VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

The conversation, led by a skilled filmmaker Jay Levy, delves deep into the importance of authentic storytelling within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the broader landscape of media representation. The discussion begins by acknowledging the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ filmmakers face in crafting narratives that resonate on a personal level while appealing to a wider audience. Levy's own journey, from his breakout short film to his dynamic web series, exemplifies the delicate balance required to tell stories that are both true to the creator's vision and accessible to viewers. This balance is not just about entertaining; it's about making space for underrepresented voices and experiences to be heard and understood. The evolution of queer cinema is another focal point, with Levy highlighting how the content and appetite of gay film festival audiences have matured over time. There is an acknowledgment of the changing societal landscape, especially the generational shifts i...

In the ever-evolving quest to understand the mysteries of life and death, filmmaker Ben Harl presents a compelling narrative that transcends the mere act of storytelling. The latest podcast episode features Harl, whose personal experiences of loss and grief have shaped his journey from a musician to a filmmaker, ultimately leading him to explore the profound depths of afterlife beliefs and human connection. The episode begins by setting the stage for a profound exploration of the psychological impact of grief. Harl shares his transformation from writing to filmmaking, a process that required him to adapt his skills and engage with the collaborative spirit that filmmaking demands. This transition from the auditory realm of music to the visceral impact of the film highlights the intricate relationship between a story and its audience and how a filmmaker can witness firsthand the resonance of their narrative. The conversation then delves into the intricacies of faith and religion. Harl re...

Music is not just a form of entertainment; it's a gateway to understanding the deepest parts of our identity. The latest episode of our podcast is a testament to this belief as we host Glenda Benavides, a singer-songwriter whose work is as much a narrative as it is a melody. Throughout the episode, Glenda shares her insights on how her musical journey has intertwined her personal growth and self-discovery. Glenda's story stands out as a beacon of authentic self-expression in a world where labels and conformity often dominate the conversation. Her discussion about the evolution of narrative in songwriting reveals the nuanced ways musicians convey their stories. She illustrates how feedback from others can bring new perspectives to an artist's work, showing that creating music is an ever-evolving dialogue between the artist and the audience. The episode also delves into the themes of inspiration and how societal issues can influence songwriting. Glenda discusses her commitmen...

  There's a peculiar magic to setting goals. It's like opening the first page of a new Stephen King novel—full of promise, potential, and a touch of the unknown. Goals are the narratives we craft for ourselves, each one a chapter in the grand story of our lives. Setting and achieving personal goals is not just about the endgame but the journey, the characters we become, and the obstacles we overcome. Let's dive into this process with practical advice backed by research and sprinkled with personal tales of triumph.   The Power of Realistic, Measurable Goals Setting realistic and measurable goals is akin to plotting a course for a gripping story. Without a clear path, we risk wandering aimlessly and losing sight of the plot. Research suggests that goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (Doran, 1981). This framework ensures that our goals are not just lofty dreams but attainable milestones. Specific: Vague goals are like the foggy to...

The art of storytelling is as ancient as civilization, shaping societies' ideologies and behaviors over time. In our latest podcast episode, we dissect the intrinsic power of narrative and its role in both personal and collective experience. The conversation begins with exploring how stories, often subconsciously absorbed, mold our individual beliefs and societal attitudes. This theme is further examined through the lens of media representation, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community, and its evolution in combating discrimination. We delve into insights from the book "Language of the Soul," comparing the dissemination of stories to the spread of pollen—or when viewed negatively, disease—highlighting storytelling's potent duality. The episode then transitions to the fierce transgender rapper and singer Buffy Bratz, who shares her story of adversity and resilience. Buffy's music is more than a collection of rhythms; it's an anthem of defiance against societal barr...

In our latest podcast episode, "The Tapestry of Tales: Exploring the Impact of Storytelling on Culture and Growth," we delved deep into storytelling's intricacies and its profound influence on personal development and societal transformation. Storytelling isn't just an act of entertainment; it's a potent force that has shaped human civilization from the beginning. As we unpacked the layers, it became clear that stories are not mere pastimes but pivotal tools in shaping the collective consciousness and individual psyche. We explored how narratives, from the most ancient myths to modern digital tales, serve as both mirrors and architects of society. Storytelling allows us to process complex emotions, confront brutal truths, and envisage alternate realities. It's a form of cultural catharsis, influencing policy-making and reflecting the ethos of the times. Yet, with the rise of authoritarian sentiments globally, we pondered the crucial role of artistic freedom an...

In the recent episode of the podcast "Dancing with Mortality: The Intertwined Threads of Storytelling and the Human Spirit," listeners are invited to join host Dominick Domingo and the remarkable nonagenarian Nancy B. as they embark on an enriching exploration of the human spirit creativity, and the profound impact of storytelling on our personal evolution and cultural tapestry. The episode is a celebration of life's third act and an insightful discourse on how creativity, spiritual growth, and storytelling are intertwined with our essence. Nancy B., who embodies the spirit of resilience and vitality at the age of 90, shares her personal narrative that includes her acting days, the challenges of heart and lung issues, and her profound love story. Dominic Domingo adds depth to the conversation by sharing his dance with mortality and the inspiration behind his book "Language of the Soul." One of the episode's focal points is the role of creativity in aging gra...

  In the recent episode of "Language of the Soul," we embarked on an exploratory journey into storytelling's intricate and influential realm. Our esteemed guest, Marina Bakica, with her multicultural flair, shared her profound insights into how storytelling serves as a cultural bridge, an art form, and a social shaper, providing us with a panoramic view of its transformative power. Storytelling, in its essence, is not merely a form of entertainment; it's an ancient craft that reflects the complexities of human experiences. It acts as a mirror, revealing our own truths, and possesses the mystical alchemy to reshape the society we live in. From the spoken word around a campfire to the cinematic masterpieces that grace our screens, stories have the power to evoke empathy, build understanding, and weave together the disparate threads of human existence into a shared tapestry of life. During our conversation, we delved into the various mediums through which stories can be ...

In the recent episode of "The Soul's Whisper," we embarked on an enthralling journey through intuition, spirituality, and holistic wellness, led by Krystal Parry, an evidence-based medium and Reiki master. Our conversation meandered through the corridors of personal narratives and the subtle yet powerful messages the universe imparts upon us. As we delved into our own stories and laughed together, we discovered how engaging with our clairvoyant and clairsentient abilities allows us to gracefully traverse the chapters of our lives, fostering a more profound sense of connection. We ventured into the intricate tapestry that interlinks energy work, metaphysical understanding, and the pursuit of a holistic lifestyle. Krystal Parry illuminated our understanding of Reiki, aligning it with our body's energetic pathways. We pondered the crossroads where spirituality meets the empirical, touching upon the intriguing realms of quantum mechanics and cell biology. Our discourse ve...

  In the latest episode of the podcast "Echoes of Our Journey: The Power of LGBTQ Stories in Shaping Identity and Culture," host Dominic Domingo shares a candid and compelling narrative that delves into the significance of LGBTQ representation in media and its impact on cultural identity and individual self-perception. Through personal anecdotes and discussions with guests like filmmaker Jay Levy, the episode traverses many topics, from the subtleties of prejudice within society to the powerful ripple effect of storytelling in shaping societal attitudes and fostering acceptance. The episode begins by reflecting on the historical context of LGBTQ representation in media, drawing parallels between Domingo's coming-out journey and the broader experiences of the LGBTQ community. Domingo's storytelling brings to life the struggle for self-acceptance amidst societal silence and highlights the need for visible and affirming role models in media landscapes. His narrative is o...