Shows
Being Human... and Other Sh!tLaughter Before the Impending DoomMelissa and I don’t live in the future, but the weight of what tomorrow might bring is hard to ignore. As two queer women, one mixed, we face the looming threat of losing our rights while a spineless figure clutches a Bible—one whose commandments he conveniently ignores when it comes to his own sins. Sins like stealing choices from the women he assaulted. But here’s the twist: even in our darkest hours, we will find a way to laugh. And for those of you who cast your vote for this man, pay close attention to the end of...2025-01-201h 06
Being Human... and Other Sh!tBros Are Back In TownTake TWO! Our boys are back! Mark and Marques join us back on the pod today and they catch us up to speed on how they've been since our last sit down with them. Great convo with some great friends. Enjoy!This episode was recorded on the ancestral homeland of the Nisenan people. We acknowledge them as the past, present, and future care takers of this land.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of...2024-11-201h 15
Being Human... and Other Sh!tRainbow RewindWE ARE BACK BABY!!! After an extra long hiatus, we are back for a post summer catch up sesh.This episode was recorded on the ancestral homeland of the Nisenan people. We acknowledge them as the past, present, and future care takers of this land.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas an...2024-10-211h 13
Being Human... and Other Sh!tQueer Mama TwinningThis is the last one of the season y’all and double the love, double the fun! Meet Sarah, a fearless single mom who embarked on the adventure of motherhood solo and ended up with twice the joy. After navigating the rollercoaster of insemination, she welcomed two bundles of chuckles and endless cuddles into her life. Now, Sarah is mastering the art of parenting twins with flair and finesse, proving that love knows no bounds and families come in all shapes and sizes. Join her journey as she shares the ups, downs, and hilarious moments of raising her dynamic du...2024-05-231h 40
Being Human... and Other Sh!tDry HumorThe man, the myth, the LEGEND Joey Saragoza FINALLY joins us on our next episode of Being Human. Joey walks us and talks us through fatherhood, his decision to get sober and honestly just life. As big big lovers of Joey and his energy (listen to any episode and you will hear his name A LOT) we both never had the opportunity to explore his reasoning for choosing sobriety. For any of you listening and struggling with your own sobriety, support is always available. As always, much gratitude to Joey and to you all for your support.2024-04-291h 12
Being Human... and Other Sh!tThe IckHappy Valentine's Day! What gives you "the ick"? Staci and I may have got a little cray sharing some of our icks.Hope you enjoy! Let us know if we share any icks.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.Sen...2024-02-131h 03
Being Human... and Other Sh!tMama Ruth's HouseGuess who’s back?!?! Mama Ruth returns to Being Human… and she’s serving up that good good. I may be bias, since she is my mama, but this woman is beyond AMAZING! Truly a light to us all! 🤗 She is a beautiful example of community, purpose, compassion, resilience, empathy, authenticity, and so much more. She shared with us the highs and lows of her life long weight loss journey, as well as her vision and the inspiration behind starting her very popular Youtube channel, Mama Ruth’s House, where she cooks up easy to make meals and desserts...2024-01-091h 16
Being Human... and Other Sh!tKate Plus PlateTwo gals, one apartment. Imagine meeting someone at a tiny hell hole of a restaurant, asking them to move in with you, and then spending eight beautiful years of your life watching them become THAT BITCH. This is my experience with my beautiful and silly friend Chef Kate Sutherland . Melissa and I could’ve probably had my good sis on two years ago but it wasn’t time. It wasn’t right for her to share the story and laughs we got to hear this day. Not gonna lie, if you watch the video you will prob see me...2023-11-151h 34
Being Human... and Other Sh!tRandomly SelectedSome of us have a family tree, our buddy Maui has a FAMILY FORREST. We had the pleasure of sitting down with our friend, a man who is the epitome of generosity and lives in a constant state of gratitude. The love and appreciation he has for his family, his friends, his community and his life, is beyond admirable. He shares with us stories of his Palestinian Jordanian heritage. He talks about love and loss, grief and pushing forward. He lets us in on life post 9/11 and how he chooses every single day to lead with LOVE, d...2023-10-111h 30
