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Let’s Tawk: A Queer Political Podcast

Let’s Tawk: A Queer Political Podcast

By Maxim Ibadov

Today's world can be a lot to process, so every week we take major themes in the world of politics and pop-culture and dissect them in a way that is educational, engaging and a little bit queer.
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Давай Поговорим Эп. 3: Месяц Прайд и Политическая Ситуации в России и Америке

Let’s Tawk: A Queer Political PodcastJun 23, 2020

00:00
01:12:34
The Financial Power of Representation (with P.S. Kaguya)

The Financial Power of Representation (with P.S. Kaguya)

In this episode, we are tawking with a trailblazing Korean-American artist, plus-size model, content creator, and cannabis entrepreneur P.S. Kaguya, whose uniqueness is not only helping her carve out her own path, but also open doors and provide financial opportunities for others like her. Kaguya shares her personal story of overcoming abuse and rejection, and together Maxim and Kaguya take a deep dive into why representation is an economic issue, how the fashion industry has been changing, Avril Lavigne's influence on early 2000s queer culture, being canceled, and why it is time that we embrace drug-consumption and create safer ways for people to have access to substances.  

Stream P.S. Kaguya's single "Wifi" on Spotify

Follow us on Instagram, and YouTube.

Jul 23, 202101:03:43
Pushing the Boundaries of Being a Queer Artist (with AJA)

Pushing the Boundaries of Being a Queer Artist (with AJA)

Our guest this week is an iconic and multi-talented musician and artist Aja. Known to the world as a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9 and All-Stars 3, Aja was catapulted into international fame as a drag queen. Since then, Aja has quit drag, came out as non-binary, and released two studio albums, including their newest sophomore album The Crown, which came out this May.  

As we break down the album, Aja tawks about the process of creating such a vulnerable and eclectic album during a pandemic, who were their musical inspirations growing up and how they dealt with the public transition from a drag artist to a musician, as well as dishing on racists fans, Nicki Minaj and always standing up for themselves.  

The Crown is available to stream on all platforms.  

Follow Let's Tawk! on Instagram, and YouTube

Jun 16, 202101:07:32
Forging Your Path as a Queer Musician (with Kezra Leon)

Forging Your Path as a Queer Musician (with Kezra Leon)

Queer Musicians are Here, and they are here to stay! 

This week, we are tawking to the multi-talented Kezra Leon, musician, rapper, and club/drag personality. Kezra shares his story of coming into the music business as a queer rapper, the inspiration behind his bold and assertive music such as their new single "ICV" (I Choose Violence), how their collaboration with the legendary Aja came about, as well as dishes his thoughts on Lil Nas X breaking the barriers and paying tribute to the late hip-hop legend DMX. 

This episode features Kezra's songs "Big Mad" and "ICV"

Check out Kezra's music on Spotify and Other Platforms, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

Apr 22, 202141:50
Making NYC More Progressive (with Marti G Cummings)
Mar 30, 202136:49
How to Build to Protect Against Natural Disasters (with George Siegal)

How to Build to Protect Against Natural Disasters (with George Siegal)

Every season due to climate change, natural disasters are getting worse and worse, leaving behind destruction of property that can be devastating. This week, we are tawking to George Siegal, director of "The Last House Standing"- a documentary about how to build in order to save your home against hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other disasters. George shares his story of how this film came about, what one can do to protect themselves and their property and what could have been done different in Texas.
To watch the film and learn more, go to https://www.thelasthousestanding.org/, or find them on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Find Let's Tawk! on Instagram and TikTok
Mar 03, 202150:46
How to Lead a Positive Political Campaign (with Steven Patzer)
Feb 17, 202144:30
What's Happening With The Stock Market? (with Isabella Davilla)
Feb 10, 202146:45
Is Russia Finally Waking Up?
Jan 26, 202133:24
A Dark Day for American Democracy

