Disco didn’t just light up dance floors — it became a symbol of civil disobedience. It gave marginalized communities the rhythm to resist and the freedom to shine.

In this episode, Jeff Illes — advocate, scholar, and beloved voice in the LGBTQIA+ community- joins us to unpack how disco powered a movement for visibility, equality, and joy. Reminding us that music doesn’t just move bodies — it moves history.

Because when the world says “stay still,” disco says: NO WAY!!!— grab your glitter and SHAKE IT UP!! ✨

LET’S BE FRIENDS

• Podcast Website
• Follow us on INSTAGRAM

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

• The Trevor Project
• Trans Equality
• Entertainment Community Fund⁠ – Supporting artists & performers.
• Musicares.org⁠ – Helping musicians stay healthy & thriving.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – You are not alone.
• Mental Health Resources by county – Thanks, Headspace.
• 13 Mental Health Resources That Are Absolutely Free– Thanks, Oprah!

What happens when politicians weaponise fear, transgender lives and people of color instead of fixing potholes? 🔧🛣️💥

It’s called SFARTS™: A satirical PSA exposing how culture wars distract us from actual progress.

Warning: May cause spontaneous smiles, 🤔 critical thinking, and an overdose of fabulousness!

🎧Stay tuned for the next episode.

• Rhythms Of Progress – 🎶 Music, activism, and change!

RESOURCES

1. The Trevor Project
2. Trans Equality
3. Entertainment Community Fund⁠ – Supporting artists & performers.
4. Musicares.org⁠ – Helping musicians stay healthy & thriving.
5. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – You are not alone.
6. Mental Health Resources by county – Thanks, Headspace.

13 Mental Health Resources That Are Absolutely Free – Thanks, Oprah!

Nursery rhymes aren’t just for nap time. Check out how Elise Ruggiero uses a cool tool called the uCue and turns classics like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “The Wheels on the Bus” into data that’s transforming our understanding of autism.

That’s right—she’s turning playground bangers into scientific breakthroughs. So grab your juice box and press play. Science you can dance to? Yes, please!

- Photo by Eileen Ruggiero

LET’S BE FRIENDS

• Podcast Website
• Follow us on INSTAGRAM

ELISE: SHE’S GOT SKILLS

• Work with Elise!
• Read the uCue Article
• Soundscapes of the Mind
• The uCue

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

• Entertainment Community Fund⁠ – Supporting artists & performers.
• Musicares.org⁠ – Helping musicians stay healthy & thriving.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – You are not alone.
• Mental Health Resources by county – Thanks, Headspace.
• 13 Mental Health Resources That Are Absolutely Free– Thanks, Oprah!