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This is Episode 5, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Shawaine Davis. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Shawaine Davis was born in Jamaica where she was in the majority but at 7 she moved to Kingston, NY, where she quickly learned that racism, ignorance, and fear are synonymous words. Shawaine wrote and performed her story during TMI Project's first-ever all-teen production of Black Stories Matter. Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.orgKingston High School: https://www.kingstoncityschools.org/khs

This is Episode 4, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller Freedom Walker. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. There are two sides to the gentrification coin: creation and destruction. Freedom Walker saw both during her exile from Harlem to Kingston, NY. Freedom Walker was one of our first Black Stories Matter workshop participants, and her story is from TMI Project's first Black Stories Matter performance at Point of Praise Family Center in Kingston, NY in 2017. Useful Links: TMI Project: www.tmiproject.org

This is Episode 3, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller and Co-director of its Black Stories Matter program Micah. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. In addition to leading TMI Project storytelling workshops, Micah serves as the manager at GWI’s (Good Works Institute) Greenhouse Kingston, a yoga teacher at Mudita, and creator of DAY 1 (a New Year’s Day community event). He is on the board of Wild Earth (a non-profit Wilderness School), Radio Kingston, The Center for Creative Education, and O+ (a nonprofit health and wellness festival for artists and creators). He also serves as City of Kingston’s Art Commissioner at the Kingston Farmers Market.Useful Links: MTV: https://www.mtv.com/BET: https://www.bet.com/

This is Episode 2, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring TMI Project storyteller and Co-director of Black Stories Matter, Dara Lurie. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. In addition to leading TMI Project’s Black Stories Matter program, Dara is an author and manuscript coach. She received a B.A. in Film & Theater from Vassar College and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Dara grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and migrated in the early 1980s to West Berlin, Germany, where she tended bar, wrote, and performed in the theater while living in different communities of squatters, Green Party activists, journalists, teachers, and social workers. Her first book, Great Space of Desire; Writing for Personal Evolution, is a memoir and creative guide for writers wishing to tell their own stories.Useful Links: “Great Space of Desire: Writing for Personal Evolution” https://www.amazon.com/Great-Space-Desire-Personal-Evolution-ebook/dp/B006IGCJLIhttps://darajoycelurie.com/ 

This is Episode 1, Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter featuring Jessieca McNabb. In this premiere episode we take a deep dive into activist, stand-up comedian, and radio personality Jessieca McNabb’s life story.This episode was written, edited, and produced by Hayley Downs and mixed by Marlan Barry. It was co-produced by Radio Kingston. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and North Guild Productions. Useful Links: Stewart’s Shops: https://www.stewartsshops.com/TMI Project: https://www.tmiproject.org/"Don't Step on Jessieca's Nikes" on Medium: https://medium.com/black-stories-matter/dont-step-on-jessieca-s-nikes-79f4874e86c6

The TMI Project Podcast is a free quarterly podcast featuring radically candid true stories from historically underrepresented populations often overlooked by mainstream media. In alignment with the Black Lives Matter movement, Season two of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter amplifies the voices of Black storytellers who got on stage and shared their stories of joy, pain and resilience.TMI Project will launch Season 2 of The TMI Project Podcast: Black Stories Matter, on October 28th, 2020.About TMI ProjectTMI Project is a nonprofit transmedia organization that believes in the power of changing the world one radically true story at a time. Since 2010, TMI Project has led approximately 90 true storytelling workshops and staged live storytelling performances by more than 1,750 storytellers, which have been presented to audiences of nearly 50,000 people in schools, colleges, prisons, mental health clinics, theaters, community centers and the United Nations. The culminating content – written stories, live storytelling performances, videos, and podcasts – is accessible to an all-inclusive audience. In response to Trayvon Martin’s and so many other Black people's murders at the hand of police, TMI Project launched Black Stories Matter – Black-led true storytelling programming where Black folks can write about, share, and reflect upon their experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend the truth of their lived experiences.The Voices of Season 2: Black Stories MatterDara LurieSTORYTELLER AND WORKSHOP LEADER“Writing and then sharing my story in my first TMI Project performance in 2017 allowed me to affirm and claim an important part of my life experience. Performing with and now mentoring other groups of TMI Project workshop writers, I’ve found the family I always wanted: a family based on telling stories with truth, courage and compassion.”Freedom WalkerSTORYTELLER“Reading the story was my gift to my family members who have passed on and to my ancestors. I was able to acknowledge them. I never had that opportunity to do that publicly before. I was able to challenge what society labelled as one of the many terrible situations to go through. In society’s term, my life was basically over.”Twinkle BurkeSTORYTELLER“I felt and feel empowered to speak up about racism that I encounter daily. It has helped me be stronger in sighting and correcting the ‘pedestrian’ racism in the world.Jessieca McNabbSTORYTELLER“TMI Project has definitely changed my life. It has taught me how to express myself in a way that is healing. I am able to articulate situations without the shame that normally would have been attached.”Shawaine DavisSTORYTELLER“Writing my story with TMI Project was like a light coming through a dark door. My story brought out elements in myself I did not previously think I had. It also helped me gain confidence, and most importantly, it helped me find the strength to speak up. I felt free to share my story, I felt like now I had a voice and people would hear it.”This show would not be possible without:Hayley Downs, Podcast ProducerWriter, storyteller, documentary filmmaker and TMI Project workshop leader. Radio Kingston, Podcast Partner Radio Kingston is a non-commercial platform dedicated to a vibrant, just, and healthy Kingston centered around community storytelling, artistic and musical expression, conversation and connection.Black Stories Matter will be of particular interest to the growing Black Lives Matter movement to end systemic racism as activists and allies continue the work of amplifying Black voices.In conversation with shows like The 1619 Project and Into America, Black Stories Matter serves as a resource for authentic, intersectional and nuanced stories about the Black experience that inspires introspection and accountability.Visit tmiproject.org/podcastseason2 for more information, and subscribe to The TMI Project Podcast everywhere you listen to podcasts.

