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Episode 43: “Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby!” with Kinsey Institute’s Rebecca Fasman
59:44

Episode 43: “Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby!” with Kinsey Institute’s Rebecca Fasman

It’s getting steamy and political this week when Drew and Alex sit down with Rebecca Fasman, curator at the Kinsey Institute, to talk about sex, sexuality, and the decrepit state of sexual education in America. From the ongoing attacks on Planned Parenthood to the dismantling of the Department of Education, it’s a bleak time for reproductive rights and comprehensive sex ed—and the hosts aren't afraid to say so. But through shared stories, laughter, and a conversation with one of the most respected sex-positive institutions in the country, this episode offers both catharsis and clarity. Let’s talk about sex, baby! Bio: Rebecca Fasman is the Curator for the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington. She holds an MA in Museum Studies from New York University and a BA in Visual and Critical Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Rebecca has spent the last 20 years working in museums and art institutions, including but not limited to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York City), the National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC), Deutsche Bank (New York City), and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. Her curatorial practice views art, creativity, sex, and sexuality as lenses through which we can understand more about the nature of humanity, with the ultimate goal of wanting everyone to live the happiest, healthiest, most connected, and opportunity-filled lives they can. Rebecca’s Social Media: @RFasman, www.KinseyInstitute.org Crash Course: @CrashCourse (YouTube), www.TheCrashCourse.com Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com #IntoTheMud #IntoTheMudPodcast #RebeccaFasman #KinseyInstitute #SexEducation #SexEdMatters #SexPositive #LetsTalkAboutSex #ReproductiveRights #PlannedParenthood #DepartmentOfEducation #SexualityStudies #LGBTQEducation #QueerVoices #BodilyAutonomy #SexAndPolitics #SexPositivePodcast #EducationalJustice #ComprehensiveSexEd #PodcastWithPurpose #FunnyAndSmart #EducationReform #FeministPodcast #OpenConversations #SexualFreedom #FightForRights #IntersectionalFeminism #SafeSexEd #SexEdIsHealthCare #AlexKumin #DrewKing #PolicyAndPleasure #SexualHealthEducation #AbstinenceIsNotEnough #TalkAboutIt #CatharsisThroughConversation #ReelsInstagram #PodcastClip #SexualityMatters #SexualHealthRights #ProtectSexEd
Episode 42: Sarp Kerem Yavuz Gets Muddy About AI Art and Community Backlash
54:02

Episode 42: Sarp Kerem Yavuz Gets Muddy About AI Art and Community Backlash

This week, Drew and Alex get messy with a topic stirring up muddy waters all across the art world: AI-generated art. Their guest, Turkish-American artist Sarp Kerem Yavuz, helps unpack the fear, fascination, and controversy surrounding this new medium. The hosts come in skeptical—concerned about creativity, ethics, and artistic integrity—but Sarp brings some wildly compelling analogies that start to shift their perspective. Is AI art a threat, or just another tool in the artist’s ever-evolving toolkit? Bio: The works of Sarp Kerem Yavuz reclaim Orientalist imagery and bring the visual legacy of the Middle East into the present. Through photography, sculpture, and digital art, he creates visually provocative works of art in pursuit of peaceful coexistence. Born in Paris in 1991 and raised in Istanbul, his works explore gender, politics, religion, and violence. In 2013, he became the youngest artist to exhibit and be included in the permanent collection of the Istanbul Modern Museum. His artworks are published in Turkey: Istanbul CODEX, and the Boys! book benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. His works are also included in The Luciano Benetton Collection as part of Imago Mundi, the permanent collections of the CICA Museum in South Korea, the Norton Museum in Florida, the Allen Memorial Art Museum and the Transformer Station in Ohio, the Polaroid (Impossible Project) Collection in Berlin, the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art in New York, and the Soho House Collection. He lives and works in New York. Sarp’s Social Media: @SarpKeremYavuz and www.Sarp.info Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com #IntoTheMud #IntoTheMudPodcast #AIArt #AIvsArtist #AIandCreativity #SarpKeremYavuz #AIgeneratedArt #DigitalArtEthics #FutureOfArt #CreativeIntegrity #ArtWorldDebate #ArtAndTechnology #TurkishAmericanArtist #QueerArtists #NewMediaArt #GenerativeArt #CreativeControversy #MachineLearningArt #ArtWithCode #VisualArtDebate #ArtEvolution #WhatIsArt #EthicsInArt #ArtistsOnAI #TechMeetsCreativity #ConceptualArt #DigitalAgeArt #CreativeTools #ArtDiscourse #CreativeFuture #TechAndHumanity #AlexKumin #DrewKing #ControversialArt #VisualCulture #ArtHistoryNow #AIandEthics #NewMediums #ArtWorldConversations #ModernArtistVoices #PodcastClip #ReelsInstagram #christies #christiesauctionhouse #Sarp
Episode 41: Alex Gets Muddy About Career Plateau
36:38