Being Human... and Other Sh!tGood GriefHow many ways can grief hit? 1..2..3…and to the the 4! Melissa and I DEEP dive on Episode 1 of SEASON 3 y’all. To keep it so real I didn’t even know how this episode would hit in ways that didn’t just include physical loss. We got to spend our time together in the safe zone discussing not only the stories y’all were gracious enough to share but really explore our own processes of personal grief. From family to friendships to professional to grieving our younger identities! Share these moments with us and as always respond to our comm...2023-09-131h 14
Being Human... and Other Sh!tSkinny Brow ClubOur mid season finale ends with Staci and Melissa sharing 10 important photos each and talking about why they are so significant to them. It definitely gets weird.Have a lovely summer everyone! See you back in Fall. 2023-05-311h 01
Being Human... and Other Sh!tBooty JuiceQ&A time with my favorite Babe!We asked and y'all delivered. During this episode, Staci answers questions for teachers, about teachers and everything in-between. Staci is speaking strictly from the perspective of an early childhood special education teacher.Staci talks about the education system, challenges, joys... keeps it real of course, and gives a ton of booty juice content.Enjoy!!Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories lo...2023-04-191h 00
Being Human... and Other Sh!tMay the Odds Be Ever in Your FavorWe had the pleasure of, once again, sitting down with our beautiful friend, who also happens to be a Queer Latinx Psychotherapist in Sacramento, CA, and really just an all around pretty freakin' amazing human being, Adriana Rodriguez. Some of you may remember Adriana from S1E12, Oops... I Said Too Much, where she walked us through her own journey to becoming a LMFT and why she feels therapy can be beneficial for any and everyone. Especially those of us looking to break generational cycles.She's back to catch us up on all the amazing t...2023-03-151h 09
Being Human... and Other Sh!tWho's the Little Bitch NowWho the hell said being a family man is easy?!?! AND then you throw in the trauma of your own childhood? Tony sits down with us this week and gives us the horrifying details of the abuse he endured at the hands of his own parents and how it has shaped the way he treats his own family. Melissa and I got to sit in his beautiful home with his beautiful family and ask him the hard questions regarding his own choices as a family man and how he has worked through them. Eliminating toxicity, working hard, and growing...2023-02-151h 24
Being Human... and Other Sh!tPiece of MeOur "geriatric" friend Olivia was so generous and kind as we both went cross eyed learning new things about the female anatomy. She shared with us the ups and downs of her and her husband's fertility journey. Everyone has their very own reasons for deciding to start or not start a family and whether or not to explore fertility treatments when the good old fashioned way proves to be challenging. Olivia's story is absolutely beautiful, as is she. Growing up in a very loving, caring home with very loving, caring parents, there was no question whether or not she'd...2023-01-1857 min
Being Human... and Other Sh!tHoliGay DilemmaDuring our Holiday Special episode, we decided we'd do a little Q&A with each other. We discuss some sticky situations and both respond right on brand.Sending you all the LOVE you need and then some to spread around!So much GRATITUDE to the following folks that made this all possible:Guests: Just UsHosts: Melissa Whitley and Staci RuizEditing: Melissa WhitleyMotion Design: Jeannie MartinezSong: A Beautiful Mess, by Londrelle and Naomi the Goddess2022-12-141h 27
Being Human... and Other Sh!tLittle Black Bird with TessOur dear friend, Tess, walks us through her transformative experience at Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica where she partook in her second Ayahuasca Ceremony.Tess was so generous and vulnerable throughout our entire chat. We are certain you will love her as much as we do.For those of you wondering what Ayahuasca is... Ayahuasca, also known as Yage, the Tea and Caapi, is a potent psychedelic beverage made by boiling the leaves of the Psychotria viridis bush together with the stems of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine in water. With a medicine like...2022-11-151h 07
Being Human... and Other Sh!tLet the Feeling Guide You w/ Steven NashSteven is the absolute coolest and sweetest soul around... oh and he also happens to be a medium. He has been reading tarot cards for over 30 years. Steven was kind enough to share his time with us and school us on all things tarot. He shared pieces of his beautiful journey with us and is definitely a man that honors his gift. This conversation left us feeling so full. To make Steven even cooler... like that's possible... he is the co-owner of a specialty leather and clothing studio. He is also often found making unique and custom p...2022-10-191h 10
