Chit Chat with the Queer and Creative

Season 1 is complete, but don't worry we will be back for another season in 2022. If you would like more information on what I am working on right now, head on over to www.melissadasilva.com

Nancy Willard’s vision is that young people will provide leadership throughout the world to embrace civility and foster positive relations!Nancy entered the field of “bullying prevention” by writing the first book ever published on cyberbullying. She approaches issues of youth risk based on a digital age perspective. Key insight related to this perspective is that the “authoritarian mindset,” which assumes that adults are in control, is not well founded. Nancy and I discuss how she got to this point and her approaches. Her approach to youth risk prevention recognizes that in the digital age it is necessary for adults to empower young people with the values and skills to embrace civility. To help young people foster positive relationships requires a focus on the quality of the school  climate, empowering young people with the values and skills necessary to foster positive relationships, and ensuring that when adults intervene in hurtful situations this results in an effective resolution that fully supports all involved students.Nancy has degrees in special education and law, taught “at risk” children, practiced computer law, and was an educational technology and digital safety consultant. She also experienced intense bullying as a teen.She is the author of: Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats: Responding to the Challenge of Online Social Cruelty, Threats, and Distress (2007, Research Press) and Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens, Helping Young People Use the Internet Safety and Responsibly (2007, Jossey Bass). Cyber Savvy: Embracing Digital Safety and Civility (2011, Corwin Press).Be sure to check out Nancy’s work! If you are interested in having an inspirational and transformational experience yourself be sure to check out my website now to sign up for my retreat this July! https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/ Be sure to follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Sasza Lohery is the creator of her own program BBXX. Sasza and I discuss her program and how to create a positive space and change in intimate relationships. Sasza shares her journey to creating this program and why she feels that it is important and what exactly BBXX does. We also discuss how important it is to have confidence and trust in yourself. We also discuss how Sasza came to terms with creating this program and what it means to her. Be sure to follow BBXX @bbxx.worldDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.comCome retreat with me in Puerto Rico!https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/?fbclid=IwAR2vpFkVIIJokyBNDfC3S5KuG4pZ4mhHGfBkoKYDfl2GFW3c3f8-PckAeVU

Ever since beginning his gender transition journey in 2012, Jack A. Ori has been empowering young adults through stories to live life on their own terms more quickly and easily than he did.Jack was a regular contributor to Autism Empowerment in 2009. and recently appeared on Chat and Spin Radio in the UK,. He writes both fiction and non-fiction to encourage and empower young people; his latest novel, Reinventing Hannah, was named a semi-finalist in the 2020 Kindle Book Awards. Jack and I discuss his gender journey and what that was like for him. Be sure to check out Jack: https://www.jackaori.com/  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.comCome retreat with me in Puerto Rico!https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/?fbclid=IwAR2vpFkVIIJokyBNDfC3S5KuG4pZ4mhHGfBkoKYDfl2GFW3c3f8-PckAeVU

Daniel Northway-Frank has created a new network called The Queer Shopping Network. Daniel is a queer father in Toronto and has created The Queer Shopping Network. The Queer Shopping Network is a shopping network specifically for the LGBTQ+ and their creatives! Daniel had the idea to support others in the community. Daniel’s goal is to help promote and help make others aware of queer community-run businesses, especially if they’re local businesses. Daniel and I discuss his journey and inspiration for The Queer Shopping Network and what he hopes to come from it. Daniel and I also touch on some points on mental health in the queer community. Daniel hopes to grow The Queer Shopping Network and it’s audience and continue to follow his dream.Be sure to check out Daniel:https://www.facebook.com/QueerShoppingNetworkDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.comCome retreat with me in Puerto Rico!https://www.melissadasilva.com/1-1-transformational-retreat/

