Out of Whack

EP 29 | Philip Baker

Philip is a clinician at the Rainbow Center of Contra Costa County.

He is also a proud biracial gay man who grew up in Contra Costa and attended the Rainbow Center's youth group as a teenager. He attended UC Santa Cruz for his undergraduate degree before getting his master's degree in counseling at John F. Kennedy University.

Philip loves the chance to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens, adults, and families in the Bay Area, especially around working through trauma that many in the community experience.

When he's not working, you can find him singing, cooking, dancing, or spending time with his dog, Iris.

Visit the Rainbow Center website

EP 37 | Michael Hill

Michael grew up in Greer, SC.  He had the luck to learn to how to cook and garden from his grandparents.  As the youngest of 6 children and a house of 10 (parents, grandparents and children), it could be hectic at times.  Helen Mae (grandmother) started showing Michael how to cook.  Francis Marion (grandfather) showed him how to garden.

Every spring, Michael would help his grandfather with the garden.  From tomatoes to potatoes to okra to corn, they planted it.  Many times, he would help harvest from the garden and bring the fresh vegetables to the kitchen for that nights dinner.

His grandparents grew up in the Shreveport, LA area.  Growing up in this area gave them the opportunity to learn the local flare for cooking and smoking meats.  During the holidays, the family would enjoy a smoked turkey, smoked ham, smoked pheasant and smoked quail wrapped in bacon (quail have no fat and would be bone dry if not for the bacon).

Michael counts his blessing that he had the opportunity to learn from two of the greatest people he has ever known.  Now, he takes this love of cooking and regularly cooks for his friends.



Mike's Website

EP 36 | Robert Steele

Robert served as a reporter and producer at various radio and television stations in Colorado and Arizona. He was a broadcaster at the Italian National Broadcasting Company (RAI Radio televisione Italiana) in Naples, Italy.

He was a reporter for Armed Forces Radio and Television along the coast of Vietnam, the Asian Western Pacific and Vicenza, Italy. He was a volunteer and activist in the early gay liberation movement with the Gay Coalition of Denver and with two weekly gay radio shows in Colorado.

Later, as a federal government public affairs officer, he served as a government spokesperson and managed media relations with reporters who worked for media outlets from across the USA and around the world.

Robert’s book, Banned From California - Jim Foshee, is the true story of a 15-year-old gay runaway who finds himself in the 1950s Los Angeles underground world of homosexuals and early queer culture. Experience Jim Foshee's adventures on the West Coast after hitchhiking from his home 800 miles away in a small Idaho town. Jim lives on the edge. Through his adventures and misadventures, he finds himself among kind-hearted strangers, kindred souls and drag queens as well as con artists, liars and ruthless cops.

At a younger age, Jim is institutionalized, placed in an orphanage by his mother,
sentenced to a reform school because he runs away so much, and committed to a mental hospital for diagnosed "sexual deviation and sociopathic personality.

Jim just wants to break away and live a simple gay life, but his future first includes run-ins with authorities, incarceration, and toiling on a prison chain gang. Be ready for a unique and personal journey you won't soon forget. Jim's vivid remembrances paint a first-hand intimate portrait of times now gone--times of McCarthyism, government hunts for homosexuals and routine firings; but also times of the beats, the hippies and liberation protests.

For more information visit Robert’s website BannedCA.com

EP 35 | Brian Scolaro

Brian got his start as a stand-up comedian at the The Comedy Cellar in NYC, and he is most known for his appearances on “CONAN”, his half hour Comedy Central special “COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS: BRIAN SCOLARO”, as Brian on ABC’s “A MILLION LITTLE THINGS”, as Doug on TBS’s “SULLIVAN AND SON”, Uncle Bill on “TEN YEAR OLD TOM”, Gordon on NBC’s “THREE SISTERS”, and as Stuart on FOX’s “STACKED”. About his role of Stuart Miller on “Stacked”, The LA Times said “Scolaro is terrific. An actual sitcom find.” About his role as Doug on “Sullivan and Son”, Brian Doyle-Murray (Caddyshack) said Brian is “one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Brian has appeared on “DEXTER”, “MAD MEN”, “BONES”, “CASTLE”, “GREY’S ANATOMY,” “THE MIDDLE”, “SUPERIOR DONUTS”, “I’M DYING UP HERE”, “SHAMELESS”,  “ALONE TOGETHER”, “ABBOTT ELEMENTARY”, “HARRY’S LAW,” “MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE”, “THE EXES”, “GIRL MEETS WORLD”,  and has also had recurring roles on “A MILLION LITTLE THINGS”, “KROLL SHOW”, “LIFE AND TIMES OF TIM” and “WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE”.