A Dark Day for American Democracy

For our first episode of the year, we are tawking about the horrific events that took place on January 6, 2021 when the angry mob of MAGA/ White Supremacists and QAnon supporters stormed the Capitol building in an unconstitutional attempt to interrupt the certification of the electoral college victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Organized online and supported by the President Trump, the attempted coup was unsuccessful, even though it put in danger the lives of the entire legislative branch and caused both physical and symbolic damage to our Democracy.
Maxim is dissecting what has happened, what led up to it and what needs to be done moving forward in order to make sure that this internal terrorist attack doesn't happen again.
Follow us on social media at Instagram and Twitter.
Jan 09, 202128:27
Farewell to 2020

Farewell to 2020

That’s a wrap on 2020. We wanted to take a moment and thank all of our listeners for sharing this challenging and illuminating year with us. In this episode, Maxim revisits some of the most prominent political and cultural moments of the year, and shares his message for the upcoming 2022 year of the Ox.
Dec 30, 202024:23
Creating Queer Content (with @OHeyPete!)
Dec 11, 202052:18
What's Up With Broadway? (with JJ Niemann)
Dec 03, 202046:15
Joe Biden's Victory and What We Can Learn From This Election
Nov 20, 202055:41
Выборы в США (Наконец То!)
Nov 10, 202043:09
In Conversation with Assembly Member Mathylde Frontus
Oct 28, 202048:03
Pre- 2020-Election Supreme Court Drama

Pre- 2020-Election Supreme Court Drama

With the passing of an American Icon and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fulfill RBG's seat a month before an election- an unprecedented move, as people have already started voting for the next president.
This episode, Maxim is joined by a tax law student Corey Gibbs, to discuss this historical nomination: from the hypocritical attempt by the Republican Party to rig their own rules when they refused President Obama to nominate Merrick Garland in 2016 to the problematic answers that Barrett gave during her Confirmation Hearings regarding "Super precedent" and her interpretation of the Law (and yes, we are tawking about the infamous note pad moment that became a meme also).
And while we have him, Corey and Maxim also discuss the need for tax reform in America and what is going on with Trump's taxes.
Follow us on IG at @letstawk_podcast and on Twitter @lets_tawkk
#Vote
Oct 21, 202057:54
How the Subject of Race is Shaping The 2020 Election
Oct 14, 202001:01:16
ReCapping the First Presidential Debate With an Undecided Voter

ReCapping the First Presidential Debate With an Undecided Voter

WE ARE BACK FOR SEASON 2

Throughout the whole month of October, leading up to the Presidential Election in the United States this year, we will be tawking to voters from different backgrounds about what matters to them in this historic election. For the first episode, our guest is actor Zach Mellado, a registered Democrat, who is still an undecided voter. Zach and Maxim recap the first Presidential Debate (and what a mess it was), as well as discuss issues like Climate Change, Right to Choose, Mail-In Voting and the current state of the Democratic Party. 

Follow Zach on IG @zachmellado, and follow us on IG @letstawk_podcast and on Twitter @lets_tawkk

Register to #Vote at www.vote.org

Oct 06, 202057:32
What is Happening in Belarus?

What is Happening in Belarus?

Following a very ugly Presidential campaign season that ended up with a rigged and stolen election, Belarus has sunk into a full-blown revolution with the entire country of 9.5 million people protesting against their President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for 26 years and has been nicknamed "The Last Dictator in Europe". Besides voter suppression and falsified election, Lukashenko's has also used violent methods of attacking protesters, which include beating, raping and even murder. In this episode, we are tawking about what has led up to this historic moment for a country known to be among the most peaceful in the world, how this affects international political arena with Putin and Trump in play and what is next for a bloody dictator?

#ЖывеБеларусь

Aug 20, 202026:03
#ЖывеБеларусь

#ЖывеБеларусь

После долгой Президентской гонки в Беларуси, результаты голосования вызвали протесты по всей стране: люди считают, что Лукашенко нарисовал себе победу и нарушил все правила честных выборов. Последовали стычки народа с силовиками, где было применено насилие и аресты. Буквально за несколько дней, Беларусь превратилась из мирной страны, в поле боя. 

