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String and Tell with Tawny Platis and Kristen DiMercurio
String and Tell with Tawny Platis and Kristen DiMercurio episodes
- Jenny Yang Is Finally Making Her First Stand-Up Special
Writer, actor, comedian, and podcast host Jenny Yang joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about pizza, conspiracy theories, immigrant family expectations, overachievement, and learning how to enjoy the process instead of chasing the next goal.
Jenny shares why she's finally creating her first stand-up special after years of personal loss, including two miscarriages, multiple rounds of IVF, and the death of her father. She reflects on growing up in a Taiwanese immigrant family, how becoming hyper-independent shaped her career, and why comedy became both an outlet and a path toward healing.
Along the way, the conversation takes plenty of delightful detours; from Neapolitan pizza and backyard pizza ovens to student government, ADHD, true crime, and the surprising connection between making people laugh and winning elections.
Jenny talks about:
Why she's finally recording her first hour-long stand-up special
Processing grief after years of infertility and loss
Growing up in a Taiwanese immigrant household and becoming fiercely independent
The hidden emotional cost of being the "overachiever"
Learning to enjoy the creative process instead of obsessing over outcomes
Her obsession with pizza, pasta, and Italian food culture
How student government unexpectedly launched her comedy career
Why she believes understanding humanity (even its darkest parts) makes us better people
Making friendship bracelets while unpacking perfectionism, purpose, and joy
Bracelets from this episode benefit the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP), with 100% of proceeds donated to support their work.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Jenny Yang:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyyangtv/Web: https://www.jennyyang.tv/
Follow Tawny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatisWeb: https://tawnyvoice.com/
42 min - Comic Artist Hannah Hillam Turned Her ADHD Brain Into a Career
Illustrator, comic artist, and 500 Open Tabs co-host Hannah Hillam joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about creativity, comics, weird internet rabbit holes, and embracing the wonderfully chaotic way her brain works.
Hannah talks about:
Growing up drawing comics and realizing art was always the career she was meant to pursue
Writing her graphic novel Cat People and why "cute but deeply unsettling" became her signature style
How 500 Open Tabs was born from never closing browser tabs and turning random curiosities into a podcast
The bizarre history of Icelandic Dracula and why it's completely different from the original
The Carrington Event, solar storms, and the surprisingly real possibility of an internet-ending apocalypse
Raising kids, true crime obsessions, and why everything somehow turns into a cult or an arsonist story
The two also get into Studio Ghibli tattoos, Taylor Swift discourse, tiny trinkets, friendship bracelet storytelling, and why every weird little object deserves its own elaborate backstory.
Plus, every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to PCF, Hannah's charity of choice.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Hannah Hillam:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahhillam/500 Open Tabs Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/500-open-tabs/id1720585294
Follow Tawny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatisWeb: https://tawnyvoice.com/
54 min - Voice Actor Rosie Okumura Catches Scammers for a Living
Voice actor, content creator, musician, and private investigator Rosie Okumura joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about undercover investigations, voice acting, anime, and finding creative outlets wherever life takes her.
Rosie talks about:
How scam-baiting videos unexpectedly led her to becoming a private investigator
Going undercover with disguises, DoorDash bags, and improv skills to serve difficult legal papers
Discovering voice acting by accidentally imitating Siri behind a bar
Landing anime roles, including Sakamoto Days, and why auditioning is all about making an impression
Her obsession with crafting, painting, miniatures, and ADHD-fueled creative hobbies
Why Google Calendar, canceled plans, and protecting her downtime are the keys to avoiding burnout
Solo travel, food adventures, and planning the ultimate birthday trip to Japan
The two also talk about dating apps, Studio Ghibli, travel anxiety, tiny crafts, cats, White Claws, and why improv might be the most valuable class you can ever take.
Plus, every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to The Spay and Neuter Project, Rosie’s charity of choice.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Rosie Okumura: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irlrosie/
Follow Tawny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
39 min - The Cosplayer Who Dances as Animated Characters On TikTokContent creator, dancer, and cosplayer Sabrina Mae joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about cosplay, creativity, dance, storytelling, and building a career by embracing what makes you different.
