Episodes

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...

Join Executive Director, Brian Poth (he/they), and Director of Development and Strategy, Nick Vargas (he/him) for an exclusive interview with Caroline Kingsbury (she/her) before her performance at Pride Visalia on October 12th! This is an amazing opportunity to hear from Caroline as she discusses her music, the landscape of queer art in the industry, the importance of supportive communities, and more. You don't want to miss Caroline's performance, so make sure to get your Pride Visalia tickets...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, host Phae Lockwood (they/them) welcomes Executive Director Brian Poth (he/they) and Director of Development and Strategy Nick Vargas (he/him), co-founders of The Source LGBT+ Center. Earlier in 2024, Brian and Nick were announced as recipients of the esteemed James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. In this conversation, they share the joy they felt accepting the Award in Sacramento, as well as the immense positive impact the Award has had on The Source LGBT+ ...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, host Phae Lockwood (they/them) welcomes guest Sarah Marquez (she/her), a Disability Justice Facilitator and Consultant, to discuss Disability Pride Month, disability justice, and its significance to the LGBTQ+ community. Sarah delves into the history the Disability Rights Movement and shares her journey as a queer, disabled person. This conversation explores the intersectionality of disability and LGBTQ+ identities, highlighting the importance of community-buil...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, join host Phae Lockwood (they/them) and guest Savino Perico (he/him) as they discuss the work of Kings Community Action Organization, which offers over 25 programs and services including childcare, food and nutrition assistance, housing and crisis support, and so much more. KCAO is one of many like organizations in the Community Action Agency Network, which was initiated by Lyndon B. Johnson 1960s to address poverty in the U.S. To this day, these agencies are a...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, join host Phae Lockwood (they/them) and guest M the Myth (they/them) as they dive deep into M's beautiful journey, from childhood dreaming to becoming the revolutionary Queer Pop artist they are today. M’s accomplishments number many; they are a graduate of the Clinton Global Initiative University, where their project, The Wavy Awards, which aims to celebrate and uplift LGBTQIA+ artists, received special recognition. Their single "Speed of Life" was featured on...

Happy Holidays from The Source LGBT+ Center! On today’s episode, we’re introducing our new host of the Queer Goggles Podcast, Phae Lockwood, who will be taking the Queer Goggles ship over in the coming weeks! I know change is hard but we assure you that the podcast rests in capable hands. We are also excited to speak with The Source’s Programs Manager, Alix Carranza, The Source’s Youth Board President, Giselle, and the Youth Board’s Secretary, Nikolas as part of our first panel episode. We will ...

It is a new season and we are starting it off by speaking with Jamie Brickhouse! Jamie Brickhouse is a published writer, comedic storyteller, TikTok sensation, podcast host, and public speaker. He's also the author of the critically acclaimed Dangerous When Wet: A Memoir of Booze Sex and My Mother. Come join us as we delve into Jamie’s writing process, his messy journey to recovery, hilarious stories about his mother, and how he became a TikTok celebrity overnight. Support the show Queer Goggles...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we're speaking with Mary Randol; artist, volunteer, and a person with over 37 years of recovery. In our conversation, we talk about Mary's journey through both substance use and mental health recovery, how coming out as Lesbian saved her life, and the importance of empathy towards oneself and those who society has disregarded. This is the last episode of this "Rainbow Recovery" season of Queer Goggles. Join us next season! If you know someone who is struggling...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we're speaking with Dr. Cory Jaques, the Program Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Training Program. Dr. Jaques is a trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and also sits on The Source's board of directors. In our conversation, we talk about his extensive work within the community, how he views the state of LGBTQ+ competent Substance Use care in our region, and his hopes and ambitions for the future of psychiatry and treatment here in ...

In this episode of Queer Goggles, we're talking with Dean Jackson, the Program Director of HIV Services at The Source LGBT+ Center. In our conversation, we go over the many, many things that the HIV Services Program provides, the misconceptions about HIV, Substance Use Disorder, and how they intersect. And we discuss the importance of having not only LGBTQ+ and HIV-specific supportive programs in place, but also the importance of emphasizing that everyone is welcome through the doors at The Sour...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we're talking with Gabriela Vaca, the Youth Engagement Coordinator with the HEAL Project over at the California Health Collaborative. In our conversation, we discuss how the HEAL Project tackles youth substance use prevention with creativity and self-expression, their successes in passing local tobacco control policies, and the importance of encouraging youth leadership within prevention and advocacy work. If you'd like to know more about The HEAL Project you c...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we're sitting down with Erika Hawkyard, ex-librarian and current Youth Program Manager at The Source LGBT+ Center. We talk with Erika about The Source Youth Program's broad approach to prevention and education, her history before The Source, the main issues that impact our youth, and we even discuss the hit HBO show Euphoria. If you'd like to know more about The Source's Youth Program, please go to https://www.thesourcelgbt.org/youth or follow us on instagram @...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we're talking with Jay Waterman, a certified substance abuse counselor and facilitator of several groups starting at Touchstone Recovery Center this June. We talk with Jay about his work at Touchstone, the importance of quality LGBTQ+ representation and competence in treatment, and the upcoming LGBTQ+ open support groups starting in Fresno. You can find more information about Jay Waterman and Touchstone Recovery Center here: touchstonerecoverycenter.com. The gr...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we meet Tony Gomez, a certified drug and alcohol counselor 2 and facilitator of several of groups starting at The Source this year. In this episode, we'll talk with Tony about his story with Substance Use Disorder, his recovery, how he found The Source, and the importance of having LGBTQ+ prevention and treatment options. If you know someone who is struggling with Substance Use Disorder please access our resources at http://thesourcelgbt.org/recovery. Support ...

On this episode of Queer Goggles, we meet Noah Deeds(he/him), Events and Program Manager at The Source LGBT+ Center. In this 4th season, Noah will be guest hosting, talking to important people in out community about Substance Use Disorder, recovery, and the importance of having LGBTQ+ prevention and treatment options. If you or someone you know is struggling with Substance Use Disorder please access our resources at http://thesourcelgbt.org/recovery. Support the show Queer Goggles is just one o...

On this episode we talk with Lorie Lewis Ham, local mystery writer and author of 6 books. Her latest book One Of Us is the first in a brand new mystery series featuring Fresno's famously queer and vibrant Tower District. For the past 11 years, Lorie has been publishing her online magazine Kings River Life and its sister website KRL News and Reviews. She also launched a mystery podcast called Mysteryrat's Maze featuring short stories and first chapters read by local actors. Lorie is the proud mot...

Legendary LGBT+ Civil Rights Activist, Robin Johnston McGehee joins us to talk about activism and civil disobedience. Her story is inspiring and has pushed us to want to do more. Robin has fought for marriage equality, the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and the rights of LGBT+ people at the local, state, and federal levels. 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 interested in...

On this episode, drag queen Juanita MORE! shares her experience of giving back to her community through drag, service, and Juanita's List. She is this year's Imperial Court SF's Empress. Nick Vargas and Priscilla McNamara find out what it takes to be royalty, baby! Sit back and enjoy. For more info on Juanita visit www.juanitamore.com. 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 int...