Being Human... and Other Sh!tBreaking Generational Curses with Liz and LeilaniGenerational curse is defined as an intergeneration transmission of trauma. Severe trauma and abusive treatment can persist throughout generations. It can also be in our neurobiology as well, changes to our people can affect our brains so much, it passes on to our children’s brain chemistry.Liz and Leilani generously share their own experiences with generational trauma. These two lovely ladies are putting in the work each and every day to break toxic cycles and create environments where others can live their most authentic selves without shame or guilt.Check out som...2022-09-141h 18
Being Human... and Other Sh!tPart of the We with Matty AmenCome through Season 2 🔥We’re starting it off with the fabulous Matty Amen and the road to finding his peace ☮️. Matty walks us through his combo of breath work, therapy, community, and art to come to terms with himself and explores his own internalized homophobia along the way. One thing we left knowing about Matty is he RIDES for his city. Stockton is lucky to have a man committed to letting people know about the culture, art, and creativity surrounding the people of Stockton, CA. He’s committed to the uprising of this busy city and the people he loves in...2022-08-171h 22
Being Human... and Other Sh!tAnxiety is a BitchThat's a wrap for Season 1!Thank you to everyone for the amazing love and support you all blessed us with this last year. Stay tuned for Season 2. We'll be back in August.2022-05-191h 03
Being Human... and Other Sh!tOne Tough Mutha: Vagina ChroniclesYou never know how tough a woman is until she talks about her vagina ripping down to her b hole. We had NO IDEA what to expect with these labor stories and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. Katie and Allison walked us through the trauma of labor and the aftermath of what their bodies still go through today because of it. The mamas in our society deserve a cookie, medal, vacation, and a drink just for being brave enough to tackle all that motherhood is. Big THANKS to theses beautiful ladies for opening up t...2022-05-081h 27
Being Human... and Other Sh!tUnsupervised DilemmaEmma Schwartz is authentic, funny, and unfiltered. She talks to us about surviving a cult and part of her family's journey throughout. Her story is not an uncommon one, however it is one many are too afraid or overwhelmed with shame to talk about. We are beyond grateful for the time and stories shared during this unforgettable conversation. Thank you Emma!!You can find some of Emma's work here: https://medium.com/@emmacaitlinschwartzAnyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU AR...2022-04-201h 20
Being Human... and Other Sh!tExtra Love to GiveKeyko is funny and generous as she shares what being polyamorist means to her.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.Sending you all the LOVE you need and then some to spread around!So much GRATITUDE to the following folks th...2022-04-061h 23
Being Human... and Other Sh!tNew Sis Who DisRuth and Mary generously share their story... Two sisters who met in their 50's and 60's. We hear about their individual upbringings, as well as their humble beginnings. They CHOOSE joy!Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.Sending you all the LOVE you ne...2022-03-2354 min
Being Human... and Other Sh!tPretty WomanEmma is a beautiful, amazing and smart woman brave enough to share her journey as a sex worker. This is it folks... the one we've been waiting for since DAY 1!When we opened our hearts to this opportunity, our whole goal is/was/will forever be to end stigmas. We strive to talk about the shit we want to educate ourselves on with the hope you enjoy it and/or get something out of it.We have so much gratitude for Emma allowing us to create space for her. Little did we know w...2022-03-091h 05
Being Human... and Other Sh!tEmotional Blue BallsHeather Vasquez is back y'all!! Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is scary. Scary until you find the person that allows you to be in whatever space you’re in without judgment or conditions. As a Spiritual Consultant, Heather Vasquez has been that person to many people. An inspiration, creator and nurturer of the person we are meant to be.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to me...2022-02-231h 15
Being Human... and Other Sh!tBruised Not Broken w/ CousandraCousandra is open and honest about the shame and lifelong work that accompanies domestic abuse and it spreads far beyond just the victim.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.Sending you all the LOVE you need and then some to spread around!2022-02-041h 00