As a Queer Guide, Hannah Strenger helps individuals navigate their coming out journey so that they can live their best, most authentic life. Growing up in a small, conservative town and being raised Catholic, Hannah understands the isolation and internal struggle of coming to terms with your sexuality. She is on a mission to make sure no one has to walk that journey alone. Hannah and I discuss her journey on becoming a guide and how she became her authentic self. We also touch on how the pandemic has affected our lives and our careers. You can often find Hannah loving on her adorable rescue rabbits or walking around one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes.Be sure to follow Hannah on Instagram:@HannahStrengerDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Nancy Shadlock is the CEO and founder of Centered life coaching and the host of The Coming Out Chronicles podcast.  When Nancy finally discovered that she didn’t have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality she started creating the life she’s always dreamed of.  She’s now married to an amazing woman named Alaina, they have two sweet babies and a beautiful life together in Calgary, Alberta. Now she spends her days helping others break out of closets of all kinds, embrace who they are and stand in their truth. Nancy and I discuss her journey of coming out in a conservative family and what it was like to go through conversion therapy. We discuss how her process inspired her to work with others and help individuals with their journey. We also chat about her inspiration for her podcast, and what it is like to “take a walk in someone else's shoes”.Be sure to checkout Nancy’s platforms:https://www.facebook.com/CenteredLifeCoachinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyshadlock/https://www.instagram.com/nancyshadlock/& Nancy’s retreat info:centered.ca/retreatsDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Edy Nathan MA, LCSWR is an author, public speaker and licensed therapist. She is an AASECT certified sex therapist, hypnotherapist and certified EMDR practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. In her expertise as a grief therapist she interweaves her formal training as a psychotherapist with breathwork, guided imagery, ritual and storytelling. Edy and I discuss her journey of becoming a grief therapist. Edy shares her views on some way to make it through the loneliness of this pandemic. Be sure to connect with Edy:https://edynathan.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Gina Pecoraro created the LGBTQ company, Seven Even Clothing after being married to a man. When she came out back in 2008, she noticed that there wasn’t many clothing options to represent who she was. Years prior to getting married, a good friend of Gina’s would always call me her seven. Seven standing for the seven letters in the word lesbian. He would call Gina out on being gay way before she was ready to accept it. So after coming out, she put that nickname to good use! Gina and I discuss her journey with her clothing brand and how it came to be what it is now. We also discuss her creativity with the process and what inspires Gina when it comes to creating her clothing. Seven Even actually has a new athletic line that Gina discusses creating with her business partner, Cody. Gina and I discuss her coming out journey and what she feels is the importance of everyone’s story. Be sure to check out Seven Even Clothing:SevenEvenClothing.com Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

This week I had the opportunity to interview Seth Lusk. Seth is a health and mindset coach, originally from the U.S. but has been living in Switzerland for the past 5 years. Seth has a passion for helping people and seeing them find their strength and love. He loves showing people how to use that space of strength and love to create their healthiest life from. It is a huge desire of Seth’s to show others that we do not have to go into guilt, shame, or a feeling of "not enough" to choose to want more for ourselves, our lives, and our health. He aspires to guide people into a journey of creating their most healthy and authentic life using self-love, self-awareness, and authenticity. His superpower as a coach is his compassionate insight, and he loves being able to offer this to anyone who wants to start creating, loving, and living their healthiest life, once and for all. Seth and I discuss his journey of what brought him to Switzerland and his current path. Seth and I also discuss what it is like for him to pursue his career in coaching while living in a different country. We talk about Seth’s health coaching and the effect of the food we eat in our bodies. Be sure to check out Seth’s socials:Website:https://www.slch.ch/ IG:sethlusk_coachingFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SLuskhealth/Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Savannah Hauk is an author and podcast host. Savannah juggles a full-time job on top of doing all of her projects! Savannah and I discuss the journey of cross dressing, and what she personally has had to overcome. We also discuss the difference between being transgender and cross dressing. Savannah’s whole experience as a trans woman took a turn when she made the move from New York City to South Carolina. Now, Savannah continuously tries to use her personal journey to help others, like herself grow in her area.  Savannah and I also discuss her journey as an author and how her personal experiences have affected her writing. Savannah hopes that people can use her journey to help guide others discover their beauty inside and out. Be sure to check out Savannah on her social media:Facebook:@savannahhaukInstagram:@savannahhaukWebsite:http://www.livingwithcrossdressing.comSavannah’s Podcast:@thefoxandthephoenixpodcast_Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Lynn Casper is a certified life coach and has been a podcast host for almost ten years! When the pandemic hit, Casper missed the simple connection of just sitting down in a coffee shop to get some work done. Lynn decided to make an online atmosphere for the queer community to come work together in an open environment. Casper and I discuss their journey as a podcast host and how they have kept the passion for their work for ten years. We discuss how the pandemic has affected all of our lives and how modern technology has really been such a light during these times. We also discuss Casper’s new job working for radio, and how we think radio and podcasting will adapt in the future. Be sure to check out Casper’s websites:http://lynncasper.com/ Homoground Podcast:https://homoground.com/Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Jamie Hazelton is the founder of Whole You Health and a proud trans lesbian. Jamie works with LGBTQIA* individuals & allies who are experiencing highly stressful lives and partners with each person to help them feel recharged and rejuvenated. This week, Jamie and I discuss what inspired her to become a health and wellness coach and what that means to her. Jamie uses her personal experiences to help reach people in the LGBTQIA* community. We also discuss the importance of therapy and coaching and what it means to us. Jamie and I talk about the journey of coming out, especially around the holiday season (10:10). Jamie has recently created a YouTube channel that she uses to connect and inspire others in the community. We discuss the importance of connecting with others in your community and ways to do so during these times. Jamie truly believes in creating a space where people can feel open and accepted!Be sure to stay updated with Jamie:Instagram: @wholeyouhealthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholeuhealthWebsite: http://wholeuhealth.com/Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Kylie O’Conner is an Australian life coach and loving mother of 4. Kylie and I discuss the hardships of relationships and marriage. Kylie has used her past to persevere into the woman that she is today. She overcame her Catholic background and is a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community along with her daughter. She discusses the journey of being a mother and how her children inspire her. Kylie uses her personal experiences to inspire her career and others. She truly believes everyone should be happy and loved, and portrays that in her coaching!Make sure to check Kylie out on Facebook and stay tuned for her for her new website!https://www.facebook.com/barefootwarriorcoachingDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

