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The traumatic experience ( Trigger warning )

On March 22nd 2021 I interviewed Strypz, aka Berry Unusual, a darkly inclined individual with his paws all over the set from the lights, the cameras, and the action! He (sometimes she) is a mixture of Christian, goth, black, furry, and more that may have you scratch your head and give him another look. Don't let that distract you though, Strypz proves to be one of the most interesting and down to Earth people I've had the pleasure of speaking with. 

He goes on to tell me how he came to fall out of his faith, and regain it stronger than ever. The journey he takes us on really opened my eyes to how it can bring us together - pagan, atheist, Christian or whatever. However, this isn't the only side to this talented feline. Since the age of 13 Strypz has been working in media, and his experience shows as he goes on to talk about the passion he has for his Youtube channel. 

And that's not even the tip of the iceberg. Creating a fursuit from scratch? Check. Creating clothing line? Check. Music producer? Check. Jump in, you won't wanna miss this one!

As always. Thanks for listening! 

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On March 21st 2021 I sat down with Mandi the jumping spider! A black woman who's a soon to be archeologist and history nerd. This energetic, and kind hearted arachnid shares from her wealth of knowledge whether it be about the furry fandom, black culture, or historical events. 

Though 2021 has been a struggle for all of us, it's important to reflect on how far you've come as well. Mandi's optimism shines through despite shedding light on some bleak aspects of our lives including something that has affected her personally: the education system. How would you like history to be taught in schools? 

Thanks for listening! 

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On March 20th '21 I interviewed Gram a black, non-binary fursuit crafter and artist living their best life! As the co-owner of Furench Toast Fursuits, she's had quite the history with making fursuits and interacting with all kinds of people. It was surprising to learn that her family was supportive of their craft from the start. Not something you hear everyday to say the least. 

While Gram excels at being creative, outsiders tend to judge them before getting to know them.  Living in various places in the Midwest, you learn harsh realities earlier than others. Being singled out in furmeets and group chats tends to rub someone the wrong way, and Gram explains why it's so hurtful and the effects it can have on someone mentally. Thankfully, Gram manages to find friends in their own way, 

Thanks for listening to this episode! We're going to be going on a hiatus until June.  

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Stephanie Interview

The missing person Marquez Duncan was found April 8th, '21.

On March 14th '21, I sat down with Kiri the black academic who's determination drives her to be the best she can be. Her journey through the fandom really shows the magic of it all. How found family, and misfits can make you feel at home and get through tough times. It can be difficult, Kiri tells, to live with the conditions that manifest in painful ways physically and mentally.

Though, as you'll hear time and time again that one act of kindness is all you need sometimes. It can really change someone's perspective. Speaking of change, Kiri discusses how the false pretenses of purity hurt the left. After all, everyone has been guilty of something in the past for one thing or the other. She opens up and talks about how the turning point for her in regards to LGBT+ was the case of Matthew Shepard.

This quirky, and witty dhole really proves the perseverance of her species through her dedication to academia. To keep pushing to understand and learn even if it can be painful sometimes. When it comes to her family and their support for her ambitions, well, you'll just have to hear how touching it is for yourselves!

Thank you for listening!

Cover art done by Vanilla! If you enjoy their art, please consider checking out their Patreon here! 

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Mentioned Video

On March 13th (14th?) I sat down with Fujimaru a part of husky royalty largely revered for being unapologetically black on and off his streams. This "princess of huskies" digs deep into his soul to discuss topics that dig at all of us. The furries that made him feel unwelcome, the atrocities of war, and of course his deep love for gundams and anime. 

There's a lot of ground to cover when it comes to what black people have contributed to the history of the US, and how they're treated today. From the effects of the insurrection to the subtle dog whistles that led to it, Fujimaru adds the insight to describe what made that day so devastating to him. 

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to share with a friend! 

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On March 12th, '21 I interviewed Hanzo a half Japanese, half Irish drifter busy making beats in his studio. When he's not rapping, singing, making videos, or dancing with his crew Clawz N' Concrete Crew. He dishes his grievances towards the furry fandom and why he prefers to call himself a 'beastman' instead of a furry in this interview.

