.png)
The Not My Job Pod
The Not My Job Pod is a podcast hosted by Emily Gant about work, people, and the weird stuff in between.
This podcast was born out of a simple realization: I don’t want my job to be my entire personality. So I talk to people outside the tech bubble — artists, community builders, creatives, and curious minds — about the passions, projects, and ideas that make them come alive. Just real conversations about what people love and why it matters to them.
This podcast is based in Berlin and heavily focused on the Berlin community.
The Not My Job Pod
Joy as a Form of Activism with Berlin-Based Drag Queen, Judy LaDivina
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Judy LaDivina shares her journey from Tel Aviv to Berlin, where she discovered her drag persona and the queer community. She discusses the importance of joy as a form of activism, the challenges within the queer community, and her role in empowering new drag artists through her show, Tell Mama. Judy also reflects on her experiences in theater, the significance of language in performance, and the complexities of navigating personal relationships, particularly with her family. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the need for open dialogue and the power of storytelling in bridging divides. In this engaging conversation, Judy and Emily explore the transformative power of performance and community, particularly in the context of drag shows. They discuss the shift from joy to conversation in the wake of conflict, the complexities of identity and justification, and the importance of inclusivity in politics and society. Judy emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding, advocating for a future where dialogue transcends division and celebrates shared humanity.
Takeaways
- Judy Ladivina was born in Berlin, where she discovered her drag persona.
- Berlin provided Judy the freedom to explore her identity.
- The queer community offers a space for fluidity and exploration.
- Joy can be a powerful form of political activism.
- Tell Mama is an intimate show that invites audience interaction.
- The drag community in Berlin is supportive and collaborative.
- Language accessibility in theater is crucial for inclusivity.
- Judy has lip-synced in 52 languages, enhancing audience connection.
- Theater allows Judy to weave personal stories into performances.
- Bridging generational gaps requires understanding and patience. The power of performance can foster community and connection.
- Transforming joy into conversation can address deeper societal issues.
- Identity plays a crucial role in navigating conflict and understanding.
- Justification of violence is a complex and dangerous narrative.
- Moving beyond the past is essential for future progress.
- Inclusivity in politics is necessary for a functioning democracy.
- Expanding social circles can lead to richer conversations and understanding.
- Compassion and kindness are fundamental in addressing trauma and conflict.
- The future should focus on possibilities rather than divisions.
- Engagement in dialogue is key to fostering understanding and change.
Instagram: @thenotmyjobpod // YouTube: @thenotmyjobpod // TikTok: @thenotmyjobpod