S1 E11. Representation in books with Cema and Mel

S1 E12. Experiences of sexuality and representation with Zac

In the final episode of series one, the roles are reversed as Jess steps into the interviewer’s seat and invites me to reflect on my own experiences of representation. This conversation focuses on my journey as a queer person — from growing up with a near-complete absence of representation, to gradually recognising, embracing and finding meaning in the representation that didexist, often in subtle or unexpected ways. Together, we explore how representation isn’t always about overt visibility, but about the small markers thatquietly shape how a person understands themselves. We talk about how absence can be just as influential as presence, and how subtle representation can build or limit confidence and self-acceptance over time. This episode is a reflection on identity, visibility, and the power of recognising yourself in the world around you — even when that recognition arrives slowly or imperfectly. If you’ve been listening along throughout Series 1, this conversation offers a chance to reflect back on the themes explored across the series and consider how representation has shaped your own journey too. Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and leave a rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram via @queeroverthinker for podcast updates and ongoing reflections on representation. Thank you for listening, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios [https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM [https://pixabay.com/users/alexis_gaming_cam-50011695/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103]

S1 E11. Representation in books with Cema and Mel

In this special episode, we’re exploring the powerful ways books can serve as mirrors, anchors and companions throughout our lives. Instead of focusing on a single theme — such as identity or values — this conversation looks at how representation naturally emerges in reading. I’m joined by Cema and Mel, who share their journeys with reading and the moments when books made them feel recognised and what's still missing in this representation. Together, we reflect on how stories can hold us through difficult times and make space for parts of ourselves we haven’t always known how to articulate. We also talk about our in-person book club, London Book Lovers [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/london-book-lovers-115536275001], and how community reading offers its own form of representation — not just in the books we choose, but in the conversations they spark. If you’d like to follow the book club or come along to a meet-up, you can find us on Instagram at @london_book_lovers. [https://www.instagram.com/london_book_lovers/] Give this episode a listen if you’ve ever found yourself in a character, discovered unexpected comfort in a story or realised how deeply books shape who we become. Make sure to follow the podcast and leave a rating or review if you’re enjoying the series — it really helps us grow this community. And, share your thoughts on this or other episodes by emailing in to queeroverthinker@gmail.com [queeroverthinker@gmail.com]. Thank you, Zac x _ Music by ⁠Breakz Studios⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] from ⁠Pixabay⁠ [https://pixabay.com/music/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] Sound Effect by ⁠ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/alexis_gaming_cam-50011695/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103] from ⁠Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103]

S1 E10. Imposter syndrome as a creative with Amy

This time I chat with Amy to explore what representation looks like when you’re navigating education and early career choices as a creative professional. Amy reflects on growing up with a strong creative identity, yet receiving mixed signals about what a “realistic” or “acceptable” future should look like. Together, we talk about the subtle ways these early messages shape confidence, self-worth, and the careers we feel allowed to pursue — especially when creative ambitions are often dismissed or treated as impractical. We look at the moments and influences that helped Amy lean into a career in design, as well as the kind of representation that made that pathway feel possible: teachers who took creativity seriously, designers who modelled meaningful careers, and stories that showed creativity as something valuable rather than secondary. This episode explores how representation in education, media, and professional spaces can expand or restrict our sense of what’s achievable, and why visibility matters so much for anyone trying to build a life in the creative world. Give this episode a listen if you’ve ever questioned your own path, or if you’re curious about how creative identities are shaped long before we reach the workplace. You might just find a mirror of possibility in Amy’s reflections. Make sure you follow or subscribe wherever you’re listening, and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also follow along on Instagram via @queeroverthinker for more podcast updates and representation reflections. Stay safe, Zac x_ Music by Breakz Studios [https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM [https://pixabay.com/users/alexis_gaming_cam-50011695/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103]

S1 E9. Self-worth with Adam

I chat with Adam about the deep, often quiet workings of self-worth - what shapes it and the ways early environments can leave long shadows on how we see ourselves. Adam shares a thoughtful and generous reflection on growing up in a space where value was often tied to expectations. We talk about how those messages can stay with us well into adulthood, influencing confidence,relationships and the belief that being yourself is enough. We also look at the moments of representation that help challenge those early narratives — whether through therapy or stories in entertainment that offer a sense of recognition and reassurance. These are the kinds of mirrors that help us rethink what we deserve, and what a grounded sense of self-worth can look like. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Adam’sperspective as a parent, and the commitment to passing something different on - a message rooted in the idea that happiness doesn’t have to be earned. Give this episode a listen if you’re curious about how early messages about value shape our adulthood, and how representation can help us carve out a kinder relationship with ourselves. You may just find a mirror of possibilityin Adam’s story, or in the reflections we share together. Share your thoughts on this episode of Representation Reflected by emailing queeroverthinker@gmail.com [queeroverthinker@gmail.com], and make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also find me on Instagram at @queeroverthinker for more updates and reflections on representation. Stay safe,Zac x - Music by Breakz Studios [https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM [https://pixabay.com/users/alexis_gaming_cam-50011695/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103]

S1 E8. Representation beyond lived experience with Jess

In this episode of Representation Reflected, I’m joined onceagain by Jess - this time exploring the kinds of representation that sit outside our lived experience and still shape who we become. Together, we look at the role models, stories, and figures who have inspired us not because they share our identities, but because they reflect our values, the way we want to live our lives, or the aspirations that guide us. Jess shares the influences that have shaped her confidence, creativity, and sense of possibility, while I open up about the examples that helped me imagine a fuller version of myself — even when they came from totally different worlds. We also talk about how meaningful it can be to find mirrors in places we don’t expect: in someone’s resilience, their approach to life, or the way they give us permission to be more ourselves. Give this episode a listen if you’ve ever found inspiration in someone whose life looks nothing like yours — and want to explore how that, too, can be a powerful form of feeling seen. Share your thoughts on this episode by emailing queeroverthinker@gmail.com [queeroverthinker@gmail.com], and make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating or review to help others find the podcast. You can also and follow me on Instagram via @queeroverthinker for podcast updates and more reflections on representation. Stay safe, Zac x _ Music by Breakz Studios [https://pixabay.com/users/breakzstudios-38548419/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=201067] Sound Effect by ALEXIS_GAMING_CAM [https://pixabay.com/users/alexis_gaming_cam-50011695/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103] from Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=346103]