A OK Podcast

71: We'll All Be A OK

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0600

This is it - the final episode! Thank you so much to everyone for listening and supporting A OK. It was such an honor to host this podcast. Keep being amazing.

Warnings: swearing

Courtney's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qwartney

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

70: Cool Boy Shane

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Shane (he/him) is an animator and YouTuber who is demisexual and demiromantic. Shane talks about his experiences as someone who is both demisexual and demiromantic, his animated Dungeons and Dragons series on YouTube, and his own podcast called “Podcasts & Players.”

Warnings: swearing, mentions of porn, masturbation, and castration

Shane's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTNGafHJVmonQtWXP3dESw

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

69: Love Yourself: Answer

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Kay (she/her) is a BTS Army who is panromantic and asexual. Kay talks about discovering her asexuality, her experience in a sexually coercive relationship, and how BTS has been a positive influence on her life.

Kay's fanfiction story: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20104624/chapters/47624020

Warnings: sexual abuse and coercion

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

68: Leveling Up

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Shimona (she/her) is a curious human who is asexual. Shimona talks about struggling with being “a-okay” about her asexuality, preferring to live solo and child-free, and how that all intersects with her family-oriented religion.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

67: Meet Me Under the Clock

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Marshall (he/him) is The Gentle Giant Ace, who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Marshall talks about his experience as a Black ace activist, growing up in the midwest, and photography!

Warnings: swearing

Twitter: @TheAceGentle

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsw6zzoKlskACsfRs0sZ20g

66. Dismantle the Gender Binary

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Kelsey (they/them) is a writer and Alexis Rose enthusiast who is queer/gay and asexual. Kelsey shares their story of figuring out they’re asexual and nonbinary, their experience writing BIFL: The Series, and how much the show Sex Education means to them.

Warnings: swearing, Sex Education spoilers

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

65: What Will the People Think?

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Clawy (they/them) is an artist who is asexual and aroflux. Clawy talks about their experience discovering the term asexual, how their cultural upbringing intersects with asexuality, and their joy of writing.

Warnings: mentions of aphobia

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

64: Growing Up Evangelical

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Michael (he/they) is a music director who is cupiosexual and demiromantic. Michael talks about labels, their experience with evangelicalism, and writing for theater.

Warnings: religion, homophobia

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

63: Ace by Angela Chen

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Angela Chen (she/her) is an author and writer who is asexual and biromantic. Angela talks about her upcoming book Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex.

Angela's book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ace-angela-chen/1136968395?ean=9780807013793

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

62: I'm a Person, You're a Person, Let's Make Out!

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Sorabeth (hen) is a florist who is aromantic and asexual. Sorabeth talks about crafts, being a florist, and dating!

Warnings: mentions of masturbation, sex, swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

61: I Am Okay With Being Alone

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500

V (she/her) is a filmmaker who is asexual and heteroromantic. V talks about having haphephobia, being a director in Hollywood, and her love of wigs!

Warnings: mentions of fatphobia

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

60: Storytelling

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Ben (they/them) is a storyteller who is asexual, greyromantic, and nonbinary. Ben talks briefly about some of the struggles that Native Americans face, what it’s like to be married with kids as an asexual, storytelling, and building languages.

Native American Rights Fund: https://www.narf.org/

Dr. Adrienne Keene: @NativeApprops

Some more great resources on twitter:

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

59: Grass is green, sky is blue, Grandma has a girlfriend

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Juniper (she/her) is a college student and pinball player who is aromantic and bisexual. Juniper talks about her experience dating someone who is alloromantic, as well as how to play competitive pinball.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

58: A Conversation with Yasmin Benoit

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Yasmin Benoit (she/her) is a model and aromantic and asexuality activist who is aromantic and asexual. Yasmin talks about #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike, heavy metal, and Crime Science.

To be fully transparent, this interview was recorded in mid-June. We reached out to Yasmin about adding a segment regarding the incident on Twitter, and after discussing possibilities, the A OK team decided to publish the episode as-is.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

57: It's SFBO's Birthday!

