My dear friend, Drew, opens up with me on this podcast about his journey as a female-to-male transgendered individual—the physical, financial, social, and emotional impact and struggles the transgender life brings.  Simply speaking, it is not easy.  Imagine all the rigors and stresses of everyday life compounded and magnified by the very body you are in being at odds with both your mind and society’s expectations.  Every step out into the world to tackle those everyday tasks becomes an awkward dance of considerations: how you dress, how you act, who to talk to, etc…--all because your gender identity is more complex than the XX versus XY boxes we have been accustomed to.

The purpose of Curve the Cube is to inspire people to pursue their dreams by interviewing and picking the brains of those who are living their dreams.  Typically, topics of the podcast stay within the realm of professional or hobby-like passions: owning a business, supporting yourself as an artist, etc…  However, I can think of no dream pursuit that requires more literal blood, sweat, and tears than that of a transgender person trying to find their way into the right body and out of the shadows.

Most of us are very lucky.  The journey into a body that physically matches the mind inside is usually accomplished for us in the privacy of a womb—without any effort on our part whatsoever.  For some, though, that journey is public and arduous.  I can’t thank my friend, Drew, for not only sharing his story, but also being so open and honest.  He has asked to remain anonymous due to his professional pursuits, which is just an honest reflection that there is more understanding and acceptance to come from our society.

This is definitely the longest podcast episode thus far, though I tried to edit it down for time as much as possible.  The message is just so important and involves so many elements I never before considered, that I wanted Drew’s story to be told as fully as I could.  I encourage all to hear the whole episode!

For transgender resources, this page on GLAAD’s website is a good place to start.  I hope we all end with compassion…

This episode of Curve the Cube is sponsored by Sol Experiences—the Florida events company to enhance your SOLcial life!  Curve the Cube’s producer, Jaime, has personally been on a Palm Beach Gardens pub crawl and party-limo driven day trip to Key West that were both SUPER fun!!!  Stay posted on their events, and if you mention Flint Stone Media, you will receive a discount!

Enjoy!

Music Beds courtesy of DJ John Hitta!!!

Copyright Flint Stone Media, LLC 2015.

Leilani Lungi has to be one of the most peaceful, warm, and open people I have ever met, and she shares that spirit of oneness through her art of hula dancing!  Born and raised in Hawaii, Leilani’s passion for hula, its history, and its artistry runs deep through her soul.  She performs locally at various events and festivals and is currently expanding the scope and availability of her instructional classes due to demand.  She is a woman living within the current of her natural passion, and it was an absolute joy to speak with her!

Please find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram under @HulaByLeilani!!!

This episode of Curve the Cube is sponsored by Little Smiles of Florida!  Little Smiles helps kids right here in our own neighborhoods who are struggling through something that no kid should ever have to deal with.  They work with the professionals closest to them to identify ways to put the little smiles on their faces.  Whether donating Christmas presents to children in shelters, bringing toys to children in local hospitals, raising money for a converted vehicles, or whatever else they can do… they do!  But, they do it with YOUR help.  Please donate to their wonderful cause!

Head to LittleSmiles.org and order some gear.  Enter the promo code “CurvedSmiles” and receive 10% off.  All proceeds go to Little Smiles of Florida; so, it’s a win-win!

Enjoy!!

Music Beds courtesy of DJ John Hitta!!!

Copyright Flint Stone Media, LLC 2015.

Chris Blinston is a tattoo legend in his own time with 28 consecutive best-in-shows as just PART of his 300+ award repertoire.  Not only is he a great artist, but he is also a successful businessman with a history of opening and operating successful shops.  He has held a steady 3-month client waiting list at his current shop: Big Brain 2: No Hard Feelings in Coral Springs.  So, if you want a tattoo from this guy, you better sign up now, especially because this self-taught success will now be part of Ink Master’s upcoming 6^th season on Spike TV, which will pit masters against apprentices!!!

In this podcast, he talks about his life in the Marines, how he got started as a tattoo artist, what skills he uses in running his business, and his experience on Ink Master.  He has a LOT of life lessons under his belt, and he was a joy to talk to!