Hanzo doesn't pull punches when talking about "furry role models" and the lack of the accountability in the fandom. Not to mention fandom's obsession with EDM or what goes on in some of the room parties. 

Stepping outside of the criticisms of the fandom Hanzo touches on the anti-Asian rhetoric spread by 45, the model minority, and imperialism. Buckle in because things get heavy, but it's not all heavy! 

Thanks for listening! 

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On February 21st, '21 I sat down with Rocky, a black individual with a lot to say about America and the way it upholds its systems of oppression. While I wasn't sure what to expect from this usually upbeat dancer things quickly turned into a lengthy conversation about how poverty keeps us poor, and how things got to where  they are now. It's honestly gut wrenching to come closer to understanding the faces of white supremacy and the many ways it snakes into our lives.

The police, for example, are meant to protect us. But when they're not held accountable for misuse of power, and BIPOC bodies hit the floor, who can we turn to? Rocky puts these things very eloquently, and with words that come from the heart. Things get real, and graphic in this episode, but Rocky's perspective sheds new light on things taken for granted by the common person.

This goes without saying but I'll say it anyway.

Black Lives Matter. All Cops Are Bastards.

Thanks for listening, everybody!

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On February 20th, '21 I sat down with Teddy Wynton a black drummer outta Maryland who's been in the fandom for decades and has quite a few stories to tell. He pulls from his past to paint a detailed look at the fandom and how being a furry has changed his life in more than one way. Especially when it comes to accepting things about himself that were are to face alone like his sexuality.

Teddy also articulates the root of problems blerds (black nerds) have when it comes to anti-blackness and feeling cast out. Made understandable by the way he layers in with his own experiences. Not to mention the onslaught of judgement for trying to wear his hair "naturally" but getting turned away for being "unprofessional."  This is a perspective you're not going to want to miss.

Music really energizes Teddy and elevates him to a new plane of existence. It's obvious from the way he talks about his musical inspirations. As a "drum for hire" he's done everything from performing with MJ impersonators to collaborating with Louie Zong. Though, as you'll find out, he still considers himself to be a student. He also divulges how he feels about the lack of music diversity at furcons, and why it's so prevalent.  Turns out carrying your drums everywhere isn't that practical!

Thanks for listening, everyone!

----SONG CREDITS----
FULL SONG
Baddwill
Captain Nikko (NSFW 18+ SPICY)

----COVER ART ARTIST----
TeaCakes

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On February 18th, '21 I sat down with Cerberus an indigenous, two spirited individual that's finding her place being ts'msyen. A creative mind that delves into art and writing! Unlike the other guests before her we get into discussions about disability and accessibility more heavily than before. She gets into the nitty gritty of her experiences with diagnosis that have doctors scratching their heads or failing to give one in general. As well as the mental and physical conditions that she deals with on a daily basis. 

Cerb's life is quite the rollercoaster and thanks to retracing his roots, it's only gotten more exciting for him. He recounts how he's been separated from his traditions, but since finding them again is glad to carry them onto the next generation. Including passing on his language and looking forward to finding out more. 

[Disclaimer: Please listen to your healthcare advisers. Recounting experiences/criticizing diagnosis in hindsight doesn't equate to medical advice.]

Thanks for listening!

----SONG CREDITS----
FULL SONG
Baddwill
Captain Nikko (NSFW 18+ SPICY)

----COVER ART ARTIST----
TeaCakes

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Sources for this episode provided by Ryn Ufe:

• Houma History (film)
• Houma History Book recommendation
• History w/ Education System
• Free Ebook of Indigenous People's History of the US
• Bvlbancha Collective
• Farm Page

Back in February 12th 2021 I sat down with Ryn Ufe a groundbreaking activist and vocal member of the Houma tribe embodying the spirit of the 'Land Back' movement. They pulled out all the stops to chock this interview full of useful information. (Like literally they brought notes!) 

They represent their culture and where they come from in an honest light. It's not always the prettiest thing living in a swamp, but it's got its perks. Although, Ryn doesn't waste time explaining why what would usually be a blooming swamp teaming with biodiversity has turned into a rather rough place to get by in. Pollution and oil leaks have ravaged the land, killing plants and fish alike. 

