Welcome back to Together Real Bad—your Chicago-based WLW relationship podcast where we keep it real about love, life, and building together.

This episode is a full life update: our Denver birthday trip (food, scooters, and a first-ever NFL game) Trying snowboarding at Winter Park (humbling, hilarious, and painful in the right ways) navigating grief and family reality after a sudden loss and why we’re locking in on boundaries so we don’t lose us in the middle of business.

And yes—BIG NEWS: we’re officially opening our studio and throwing our Jem Junkies Grand Opening on February 7 at Lacuna by Catalyst (2150 S Canalport Ave) with an open studio, vendors, raffles, and a super-limited beginner grill-making class.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of grief and death.

• Date: February 7

• Location: Lacuna by Catalyst, 2150 S Canalport Ave, Chicago

• Open Studio: 1–4 PM (walk-ins + appointments)

  Jan 2026 Trans

• First 5 guests: free single tooth gem

  Jan 2026 Trans

• Evening event: ~5:30–8:30 PM + vendors + raffles

• Beginner grill-making class: limited small groups; free for grand opening only

If you rocked with this episode: follow, rate, and write a review (it helps WLW/LGBTQ podcasts get surfaced). And send this to a friend who’s balancing love + life + big dreams.