Happiness in the Closet

Lead with authenticity: Varun talks with Leo about how queerness is linked to creativity, being a mother-earth sea witch goddess and therapy/health care/education.

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In this episode Leo and Varun talk about community building, raising plants, family relationships, and the intersection between gender expression and mental health.

This interview took place at Queermunity. To learn more about Queermunity click here: https://www.queermunitymn.com/

Ma Bea's Taste of Liberia hot sauces: https://www.mabeastasteofliberia.com/

Collage tables and community building: Will talks with Angel about identity, community organizing, and creating art

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode Angel and Will talk about gender as an act of art, organizing, and creating art

Why is gender?: Varun talks with Lauren about their gender journey, creation, and coding.

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode Lauren and Varun talk about identity, creative inspirations and coding.

Creating things to build community: Will and Bryce discuss gender expression, queer zines and more.

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode Bryce and Will talk about Bryce's thesis work, queer zines, and the many ways the create things in their life.

Flowery Cheesecake: Varun talks with Hella about creating worlds, and many other acts of creation

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode Hella and Varun chat about the many different ways creation shows up in Hella's life.

Creation as an act of caring: A conversation with Drew

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:30:44 GMT

We have a bonus episode for you while we are recording Season 2. Season 2 will focus on finding joy through the things we create. Chris and Drew spend time talking about gardening, birds, and the intersection of the church. For those of you in San Diego, Drew will be preaching at San Diego Pride on July 20th.

Follow Drew on Instagram: @drwstvr

A conversation with Rhea Ewing: Episode 9

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:48:00 GMT

Chris and Rhea Ewing sit down to talk about gender, art, and their award-winning graphic novel, Fine. We also talk about how nature defies easy binaries and Rhea shares their wisdom on dealing with the ambiguity of existence. Check out Rhea’s amazing work at https://rheaewing.com/

A conversation with Will: Episode 8

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:37:00 GMT

Will and Annabel talk about being a trans undergraduate student, community, D&D, and our research projects while attempting to control their laughter. This is a great opportunity to hear from two members of Happiness in the Closet.

A conversation with Cedar: Episode 7

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 19:52:00 GMT

Martin and Cedar talk about gender, fashion, and the intersection of the two. We also talk about books, and Cedar shares some recommendations for some queer YA novels. Note: Near the end of this conversation Martin references an upcoming board game. They misnamed it, it is actually called Conquest Princess: Fashion is Power and you can learn more about this game here: https://www.fightinabox.com/conquest-princess

A conversation with M: Episode 6

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:48:00 GMT

Martin and M talk about M's gender journey, the intersection of tattooing and gender, and where M finds happiness. If you are thinking about a tattoo check out Jackalope Tattoo in Minneapolis (https://www.jackalopetattoo.com/).

A conversation with Ely: Episode 5

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:46:00 GMT

In this episode Martin and Ely talk about gender euphoria, we spread lies about how cool Martin is, and share love for mullet variations and tattoos.

A conversation with Clay (17 years old): Episode 4

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:03:00 GMT

Clay and Shelby talk about what it’s like to be transgender in a Midwest public high school, the role of clothing in Clay’s journey, and the joy that comes from music, theatre, and representation in popular culture.

A conversation with Russell (9 years old): Episode 3

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:11:00 GMT

Russell and Martin talk about Russell's gender journey, their system of support, and what brings them joy (spoiler, it's anime).

A conversation with Kay Simon: Episode 2

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:59:00 GMT

Kay and Martin talk about Kay's research, their path through academia, and their hopes for the future of research on gender. And of course, where they find happiness.

Welcome to Happiness in the Closet: Episode 1

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:26:50 GMT

Tor and Martin discuss gender, the decision to start a podcast (Thanks Chris), and what makes us happy about being non-binary.