Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo

Photo credit: Annie Millman

Aleeza Kazmi and Fonzo Lacayo are the hosts of Grown. Follow Aleeza on Twitter here and Grown on Twitter here.

How are you different and how are you the same? What do you both bring to the table?
Aleeza: Fonzo and I are both young adults born and raised in New York with complex cultural upbringings that have shaped our perspectives. But other than that we are quite different, and that is what I love about co-hosting Grown with him. Our unique perspectives complement each other and make our dynamic on Grown really special. Fonzo challenges me to think in new ways about myself, art, and my relationship with the world around me. I think we bring out the best in each other and that makes for really compelling, thought-provoking episodes.

At the end of the day, I think what we both bring to the table is a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling. We both believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and we feel incredibly lucky to be able to share those stories with our listeners on Grown.

What do listeners not know about what it takes to be a Moth storyteller?
Aleeza: People who listen to Grown or The Moth often say that they could never tell a story but what they don’t know is that they 100% can! It may seem intimidating but anybody can be a Moth storyteller as long as they are on theme, on time, and telling a true story from their own life. There is no magic formula or secret to storytelling. What makes Moth stories so great are the people who tell them, all that it takes is a bit of trust in yourself. 

What is a tip you could give for someone trying to tell a captivating story to a live audience?
Aleeza: Imagine that you're reliving the experience as if it happened just yesterday, and try to tap into the feelings and emotions you had at the time. When you're fully present in your story, you'll be able to recall all the small details and nuances that make it so compelling. Plus, being vulnerable and sharing your personal experiences will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. By tapping into that version of yourself and channeling that energy into your storytelling, you'll be able to convey the authenticity and emotion that make for a truly captivating story.

Fonzo: My biggest tip would be to not underestimate your own experiences, even the small ones. I find that since we experience life through one lens, we tend to overlook memories and situations we deem as uneventful, but were perhaps pivotal moments. It’s easier to credit the big moments in our lives as turning points, but sometimes the small seemingly monotonous moments are just as important. 

Do you get nervous on stage?
Aleeza: Thankfully I don’t get stage fright anymore. As a Moth storyteller over the years, I have told stories on stages in front of hundreds of people and after the first couple of times I stopped getting nervous as soon as I stepped on the stage. I realized that the audience is on my side, excited to hear whatever story I am about to tell, so I am overwhelmed with a sense of community and belonging rather than nerves when I share my stories. But maybe ask me again when the audience number is in the thousands... 

Fonzo: Yes! I get nervous even when I'm at the register ordering the same coffee for the thousandth time, so being on stage in front of people is always a little intimidating. I think stage fright is normal, but since I’ve been around The Moth team for so long, I feel more at home and at peace being on stage. I also always try to remember those moments when I’m in the crowd watching a storyteller and how engaged and warm I feel as they tell their story. I try to imagine our audience and listeners feeling the same. 

How would you describe yourself now to eight-year-old you?
Fonzo: You’re a lot taller than you expected to be, I know that’s something that you cared a lot about. You ended up getting locs and they’re down to your back believe it or not - no more bad haircuts. I finally feel as though I’ve grown into myself and become more confident. I ended up moving to Brooklyn and have met so many amazing people along the way. And believe it or not, you don’t play any of the sports you thought you’d play forever. 

What are you learning about people in this age group between childhood and adulthood?
Aleeza: That they have so much wisdom to share! I have learned such valuable lessons from the storytellers from the Moth’s education program that we’ve featured on Grown. Whether it's finding unexpected sources of support, taking risks and stepping outside their comfort zones, or simply learning to be kinder to themselves, the young storytellers featured on  have taught me so much about resilience and personal growth.

Their stories have also made me reflect on my own journey navigating the transition into adulthood and have given me a greater appreciation for the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this stage of life.

I hope hearing the young storytellers on Grown encourages our “older” audience to listen to the young people in their lives more clearly, and inspires younger listeners to share their own stories.

Should podcasters read their Apple Podcasts reviews?
Fonzo: I try hard not to, but because this is our first season of Grown and I’m still very new to being a podcast host, I can’t help but check out how people receive it. We try so hard to make sure the overall message of Grown is relayed in a way that is relatable and long-lasting so sometimes feedback can help inform where we should pivot or adjust, but it can be difficult to not fixate on any criticism. Overall I’m really happy with what we were able to create.

Are there too many podcasts?
Fonzo: No, I see podcasts as a mutually beneficial creative space for both listeners and creators. You never know how your story, idea, or interests may resonate with someone else. Also gives a platform and chance for discussions and topics that don’t always make it to every room With our world getting increasingly digital, podcasts feel like a new form of community. Even if a podcast has 5 listeners a week, who knows how much impact those listeners might find that podcast? There’s always something to talk about and discuss and I’m glad people are creating space and a voice for themselves through this medium

Thanks, Aleeza and Fonzo!