Brian has four comedy albums available on all platforms and is also the author of the book “How to Punch a Monkey” on Amazon.

Comedian Tom Rhodes is quoted saying “He has a hugely inventive style and I go out of my way to see him perform whenever I can.” And Marc Maron said on WTF podcast, Brian “might be the funniest fuckin’ person alive.”

EP 34 | Liz Cho

Our friend and emergency room physician, Dr. Liz Cho drops by to talk about the past two years of COVID madness. Liz will also take some questions and chat about our favorite show, The Crown.

Liz is not only a front-line worker and hero to us all, she is also the proud mommy of two beautiful daughters. We’ll also talk about the craziness of parenting, working, and all the boo-boos that our kids get and what to do about them.

EP 33 | Darren Starr

My old boss and good friend, Darren Starr, stops by to tell us about StarrData, his successful 12-year Salesforce partner business!

StarrData’s mission is to help businesses navigate the world of Salesforce to be more efficient and more profitable. We help companies improve productivity, increase the efficiency of their sales, marketing, and customer service processes, and increase visibility into their business.

StarrData Website

StarrData on Facebook

StarrData on Twitter

EP 32 | Lisa & Scott Celebrate 30 Episodes!

The two hosts celebrate our 30th episodes (actually 32nd) by talking about past outtakes, fart jokes, and anything and everything!

EP 31 | Scott Ayres

Scott is the current Content Scientist for the Social Media Lab who conducts extensive tests and research to help social media managers and business owners get the most out of their posts; busting myths along the way.

Scott is the co-author of “Facebook All-in-one for Dummies” and Podcast host for Social Media Lab and Social Media Lab LIVE show. He has written over 2000 blog posts on social media topics and has written for 3 blogs to make Social Media Examiner’s “Top Social Media Blogs” list. 

Scott has been an expert in social media for 10 years. Before Social Media Lab he was the head of content, support, and training at Post Planner where his influence grew their blog to landing the top 10 Social Media Blog list.

Scott loves busting myths about social media marketing, even if that means going against what he was taught in the past or is still being taught by “gurus” today. Unlike many social media "experts" Scott brings a real-world approach and perspective that business owners can relate to.

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

EP 30 | Stephen Hawley Martin

Stephen joins us again to talk about his new book, The Witch of Amesbury.

Stephen grew up wondering whether his seven-times great grandmother really had been practicing witchcraft back in the seventeenth century, and he finally decided to do something about it.

So he delved into the historical record and found that a great deal of information is available about the Salem witch hysteria. As a result of his research, he suspects at least one of those hanged had been practicing magic.

He also came to believe the oft-given explantation that the so-called victims of the witches faked their symptoms is off the mark.

Based in large measure on recent findings of research into the paranormal, this is the true story from a twenty-first century perspective of his ancestor, Susannah North Martin, as well as the others who were executed in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts.

EP 28 | Thai Lam

Our busy friend and Bay Area aerialist stops by for another fun chat!

Thai embodies versatility in his life and performances. He has been professionally training at the Circus Center and with renowned aerial coaches.

Thai focuses on smooth lines, clean technique, and powerful movements all the while giving the audience a taste of that Thai spice (I love this part!).

Check out some of Thai's moves on his Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/thailam_aerialist

Thai’s YouTube Page

Facebook

EP 27 | Kara Goldin

Kara is a disruptor. She is the founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., maker of award-winning Hint water, the leading unsweetened flavored water.

Kara has received numerous accolades, including being named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California and one of InStyle’s 2019 Badass 50.  Previously, Kara was VP of Shopping Partnerships at America Online.

