Power of Community and Building Foundations
36:07 Resources for Community Building and Professional Growth
40:31 The Impact of Community Events and the Power of 'Yes'
42:49 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.
THE TEAM:
Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him)
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by request [email protected].
“All walls gon’ fall, free them all, free them all.”
On this week’s episode we discuss black liberation and collective wellness through the power of sex magick with the incredible, Halo the Gxdbody (they/them). Halo opens up about their own journey of exploration, and how the combination of black sex magick and BDSM practices has brought them closer to their divine energy. They believe that through intentional sex magick, marginalized communities have the power to manifest social justice and collective liberation.
FEATURED GUEST:
Halo is a Queer, non-binary magical Black radical, anti-capitalist alchemist, shapeshifter and shift shaper currently residing in East Oakland, CA. Halo is the creator of the #fuckthesystem series in the 2020 Navel LA: ASSEMBLIES cohort which explored the role of radical thought, sacral healing and sex magic in re-imagining Black liberation.
Read their article, “Black Sex Magick: How Activating Pleasure Can Change the World” on The Other Almanac and listen to their track “FBW” from the #fuckthesystem assembly mentioned in the episode.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
01:17 Celebrating Black Liberation and Introduction of Special Guest
02:05 Exploring Sexual Wellness and Liberation
02:26 Discussion on HALO's Article and Concept of Black Sex Magic
03:02 Introduction to Carnal Alchemy
03:50 Guest Introduction and Personal Journey
04:29 Exploring Creativity and Expression
05:17 Understanding Sacral Magic and Chakras
06:22 Guest's Personal Healing Journey and Self-Care Practices
09:36 Exploring the Concept of Sex Magic
10:40 Understanding the Power of Healing Sacral Chakras
14:21 Discussion on Kink and BDSM as Somatic Experiences
19:26 Exploring the Connection between Sex and Pleasure
22:56 Understanding Sex Magic as a Divining Tool
24:30 Practical Ways to Incorporate Sex Magic into Personal Life
26:54 Harnessing Orgasmic Energy
28:00 Sex Magic Rituals for Liberation
29:57 Exploring Personal Sexuality and Ancestry
36:36 The Power of Collective Energy and Ritual
38:27 The Future of Collective Rituals
40:26 The Intersection of Tech and Magic
42:47 Closing Thoughts and Shout-outs
WELLNESS RESOURCES:
Check out all the wellness resources mentioned on the podcast here.
THE TEAM:
Host: V (All Pronouns Accepted) @lovenessmonsta
Executive Producer: Stevie Cua (All Pronouns Accepted) @steviesees
Producer: Leah Jackson (She/Her) @djmsjackson
Associate Producer: Raphaella Landestoy (She/Her) @la.vida.bruja14
Music: Produced and Composed by BASK aka Eric Guizar Vasquez (He/Him)
CONNECT:
Follow us on Instagram @questwellnesspod
Be a guest on the pod [email protected]
Podcast is produced in collaboration with Kinoko Chocolates & Puka Puka Creative. Episode transcripts available by email request [email protected].
The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.