Adult ISH is a culture, advice and storytelling podcast produced entirely by folks who are almost adults.
In our latest episode of Adult ISH, we teamed up with Hopelab, a social innovation lab working to remove systemic barriers to youth mental health.
Hopelab published a study that highlights how LGBTQIA+ Gen Z youth form deep emotional bonds with social media creators, impacting their mental health and sense of identity. Hopelab’s survey of 1,715 young people ages 13 to 22, reveals how these parasocial relationships provide validation and community, offering much-needed support that many lack in their offline lives. For many, TikTok and Instagram aren’t just for fun — they’re lifelines for self-expression and community.
Adult ISH hosts Nyge Turner and Christian Romo have conversations with Hopelab principal researcher Mike Parent and Angel Joy Flores (@arkangeljoy), a transfemme content creator, streamer, performer, and coach, focused on celebrating LGBTQ+ lifestyle and visibility.
Adult ISH is produced by YR Media and brought to you by PRX’s Radiotopia. Be sure to follow all our socials @YRAdultISH!
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Meet the Hosts
Nygel “Nyge” Turner (he/him) is an Oakland, California-based creator whose audio and written work has appeared in The Guardian, Snap Judgment, the CBC, and many other outlets. Nyge is a Bay Area-based lover of food, sports, and, most importantly, music. He loves the outdoors and has also watched almost every show on every streaming service.
Listen to previous seasons with his former and still beloved co-host Merk Nguyen in our archives.
Dominique “Dom” French (she/they) is a Black, femme, and disabled podcaster. Dom is the recipient of the Signal Awards for Best Conversation Starter (Black Enough) and Best Co-host (Adult ISH). A Northwestern University grad, Dominique has collaborated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture and contributed to the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap. The Georgia native loves making audio that explores the personal impact of systemic injustice, girly things, and the humor in hardship.