Episode 41: Alex Gets Muddy About Career Plateau

There’s a moment in every go-getter’s life when the spark dims, the path forward feels foggy, and everything feels stale. As Steven Pressfield says, “Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate… it will assume any form.” But, try not to give in! This week on Into the Mud, Alex sits in the thick of her career plateau—frustrated, questioning, but still searching. What does it look like to stay open when everything feels stagnant? And how do you keep going when you’re not sure what “going” even means? Bio: Alex is a New York based comedian by way of Chicago and Boston whose bold and whip smart standup delights crowds across the US. Credits: The Comedy Cellar, New York Comedy Club, NBC’s "That Clip Show: Holiday Edition”, 2021 season of Comedy Central Standup Featuring. Bio: Originally from Massachusetts, Drew is a Broadway dancer, actor and writer living in New York City. Credits: Broadway’s “Tootsie” and “On the 20th Century”, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Capote VS The Swans”, The Tony Awards, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Saturday Night Live, and the 2021 Met Gala. Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com #IntoTheMud #IntoTheMudPodcast #CreativePlateau #CareerStagnation #Burnout #CreativeResistance #StevenPressfield #TheWarOfArt #StuckSeason #ComedianLife #AlexKumin #SearchingForDirection #FeelingFoggy #CreativeBurnout #MidCareerCrisis #SelfGrowth #MessyMiddle #MentalHealthMatters #OpenToUncertainty #VulnerabilityIsStrength #WorkInProgress #CreativeBlocks #StandUpComedy #BroadwayAdjacent #ComedyAndCrisis #KeepGoing #QuestioningEverything #MotivationSlump #InnerCritic #NYCComedian #WomenInComedy #GrowthSeason #NothingFeelsRight #HustleHangover #StillSearching #SpiritualBurnout #LiminalSpace #StayingOpen #SelfDiscovery #FoggyFuture #podcastclip
Episode 40: Cacophony Daniels Gets Muddy About Drag Bans
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Episode 40: Cacophony Daniels Gets Muddy About Drag Bans

