The Not My Job Pod

Ana Ornelas, aka PimentaCitrica, works at the intersection of sex, pleasure, and power. She believes that curiosity is sexy and education can be revolutionary. She's helping others unlearn shame, celebrate desire, and turn pleasure into a force for connection and change.

She's sharing her journey from a conservative upbringing in Brazil to becoming a passionate sex educator, erotic writer, and drag performer in Berlin. She discusses the challenges of social media censorship, the importance of comprehensive sex education, and the transformative power of drag and activism.

sex education, drag, Berlin, censorship, sexuality, activism, feminist porn, consent, digital rights, LGBTQ+

We're covering:
Social media censorship of sex-positive content
The importance of comprehensive sex education and the clitoris
Drag as a form of self-expression and activism
Legal and social challenges faced by sex workers in Europe
The intersection of sexuality, politics, and digital rights

Follow Ana or book a workshop!
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pimentracitrica
Website - https://pimentracitrica.com/

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

This recording session was not intended to be a standalone episode. We filmed with the intention of creating social media short-form content. There were a lot of requests for the wider conversation, so here's a quick edit. I highly recommend reading Chris Reiter's book, Broken Republik, for more detail.

We explore many themes from his 2025 book: the rise of far-right nationalism in Germany, its historical roots, and potential paths forward. Chris Reiter is an ex-Bloomberg journalist who writes about people, politics, and power. This short episode discusses the social, political, and cultural factors shaping Germany's future and how society can foster unity.

Subscribe to Chris' latest projects:
https://www.chrishreiter.blog/
https://www.instagram.com/chrish_reiter/


In this Episode:
Historical roots of nationalism in Germany
The role of the social state in German identity
East-West reunification and social structures
Rise of the AFD and anti-establishment sentiment
Potential pathways for political renewal and unity

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

Werner Graf wants to be Berlin's next mayor. First, he has to convince you Berlin still works.

Ahead of the September 20 Abgeordnetenhaus election, I sat down with Werner Graf (co-leader of the Green parliamentary group and the party's candidate for Regierender Bürgermeister) to talk about what five years of CDU-led governance have actually done to this city, whether the Greens have a real path back to power, and what he'd do differently this time. We get into housing, mobility, the Deutsche Wohnen referendum nobody in government wants to touch, and his vision for the city.

We're Covering:
Berlin housing policy and rent control
Cultural funding and preservation in Berlin
Transportation challenges and solutions in Berlin
Berlin's political landscape and coalition prospects
Impact of social media on politics and voter engagement

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

This episode is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about Berlin, creativity, and the realities of building a meaningful career in the arts. Emily sits down with artist and tattooist James Song to explore everything from the politics of cultural funding to the tension between artistic expression and commercial success, all while unpacking what makes Berlin such a magnetic city for creatives. Along the way, they touch on identity, community, balance, and the economics of making a life around what you love, creating a conversation that is as personal as it is intellectually sharp.
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art, Berlin, culture, funding, creativity, artist, city life, politics, entrepreneurship, art scene

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

What does it cost to use your voice?

In this episode, Emily sits down with Faravaz, an Iranian musician and activist whose journey from Tehran to Berlin is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and resistance.

Faravaz shares what it was like growing up in Iran, navigating a music industry where women face significant restrictions, and the decision to continue creating and sharing music despite the risks. We discuss the events that led to her arrest, her eventual exile from Iran, and the challenges of rebuilding a life in Germany as a refugee and artist.

We also talk about her latest single, Passport, the role of music in social and political movements, supporting women's rights in Iran and Afghanistan, and why artistic expression remains one of the most powerful tools for challenging oppression.

This conversation explores identity, belonging, activism, and the ways art can inspire change—even in the face of immense obstacles.

Topics discussed:
• Growing up in Tehran and discovering music
• Censorship and restrictions on women in Iran
• Arrest, exile, and starting over in Germany
• Music as activism and resistance
• Women's rights and social justice
• Identity, belonging, and self-expression
• The challenges facing artists today
• How listeners can support marginalized voices

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would find Faravaz's story inspiring.

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

Judy LaDivina shares her journey from Tel Aviv to Berlin, where she discovered her drag persona and the queer community. She discusses the importance of joy as a form of activism, the challenges within the queer community, and her role in empowering new drag artists through her show, Tell Mama. Judy also reflects on her experiences in theater, the significance of language in performance, and the complexities of navigating personal relationships, particularly with her family. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the need for open dialogue and the power of storytelling in bridging divides. In this engaging conversation, Judy and Emily explore the transformative power of performance and community, particularly in the context of drag shows. They discuss the shift from joy to conversation in the wake of conflict, the complexities of identity and justification, and the importance of inclusivity in politics and society. Judy emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding, advocating for a future where dialogue transcends division and celebrates shared humanity.

