Ace in the Wild: An Asexual Perspective of Current Trends, Culture, and History
Host Deszi (he/they) explores the asexual experience and how ace people navigate current trends, culture, and history. The podcast mixes entertainment, education, and community-building while challenging persistent stereotypes about asexuality. Episodes cover a wide range of topics related to ace identity and visibility. Deszi aims to show that asexual people exist, are not simply plants, and are not as different as others might expect.
Episodes
AiTW Episode 16 - RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) and What it Means to Me
In my long awaited return I discuss a particularly spicy topic: RSD or Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. This is something Ive struggled with pretty much my entire adult life and has impacted my ability to be my true self and to forge meaningful connections. I'm in a better place due to therapy and support and I hope this episode sheds some light on this struggle that many of use face!
AiTW - Dating App Burnout
This has been a recurring topic but its too juicy! I find myself not just frustrated but also a bit amused by the encounters I find myself in as a navigate through dating apps. These apps were clearly not designed not ace or neurodivergent people and the users generally say they want slow developing and meaningful connections but quickly lose interest if one does not act fast enough. The short ran
AiTW Episode 15 - Henry David Thoreau: Ace in the Walden
After a long hiatus I have returned to make an extended episode on a man that I used to idolize and where I get way too philosophical! Henry David Thoreau was an author, abolitionist, naturalist, and a major part of the transcendental movement of the mid-19th century. His most famous work was Walden where he went to go live out by himself for two years next to a pond in the woods of Massachusetts.
AiTW - "I feel Lost in the Dating Market"
A bit of a rant about my current quest for making friends and finding my life partner. My method has been to try and find people that I connect with and build a strong friendship with and then proceed to date. However, my slow burn methodology and my lack of initial romantic interest has made dating a disheartening and burdensome experience for me.
AiTW Episode 14 - James Buchanan: The Mystery of "Old Buck"
An analysis of the 15th President of the United States and whether he was gay, ace, or something else entirely. I go off on many tangents here so be prepared!
AiTW - "Am I Lucky Being Ace?"
This is more of a reflection than a proper episode. I've been told "I'm lucky" to be an ace and I have always taken a bit of umbrage to people saying it, despite their good intentions. Today I reflect on this statement and why I don't think it applies to me or to other aces in general.
AiTW Episode 13 - William Pitt the Younger: The ’Schoolboy’ Prime Minister
I'm back to my regular format for the time being. I've been wanting to discuss this exceptional British Prime Minster who took over the position at the ripe age of 24 and held power for nearly twenty years. Pitt not only fixed the nation's financial woes after the loss of the American Colonies, but also faced off against Napoleon in the largest European war to date and had to contend with the ong
AiTW - SPECIAL EPISODE: Fakes and Flakes (ft. Diana)
Chaos ensues as my friend Diana joins me for over two hours! We talk about a plethora of spicy topics including fake aces and flaky boys. We also go off on tangents and side quests and use colorful language so viewer discretion is advised! You have been warned...
AiTW - An Update on Future Episodes
Hi all, just wanted to update you on where I was in terms of future episodes and the podcast in general. I'm really trying to build a larger network because at times I feel like I'm talking into the void. I'm very passionate about these topics and I just don't feel like they are getting the attention they need. So for now I plan to keep going but upload with a bit less frequency until I get more o
AiTW Episode 11 - Demisexual
I've been wanting to address this subset of Asexuals for a while now and this ended up being one of the more research-heavy episodes thus far. My motivation was a discussion with a friend where I felt I was woefully informed. I might do a second part to this topic but I think I covered the major talking points and controversy regarding this unique set of individuals!
AiTW Episode 10 - The Seattle Freeze
After a series of misadventures on my quest to find local friends I've decided to share my experiences in this episode. Are people in the Pacific Northwest notoriously unfriendly? Are they passive-aggressive flakes? Do they make plans and then not show up to them? Is the weather to blame? Are these all just stereotypes? Find out here as I explore the mysteries surrounding the Seattle freeze!