This week, I had the magical opportunity to speak with Maggie Sharar. Maggie identifies as “energetic and visual healer”. She has had a passion for art since she was a child and has turned her passion into a full time job. She is committed to healing and connecting and thrives when doing so. Maggie uses her experience as a birth doula for inspiration and she uses the energy from those experiences to this day. She uses her energy to create art for herself, and more recently during COVID, she creates for clients as well. She specializes in water colors and sharing her process of creating with her Facebook followers. Maggie has turned the loss of her job into a positive choice of making her art her full time job. Be sure to follow Maggie on Instagram: @infinite_rebirthFollow her patreon: https://www.patreon.com/maggiesharar?fbclid=IwAR1Ro5_ZUGxczs177fYkP1fqkQIgtsZ4XbbrhzIt7CHO9EglPHVbEhOk7Us Check out her artwork:https://www.etsy.com/shop/shararmaggie?fbclid=IwAR1rYlx21bovyFgcEIb5rnoLFCz1xjFOixxd8B5tHI_uUv02gJzA6ejRDtQ Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Dr. Steve Yacovelli has been in the leadership, learning and development, change management, and diversity and inclusion consulting space pretty much his whole career (about twenty-five years). In his consulting experience he’s seen some leaders completely excel in their effectiveness, and some completely crash and burn due to their lack of competence in leadership skills. Steve’s desire was to help both types of leaders be more effective, through coaching, formal and informal training, and just generally being there to support their leadershippiness.A few years ago, Steve realized that the focus on specifically developing LGBTQ+ Leaders wasn’t really top of mind for many organizations. Sure, there were a few conference sessions, some random webinars, or even university-sponsored certificate programs, but nothing in a programmatic, cross-association, and at all levels within the leadership savviness scale. In short, a patchwork of effort and not necessarily a cohesive focus or movement.So, “The Gay Leadership Dude” was born. It’s Steve’s brand to “come out” and acknowledge the role he wants to take to give back to the LGBTQ+ Community: to serve as a “lightening rod” of sorts to start a movement to grow LGBTQ+ Leaders to be even more effective, in a consistent, thoughtful, and mindful manner, especially those up-and-coming Leaders within the broader movement for equality and fairness for all LGBTQ+ people and well beyond.Connect with Steve:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveyacovelliDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

I always enjoy speaking with Rick Clemmons and look forward to sharing that pleasure with you. Rick Clemmons is a coach, a motivational speaker, author of “Frankly my Dear, I’m Gay”, podcast host of “Life Uncloseted” and part-time wine connoisseur. Rick and I dive into his joy of living in wine country (3:20) and how he ties it in to his business and marketing skill-set. We discuss how he connects with other queers and the natural attraction to one another, especially during the hard times of a pandemic. Rick also discusses how the internet and social media has progressed through his life and the effect it has on him and his career now, along with what he feels is the difference between coaching and therapy and what it means to him.Make sure to follow Rick on Instagram @therickclemmonsDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

“Guide me and heal me so that I might be of greater service to others” is her life mantra~Chamica Dennis’ entrepreneurial spirit and desire to empower others lead her on a spiritual journey to finding her voice. She was being called as a healer and she answered. On her journey back home she rediscovered her sensuality and her sexuality, more importantly she found herself. Chamica was called to a more indigenous and Eastern holistic approach of treating the whole person and the importance of women’s health. It was then that Monarch Zen Healing Arts was created and she began sharing her medicine with the world. It is now her passion and purpose with the world. It is now her passion and purpose to facilitate other women infreeing themselves and reclaiming their body sovereignty.Today she teaches women how to find their voice, releasing shame and guilt (7:58), how to show up authentically and reconnect with their bodies through breath, movement and energy healing which allows them to work through anxiety and stress to experience life as they were meant to be.. Wild and Free. She is also the creator of Sacred Womb Talk and currently teaches workshops throughout the valley, hosts retreats, teaches private yoga, reiki, life and soul coaching and is a C.H.T.Follow Her on Instagram @thebutterflymystic and @venusmooncreationsDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

It was so lovely to have the opportunity to speak with Erika Owens, one half of the first same-sexed couple to be featured on TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days. She captured the world’s heart with her colorful outfits, hair and especially her sweet personality.Erika and I discuss what it was like to come out as bi-sexual to her parents in front of the entire world (3:40). We also discuss the aftermath and what it is like dealing with people on social media and whether she will be ever able to date a man now that she identified as bi-sexual. You can follow Erika on her Instagram @glitterbugginDon’t forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Chit Chat with the queer and Creative is a weekly podcast where host Melissa DaSilva interviews individuals who are changing their lives and the world through their creativity.Melissa introduces herself and the show in this episode.