Reclaiming Our Time is a Bonus Episode of The TMI Project Podcast. It was released in honor of the first anniversary of Nikole Hannah-Jones' New York Times podcast: #1619Project, a reframing of the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the center of our national narrative. Hayley Downs produced this episode in partnership with Radio Kingson.On Juneteenth 2017, five writers accompanied by Terry James, living historian and board member of The Slave Dwelling Project, participated in TMI Project’s immersive program of workshops that began with an overnight stay in a preserved cellar kitchen where enslaved Africans once lived.  The resulting production, “Reclaiming Our Time,” was performed live at the Reformed Church of New Paltz on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, and was the recipient of the 2017 Awards of Excellence from Greater Hudson Heritage Network, which recognizes creative vision in the preservation of the history, culture, and diversity of the region. Inspired by Maxine Waters, this special bonus podcast episode features the recordings of the five participating storytellers--Victory Reese, Dara Lurie, Freedom Walker, Tameka Ramsey, and Micah--performing their stories during the live performance.The Slave Dwelling Project raises awareness about enslaved Africans’ history by organizing overnight stays at sites where they once lived. Historic Huguenot Street, a national landmark in New Paltz, New York, comprises seven stone houses from the 18th century that were inhabited by Huguenot settlers fleeing religious persecution in France. Contrary to the popular belief that slavery was practiced exclusively in the South, Northern states were also dependent on enslaved African labor in the 17th and 18th centuries. Victory Reese was born and raised in the mostly-white New Paltz, NY, where she wasn't exposed to the history of slavery in the Hudson Valley, nor did she ever ask herself the question, "How do you move forward without knowing where you come from?"Dara Lurie spent years searching for ways to find communion with the spirits of her African ancestors, only to discover an unexpected new language which helped her communicate with those spirits: dance.Freedom Walker As the turbulent feelings ebb and flow during Freedom Walker's (formerly TinaLynn Dickerson) night in a cellar where former enslaved Africans once lived, she drifts off to sleep. She awakens to the voice of an unknown entity who awards her a new name and helps her see the current state of racism in America.Tameka Ramsey addresses a letter to her ancestors, in which she reveals the truth about why history never interested her until recently: it was never hers to learn.Micah knows the trials and tribulations he and his ancestors carry, and he's not afraid to face them: in fact, he seeks them out to find his retribution and honor his past.Useful Links: The Slave Dwelling Project: https://slavedwellingproject.orgHistoric Huguenot Street: https://www.huguenotstreet.orgRadio Kingston: https://radiokingston.orgGreater Hudson Heritage Network: http://www.greaterhudson.orgTMI Project: https://www.tmiproject.org