В гостях, Белорусская начинающий предприниматель Кристина Синявская, с которой мы обсуждаем президентство Лукашенко, выборы, протесты и что ждёт Беларусь в будущем. 

Подписаться на Кристину можно в Инстаграмме @kristina.sinyavkasya и на ее бренд «Миктина» @miktina. 

Подписаться на нас можно @letstawk_podcast. 

#ЖывеБеларусь

Aug 14, 202045:39
Why is #CancelCulture So Divisive?

Why is #CancelCulture So Divisive?

And that’s a wrap! For the finale episode of the first season, we are going out with a bang by tawking about one of the most controversial issues facing the post-social media world - #CancelCulture. Joined by Stephanie Metri from Toronto, we are diving into personalities that got cancelled like Kevin Spacey, James Charles and Kanye West, how it became a political weapon, the difference between cancelling alive and dead figures ( yes, we tawking statues) and why it it can be both effective and dangerous.

Follow Stephanie on IG @stephmetri and follow us on IG @letstawk_podcast.

Leave a review wherever you listen and send your inquires at letstawk.m@gmail.com

Jul 29, 202001:00:55
Why Is Antisemitism Rising in America Again?

Why Is Antisemitism Rising in America Again?

Fueled by the highly insulting statements made my TV Personality Nick Cannon about Jewish people, this week's episode we are joined by Maxim's college-mate and activist Eli Daar to discuss the general antisemitism that has been on the rise for the past 10 years here in America. Eli and Maxim are sharing their personal experiences with antisemitic aggression in United States and identifying the factors that contribute to this scary trend: from dangerous stereotypes and rhetoric from people like Ice Cube and Mayor Bill De Blasio that are rooted in oppression, to people forgetting history, anti-Israel sentiments and the significant rise in hate crimes against Jewish people. 

Follow us on IG @letstawk_podcast. Leave a review wherever you listen and send your inquiries at letstawk.m@gmail.com

Jul 20, 202044:48
What It’s Like to Get COVID-19 in California
Jul 14, 202029:46
Why Local Politics Matter Too?
Jul 07, 202001:01:04
What Does Pride Mean During The Pandemic?
Jun 29, 202018:21
Давай Поговорим Эп. 3: Месяц Прайд и Политическая Ситуации в России и Америке

Давай Поговорим Эп. 3: Месяц Прайд и Политическая Ситуации в России и Америке

Месяц Июнь, это месяц Прайда и ЛГТБ+ истории, поэтому мы отмечаем вместе с активистом и преподавателем Лёшей Горшковым. В этом выпуске, Лёша делится своей историей как он бежал от преследований из России и создал Брайтон Бич Прайд в русском коммьюнити Нью Йорка. Так же Лёша и Максим обсуждают острые политические вопросы такие как поправки в Конституцию и ЛГТБ сообщество в России, протесты и выборы в США. Подписывайтесь на Лёшу в Инстаграмме @lyosha_gorshkov и на нас @letstawk_podcast
Jun 23, 202001:12:34
The State of Queer Politics
Jun 15, 202053:13
How "RuPaul's Drag Race" Changed The World
Jun 08, 202001:23:06
BONUS: What We ALL Can Do To Enact Meaningful Change

BONUS: What We ALL Can Do To Enact Meaningful Change

As protests surrounding Police Brutality and Racial Inequality in America continue for more than a week now, it is time to tawk about how we all can be allies to the movement that has finally became universal. In this episode, Maxim gets personal and discusses how to enact change through self-education on the history of racism, having conversations, demanding specific changes and, of course, voting. #BlackLivesMatter
Follow us on Instagram @letstawk_podcast and Twitter @lets_tawkk.
Jun 05, 202022:51
How "Black Lives Matter" Is Changing America