The heels are high and the stakes are higher. On this week of Into the Mud, we're joined by drag queen and activist Cacophony Daniels (also known as Broadway performer, Courter Simmons) to talk about drag bans, rising anti-LGBTQ legislation, and the fight to stay visible and vocal in a shifting political climate. From challenging toxic masculinity to pushing back against the new wave of Trump-era censorship, Cacophony gets loud, proud, and unapologetically muddy. Bio: Cacophony Daniels (aka Courter Simmons) performs internationally as an actor, singer, and drag queen. Broadway credits include Jersey Boys (Bob Crewe, Frankie Valli Standby Final Company)). Off-Broadway credits include Jersey Boys (Frankie Valli). Television credits include Last Week Tonight and Mysteries of Laura, and film credits include The Producers. His live-singing drag alter-ego, Cacophony Daniels, has been seen in Provincetown, Fire Island, New York, and all over the world with Atlantis Cruises. Drag is not a crime! Cacophony’s Social Media: @cacophonydaniels Courter’s Social Media: @courtersimmons, www.CourterSimmons.com. Watch ALL of our episodes in our Into The Mud Playlist here!: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_n_Gp9DuBWZt5H37cGc7kDJSJ15AUS1h&si=SixzVCMb7LClqlNP Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com #DragQueen #CacophonyDaniels #CourterSimmons #DragIsNotACrime #DragPerformer #DragArtist #DragVisibility #DragCulture #DragActivism #DragResistance #QueerArt #LGBTQRights #ProtectTransLives #QueerVoices #LGBTQActivist #StopTheHate #TransRightsAreHumanRights #QueerResistance #AntiLGBTQLaws #FightTheBans #QueerFuture #QueerMasculinity #GenderPerformance #ToxicMasculinity #BreakTheBinary #NonBinaryVoices #MasculinityRedefined #QueerIdentity #LGBTQVoices #IntoTheMudPodcast #IntoTheMud #IntoTheMudShow #MudTalks #QueerPodcast #PodcastInterview #PoliticalPodcast #DragPodcast #PodcastersOfInstagram #YouTubePodcast #PodcastLife #IndependentPodcast #ListenNow #Election2024 #TrumpEra #DragUnderAttack #NoDragBans #QueerAndProud #WeWontBeSilenced #MustListenPodcast #NewEpisodeAlert #PodcastPromotion #DrewKing #AlexKumin
Ep. 39: Mike Lemire Gets Muddy About Leaving Corporate America
45:23

Ep. 39: Mike Lemire Gets Muddy About Leaving Corporate America

Feeling stuck in a corporate job that’s draining you? In this episode of Into the Mud, we sit down with Mike Lemire, who left a successful corporate tech career after burnout to start his own consulting firm. Mike opens up about the emotional toll of corporate life, the fear of leaving stability behind, and the courage it takes to redefine success on your own terms. If you’re feeling lost in a career transition or trapped on the corporate ladder, this conversation will make you feel seen — and maybe even inspire you to take that first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life. Watch now and subscribe for more raw, honest conversations about navigating life’s messy transitions! Bio: Mike Lemire is the founder of Harmonic Leadership, with over 15 years of experience in leadership roles within tech and SaaS companies. He specializes in helping leaders improve their executive presence, decision-making, and team dynamics. Mike started his career in the music industry. After studying music at Berklee College of Music, he began working with the marketing team at Blue Note Records. From there, he worked with an impressive slate of entertainment industry clients, ranging from EMI Classics to Focus Features and the Florida Panthers. He then went on to run Account Management programs for Yahoo!, overseeing the launch of Yahoo India in Bangalore and developing policy around political advertising during the 2008 election. HubSpot is truly where Mike grew up professionally. While there, he launched the Professional Services team, working with executives from small businesses to Fortune 100 enterprises. After HubSpot's IPO, Mike went on to launch the Customer Success, Support, and Onboarding teams at Notarize. In 2018, Mike joined the leadership team at Toast, tasked with creating a more scalable customer success team. He focused on data, operational excellence, and culture to help Toast scale from 10,000 customers to over 100,000. After Toast's IPO, he explored the world of AI in the healthcare space by joining Overjet as their VP of Customer Success. While there, he found his passion and skill for coaching and launched Harmonic Leadership in 2024. Mike’s Social Media: www.HarmonicLeadership.co, @BiggestMike. Watch ALL of our episodes in our Into The Mud Playlist here!: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_n_Gp9DuBWZt5H37cGc7kDJSJ15AUS1h&si=SixzVCMb7LClqlNP Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com #careertransitions #LeavingCorporateAmerica #burnoutrecovery #careerchange #LifeAfterCorporate #IntoTheMud #IntoTheMudPodcast #PodcastEpisode #CareerAdvice #CorporateBurnout #Entrepreneurship #FollowYourPassion #mentalhealthatwork #WorkLifeBalance #FindingFulfillment #CorporateEscape #SuccessRedefined #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #CareerJourney #selfdiscovery
Episode 36: Caitlin Peluffo Gets Muddy About Long Term Relationship Breakups
47:04