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Sarah Costello (she/her) is ace/aro, and Kayla Kaszyca (she/her) is demisexual/heteroromantic. Sarah and Kayla host the well-known podcast Sounds Fake But Okay. In this episode, we discuss their separate journeys discovering their identities, the three-year anniversary of Sounds Fake But Okay, quidditch, and papermaking.

Kayla’s Papergram: @pridepaper

Warnings: mentions of transphobia, swearing, vomit imitation noise

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

56: Friends and Corgis

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Nik (she/her) is a grey-asexual and demisexual University student. Nik talks about how it felt to discovery the term asexual, why it’s difficult to come out to her parents, and her love of corgis.

Warnings: mentions of homophobia

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

55: Happiness Doesn't Have to Come from Love

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Thay (she/her) is an asexual/demiromantic writer. Thay talks about how music, dancing, and writing all intersect with her asexuality.

Made-Man: Heroes Are Made: https://my.w.tt/nNberiMh97

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

54: Kink isn't Sexual For Me

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Ian (he/him) is an analyst, podcaster, and travel writer who identifies as asexual. Ian explains how helpful the split attraction model is for him, how kink feels separate from his sexuality, and traveling as the Barefoot Backpacker.

Blog: https://barefoot-backpacker.com/

Podcast: Travel Tales from Beyond the Brochure

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

53: Romance Feels Theoretical

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 14:03:58 -0500

Rebecca (she/her) is a cat mom who identifies as arospec and asexual. Rebecca talks about the difficulty figuring out her romantic orientation, dating challenges, and her experience founding Arts Healing Hearts, a charity in Toronto, Canada.

Arts Healing Hearts: https://artshealinghearts.org/

Redemption Paws: http://redemptionpaws.org/

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

Organizations to Donate to:

ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/;

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/;

Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/;

Black Women’s Blueprint: https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/;

Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/;

Color of Change: https://colorofchange.org/;

Grass Roots Law Project: https://www.grassrootslaw.org/;

LGBTQ Freedom Fund: https://www.lgbtqfund.org/;

Minnesota Justice Healing Network: https://www.minnesotahealingjusticenetwork.com/;

MN Fund Hub (@MNFundHub on Venmo): https://www.instagram.com/p/CA545NzlYy7/?igshid=1mmwhtr38zx2y;

MPLS NAACP: http://www.mplsnaacp.org/;

NAACP: https://www.naacp.org/;

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/;

National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory;

Reclaim The Block: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2;

List of local Minneapolis organizations by Reclaim the Block: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yLWGTQIe3967hdc9RSxBq5s6KKZHe-3_mWp5oemd7OA/preview?fbclid=IwAR2O4n_VtcNoIyJQ9hoKoLbgz2BxsDVvMEpHQt8Zg1CXpYnGFzVB3eLdlMw&pru=AAABcp_Lno4*qTdCXtwQfeYVP204YSPOkw;

52: Making Up Crushes

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Chio (she/her) is a comic artist who identifies as asexual and greyromantic. Chio talks about creating comics, how labels can be helpful, and why romance is so hard to figure out.

Organizations to Donate to:

ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/;

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/;

Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/;

Black Women’s Blueprint: https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/;

Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/;

Color of Change: https://colorofchange.org/;

Grass Roots Law Project: https://www.grassrootslaw.org/;

LGBTQ Freedom Fund: https://www.lgbtqfund.org/;

Minnesota Justice Healing Network: https://www.minnesotahealingjusticenetwork.com/;

MN Fund Hub (@MNFundHub on Venmo): https://www.instagram.com/p/CA545NzlYy7/?igshid=1mmwhtr38zx2y;

MPLS NAACP: http://www.mplsnaacp.org/;

NAACP: https://www.naacp.org/;

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/;

National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory;

Reclaim The Block: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2;

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

51: I Love Myself Now

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Raymond (he/him) is an LGBTQIA+ activist and erotica photographer who identifies as aromantic and queer fluid. Raymond talks about how being trans relates to how he figured out his orientation; how being a leatherboy intersects with his identities; and how the BDSM community emphasizes self love, consent, and healing.