If you've ever wondered why Indigenous peoples won't stand down this episode is a MUST to listen to. These are layered issues without easy solutions, but Ryn is willing to put in the work. They've put themselves to work making the tribe better by practicing herbal medicine, becoming a street medic, preserving the language, and speaking at events. You'll see that Ryn may be a dog but they're certainly not all bark! 

Thanks for listening. Don't forget to check out the resources and donate!

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Back in February 2021 I sat down with Kavaeric a (Hong Kong)Chinese-Japanese Canadian immigrant divulging his time between art and learning how to use a dishwasher. He's not quite a human, not quite a dragon, and not quite a robot either! In truth he's a mix of many things, from his backgrounds, to his interests, and demeanor. Despite the oddball or permanent fish out of water syndrome he's gone through throughout his life he's learned to appreciate it about himself thanks to the furry fandom. 

He goes on to detail the cultures he's been a part of and how they differ from one another. Things get real when we get into a discussion of how BIPOC furries are framed in the fandom at large, and why more privileged furs are more inclined to take the hostile actions they do. Not to mention how North America at large treats Asian people whether they're Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and so on. If you've never heard the term "model minority" this might be the episode you HAVE to listen to. 

This was originally a 3 hour interview that got cut down as much as we could. Sorry for any weird noises! There were some audio-mishaps that couldn't get ironed out during recording. 

As always thanks for tuning in and listening!

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Back in February I met with Mikasi Wolf, a Hainanese writer that's been in the furry fandom for over 14 years. He goes into detail about his culture and what things are like on his side of the world in Singapore. Day to day life, the Covid-19 response, and even how different groups fit together are discussed. Turns out things are a little different over there and that's pretty neat!
 
Mikasi also discusses how and why writing is so overlooked in the fandom, and where his passion for it comes from. It's clear to me he cares deeply for his stories' characters and themes going as far as to research other cultures to represent them well with fleshed out pasts and back stories.

As always thanks for listening out there and don't forget to follow the guest! 

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Entail
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In late January I sat down with Kai Drossom a Ghanaian and British fur living in the far away land of London England. This episode was such a treat to take part in. Kai is exceptionally sharp! They waste no time discussing anything and everything that made them the person they are today as well as why some of those things need not be tread by anyone in the future. Since they're the official CEO of Entail - the kickass new furry app set to launch and out speed past all competitors - I expected nothing less than the brilliance on display here.

If being the head of Entail wasn't enough they also detail their relationship with the furry community as a whole. From being a furmeet friendly face to eventually getting fed up with the systems that be and picking up the mantle themselves and creating Barkade Furs with previous guest Saint Panic. A remarkable, and daring endeavor that's made a real impact on the furs of the UK. 

Kai describes their identity in a way that feels personal... Because it is. Even their struggles with the UK's government feels deeply personal to me - an American. For good reason at that. They paint a picture of a bleak UK that's a ticking time bomb to anyone paying attention, but it's not all doom and gloom. The future may just be bright after all.

Thanks for listening to the show! Make sure to tell us what you thought, follow the guest, and wash your hands~

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In January I sat down with Nat to discuss everything from the furry fandom, to colorism. Needless to say this fun and lighthearted soul really knows how to bring on the harsh truths some of us are afraid to say. As a skilled artist and animator he was more than happy to talk about how art has shaped his life over time. From his humble upbringing to rousing need to protest whether it be outside or at home. 

Since Nat is also an avid cartoon fan it didn't surprise me to hear his delight when it came to more LGBT+ representation in cartoons. He went over how it impacted him to see characters they could relate to in that way. 

Thanks for listening everyone! 

(Audio got kinda messed up. Sorry about that!)

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On January 11th 2021 I sat down with Azoth, a skilled black trans artist creating their dream web comic Revenant at an astounding pace of 5 pages per week. Not only does he manage to write in a black protagonist to head this fantasy world, he also creates something totally unique: spinning an urban fantasy adventure that criticizes colonialism and doesn't hold back from going all out on the art. 

Of course it's not all fun and games. As an artist struggling with a recent ADHD diagnosis he goes into detail weighing the pros and cons of the affliction from 10 hour days of straight drawing to struggling with executive dysfunction. He goes over the steps to creating a successful page with tips on how to panel a scene.

