Life (UN)Closeted: LGBTQ+ Coming Out Stories & Advice for living out and proud! (Rick Clemons - LGBTQ+ Expert)
Explore every episode of Life (UN)Closeted: LGBTQ+ Coming Out Stories & Advice for living out and proud!
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| 27 Jul 2022 | 528: Beyond Labels: Uncovering The Power Of Who You Are – Meagan O’Nan | 00:44:34 | |||||
When you discover who you are, you need the power to move forward, get past the naysayers, and step into a space where you just may have to forgive and agree to disagree. Helping us embrace this way of showing up in the world, Meagan O'Nan, author of "Courage: Agreeing to Disagree Is Not Enough," helps us understand how to hold ourselves in a loving embrace so that we can be free.
About MeaganMeagan O’Nan is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and vulnerable storytelling expert. She is the author of the award-winning book, “Creating Your Heaven on Earth,” and “Courage: Agreeing to Disagree Is Not Enough.” Her third book is forthcoming and will be published in September 2022 with New Degree Press. Meagan has spoken to thousands of people at live events since 2008, including alongside internationally recognized spiritual leaders such as don Miguel Ruiz, author of the best-selling book, “The Four Agreements,” and she has appeared multiple times in local and national media. Meagan even received a personal note from Desmond Tutu after hearing a talk of hers on forgiveness. Meagan is passionate about creating connections through storytelling as a way to overcome differences and generate healing. For the last decade, she has been a significant voice for the LGBTQ community in Mississippi, speaking with pastors, university representatives and classes, on the radio, and on the news as a voice offering unity and cooperation. Meagan now lives with her wife, Clare, and their daughter, Merit, in Starkville, Mississippi. Connect With MeaganWebsiteYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 09 Mar 2022 | 508: Getting to the Soul of Being an OUT, Asian, American, Lesbian Singer – Elisa Nicolas | 00:41:52 | |||||
This is not where you anticipate being but yet here you are. Ever had one of those moments? Maybe when you finally decided to come out? Or, maybe it was when you took that next big career move, or wrote that song you thought would never hit the airwaves? Regardless of where you are, here you are. Elisa Nicolas - singer, songwriter, and proud member of the LGBTQ community - shares her story, her craft and her truth about being "here you are!"
About ElisaElisa Nicolas is a Canadian-born, Ohio-based Asian-American songwriter. Nicolas has been observing, experimenting, and translating the human experience into song for almost three decades. Respected as a multi-instrumentalist, solo artist, singer and songwriter, Nicolas has been writing and recording across numerous styles including rock, jazz, country, pop, and R&B. Nicolas has been described as having a “wryly eloquent self-awareness” - 614 Magazine. “Nicolas swings with the Jazz power of Rickie Lee Jones, sways with the Pop chops of Aimee Mann and spits with the authority of Chrissie Hynde, sometimes all within the same song.” -Cincinnati CityBeat. "A smoky voice guides a gorgeous album of low-key -- but definitely not low-wattage -- jazz, blues and pop.” - The Columbus Dispatch.Connect With ElisaWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter SpotifyYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 15 Mar 2023 | 562: An average small town gay and a drag queen. What could go right? – Chandler Myer | 00:34:38 | |||||
Imagine being a 32-year-old gay accountant who’s never outside your rural upbringings and you move to major metropolitan area where you struggle to find your way. Sound familiar? But wait there is a twist. A six-foot, nine-inch, sensational drag queen takes you under her colorful wing for lessons in shopping, first dates, hosting brunch, furnishing an apartment, and living in the gay community. This is the story brought to life by Chandler Myer in his debut novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, which is an unconventional coming-of-age and coming-out story filled with humor and humanity. Today he Chandler joins us for an exploration of his work and to share with us why this fun, whimsical book came to life. About ChandlerChandler Myer published his first novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, at the age of 57, following a 35-year career as a professional musician. The book is based on his short story, “That Night I Ran the High Heel Race,” published in the Medium publication Prism & Pen. He has also been published in Bear Creek Gazette, as well as Medium publications Rainbow, An Idea, and Atheism101. Myer lives in Philadelphia with his husband of more than a quarter century. He loves to walk, travel, and make friends with every dog he sees.Connect With ChandlerWebsite InstagramYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 16 Jun 2021 | 469: Watch Out, Tranpa In The House – Buck Angel | 00:39:08 | |||||
Never one to walk away from a fight or a belief system, Buck Angel is coming out swinging this PRIDE Season letting everyone know that TRANPA is in the house. But what is TRANPA? An elder TRANSMAN who is not going to be told, " Go sit down TRANPA and let us younger TRANSMEN take the lead now!" All Buck is asking for is some respect. Respect for those who've gone before us all in our fight for equality rights and voice as we celebrate pride season this year. AboutBuck Angel is a world-renowned motivational speaker, pioneering filmmaker, and a human rights activist. Buck Angel's message of empowerment through self-acceptance and the mission to encourage everyone to be comfortable in their own skin - whatever that means to them - has struck a passionate chord with people around the world. Buck was born female on June 5,1962. He never felt female and struggled through life until he had the life-changing opportunity to transition from female to male and finally live life authentically. He had many obstacles during his transition mostly due to no information for transitioning for FTM transsexuals. But with the help of compassionate doctors, he lives his truth and now can help to educate the world with his story. His mission is to inspire people to re-define gender and to foster a new generation as they discover the fluidity of sexuality and navigate gender politics. His message "It's not what between your legs that defines you" has sparked many a conversation and opened minds to the important message that gender is what you say it is for you, and that self-acceptance is not only what makes a person happy, it's how others come to understand you. Buck has made appearances on HBO, National Geographic, Netflix, The Tyra Banks Show, Dan Savage, AOL, Spike TV, The Women's Entertainment Network, Howard Stern Show, Much Music, Sirius Radio, and many others. He's been written about in Forbes ,Esquire, Cosmo, VICE, Huffington Post, ELLE, Buzz Feed, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, Time Out, Maxim, New York Times, and other publications around the world. Armistead Maupin included Buck Angel in his latest book Michael Tolliver Lives. In August 2016 Buck produced the world’s first pleasure product specifically for the transgender male community. His product, called The Buck Off, was produced in collaboration with Perfect Fit Brand as a means to re-imagine a transmale sexuality and the specific needs his community looks for. The Buck off won most innovative pleasure product at AVN and XBIZ 2017. 2017 Buck created T-Lube with Sliquid and is the first lubrication to be directly targeted to trans male vaginal health. Once again creating conversation about trans healthcare where there was none. 2016 HBO's The Trans List Buck is one of the featured speakers. In 2013 Mr. Angel a documentary about Buck's life premiered at the SXSW film festival to rave reviews. It won a Telly Award for Non-Broadcast Productions Film/Video - Social Issues. Aired on Netfilx, Amazon and Itunes. Angel's groundbreaking documentary series, titled Sexing The Transman, has shown worldwide and opened a new audience’s idea to what trans male can be and is. Visit sexingthetransman.com to see this series in its entirety. British artist Marc Quinn created a life sized sculpture of Buck Angel, that was included in the sculptor's global tour. The sculpture is now a permanent piece in The Adelaide Museum of Classical art in Australia. Angel made history when he received the prestigious award from Adult Video News (AVN) for Transsexual Performer of the Year in 2007 for his groundbreaking work in the adult entertainment industry. Buck is the first trans man to win this award. Buck created this genre and has since won a second award for his work, 2017 AVN award for Best Transsexual scene. Buck partnered with longtime trans activist and photographer Leon Mostovoy to create Pride Wellness [pridewellness.net]. A cannabis company... | |||||||
| 29 Mar 2023 | 564: Is it possible to be queer, Christian and Enjoy Sex? – Jon Carl Lewis | 00:49:57 | |||||
The question is, "Is it possible to enjoy sex, be queer, and be a Christian?" For some people those three just don't go together. However, if we are made in the image of God, does that mean...??? Unraveling this interesting construct of Christianity, Sexuality, and Sex, is Jon Carl Lewis, founder of Sex & The Queer Christian community, and author of 7 Steps to Sexual Peace of Mind for the Queer Christian.. In this candid conversation we discuss this interesting triad and how as humans we simply need to allow ourselves to be our sexy, sexual, God made selves.
About JonJon Carl Lewis is the host of Sex & the Queer Christian, a growing, sex positive community dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ folk make sexual decisions and construct a personal sexual ethic in line with their values as part of the Body of Christ. He is also author of the guide, 7 Steps to Sexual Peace of Mind for the Queer Christian. A trained and certified spiritual director, Jon Carl seeks to help Queer Christians and their allies come to peace with their sexual and relational decisions while being a blessing and a witness to the world of Christ’s radically promiscuous love. Jon Carl lives with his husband of over twenty-six years in Central Jersey where he serves as a cantor and occasional preacher at a beautifully diverse, radically affirming United Methodist congregation.Connect With JonWebsite Facebook Instagram TwitterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 23 Sep 2020 | 437 – Breaking Out of The Music Closet as a Boomer – Michael Fairman | 00:34:58 | |||||
It's time to uncloset ageism. No more saying, "You're to old!" You're only as old as you buy into the voice in your head. But, you have to believe that too. Breaking the barriers as an artist, Michael Fairman is coming out of the closet as a 'Boomer' signer, songwriter, giving the young pop singer crowd a run for their money. His coming out story is not only about being a gay man, but being a 'Boomer' gay man who is going to use his voice to entertain, even when people say, "That's nice," which is code for "Good luck with that boomer, you're to old for the music industry." He's not buying into that thought and he's coming out of the ageism closet to prove the doubters wrong with his new single, "Other Side." This is his coming out story. AboutMichael Fairman grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where music was always his passion and first love. As a teen, he released his first recordings through a small label in Chicago. Once he graduated high school, he moved to Los Angeles and eventually to New York to pursue his career as a recording artist. He formed a band with some of the top studio musicians in the city, performed in rock, pop, and soul clubs, recorded, and tried to get the A&R reps out to his showcases in order to get signed by a label. Between the financial drain, and the disappointment of not having key people show up to his gigs, Fairman eventually felt burned out and needed a major change. He decided to put music on hold and move back to Los Angeles where he began a career in TV Production and entertainment journalism. Michael Fairman is after what his name implies: a fair chance. He is out now with “Other Side,” his mid-tempo pop/soul track about ageism, personal struggles, and finding ones inner-strength to face adversity and ultimately triumph. He cowrote the track with engineer and producer, Kyle Mangels, in hopes it might inspire those over 35 into action. “For years now, I have been told, ‘You’re doing music? You sing? How nice!’ when what was really meant was ‘Good Luck with that boomer, you’re too old for the music industry,’” he explains. Fairman says he understands that pop radio is targeted to those under 25, skews female, and that there are only a few coveted spots for artists. Many amazing talents – both younger and older - simply don’t get the airplay they deserve. He hopes to be the artist to break that barrier, because the music he performs and writes is similar to that being played on pop radio and in dance clubs right now. “I have a point of view and a unique vibe and sound to share, and I hope listeners will give me a chance.” Michael Fairman’s “Other Side” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple Music, Spotify and all major music digital platforms. Connect WithYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 03 Jan 2024 | 604: River Faire – How to start living a life of Radical Integrity – right now! | 00:44:21 | |||||
It's 2024 and I want to invite you as LGBTQ+ individuals to step into a life of Radical Integrity. But, what does that mean? How can it benefit you? Today we explore that concept with author, soul coach, and body-centered therapist River Faire. He candidly shares how living a life of radical integrity has changed his life for the better and how you can do the same.
About RiverRiver Faire is a multi-award–winning author, body-centered therapist, and Paris-trained chef-turned-holistic-wellness coach. For more than three decades, in a variety of modalities, he has assisted people with transformation and personal evolution. Currently, he hosts the video podcast, Radical Being with River Faire, and works with clients internationally in his signature, 8-week holistic coaching program. His new book, WHERE TWO WORLDS TOUCH: AN OUTSIDER'S MEMOIR IN ENGLAND, is forthcoming in December.
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| 03 Nov 2021 | 490: How To Not Let Addiction Rule Your LGBTQ Life This Holiday Season – Gregory Silva | 00:34:14 | |||||
The holidays are upon us along with the fun, joy, and STRESS. So how do you not let the stress drive you into your potential addiction, or ratchet up that addiction? You take the necessary steps to say, I need help. You also realize as an LGBTQ inidivual that you are up to 10x's more likely to become an addict than our heterosexual counterparts on the planet. Helping us unravel the mysteries of addiction and offering up ways to combat it, Gregory Silva, Director of Operations at Living Longer Recovery, joins us for a candid conversation about addiction and recovery...just in time for the holidays!
About GregoryGregory Silva was born and raised on a farm in Northern California. After graduating from Sonoma State University, he was employed in the media industry and various international marketing firms. This career path took him all over the world, and at one point he was even living and working in France. However, in 2012, Gregory’s best friend overdosed and passed away. Looking for answers to the addiction plague, Gregory ended up changing careers in order to help people recover from addiction and live fuller lives. He is now dedicated to educating people suffering from addiction, as well as their loved ones and employers, about the pathways to recovery. As the Director of Operations at Living Longer Recovery, he enjoys the challenges that come with the position and the opportunity to help change the direction of the clients he encounters. In his spare time, you will find him volunteering and rescuing abandoned pets.Connect With GregoryWebsiteYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 26 Feb 2020 | 420: Uncloseting The Stigma of HIV & AIDS – Charles Sanchez | 00:35:21 | |||||
It's January 2020. HIV and AIDS have now been in our world since 1983. We've gone from pandemic panic to people living productive, healthy lives. Yet, there is still stigma, and lack of education, and no one giving a light-hearted look at life with HIV and AIDS. But why would we? That would be blasphemous. Or would it actually help the cause. Enter Merce - an award-winning HIV-positive musical comedy web series. Wait what? Yes, Merce is a HIV-positive, musical comedy web series that dives into some hot button topics impacting today’s HIV community as well, including PrEP, slut shaming, and gay marriage. Per shame, per shame that a musical comedy has the audacity to address these issues...or should we say "Bravo, bravo, bravo!" Creator and lead character, Charles Sanchez unclosets the black cloud that should no longer hang over the world of HIV and AIDS in this candid and fun interview that shows, even a once devastating disease can bring a ray of sunshine and laughter to the world. And I show how stupid I am that I can't pronounce the shows name. It's Merce, not Merced, not Merci...Merce, Merce, Merce! About Charles (a.k.a. Merce)Charles Sanchez is a gay, HIV+ writer, performer, director and activist living in New York City. He is one of the co-founders of Skipping Boyz Productions, and conceived, writes and stars in the musical comedy web series, Merce, which was named Best HIV/AIDS Content at America’s Rainbow Film Festival in 2016 and won the Audience Award for Short Film at the 2017 Kaleidoscope Film Festival. Sanchez grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and started his artistic life as a member of the Phoenix Boys Choir. With the choir he toured Europe, Canada, and the US, and even sang for President Carter. Sanchez moved to New York City at 19 to study performing at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. His acting career has taken him from Lincoln Center, Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre, to the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, AR. As a director, he has staged plays and cabarets in New York, Los Angeles, and in several theatres regionally. In 2003, Charles woke up in the hospital to find out he'd been in a 3-week drug induced coma, due to advanced HIV: AIDS. Because of his diagnosis, he became an activist. He has attended the national AIDSWatch conference in Washington D.C. four times, and has been featured in public service videos for the CDC’s “Start Talking. Stop HIV.” campaign, as well as for Remedy Health Media and EverydayHealth.com. He was a member of the HIV Divide Flash Collective led by artist Avram Finklestein and writer/activist Mark S. King, which created messaging and imagery around the viral divide between HIV positive and negative gay men. He was also chosen to be a Social Media Fellow at the US Conference on AIDS in 2016, sponsored by the National Minority AIDS Council. Sanchez has been a Contributing Editor for TheBody.com since 2017, and has had essays published on PositivelyAware.com, Them.us and HuffPost Queer Voices. Sanchez has received many nominations at several festivals for his writing of and acting in Merce, and was named Best Actor in a Webisode at The 2016 Official Latino Short Film Festival. He was included in Healthline.com's list of HIV Honors: The Most Influential Voices of 2017, and was honored in POZ Magazine's 2018 POZ 100, celebrating people over 50 making a difference in the fight against HIV and the stigma surrounding it. Connect CharlesYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 05 Jun 2024 | 628: Don Mamone – How to be an unapologetic rebel – no guilt, no shame. | 00:47:49 | |||||
Living your truth, and being who you are, is every human beings right - provided it doesn't hurt someone. Which is always the tricky thing to discern. Yet, how is someone being gender fluid hurting anyone? In reality it is just another aspect of whom a person is. So live and let live, and just go be your own version of an unapologetic rebel. Speaker and coach Don Mamone joins us for the pride celebration podcast about living their truth on their terms - as we all should. Take a listen and learn the how to me more aligned with yourself, and how not to succumb to the guilt and shame of living by others expectations.
About DonDon Mamone is a speaker, identity coach & consultant teaching audiences and clients how to reach their maximum potential & impact by discovering & embracing their true identity and supporting companies dedicated to safe spaces that support unapologetic authenticity. Connect With DonWebsite Instagram Facebook LinkedIn | |||||||
| 17 Apr 2024 | 617: Nate Shalev – Making Inclusivity a Daily Human Experience | 00:40:52 | |||||
Inclusivity doesn't have to be hard, it just has to be human. But to0 many humans today, think inclusivity is just too woke. Well, let's wake them up with the truth about inclusivity and how to have those tough conversations. Inclusivity and workplace culture expert Nate Shalev shares their insights on how this can work without it breaking down systems and relationships.
About NateNate Shalev is a leading expert on inclusivity helping to create workplace cultures where both businesses and people thrive. They were named a LinkedIn Top Voice and have been highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, the NY Times, the Wall St Journal, and more. Nate earned a BA from Barnard College of Columbia University and an MA from New York University. They are the founder of Revel Impact, a consultancy that specializes in social impact and diversity, equity, & inclusionConnect With NateWebsite LinkedIn | |||||||
| 20 Jul 2022 | 527: Coming Out To Be Creative and Conscious– Andrew Sam Newman | 00:44:46 | |||||
Time to uncloset our creativity and consciousness. From wee ones to adults, author, speaker, and coach, Andrew Newman is inviting everyone to wake up, be creative and make the last 20 minutes of each and every day matter.
About AndrewAndrew Newman is the award-winning author and founder of www.ConsciousStories.com, a growing series of bedtime stories purpose-built to support parent-child connection in the last 20 minutes of the day. His emerging work on The Creative Cycle heals ‘the dark aloneness of the unexpressed spirit’ by encouraging clients to stay connected to their creative spark and express their hearts fully. He is a graduate of The Barbara Brennan School of Healing, a Non-Dual Kabbalistic Healer and has been actively involved in the Mankind Project and Soul-Games men’s work for over 15 years.Connect With SamWebsite Facebook Instagram TwitterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 17 Mar 2021 | 456: After The Closet – Rick Clemons | 00:12:36 | |||||
We try so hard to come out of the closet - regardless of what that closet is, but then we suddenly discover, that what lays on the other side of the closet door might not be everything we hoped it would be. Here's just a little bit of mid-week advice on how to embrace the other side of the closet door. You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 11 Oct 2021 | 486: Why National Coming Out Day Matters – Rick Clemons | 00:12:46 | |||||
It happens every October 11th, since 1988 - National Coming Out Day. The day was founded in 1988 by Richard Eichberg, a psychologist and Jean O'Leary, a gay rights activist, to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and its civil rights movement. They chose October 11th to mark the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place 1987. With estimates of half a million people participating, it was nearly five times the size of the first march in 1979. National Coming Out Day is observed throughout the U.S. and other countries around the world.
Today we celebrate all those who have come out, and those who have yet to come out. It is a personal choice and one to be celebrated when the time is right. Here's support for those how need it and those who want to celebrate coming out.
You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 18 Sep 2024 | 641: Living Your Life (UN)Closeted – Having the confidence to know the world needs you Part 11– Rick Clemons | 00:15:27 | |||||
That piece of your that is hiding, you know the truth of who you are, is what the world really needs to see and get to know. In fact the world needs that - unless they are right wing crazies. But don't let them win. Realize that what the world needs now is YOU, sweet, confident, YOU. Here's how to have the confidence to release what is inside you to the world.
In this episode you'll...
About Rick
Rick is a life and business coach, speaker, author, and podcaster. With his husband by his side and two grown children, life looks dramatically different than it did more than 20 years ago.
“I started living by my expectations rather than others, and gained the confidence to love me.
“Instead of seeking out hidden sexual experiences and lying about who I was, I found love with a man who embraced me and my kids.
“Of course, none of this was easy. I wouldn’t bullshit you. That’s not my style.”
In addition to speaking from stages around the country, today Rick helps men who are struggling with their sexuality to learn to be themselves, to stop making excuses, face their fears, and commit to living an unapologetic life.
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth you are pretending to be, so let’s work together to show the world WHO YOU ARE!”
Ready to explore coaching?My goal is to support you in kicking ass and moving from, "Crap I'm stuck in this rut of life," to "Damn, I'm a badass gay/bi guy living a life the turns me on!" I'm a straight-forward, no BS kind of coach that challenges you to stop jerking yourself off, cut the lip service, and get in action - no excuses, no fears, no apologies. If you're ready to explore, invest a bit of time and a little bit of money in yourself and scheduled a "Your Next Move" coaching session today. Click here to schedule. | |||||||
| 13 Sep 2023 | 588: Gayle Petrillo – Moving beyond the closets of scars | 00:35:05 | |||||
From the scars of life at an early age - literal scars - Gayle Petrillo has dealt with being different. Physically different. yet, in all her life of making first impressions, the one she most had to make with herself, of accepting herself, just as she was. Sharing her closet story of being a burn survivor, Gayle provides an impactful interview that shows, no matter how you've been burned you can always thrive instead of just surviving.
About GayleBorn and raised in Albany, New York, Gayle has called Tucson home for 24 years. She is married to her best friend and most avid supporter, Al, for over 43 years. Gayle earned her MBA at 50 and has over 30 years in healthcare leadership roles, much of it in the human resources arena. In 2017 Gayle launched First Impressions, an image consulting firm because “We never get a second opportunity to make that all important first impression, on paper or in person”. As a career and confidence coach, Gayle enhances her clients’ first impressions, from customer service (eye contact, listening skills and body language) to business etiquette; interview preparation, negotiation strategies, and networking skills. She provides personal shopping services ensuring one’s confidence shines no matter the occasion. Gayle’s book, The Accident, released in 2021, shares her story as a burn survivor, being fearful of everyone and everything, to becoming fearless; and turning obstacles into positive outcomes, tackling many phobias in an attempt to gain and retain self-confidence. Gayle gives back to her community as Board Chair for Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona; vice chair and chair of the philanthropy committee of the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona, and helps bring Arizona Burn Foundation support, education and activities to Tucson. Connect With GayleWebsite Facebook LinkedIn | |||||||
| 01 Dec 2021 | 494: Write Your Stories Your Way – Gregory L. Norris | 00:44:28 | |||||
We all have our story. We live our story daily. And, some of us take our stories, and the stories in our heads and turn them into our passion purpose...as a an author, with thousands of pages of articles and books. Gregory L. Norris is that person, a gay author who writes the stories that brings his life to life, even if many of those stories are fiction...because that is what brings him alive. Today we're exploring his new book, Ex Marks The Spot, and how the joy of coming out to be who he is has shaped his life.
About GregoryRaised on a healthy diet of creature double features and classic SF TV, Gregory L. Norris writes regularly for numerous short story anthologies, national magazines, novels, and the occasional episode for TV or film. Gregory novelized the NBC Made-for-TV classic by Gerry Anderson, The Day After Tomorrow: Into Infinity (as well as a sequel and a forthcoming third entry into the franchise for Anderson Entertainment in the U.K.), a movie he watched as an eleven-year-old sitting cross-legged on the living room floor of the enchanted cottage where he grew up. Gregory won HM in the 2016 Roswell Awards in Short SF Writing and took home first place in the Queerotica fiction competition in 2018. He once worked as a screenwriter on two episodes of Paramount’s Star Trek: Voyager. Kate Mulgrew, Voyager’s “Captain Janeway,” blurbed his book of short stories and novellas, The Fierce and Unforgiving Muse, stating, “In my seven years on Voyager, I don’t think I’ve met a writer more capable of writing such a book—and writing it so beautifully.” In late 2019, Gregory sold an option on his modern Noir feature film screenplay, Amandine, to the new Hollywood production company Snarkhunter LLC, owned by actor Dan Lench, a devotee of Gregory’s writing. In late 2020, Snarkhunter optioned Gregory’s tetralogy Horror film based upon four of his short stories, Ride Along. That same month, his short story “Water Whispers” (originally appearing in the anthology 20,000 Leagues Remembered), was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Gregory lives and writes at Xanadu, a century-old house perched on a hill in New Hampshire’s North Country with spectacular mountain views, with his rescue cat and emerald-eyed muse.Connect With GregoryWebsite FacebookYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 19 Oct 2022 | 541: Living in chaos of sex, drugs, and Jesus – De’Vannon Hubert | 00:43:45 | |||||
Imagine going from being an active church member of a very well known evangelical church in Houston, to becoming a drug addict, dealer, being homeless and serving in the armed forces. Take a ride on this crazy yet endearing story of De'Vannon Hubert as he shares his journey of life beyond struggles and near catastrophe to living his truth and not fighting against himself.
About DeVannonDe’Vannon Hubert is the author of Sex, Drugs, and Jesus, a memoir about his struggles with drug dealing, drug addiction, homelessness, serving in the Armed Forces, contracting HIV and HEP B, and rejection from his church for his sexuality. De’Vannon is also the host of the Sex, Drugs, and Jesus Podcast and is the owner of DownUnder Apparel. Aside from this, De’Vannon is an Honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force and a graduate of both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. He also graduated from the Medical Training College of Baton Rouge and is a Licensed Massage Therapist. De’Vannon’s story is one of surviving the social outskirts and finding one’s way back to a balanced path.Connect With DeVannonWebsite Facebook Twitter InstagramYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 11 Sep 2024 | 640: Living Your Life (UN)Closeted Part 10 – Make our confidence louder than you insecurities – Rick Clemons | 00:13:32 | |||||
Whether you're coming out of the closet, going for a job change, or choosing to start a relationship, insecurities have a way of screwing with your confidence. Truth is you confidence is actually louder than your insecurities.
In this episode you'll...
About Rick
Rick is a life and business coach, speaker, author, and podcaster. With his husband by his side and two grown children, life looks dramatically different than it did more than 20 years ago.