Warnings: mentions of abuse, swearing

Organizations to Donate to:

ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/;

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/;

Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/;

Black Women’s Blueprint: https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/;

Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/;

Color of Change: https://colorofchange.org/;

Grass Roots Law Project: https://www.grassrootslaw.org/;

LGBTQ Freedom Fund: https://www.lgbtqfund.org/;

Minnesota Justice Healing Network: https://www.minnesotahealingjusticenetwork.com/;

MN Fund Hub (@MNFundHub on Venmo): https://www.instagram.com/p/CA545NzlYy7/?igshid=1mmwhtr38zx2y;

MPLS NAACP: http://www.mplsnaacp.org/;

NAACP: https://www.naacp.org/;

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/;

National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory;

Reclaim The Block: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2;

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

50: Welcome! You’re here! Have some cake!

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0500

David Jay (he/him) is the founder of AVEN and an ace activist, parent, and community organizer. David talks about his own experience discovering asexuality as a sexuality and not a disorder, how AVEN (The Asexual Visibility and Education Network) started, his journey as a third parent, and why aromantic relationships are awesome.

AVEN: www.asexuality.org

Organizations to Donate to:

ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/;

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/;

Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/;

Black Women’s Blueprint: https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/;

Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/;

Color of Change: https://colorofchange.org/;

Grass Roots Law Project: https://www.grassrootslaw.org/;

LGBTQ Freedom Fund: https://www.lgbtqfund.org/;

Minnesota Justice Healing Network: https://www.minnesotahealingjusticenetwork.com/;

MN Fund Hub (@MNFundHub on Venmo): https://www.instagram.com/p/CA545NzlYy7/?igshid=1mmwhtr38zx2y;

MPLS NAACP: http://www.mplsnaacp.org/;

NAACP: https://www.naacp.org/;

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/;

National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory;

Reclaim The Block: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2;

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

Justice for George Floyd

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Official George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd;

Justice for Breonna Taylor: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor;

In Memory of Tony McDade: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-tony-mcdade;

I Run With Maud (Ahmaud Arbery Fund): https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud;

Justice for David McAtee: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justicefordavidmcatee;

For James Scurlock’s Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-james-scurlocks-family;

Organizations:

ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/;

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/;

Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/;

Black Women’s Blueprint: https://www.blackwomensblueprint.org/;

Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/;

Color of Change: https://colorofchange.org/;

Grass Roots Law Project: https://www.grassrootslaw.org/;

LGBTQ Freedom Fund: https://www.lgbtqfund.org/;

Minnesota Justice Healing Network: https://www.minnesotahealingjusticenetwork.com/;

MN Fund Hub (@MNFundHub on Venmo): https://www.instagram.com/p/CA545NzlYy7/?igshid=1mmwhtr38zx2y;

MPLS NAACP: http://www.mplsnaacp.org/;

NAACP: https://www.naacp.org/;

NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/;

National Bail Fund Network: https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory;

Reclaim The Block: https://secure.everyaction.com/zae4prEeKESHBy0MKXTIcQ2;

Education:

Black Revolutionary Texts from Alijah Webb (@webbjalijah): https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/18y0_2wm85L113fVWYdgljq9uuIlmlbl3;

Justice in June Lesson Plan from Bryanna Wallace and Autumn Gupta (@autumn_bry): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H-Vxs6jEUByXylMS2BjGH1kQ7mEuZnHpPSs1Bpaqmw0/preview?pru=AAABcprdPWw*VqdZIggAtO_pcSbYVK1l4Q;

An Anti-Racist Reading List by Ibram X. Kendi for NYT (@DrIbram): https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/29/books/review/antiracist-reading-list-ibram-x-kendi.html;

Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources by Anna Stamborski, Nikki Zimmermann, and Bailie Gregory: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrAq4iBNb4nVIcTsLcNlW8zjaQXBLkWayL8EaPlh0bc/mobilebasic;

Anti-Racism Resources for White People: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/preview?pru=AAABcpsa6cw*8jY8IGfWoGhQH-4joitfcg;

Reading for Racial Justice by University of Minnesota Press’s Library of Open-Access Titles: https://manifold.umn.edu/projects/project-collection/racial-justice;

