The TMI Project Story Hour

TMI Project’s Executive Director Eva Tenuto is back to deliver another message in a bottle. With our first message in a bottle, which aired back in April of 2020, we filled you in on what was to come with our then brand-new podcast. Now, Eva comes with an update about why things have been so quiet on your feed lately - and unveil some exciting changes on the horizon.

The TMI Project Podcast is now The TMI Project Story Hour, designed to make it easier than ever for true storytelling enthusiasts to find us and stay connected. Say goodbye to themed seasons and hello to weekly episodes, featuring stories from the TMI Project library. Season 4 hosts Julie Novak and Blake Pfeil return to share stories and interviews, with occasional guest hosts stepping in for special episodes. 

Get ready for inspiring conversations with storytellers, audience members, and more as they discuss the transformative power of sharing and listening to true stories, all while sharing their own. 

New trailer drops October 4th, heralding the start of our weekly episodes every Wednesday. Until then, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.  

TMI Project Staff

• Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
• Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
• Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
• Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
• Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was written by Raine Grayson and Eva Tenuto, edited/mixed/mastered by Blake Pfeil, and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston.

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories, you can make a contribution HERE.

Links

• https://www.tmiproject.org
• https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/
• https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
• https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
• Radiokingston.org

As a member of the original, legendary Royal House of LaBeija, Cece (she/her) explains how her ballroom background helped her deal with a difficult health diagnosis.

This is Episode 11,  the Season 5 finale of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Cece Suazo. Cece is a life-long trans activist and artist. She was honored with the 2018 Advocate Magazine Award for her contributions to the ballroom community and performing arts. She has appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions. As the 1st trans woman of color at WOW Cafe Theater, she’s produced many works in her 12 years as a collective member. Cece is also one of the founders of TRANSLAB where she recently did a residency in partnership with The Public Theater & WP Theater. Ms. Suazo’s ballroom career began in 1988 as the youngest member in the Iconic House Of LaBeija. She earned Legendary status in 2010, and departed the house after 27 years in 2013.

Featured
Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Cece Suazo  (she/her), Storyteller

TMI Project Staff
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

This episode was sound designed, mixed, and mastered by Blake Pfeil (he/him) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

We encourage you to listen in community and utilize this helpful resource: 

Black Trans Stories Matter: A Listening and Discussion Guide

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

Links:

https://www.tmiproject.org
https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
Radiokingston.org

From growing up with gender freedom to his experience in the military and child rearing, Aren (he/him) explores alternate expressions and uncovers the true man he is.

This is Episode 10 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Aren McDaniel. Aren is a U.S. Army Veteran and aspiring graphic novelist living in Lynchburg, Virginia. Aren strives to turn his experiences as a survivor of Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence, into stories of hope that will guide others to better informed life choices. As a newly-wed and a dad, when he isn’t working on creating middle-grade or YA graphic novels, he’s having nerdy adventures with his family, mixing fancy non-alcoholic drinks, or over-planning dinner. 

Featured:
Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Aren McDaniel(he/him), Storyteller

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

We encourage you to listen in community and utilize this helpful resource: 
Black Trans Stories Matter: A Listening and Discussion Guide

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

Links
https://www.tmiproject.org
https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/
https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
Radiokingston.org

From military boots to pumps, Theadora (she/her) embodies courage, commitment, and claims her space in the world during her first public walk in women's clothing.

This is Episode 9,  Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Theadora Green. Originally from Chicago, Theadora is a queer, social, progressive activist. She is currently studying at Northeastern Illinois University to receive her degree in Social Work and will attend Waubonsee Community College for an additional two years to obtain her degree in Nursing. Theadora plans to be a collaboratively-skilled professional who will empathetically advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. You can find out more about Theadora at @newdaynewme553.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Syd Williams (she/her), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPT:
How have you created your own family?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

With feelings of pride and joy for his family, Syd (he/him) takes us back to the day of his wedding.

This is Episode 8 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Syd Williams-Black. Syd is a native of Durham, North Carolina. He is a father of two boys and currently works for an LGBTQ law firm, NicholsonPham. When Syd is not at work he is helping put on Name Change Clinics with the support of his firm and local LGBTQ center and spending time with his boys. You can find out more about Syd at @mr.midwife.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Syd Williams (he/him), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPT:
How have you created your own family?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

Though Mars (they/them) comes from a legacy of performers, their genuine identity emerges after competing in a high school drag show.

This is Episode 7 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Mars Wolfe. Mars Wolfe is a genderqueer nomad. They orbit New York, Chicago, and LA, writing, performing, and project managing. Mars moonlights as the genderf*ck drag queen Ella Van o’Clock (11 o’Clock), and their one person show BILL, BILL, BILLZ premiered at Ars Nova's ANT FEST in 2022. Mars aims to amplify the voices of Trans/Gender variant people of color, adjusting the volume and turning the dial from the familiar to the unsung and unconventional. You can find out more about Mars at @mars.wolfe.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Mars Wolfe (they/them), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPT:
When have you created your own path in the shadow of family expectations or legacy?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

While chasing her goals, Sanaia (she/her) goes on her first date as a trans woman. The date does not go as planned. Content warning: This story contains graphic violence about a sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.

This is Episode 6 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Sanaia Hood.  Sanaia is currently busy balancing career, family, social life, and spiritual time with God. She’s made a commitment to be more gentle with herself and patient with others. She sets time aside every day to reflect.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek(they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Sanaia Hood (she/her), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPTS:
-Think back to a time when you realized others’ perceptions of you had changed. What happened and how did it feel?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

After coming out as Trans to his father, Jahir (he/him) decides to create his own definition of masculinity.

This is Episode 5 of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter featuring Jahir Thomas. Jahir recently moved back to Georgia with the rest of his family where he has made huge strides in his relationships and confidence. Jahir hosts T-Talk W/ Jahir on YouTube. In addition to reaching an online audience, he’s thrilled to have met and formed strong bonds with many trans men in Georgia.  You can find out more about Jahir at @j_thom4s.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Jahir Thomas (they/them), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPTS:
- How has your upbringing influenced your self-image?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

The fourth episode of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter features KT Kennedy. KT is a Black queer non-binary multidisciplinary digital media artist, educator, and youth program coordinator based in Brooklyn, NY committed to resource sharing, artistic expression, and youth leadership as tools for liberation. You can find out more about KT at @KT_Kennedy_.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
KT Kennedy (they/them), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPTS:
- When have you felt your identity validated in ways that may have surprised you?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator

The third episode of Season 5 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Trans Stories Matter features Julian Harris. Julian is a Black trans man from the mid-Atlantic region, a social worker, and a lover of the written work, music, and travel. You can find out more about Julian at @The_black_trans_therapist.

This episode was mixed/mastered by Stevie Manns (they/them) and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. TMI Project’s Black Trans Stories Matter program was created by Cece Suazo (she/her).

Our next live performance of Black Trans Stories Matter will be in June, 2023. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about the details and reserve your seat!

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories you can make a contribution HERE.

EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS:
Kiebpoli Calnek (they/them), Host, Writer, Editor
Erik Harris (he/him), Host, Writer, Editor
Julian Harris (he/him), Storyteller

WRITING PROMPTS:
- When have you listened to your gut even though it went against everything you were taught?

TMI PROJECT STAFF:
Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator