EP034 – Loren Chandler – Spider Monkey Fiber Arts
This week on the GayPHX Podcast, we close out Season One with a conversation — and a moment — that perfectly reflects why this community matters.
Bily sits down with Loren Chandler, a Phoenix-based fiber artist and creator behind Spider Monkey Fiber Arts, to talk about handmade fashion, slow crafting, and how creating with your hands can become a powerful form of grounding and mental health support. Loren shares their journey into crochet during the pandemic, the importance of queer-affirming creative spaces, and their vision for building community through art, connection, and joy.
This episode also marks a deeply personal return. After suffering a heart attack this summer — and being lucky enough to come back — Bily reflects on the overwhelming support shown by the GayPHX community, the space given to heal, and the meaning of returning to the mic and being welcomed back by listeners.
We look back with gratitude, celebrate how far GayPHX has grown, and look ahead to what’s coming in 2026 — including the continued growth of music.gayphx.com, now being discovered around the world, and the next evolution of the podcast and station.
Plus:
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Submitting events to GayPHX.com is always free
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Music creators can share their work at music.gayphx.com
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A heartfelt thank-you to the community, our guests, and our partners who made this year possible
This is a season finale about creativity, resilience, and chosen family — and an invitation to keep building community together.