Anti-Racism Resource Collection: http://www.resourcesharingproject.org/anti-racism-resource-collection;

Black owned businesses:

Thread of black owned businesses from Alyssa D Silos (@Alythuh on twitter): https://twitter.com/Alythuh/status/1267846692482605057;

That Pride Shop: https://thatprideshop.com/;

Gothic Lamb: https://gothiclamb.com/;

Black owned businesses in the Twin Cities by Mpls St Paul Magazine: http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/black-owned-businesses-in-the-twin-cities/;

49: Not the Only Ace in the Family

Fri, 29 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Ria Faustino (she/her) is an aspiring animator and full-time weeb who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Ria talks about her journey discovering her asexuality, her senior project, and Dungeons and Dragons.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

48: Coparent vs. Coworker

Fri, 22 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Ess (they/them) is a voice actor who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Ess talks about growing up in India, their previous misconceptions around marriage, and their journey to discovering their gender identity.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

47: Recovery

Fri, 15 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Josh (he/him) is an engineering student in recovery who identifies as asexual and panromantic. Josh talks about his journey with recovery and how the split attraction model helped him come to terms with his asexuality.

Josh's bandcamp: https://joshispeachy.bandcamp.com/releases

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

46: The Love You Need

Fri, 08 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Ezra (he/him) is a cat dad who identifies as aromantic. Ezra talks about the importance of aromanticism in his life, not identifying under the split-attraction model, and his experience with witchcraft and tarot reading.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

45: Aces and Aros are LGBTQ+

Fri, 01 May 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Sherry (she/her) is a future law student who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Sherry responds to a list of arguments against aces and aros being in the LGBTQ+ community, pulled from a thread on A OK’s twitter page.

Donate to the WHO/United Nations COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund here: http://tinyurl.com/DONATE6feet

Watch the livestream on Saturday, May 2nd @ 11am PDT / 2pm EDT / 7pm BST here: http://tinyurl.com/WATCH6feet

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

44: But You're Married and You Have Kids!

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Melissa Caruso (she/her) is a fantasy author who identifies as biromantic and asexual. Melissa talks about coming out to her husband and children, her secret to writing allosexual characters, and her upcoming book, The Obsidian Tower.

AVEN (asexuality.org);

Empire of the Sand by Tasha Suri (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39714124-empire-of-sand);

Melissa Caruso's website: melissacaruso.net;

Melissa's Twitter: @melisscaru;

Donate to the WHO/United Nations COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund here: http://tinyurl.com/DONATE6feet

Watch the livestream on Saturday, May 2nd @ 11am PDT / 2pm EDT / 7pm BST here: http://tinyurl.com/WATCH6feet

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

43: 25 Years to Figure It Out

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Chris (he/him) is an escape room enthusiast who is homoromantic graysexual. Chris talks about "getting comfortable with" asexuality, his experience dating, and his adventures in 60+ escape rooms.

Content Warnings: mentions of genital mutilation

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

42: This is Like Explaining Physics!

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Erica Cameron (she/her) is a young adult author who identifies as WTF-romantic and asexual. Erica discusses her past marriage and divorce, aro and ace characters in literature, and the importance of roommates.

Erica's Website: http://byericacameron.com

Coming Up Aces (Asexual Q&A): http://byericacameron.com/wp/q-ace/

Content Warnings: swearing, divorce

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

41: I'm Gay But I Don't Like Sex

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Daniel (he/him) is a YouTuber and engineer who is homoromantic and asexual. Daniel talks about his experiences dating allosexual men, his current long-distance relationship, and his YouTube channel Slice of Ace!

Warnings: swearing

Slice of Ace: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3vDNqa_MMGI43NAO2C-JJw

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

40: I Am My Own and No One Else's

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Maddy (she/her and they/them) is a genderqueer music nerd who is greyromantic and bisexual. Maddy talks about changing labels, ethical non-monogamy, and an unexpected romantic experience after she had already embraced the term "aromantic."

