Gissell Colon and Charleston discuss pivotal moments in their careers where they received significant opportunities that changed their lives. Charleston recounts his journey from a shift lead to an assistant manager after being mentored by a store manager who recognized his potential. Gissell shares her experience of being hired at a grocery store despite her lack of experience, which led to her rapid promotion to cash office manager. Both emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent, and the impact of leadership on team motivation and success. They also reflect on the challenges of mentoring and the importance of individuals recognizing and seizing opportunities for growth.

Henry Johnson, a Chicago firefighter, shared his journey of becoming a firefighter, motivated by the lack of black firefighters in his neighborhood. The hiring process took two years, including a six-and-a-half-month academy. He emphasized the importance of community bonding and the physical demands of the job, including medical training and maintaining physical fitness.

Johnson discussed the emotional challenges, such as compartmentalizing work stress. He highlighted the brotherhood among firefighters and the community's love and support. Johnson also touched on the misconceptions about firefighters and his interest in stand-up comedy.

Gissell Colon and Charleston discuss the true meaning of Labor Day, emphasizing its roots in the labor movement of the 1880s and the sacrifices made by workers for rights such as shorter hours and fair pay.

They highlight the debate over the holiday's origin, with Peter J. McGuire and Matthew McGuire as key figures. The conversation touches on the historical context, including the Pullman Strike of 1894, and the shift from May Day to September to avoid radical associations. They stress the importance of recognizing essential workers who still labor during the holiday and the need for continued advocacy to preserve labor rights.

Charleston and Gissell Colon discuss the societal pressure to suppress softness, particularly in men, and the consequences of doing so. Charleston recalls being ridiculed for prioritizing rest over partying, leading to exhaustion and reliance on energy drinks. Gissell shares her guilt for self-care, emphasizing the importance of self-care for productivity and health.

They argue that softness is often misunderstood as weakness but is essential for authenticity and well-being. Both stress the importance of being true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations, advocating for self-care and genuine emotional expression.

In their discussion, Gissell and Charleston explore the complexities of emotional regulation and coping mechanisms after significant losses. Gissell shares her struggles with her father's passing, the overwhelming silence, and the longing for his presence. Charleston reflects on the end of his marriage, grappling with his identity post-divorce and the subsequent challenges of rebuilding trust. Both speakers underscore the importance of resilience, learning from past experiences, and honoring their deceased parents' legacies. They also delve into gender differences in handling grief, advocating for open expression and self-reflection as essential components of healing.

Ultimately, they agree that evolution involves discarding what no longer serves one's spirit, embracing growth, and finding ways to continue living meaningfully.

Gissell and Charleston discuss the pressures of societal expectations and personal growth. They share their experiences of working long hours, financial struggles, and the challenges of single parenthood. Gissell recounts her journey of leaving a relationship, working multiple jobs, and pursuing education while raising her daughter. Charleston reflects on his own struggles with financial dependency and the realization that he was always putting others before himself. They emphasize the importance of self-care, the slow progress of personal growth, and the need to stay focused on one's own journey rather than comparing oneself to others.

Gissell and Charleston reflect on their past struggles with self-expression and identity. Gissell, who had papillomatosis and couldn't speak until age six, now emphasizes the importance of finding and using one's voice. Charleston, who grew up on Chicago's West side, discusses the challenges or early sexual activity and the pressure to conform. Both agree on the significance of self-acceptance and the power of voice. They encourage their younger selves to embrace their vulnerabilities and to keep growing without fear of judgement. The conversation Highlights the resilience and growth they've achieved despite their hardship.

We said what we said. 👃🏽💬

Ever catch yourself nose-deep in your phone… and your nostrils? Yeah. This one’s for the distracted, the overstimulated, and the lowkey nose-pickers of the world.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why we do the weird things we do when we think no one’s watching from scrolling in a daze to going elbow-deep mid-scroll.

It’s funny, it’s awkward, it’s a little too real.
Come laugh with us. Or cringe. We won’t judge. Just bring tissues.

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