52 mins #9 May 15, 25 Prideful Connections Ep 9: Faith Without Fear: Embracing Authenticity In this episode of Prideful Connections, we sit down with Rev. A. Reilly Paige (they/them), a minister dedicated to creating spaces where everyone—especially LGBTQ+ individuals—can encounter the Divine without fear or judgment. Growing up in a conservative church in the Midwest, Reilly has made it their mission to be the pastor they once needed. Now serving as Associate Minister at First Congregational Church in Guilford, they are passionate about full inclusion, radical love, and the power of community. Join us as we talk about faith, authenticity, and what it means to truly belong.
76 mins #8 May 01, 25 Prideful Connections Ep. 8: From Big Macs to Big Impact: A Journey from Business to Advocacy In this episode of Prideful Connections, we welcome Pattie McKnight, the Executive Director of Health Care Advocates International—one of our podcast’s proud sponsors. Pattie’s journey is anything but ordinary. After 35 years as a McDonald’s Owner/Operator, she shifted her focus to advocacy work, first through Ronald McDonald House Charities and later through her leadership at HCAI. Since 2017, she has been at the forefront of providing healthcare access and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as we discuss her transition from the corporate world to nonprofit leadership, her passion for inclusive healthcare, and why she believes in fighting for a healthier future for all.
52 mins #7 Apr 17, 25 Prideful Connections Ep 7: Lights, Camera, Advocacy: Storytelling for Change In this episode of Prideful Connections, we are honored to welcome Emmy®-nominated filmmaker, bestselling author, and LGBTQ+ advocate Fiona Dawson. A proud bisexual, cisgender, immigrant woman, Fiona has dedicated her career to using media as a tool for equity and inclusion. From her groundbreaking New York Times op-doc Transgender, at War and in Love to her award-winning documentary TransMilitary, she has amplified the voices of marginalized communities and reshaped public perception. Join us as we dive into her journey—from working in corporate social responsibility to creating powerful personal storytelling through Free Lion Productions. Fiona shares insights on the impact of representation, the evolution of LGBTQIA+ media, and how we can all be part of advancing understanding through storytelling.
61 mins #6 Apr 03, 25 Prideful Connections – Ep 6: Living Out Loud: A Youth’s Journey with Cameron Celotto ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussions about self-harm and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. If you need support, consider reaching out to a crisis resource in your area.In this powerful episode of Prideful Connections, we sit down with Cameron Celotto, a transgender youth who has faced immense challenges on his journey to living authentically. Through resilience and courage, Cameron has transformed his struggles into advocacy, using his voice to uplift and represent those in the community who cannot always be visible.Join hosts Tony Ferraiolo and Sarah Celotto as they explore Cameron’s story—his battles, his triumphs, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a more accepting place for transgender youth. His journey is one of hope, strength, and the power of living out loud.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reminds us all why visibility and community matter.alex-inc.orghcaillc.com
52 mins #5 Mar 20, 25 Episode 05: Clare McCarthy: From Latin To Liberation: A Journey Of Advocacy In this episode of Prideful Connections, we sit down with Clare McCarthy, a lifelong educator, advocate, and host of Transqat the Podcast. With 33 years of experience as a Latin teacher, Clare now dedicates her work to combating misinformation about transgender issues through her podcast. We’ll explore her journey from teaching to advocacy, the power of storytelling in education, and how humor, research, and lived experience shape her approach. Tune in for an insightful conversation on creati...