Twin Cities Sirens: https://www.facebook.com/tcsirens/

Content Warnings: swearing, mentions of childhood sexual abuse

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

39: I Don't Give a D*** About Sex

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Leo (he/him) is a medical student from Puerto Rico who identifies as quasiromantic and asexual. Leo talks about his experiences with women, what intimacy means to him, and why aces and aros are definitely LGBTQIA+.

Content Warnings: swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

38: Little Hominids on a Rock in Space

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Vincent Scott (he/him & they/them) is a writer who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Vincent talks about toxic masculinity, trends of sexuality throughout history, and his new novel!

Warnings: depression and social anxiety

Link to Vincent's Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thinkinginkpress/the-hereafter-bytes?ref=user_menu

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

37: I Want to Have Kids!

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Laura (she/her) is a student and dancer in Finland who identifies as asexual and cupioromantic. She discusses wanting children as an asexual, why she’s still questioning her romantic orientation, and ace and aro book recommendations.

Content Warnings: none

Book Mentions: Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman, Radio Silence by Alice Oseman, Loveless by Alice Oseman, Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee, Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland, Tarnished are the Stars by Rosiee Thor, & Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann.

The Asexual and Aromantic Characters Database: https://www.obvibase.com/p/N7SD6v1F4mrVBWzV/?location=%7B%22type%22:%22table%22,%22databaseId%22:%22N7SD6v1F4mrVBWzV%22,%22queryPath%22:%7B%22recordPath%22:[],%22columnPath%22:[%221%22]%7D%7D

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

36: The Best Part of Being a Witch

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Rowan (they/them) is a tarot reader and hairstylist who identifies as demisexual and greyromantic. Rowan talks about their ultimate dream-relationship, why they masturbate, tarot reading, paganism, and witchcraft!

Content warnings: mentions of sex, masturbation, swearing

LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/9Pwpz7QpifbvniUBA

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

35: Friendship Chemistry

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Christy (they/them & she/her) is a movement artist with disabilities who identifies as grey-aro and grey-ace. Christy talks about the stereotypes that come with being an asian femme poledancer and a disabled aromantic asexual. They also describe visible vs invisible parts of identity, sexual attraction vs sexual desire, and how sex education can be improved.

Content Warnings: mentions of sexual trauma and racism

Christy's Instagram: @catwoman_chris (includes censored nudity)

LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/9Pwpz7QpifbvniUBA

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

34: Imposter Syndrome but for Being Gay

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Gwen Elledge (she/her) is an astronomy nerd and jock who identifies as asexual and biromantic (but usually just says gay). Gwen talks about changing labels, being touch-starved, Tinder, and the wonders of gravity.

Content Warnings: none

LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/9Pwpz7QpifbvniUBA

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

33: Exploring Identities Through RPGs

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Devon (they/them) is a Japanese translator who identifies as asexual, aromantic, and agender. Devon discusses role-playing as identity exploration, sex and romance as the focal point in western music, and why they are looking forward to starting estrogen.

Content Warnings: swearing and mentions of racism, aphobia, and transphobia

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

32: A Supernatural Love for Shapeshifting

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Dean D’Monic is ace, agender, and known as the Shapeshifter of the Twin Cities. We talk about what it means to be an ace advocate, what it’s like to perform at the Renaissance Festival and in drag shows, and Dean’s late husband.

Follow Dean D'Monic on YouTube (Dean D’Monic) and Twitter (@dean_d_monic)!

Content Warnings: swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

31: How To Fake Eye Contact

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Caitlin (they/them) is a crafter who identifies as asexual and panromantic (or maybe biromantic). Caitlin talks about being autistic and asexual, what they want in a relationship, and representation in season two of Sex Education on Netflix.

Content Warnings: swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

30: Truth Can Change and That's Okay

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600

John Arrow (he/him) is a second-grade teacher and fem slash convention organizer who identifies as bisexual/queer and aromantic. John and Courtney bond over their experiences trying to date as aromantic people, and John talks about representation, ace and aro headcanons, and his friend's YouTube series (BIFL) featuring asexual and aromantic characters.

