Asteria’s Convos

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Carmen Spagnola explore contrasting perspectives on hope, resistance, and what it means to build for the future. They discuss values-driven action, coalition-building, disability access, and living with grief and integrity amid social and ecological collapse.
The conversation weaves personal identities, trauma-informed facilitation, community care, and practical ways to keep working together—even when outcomes are uncertain.
 
This episode was recorded almost a year prior to release - Carmen just experienced a horrifically devastating wildfire that has left her and her husband Ruben with three shopping bags worth of belongings and that is -it-. Their farm and every building on it, the RVs they lived in with Carmen's adult but sensitively autistic kid, the housing for Ruben's elderly parents, all of it gone in a fire that grew from 50 hectares to 5000 in an hour.
Some ways to help them include joining the Numinous Network, as Carmen mentions at the end of the episode. Carmen's colleagues, the Numinous Guides (which includes Asteria!) have taken over the business continuity plans and are keeping things running so the family still has an income while they recover, plus the guides have no loss of income as well. You can also donate to the GoFundMe set up by Alysha for Carmen and Ruben. They could not get fire insurance because of the rural location of their farm, so the GoFundMe acts as a baseline to get them out of prior debt, get housing for Ruben's elderly parents, and get Carmen and Ruben back in an RV on the land with solar to take care of their animals and begin rebuilding. If you imagine the amount of money it takes to build a house and replace every single object down to laptops and underwear, that is what they need. 
https://carmenspagnola.squarespace.com/the-numinous-networkhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-support-for-carmen-and-family

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Ashley Perretta explore how community is built through shared resources, creativity, and mutual care — from swing dancing and immersive events to plans for an accessible makerspace in Los Angeles.
The episode centers on practical values: sharing tools, time, and skills; honoring cultural roots; and practicing small, sustainable acts that add up to a more connected, collective future.

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Sarah Kathleen Wilson explore grief, chronic illness, and neuroqueer identity while centering community-led care. They discuss praxis—turning values into everyday actions—building accessible queer spaces, and lessons from HIV and harm reduction work.
The episode covers practical steps for mutual aid, conflict repair, and collapse-oriented preparation, plus Sarah's gender-affirming prenatal hypnotherapy course and ongoing work mentoring care workers.

Host Asteria Elzea and guest Gilly Moon dive into the craft of sound design, mentorship, and the everyday actions that build inclusive creative communities. They discuss collaborative workflows from game jams to NPR, the often-underappreciated role of audio in storytelling, and how technicians assert expertise with care.
The conversation also covers coalition-building, neurodivergence and ADHD, giving clear feedback, and practical ways to help people belong—wrapped up with Gilly’s resources and her work at auralunestudios.com.

Host Asteria Elzea interviews Claudia de Vasco, managing director of Miller Outdoor Theater, about her journey as a neurodivergent Mexican-American arts leader and how the theater uses free programming to reach diverse audiences in Houston.
The episode explores accessibility, intentional community-building, bringing younger generations into the arts, and a long-term "seventh-generation" approach to sustainable cultural change.

Welcome to Asteria's Convos, where we embark on a journey of community building and self-discovery. In this episode, host Asteria Elzea sits down with Laura Dannequin, a movement and embodiment practitioner, to explore the fluid nature of identities and the power of connection. Laura shares her unique perspective on community building, the importance of movement in healing, and how we can coexist better in these challenging times. Join us as we delve into the beauty of being in a body and the impact of small acts of kindness on creating positive change. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that reminds us of our shared humanity and the potential for growth and healing in our communities.

Join Asteria Elzea as she launches her transformative community building training on Juneteenth, marking the beginning of a powerful journey towards understanding power dynamics, defining personal values, and fostering secure attachments. This unique program spans over five sessions, concluding on the symbolic eve of Independence Day, and draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Black, queer and disabled activism.
The training begins by addressing power dynamics and the significance of weighted lenses, then progresses through values defining, contact nutrition, and even explores visionary dreaming influenced by Afrofuturism. The course culminates in Curious Action, equipping participants with actionable strategies to embody their values in real-world situations.
This inclusive online program is designed for everyone, especially those in leadership roles, looking to enhance their ability to connect and advocate meaningfully within their communities. Offered as a free or pay-what-you-can opportunity, it symbolizes accessible empowerment for all, regardless of physical limitations or background.

Welcome to this episode of Asteria's Convos, where we delve into the world of backyard theater and community building. Hosted by Asteria Elzea from Los Angeles, this episode explores the journey of putting on a play with friends, overcoming challenges, and fostering a supportive creative community. Join Asteria and guests Jamie Frost and Christine Hassay as they share their experiences of directing a backyard production, handling unforeseen obstacles, and the joy of seeing an idea come to life. Discover the power of collaboration and the significance of leaning on community in the pursuit of artistic projects.
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Welcome to this special edition of Asteria's Convos, featuring a profound conversation between Asteria Elzea and Andrew Post, who experienced the devastating Altadena fires. In this episode, Andrew shares his journey of resilience and the invaluable support he received from his community in the face of crisis. This heartfelt dialogue delves into building community connections, addressing systemic challenges in California's insurance landscape, and coping with personal adversity.
Together, they explore the impact of collective assistance and the essential role of empathy and understanding in fostering genuine human connections. Join Asteria and Andrew as they reflect on the ever-changing circumstances of our world and the importance of working towards inclusive solutions for a better future. With insightful discussions on community support and the complexities of providing aid, this episode offers guidance and inspiration for navigating difficult times.
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Welcome to Asteria's Convos, where we delve into the art of community building amidst crises. In this episode, host Asteria Elzea welcomes Andrew Post, who shares his poignant story of losing his childhood home in the Altadena fires of January 2025. Together, they explore the challenges faced by climate refugees and the importance of solidarity and rebuilding communities.
Andrew opens up about his evolving identity, as he navigates life as a senior software engineer, an ally, and a compassionate son supporting his displaced parents. Reflecting on his experiences, he emphasizes the critical role of empathy, psychological safety, and collaboration in fostering resilient communities.
Don't miss this insightful conversation where Asteria and Andrew discuss the significance of embracing diverse identities, the responsibilities of community leaders, and practical ways to support individuals affected by both personal and large-scale traumas.
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