Being Human... and Other Sh!tBroken Systems w/ Veronica Lerma-GonzalezVeronica has defied all odds and social expectations as she finishes up her PhD program and continues her research at a top ranking University. Listen in as we discuss her work, specifically on Latinas and the carceral system. THANK YOU so much @v.l.g.209 for sharing time, space and your intelligence with us. We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and are super excited to partner with you in the very near future!!!Together we will break down the current systems and inequities that fail too many and work on building up community care in...2022-01-191h 15
Being Human... and Other Sh!tQ&ASo many THANKS to everyone that helped us celebrate EPISODE 15. Woohoo!! And so much gratitude to each and every person that submitted questions for us. We had such a blast answering them!Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.Sending you all the LOVE yo...2022-01-051h 16
Being Human... and Other Sh!tLiving with LupusSo many THANKS to Cristal for sharing her story/journey living with lupus. And for her kindness, generosity, humor and vulnerability.RESOURCES:https://www.lupus.org/resourcesSome things that have worked for Cristal:AcupunctureHeating padsIceRest. Rest. Rest.Listen to your body!Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with lo...2021-12-221h 14
Being Human... and Other Sh!tLet Me Be the Messenger w/ Serrena YoungListen as Intuitive Healer and Coach, Serrena Young, chats about how she discovered her gift and how she has chosen to share that gift with the world. ♥️ Thank you so much @epiphanyinc_ for taking time to share your story and “clear the air” 😉 for folks who may have questions regarding spiritual readings, ancestral connections, and or the legitimacy of intuitive healing.Hope you all enjoy our conversation with the beautiful and generous Serrena Young!RESOURCES:https://www.epiphanyinc.orgFacebook: epiphanyincInstagram: epiphanyinc_Wix: http://wix.to/d8CAC7o?r...2021-12-081h 09
Being Human... and Other Sh!tOops... I Said Too Much w/ Adriana RodriguezWe had the honor and pleasure of sitting down with the incomparable and brilliant Adriana Rodriguez, a queer Latinx psychotherapist.She graciously welcomed us into her very well decorated and deliberate space, both physically and emotionally. Adriana discusses how important and beneficial therapy can be for any and every one out there and some of the reasons she felt called to become a LMFT. She also generously opens up about her personal and at times very challenging journey getting there.RESOURCES:https://www.adrianarodrigueztherapy.comAnyone that m...2021-11-101h 23
Being Human... and Other Sh!tWinners Never Quit w/ Marques Washington"I want to thank my friends, family, those who came into my life and those who left. I’ve learned a lot from these people and I am thankful for the experiences, good and bad."- Marques WashingtonIn this episode Marques generously shares his journey from kidney failure to open heart surgery to, just this year, receiving a new donor kidney after some failed attempts.Through all of the challenges that life has placed on his plate, Marques chooses joy, hope, and happiness. Not that there weren't many moments, and probably still ar...2021-10-271h 27
Being Human... and Other Sh!tScreaming Silence w/ MelissaVipassana meditation is all about seeing things as they truly are, not as we wish them to be.In this episode our co-host, Melissa, walks us through her experiences during her recent Vipassana meditation retreat and shares some of the breakthroughs/revelations that surfaced during the 10 days of silence and meditation. My wish is for us all to allow our sensations to be our liberations and not our bondage. We must work out our own salvation. This technique teaches the importance of observation. Every emotion evokes a sensation. It's important we don't express it...2021-10-131h 08
Being Human... and Other Sh!tTears of a Clown w/ Vince and StaciVince and Staci talk through what it’s like losing a parent. The roller coaster of emotions and challenges that come along with that, especially when addiction and alcoholism were the cause of their father's early demise.They are honest and vulnerable and unfortunately this is a tale that’s been told too many times and continues to be told by someone, somewhere, every single day. Mental health, addiction, family and cultural conditionings are all baggage many of us have to carry as humans and that baggage is unfortunately much heavier for some....2021-10-111h 14
