Meet Tanara Landor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanara Landor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanara, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Starting my LGBTQ podcast, Fake Straight™, has been such a journey! I had no clue how much work it would be—learning to market the podcast, figuring out how to record and edit, and so much more. I almost gave up before I even started because it was all so overwhelming.

I knew I had a lot of content and topics I wanted to discuss, but the thought of being vulnerable and sharing my personal experiences was pretty scary. However, once I started releasing episodes, the response was incredible. People reached out saying that my experiences resonated with them, which was so heartwarming.

In two of my episodes, I opened up about being in a toxic and abusive relationship. The number of people who shared their own stories and thanked me for my honesty and vulnerability was overwhelming. Knowing that my stories make others feel less alone, and showing that you never really know what someone is going through, means everything to me, and that’s what keeps me going.

Sharing different perspectives from a BIPOC viewpoint on the Fake Straight™ podcast is what empowers me. It’s amazing to know that people feel seen and understood through listening to my episodes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Black Queer woman, it can be challenging to show up as my full self without fearing judgment. Imposter syndrome is real, and I often question why anyone would want to hear my voice or listen to what I have to say. We’re so used to minimizing ourselves. Even when I promote my podcast on social media and use my image, I’m always anxious that people will wonder why they should listen to or see me, and I worry if I’m being “too real.”

However, I’ve learned that the people who support you are your true audience, and those are the ones I focus on. I don’t have the time or desire to engage with those who question my right to be in this space or my worthiness as a creator. I’m dedicated to those who enjoy my content, who find laughter, a different perspective, or support through my podcast. It’s not easy, but if my content can help even one person, then I know I’m living in my purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Originally from Louisiana, I’ve lived in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York, but Colorado holds a special place in my heart. It’s my sanctuary. I adore Colorado summers, and my favorite spot to take visitors is Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins—it’s absolutely magical!

Before moving to Colorado eight years ago, I considered myself a “fake outdoorsy” person, meaning my idea of being outdoorsy was enjoying mimosas on a patio. Now, I love hiking and spending time outside. Garden of the Gods and Devil’s Backbone are my favorite hiking spots. Of course, I always take visitors to a show at Red Rocks—it’s such an impressive venue with an amazing vibe!

When it comes to dining, my go-to restaurant is Work & Class. The atmosphere is perfect, and the food is the best I’ve had in Colorado, which says a lot coming from a Louisiana girl! For cocktails, Millers & Rossi and Death & Co. are my spots. And every friend that visits absolutely has to join me for a yoga class at Urban Sanctuary.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m blessed with an incredible circle of friends who always support and believe in me! Since its launch, my sister circle has been amazing—they text me while listening to episodes, sharing their thoughts, feedback, and laughter. Also, huge shout out to my friend, Kandice Porter, who practically forced me to launch my podcast and always has encouraging words for me! Even when I have doubts, my sister circle show up for me, hype me up, and just love me. Knowing that I have genuine people in my corner that want to see me win in love, life, and business mean the world to me.

Website: https://www.fakestraight.com/

Instagram: @fakestraightpod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanaralandor/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Fakestraight 

Image Credits
Kandice Porter, The Filling Well