Sabrina talks about:
• How a lifelong love of Halloween costumes evolved into a full-time cosplay career• Combining professional dance training with cosplay to create her signature videos• Why she prefers bringing her own personality and flair to beloved characters• Growing up in Michigan and adjusting to life in Los Angeles• The creative process behind transforming animated characters and even inanimate objects into cosplay• Learning new skills like makeup, mask-making, and costume design through trial and error• Why artistic growth often means being uncomfortable and trying things that scare you• Finding inspiration in movies like Avatar, Elemental, Moana, and A Bug's Life• The reality of creating content online and why predicting what will go viral is impossible• How modern dance taught her to trust her instincts and create her own rules
Plus, Sabrina and Tawny discuss favorite movies, theater, improv, friendship bracelets, work-life balance, and the joy of making art that's uniquely your own.
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to the Animal Welfare Institute.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Sabrina Mae: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sabrinamaecosplay/ Web:sabrinamaecosplay.com
Follow Tawny:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis
Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
42 min - Slappable Jerk Was A Lawyer Who Found Cringe And Comedy
Content creator and comedian Jack Michael Ryan, better known as Slappable Jerk, joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about:
Internet fame
Awkward first dates
Leaving a legal career behind
Why the most annoying people often make the best characters
Going from insurance lawyer to full-time content creator
The real-life inspirations behind his viral characters
Why self-awareness is the trait most people are missing
Meeting his wife through a series of wildly unconventional first dates
Starting stand-up comedy after finding success online
The creative risks, failures, and pivots that helped him find his niche
Plus: Costco hot dogs, cowboy coffee, and bird watching
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Sierra Pacific Furbabies.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Slappable Jerk:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/slappablejerk/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theslappablejerk
Follow Tawny:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis
Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
37 min - Crystal Lee's Unexpected Path to Voice Acting
Voice actor Crystal Lee joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about unexpected career pivots, Dungeons & Dragons, language, creativity, and learning to trust yourself when life takes an unexpected turn.
Crystal talks about:
Growing up in a Taiwanese-American household and losing touch with her first languages
Why Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Michelle Yeoh left such a lasting impression on her
Studying biomedical engineering and earning two degrees before becoming a full-time actor
The acting class that completely changed the direction of her life
Discovering voice acting during the pandemic and building a career from a closet recording booth
How Critical Role introduced her to both Dungeons & Dragons and the world of voice acting
The importance of hard work, luck, and trusting your instincts when pursuing a creative career
Why she loves escape rooms, tabletop RPGs, and storytelling in all forms
Moving from New Jersey to Seattle and eventually finding her home in Los Angeles
Tarot cards, whimsy, creativity, and finding balance between logic and imagination
Plus, Crystal and Tawny discuss pizza, palm trees, Baldur’s Gate 3, friendship bracelets, and why sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding adventures.
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to the National Association of Voice Actors.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Crystal Lee:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.crystal.lee/
Web: https://www.crystalylee.com/
Follow Tawny:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis
Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
1 hr 25 min - David Farrier on Dark Tourism, Weird America, and Why Journalism Still Matters
Journalist, filmmaker, and Dark Tourist creator David Farrier joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about documentaries, weird American subcultures, creative obsession, and the strange reality of building a life in the U.S. as a journalist.
David talks about:
Growing up in New Zealand and how storytelling slowly became his career
Why journalism still matters, even as media and documentaries continue to change
How Flightless Bird and Web Worm let him explore bizarre rabbit holes and overlooked stories
The emotional toll of making documentaries about narcissists and abusive people
Why America feels chaotic, overwhelming, fascinating, and creatively inspiring all at once
The difference between documentaries, podcasts, newsletters, and short-form storytelling
Traveling across the U.S. to investigate Dungeons & Dragons, niche communities, and strange cultural phenomena
Why he’s happiest when he’s constantly creating and staying busy
The two also talk about fish and chips on New Zealand beaches, friendship necklaces, Portland vs. New York, hiking, live music, and why Alaska feels magical despite neither of them having been there.
Plus, David shares his thoughts on the “Netflix-ization” of documentaries, the best comment section on the internet, and how a compliment from his grandfather shaped the way he thinks about storytelling to this day.