Episode 36: Caitlin Peluffo Gets Muddy About Long Term Relationship Breakups

What happens when you call off a long-term engagement, abandon your comforts and have to start all over again? That's right; this week we're getting muddy about breakups with stand-up comedian, Caitlin Peluffo. Join us as we talk about the messy, uncomfortable, and oddly invigorating experience of embracing singlehood post-partnership. Bio: Originally hailing from San Francisco, Caitlin Peluffo is a stand up comedian living in New York City. This lovable loose cannon made her network television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, was featured on the Late Late Show with James Corden, and has been seen on CBS's After Midnight, as well as Comedy Central's 'Featuring' series.' She was named a 2022 Just for Laughs New Face and appeared on the JFL Network. She opens regularly for Matteo Lane and Fortune Feimster and is a regular in the NYC comedy scene performing in clubs like The Comedy Cellar, New York Comedy Club, and Gotham Comedy Clubs. Her debut album, Dirty Bird, hit number one on the Comedy charts 3 days in a row and can be heard on Spotify, and Sirius XM. Caitlin’s Social Media: @CaitlinPeluffo, www.CaitlinPeluffo.com Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com
Episode 35: Gus Constantellis Gets Muddy About Dating
48:21

Episode 35: Gus Constantellis Gets Muddy About Dating

Dating in your 30s and 40s: a battleground where red flags wave like carnival banners, self-love battles with self-sabotage, and the phrase ‘I know what I want’ gets tested daily. Now, imagine navigating all of that while grieving the loss of your mother. This week, we’re diving into the wild, heartfelt, and sometimes deeply chaotic world of love, loss, and gooning (yes, we go there) with comedian Gus Constantellis. He’s a first-gen Greek-American figuring out what he wants while holding space for both laughter and grief. So buckle up, grab your emotional support tzatziki, and get ready to wade Into the Mud. Bio: Gus Constantellis (he/they) is a gay, first generation Greek-American stand up comedian and writer. His material deals heavily with his large immigrant family, his Greek heritage, raunchy yet relatable dating stories, and his unique perspective on growing up in Brooklyn. He regularly tours across the country and internationally and recently released a Comedy Central featuring set. He's written for several children's shows on Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Netflix, including THE LION GUARD, RAINBOW RANGERS, ABBY HATCHER and GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE. Gus’ Social Media: @ConstantlyGus Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com
Episode 33: Khori Petinaud Gets Muddy About Creativity, Success and Impact
52:29

Episode 33: Khori Petinaud Gets Muddy About Creativity, Success and Impact

This week on Into the Mud, we dive into the messy intersection of creativity and commercial art with accomplished Broadway performer, Khori Michelle Petinaud. While questioning the industry’s grip on her artistry and creativity, Khori finds a way to beautifully navigate the tension between financial stability and genuine creative fulfillment. We are thrilled to have this conversation with Khori as she actively redefines what “success” in a brutal industry means on her own terms. Join us for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about art, ambition, and staying true to what moves you. Bio: Khori Petinaud is a NYC based performer, educator, wife, mama and lover of all things dance! Credits include Aladdin the Musical (OBC), Moulin Rouge the Musical (OBC), Chicago the Musical, Lempicka (OBC) and her principal debut in the company of Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ where she landed a Chita Rivera Award nomination (Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway show) as well as a win (Outstanding Ensemble in a Bway show)! Some other credits include Black Swan, In the Heights (Kennedy Center), The Color Purple (Nat. Tour), King Kong, American Dance Machine, and Freddie Falls in Love ( Signature Theater: Al Blackstone). Tv credits include: Up Here (Hulu), Rent: Live (FOX) , The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon) ,Vinyl (HBO), The Knick (Cinemax), and Z:The Beginning of Everything (Amazon). Khori’s Social Media: @Kmr8787 (Insta) and @Khori_Petinaud (TikTok) Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com
Episode 31: John Lagucki Gets Muddy About HIV & AIDS Stigma
53:43

