Dr. Stacy L. Smith: The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative

In this episode of 'Queer Goggles,' we talk with Dr. Stacy L. Smith, a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award recipient and founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC. Dr. Smith discusses her organization's work on inclusion in media, focusing on gender, race, LGBTQ+, disabilities, and mental health. She explains how the Initiative measures representation in film, television, and music, and the challenges of combating explicit bias in Hollywood. Highlighting her w...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, Nick Vargas talks with Joey Bachrach of Rainbow Hill Recovery. They share their own experiences with recovery from substance use disorders and how their journeys impact their current work. Joey talks about recovery resources for the LGBTQ+ community and offers words of hope for those looking to recover. Support the show Queer Goggles is just one of thirty programs and services of The Source LGBT+ Center in Visalia, CA. If you like what you heard today and are i

Tanya Tassi (she/her) speaks with Brian Poth about her important work in the LGBTQ+ movement. Currently the Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for CenterLink, Tanya's advocacy and leadership helps community centers stay informed and gives them the tools to mobilize and make lasting change in their communities and the nation. Her former work with seniors at the LA LGBT Center inspires a new generation to step into caring for our aging queer community. To find out more about Tanya, go to ta

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we sit down with acclaimed photographer Aaron Jay Young to discuss his book Queen, a stunning collection of portraits featuring some of the world’s most famous drag queens. Aaron shares insights from his time as a set photographer on RuPaul’s Drag Race, his personal journey of healing, and his approach to creating spaces where his subjects feel safe, seen, and free to express their authentic selves. Explore Aaron’s work at aaronjayyoung.com and aaronjayyoungstu

Author, artist, and actor Sean Hemeon joins Queer Goggles to share his incredible journey and discuss his upcoming memoir, The Good Little Drug Lord. From navigating life as a gay, Mormon college student to becoming a drug-dealing informant for federal agents, Sean's story is a gripping and cautionary tale of resilience, redemption, and gratitude. In this episode, Sean opens up about his struggles with addiction, the transformative power of recovery, and the hope that fuels his creative and pers

In this episode of Queer Goggles, hosted by Brian Poth, various perspectives converge on the vital importance of passing Proposition 3. The discussion includes insights from Ernesto Cuellar, the Northern California Coalition Manager for Yes on Prop 3, local military veteran Cheri Provancha, and community advocates Terry Stasio and Jim Reeves. Together, they explore efforts to remove discriminatory language from the California Constitution, the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