AiTW Episode 9 - ACES (2022) - An LGBTQIA+ Short Film: A Review
---Original video: https://youtu.be/lCtiwbHEMOw
---My reaction video: https://youtu.be/HNJ6BG5tEwg
A relatively short episode for a video that I found about a year and a half ago. It follows a young couple and all seems to be going well until one partner pushes too far and an argument breaks out. One of the better short films I've seen representing an ace exploring their boundaries and finding out
AiTW Episode 8 - Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus: A Modern Analysis
I read this book several years back and it has been highly recommended by some of my friends and family. It was a huge success for its time, but does its advice on gender dynamics and relationship success still hold true in the present? Come explore this classic with me in this episode! I also cover issues many men have with forming relationships that are still relevant today and why it might have
Aitw Episode 7 - An Ace Analysis of Nikola Tesla: The Electric Enigma
I've decided to return to an Ace topic again with this episode. Nikola Tesla is often portrayed as the "Poster Child" of historic aces and lauded by the MGTOW and Incel communicates as a master of restraint and discipline. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether Tesla was in fact asexual or whether he was simply a man obsessed with his work and influenced by his upbringing, being the son
Aitw Episode 6 - Alcoholism and the Story of Brian Risso/Onlyusemeblade: The Man who Inspired me to Quit
I'm going down another bit of a rabbit hole here but I have thoughts about this individual and also about my own path to sobriety and a better life. Brian Risso/Onlyusemeblade was a popular game streamer who became on the the foremost entertainers of his day due to his unusual playing style and unique and funny personality. Unfortunately, he had a dark secret that other would exploit for cheap thr
Aitw - Episode 5: Online Dating & Dating Apps
This episode focuses on my experiences with two popular dating apps; Bumble and Tinder. I discuss what lead me to use these apps and what I discovered as a result of a few notable successes. The latter half of the video focuses on the experiences of others in the ace community, which varies greatly based on gender, culture, and even race. I also go on a few tangents about online spaces in general.
Aitw - Episode 4: Autism and Asexuality
In this episode I explore if there is a link between autism (ASD) and asexuality. Based on some characters in the media and pervasive stereotypes, I've noticed that ASD and lack of sexual interest and desire are often paired. I myself have several traits that are in line with ASD, and I discuss some issues that I've had in the past and present and how our society can be intolerant about neurodiver
Aitw - Episode 3: An Ace Analysis of Todd Chavez from Bojack Horseman
This episode revolves around the lovable Todd Chavez, a character on one of the most popular animated shows of all time - Bojack Horseman. I explore his history on the show and how he evolves from a simple side character and comic relief to his roommate and best friend, the tragic & depressed Bojack, to a paragon of Asexual representation in the media.
AitW - Episode 2: Chris Chan, a Cautionary Tale of Entitlement, Naiveté & Poor Parenting
In this episode I focus on the early life and development of Christian Weston Chandler (Chris Chan) from a young, quiet autistic child into his early adulthood and his unfortunate contact with the internet which would eventually consume and lead him down a dark path. I explore what made him the way he is and whether he is a victim, villain, or a bit of both.
Ace in the Wild - Episode 1: Incels, MGTOW, and the Red Pill
In this first episode I focus on my experiences with male-dominated spaces in my mid 20's (2014-2016) and how I began to see them for what they were. I discuss the MGTOW community (Men going their own way) I and the "red pill" and what initially drew me to these ideas. I also discuss Incels (involuntarily celibate men) and my first interactions with them.
Ace in the Wild: Origins & Introductions
In this final intro episode I go from my childhood to present, highlight the important parts of my development and my struggles being a poorly socialized only child with gender dysphoria. My realizations about my sexuality really started to present themselves in my early teens; In my late teens I realized I was on the Asexual spectrum but was told that it "didn't exist."
Ace in the Wild: Ace Meets World (of Podcasting)
Teaser episode of what I will be discussing. Also, podcast editing and not saying "um" every other word is rather challenging so bear with me :)
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