The Anonymous Fork Podcast

This podcast pairs well with a 4-5 mile LISS walk or commutes from:

Lancaster to DTLA

Rancho Cucamonga to DTLA

Santa Clarita to Santa Monica

Step into a raw, intimate, and unforgettable episode with Max Lee, a self-taught musician, sound engineer, and editor, for an open conversation about resilience, creativity and the impact of surviving—and growing—from the unfathomable loss of his parents before the age of 15.

In this deeply personal episode, Max shares his journey from a childhood marked by loss, upheaval, and the challenges of institutional “help” to forging a meaningful, creative life in adulthood. Through stories that traverse continents, family upheaval, and even the wilderness of therapeutic boarding schools, Max and SaraBeth explore the dark realism of grief, parental struggles, stepfamily complications, and how society often responds inadequately to children in pain.

Yet, this story is not just about enduring hardship—it’s about the redemptive power of humor, music, meaningful role models, and learning to build a life with intention. Listeners will be struck by Max’s honesty, wisdom, and wry perspective on navigating systems seemingly stacked against him, and by the warmth and insight SaraBeth brings as a friend and mentor.

Fair warning: the conversation includes frank discussion of suicide, loss, trauma, and institutional abuse, making this a necessary—and necessarily honest—listen for anyone invested in the realities of mental health, healing, and creative survival. This episode is both a personal odyssey and a rallying cry for compassion, resilience, and change.

Anonymous Fork dives into the world of creativity, self-discovery, and the journey of learning from failures.

From working in the equipment room at Milk Studios to being at the top of the call sheet on set, John emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance between professionalism and authenticity.

As he reflects on the impact of his upbringing, the pressure of financial responsibilities, and the struggle to reconcile his creative ambitions with practical considerations, John highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment and the ongoing process of learning and adapting in his career.

Whether you’re an aspiring creative or simply curious about the art of being self-taught, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt stories. Tune in and get ready to laugh! This feel good podcast will enlighten and uplift your spirits.

Credits:Guest: Max LeeHosted by: Anonymous ForkSound Engineer and Post Production Editor: Max LeeGraphics by: Saish KotechaProduced by: Anonymous Fork

Chapters:00:00 The Early Memories and Family Dynamics03:32 Understanding Grief and Loss06:32 Parental Influence and Personal Growth09:28 Navigating Relationships and Emotional Availability12:43 The Impact of Environment on Well-being15:33 Survival Mode and Coping Mechanisms18:19 The Role of Stepparents in Family Dynamics21:23 Reflections on Role Models and Personal Values24:28 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Honesty32:57 The Impact of Medical Trauma35:10 Navigating Family Dynamics After Loss38:55 The Unexpected Journey to Wilderness Therapy44:55 The Capitalistic Nature of Treatment Programs51:10 Lessons from Wilderness Survival58:01 The Consequences of Neglect in Care Settings01:02:26 Navigating Responsibility and Family Dynamics01:03:34 Processing Grief and Family Bonds01:06:30 Understanding Relationships and Authority01:09:30 Role Models and Gender Dynamics01:12:32 Pursuing Creative Paths and Life Choices01:15:25 The Influence of Music and Early Experiences01:20:29 Reflections on Life and Resilience01:25:37 Finding Humor in Trauma and Building Discipline

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

This podcast pairs well with commutes from:Lancaster to DTLARancho Cucamonga to DTLASanta Clarita to Santa Monica

Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Jay, a self-taught photographer and director who has captured the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Billie Eilish. Anonymous Fork dives into the world of creativity, self-discovery, and the journey of learning from failures.

From working in the equipment room at Milk Studios to being at the top of the call sheet on set, John emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance between professionalism and authenticity.

As he reflects on the impact of his upbringing, the pressure of financial responsibilities, and the struggle to reconcile his creative ambitions with practical considerations, John highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment and the ongoing process of learning and adapting in his career.

Whether you’re an aspiring creative or simply curious about the art of being self-taught, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt stories. Tune in and get ready to laugh! This feel good podcast will enlighten and uplift your spirits.