True storytelling is a vehicle for human connection and can ignite hope during the darkest of times. Alone Together was launched by TMI Project in the spring of 2020 with the goal of creating a safe and welcoming space for people to connect around their shared experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. TMI Project invited writers from across the country via an open call to submit a story of up to 1000 words about hope, resilience, loss, loneliness, silver linings, and the unexpected gifts they’ve received during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting performance Alone Together was performed live via Zoom.Alone Together is a bonus episode of TMI Project’s Podcast. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs and edited by Nate Brogan in partnership with Radio Kingson. Our theme song is “Secrets” by Edison Woods. TMI Project’s External Affairs Director is Sara DeRose, Operations Manager is Blake Pfeil, and Graphic Designer is Lauren Gill. Special thanks to Ida Hakkila, Kale Kaposhilin, Jimmy Buff, and Kashka Glowascka. STORY SYNOPSESJacquese Armstrong, Edison, NJFor Jacquese, the isolation of quarantine sparks flashbacks of a time nearly 40 years ago when psychosis, depression, paranoia, and anxiety held her captive in her apartment. Instead of focusing on the details of her past trauma, she puts to use what helped her so many years ago: her creative mind.  Isa Coffey, Chatham, NYWhen Isa’s COVID-19 symptoms reach their climax, she fears she may die alone and longs to connect with those she loves, but physical closeness is out of reach. As she fights for her life in solitude, she finds hope in the sound of Andrea Bocelli’s voice, as he sings by himself to the empty Duomo of Milan on Easter Sunday broadcast live worldwide.Ryan Pfeil, Medford, ORRyan’s wife is a nurse and “called to war” during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a journalist, suddenly forced to work from home and to grapple with the juggling act of meeting deadlines, while being the primary caretaker of two young daughters. They want nothing more than his undivided attention.Thomas Pickarski, New York, NYThomas contemplates his long-standing love affair with solitude as the backdrop of his alone time quickly shifts from the fast paced-world he has no desire to keep up with to one at a standstill.Amanda Reed, Washington, DCAmanda recently moved into her apartment in Washington, DC across the street from Smithsonian National Zoological Park. She lives alone, hasn't made many friends, and her whole family lives far away. She finds unexpected comfort in the company of her new neighbors, the captive lions. Their regular roars remind her to use this time to tap into her calling.Terri Weagant, Brooklyn, NYAmidst the global pandemic, Terri, newly unemployed and feeling desperate, becomes obsessed with a man she calls Charles. She calls him over 2,000 times before she gets through. You’ll have to hear her story to find out why her husband is not just understanding but grateful for her persistence and devotion to another man.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Alone Together Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/covid-19/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiproject

This is a Bonus Episode for Season One of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was created to celebrate the May 1st, 2020 online release of Vicarious Resilience. This episode was produced by Hayley Downs in partnership with Radio Kingson.The docu-short Vicarious Resilience follows three Hudson Valley residents over the course of a 10-week TMI Project true storytelling workshop held in partnership with The Mental Health Association in Ulster County (MHA) as they experience the transformative power of true storytelling; they face mental illness, childhood neglect, and addiction head-on; and, ultimately, share deeply personal stories about love, loss, and triumph. In this bonus episode, we share all ten stories that came out of the workshop.Since 2012, twice a year, TMI Project has offered 10-week memoir writing and true storytelling workshops specially tailored to meet the needs of MHA's population of adults with mental illness. Our partnership with this peer-based organization–where a portion of the staff are people who have recovered from mental illness–is designed to help destigmatize mental illness, while also empowering participants to imagine and work toward the possibility of their own recovery.The documentary was shot by North Guild Films and premiered locally at The Rosendale Theater on May 29th, 2018.

This is Episode 9, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Hayley Downs. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Hayley wrote and performed her story during TMI Project’s weekend writing intensive at Omega Institute in September 2016. We invited her to read it a few weeks later at Voices in Action, our annual fundraiser.

This is Episode 8, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Markel Mosley.It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Markel wrote and performed his story during a 10-week TMI Project workshop produced in partnership with the Mental Health Association in Ulster County in 2017. Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 7, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectGender at Work: https://genderatwork.org/

This is Episode 6, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectMargarita Meyendorff’s Website: https://margaritameyendorff.com/home/

This is Episode 5, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring the late storyteller Erica Chase Salerno. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Sari Botton, TMI Project’s previous editorial director and workshop leader, worked closely with Erica on this monologue which she read for the first time at a gallery in New Paltz, New York in 2017. She passed away in February 2019. Six days before she died she invited Shana Falana from the podcast, I WANT WHAT SHE HAS to interview her at her bedside about the experience of dying.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectRemembering Erica Chase Salerno: https://www.tmiproject.org/remembering-erica-chase-salerno-enthusiasm-incarnate/Erica’s writing on HV1: https://hudsonvalleyone.com/author/erica-chase-salerno/I want what SHE has podcast: https://iwantwhatshehas.org/podcast

This is Episode 4, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Erin Baretto. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectMental Health Association in Ulster County: https://www.mhainulster.com/