It's obvious Azoth isn't gonna let anyone get in his way. And as you'll hear in this interview, they've tried before. 

Thanks everyone for the support over the past few months. We're glad to be back! Don't forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes delivered to your device as soon as it drops. 

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Can You See Us Now?

On October 20th I got to sit down with the dazzling Turkish fursuit maker Yami to gain a Middle Eastern fur's perspective on what's going on when it comes to BLM and the pushes for diversity and inclusion. Coming from a traditional Turkish family, Yami has been through quite a lot growing up. Though, despite the odds stacked against him, his determination and passion for creation and the furry fandom continue to push him to achieve greatness.

Needless to say, Yami's full of information when it comes to designing fursuits. Whether it's his methods to create the suit or the steps he took to attain success he shares all in this down to Earth, and honest interview.

Thanks for listening, everyone. This will be the last episode for a while as Team Rhyner is going on a hiatus to rest up and improve the show for future episodes! We appreciate each and every one of you for supporting us so far. It's been a wild ride.

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On October 19th I sat down with the magical dancing Korean red panda Tsuko to get to taste of what the world of furry dancers has to offer! He shared insight on me on what it's like to feel at home on the dance floor and what it was like growing up adopted into a white world. It's not always easy overcoming adversities and yet, this guy really knows how to reel it in.

Teeming with personality, vim and vigor this interview sure was a blast. This one isn't one of the heavier ones, but we aren't shy discusses how prejudice is bred from ignorance and only made worse from backlash. (Oh and I learn how to say "Hello" in Korean!)

Thanks for listening everyone! And if you wanna support us consider telling your friends about the show. Big thanks to Sal for drawing this episode's cover art consider commissioning him!

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On October 4th I sat down with the mystical Kitsune Mark Lee a half black, quarter Native American, quarter Greek, bi-curious furry living in California. (Near my hometown fun fact >_>) While he was nervous at first he had no trouble opening up about his experiences inside and outside the fandom. It's often overlooked but body image issues can have a serious effect on someone's self-esteem even in the furry fandom. Finding out there are people, not only accepting of you, but into you can make a HUGE difference.

Mark Lee discusses his struggles with police assuming the worst of him, having trouble getting down at furcons, and what he wants to see from the fandom to help it grow. I learned a lot about the small steps we can take to push for diversity to say the least. Disabilities and mental health were brought up, but I can't wait to delve into those topics more in future videos! It really opens the door to conversations we need to have. Stay tuned for that in the future.

Thanks for listening everyone! And if you wanna support us consider telling your friends about the show. Big thanks to Sal for drawing this episode's cover art consider commissioning him!

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On September 27th 2020 I got the chance to sit down with Panic the bear! A fun loving black London-er unafraid to speak his mind and get my goat any time he gets the chance. This ain't his first rodeo either. This talented bear keeps his paws busy with all sorts of projects within the fandom and out! Including co-running the Furs of Color Telegram & Discord chats!

Be sure to check out the podcasts and other projects I've linked to down here. He's been in the fandom for more than a decade - things sure have changed a lot back then. But if you know furries you know some things just never change.

We discuss the quiet racism just below the surface of the UK's calm exterior, how Pan has made an impact on the BIPOC furry community, and what you can do to start learning about these difficult issues. Though, we did get distracted by things like dogs with shoes once or twice...

Thanks for listening, everyone! This was a fun episode.

Shout-outs to our newest addition to Team Rhyner: Sal! The artist of this episode's cover art. Send them some love! 

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Can You See Us Now?

Originally recorded September 19th 2020.

On September 27th I sat down with Izzy from WeaselPress to discuss diversity in the fandom and why representation is important to furs of color. Originally, the episode was recorded the week previous, but due to a recording error we had to re-record this episode. It serves as a "highlight reel" of the questions asked from the original recording. 

Izzy is an esteemed writer, poet, and publisher with an upcoming collection of poems titled "The Audacity of Your Bullshit" coming out sometime next month. He prides himself in being an open book -- no pun intended! Sex, race, kinks, sexuality, and more he's open to discussing all of it. We scratched the surface in this interview digging deep into why being colorblind isn't as great as it sounds.

Thanks for listening! 

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