Credits:

Guest: John Jay

Hosted by: Anonymous ForkSound Engineer and Post Production Editor: Max Lee

Graphics by: Saish KotechaProduced by: Anonymous Fork

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Self-Taught Success02:48 Navigating Celebrity Interactions05:25 The Balance of People-Pleasing and Boundaries08:21 Learning Through Experience11:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery14:15 The Importance of Mentorship16:43 Finding Your Voice in the Industry19:32 Family Influence on Creative Paths22:22 Embracing Artistic Choices28:58 The Creative Process: Balancing Chaos and Structure35:42 Learning from Musicians: Building Emotional Connections40:06 The Challenge of Sharing Art: Finding Safe Spaces44:54 Navigating Pressure and Expectations in Creativity46:36 Personal Background: The Impact of Upbringing on Creativity57:45 Expressing Anger: The Role of Emotions in Art59:21 Understanding Korean Rage and Cultural Identity01:01:50 Navigating Anger and Emotional Expression01:03:39 The Importance of Communication in Conflict01:06:31 Establishing Boundaries in Creative Work01:09:33 The Challenge of Saying No01:13:17 The Journey of Self-Taught Creatives01:15:49 The Role of Community and Support01:19:07 Embracing the Learning Process01:22:58 Navigating Success and Ego01:27:35 The Value of Humility in Achievement

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Anonymous Fork sits down with the President of A Penny For Your Thoughts Entertainment (“Uncorked,” “Black Twitter,” “Pause with Sam Jay”), and explores the realities of living and thriving with ADHD in high-stakes environments.

Chris shares his journey from childhood struggles and academic setbacks to building a successful career in Hollywood, offering honest reflections on anxiety, self-doubt, and coping mechanisms that have shaped his path. Together, Chris and Anonymous Fork discuss the intersection of ADHD, adaptability, systematizing processes, and self-awareness, providing practical advice and heartfelt encouragement for anyone navigating similar challenges.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or validation, this episode delivers wisdom, humor, and hope.

Credits:

Guest: Chris P.

Hosted by: Anonymous ForkSound Engineer and Post Production Editor: Max Lee

Graphics by: Saish KotechaProduced by: Anonymous Fork

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Pairs well with commutes:Silverlake to Santa MonicaSouth Bay to GlendaleDowney to the Westside

Coming in fresh from our new studio!

Anonymous Fork and somatic therapist Dana discuss the hidden language of our bodies, exploring how we can release past traumas, unlock creativity, and find true healing by listening to our physical sensations. Discover the transformative power of somatic therapy and learn how to break free from emotional patterns that no longer serve you.

Credits:

Guest: Dana Dart-McLean

Sponsored by:Festival Of Tabla

Hosted by: Anonymous ForkSound Engineer and Post Production Editor: Max Lee

Graphics by: Saish KotechaProduced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This episode pairs well with the story The Interlude.

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Whew! Coming in hot, Two Girls with ADHD travel to Minneapolis to speak with psychic, healer and teacher, Echo Bodine on spirit working through us as creatives, ego (our favorite topic), fear, past lives, intuition, the use of AI, and why the heck are we on Earth. How do we continue to do what inspires us if we’ve been burned? Are we completely fucked as artists fighting algorithms or is there hope?

In Part II, Anonymous Fork reveals her hack for getting through life, the power of perspective, and changing careers at 41. Surely this will be an episode Alejandra posts to her Instagram feed. Lord give her the courage!

Listen to Part 2

Credits:

Guest: Echo BodineEcho’s show: Enough is Enough

Sponsored by:Eldredge & LindenVintage Eyewear Design

Hosted by: Alejandra Cejudo & Anonymous ForkPost-Production Editor: Max LeeSound: Jed Behar

Graphics by: Saish KotechaProduced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This episode pairs well with the story God Pees in the Shower .

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Whew! Coming in hot, Two Girls with ADHD travel to Minneapolis to speak with psychic, healer and teacher, Echo Bodine on spirit working through us as creatives, ego (our favorite topic), fear, past lives, intuition, the use of AI, and why the heck are we on Earth. How do we continue to do what inspires us if we’ve been burned? Are we completely fucked as artists fighting algorithms or is there hope?

