Black Trans Stories Matter 2023: Call for Storytellers

Message in a Bottle: Thank You and Happy Holidays

With support from Maureen Paul, executive director Eva Tenuto offers gratitude for your support this year.

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

Featured:

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Host
Maureen Paul (she/her), Storyteller
Tahyira Cordner-Arias (she/her), Storyteller
Katie Willingham (she/they), Storyteller
Kat Samedova (she/her), Storyteller
Tina Dierna (she/her), Storyteller
Raine Grayson (he/him), Storyteller

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

Support Stories for Choice Today!

https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/AnnualAppeal2023/index.html

The TMI Project Story Hour

enDecember 27, 2023

Katie Finds Hope in a Small Gesture

After a waiting room experience that forces her to leave the doctor’s office before receiving the services she needed, Katie is slow to trust doctors. A small gesture from a kind, affirming doctor helps not only restore Katie’s faith in healthcare, but strengthen her faith in humanity.

Featured:

Katie Willingham (she/her), Storyteller
Raine Grayson (he/him), Host

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a challenge you’ve encountered while trying to access healthcare.

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

TMI Project Staff:

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links:

Support Stories for Choice Today!

https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/AnnualAppeal2023/index.html

News Clip Audio Sources:

Tahyira's Abortion: A Coming of Age Story

In a candid conversation with her partner, Tahyira grapples with the realities of an unplanned pregnancy, reflecting on the racial disparities and societal expectations that shape her decisions. While Tahyira has to face many challenges alone, her abortion experience becomes a profound turning point in which she gains confidence, claims independence, and for the first time, feels like a grown woman she can depend on.

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a moment or experience that marked a profound turning point in your life.

Support Stories for Choice Today!

https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/AnnualAppeal2023/index.html

Planned Parenthood, Wisconsin Audio Source:

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-wisconsin/get-involved/ppwi-resumes-abortion-services

Other Links:

The TMI Project Story Hour

enDecember 13, 2023

Message in a Bottle: International Women's Podcast Awards

TMI Project Executive Director Eva Tenuto’s “message in a bottle” about The TMI Project Story Hour’s big win at the International Women’s Podcast Awards in London.

Learn More About IWPA:

https://everybody-media.com/awards/

RSVP to Stories for Choice: Period Power

https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/SFCPeriodPower2023/index.html

Support Stories for Choice Today!

https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/AnnualAppeal2023/index.html

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

The TMI Project Story Hour

enDecember 06, 2023

Stephen Meets The Saint of the AIDS Crisis

Stephen Cardile learns to let his freak flag fly at The Saint, a vibrant gay club in 1980s' New York City. There, he reconnects with his childhood friend, Jimmy. In honor of World AIDS day on December 1st, Stephen reveals his personal journey during the AIDS crisis and pays tribute to his dear friend.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of HIV/AIDS, death and dying, drug use, and descriptions of medical emergencies. Listener discretion is advised.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a friendship that has deeply impacted your life.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

The TMI Project Story Hour

enDecember 01, 2023

Katie, Raine, and Tina the Tampon Lady

Eva talks to Katie, Tina, and Raine to explore the ultimate TMI topic: menstruation. Get a sneak peek into TMI Project’s partnership with the brave students of Kingston High School’s Period Power! Club as they prepare for their upcoming performance and emphasize the challenges faced by those who menstruate, the impact of period poverty, and the urgent need for comprehensive education.

Join us on December 6th, 2023 for a live performance in Kingston, NY - or via livestream from anywhere with an internet connection. RSVP today!

Period Power! Club is a chapter of PERIOD.ORG.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a memorable experience you have related to period products. It could be the first time you used a specific product or saw a product on a shelf, a humorous incident, or a moment when your choice of period products was influenced by others.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

Statistic Sources

Period Power! Club Website

RSVP to Stories for Choice: Period Power

https://tmiproject.salsalabs.org/SFCPeriodPower2023/index.html

The TMI Project Story Hour

enNovember 29, 2023

Troy Ellen: Revolutionary Badass

Growing up in a predominantly white world, Troy Ellen is often criticized for not being black enough. By exploring identity through two different characters—first at 13 when she’s forced to play the role of Tituba, the enslaved character in The Crucible, and at 16 when she chooses to play the role of Peaches in Four Women by Nina Simone—Troy Ellen accepts herself for being black enough just as she is.

Today's episode is hosted by Micah.

Content Warning: N/A

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about an event or movement in history that deeply resonates with your cultural or racial identity and how it has influenced your life or perspective.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written by Dara Lurie, and edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

The TMI Project Story Hour

enNovember 22, 2023

Crystal, Sarah, & Susan’s Furry, Four-Legged Misadventures

In this pet-themed episode, three storytellers share mis-adventurous tales that celebrate the unique connection between animals and the crazy human caretakers who love them: Crystal has an epic cat battle, Sarah forms an unbreakable bond with a disabled dog, and Susan goes on a pet rescue mission.

These stories were originally presented on February 18th, 2016 at BSP in Kingston, NY.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a mishap that had you questioning your abilities as a pet owner.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

The TMI Project Story Hour

enNovember 15, 2023

Ray Cocks: A Veteran’s Story

Ray Cocks learned the intricate complexities of violence at a young age - knowledge he continued to carry with him through his deployment during the Vietnam War. In honor of Veteran’s Day, Ray shares his story, which captures the profound strength and resilience of the human spirit. He also opens up about how it felt to tell his story and how storytelling continues to impact him today.

Content Warning: This episode contains candid discussion of violence and warfare, child abuse, and domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a time you discovered your own inner strength and resilience through a life-altering experience.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was produced in partnership with Radio Kingston. It was written, edited, and produced by Eva Tenuto, Blake Pfeil, and Raine Grayson.

If you believe everyone deserves the right to safely share their truth, make a donation today!

DONATE TODAY

Your gift powers our storytellers, who do more than entertain: they reclaim the power of the untold story. They divulge the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves for personal liberation, human connection, and freedom, for both themselves and those who listen.

Links

The TMI Project Story Hour

enNovember 08, 2023

The TMI Project Story Hour: Trailer

Discover the transformative power of true storytelling on The TMI Project Story Hour. In this trailer, we offer a glimpse into the compelling narratives you’ll hear in upcoming episodes.

Each episode features real people, real voices, and real stories - all written during a TMI Project workshop. These unsung heroes craft true stories that intentionally include the “too much information” parts we usually keep to ourselves. We’ll take you behind the scenes with our storytellers as they showcase just how contagious speaking the truth can be.

If you’re seeking some heartfelt connection with some radical truth-tellers, we’ve got you covered: Subscribe today.

TMI Project Staff

Eva Tenuto (she/her), Executive and Artistic Director / Co-founder
Blake Pfeil (he/him), Operations and Programs Manager
Laura Marie Ruocco (she/her), Marketing and Digital Coordinator
Raine Grayson (he/him), Organizational Administrator
Dara Lurie (she/her), Partnership Outreach Coordinator
Riley Gibbons (they/them), Administrative Assistant

This episode was written by Raine Grayson and Eva Tenuto, mixed/mastered by Blake Pfeil, and produced in partnership with Radio Kingston.

If you believe Storytelling is Social Justice and want to support TMI Project’s creation and amplification of true stories, you can make a contribution HERE.

The TMI Project Story Hour

enNovember 01, 2023