Show Notes:

In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and DoctorJonPaul explore themes of identity, resistance, resilience, and self-love. They discuss the complexities of navigating capitalism, the importance of storytelling, and the need for authenticity in a world that often marginalizes diverse voices. DoctorJonPaul shares personal experiences and insights on embracing one's identity and the power of community in fostering self-acceptance and love.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins (DoctorJonPaul) is an award-winning educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader, and media critic who examines the intersections of identity, gender, and race in entertainment. Named National Black Justice Coalition's Inaugural Emerging Leaders to Watch and Business Equality Magazine's "Top 40 LGBTQ People Under 40", their work has been featured on sites like Essence, Ebony, Complex, MTV NEWS, Out Magazine, BET & Entertainment Weekly. A Culture Strike 2021 Disruptor, Black Boy/Girl Writes Fellow, and Twitter Spaces Spark Creator, DoctorJonPaul is a trailblazer creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn't get to tell.

Dr. Higgins is the inaugural Director of Strategic Media & Advocacy for Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and has held positions at Chernin Entertainment and Edith Productions. They have consulted with multiple brands on inclusion projects, including United Artists, Amazon Prime, Fox, the NFL, Apple, Disney, Instagram, Buzzfeed, G.L.A.A.D., and, most recently, Ulta Beauty.

They are the creator, executive producer, and host of the "Black Fat Femme Podcast," which was developed via IHeartMedia's Next Up Initiative in 2021. The podcast has gone on to be named one of the "top Black podcasts to listen to" by both Ebony and Pride Magazine and was named a Webby Honoree, along with a Shorty Award win for best Lifestyle & Entertainment podcast. Currently, they are working on their first book, Black Fat Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself, acquired by Wiley Global and slated for release in March of 2025.

Connect with Mark:

⁠Sign up for Mark's biweekly newsletter⁠

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Connect with DoctorJonPaul:

DoctorJonPaul's Website

Pre-Order DoctorJonPaul's Memoir

DoctorJonPaul's Instagram ⁠

DoctorJonPaul's LinkedIn

DoctorJonPaul's BFF: Black Fat Femme Podcast

Questions or comments?

Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

License code: HH1UUNHIRJ7LUSVU

Disclaimer Note: the captions in this video are auto-generated, and while we try to ensure accuracy, you may notice a typo or error. Thank you in advance for extending grace.