When Sam finds himself at St. Christopher's – an in-patient addiction treatment facility – for the second time, he discovers an unexpected solace when he becomes a church choir director. Tune in to learn how, when his community learns of a tragic loss,  Sam (and the Grateful Dead) helps them find harmony within the chaos.

If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a meaningful connection you made with someone during a difficult time.

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Sam Finds a Ripple of Hope with the Grateful Dead

The youngest of four boys in a family that abides by a “stifle-your-feelings” approach to life, Jonathan learns how to process his chaotic life through his dreams. Listen in to find out how, at 9 years-old, he’s awoken from a recurring nightmare to find it’s become a reality. 

If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a time when you felt misunderstood or overlooked by your family.

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Jonathan Finds His Child’s Pose

As a result of historical and generational trauma,  Tyana’s elders are not comfortable expressing anxiety and depression. She feels she’s being trained to smile through trauma. Listen to hear how Tyana discovers she has a superpower; a world where she is made of magic. 

If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a personal experience that made you feel empowered and in touch with your unique identity.

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Tyana is Made of Magic

In her own recovery from alcoholism, Patty sifts through resentments toward her father, known to most as Wild Bill, after navigating a lifetime of family chaos and grief, all sparked by his drinking and wild ways. Listen to hear how Patty came to see herself in her father, and find the compassion to forgive him, and ultimately herself. 

If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a significant turning point in your relationship with a parent or guardian.

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Patty Refuses to Follow in Wild Bill’s Footsteps

Morris has learned how to navigate a life filled with challenges by finding solace in keeping busy with all the things he enjoys, from watercolor painting to working out mathematical equations. However, when TMI Project offered a storytelling workshop in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Ulster County (MHA), he was hesitant to join. When he decided to overcome his fear of public speaking and give it a try, though, he transformed into a powerful storyteller.

In his story, Morris shares a heartfelt letter to his late grandmother, Gigi, and speaks out about to breathe stigma surrounding schizophrenia.

If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP.

Writing Prompt: Write a letter to a memorable family member or mentor who influenced 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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Morris: The Mind of Someone Like Me

For years, Eva resisted the idea of medication while simultaneously self-medicating her ever-present depression. However, when running, herbal supplements, binge drinking, and all the other tactics that she’s tried still leave her unable to stop crying, she finally takes the plunge. Tune in to hear how Eva comes to accept and find the right treatment for her clinical depression which opens up a whole new world.

If you think you have a problem and want help, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association’s National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a time when you resisted seeking help for a challenge you were facing.

Statistic Sources: 
https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2021.10.9

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/05/24/why-so-many-americans-do-not-seek-professional-help-for-mental-disorders/

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Eva is NOT Mentally Ill

Discover the transformative power of true storytelling on Season 7 of The TMI Project Story Hour: Vicarious Resilience. In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, each episode features real people, real voices, and real stories surrounding experiences with mental illness and mental health - 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. Listen in, subscribe, and embrace the radical truth-teller within you. 

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Season 7: Vicarious Resilience (Trailer)

In this special episode of The TMI Project Story Hour, Jay Jackson, known to many as RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Laganja Estranja, reveals a more intimate side of her true self. Tune in to hear how her drag career inspired a profound shift in embracing her femininity-- and how full self-acceptance helped her not only live authentically but become a fierce advocate for the trans community. The episode culminates with a powerful speech from Celeste Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project, as they lovingly present Jay with TMI Project’s Voices in Action Award, honoring her important work as an artist and activist.

Writing Prompt: Write a true story about a memory or experience from your childhood that shaped your understanding of gender identity or expression.

Episode Links: 

Audio Clip Sources: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL1d7kG3xv4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx0A_q1PMKY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErMkf-Pm9xU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IxUluSacnc

Featuring “Legs” by Laganja Estranja:
https://open.spotify.com/track/5vcqVfH15uWnASbwkrXmSw?si=642447779f2c4ba5

Statistic Source: 

https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.vicariousresilience.com/ [http://www.vicariousresilience.com/]
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

How Laganja Estranja Taught Jay Jackson to Let Her Hair Down

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Support Stories for Choice Today!

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

Message in a Bottle: Thank You and Happy Holidays

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 [https://www.tmiproject.org/donate/]

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: 

 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sNKNrEqxr8
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VV9jPcWDFg
 * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vag-3FANlfc

Other Links:

 * https://www.tmiproject.org
 * https://www.instagram.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.facebook.com/tmiproject
 * https://www.tiktok.com/@tmiproject
 * https://www.radiokingston.org [https://www.radiokingston.org/]

Katie Finds Hope in a Small Gesture

The TMI Project Podcast features stories from more than a decade of live performances, profiling the brave souls who stepped on stage and shared the stories they were most afraid to tell. Here we will take a deeper dive and share the stories behind the secrets, and what happened next.