Asteria’s Convos

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Ashley Perretta explore how community is built through shared resources, creativity, and mutual care — from swing dancing and immersive events to plans for an accessible makerspace in Los Angeles. The episode centers on practical values: sharing tools, time, and skills; honoring cultural roots; and practicing small, sustainable acts that add up to a more connecte...

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Sarah Kathleen Wilson explore grief, chronic illness, and neuroqueer identity while centering community-led care. They discuss praxis—turning values into everyday actions—building accessible queer spaces, and lessons from HIV and harm reduction work. The episode covers practical steps for mutual aid, conflict repair, and collapse-oriented preparation, plus...

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Gilly Moon dive into the craft of sound design, mentorship, and the everyday actions that build inclusive creative communities. They discuss collaborative workflows from game jams to NPR, the often-underappreciated role of audio in storytelling, and how technicians assert expertise with care. The conversation also covers coalition-building, neurodivergence and ADHD, gi...

Host Asteria Elzea interviews Claudia de Vasco, managing director of Miller Outdoor Theater, about her journey as a neurodivergent Mexican-American arts leader and how the theater uses free programming to reach diverse audiences in Houston. The episode explores accessibility, intentional community-building, bringing younger generations into the arts, and a long-term "seventh-generation" approach t...

Welcome to Asteria's Convos, where we embark on a journey of community building and self-discovery. In this episode, host Asteria Elzea sits down with Laura Dannequin, a movement and embodiment practitioner, to explore the fluid nature of identities and the power of connection. Laura shares her unique perspective on community building, the importance of movement in healing, and how we can coexist...

Join Asteria Elzea as she launches her transformative community building training on Juneteenth, marking the beginning of a powerful journey towards understanding power dynamics, defining personal values, and fostering secure attachments. This unique program spans over five sessions, concluding on the symbolic eve of Independence Day, and draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Black, queer...

Welcome to this episode of Asteria's Convos, where we delve into the world of backyard theater and community building. Hosted by Asteria Elzea from Los Angeles, this episode explores the journey of putting on a play with friends, overcoming challenges, and fostering a supportive creative community. Join Asteria and guests Jamie Frost and Christine Hassay as they share their experiences of directin...

Welcome to this special edition of Asteria's Convos, featuring a profound conversation between Asteria Elzea and Andrew Post, who experienced the devastating Altadena fires. In this episode, Andrew shares his journey of resilience and the invaluable support he received from his community in the face of crisis. This heartfelt dialogue delves into building community connections, addressing systemic...

Welcome to Asteria's Convos, where we delve into the art of community building amidst crises. In this episode, host Asteria Elzea welcomes Andrew Post, who shares his poignant story of losing his childhood home in the Altadena fires of January 2025. Together, they explore the challenges faced by climate refugees and the importance of solidarity and rebuilding communities. Andrew opens up about his...

Join host Asteria Elzea in this episode of Asteria's Convos as they engage in a profound conversation with Bureen, a professor, healer, and writer. Together, they delve into the complexities of identity, personal growth, and the importance of community in the face of changing societal landscapes. Bureen shares insights on teaching literature through culturally informed lenses and discusses their j...

In this episode of Asteria's Convos, Asteria Elzea hosts an inspiring discussion with eri kapling, (it/its if you've fucked with your gender/ she/her if you're cis) a transsexual woman, mom, artist, and community builder. eri explores its multifaceted identity, offering insights into its journey as a trans mom and its role in fostering community connections in Chicago. The conversation delves into...

Welcome to Asteria's Convos, a podcast dedicated to fostering community and envisioning a better future. In this episode, host Asteria Elzea, broadcasting from Los Angeles—a land historically cared for by the Tongva and Chumash people—invites Aurora Culver, also known as Rory, for an engaging discussion. Aurora shares her journey as a storyteller, director, and mother navigating the co...

Join Asteria Elzea in an enlightening conversation with Fionnegan Murphy on "Asteria's Convos." Broadcasting from Los Angeles, a city with deep indigenous roots, Asteria invites listeners to explore the intricacies of identity, community building, and the power of inclusive leadership. Fionn shares his journey from themed entertainment systems design to fostering environments where creativity thri...

Welcome to Asteria's Convos, where community is the cornerstone of our discussions. Asteria dives into complex identities, from gender non-conformity to her journey as a newly discovered neurodivergent individual. She candidly discusses her life with challenges such as CPTSD, generalized anxiety, and chronic illness. Further enriching the conversation, Marisa, a fellow New Yorker, joins in to expl...

Join Asteria Elzea as she dives into meaningful conversations on Asteria's Convos, a podcast dedicated to community and connection. In this episode, Asteria is joined by Kristyn, a fellow podcaster and community builder, who shares her insights on nurturing relationships and creating a supportive community. Kristyn discusses their journey of moving to Costa Rica, discovering the joy of sourdough b...

Join Asteria Elzea on a transformative journey as she hosts a heartfelt conversation with healer, witch, and intuitive body worker, Courtney Maland. Dive into Courtney's world of energy alchemy and the impactful ways she builds community through healing touch and laughter. Discover her journey into stand-up comedy, overcoming fears and embracing courage to find her true self and inspire others. Co...

Join Asteria Elzea in this insightful episode of Asteria's Convos as we dive into the world of art and accessibility with our guest, Laura Brody. Laura, who identifies with the chronic illness community, shares her journey from television costuming to founding Opulent Mobility - a transformative exhibit series that reimagines disability as opulent and powerful. Discover how Laura builds community...

Welcome to "Asteria's Convos," a podcast dedicated to building the future through community. Join host Asteria Elzea as she embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and community building. Through candid conversations, Asteria and her mentor, Carmen Spagnola, explore the complexities of identity and the power of connection. In this episode, delve into the challenges and triumphs of embracin...