Adult ISH

It’s no secret that Adult ISH host Nyge Turner is way into music. In this episode, we explore the songs and artists that shifted his worldview – what he used to jam to, what he listens to now. Plus, a conversation with music producer Oliver Rodriguez, aka Kuya Beats, whose work as a member of the nationally-known Bay Area hip-hop group the HBK Gang was part of Nyge’s soundtrack growing up. Adult I...

Between the overlapping crises of our modern era, most people are struggling to hold it together these days. So in this episode, the Adult ISH team offers tactics to create one’s own imaginative haven. First, producer Dominique French chats with “Why We Dream” author Alice Robb about lucid dreaming techniques and the power of one’s subconscious mind. Then we take you on a soundscaped journey, to g...

What are the pitfalls of “just trying to help”? Well-meaning people sometimes make things more complicated. And some systems ostensibly meant to “help” those in need cause more harm than good. Nyge explores good intentions gone wrong, and how that plays out in the trans experience in conversation with journalist Tuck Woodstock, host of the “Gender Reveal” podcast. Plus, disability justice activist...

Adult ISH Season 7 kicks off with host Nyge Turner and the pod squad revisiting cringeworthy high school stereotypes, including their own former roles in the social pecking order. Plus, Nyge talks to Monica Clark, Ph. D. (of YR Media!) who taught a college class on youth subcultures at Temple University. Together, Nyge and Monica ask: are cliques good, evil, or somewhere in between? Adult ISH is p...

Adult ISH’s brand new season drops on Thursday, April 14, 2022.     This season, Nyge and the pod squad continue their intrepid exploration of the most vital, funny and relatable topics around. From school stereotyping to young parenthood, life after incarceration to meaningful music, the Adult ISH crew has got ya covered. Expect fresh takes, immersive stories and thought-provoking interviews spea...

In this special episode, the Adult ISH team is exploring how Black women improv actors are carving their own paths and being labeled “troublemakers” along the way as part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser. Adult ISH is a proud member of Radiotopia, a network of some of the best independent, artist-owned, and listener-supported podcasts out there. This week, shows across the network are releasing e...

In the Season 6 finale of Adult ISH, the team asks: Is there a guide to Black womanhood? One listener voices her fears about simply existing in a racist and troubled world. We consult Black women who we look up to about creating a roadmap forward in the face of countless perils, from being pulled over by the police to constant gender and race bias. Also, producer Dominique French talks to Khadija...

In this episode, host Nyge Turner finds common ground with a listener lamenting the confusion of romance, and gets into the question of where good chemistry comes from. First, Nyge turns to author and YR Media alum Rachel Krantz to expand our definition of what love can look like. Krantz’ upcoming memoir is called “Open.” Then, Nyge taps some friends for a peer storytelling roundtable, where we le...

In this episode, two letter writers share their experiences of lost parents. One is grappling with the death of a parent, a breakup and tough questions as they face loneliness and the prospect of raising a child without a partner or a parent. Another is thinking about their absent father and trying to decide what kind of relationship is even possible. We get into it, and find some gems of wisdom f...

In this special episode, New York Times best-selling author Mary H.K. Choi explores her personal journey with substances, family and grief. Join producer Dominique French as she and Choi discuss the intricacies of sobriety, the life-altering effects of loss, and the makings of meaningful friendship in a conversation that was just too rich not to share. Adult ISH is produced by YR Media and brought...

What would YOUR social life be like without alcohol? This week’s letter writer grapples with the reality of that question. Adult ISH host Nyge Turner is joined by alcohol-free bar owner Chris Marshall and sober podcaster Cynthia Wright, with bonus insight from YA author Mary H.K. Choi. All in an effort to better understand what it’s like to be young, sober and struggling. Adult ISH is produced by...

Is possible to talk frankly about sex with your parents? In this episode, Adult ISH producer Dominique French wants answers as she embarks on an awkward (and hilarious) conversation with her mother, who may have left some important details out of “the birds and the bees” talk back in the day. From sexual orientation to sex partners, nothing is off the table, including a mother’s insight into why s...

Host Nyge Turner kicks off Season 6 by taking a stand against Big Oil – and ISH gets real personal. Nyge investigates the massive oil refinery in his backyard, uncovering the problems that it’s caused. Through conversations with his dad, YR’s in-house climate reporter, and a fired-up environmental activist, Nyge seeks the answer to one big question – How do we fight back? Adult ISH is produced by...