Listen to Part 1

In Part II, Anonymous Fork reveals her hack for getting through life, the power of perspective, and changing careers at 41. Surely this will be an episode Alejandra posts to her Instagram feed. Lord give her the courage!

Credits:

Guest: Echo BodineEcho’s show: Enough is Enough

Sponsored by:Eldredge & LindenVintage Eyewear Design

Hosted by: Alejandra Cejudo & Anonymous ForkPost-Production Editor: Max LeeAdditional Audio Support: Jed Behar

Graphics by: Saish KotechaProduced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This episode pairs well with the story God Pees in the Shower .

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Welcome back. Thank you for not cancelling us and tuning in.

In this two part series, Alejandra and Anonymous Fork dive into story 3, reunions, why fitting in is an awkward endurance sport. What’s it like to be one of Alejandra’s friends? How are Alejandra and “Maggie” connected? We find out more about who Anonymous Fork is. How she has managed to survive on Earth with zero relevant pop culture references is truly miraculous.

In Part II, the girls reveal what it looks like to break generational trauma and what it’s like to witness someone else do it. Will we ever get Alejandra to post her work on Instagram?

Listen to Part 2

Credits:

Hosted by: Alejandra Cejudo & Anonymous Fork

Sound and Post-Production Editor: Jed Behar

Graphics by: Saish Kotecha

Produced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This episode pairs well with the story Big Lips, Fake Tits .

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Welcome back. Thank you for not cancelling us and tuning in.

In this two part series, Alejandra and Anonymous Fork dive into story 3, reunions, why fitting in is an awkward endurance sport. What’s it like to be one of Alejandra’s friends? How are Alejandra and “Maggie” connected? We find out more about who Anonymous Fork is. How she has managed to survive on Earth with zero relevant pop culture references is truly miraculous.

Listen to Part 1

In Part II, the girls reveal what it looks like to break generational trauma and what it’s like to witness someone else do it. Will we ever get Alejandra to post her work on Instagram?

Credits:

Hosted by: Alejandra Cejudo & Anonymous Fork

Sound and Post-Production Editor: Jed Behar

Graphics by: Saish Kotecha

Produced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This episode pairs well with the story Big Lips, Fake Tits .

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Welcome back to another episode. We did not get cancelled… yet!

Two Girls with ADHD talk to celebrity chef Aaron about what it’s like working for one of Hollywood’s most beloved A-listers.

Well, that was the intention. The conversation veered. We covered a bit of everything - theft in private homes, appreciation in the workplace, ego in the kitchen, eating on the job, masking at work, the price of fame, and how boundaries get blurry.

We also share our own star struck moments and find out why Barstow holds a strange little place in all our hearts. (No, it’s not the meth.)

Credits:

Hosted by: Alejandra Cejudo & Anonymous Fork

Guest: Chef Aaron

Sound Engineer: Max Lee

Post-Production Editor: Jed Behar

Graphics by: Saish Kotecha

Produced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This episode pairs well with the story Star Fuckers - a memoir about working in the homes of Hollywood’s elite and the people clawing to get in.

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.

Welcome to Anonymous Fork, where our tines aren’t broken—they’re just a little bent.

In this pilot episode, we dive into what it’s like moving through the world undiagnosed with ADHD and how hard (and hilarious) it is to read the signs and find your people.

This conversation pairs with the story Buckwheat is Our Bible - a memoir about food, rituals, and the strange ways we find belonging.

Hosted by Alejandra Cejudo and Anonymous Fork, will these girls make it through the pilot without breaking down? Probably not.

Credits:

Hosted by: Alejandra Cejudo & Anonymous Fork

Sound Engineer: Max Lee

Post-Production Editor: Jed Behar

Graphics by: Saish Kotecha

Produced by: Anonymous Fork

Read:

This podcast is related to…

https://anonymousfork.substack.com/p/buckwheat-is-our-bible

Follow us on instagram: @the.anonymousfork

Anonymous Fork's Substack is a reader-supported publication.