Jesse Freidin, Fine Arts Photographer, Are You Okay? Portrait Series: Transgender Youth Are Loved!
Art Heals All Wounds
02/01/23
•30m
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Today, I’m joined by fine art photographer Jesse Freidin to discuss his latest project, Are You Ok?, a portrait and interview series of trans and non-binary youth across the US.
Jesse describes his vision for articulating the message that the only way to have a non-binary child is to support them 一 a major contradiction to the story that’s being told in mainstream media. In showing the faces of young people who are under attack, Jesse hopes to use these intimate portraits as an educational tool to change hearts, minds, and legislation.
In our conversion, we go in depth about what compelled Jesse to pursue this project and how deeply fulfilling the journey has been so far. His work explores what it means to love unconditionally and live authentically, despite the dangers and stigma of doing so as a gender nonconforming person.
Throughout history, photography has been crucial for creating change. So far this year, 20 states have proposed anti-trans bills that attempt to restrict access to education, healthcare, sports, and other areas that allow trans and non-binary youth to thrive. Projects like Are You Ok? offer a platform for kids and families to show a different perspective and change the narrative.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● What sparked the idea for Are You Ok?
● Jesse’s thought process behind the composition and framing of these portraits
● The dangers of the current wave of anti-trans legislation across the US
● Imagery as a vehicle for social change
● Jesse’s vision for the future of this project
● The unexpected healing and community that this series has brought Jesse
Resources Mentioned:
● Keep up with anti-trans laws: @erininthemorning
Guest Info:
● Jesse's Instagram
Follow Me:
● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram
● Art Heals All Wounds Twitter
● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook
● Art Heals All Wounds Newsletter
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Previous Episode
Whether it’s in your garage, basement, storage unit, or the back of a closet, I think most of us are holding on to a box or two of miscellaneous objects from our childhood. I had all but forgotten that I was storing a box of musical figurines in my garage until I discovered it soaked through on the flooded floor. Unpacking the box and assessing the damage brought up a complicated mix of emotions. On this bonus episode, I’m joined by Natalie and Rebecca Davey, hosts of Reframeables, to explore a different perspective on my relationship with my mom and the gifts she gave me throughout my life.
Despite never showing any interest in delicate, not-to-be-played-with toys, they were always waiting for me under the Christmas tree. What was my mom trying to do within the dynamic of our family by curating other people's collections? Why was it so hard for her to accept my aesthetic and lifestyle?
Natalie, Rebecca, and I dig deeper into these questions and talk about the vulnerability that exists in the mother-daughter dynamic. They really help me reframe and remember the things that I loved about my mom and the effort she made to connect our family.
If you enjoy this conversation, I encourage you to check out Reframeables to hear the deeply insightful and healing discussions they bring to every episode.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● My relationship with the gift-giving love language
● What do we do with our disappointment when we understand someone's good, albeit misaligned, intentions?
● Grappling with feeling like an outsider within my family’s dynamic
● Expressing my true self through art and in my communities of care
● Am I repeating the pattern of holding onto things for my daughters that they don’t really care about?
Guest Info:
● Reframeables Youtube
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● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram
● Art Heals All Wounds Twitter
● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook
Next Episode
Healing and Joy After Heartbreak with 'The Breakup Monologues' by Rosie Wilby
February 8, 2023
•40m
Today, I’m joined by award-winning comedian, author, and podcaster Rosie Wilby to discuss her latest book, The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak. Rosie has a generous and open-minded way of talking about breakups, heartbreak, and all the messiness in-between.
In our conversation, Rosie shares what it was like to rehash old relationships when researching this book. We especially bond over the idea of falling in love with someone who is so utterly unavailable and how painful it can be to hold onto a relationship that’s doomed for failure.
Rosie also unpacks how she uses humor to process her experiences and invite people to look at their relationships through a new lens. You’ll hear in the short excerpt that she shares how witty and painfully relatable her comedy is.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Castbox, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Topics Covered:
● What inspired Rosie to write a book about breakups
● How unrequited love can psychologically push you into new growth
● Stylistic choices that Rosie made to demonstrate how the ending of one chapter is always the beginning of another
● How Rosie uses comedy as a tool to make topics like infidelity, breakups, and heartbreak accessible to a broad audience
Guest Info:
● The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak
Follow Me:
● Art Heals All Wounds Website
● Art Heals All Wounds Instagram
● Art Heals All Wounds Twitter
● Art Heals All Wounds Facebook
● Art Heals All Wounds Newsletter
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