Growing up ain’t gettin’ any easier. The good news? On Nov. 4th, Adult ISH is back in business – and we’ve gotcha covered with advice from the dopest pros, personalities and peers. Plus, we’ve adopted a brand spankin’ new listener-centric advice format to help young folks (like host Nyge Turner and the squad) navigate life with a little more humor, thought, and grace. Tune in! Adult ISH is produce...

In this special episode, the Adult ISH team drops some big news: co-host Merk Nguyen has made the tough decision to leave the show. Merk unpacks this turning point with her longtime co-host Nyge Turner, as the two reflect on their five-season adulting journey together and the path ahead. Speaking of change, Nyge and the team are trying something new for Season 6 – but we need YOU to make it happen...

In the Season 5 finale of Adult ISH, Nyge and Merk get into office culture and workplace dos/don’ts. Why did Nyge get fired from his old job? Who better to ask than Dorian Taylor, his ex-boss who had to let him go?! Then the co-hosts get professional advice from YR Media CEO Kyra Kyles on questions like, “Should you really tell someone hiring you that your biggest weakness is working too hard?” Ad...

Co-host Merk Nguyen comes out as queer in this revealing episode of Adult ISH that has her and Nyge Turner wondering what makes a secret “a secret” anyway? Producer Georgia Wright AKA one of Merk’s queer mentors imparts “elder” queer wisdom. Then, writer Ashley C. Ford sheds light on embracing your sexuality, the freedom that comes with telling your truth, and her new book “Somebody’s Daughter.” A...

Nyge and Merk aim to challenge misconceptions about the Black Panther Party in this episode of Adult ISH. Nyge opens up about the rich significance the party had on him and his family in Richmond, CA, both past and present. He also talks to Saturu Ned, a former member of Oakland’s original chapter of the BPP about the long-lasting legacy of the movement. Then, comedian Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out,” “...

In the last of three special Mental Health Awareness Month episodes, Merk and Nyge explore the relationships young people have with their digital devices, and how they can affect our mental health – for better or worse. First, the dynamic co-host duo unplugs from their screens in a strictly monitored social media detox, yielding surprising results. Then, YR Media’s Emerging Technology Instructor M...

Staying on theme with Mental Health Awareness Month, the Adult ISH team opens up about their journeys with medication. Producer Georgia Wright and co-host Nyge Turner share their expectations versus realities of taking meds. Merk Nguyen shares a poetic story on her recent experiences navigating through her anxiety and depression. Writer and actress Mara Wilson (yes, from “Matilda” and “Mrs. Doubtf...

In the first of three special Mental Health Awareness Month episodes, Merk and Nyge learn practical skills for taking care of their whole selves – mind, body, and soul. First, they connect to their breath and relax their minds with yoga instructor and body positivity advocate Jessamyn Stanley, who leads them through mindful conversation and a sonic meditation. Then star songwriter Tayla Parx share...

Merk and Nyge are getting down to business — er, businISH — in this entrepreneurial episode of Adult ISH. First, Nyge shares a narrative about his teen clothing venture, UNSPOKEN, which may or may not have crashed and burned. Then, he and Merk turn it around by surprising his old friend (and berry businesswoman) Tatyana Williams with a special guest mentor, Chef Iesha Williams (The Salty Heifer Co...

It’s Earth Day, and the hosts of Adult ISH are ready to celebrate both Mother Nature and her youngest protectors! First, they’re chatting with 13-year-old clean water activist Mari Copeny, a.k.a. Little Miss Flint, who in 2016 made national waves by calling for clean water in her Michigan hometown. Then, Merk & Nyge sit down for a candid convo with the co-host of "Inherited" (and Adult ISH pro...

Don your aprons and grab your whisks! In this episode of Adult ISH, food and cooking take center stage. First, Merk & Nyge talk about fine dining and cafeteria food with Chef Dan Giusti, who left his job as head chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Noma to cook healthy school lunches for kids. Then, they put their cooking skills to the test for the first Cohost Cook-off! Spoiler alert: things g...

Season 5 kicks off with  Adult ISH  co-hosts  Merk Nguyen  and  Nyge Turner  reflecting on regrets! First, Nyge tells the story of Merk's secret past as the leader of The PPC, her elite club inspired by "The Clique" series. Then, we bring on Merk's former elementary school counselor, Mrs. Mullins, to teach us how to properly apologize and take accountability for past actions. Adult ISH is produced...