The Seat Across From Us

Nobody tells you that your last semester is going to feel like this. The senioritis hits different when you're so close but your brain just stops caring. Depression shows up asking "what's the point" when you're already running on empty. And somehow in the middle of all of that you're supposed to have your entire life figured out, grad school, a job, a city, a plan, all while finishing school.

This one is for every senior who made it through. The pressure was real. The exhaustion was real. And you showed up anyway.

That's the part nobody warned us about. And that's also the part we should be most proud of.

In this episode of The Seat Across From Us, Gonzalo sits down with Alex Fernandez-Klm for an honest conversation about religion, faith, and how the beliefs we grow up with shape the way we see the world.

Together they reflect on their experiences growing up around Christianity, discuss the story of Moses, and explore what happens when people begin to question or reinterpret the faith they were raised in.

This episode isn’t about giving answers, it’s about understanding perspective. Through personal stories and open dialogue, Gonzalo and Alex talk about how religion can influence identity, community, and the way we navigate life as young adults.

Whether you grew up deeply religious, are questioning your beliefs, or simply want to hear a thoughtful conversation about faith, this episode invites you to see religion through our own eyes.

🎧 The Seat Across From Us is a podcast about stories, perspectives, and the conversations that shape who we become.

Gonzalo opens up about why faith to him is the way it is. Gonzalo also open up about his coming out story and how he was forced out of the closet.

In Season 3 Episode 2, Gonzalo sits down with Mike, a freshman at Brandeis and his mentee through the SSSP program. Mike opens up about his first semester at Brandeis, the surprises, challenges, friendships, and lessons that have shaped his first year so far. A conversation about mentorship, growth, and finding your place.

The host talks about how he had 2 freshmen years and it gets chaotic! Please enjoy the first bonus episode

Season 3 opens with a reflection on what it really takes to begin again. In this solo episode, Gonzalo reflects on growth, loneliness, resilience, and the quiet decision to keep showing up. A raw and honest start to a season grounded in truth.

The seat is open.

In this episode, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Adrienne, a professor in the theater department, about her journey to finding love, the impact of technology on relationships, and her teaching philosophy. Adrienne shares her personal story of how she met her husband, the significance of unexpected connections, and the importance of never giving up on love. The discussion also delves into the challenges and joys of modern dating, the role of educators in shaping students' lives, and the need for creativity in teaching. Throughout the conversation, Adrienne emphasizes the value of relationships, both personal and professional, and the lessons learned from her experiences.

We’re back; and the seat is warmer (and higher) than ever.

In this Season 2 opener, I catch you up on everything that went down this summer: from getting fired to getting high, from almost losing my sublet to finding peace in NYC.

New stories, new vibe, same seat. Let’s talk about what’s coming this season and how this podcast’s mission is growing with me.

It’s just me, a mic, and some chaotic reflection energy to kick off the semester.

In this episode, my sister joins me to share a deeply personal story—one rooted in love, loss, and the quiet strength it takes to speak the unspeakable.

She opens up about her experience as a woman navigating pregnancy loss, the silence that surrounded it, and the ways it changed her forever.

This is a conversation about grief, healing, and the power of reclaiming your story. It’s raw, honest, and full of heart.

Let’s take a seat across from her.

In this episode, Gottfried joins me to talk about why college—no matter where you go—is a powerful opportunity for growth. He shares his experience at Brandeis and how it shaped his perspective in ways he never expected.

We also explore the cultural differences between China and the U.S., from education and social life to family expectations and everyday moments of culture shock. Gottfried reflects on what it was like to adjust, what surprised him the most, and what he’s learned from living in two different worlds.

To wrap up, we have a fun "Get to Know Gott" segment, covering everything from overrated American foods to his biggest takeaways from navigating two cultures.

Let’s dive in.