This is Episode 3, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectUpstater: https://upstater.com/contributors/sam-osterhout/

This is Episode 2, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring storyteller Dusty Lynn Childers. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan,  Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Useful Links:Podcast Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiproject

This is Episode 1, Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy featuring Verna Gillis. It was produced in partnership with Radio Kingson with production assistance from Ida Hakkila, Nate Brogan, Marlan Barry and Manuel Blas.Dr. Verna Gillis has a storied career recording and producing multicultural albums with famous world musicians like Daneile Ponce. She founded Soundcape, a jazz club in New York City, a musical home to nurture the careers of countless musicians. In this premiere episode of The TMI Project Podcast we take a deep dive into Verna’s life story and discover that through grief Verna found her voice as a writer and “sit down” comedian. Useful Links: Verna’s WebsiteVerna Gillis on WikipediaBradford Graves on WikipediaDaniel Ponce on WikipediaRoswell Rudd on WikipediaSoundscape on WikipediaVerna’s albums on Smithsonian FolkwaysThe Muse of the Melting Pot, The New York Times, April 1990Awesome and Gruesome by the Olders 

Today is March 14, 2020 and we’re scheduled to launch the TMI Project Podcast on April 1 – two weeks away. Just in time for the COVID 19 pandemic. The world has changed overnight. Right now, at the moment I’m recording this, there are more than 150 thousand cases worldwide. But that number will be higher by the time you hear this. Markets are crashing.People are losing their jobs, kids can’t go to school. The psychic and economic toll –well, we don’t know yet how bad it can get because all of this is beyond what we’ve allowed ourselves to imagine, except in the movies. And at the moment when we really need to find each other. To come together and talk and share stories –we must isolate ourselves to keep those who are most vulnerable safe. That’s the most striking irony to me. When we most need each other, we have to shut ourselves away.So this is my message in a bottle. During this time, TMI Project will remain dedicated to helping you tell your stories and we’ll help you stay connected even if we can’t be in the same room with each other right now. I don’t know what things will look like on April 1 when we officially launch. Like so many other organizations, we had to cancel our launch party.Instead, we’re going to try an experiment and invite people to come together online. We’re going to do what we do best – offer a mini TMI Project workshop with spontaneous writing and then daring ourselves to read it in community. Warts and all. It’s scary, it’s exhilarating, it’s cathartic. And for the first time, we’re going to do it virtually.So if you’re sick, or you’re a caretaker, or just bored from the drudgery of social distancing, check out the website for details and join us.If you haven’t yet, subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you’ll get a notification on April 1 when our first series, Tragedy Plus Time Equals Comedy launches with an episode about the amazing Verna Gillis. Over the course of the series every storyteller manages to find some levity as they reflect on the most surreal and harrowing experiences of their lives. I think there is something to learn from each of them right now. In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands, try not to panic, leave some toilet paper on the shelves for your neighbors and if you’ve got something on your mind, something that’s weighing you down – write about it. You’ll feel better. You can stay up to date on our new online offerings by following us on social media or visiting our website at TMIProject.org

Season 1 of The TMI Project Podcast, Tragedy + Time = Comedy, will be released on April 1, 2020 with eight episodes, including:An ethnomusicologist facing her grief through stand up comedy.A gas station clerk once consumed with rage finds her true voice.A fan-fiction writer who wakes up in Benedictine Hospital Psych Ward.Over ten years, TMI Project has collected nearly 2,000 stories. And now, in The TMI Project Podcast, we’re releasing some of our favorites, along with profiles of the brave and fascinating people who got on stage and shared the stories they were most afraid to tell. It’s about the stories behind the secrets, and what happened next. Season one: Tragedy + Time = Comedy launches April 1, 2020.Useful Links:Website: https://www.tmiproject.org/podcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmiprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmiprojectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSe3UtpOEzhQG03PzwVRUqAVimeo: https://vimeo.com/tmiprojectEpisode Contributors:Eva Tenuto, TMI Project Co-founder, Executive Director, & Podcast Co-hostMicah Blumenthal, TMI Project Workshop Leader & Podcast Co-hostHayley Downs, TMI Project Podcast ProducerAnchor Episode: Verrna Gillis, StorytellerDusty Childress, StorytellerSam Osterhout, StorytellerErin Baretto, StorytellerErica Chase Salerno, StorytellerMargarita Meyendorff, StorytellerMaria Elena DeValle, StorytellerMarkel Mosley, StorytellerBlake Pfeil, Operations Manager, TMI ProjectSara DeRose, External Affairs Director, TMI Project