The Seat Across From Us

In this episode of The Seat Across From Us, Gonzalo sits down with Alex Fernandez-Klm for an honest conversation about religion, faith, and how the beliefs we grow up with shape the way we see the world.Together they reflect on their experiences growing up around Christianity, discuss the story of Moses, and explore what happens when people begin to question or reinterpret the faith they were raised in.This episode isn’t about giving answers, it’s about understanding perspective. Through personal stories and open dialogue, Gonzalo and Alex talk about how religion can influence identity, community, and the way we navigate life as young adults.Whether you grew up deeply religious, are questioning your beliefs, or simply want to hear a thoughtful conversation about faith, this episode invites you to see religion through our own eyes.🎧 The Seat Across From Us is a podcast about stories, perspectives, and the conversations that shape who we become.

In Season 3 Episode 2, Gonzalo sits down with Mike, a freshman at Brandeis and his mentee through the SSSP program. Mike opens up about his first semester at Brandeis, the surprises, challenges, friendships, and lessons that have shaped his first year so far. A conversation about mentorship, growth, and finding your place.

The host talks about how he had 2 freshmen years and it gets chaotic! Please enjoy the first bonus episode

Season 3 opens with a reflection on what it really takes to begin again. In this solo episode, Gonzalo reflects on growth, loneliness, resilience, and the quiet decision to keep showing up. A raw and honest start to a season grounded in truth.The seat is open.

In this episode, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Adrienne, a professor in the theater department, about her journey to finding love, the impact of technology on relationships, and her teaching philosophy. Adrienne shares her personal story of how she met her husband, the significance of unexpected connections, and the importance of never giving up on love. The discussion also delves into the challenges and joys of modern dating, the role of educators in shaping students' lives, and the need for creativity in teaching. Throughout the conversation, Adrienne emphasizes the value of relationships, both personal and professional, and the lessons learned from her experiences.

We’re back; and the seat is warmer (and higher) than ever.In this Season 2 opener, I catch you up on everything that went down this summer: from getting fired to getting high, from almost losing my sublet to finding peace in NYC.New stories, new vibe, same seat. Let’s talk about what’s coming this season and how this podcast’s mission is growing with me.It’s just me, a mic, and some chaotic reflection energy to kick off the semester.

In this episode, my sister joins me to share a deeply personal story—one rooted in love, loss, and the quiet strength it takes to speak the unspeakable.She opens up about her experience as a woman navigating pregnancy loss, the silence that surrounded it, and the ways it changed her forever.This is a conversation about grief, healing, and the power of reclaiming your story. It’s raw, honest, and full of heart.Let’s take a seat across from her.

In this episode, Gottfried joins me to talk about why college—no matter where you go—is a powerful opportunity for growth. He shares his experience at Brandeis and how it shaped his perspective in ways he never expected.We also explore the cultural differences between China and the U.S., from education and social life to family expectations and everyday moments of culture shock. Gottfried reflects on what it was like to adjust, what surprised him the most, and what he’s learned from living in two different worlds.To wrap up, we have a fun "Get to Know Gott" segment, covering everything from overrated American foods to his biggest takeaways from navigating two cultures.Let’s dive in.

In this episode of The Seat Across from Us, my Tia Nessa takes the seat to share the powerful influences that shaped her—our grandmother’s wisdom, love, and strength, and the lessons she learned from a past toxic relationship. Through laughter, reflection, and honesty, we dive into how the people in our lives—both the good and the bad—leave lasting marks on who we become.

In this debut episode, I share a story about the time I overshared my entire life story to new friends the moment I met them. 😅 Through that awkward introduction, I learned how storytelling connects us in unexpected ways. Tune in for humor, reflection, and the heart of The Seat Across from Us.

🎙️ Welcome to The Seat Across from Us!Everyone carries a story. Some make you laugh, some make you think, and some change your perspective forever. This podcast is where those stories are told—raw, real, and unfiltered. In each episode, a guest takes the seat across from us to share a moment that shaped them. From funny mishaps to deep life lessons, we dive into the stories that connect us all.