Religion and identity are on the table today. In part two of this two-part episode, we continue our conversation with Play Steinberg, a Deaf Studies graduate, scribe, and creator of the web series Father.Mother.God. After losing both of their parents to suicide, Play went on a complicated grief journey—one colored by addiction and heartbreak. Currently, Play is publishing a webcomic, Father.Mother.God, exploring their childhood, grief, and healing process through a retrospective lens.
Play sits down with Ashley to discuss their journey with identity, religion, and sobriety in the aftermath of life-shattering news. Play shares how religion has been deeply intertwined with their identity, leading to an eventual conversion to Judaism. They talk about their journey with queerness and the significance of their chosen name. Together, Play and Ashley foster an exploratory conversation that examines different facets of life through a lens of growth and self-reverence.
Grief often stifles us. With this episode, and the Death + Dying series as a whole, we aim to foster open dialogue about the often uncomfortable topics surrounding death and grief. Our hope is that with an open heart and curiosity, we can support important causes, learn how to better show up for those who are suffering, increase meaning and connection in our lives, and ultimately find more peace.
You can learn about Play Steinberg and their work here
Follow Play on Instagram and LinkedIn
Explore Play’s webseries, Father. Mother. God
Listen to Part One of this Two Part Conversation
Read The Smell of Rain on Dust by Martin Prechtel
Listen to Judaism Unbound
Listen to our episode with Heather Mansson here
Follow On the Table with Ashley on Instagram and TikTok
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If you have ideas for new episodes or guests, or just want to share feedback, email us at reachoutanytime@ameatendre.com.
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