In this episode, we sit down with Allison Lang, a content creator, speaker, model, Paralympian-level athlete with Team Canada’s Sitting Volleyball Team, and a powerful voice in disability advocacy. Born without her left leg and growing up navigating bullying, body-image struggles, and self-confidence, Allison now uses her platform to champion self-love, body acceptance, and true inclusivity.

We dive into what it means to reclaim your story, challenge ableism, and build a more accessible world while showing up unapologetically as yourself. Allison’s journey is bold, empowering, and a reminder that confidence isn’t something you find, it’s something you grow into, one moment at a time.

Follow Allison: https://www.instagram.com/allisonelang/My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode, we sit down with Rae (they/them) , founder of Origami Customs - a trans and gender-diverse clothing brand and community program built by queer and trans people, for queer and trans people. Rae shares what it’s like creating gender-affirming fashion that actually fits, building a team rooted in community care, and running a global program that provides life-changing products to those facing financial and systemic barriers.

We dive into identity, craft, and the joy that comes from making people feel at home in their own bodies. Rae’s story is a reminder that community isn’t just something you join — it’s something you build stitch by stitch, with intention, compassion, and a whole lot of queer brilliance.

Follow Origami Customs: https://www.instagram.com/origamicustoms/

My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode, we sit down with Marita Prodger, reality TV personality from The Queer Ultimatum, creator, and proud girly lesbian. 🌈 Marita opens up about her experience on the show, what it taught her about love and visibility, and why she believes being vocal as a queer woman matters more than ever.

We dive into identity, femininity, and the power of showing up authentically - even when it’s uncomfortable. Marita’s story is a reminder that speaking up is a form of self-love, and that softness and strength can coexist beautifully.

Follow Marita on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maritaprodger

My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Suerte, a Queer Filipino creator and storyteller who’s passionate about amplifying LGBTQ+ and Asian voices. Jason opens up about what it was like growing up gay in the Asian community, navigating family expectations, and learning to love authentically in a public relationship. 🌈

We dive deep into identity, culture, and the courage it takes to be seen - even when your world tells you to hide. Jason’s story is one of pride, growth, and finding peace in being fully yourself.

Follow Jason on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jasonsuerte

Follow Jason on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@urinternetbf7

Follow Brandon (per Jason request lol): https://www.tiktok.com/@bran__flakezzMy Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode, we sit down with Jemarc Axinto, a Trauma-Conscious Coach dedicated to helping Queer, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent beings recover from trauma, unlock their creativity, and live authentically. Jemarc’s work bridges healing and empowerment, guiding others to reconnect with their truth and reclaim their power.

As a special gift for our community, Jemarc is offering access to their masterclass “Become Your Own Safe Space.” It’s a beautiful resource to deepen your healing journey and learn how to cultivate inner safety and authenticity : youtube.com/watch?v=sQli8rI4CTU&feature=youtu.be

Follow Jemarc on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jemarcaxinto

Follow Jemarc on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jemarcaxinto?_t=ZS-90vdTir099V&_r=1

Substack: https://spiritualgeek.substack.com/

My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode of The Layers of Us, Amanda sits down with Zoe Marín, an Argentine-American theatre artist, comedian, and artistic producer whose work explores identity, creativity, and the power of laughter. Zoe is part of the sketch troupe Small Friend Tall Friend and serves as the Artistic Producer of First Born Theatre, a company amplifying underrepresented voices through bold storytelling.

Together, they dive into the intersections of culture, comedy, and queerness , exploring how performance can be both healing and rebellious. Zoe opens up about building community in the arts, finding her comedic voice, and using theatre as a tool for authenticity and connection.

This episode is a celebration of humor, heritage, and the courage it takes to make art that reflects who you are.

🎭 Follow Zoe: https://www.instagram.com/zmar_/?hl=en
🎭 Small Friend Tall Friend: https://www.instagram.com/smallfriend.tallfriend/?hl=en
🎭 First Born Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/firstborntheatre/?hl=en

My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠

My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠

That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode of The Layers of Us, Amanda sits down with Erika Casupanan, a Filipino immigrant, queer late bloomer, and the first woman of color to win Survivor. Erika is a keynote speaker, storyteller, and award-winning podcaster who empowers underestimated audiences through vulnerability, humor, and truth.

Together, they unpack what it means to rewrite your story after success, navigate queerness and identity in the public eye, and embrace creative reinvention after leaving the 9-to-5 world. Erika shares how her experiences as an immigrant and queer woman have shaped her confidence, resilience, and mission to help others blaze their own trail.

This episode is an inspiring look at owning your voice, redefining success, and thriving on your own terms.

Follow Erika: https://www.instagram.com/erika_cas/?hl=en

My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠

My Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠

That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode of The Layers of Us, Amanda sits down with Alyy Patel, a queer South Asian activist who explores issues of identity, community, and systemic oppression.

Alyy shares their experiences with anti-Brown racism in lesbian communities, the challenges of coming out as a second-generation queer South Asian to immigrant parents, and the realities of violence faced by queer South Asian women, from dating and family dynamics to lateral violence within queer spaces. This candid conversation dives into navigating identity, community, and safety, while highlighting the complexities of being queer and South Asian today.

Alyy instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyypatel/?hl=en

My Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/⁠My

Podcast Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠

That's So Us Podcast: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

In this episode of The Layers of Us, Amanda sits down with Renée Yoxon, a nonbinary singer, songwriter, physicist, and voice teacher who helps trans and nonbinary people create speaking voices they love.

Renée shares their journey of gender exploration, what gender-affirming voice coaching is, and how voice can be a powerful tool for building confidence, identity, and authentic self-expression. This honest conversation explores non-binary identity, the intersections of music and voice, and the importance of creating space for people to sound and feel like themselves.

Follow Renée: https://www.instagram.com/reneeyoxon/

Follow their Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@reneeyoxon/videos

Check out their website: https://www.reneeyoxon.com/

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/

My Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/
That's So Us Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan

TW:SUICIDAL IDEATION / DEPRESSION TALK .

In this episode of The Layers of Us, Amanda sits down with Cal Campos, a trans and non-binary Filipino creator and advocate.

Cal shares their experience navigating identity at the intersections of queerness and culture, what inclusion really means, and why they challenge the idea of “safe spaces.” This honest conversation explores belonging, language, and the power of creating communities where people can show up as their full selves.

Follow Cal: https://www.instagram.com/calvin.campos/

My Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsamandawan/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Podcast Instagram:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelayersofuspodcast/⁠⁠⁠

That's So Us Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thatssous.podcast/

Youtube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/itsamandawan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

My TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandawan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