Fangirling Over Queer Media Through The Centuries With Dr Kate Henry

Fangirling Over Theatre, Hip Hop Culture, And Inclusivity With Shyia Gray

Friends, we’re talking theatre, hip hop culture, and inclusivity with actor, artist, and performer Shyia Gray (they/them)!  On this episode Shyia,  * Shares their journey as an actor from improv to acting school in Vancouver, commercials, tv roles, and theatre - their  OG love for acting and performance.  * Dives into Hip Hop culture and community, Hip Hop history, their favourite moves, what it takes to  choreograph for battles, and what their favourite moments are when teaching Hip Hop moves no matter if they are 5 or 70 years old.  * Calls for more people in the arts to actively seek out more diversity and create inclusive spaces so everyone feels truly safe and can deliver their best work. About Shyia Gray: Shyia (they/them) is an artist and performer based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. They moved to Vancouver almost 5 years ago to pursue a career in the arts, have been acting professionally, teaching hip hop, and have been continuously finding new ways to create and perform for a living. Between their various jobs, Shyia enjoys spending time with their cat Cosmo and leopard gecko Jeremiah, as well as playing nostalgic video games with their friends.  Some behind the scenes for this episode:  I invited Shyia to sit down with me after attending one of their heavy bag boxing classes so we could truly unpack all the badass spaces they are creating  and I am so honored they said yes. Buckle up to get wowed, and make sure to check out the show notes on how to catch up with Shyia in person at an upcoming gallery opening showcasing their visual art! Here are all the links you’ll need: Your actionables for the week * Reborn - Shyia’s solo art exhibition at Slice of Life: Get your tickets here [https://www.slicevancouver.ca/product/GALLERY/ST5ESUXGBYFQNZ7QHYQXGI47?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true].  * Reborn Decks - Shyia’s solo art exhibition with Sad Boy Danzel DJing at Slice of Life: Get your tickets here [https://www.slicevancouver.ca/product/july-11-reborn-decks-with-eyey-m-thesadboydenzel/EBQB4VJQ66OCSFZGTNIDM24M?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true]. * Connect, follow, and get your latest event news via Shyia’s Instagram accounts: Personal [https://www.instagram.com/shyia__g?igsh=YnZ5bXV1NGkyZDRl&utm_source=qr] | Rumble Boxing [https://www.instagram.com/rumbleshyguy] |  Art [https://www.instagram.com/_eye_m_?igsh=a2c1NzBjbjI0YWNj&utm_source=qr]  * For visual art and merch, check Shyia’s website  [https://eyemcreative.my.canva.site/shyia?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleASkOetleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAafE2WjnRNM1h12r5jdwnX_foTvnNL3zFsX7hfZU42JvcOP5fFwO7-0wMlYBOw_aem_YWdncwDVUZ3Hy2Cn_e90aTRhMNln&brid=YWdncwE7pxkqGf0h_mni3RpPppaB] Grab a class at iDance [https://www.idancevancouver.com/] & Rumble Boxing [https://rumbleboxing.com/vancouver-pricing] Check out Shyia’s charity shout out: Vancouver Black Therapy and Advocacy Foundation [https://vancouverblacktherapyfoundation.com/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vancouverblacktherapyfund/?hl=en] - (as discovered by Shyia attending the Black Canadian Creators - Junetheenth Black Flea Market [https://blackcanadiancreators.ca/event/juneteenth-black-flea-market/]) Resources and references - Dance, Hip Hop, Music * IDL - International Dance League (Brotherhood Crew) [https://www.idl.pro/teams/brotherhood] * Hip Hop Moves: Popping and Locking [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boaOCt267iQ] | K.R.U.M.P. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C4wEZ6fEuU] | B Boying [https://www.google.com/search?q=B-boying+dance+video+woman&sca_esv=91ce793e17c03810&rlz=1C1ONGR_enCA1086CA1086&biw=1536&bih=791&sxsrf=APpeQnsuAazpQ9Bnl_iBbBz2lpdjBzli5g%3A1783311314712&ei=0itLauiFK4eq0PEP0JC_2QM&ved=0ahUKEwjotr-rmL2VAxUHFTQIHVDILzsQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=B-boying+dance+video+woman&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGkItYm95aW5nIGRhbmNlIHZpZGVvIHdvbWFuMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFIlxdQkwZYtRVwAXgBkAEAmAGNAaAB8wiqAQQxMC4yuAEDyAEA-AEBmAINoAKxCcICChAAGEcY1gQYsAPCAg0QABiABBiKBRhDGLADwgIGEAAYFhgewgILEAAYgAQYigUYhgPCAgUQABjvBcICBRAhGJ8FwgIHECEYChigAZgDAIgGAZAGCpIHAzguNaAH5yyyBwM3LjW4B6kJwgcFMS42LjbIByWACAE&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:45f2ba3a,vid:Q_7f7iNSRVI,st:0] | Popping [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/II5QNtvcWiQ] | Waacking [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VNCvMGaWxOQ] | Gucci Move [https://www.google.com/search?q=gucci+hip+hop+move&rlz=1C1ONGR_enCA1086CA1086&oq=gucci+hip+hop+move&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhge0gEINTA5N2owajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:92d377e6,vid:zPYT7IPs660,st:0] * Tommy The Clown: Clowning & and Krump Movement [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT78aonmodE] | K.R.U.M.P. Origins [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6X5ZEGnOWrY](Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise) 3 KRUMP videos Shyia’s mentioned: “Shake City 101” - Video 1 [https://youtu.be/tcPfqMYcInQ?si=VWXarhgECtpBpUZX] | Video 2 [https://youtu.be/HTrDKtt-Ek4?si=xWej0e3WEi15H18b] | Video 3 [https://youtu.be/Kg0EEaWmSmk?si=3u2vphYDGqM4WlHh] * Midnight Mondays at Fortune, Vancouver [https://www.fortunesoundclub.com/midnight-mondays] | Leon Thomas at Fortune [https://www.fortunesoundclub.com/events/leon-thomas-fortune-sound] * The Wu Tang Move [https://www.google.com/search?q=wu+tang+dance+move&rlz=1C1ONGR_enCA1086CA1086&oq=Wu+Tang+dance+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyCggBEEUYFhgeGDkyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhge0gEINTcxNGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:46217879,vid:tzQ5hSpP7Uw,st:0] | The Wu Tang Clan [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu-Tang_Clan] * Tupac [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupac_Shakur] * 5 Elements of Hip Hop [https://www.worldhiphopawards.com/the-5-elements-of-hip-hop] * Tap Dance Moves: Shuffle [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYbmrBjsZh8] | Flap [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtDDZD5GuL4] * Ballet Moves: Plie and Tendu [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPGtBaHjGWc] * Royal Family, World of Dance performance, 2015 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdNX-tE4zrc] ( Polynesian Swag) * Fangirl Your Life Community Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eIYQze5NhRk3C2kBCGlrq?si=imaZ2cB8Qoanq-PKNhEuyA]  Resources and references - Theatre, Movie, TV, Vancouver Film Industry related * Vancouver - Hollywood North [https://infocusfilmschool.com/hollywood-north-vancouver-film-industry/] * Vancouver Film/ Acting Schools * Canadian tv shows: Saint Pierre [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33059905/] | Schitt’s Creek [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3526078/] | Letterkenny [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4647692/?ref_=fn_i_1] | Sort Of [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15221950/]* on CBC Gem [https://gem.cbc.ca/?cmp=DM_SEM_Gem_Main&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1652572480&gbraid=0AAAAADG3FpCISe-rmLesJsE5NitI-bbMn&gclid=CjwKCAjwu53SBhAhEiwAJzSLNhiQMjSPiVslK9BVwTHCq5doSMlrv354PCSwSngWK-r4aUeSDNqyShoCcTgQAvD_BwE] *A quick note and disclaimer: During our chat about the TV show Sort Of, Shyia used she/her pronouns when referring to the main character Sabi. To honor the character's journey, we’d like to clarify that it was later revealed that Sabi uses they/them pronouns!

The Science of Joy: How to Boost Your Happy Hormones When Feeling Low

Hey friends, today we’re looking into how to increase happy hormones immediately when we’re feeling low. Serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine can help lift us up and there are some scientifically proven natural ways to give ourselves a boost. I actually first started deep-diving into this science during my extensive coach training, and also - surprisingly enough - when I took birth preparation classes! More about this in the podcast though.  Here are more reasons to tune in today: * Learn how to naturally trigger dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin for relatively quick science-backed stress relief when you're stuck in a low mood. * Discover how simple, everyday things can reset your day without a massive lifestyle overhaul. * Why prioritizing your own happiness and intentional joy isn’t toxic positivity but the exact fuel you need to build long-term resilience. ‘There isn't one magic formula for boosting our happiness, but there are activities, according to research, that can boost our happiness by triggering happiness hormones…’ - Dr. Susan Albers [https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2025/02/25/how-to-boost-your-happy-hormones], Psychologist for the Cleveland Clinic. ‘The Science of Joy: How to Boost Your Happy Hormones When Feeling Low’ is an expansion to one of my absolute favorite prompts I get to ask my podcast guests to complete: ‘When things get heavy and a bit much, I find my way back to joy by…’  Here are all the links you’ll need: * Join the Fangirl Your Life Newsletter [https://nadinestille.com/newslettersignup] * Fangirl Your Life Community Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eIYQze5NhRk3C2kBCGlrq?si=imaZ2cB8Qoanq-PKNhEuyA] * Dopamine: Harvard Health [https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/dopamine-the-pathway-to-pleasure] | Cleveland Clinic [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine]  * Serotonin: Harvard Health [https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster%20https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin] | Cleveland Clinic [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin]  * Endorphin: Harvard Health [https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/endorphins-the-brains-natural-pain-reliever] | Cleveland Clinic [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins]  * Oxytocin: Harvard Health [https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/oxytocin-the-love-hormone] | Cleveland Clinic [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22618-oxytocin]   Enjoy!

Fangirling Over Powerlifting, Resilience, And Mindset With Lindsay Johnson

Hello friend, today, let’s fangirl over Powerlifting, Resilience, And Mindset With Lindsay Johnson. Lindsay was the first one I contacted about my idea for Fangirl Your Life and helped me strategize to bring this project to life. So, naturally I had to get Lindsay onto the podcast and am grateful they agreed to fangirl over things they love.  Here are 3 reasons to tune in to today’s ‘Fangirl Your Life’ episode:  * Powerlifting: Discover how and why Lindsay fell in love with the weights, the massive impact lifting has on their life, and the unexpected routine they follow right before a big competition. * Resilience: Get inspired by Lindsay’s personal stories of building inner strength and bouncing back through major challenges and setbacks.  * Mindset: Discover the mental shifts that helped Lindsay live with more intention, and learn how to confidently grab opportunities even when your brain tells you you're not ready. Meet Lindsay Johnson:  Lindsay Johnson (they/them) is an entrepreneur and the founder of The Radical Connector, a scaling agency that helps service-based businesses grow without burning themselves into the ground. They’re also a YouTuber, podcaster, powerlifter, and a proud social psychology nerd who loves understanding why humans do the weird things they do. Based in Vancouver, BC, their heart and soul are firmly rooted in the local oceans, mountains, and forests. When they’re not working, you’ll usually find them with an iced latte, out for brunch with friends, or enthusiastically pulling out random bits of trivia at parties that nobody asked for but everyone now has to hear.  Here are all the links you’ll need This week’s actionables:  * Check out Lindsay’s website: The Radical Connector [https://www.theradicalconnector.com/] * Connect with Lindsay and say Hi on: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/theradicalconnector?sub_confirmation=1] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/radicallinds/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/radicallinds/] * Check out Lindsay’s Charity Shout Out: Promise Vancouver [https://promisevancouver.ca/] * Join the Fangirl Your Life Newsletter  [https://nadinestille.com/newslettersignup] Resources and other references: * Check out photos from Lindsay’s dress-up powerlifting birthday party [https://nadinestille.com/fangirling-over-powerlifting-resilience-and-mindset-with-lindsay-johnsonfangirl-your-life-podcast] * Muay Thai [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai] and Capoeira [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira] * Michael Buble [https://www.michaelbuble.com/] * Dr Who [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436992/] on IMDb * Fangirl Your Life Community Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eIYQze5NhRk3C2kBCGlrq?si=imaZ2cB8Qoanq-PKNhEuyA]  Welcome to episode 14 of the Fangirl Your Life Podcast: Fangirling Over Powerlifting, Resilience, And Mindset With Lindsay Johnson Let’s dive in.

12 LGBTQ+ Romance Books For Queer Joy All Year

Hey friends, Happy Pride Month, and welcome to this episode’s mission: read queer all year! Get excited to explore 12 incredible LGBTQ+ romance book recommendations - literally one for every single month of the year. Whether you’re dipping your toes into queer fiction for the very first time, or you’re a seasoned romance lover just looking for your next obsession, you are exactly where you need to be. Happily Ever Afters are guaranteed with all these queer romances but as usual for my book recs, I’d encourage you to check out content guidance for each story. Listen to this podcast episode for: * A one-liner blurb about each book and what you can expect, * Where to get your romance books, and * Which romance I’ll recommend for which month. Here are all the links you’ll need: * Join the Fangirl Your Life Newsletter [https://nadinestille.com/newslettersignup] * Overview with book covers [https://nadinestille.com/podcast-fangirl-your-life/12-lgbtq-romance-books-for-queer-joy-all-year] and links to the mentioned LGBTQ+ romance books in this episode * Romance Bookstore Directory [https://www.romancingthedata.com/bookstores/] by Romancing The Data * Nadine’s local romance store shout out: Perfect Match [https://perfectmatchbookshop.com/]  * About Everyday Activism & 8 Sexy Romance Novel Recs [https://nadinestille.com/podcast-fangirl-your-life/fangirl-your-life-podcast-episode-5about-everyday-activism-and-8-sexy-romance-novel-recs] (Fangirl Your Life, Podcast Ep 8) And if you’d like some fab music to listen to while you’re reading, check out our Fangirl Your Life Community Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eIYQze5NhRk3C2kBCGlrq?si=imaZ2cB8Qoanq-PKNhEuyA] Enjoy!

Fangirling Over Radical Self-Expression And Identity Building With Rachel Lee

Hey, today we’re fangirling with Rachel Lee (she/her) over radical self-expression and intentionally creating your identity to become the main character of your own story.  Reasons to tune in: * Become your own muse: Instead of choosing to fangirl over your favourite characters, why not become your own? Discover how to intentionally design your future identity based on the exact character you want to step into. * Embrace the "Main Character" journey: Learn why Rachel turned to creating art and playing the flute as a teen, and how those creative outlets helped her navigate her path as a recovering people pleaser. * Never lose your sense of wonder: Uncover why it is absolutely vital to keep asking "what if" and to continue looking at the world with childlike curiosity. About Rachel Lee: Rachel Lee is an Artist, Designer & Co-Founder of Neo Genesis — a visual branding agency for creatives & misfit entrepreneurs who are ready to own their weird, and (finally) rock it online.  She believes the best way to market yourself is to actually be yourself, and that's exactly what Neo Genesis is built on. Their 1-week visual brand sprints and website packages take everything that makes their clients awesome and turn it into something people can actually see — without watering them down.  They've worked with experts from companies like Nickelodeon, Lululemon, Slack, Airbnb, Salesforce, and Hilti — but all you really need to qualify is a personality, and a readiness to finally stop hiding it.  When Rachel's not in work mode, you'll find her doodling on her iPad, blasting EDM on a run, or getting cozy with her cat.  Welcome to the Fangirl Your Life podcast, Ep 12: Fangirling over Radical Self-Expression and Identity Building with Rachel Lee  Make sure you’ll check out the links below ! Enjoy Here are all the links you’ll need: Actionables For The Week * Grab Rachel’s free BrandStart Checklist [http://neogenesis.me/brandstart-checklist/] so you quickly get your bearings with your brand, figure out what pieces you’re missing, and nail down the right order to build everything in it so you don’t end up needing to fix things later   * Follow Rachel on Instagram [https://instagram.com/racheltylee/] | LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/racheltylee/] * Check Rachel’s https://katehenry.comNeo Genesis Website [https://neogenesis.me/]  * Check out Rachel’s Charity Shout Out: The Forum [https://www.theforum.ca/] * Join the Fangirl Your Life Newsletter  [https://nadinestille.com/newslettersignup] Resources and other References  * Caiyrii (pronounced "KAI-ree"): see Rachel’s own character art here [https://nadinestille.com/podcast-fangirl-your-life/fangirling-over-radical-self-expression-and-identity-building-with-rachel-lee] * Eldest Daughter Syndrome [https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-deal-with-eldest-daughter-syndrome] * Skyrim & Khajiit [https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/Khajiit_(Skyrim)] (Fandom) * Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) [https://www.dungeonsanddragons.com/] * Inuyasha [https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/70204995] on Netflix  * Fangirl Your Life Community Playlist [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eIYQze5NhRk3C2kBCGlrq?si=imaZ2cB8Qoanq-PKNhEuyA]