What Lingers

What Lingers Pod
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What Lingers is a podcast from the team behind Storytelling Lisboa, a monthly event where real people from around the world share true, personal stories in front of a live audience. The stories on stage are wonderful, but so often the stories leave threads that need more unraveling. That's where What Lingers comes in. Each episode invites a past storyteller to revisit their narrative in an intimate setting with a smaller audience for a deeper conversation, exploring the nuances and untold details that linger in their stories. Hosts Cristian Figueroa and Liz Melchor sit down with storytellers to dive deeper into the moments that captivate and connect us. Season one was recorded live with an audience who participates in the conversation. Season two was more intimate, just the storytellers and host in conversation. Join us to discover the questions, reflections, and revelations that surface when personal storytelling continues beyond the stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. whatlingerspod.substack.com

  1. Facing the Ocean: A triplet’s journey through family, identity, and belonging across cultures

    -6 DIAS

    Facing the Ocean: A triplet’s journey through family, identity, and belonging across cultures

    What does it mean to find your individual identity when you're born as one of three? For Alexa, the question of "who am I?" has always been more complicated than most. Alexa is an identical twin triplet, a biracial woman who grew up in a mostly white, small Portuguese town, a daughter of a traditional patriarch who struggled to accept her sexual orientation, and now, a social worker for Europe's largest LGBTQI organization based in Brussels. Each of these identities shaped her—and sometimes collided with each other in painful ways.In this intimate episode, Alexa opens up about the complexities of finding your individual identity when you're born as one of three, navigating family dynamics when your father can't fully see you, growing up biracial in a homogeneous community, and a childhood near-death experience that shaped everything.Alexa Santos is a Portuguese social worker living in Brussels. Alexa is interested in queer studies and practice, gender and sexuality theory. Has been an anti-racist, trans feminist and LBGTIQA+ activist and educator, for almost 20 years and uses story telling in her social justice work.Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    46 min
  2. From Supermarket Pranks to Stage Magic: A Cross-Cultural Journey Through Mischief and Mentalism

    22/12/2025

    From Supermarket Pranks to Stage Magic: A Cross-Cultural Journey Through Mischief and Mentalism

    What do childhood pranks, undiagnosed ADHD, and professional magic have in common? For Luke Hamilton, they’re all part of the same story—one about learning to hold people’s attention, channel restless energy, and turn secrets into art. Luke’s story begins with mischief. As a kid with an international upbringing and adventures across Indonesia, he and his friend discovered the joy of pranking unsuspecting shoppers at supermarkets using magic tricks. What started as innocent fun—making things disappear, creating impossible moments—became the foundation for a life dedicated to the craft of illusion. In this episode, Luke opens up about the intricate preparation behind magic tricks, the psychology of mentalism, the life lessons he learned from his father, and why audience engagement is everything—whether you’re performing magic or telling a story. Find more of Luke’s Journey on his Youtube Channel Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    59 min
  3. Choosing Authenticity Over Comfort: Vanessa's Journey from Peru to Self-Acceptance

    15/12/2025

    Choosing Authenticity Over Comfort: Vanessa's Journey from Peru to Self-Acceptance

    Vanessa grew up in a small, conservative town in Peru where being different wasn’t just difficult—it was dangerous. Raised in a strict Catholic school environment, she navigated the painful intersection of faith, identity, and belonging. She faced homophobia daily, was outed against her will, and struggled to reconcile the God she loved with a community that told her she couldn’t be both queer and faithful. But Vanessa’s story isn’t one of losing faith—it’s one of finding it in new places. In herself. In her community. In the understanding that God’s love was never conditional on who she loved. In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Vanessa shares her journey from a young girl trying to fit into boxes that were never meant for her, to a woman who refused to live a lie—even when it meant ending a long-term relationship and disappointing the people she loved most.Vanessa’s story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to choose authenticity over comfort. She reminds us that the journey to being yourself isn’t linear—it’s messy, painful, and ongoing. But it’s also necessary. And you’re never alone in it. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt caught between who they are and who they’re expected to be. For anyone who’s been told their identity and their faith can’t coexist. For anyone who’s choosing themselves for the first time—or the hundredth time.About Vanessa: Vanessa is a 25-year-old Latina VC, angel investor, and LGBTQ+ advocate from Peru. After navigating identity and faith in a conservative Catholic environment, she’s dedicated to creating spaces where everyone belongs—from the boardroom to the queer community. Her story proves you can be authentic, faithful, and unapologetically yourself. Follow Vanessa: @iamvanessa.pe Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    47 min
  4. Running Through Identity: Ultramarathons, Family, and Coming Out

    08/12/2025

    Running Through Identity: Ultramarathons, Family, and Coming Out

    Harjeet Johal is a 46-year-old writer, commentator, broadcaster, and host of the podcast “The Boy Likes Gin,” based in Lisbon. In this episode, we explore his journey to making the audacious decision to run the Marathon des Sables—a 250-kilometer, six-day ultra-marathon through the Sahara Desert, often called “the toughest footrace on Earth.” But this isn’t just a story about physical endurance. It’s about what you discover about yourself when you push past every limit you thought you had. In this deeply moving conversation, Harjeet opens up about the journey that led him from being an overweight young adult to standing at the starting line in the Sahara—and what he found on the other side. He shares the cultural expectations he defied, the mental preparation that was just as intense as the physical training, and the unexpected ways the desert transformed him. Harjeet’s story is a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of the human spirit. It’s about perseverance, yes, but more importantly, it’s about self-discovery—about the courage it takes to run toward the person you’re meant to be, even when the terrain is unforgiving and the path unclear. This episode will make you believe in your own capacity for transformation. And it might just inspire you to sign up for something that terrifies you. About Harjeet: Harjeet is a writer, commentator, broadcaster, and podcast host based in Lisbon. He hosts “The Boy Likes Gin,” a podcast exploring life, identity, and authentic conversations. After losing 40 kilos and completing the Marathon des Sables, he continues to challenge himself and share his journey with honesty, humor, and heart. Follow Harjeet on instagram @theboylikesgin Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    56 min
  5. Seeing Differently: Miguel's Story of Cancer, Humor, and a Prosthetic Eye

    01/12/2025

    Seeing Differently: Miguel's Story of Cancer, Humor, and a Prosthetic Eye

    Miguel, a Portuguese journalist and storyteller from Lisbon, had eye cancer as a child. Since then, he’s lived with a prosthetic eye—a physical reality that shaped not just how he sees the world, but how the world sees him, and most importantly, how he sees himself. In this tender and vulnerable conversation, Miguel takes us through the internal emotional landscape of growing up with a disability. He shares the insecurity, the self-consciousness, and the quiet burden of carrying something you can’t easily explain to others. But he also shares something unexpected: the funny, connecting, and deeply human moments that happened because of his prosthetic eye. From his early years navigating a world that wasn’t always kind, to his career path from journalism to education, and eventually to the storytelling stage—Miguel’s journey is one of slowly learning to embrace what he once tried to hide.Miguel’s story is a beautiful reminder that our differences—the things we spend so much energy trying to conceal—are often the very things that connect us most deeply to others. His vulnerability on stage wasn’t just an act of courage; it was an act of freedom. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt “other,” who’s carried a story in silence, or who’s wondered what might happen if they finally let the world see all of who they are. Miguel grew up in the Lisbon suburbs with a love for writing, but he’s recently discovered the joys of storytelling - even though he says it terrifies him that you can’t edit a live joke.Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    49 min
  6. Hitchhiking Across Asia: The Journey That Led to Love—and Back to Himself

    24/11/2025

    Hitchhiking Across Asia: The Journey That Led to Love—and Back to Himself

    In this episode, Jeremias takes us through an extraordinary odyssey across Asia—from trekking through the Himalayas to navigating the complexities of traveling through China, buying a horse in Mongolia for an off-the-grid adventure, and ultimately being deported from Russia due to visa issues. But this isn’t just a story about stamps in a passport. It’s about the emotional terrain we navigate when we push ourselves to the edge. Jeremias opens up about the tension between working professionally in a suit for a nonprofit and craving the unrestrained freedom of true adventure. He shares the story of a profound connection with a local tour guide—the emotional highs and devastating lows that come with love on the road. And he reflects on what these extreme experiences taught him about self-love, personal growth, and the delicate balance between seeking thrills and finding stability. Jeremias Winckler is a passionate traveler, writer, and competitive kitesurfer who has explored over 40 countries. With a background in economics and a master’s in literature and cultural studies underway, he brings a unique perspective to his adventures. His first book, Gratwanderung, chronicles his solo journey across Asia, with a second book about his crossing of Iran currently in the works. Connect with Jeremias on Instagram: @jeremias.wincklerBook: www.bod.de/buchshop/gratwanderung-jeremias-winckler-9783752659504Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    54 min
  7. Ultramarathon Training as Therapy: Amy's Journey to Self-Discovery

    17/11/2025

    Ultramarathon Training as Therapy: Amy's Journey to Self-Discovery

    When her brother’s health crisis turned Amy’s world upside down, she found an unlikely path to healing: ultramarathon running. In this deeply personal episode, Amy shares how she went from zero athletic background to completing her first ultramarathon while navigating mental health struggles, self-compassion, and profound personal transformation. Recently relocated to Lisbon and facing significant life challenges, Amy discovered that ultramarathon training became more than physical preparation—it became a journey of mental endurance, emotional resilience, and self-discovery. Through running clubs in Lisbon, she found community support and an unexpected romantic connection that helped carry her through the highs and lows of both training and life. Amy’s story explores the transformative power of setting ambitious goals, the interconnection between body and mind, and the continuous journey of self-acceptance. Whether you’re a runner, someone dealing with mental health challenges, or simply seeking inspiration for your own transformation, this conversation offers profound insights into human resilience and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. Amy is a joyful, warm, and empathetic human building a meaningful life in Lisbon. From the UK, she works as a startup Brand and Marketing specialist and discovered her passion for trail and ultrarunning by accident. Now in a season of curiosity and figuring out what midlife looks like, trail and ultrarunning has become her grounding place to build strength, confidence, and curiosity. Connect with Amy on Instagram @amyinlisbon or @walkandtalkandrun where she shares her running journey. Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz Melchor Edited by Liz Melchor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    52 min
  8. Escaping Synanon: From Cult Manipulation to Inner Freedom

    10/11/2025

    Escaping Synanon: From Cult Manipulation to Inner Freedom

    We’re back! What Lingers returns for its third season, and we’re thrilled to kick it off with a powerful story of resilience, liberation, and self-discovery.In this episode of What Lingers, Robert shares his extraordinary journey from growing up inside Synanon, one of America’s most infamous rehabilitation communities turned cult, to rebuilding a life of freedom, healing, and purpose in Spain. A ninth-degree black belt in Shaolin Kung Fu, Robert reflects on his childhood marked by family dysfunction, time in foster homes, and the psychological control of Synanon’s notorious “Game” — a confrontational group therapy method that crossed into emotional abuse. At just sixteen, Robert made the courageous choice to walk away from the only world he’d ever known. His story reveals the resilience of the human spirit, the dangers of unchecked power, and the path toward authenticity and spiritual liberation. Today, Robert lives in Spain with his beloved wife, sharing his wisdom as a writer, messenger, and spiritual teacher. Follow us on Instagram: Storytelling Lisboa & What Lingers Pod Hosted by Cristian Figueroa & Liz MelchorEdited by Liz Melchor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whatlingerspod.substack.com

    1 h 4 min
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Sobre

What Lingers is a podcast from the team behind Storytelling Lisboa, a monthly event where real people from around the world share true, personal stories in front of a live audience. The stories on stage are wonderful, but so often the stories leave threads that need more unraveling. That's where What Lingers comes in. Each episode invites a past storyteller to revisit their narrative in an intimate setting with a smaller audience for a deeper conversation, exploring the nuances and untold details that linger in their stories. Hosts Cristian Figueroa and Liz Melchor sit down with storytellers to dive deeper into the moments that captivate and connect us. Season one was recorded live with an audience who participates in the conversation. Season two was more intimate, just the storytellers and host in conversation. Join us to discover the questions, reflections, and revelations that surface when personal storytelling continues beyond the stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. whatlingerspod.substack.com

Informação

  • Autoria
    What Lingers Pod
  • Anos em atividade
    2024 - 2025
  • Episódios
    29
  • Classificação
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © What Lingers Pod
  • Site do programa
    What Lingers