How "Black Lives Matter" Is Changing America

While still dealing with COVID-19 pandemic, America has erupted into massive "Black Lives Matter" protests, following the murder of George Floyd. For the first Pride episode of the month, Maxim is joined by close friend Zachary Everett Heron, who shares his personal experiences being a black gay man in America. Together they tawk about the protests and how they turned violent, looting, the importance of rioting for both BLM and Queer Movement, and how we all come together to help fight the battle, that finally needs to be won.
Follow us on IG @letstawk_podcast and Twitter @lets_tawkk.
Jun 01, 202042:10
Как Русский Театр а Нью Йорке Продолжает Свой Путь в Карантин?
May 24, 202059:37
Vibe Check: How to Find Inner Peace in Lockdown

Vibe Check: How to Find Inner Peace in Lockdown

As businesses in New York has started to open up, Maxim is giving a brief update on his life, New York and tawks about ways to find balance and inner peace to persevere and thrive in times of lockdown and quarantine.
May 18, 202026:28
Teacher Appreciation Week and How Their Lives Have Changed

Teacher Appreciation Week and How Their Lives Have Changed

For teacher appreciation week, Maxim is tawking to Mr Tommy Meyers: High School teacher and theatre Director who was instrumental in Maxim's live. Two fellow FDR High School alumni discuss the importance of education for the society and how the transition to remote teaching has changed the lives for both teachers and the students.

May 11, 202001:07:05
What is The Situation in NYC Hospitals

What is The Situation in NYC Hospitals

As the weather gets better and many people have the temptation to go outside and ignore the rules, Maxim is joined by his fellow theatre colleague Andy Marcillo ( @soundtrk2mylife) who works in a Brooklyn hospitals and has recently recovered from contracting COVID-19 virus. We are talking about what’s going on in hospitals and what goes down once you get sick. Find us on Instagram at @letstawk_podcast.
May 04, 202040:02
Что Происходит в Нью Йорке Глазами Двух Бывших Москвичей?

Что Происходит в Нью Йорке Глазами Двух Бывших Москвичей?

Для первого эпизода на русском языке, Максим вместе со своей гостьей Лизой Лисовских обсуждают какого это жить в эпицентре корона-вируса и что они думают по поводу своего любимого города и русскоговорящих людей которые тут живут. @liza.lisovksyh на Инстаграмме.

For the first Russian-language episode, Maxim is joined by Liza Lisovskyh to tawk about what it’s like living in the epicenter of coronavirus, what they love about their city of New York and how they feel about Russians who live here. @liza.lisovksyh on Instagram.

Apr 25, 202001:01:17
What is Ha-Happening in New York and Why Ya’ll Should Care

What is Ha-Happening in New York and Why Ya’ll Should Care

New York has been hit with Corona Virus like no other place in the world, with infected cases, deaths and unemployment skyrocketing to the Empire State Building. This week Maxim goes in deep and personal about what’s it has been like living in the epicenter of the worst crisis this city has ever seen and what that means for the whole country and the world. Find us on Instagram at @letstawk_podcast.
Apr 20, 202023:20
How Bernie Sanders Changed America Despite Losing Twice

How Bernie Sanders Changed America Despite Losing Twice

After another long and bitter battle to become the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States, political rock star Bernie Sanders ended his campaign and endorsed Joe Biden. UGH SIGH
This episode, Maxim is joined by his friend and passionate Bernie supporter Naimul Khan (@khanite) to discuss all things Bernie Sanders and dive deep into issues that shape the current race and modern America. Find us on Instagram at @letstawk_podcast.
Apr 13, 202055:39
How The Bill Against Child Sexual Abuse Can End Privacy As We Know It

How The Bill Against Child Sexual Abuse Can End Privacy As We Know It

The Earn It Act, which aims to battle against the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Imagery online, has a lot of people shook because if passed, it can give the government access to your private online data. What can go wrong and how high is the possibility of this bill becoming a law. Find us on Instagram at @letstawk_podcast.
Apr 06, 202013:04
 How The Trump Administration Let Coronavirus Outbreak Get Out Control
Mar 30, 202018:45