Both in their early 20s, Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo may have “grown up” on paper, but they’re still navigating adulthood - dealing with stuff like post-college jobs and moving out of their parents house for the first time.
Fonzo is a Moth alumni who was first introduced to the organization through their EDU program in 2013. He is a passionate creative from the Bronx who appreciates the art of storytelling and self-expression.
Aleeza is a multimedia storyteller passionate about using the power of storytelling for social good. Her own stories have been featured in Teen Vogue and The Moth’s New York Times bestselling story collection, Occasional Magic.
Sketchy concerts. LGBTQIA+ spaces. Baby Keem. In this episode, we examine how music shapes our identity. Eddy Laughter takes us to her first punk show, and Alistair Bane explores moving to New York as a young man in the 80s. After that, Eddy and Alistair talk to each other about queerness, live music, and memory. Fonzo and Aleeza discuss the pitfalls of judging others based on their music taste and pre-pandemic concerts.
Mental health. City adventures. Rescue dogs. In this episode, we set out to find ourselves. Esther Messe comes to understand her intrusive thoughts and Wilson Portorreal welcomes a new family member. Then, we go out to a flea market to talk about loss, and Aleeza and Fonzo get real about mental health.
Grown Credits
Senior Producer: Marc Sollinger | Senior Editor: Sarah Jane Johnson | The Moth’s Executive Producer: Sarah Austin Jenness | Education Team: Melissa Brown, Ana Stern, and Devin Elise Wilson | Mixing: Davy Sumner | Original Music and Sound Design: Davy Sumner and Luke Williams | Marketing Team: Brandon Grant, Estee Daveed, Isaiah McNair-Wilson, and Salma Ali
Special Thanks to: Julia Purcell, KA Carter, our teen focus group, and everyone who sent in audio for our montages | The Moth’s Leadership Team: Sarah Haberman, Catherine Burns, Sarah Austin Jenness, Jenifer Hixson, Meg Bowles, Kate Tellers, Jennifer Birmingham, Marina Klutse, Suzanne Rust, Brandon Grant, Lee Ann Gullie and Aldi Kaza | Support is provided by Spring Point Partners. | Podcast artwork by Sarah DiMichele. | Photo credit Annie Millman
ABOUT THE MOTH'S EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Moth's Education Program works with young people and educators to build community through storytelling workshops, performances and innovative resources. To learn more and apply for an upcoming student or teacher workshop click here.