How to Survive the Apocalypse: A Queer Person’s Guide to Living in America Podcast

How to Survive the Apocalypse: A Queer Person’s Guide to Living in America

Chelsea Johnson, LMFT
Chelsea Johnson, LMFT discusses strategies and topics related to living as a queer-identified person in America in 2023 and beyond. Chelsea is an LGBTQIA+-specialized marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience with the community, and owner of Horizons Marriage & Family Therapy.
S2 E4: The Intersection of Neurodivergence and Queerness, and Chosen Family
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT discussed the intersection of neurodivergence and queerness in our world. Joined by a long-standing close friend and queer human, Zachary Kopciak, they unpack this concept, themes of gender non-conformity, and finding "home" as a queer person with chosen family. Article mentioned in this podcast: The Link Between Neurodivergence and Queerness, Explained | The Swaddle
Apr 28, 2024
43 min
S2 E3: PTSD and Traumatic Stress Within the LGBTQIA+ Community
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT explores the prevalence of PTSD and experience of traumatic stress within the LGBTQIA+ community, and ways to regulate your nervous system during triggers and uncertainty. Joined by LK Bissel, LCMHC, they discuss "glimmers", what's going on in the state of Florida, and protective factors. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.wonderlustpllc.com/ https://www.transbucket.com/ LK on Instagram: @wonder_therapist
Mar 22, 2024
41 min
S2 E2: Queer Erasure and Visibility
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT explores the topic of "erasure", and hidden part of our identities we may hold. Joined by Dr. Brittany Bate, they discuss increasing visibility and support for these parts of ourselves that often feel unseen, as well as erasure at larger systemic levels in our culture. Be Bold Psychology (Groups and Individual Therapy Services mentioned in this episode): https://beboldpsychnc.com/
Mar 11, 2024
37 min
S2 E1: "Late Bloomers" and Coming Out Later in Life
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT explores the "queer awakening" of the pandemic, and the cascade of self-identified "late bloomer" queers that came out in recent years. Topics unique to this experience are explored, and Chelsea is joined by Brianna Hicks, LCMHC to unpack what folks in this population may be experiencing and how they can feel valid in the community. Brianna's Practice: https://www.halfmoonmentalhealth.com/
Mar 7, 2024
37 min
Episode 6: Ritual, Grief, and Death
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT explores topics of ritual, grief, and death amongst folx in the LGBTQIA+ community. Joined by EO Mendelsohn, LMFTA (founder of Queer Death Club), they do a deeper dive into queer bodies and their value, inclusivity (or lack thereof) as it pertains to loss and death, and ways we can open conversations around these topics with others. LINK TO QUEER DEATH CLUB: https://queerdeathclub.com/
Dec 8, 2023
36 min
Episode 5: "Everyone is Shouting All the Time", and Levels of Outness and Code Switching
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT unpacks how to find the right place to share your voice and story, engaging with the systems that oppress us while still surviving, and the choices we get to make. Joined by "Mama" and ZeeZee", queer parents and full-time working folx who have spent the majority of their adult life as out queer people in very governed spaces, they discuss the complexities of outness and honoring your values while still protecting your peace.
Oct 19, 2023
48 min
Episode 4: Radical Queer Self-Care
Chelsea Johnson, LMFT explores what "self-care" as a queer person looks like and throws traditional ideas about self-care in the trash can. Together with Julien Alarie, LCMHC-A, they explore ideas of "micro self-care" and what makes certain forms of self-care unique to the queer community. BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1982165316/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19K0BNJAKDAQT&keywords=come+as+you+are&qid=1696781237&sprefix=come+as+you+are%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1
Oct 8, 2023
29 min
Episode 3: Taming the Inner Oppressor and Battling Inter-Group Discrimination
In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT does a deep dive into the "inner oppressor" inside most queer folx, and how we recognize and stop this voice from impacting our authenticity and mental health. Joined by Adriana Gomez-Nichols, LCMHC, together they discuss strategies and concepts related to this, and how we can support and celebrate other LGBTQIA+ folx, rather than replicate discrimination and divide ourselves.
Aug 29, 2023
24 min
Episode 2: The Kids Are Not Okay, Resources for Youth GAC in Banned States
Chelsea Johnson, LMFT discusses anti-trans legislation being passed all over the United States, and resources available to trans and gender non-conforming youth and their families. Special thanks to activist Kristen Havlik for her grassroots work on gathering and disseminating this information to youth and their families. Kristen Havlik: https://www.instagram.com/kristenhavliknc/ Southern Trans Emergency Project: https://southernequality.org/styep/ Queer Med: www.queermed.com Planned Parenthood South Atlantic: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-atlantic Point of Pride: https://www.pointofpride.org/ Trans Lifeline: translifeline.org Trans Empowerment Project: https://transempowerment.org/ "Cis Parent Trans Kid" Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/cisparenttranskid/
Aug 22, 2023
8 min
Episode 1: Behind the Therapist Chair, Unmasking and Telling Your Story
In this first Episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT opens up about her own personal journey to finding her identity, her calling and her passion, and the amazing power of storytelling. Also joined by her wife, Stephanie Herrera, they explore how queer partnerships navigate together the complex issues in our culture affecting queer folx, as well as raising children as queer parents in this climate. Link to book mentioned in this episode: Pink, Blue, and You by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/634512/pink-blue-and-you-by-elise-gravel-and-mykaell-blais/
Jul 29, 2023
33 min