Takeaways

• Judy Ladivina was born in Berlin, where she discovered her drag persona.
• Berlin provided Judy the freedom to explore her identity.
• The queer community offers a space for fluidity and exploration.
• Joy can be a powerful form of political activism.
• Tell Mama is an intimate show that invites audience interaction.
• The drag community in Berlin is supportive and collaborative.
• Language accessibility in theater is crucial for inclusivity.
• Judy has lip-synced in 52 languages, enhancing audience connection.
• Theater allows Judy to weave personal stories into performances.
• Bridging generational gaps requires understanding and patience. The power of performance can foster community and connection.
• Transforming joy into conversation can address deeper societal issues.
• Identity plays a crucial role in navigating conflict and understanding.
• Justification of violence is a complex and dangerous narrative.
• Moving beyond the past is essential for future progress.
• Inclusivity in politics is necessary for a functioning democracy.
• Expanding social circles can lead to richer conversations and understanding.
• Compassion and kindness are fundamental in addressing trauma and conflict.
• The future should focus on possibilities rather than divisions.
• Engagement in dialogue is key to fostering understanding and change.

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In this interview with Martin Hergert, a Berlin candidate for the Berlin Senate with the Volt party, as we explore innovative politics at the local and European levels. Martin shares insights on how European values translate into local policy, the housing crisis in Berlin, and ways for residents (particularly immigrants) to become more involved in democracy.

In this episode:

• Martin's background in business and his transition into politics with Volt
• The core principles and values of Volt and its pan-European approach
• How international experiences influence local political perspectives
• The significance of civic participation beyond elections
• Challenges faced in Berlin's housing market, including rent caps and urban development
• The importance of digitalization and administrative efficiency in city governance
• The debate around extending voting rights to long-term residents and foreigners
• Strategies to combat political polarization and misinformation
• The role of coalition-building and focus on key policies
• Martin's realistic goals for Volt in Berlin's upcoming elections
• How local politics can learn from international best practices

Martin emphasizes that democracy extends far beyond voting - encouraging active participation at community levels, involvement in NGOs, sports clubs, and neighborhood initiatives. His perspective underscores the importance of pragmatic coalition building, policy focus, and citizen empowerment in shaping Berlin’s future.

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

Berlin-based sex and relationship counselor Alexandra Suarez shares insights on the complexities of sexual and relationship health, cultural influences, and navigating personal growth in a dynamic city like Berlin. Whether you're exploring open relationships, cultural differences, or personal boundaries, Alexandra offers practical guidance rooted in psychological and somatic awareness.

Key Topics

• How Alex's academic background in sexuality and gender studies shaped his career path
• Differences in medical versus counseling approaches to sexual health
• The importance of curiosity and self-awareness in exploring sexuality and relationships
• The process of unpacking shame and internalized societal messages
• Navigating culture and language barriers in multicultural relationships
• The importance of safety, self-regulation, and gradual steps when exploring new sexual experiences
• How motherhood impacts personal identity, sexuality, and body relationship
• The role of vulnerability, emotional safety, and the polyvagal theory in therapy
• Adjusting to life in Berlin's open scene versus pursuing traditional relationship models
• The potential future of counseling, including group therapy and the influence of AI tools

Connect with Alex Suarez

• Instagram
• Website

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

Join Emily Gant as she chats with Pip Roper, a Berlin-based tour guide, improviser, and podcast host, about the joys and challenges of creativity, community, and navigating late-stage capitalism. This episode dives into the power of humor, the importance of authentic human connections, and how embracing your passions can transform your outlook on life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How guiding tours and improv comedy bring both joy and income
• The enduring value of human connection in tourism
• Why storytelling and gossip make history more engaging
• The significance of community in personal and artistic growth
• How Berlin’s unique scene fosters creativity and openness
• The role of humor and play in mental well-being
• The importance of local experiences over streaming fame
• Strategies for overcoming social anxiety and self-doubt
• The influence of history on contemporary identity and politics

Resources & Links:

• History Flakes Podcast
• Comedy Cafe Berlin

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod

In this episode, Emily Gant hosts Liz Lee, a Paris-based content creator, to share her firsthand experience navigating the complex visa landscape in France. From visa types and legal nuances to the realities of expatriate life, this conversation offers practical advice for anyone considering a move to France.

- Differences between expat and immigrant statuses and their implications
French visa options including long stay visitor and talent visas
- The impact of remote work restrictions on visa eligibility
Bureaucratic challenges and common misconceptions in France's immigration system
- Building a case for the talent visa through professional and social ties
- Comparisons of visa processes in Germany and France
- The importance of establishing local connections for successful migration
- Experiences with France's housing market and potential scams targeting foreigners
- The cultural and lifestyle benefits of living in Paris versus Berlin
- Emotional aspects of expat life, including grief, nostalgia, and personal growth

Resources & Links:
Keys to France - Immigration Lawyer
French Talent Visa Requirements
Germany Residency & Citizenship Info
[How to Apply for French Citizenship](https:// diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/)
Connect with Liz Lee:
Instagram/TikTok @ lizleatrice

Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod