I'm here too
Learn, share, be inspired.
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I'm Here Too Podcast

I’m Here Too Podcast

A podcast, hosted by Ara Tucker that explores the intersections of art, culture, creativity, family, identity and all that fills the spaces in between.

We all have a chance to make our own mark, our own impression. Big or small as it ends up being. What a freeing realization that has been for me. Don’t get me wrong. It’s been a long and circuitous road getting to the place where “I” feels authentic and where I don’t apologize for the way I walk through the world.

It took me a long time to get to here, a place where I will be seen and heard. But now that I’m here, I’m eager for some company. I look forward to sharing my journey with you, learning from others, and creating a space where we can feel more connected, inspired and safe to be ourselves.

Off we go!

The Dream Can Change, a conversation with Sunil Ayyagari

You can also find this podcast on YouTube (transcript available), Spotify (video and audio versions), Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts (transcript available) and other fun places where podcasts live so subscribe, follow and tell your friends and your cat to listen and let me know what you think.

“Make choices that are things that you care about…But if that changes, don't be scared.”

I reconnect with Sunil Ayyagari, someone I’ve known since we were kids, to talk about identity, ambition, and the unexpected turns adulthood can take.

Sunil reflects on growing up queer in the late 80s and 90s, when stigma and fear shaped what was visible, and how early cultural touchstones helped him build a sense of self. He shares what it was like to build a career in theater, realize the dream had limits, and reset in his early thirties through business school, a new career path, and a new life chapter that includes marriage and a move back to North Jersey.

We also talk about attention and technology, what we miss about mixtapes and appointment TV, and what it means to come of age before constant connectivity, then learn how to live with it anyway.

About Sunil Ayyagari

Sunil Ayyagari works in brand strategy and innovation for national and global brands.  From 60+ theater productions, to sexual lubricants to soup, he’s had the opportunity to market a diverse range of products, keeping the work days interesting

Outside of work, Sunil’s passions include the performing arts, fundraising for the MS Society of NJ,  and seeing the world with his husband of 7 years.  He’s also a cat dad, with two children named Biscuit and Gravy, who are delicious as they sound. 

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