Her first book, Undaunted:  Overcoming Doubts and Doubters, was released October 2020 and is now a WSJ and Amazon Best Seller.  

She is an active speaker and writer, and hosts the podcast Unstoppable with Kara Goldin, where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs, and other disruptors across various industries.

Kara lives in the Bay Area with her family.

Follow Kara on all social handles @KaraGoldin.

#HintWater #Undaunted #KaraGoldin

EP 26 | Julie Rubenstain

My good friend and fellow COVID lockdown survivor is back for a fun and informative chat (more fun than anything!).

Julie is a certified Image Consultant and award-winning podcaster, along with co-host Savannah Hawk.

Julie’s Fox and Hanger website helps find clothes that support trans women and cross-dressing men’s wardrobe goals, and that reflects their personal style.

“I believe that dressing for your body type is just as important as your personal style. I love working with people with all different body types and styles. My intuitive nature and deep compassion for human experience is one of my greatest strengths. I am also extremely sensitive but I have learned that it is important to have a sense of humor in the face of adversity,” says Julie.

She is a trans ally and has a background in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Ma.

Fox and Hanger

The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast

EP 25 | Katana Zachary & Sara Peterson

Both authors became interested in President Kennedy's assassination at a young age. Zachry's grandparents lived in Dallas in 1963, and saved newspapers from that era. Her grandfather was connected to the Dallas oil industry. Peterson became interested in the assassination in 1978 when she participated in the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans program in Washington, D. C. The two have collected books and artifacts concerning the assassination.

The Lone Star Speaks provides new insights into the assassination of John F. Kennedy and uses actual witness testimony to raise new questions concerning what many have called "the crime of the twentieth century."

EP 24 | Toni Little

If we all lived half as much life as Toni has, we’d be so lucky!

* She became an inner-city teacher at Crenshaw High School in Southern California where she taught drama and AP literature .

* She was the subject of a book called "And Still We Rise" by Miles Corwin - And Still We Rise is an unforgettable story of transcending obstacles that would dash the hopes of any but the most exceptional spirits.

* She was bff's with Bo Derek - yes, the movie star - and was on a greek island when John Derek left Linda Evans for 15 year old Bo. Toni was abandoned with Bo’s mom and Linda Evans with no way home in a foreign land.

* She is also friends with Ann Margaret and has lots of old Hollywood tales to tell.

* She did PR for some more famous people and she's good friends with Shari Belafonte Harper!

* One of her former AP students wrote a book and dedicated it to Toni as her inspiration.

* Plus much, much more!

EP 23 | Shinjini Das

Shinjini became a media proprietor at 26 with experience in software technology consulting and digital marketing strategy. She owns and sells her own branded media properties D2C, directly to her consumers of go-getters around the world, as well as B2B, to businesses looking for empowering media content to attract and engage their target audiences.

She has built a global digital community of go-getters looking for motivation and actionable strategies to accomplish their goals who tune into her media content teaching go-getters how to live like a go-getter in life and work across video, audio, social media, and traditional media to the tune of 5 million(s)+ views a month created by the media company she founded at 24.

Her experience also includes leading a 15-person team of global freelancers in South Africa and America who partner with her to create, produce, and distribute native and branded media content across a range of native and client media channels.

Shinjini serves as a keynote speaker specializing in youth empowerment and women's entrepreneurship in the US Department of State's US Speaker Program, a public diplomacy program encouraging US citizen experts to empower local communities in US Embassy regions, to build stronger mutually beneficial partnerships between US and partner countries.

She spoke to 1000s youth and women entrepreneurs in Paraguay and Bolivia in Spanish in 15+ lectures on social media marketing and her digital entrepreneurship journey to encourage them to become go-getters and start digital businesses. Shinjini is also fluent in Bengali and Hindi.

Shinjini studied at Georgia Institute of Technology (BS Honors in Industrial and Systems Engineering), where she graduated in 2014 as the Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker and on the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society Student Advisory Board. 

EP 22 | Dianne Randall

The author of Jumpstart Your Life. Diane is energized, committed, and passionate about leading wellness conversations around life balance, mental wellness, self-care, self-realization, plant-based nutrition, and whole life wellness. Her joy is seeing individuals adapt health and wellness methods that reduce stress and bring harmonious balance to their lives. She excels at equipping busy professionals with workable wellness advice and strategies that meet their demanding lifestyle. She is an author, consultant, workshop presenter and college instructor who taught stress management and resiliency techniques to Chicago police officers. Diane is a professional speaker and former podcast show host whose articles have appeared in publications such as the Vegan Street, Plant Pure Nation, New York Times, Balance, Choice, Consulting Magazines, the Active Times, and American Holistic Health Association (AHHA). She has been a guest on numerous podcasts and appeared on television, including a guest appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss successful relationships. Diane has earned Life Coach, Guiding Mindful Change coach certifications and attended the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City and has a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology. For more information about speaking appearances, podcasts, and access to numerous resources visit her website at www.dianerandallconsults.com.

Website

Website #3

LinkedIn

Instagram

EP 21 | Patti Negri

Patti is a Psychic-Medium and “Good Witch” best known for her recurring role on the Travel Channel’s #1 show GHOST ADVENTURES. She is the international best selling author of OLD WORLD MAGICK FOR THE MODERN WORLD: TIPS, TRICKS, & TECHNIQUES TO BALANCE, EMPOWER, & CREATE A LIFE YOU LOVE. Patti’s body of work includes appearances on such shows as MASTER CHEF, BEVERLY HILLS PAWN and Jeff Lewis’ FLIPPING OUT. She has graced numerous magazine covers, contributed to over 20 books and conducted seances on radio, film, and TV working with such legends as Jon Voight, Josh Duhamel, Chevy Chase and Gregory Hines.

Patti was brought in as a paranormal expert on Ghostly Lovers, Candidly Nicole, Mansion Hunters, Beverly Hills Pawn and dozens more. She has even gotten into the home makeover world on Mobile Home Disaster. In addition to being a host of PSYCHICS GONE WILD on Blogtalk Radio, Patti has been heard on national syndicated radio with Adam Corolla, Jason Ellis and Mancow Muller.

Patti's Website


Email: Patti@PattiNegri.com


 

EP 20 | Joshua Shea

Josh is an author and public speaker, sharing his story and educating others about addiction. Each of his books are available for purchase on Amazon and can be found under the ‘Get Help’ tab on the main menu of paddictrecovery.com.

Joshua believes that if we, as a society, can begin to talk more about pornography addiction and mental health, people may be able to address their addictions before they devolve to the unhealthy and criminal places where his very own hit rock bottom.

For years, on the outside, people only saw him as a successful magazine publisher, film festival founder and city councilor. Joshua hid his mental health issues, pornography and alcohol addictions from the world. The end to this façade came in 2013 after engaging a teen girl in an online chatroom. For this action he served six months in jail and credits this experience to being the wake up call needed. Joshua credits his higher-power for giving him the strength to fix his very broken self.

Like most in recovery, Joshua understands the issues better than the non-addict. However he does not wish his stories, experiences, thoughts and opinions be misinterpreted as any definitive answers. Does he consider himself a pornography addiction expert? At this point, yes. Unfortunately, it’s not hard to be a pornography addiction expert these days. He does believe that what makes him an expert is that he has a multitude of third-hand knowledge from research and interactions with so many pornography addicts.

Joshua’s Website

EP 19 | Mari Cartagenova

Mari is a Psychic Medium, Animal Communicator, and best-selling Author with clients from all over the globe. She specializes in heartfelt messages from both passed loved ones as well as living or passed fur babies.
 
When you sit with Mari you can really feel the presence of your loved one. Her connections offer specific detail and leave you feeling both at peace and uplifted at the same time.  Mari's guidance during challenging times is supportive, valuable and kind.
 
Mari has trained and worked with many of the top Mediums from all over the world including Lisa Williams, John Holland, Tony Stockwell,  James Van Praagh, and Thomas John.  

Mari's Website

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Amazon

EP 18 | Annette Marinaccio

Annette stops by to talk about her book about the afterlife.
 
She’s a Certified Public Accountant and an accomplished healthcare executive. Her mother-in-law led her on a path after she died to prove to her that there is an afterlife.

Being a hard-wired, analytical, left-side brain dominant person, Annette had to be convinced with visible, tangible, and otherwise unexplainable occurrences. She has connected the dots, so to speak, that spiritual people often take for granted and that non-spiritual people have a difficult time experiencing and believing. She is one of the few people who has been able to experience the other side, without direct access to it.
 
Your Soul Focus is a spiritual book written in a practical way. It unfolds my journey and what Annette has learned through her relatives on the other side, chapter by chapter, containing personal stories and anecdotes applicable to daily life.

After understanding that the afterlife is existent, Annette learned how intricate and extensive our souls and our journeys are. It’s fascinating! The information that she’s accumulated and conveyed has a clear and deep benefit to others during their times of need, grief or curiosity, and Your Soul Focus will pass that knowledge to you!

Annette’s website

EP 17 | Lori Hardacker

Lori is a first- time author who has unfortunately been dating for over 20 years. The stories she has accumulated and her opinions on dating will cause others laughter, joy, pain and tears. Now wait, Lori is much more than a first-time author, she is also an entrepreneur, dance teacher and RV adventurer. Lori is originally from Massachusetts, but now resides in Southwest Florida. She went to Roger Williams University and received a BA in Dance and a minor in Theater. For four years, Lori owned and operated a successful dance studio and then later on created a traveling dance and fitness program that she brought to preschools, daycare and recreation centers and YMCAs in New England. Today she teaches tap, ballet, jazz, tumbling and creative movement to 18 month through 6-year olds, and she is known as the “Baby Whisperer”.

Before Lori made Florida her home, she was living in her RV full-time, traveling and working around the country. She began this journey in May of 2016 and decided to come off the road in July of 2019. During her RV adventure, she worked in Maine, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Michigan and Wyoming. Lori has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and now has a small event company for which she hosts single’s event, dating, relationship and sex trivia and “Hound and Human Happy Hours”. Lastly, her “kids” are one canine and one feline and she is planning on keeping it that way!

Lori on Facebook

EP 16 | Sudi (Rick) Karatas

The author of the book Rainbow Relatives, Rick Karatas, stops by for a fun chat about the rainbow sheep we all have in our families. Rick tells stories about coming out and ways of dealing with those difficult and closed-minded relatives we all have, and also the very open-minded kiddos.

Rick’s passion is writing. He has written over a dozen screenplays , two books, many songs and a letter to Dear Abby once. He likes writing anything except checks. 

Rainbow Relatives BOOK Paypal link and Amazon

Facebook
Instagram

EP 15 | Marisa

Lisa's Niece Marisa stops by for a very interesting, and very relevant, conversation about a phone call that changed her and her wife's lives forever. 

Marisa is a cis-female and Southern California native, who lives in the gorgeous gayborhood of Long Beach with her wife of 13 years. 

She is an artist, and when she’s not learning about social justice issues, she’s watching Bravo reality TV or YouTube.

EP 14 | DC Glenn

DC (THE BRAIN SUPREME) CECIL GLENN (of hip hop duo TAG TEAM) - DC is an American film actor and voice-over artist residing in Atlanta, GA. He is also known as one half of the 90's rap group Tag Team who created the classic stadium anthem “Whoomp! There It Is." And recently the hit SAG National Commercial Ad by GEICO, Scoop There It Is!

EP 13 | Chris Scalise

Writer, author of two series available on Amazon The Devil’s Lullaby and his second series, Cucamonga dropping May 28. Chris was born and raised in California but is now proud to make his home in Las Vegas, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and his Miniature Schnauzer. When he's not busy writing, he enjoys attending punk rock shows and following people's pets on Instagram.

EP 12 | Mike Pachan

Mike is a Cannabis & Hemp industry veteran!! With over 9 years experience we'll talk about small business & big industry and how CBD and other cannabis products are making it into the mainstream and delivering results. And edibles. We will definitely talk about edibles!

EP 11 | Zack Hunt

Zack is a writer, speaker, and blogger living in Nashville, TN. When he’s not trying to perfect his backyard BBQ skills, Zack writes about the intersection of faith and politics. Along with his personal blog, Zack has written for a wide variety of outlets including Huffington Post, Christianity Today, World Vision, Red Letter Christians, Relevant Magazine, Ministry Matters, and CWR Magazine.