Catch Chris Tuesday nights at 10 on Ink Master on Spike TV starting June 23^rd!!!  And, to start the season off right, join him and other Ink Master stars at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in Boca for the premier party that starts that night at 8pm!!!

(Watch the Season 6 preview here!!)

This episode of Curve the Cube is sponsored by Big Brain 2: No Hard Feelings tattoo shop!  Led by legendary tattoo artist, Chris Blinston, the team of multi-award-winning artists at this highly professional studio are creative, talented, accomplished, and focused on excellent customer service.  Head in and experience a different level of tattoo shop; mention Curve the Cube, and get 10% off!!

Enjoy!!

Music Beds courtesy of DJ John Hitta!!!

Copyright Flint Stone Media, LLC 2015.

With an upcoming documentary in the making, Jay “Poppa J” Cintron hopes to inspire people with his story of being #TheManBehindTheMask.  Best known as Captain KVJ, an iconic superhero born during the “Save the KVJ Show” campaign, Jay He has grown Captain KVJ into an integral part of KVJ Nation—joining Jason Pennington’s Snack Pack and being a Weird Wednesday minion.  However, there is so much more behind this dude!

Jay grew up in New York and transplanted to Florida at the age of 17.  His family story and personal life are a real testament to the power of faith and perseverance.  He is truly an inspiration.  And a leader…!!!  He not only has become a core KVJ Nation member, but he also is the main mascot for his employer, Nozzle Nolen!

He’s a goofball, a sweetheart, a respected trailblazer, a father, and a great friend.  Allow me to please introduce you to #TheManBehindTheMask!!!  Follow him on Twitter at his personal account or as Captain KVJ, find him at KVJ Nation gatherings for the KVJ Show, watch him in Clowns Have Murderous Ways, and keep checking in for details on his documentary.  Poppa J is a 24/7 entertainment reel!!!

This episode of Curve the Cube is sponsored by Little Smiles of Florida!  Little Smiles helps kids right here in our own neighborhoods who are struggling through something that no kid should ever have to deal with.  They work with the professionals closest to them to identify ways to put the little smiles on their faces.  Whether donating Christmas presents to children in shelters, bringing toys to children in local hospitals, raising money for a converted vehicles, or whatever else they can do… they do!  But, they do it with YOUR help.  Please donate to their wonderful cause!

Head to LittleSmiles.org and order some gear.  Enter the promo code “CurvedSmiles” and receive 10% off.  All proceeds go to Little Smiles of Florida; so, it’s a win-win!

Enjoy!!

Music Beds courtesy of DJ John Hitta!!!

Copyright Flint Stone Media, LLC 2015.

Richard P. Anderson has spent much of his life helping those who help others, moving from one non-profit to another and improving their networking, funding, and overall operations.  We are lucky to have him at the helm of the Peggy Adams Rescue League—a human society animal shelter in Palm Beach County!  They have serviced THOUSANDS of dogs and cats each and every year since their incorporation all the way back in 1925 and are dedicated to a mission of 100% adoption rate.

A stalwart of our community, the work this organization does improves every aspect of our community—keeping pets safe, healthy, and in a controlled population.  Just one trip to Peggy Adams will immediately impress upon you the breadth and value of their impact.  Richard Anderson has dedicated himself to helping them achieve each and every one of their goals through impressive organization of staff, volunteers, events, and networking with other community shelters and services.

Allergies or not, you have a skill that Peggy Adams could use.  From fostering to finance, the volunteers at Peggy Adams are as important of a puzzle piece as their regular staff.  So, please consider contributing—whether from your time or from your wallet. Head to the Peggy Adams website to see pics of the animals they have available for and for info on their adoptions, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, ways to donate, and so much more!  (And, let’s all help celebrate their 90th anniversary!!)

This episode of Curve the Cube is sponsored by Sol Experiences —THE  Florida events company to enhance your SOLcial life!  Curve the Cube’s producer, Jaime, has personally been on a Palm Beach Gardens pub crawl and party-limo driven day trip to Key West that were both SUPER fun!!!  Stay posted on their events, and if you mention Flint Stone Media, you will receive a discount!

Enjoy!

Music Beds courtesy of DJ John Hitta!!!

Copyright Flint Stone Media, LLC 2015.