Identity Tales

Many people would find the act of performing on stage to be anxiety inducing. Ironically, for actor Melissa Bergstrom, it’s actually the place her anxiety dissipates. In this episode of Identity Tales, Melissa shares how trying to control her anxiety over the years often felt paralyzing, and how she now treats it like a dance partner instead. Melissa tells Kate about the freedom that comes the moment you decide to own who you are, and the surprising connections that can follow.Be sure to check out Melissa’s blog at www.theperpetualvisitor.com. It’s an inspiring and practical exploration of what it means to build creativity and play into your daily life.

When doctors told Bret Miller at 24 years-old that he had breast cancer, he was the youngest man to ever be diagnosed with the disease. Today, Bret is 30 and on a mission to make sure other men get screened, and to let other survivors know they aren’t alone. In this episode of Identity Tales, Bret talks to Kate about carving out space for healing in a disease that’s been branded Pink. Learn more about Bret’s work with the Male Breast Cancer Coalition at www.malebreastcancercoalition.org

The tables are turned in this episode of Identity Tales where Kate talks about the experience of growing up as an asexual woman, and what it's like to be part of the largely invisible A in the LGBTQIA mix. Melissa Bergstrom steps in as interviewer while Kate reflects on the incredible power of learning you aren't the only one of something. Together they unpack the burden and joy of trying to imagine a future for yourself that isn’t reflected anywhere in culture...pop or otherwise.Editor's Note: While it's not discussed specifically in this episode, there is a difference between someone's sexual and romantic orientations, and they shouldn't be conflated or confused. People who identify as asexual, can also identify as aromantic, homoromatic, biromantic, or heteroromantic. In other words, it's a spectrum! For resources and information on asexuality, check out the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network at www.asexuality.org

Italian born musician and composer Michele Romeo got his first guitar before he was big enough to really hold it. By age 10, he was a self-described metal head who was also exploring jazz and classical. But as he was falling in love with music, he was also starting to lose his vision. In the inaugural episode of Identity Tales, Michele talks to Kate about the ways music has guided, anchored, and inspired him throughout his journey, and about its power to connect us all through story. As the episode winds down, Michele picks up the guitar to share two original songs.Listen to more of Michele’s music, buy his album, and check out live concert dates, all through his Facebook page (www.facebook.com/michele.romeo.31) or on his website (www.micheleromeo.it)

Host Kate Marple teases what's to come in season 1, starting April 17.