Being Human... and Other Sh!tSmall Town Queers w/ Staci and MelissaWe are all on our own journeys. Some of us blessed beyond measure to be traveling beside the most badass humans on this planet. Others haven’t quite found their tribe yet, and that’s okay, YOU WILL. Tribes also evolve over time and sometimes change completely. Ride the wave. You are exactly where you are meant to be.In this episode, Staci and Melissa discuss their own experiences growing up queer in a small town. From representation to lesbian culture to self discovery. They find light and humor in some of the darkest places of thei...2021-10-111h 24
Being Human... and Other Sh!tRealities of Recovery w/ Brett"Nobody stays recovered unless the life they have created is more rewarding and satisfying than the one they left behind."– Anne Fletcher Recovery is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. We are so excited to introduce Brett to speak on the realities of recovery. The real shit, the resources, the facts. Brett was brave enough to not only discuss his own personal journey, but also educate us on what he witnesses daily as a Substance Abuse Counselor II (SAC2) for the Chemical Dependency Counseling Center (CDCC). Join us in hearing his stories and...2021-10-111h 39
Being Human... and Other Sh!tAlternative Therapies w/ Heather VasquezAllowing yourself to be vulnerable is scary. Scary until you find the person that allows you to be in whatever space you’re in without judgment or conditions. Heather Vasquez has been that person to many people. An inspiration, creator and nurturer of the person we are meant to be.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our...2021-10-111h 09
Being Human... and Other Sh!tDrama Therapy w/ Jessica WolfeThe uber talented, brilliant, soulful, generous, Registered Drama Therapist, Jessica Wolfe, joins us this week. She kindly educates us on yet another amazing alternative therapy that really seems to be an under explored, yet super beneficial and inclusive therapy.Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our part in dissolving the stigmas and prejudices that surround us.2021-10-111h 25
Being Human... and Other Sh!tFunny Girl Down Under w/ Rhoda RomoneRhoda Romone is a stand up comedian, mother, wife, boss babe, and so much more!!We had the absolute best time chatting with her!JOURNAL PROMPT QUESTION:Has humor played any type of role in your healing journey? If so, in what ways?Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness an...2021-10-111h 15
Being Human... and Other Sh!tBecoming Jaden w/ Jaden and AnitaJaden is one of the most compassionate young men we have had the pleasure of knowing and we are beyond excited for all the amazingness his future holds. In this episode, Jaden and Jaden's beautiful mama, Anita, share with us some of the challenges and triumphs of Jaden's trans journey thus far.One request Jaden had when graciously agreeing to do this episode was for us to share information about an amazing non profit organization, Camp Brave Trails. Camp Brave Trails is a leadership focused, overnight summer camp for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 12-18. Jaden h...2021-10-111h 08
Being Human... and Other Sh!tLand of the Free...ish w/ Liz and SophiaThe dreamers are the ones that push this world round. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our special guests this week, Liz and Sophia. They open up about what it’s like to grow up as a first generation American citizen and a dreamer in pursuit of the “American dream”. Anyone that may be struggling or feel like they just don’t belong, know that you are not alone and YOU ARE HERE ON PURPOSE! All of our stories look different. We just need to meet each other with love and kindness and do our p...2021-10-111h 29
Being Human... and Other Sh!tMental Health w/ MarkLet's talk about MEN and MENTAL HEALTH. No, like really talk about it.What is the stigma around men seeking help to keep their mental health in order?We appreciate the brave conversation and vulnerability our good friend Mark shares with us on our first episode of Being Human... and Other Sh!t.Mark has always been THAT dude. Educated, attractive, funny as hell. The list goes on and on and on. That's why we appreciate and love him so much for joining us in a very open and raw discussion about his journey...2021-10-111h 10Being Human... and Other Sh!tIntroductionBeing Human… and Other Sh!t is a vlogcast all about the beautiful mess we call life.We are Staci and Melissa, just a couple of besties, looking for ways to help put an end to the stigmas that exist all around us, and hopefully help those of us suffering from some of the stigmas to feel seen, heard, and cared about. Staci and I will be discussing our own journeys and experiences and along the way we’ll be connecting with some really amazing, beautiful humans that have been vulnerable and kind enough to shar...2021-10-1001 min