Watch BIFL: https://www.bifltheseries.com/watch-now

Content Warnings: swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

29: I Do Not Want to Be Licked

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Janet (she/her) is a retired I.T. manager who identifies as asexual. Janet reflects on her past marriages, tells us a bittersweet love story between herself and a married woman, and tries to figure out how to proceed with life now as a 72 year-old asexual.

Warnings: detailed descriptions of french kissing, swearing, masturbation, mentions of sex and bodily fluids.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

28: Let's Smash Normal

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0600

Sophie Katz (she/her) is a writer who identifies as panromantic and demisexual. Sophie points out the parallels between anosmic and asexual experiences, explains how growing up Jewish prepared her for certain challenges, and reminisces about what it was like to write for Disney.

Content Warnings: swearing, antisemitism

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

27: Ultimate Form of Intimacy

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0600

Graham (they/them) is your best friend who identifies as demiromantic/queer, and who is also questioning their asexuality. Graham explains how they can tell the difference between romantic feelings versus how they feel pre-romance. Courtney and Graham also discuss how society ties together sexuality and body image, and how Graham’s journey with their own body has changed.

Content Warnings: mentions of trauma, swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

26: Dear God, PLEASE HELP!

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0600

Joci (she/her) is a poet and artist who realized she was aromantic and asexual at age 46. Joci talks about her time studying at a bible college nicknamed “bridal college,” aphobia in the Christian community, and a marriage proposal that went right over her head.

Content Warnings: aphobia, large focus on Christianity and faith.

Resources: Aven: The Asexual Visibility & Education Network, Wee3beasties feline rescue.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

25: Ace People Can Still Knock One Off

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0600

Jim (he/him) is a maker and engineer who identifies as asexual and heteroromantic. Jim explains how Dungeons and Dragons helped him realize he was asexual. Courtney and Jim also go into the pressures society places on cis het men to engage in sexual activities.

Content Warnings: swearing, mentions of masturbation

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

24: I Thought He Was a Lousy Lover

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0600

Jude (she/her) is an author who identifies as anegosexual and "historically" romantic. She explains what it's like to be asexual in a long-term marriage with someone who is allosexual, the complexities of coming out to her children, and what an "ace happy ending" might look like.

Jude's book: Body Parts and Mind Games

Content Warnings: aphobia

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde;

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler;

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

Holiday Message

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0600

Episode Transcript:

As you may have seen announced on the A OK twitter page, we don't have a new interview this week. I sincerely apologize for skipping this week, especially as I know that the holiday season is ramping up, which I know is the hardest time of year for many in the LGBTQIA community. That being said, I wanted to take a moment to remind you that being you is not a bad thing. You are wonderful, and you are valid, and you are seen. Please remember to be kind to yourself, and do whatever you need to do to make it out of the next few months in one piece. Being under the asexual and aromantic umbrellas can be tough, but we've got this. You've got this. I really do think of you all as friends, and as a community I never really felt like I had before. Thank you so much for being here and for being you.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

23: Have I Ever Had Sex for Me?

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0600

Melanie (she/her) is the world’s best cat mom who identifies as heteroromantic asexual. She discusses discovering the word “asexual” in her late thirties and how her life has changed since.

Content Warning: swearing and aphobia

Melanie's Photography: Instagram @melmaephoto

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

22: Jessica Rabbit is an Ace Icon

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0600

ChasTitty Barre (she/her) is a dancer and burlesque artist who identifies as grey ace and biromantic. ChasTitty talks about her experience in burlesque and reveals how Jessica Rabbit is an ace icon.

Content Warning: Swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

21: Under the Ace Umbrella

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0600

Mars (she/they) is a cat mom and library graduate student who identifies as biromantic and grey-asexual (and possibly grey-romantic). They describe how being Asian and assigned female at birth intersect with sexuality, as well as aro/ace visibility and their wonderful, beautiful cat.

Content Warnings: mentions of racism, mentions of sexism

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

20: I Assumed I was Hetero

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Sandra (she/her) is a yoga and pilates instructor who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Sandra describes her experience discovering the word "asexual" in her fifties, as well as the struggles of life before the label.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

19: Everyone Else Didn’t Feel This Way?!

