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.
In this episode, Aleeza and Fonzo discuss how storytelling changed their lives and share how they first met. Fonzo recounts a particularly memorable haircut, and Aleeza tells us about being crush-crazy. Plus, conversations about expressing who you really are.
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.
So... do they just not understand? In this mommy AND daddy issue episode, we take a look at how much our parents shape who we are. Alyssa Ladd finds comfort in her dad, and Daniela Llerena tries to get her parents to understand anime. Plus, we get to meet Aleeza and Fonzo's moms!
We explore the balance between being safe and spreading your wings. Diavian Walters shares a harrowing experience on the train and Ianna Banfield becomes a little more independent. Content warning: a story in this episode deals with sexual harassment.
Pressure. Expectations. What the heck do you do after high school?!?! In this episode, recorded in front of a live audience, we look at how we live up to, or ignore, the expectations people set on us.
BFFs. Frenemies. Finding your clique. We'll explore how we actually make friends. Eric Carrera goes on a pizza run and Jenna Ulizio finds her people at camp. After that, we talk to high school students about the dos and don'ts of modern friendship.
Mishaps. Mistakes. Youthful indiscretions. In this episode, we'll explore how to create your own sense of ethics. Christian Garland learns a lesson from his grandpa and Stacey Bader Curry plans a heist. Then, Moth EDU students tell us about a time they had to choose between right and wrong.
Anime. The Jonas Brothers. Twilight. We'll figure out how your passions shape who you are. Abigail Loor shares a story about finding a space in an anime convention and Roger Lam wears his superhero t-shirts with pride. Plus, Fonzo talks One Piece and David Lepelstat goes to the Brooklyn Comic Con.
FOMO. Friends. Falling Outs. Feeling like you don't belong. We'll find out what happens when you're on the outside looking in. Moth EDU Storyteller Anaïs Cerina Irizarry Austin listens to some cool music and Hannah Citron understands a squid. Plus, Aleeza and Fonzo talk about the times when they tried to fit in.
Bonds. Rivalries. Drama. In this episode, we explore how much our siblings shape who we are. Saad Najam finds peace with his brother and Meredith Morrison takes center stage. Then, we talk to Moth EDU students about the best and worst parts of being a sibling.
Hosted by: Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo
Storytellers: Saad Najam and Meredith Morrison
Follow Grown on TikTok or Instagram @GrownPod
We’re so excited for Grown Season 2! The first episode will launch on Wednesday, October 25th, and if you haven’t yet, you can binge the first season of Grown wherever you get your podcasts!
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.