Jillian Markowitz and David Joseph share stories about the secrets that haunt families.

🎤Live Story: Uncomfortably Close by Jillian Markowitz

Jillian’s relationship with her sister is tumultuous. There are childhood memories of playing with Barbies and a horrible clash over a burn accident. During her sister’s wedding, things get volatile, until they find a way to make up yet again. 

keywords: sisters rivalry, toxic siblings, bachelorette trip gone wrong, childhood incident fallout, family conflict, emotional volatility, dangerous sibling dynamics, strained sisterhood, complex family ties, reconciliation tension

🎙️Radio Story: Queer Fears by David Joseph

As a creative, odd Black kid growing up in Queens, David frustrates his strict and macho father. When David is 15, his father takes him to meet his legendary Uncle Ron, a bachelor seen as the epitome of Black masculinity. David comes to realize his uncle lived behind a mask and died of AIDS. 

keywords: black family dynamics, queer childhood, father-son tension, AIDS epidemic legacy, masculinity expectations, secret double life, Staten Island journey, uncle nephew story, coming-of-age confrontation, hidden illness

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