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to Feed the Streets.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow David Farrier: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfarrier/
Follow Tawny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
48 min - Persephone Valentine: LARPing Prepared Me for HollywoodPersephone Valentine joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while diving deep into D&D, LARPing, drag, voice acting, and why Hollywood is basically just organized nerd culture.While crafting bracelets inspired by horny popcorn buckets, video games, and chaotic queer energy, Persephone talks about:
Nearly getting arrested sneaking into another high school to play D&D as a teen
Spending over a decade immersed in tabletop games and LARP communities
Why D&D can teach you a surprising amount about yourself
The similarities between LARP culture and working in Hollywood
Breaking into Dropout and Dimension 20 after years in gaming spaces
Exploring drag performance, stage presence, and almost auditioning for Drag Race
Learning voice acting through singing lessons and vocal experimentation
The realities of trans voice training and finding your natural sound
Why impressions are harder than inventing entirely new voices
Wanting to play “bitches, breeches, and witches” in every possible role
Jennifer Coolidge impressions, Azula voice practice, and blowing out your voice for TikTok
Plus, Persephone and Tawny discuss queer representation in gaming spaces, competitive drag culture, giant platform shoes, Lisa Frank documentaries, improv anxiety, and the strange joy of being unapologetically nerdy.
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to The Okra Project.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause. Tune in and enjoy the conversation!
Follow Persephone Valentine:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/persephiroth/
Follow Tawny:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis
Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
47 min - Jordan Myrick Thinks Your Hot Takes Aren’t Hot Enough
Comedian, writer, actor, and food creator Jordan Myrick joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about food opinions, queer identity, moving constantly as a kid, and why Los Angeles drivers are actually kind.
Jordan talks about:
Growing up between South Florida and New Orleans and how food became central to their life
Working in restaurants, studying acting, and balancing comedy, content creation, and food media all at once
Why gay kids are secretly tiny adults with extremely refined interests
Their deep love of John Waters, Food Network, photography, and mature “gay child” hobbies
The brutal reality of freelance entertainment jobs and surviving without healthcare
Their extremely strong opinions about off-leash dogs, bad hot takes, pudding, and cake
The two also get into Vegas obsession, Cirque du Soleil deep dives, appendix horror stories, internet culture, parasocial relationships, and why people need to learn how to be wrong gracefully.
Plus, Jordan shares why they think pudding is unfairly underrated, why biscotti is the true worst dessert, and how one Cirque du Soleil show completely changed their brain chemistry.
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to The Okra Project.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Jordan Myrick:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanmyr1ck/Web: https://www.jordanmyrick.com/
Follow Tawny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
56 min - Dora The Explorer Voice Actor Kathleen Herles Hid She Was Dora for Years
Original Dora the Explorer voice actor Kathleen Herles joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about growing up in the entertainment industry, childhood pressure, and reconnecting with the role that shaped an entire generation.
Kathleen talks about:
Growing up in pageants and child acting before becoming Dora at just 7 years old
Hiding the fact that she was Dora for years and why she struggled to embrace it
How revisiting Dora as an adult helped heal parts of her childhood
The pressure of growing up performing and always feeling like she had to be perfect
Breaking into audiobooks and finding confidence through queer storytelling
Why voice acting can feel isolating, weirdly anonymous, and deeply personal all at once
The two also talk about Real Housewives, rave culture, Lord of the Rings, horror movies, and Bluetooth voices.
Plus, Kathleen shares the emotional story of meeting the Lord of the Rings cast, why Frodo was her childhood crush, and how hearing “Dora” from fans now feels completely different than it used to.
Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to Save the Children.
Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.
Follow Kathleen Herles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenherles/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathleenherles
Follow Tawny:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis
Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/
51 min
About String and Tell with Tawny Platis and Kristen DiMercurio
From the publisher's feed
New episodes every Thursday
Buy a bracelet: https://www.ebay.com/usr/stringandtell
Voice actors Tawny Platis and Kristen DiMercurio challenge each other to voice act in deliberately miscast performances each week on their show String and Tell ("read this scene from Twilight but perform Bella as Jennifer Coolidge")
After the games, they chat about voice acting, art, and entertainment while they make friendship bracelets. The bracelets are then auctioned to viewers with 100% of sales going to a nonprofit of the week.