Zack also loves to talk. Maybe a little too much. He’s spoken everywhere from the streets of Nicaragua to the halls of Duke Divinity School, across the pond in England and in countless churches here at home. If you are interested in having him speak at your event, please send him an email about it – the date, a description, what you would like him to speak about, that sort of thing – and he’ll do everything he can to make it work.

EP 10 | David Page

After two decades of foreign and domestic journalism (with ABC News and NBC News), David transitioned to food television and then books. He created and produced Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for the Food Network.⠀
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On this (our 10th!!!) episode, David discusses his new book, Food Americana. We also talk to him about fast food, where to find the best food, pizza, and the way we dine in a COVID world and what lies ahead for the post COVID dining industry. Enjoy! #davidpage #foodamericana

EP 9 | Frank King

A Suicide Prevention and Post-vention Public Speaker and Trainer, Frank was a writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years, is a Corporate Comedian, syndicated humor columnist, and podcast personality, who was featured on CNN's Business Unusual.⠀
Depression and suicide run his family. He's thought about killing himself more times than he can count. He's fought a lifetime battle with depression, and thoughts of ending his life, turning that long dark journey of the soul into a TED Talk, "A Matter of Laugh or Death," https://buff.ly/2RtaBYM and sharing his lifesaving insights on Mental and Emotional Health Awareness, with corporation, association, youth (middle school and high school), and college audiences Frank King Website. #frankking #suicideprevention #TEDTalks #motivationalspeaker

EP 8 | Lisa Pedersen

In this episode, we focus on our friend and sometimes Co-Host, Lisa Pedersen.

EP 7 | Douglas Smythe

Today we get a visit from Douglas Smythe, a men's shaving guru and owner/spokesman for Phoenix Shaving Accoutrements.⠀
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Store⠀
Instagram
YouTube

EP 6 | Stephen Hawley Martin

This episode's guest is Stephen Hawley Martin, author of 17+ books and an extensive researcher of life before, during, and after death. We're going to talk to him about our consciousness and what makes us, us. 

EP 5 | Dish With Julie

My good friend and fellow COVID lockdown survivor is back for a fun and informative chat (more fun than anything!).

Julie is a certified Image Consultant and award-winning podcaster, along with co-host Savannah Hawk.

Julie’s Fox and Hanger website helps find clothes that support trans women and cross-dressing men’s wardrobe goals, and that reflects their personal style.

“I believe that dressing for your body type is just as important as your personal style. I love working with people with all different body types and styles. My intuitive nature and deep compassion for human experience is one of my greatest strengths. I am also extremely sensitive but I have learned that it is important to have a sense of humor in the face of adversity,” says Julie.

She is a trans ally and has a background in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Ma. Fox and Hanger.

The Fox and the Phoenix Podcast

EP 4 | David Marabella

My friend, David, stops by to discuss his work at littleredhen.org and some crazy stuff from 30 years ago.

EP 3 | Thai Lam

My friend, Thai, calls in on his way to the dentist to tell us about being an aerialist. We also catch up on on relationships and other stuff in Friday’s episode of Out of Whack! Click link in bio for episode.

Check out some of Thai's moves on his Instagram page:
Instagram

You can also follow him on his Facebook page:
Facebook

EP 2 | Steve Salser

In this episode, I talk to Steve about turning his old 1970s organ into a MIDI organ that’s connected to his computer! Wow! 

EP 1 | Julie Rubenstein

Julie is a parent just trying to do her best to Mother her school age daughter through the pandemic without losing her Fucking mind! She is a dedicated ally to the transgender community and the certified image consultant and co-owner of foxandhanger.com. F&H is a unique styling and life coaching service for transgender women and male-to-female crossdressers.

Her Podcast, the The Fox and the Phoenix: Understanding the Feminine Crossdressing Experience —sets out to de-mystify, humanize, and celebrate the crossdressing community, providing a positive and realistic understanding through conversation between a crossdresser and a cis-ally.