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 09:03:44 -0500

Sky (they/them) is a dog mom and Simpsons enthusiast who identifies as sapphic-leaning grey-asexual and grey-aromantic. Sky talks about how being grey aro/ace intersects with sex work, their experience growing up queer in the Bible Belt, and how hypersexuality can be linked to mental health.

Content Warnings: swearing, religion, mentions of bipolar disorder, BPD, anxiety and depression, mentions of homophobia and transphobia, and mentions of stalking.

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

And thank you to our wonderful patrons at https://www.patreon.com/AOKpod!

18: Something in the Water at Liverpool

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Ro (she/her & they/them) is a psychology graduate who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Ro wrote their master's dissertation on ace and aro representation. They discuss their own experiences, their beautiful friends, and how lack of representation can influence mental health.

Content Warnings: Swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

17: Pants On, Please!

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Ry Irene (ze/zir) is a drag king and spoken word poet who identifies as panromantic and grey asexual/demisexual/autochorisexual. Ry talks about mixed orientations, how someone's level of comfort for physical affection can fluctuate, and the intersection of asexuality and the drag world.

Queerdo: https://www.queerdompls.com/

Content Warnings: Sexual assault mention

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

16: Sex and the Bible

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Aleta (they/them) is a bike courier and illustrator who identifies as asexual, bi-arospec, and nonbinary. Aleta talks about their experience being raised in an Evangelical Christian environment, and explains their methods and motivation as an artist.

Content Warnings: Swearing, religious discussion

Find Aleta at aletaillustration.com or @afiregender

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

15: I'm Ace, Not Blind!

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Angie (she/her) is a social worker and historical dressmaking enthusiast who identifies as asexual and gay romantic. She describes her experience being gay in the military, emphasizes the importance of sex education, and joins Courtney in recounting their shared ace-panic reactions to being asked out.

Content Warnings: Swearing, homophobia, mentions of sexual assault.

Sexplanations with Dr. Doe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkxMlA7rt-mnIc1AjbyAsPw

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

14: Kissing is Just Two Mouths Touching

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Bridget (she/her) is a barista and writer who identifies as grey-ace or demisexual, and panromantic. Bridget goes into the differences between grey-ace and demi, and reflects on the difficulties of describing asexuality to potential allosexual partners. Bridget and Courtney also rant about the weirdness of kissing for a long, long time.

Content Warnings: Swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

13: I Will Be Your Wingman Until We Die

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Soap Curtis (she/her) is a costume designer who identifies as asexual and heteroromantic. Soap shares some dating fears, discusses her relationship with mental illness, and gives a word of advice to allosexual people.

Content Warnings: swearing, gendered language, genitals mention, sexual acts mention, abuse mention, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, medication mention, suicidal ideation mention

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

12: Queerplatonic

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Emery (they/them) is a social worker who identifies as asexual, quoiromantic, and queer. Emery tells us how they came out to an accepting family, and how boundaries for physical affection can vary from person to person. Courtney and Emery then bond over their love of elephants and “found family” stories!

Content Warnings: swearing, mentions of sexual assault, mentions of misgendering

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

11: Bang!

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Yu-Chi (agender) is a board game researcher who identifies as asexual, androromantic, skolioromantic, and demiromantic. Yu-Chi shares past stories that make a lot more sense now after discovering asexuality. Yu-Chi also sheds light on how being agender influences daily life, and the issues with binary language.

Content Warnings: swearing, references to sex, references to misgendering

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

10: Everyone! Should! Communicate!

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Liv (they/them) is a professional muralist who identifies as ace-spec and pansexual. Liv describes their experience as a “super romantic” asexual, and we delve into the importance of talking about expectations and boundaries in relationships.

Liv’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liv.novotny

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

9: Key Honeymoon Time

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 14:00:52 -0500

This week's guest is Nik Hampshire (he/him), a model, photographer, influencer, and content creator who identifies as aromantic and heterosexual. Nik and Courtney discuss the importance of people taking their time to figure out what they want from relationships, while challenging "the rules" when it comes to romantic love and sexuality. Nik also picks our host Courtney's brain about her struggles in a hyper-romantic world while the pair bond over their shared aromantic journeys.