Episode 31: John Lagucki Gets Muddy About HIV & AIDS Stigma

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 39.9 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV and a rough estimate of 1.5 million new cases are reported each year. With such high numbers , how is there still so much stigma and misinformation surrounding the topic of HIV and AIDS? On this week’s episode, queer nightlife and portrait photographer, John Lagucki, shares their journey of breaking down fear and misinformation, leaning into empathy, and the truth about what it means to live with or support someone affected by HIV. Bio: John Lagucki is a New York City based fundraiser and portrait photographer. Working at nonprofit organizations around NYC, John is driven by sustaining the arts and helping organizations reach their fullest potential supporting diverse communities. As a photographer, John recently received a Glam Award nomination for Best Nightlife Photographer. Inspired by photographers from the 80s and 90s, John's photography has been described as "timeless gay photography". You can find his work on Instagram: @johnlagucki. John’s Social Media: @JohnLagucki and www.JohnLagucki.com Resource: for free and/ or affordable STI testing and PREP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), text TESTNYC to 55676. Resource: Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA), www.BroadwayCares.org Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com
Episode 30: Mamie Parris Gets Muddy About Bell's Palsy
51:19

Episode 30: Mamie Parris Gets Muddy About Bell's Palsy

Imagine waking up one morning, looking at yourself in the mirror, and suddenly noticing that one side of your face is paralyzed. Is it a stroke? Is this permanent? Why do I not look like myself? How terrifying and shocking. This is the exact circumstance that has fallen on Broadway actress, Mamie Parris, and unfortunately, this is not her first rodeo with the medical phenomenon known as Bell’s palsy. Most cases of this temporary facial paralysis can resolve itself within a few short weeks, but for Mamie, she is approaching a year. Tune in this week to hear her remarkable story of resilience, patience and strength while confronting this challenging chapter of her life. Bio: Mamie Parris has developed a diverse and unique body of work throughout her extensive career. Best known on Broadway for her one-of-a-kind rendition of the iconic “Memory” she is no stranger to the work of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, having starred as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Cats, as Rosalie (closing cast) and Patty (opening cast) in Broadway’s School of Rock, and- most recently- in the US Premier of the Lloyd Webber retrospective Unmasked. Other Broadway appearances include the Tony-nominated revivals of Ragtime, 110 In The Shade, and On The 20th Century, as well as the Tony winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. Her film and television credits include The Blacklist, State of Affairs, A Standup Guy and PBS Great Performances "50 Years of Broadway's Best". Across the country, she appeared as Elphaba in the First National Tour of fan-favorite Wicked, as well as performing with the touring companies of Legally Blonde and Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Mamie attended the Paseo Academy of the Arts in Kansas City, Missouri, before graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic academy in New York City. She resides in New York City with her husband, Johnathan, and shih tsu mix, Cookie. Mamie’s Social Media: @MamieParrisOfficial, www.MamieParris.com Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com
Episode 28: Alex Gets Muddy About Sexual Assault Trauma
49:12

Episode 28: Alex Gets Muddy About Sexual Assault Trauma

Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive discussions about sexual assault and trauma, which may be triggering for some listeners—please take care while listening. Acclaimed physician and writer, Gabor Maté, has a dedicated career in working with survivors of trauma. He says, “Trauma splits us from our true selves and disconnects us from our emotions…What happened to you can never have un-happened, but you can heal trauma just like you heal a physical wound; it is not the event that happened to you, but the harm you suffered due to a particular circumstance and it can be healed at any time.” For many, simply speaking their trauma out loud can be a source of healing and catharsis. On this week’s episode, Alex bravely opens about for the first time about childhood sexual trauma she has carried for decades now, and gets painfully muddy about her journey to find healing, release and self-love. Bio: Alex is a New York based comedian by way of Chicago and Boston whose bold and whip smart standup delights crowds across the US. Credits: The Comedy Cellar, New York Comedy Club, NBC’s "That Clip Show: Holiday Edition”, 2021 season of Comedy Central Standup Featuring. Bio: Originally from Massachusetts, Drew is a Broadway dancer, actor and writer living in New York City. Credits: Broadway’s “Tootsie” and “On the 20th Century”, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Capote VS The Swans”, The Tony Awards, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the 2021 Met Gala. Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms! For the visual version, follow along on YouTube! Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC). Audio mixed by Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost). Filmed and recorded in the Barrow Lounge at @TheMalin West Village. www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com

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