Nik Hampshire's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhampshire

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

8: I'll Never Be Ashamed About Laughing Loud

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Mara Emmons (she/her) is an intersectional feminist who watches movies, does improv, and identifies as pansexual and aromantic. Join Mara and Courtney as they talk about high school experiences, romance-free movies, and the danger of assumptions in the world of improv and comedy.

Content Warnings: Swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com);

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co);

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

7: I Just Wanna Be Your Friend, Like Super Hardcore

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Meet Kiera (she/her), a photographer who identifies as asexual and aromantic. Today, we counter the stereotypes regarding people on the aro/ace spectrums and dating, clarifying that it's about attraction, not action. Courtney and Kiera revel in the realm of Dungeons and Dragons and discuss what allosexual people can do to make the world more inclusive for those on the aro/ace spectrums.

Content Warnings: Swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi Lalonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

6: Big on Labels

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Join us this week on A OK as we talk with KM (they/them, ze/zir), a chemistry teacher and aerialist who identifies as quoiromantic and gray ace/nonbinary lesbian. We affirm how important teachers are in providing a safe space for students. We also talk about aerial circus acrobatics and KM’s journey exploring labels and building a new foundation for a relationship with their family.

Content Warnings: Swearing

Alate Circus Arts: https://www.facebook.com/AlateCircusArts/

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

5: Less Complicated Than You Think

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0500

In today's episode of A OK, we meet with Alex (she/her), a writer and Twitch streamer who identifies as demisexual and demiromatic/lesbian. Alex shares how demisexual differs from the other forms of sexuality, her experiences being queer while on the Autism spectrum, and our shared experiences of winding up on accidental dates!

Content Warnings: Fictional Abuse Mention

Alex's Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ozmainthedark

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

4: The Sexual Side of Fanfiction

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Today we talk with Linnea Peterson (she/her, they/them), a communications professional and aspiring novelist who identifies as grey asexual and bi-romantic. Linnea talks with us about labels, the wonderful world of fanfiction, and the forced romantic plots in the entertainment industry.

Content Warnings: Swearing

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

3: Think Before You Gatekeep

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:39:05 -0500

Nick (he/him) joins us for the third episode of A OK! Nick is a visual artist and advocate who identifies as asexual and arospec/bi. We discuss how transitioning with hormones could affect one's sexual identity, how low sex-drive is presumed a medical problem across healthcare providers, the difference between being sex indifferent and sex repulsed, and how great dogs are.

*Updated episode to fix an issue! Sorry!*

Link to Asexual Outreach: https://asexualoutreach.org/

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2: Hard to Prove a Negative

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk with playwright, performer, and theater artist Beth Ann Powers (she/her) about asexuality and aromanticism. We discuss the relationship between Christianity and sexuality, highlighting the difference between celibacy by choice and coming out as ace, and we celebrate the importance of platonic relationships and confront their lackluster portrayal in the media.

Content Warnings: Religion, Christianity, Invalidation

Slap Happy Studios: www.slaphappystudios.org

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.net)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

1: Power in Talking About It

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 05:00:00 -0500

In our first ever episode of A OK, we talk with poet and visual artist Jasper Hardin (they/them) about asexuality, bi-romanticism, and polyamory. Jasper tells us how being an asexual partner in romantic relationships influences intimacy, the spectrum of platonic relationships, and how polyamory fits into it all. We also expose how rape-culture affects asexuals specifically while exploring the assumptions of trauma and its affect on sexuality.

Content Warning: Mentions of rape-culture and sexual experiences

Explicit Literary Journal: https://explicitliteraryjournal.com

Special Thanks:

Editor/Producer: Sofi LaLonde (www.sofilalonde.com)

Visual Artist: Tanner Groehler (www.ratsandchildren.co)

Music: A OK by ÜberKicK is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Introducing: A OK

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 22:34:44 -0500

A OK is a brand-new podcast about everything ace and aro! Join Courtney each week as she interviews guests on the aromantic and asexual spectrums. Remove all that pressure to "prove" something unprovable, and instead listen to really cool people discuss coming out, fandoms, their hobbies and passions, and more!