“I started living by my expectations rather than others, and gained the confidence to love me.
“Instead of seeking out hidden sexual experiences and lying about who I was, I found love with a man who embraced me and my kids.
“Of course, none of this was easy. I wouldn’t bullshit you. That’s not my style.”
In addition to speaking from stages around the country, today Rick helps men who are struggling with their sexuality to learn to be themselves, to stop making excuses, face their fears, and commit to living an unapologetic life.
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth you are pretending to be, so let’s work together to show the world WHO YOU ARE!”
Ready to explore coaching?My goal is to support you in kicking ass and moving from, "Crap I'm stuck in this rut of life," to "Damn, I'm a badass gay/bi guy living a life the turns me on!" I'm a straight-forward, no BS kind of coach that challenges you to stop jerking yourself off, cut the lip service, and get in action - no excuses, no fears, no apologies. If you're ready to explore, invest a bit of time and a little bit of money in yourself and scheduled a "Your Next Move" coaching session today. Click here to schedule. | |||||||
| 17 Jan 2024 | 606: Joli Hamilton – Stop playing with fire and color outside the relationship lines | 00:44:36 | |||||
Do you really want to cheat on your spouse, significant other, boyfriend, or girlfriend? Maybe you love them but you need to venture out of the script of monogamy. It's time to step into the juicy, exciting, and scary world of coloring outside of the lines of your relationship while avoiding playing with fire. Dr. Joli Hamilton takes on a candid stroll through how to make your unhealthy relationship a better open relationship.
About JoliDr. Joli Hamilton is the relationship coach for couples who color outside the lines. She is a research psychologist, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and AASECT (pronounced ay-sect) certified sex educator. Joli also co-hosts the Playing with Fire podcast with her anchor partner, Ken. Joli’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, and NPR. She’s spent the past two decades studying and reimagining what love can be if we open our imaginations to possibility. Joli helps people create non-monogamous partnerships that are custom-built for their authentic selves, no more shrinking, pretending, or hiding required.Connect With JoliWebsite Instagram Podcast - Playing With Fire LinkedIn | |||||||
| 04 May 2022 | 516: Bringing Trans and Nonbinary Voices To Music – Aiden Feltkamp | 00:49:45 | |||||
We've all heard the term "life imitates art, and art imitates life" or something along those lines. Now add to the mix a person who lives, as themselves, as trans and nonbinary opera singer and you have today's guest - Aiden K. Feltkamp (they/he). They are breaking the molds of opera and musical theater with their intimate perspective of their release of the Anthology of New Music: Trans & Nonbinary Voices. Get ready for an enlightening and eye-opening journey of truly expressing one's authentic self.
About AidenAiden K. Feltkamp (they/he) is a Turn the Spotlight fellow and graduate of Bard College Conservatory’s Graduate Vocal Arts Program. As a trans nonbinary singer, Aiden often found opera and musical theater compositions to be aggressively gendered and binary and was at a loss for repertoire that spoke to them.
Aiden came up with the idea to build a first-of-it’s-kind collection of vocal and piano music that, rather than focusing on a particular instrument or voice type, centered on identity. In partnership with NewMusicShelf, Aide is proud to release the first-ever volume of songs written for and/or by transgender and nonbinary people, Anthology of New Music: Trans & Nonbinary Voices.
The collection presents composers who highlight the multifaceted intersections unique to the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary people and stands as a declaration that despite the many historical attempts to isolate them, these communities will not be silenced. Their voices are beautiful, and through printed compositions, the anthology spotlights these important artists so that the world can recognize and revel in their beauty. NewMusicShelf Anthology of New Music: Trans & Nonbinary Voices, Vol. 1 is published by Dennis Tobenski and curated by Aiden Feltkamp. They hope it will be a resource for voice teachers and recital presenters and reach audiences beyond the book through live performance.
Connect With AidenWebsite Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 06 Sep 2023 | 587: Jim Fielding: Coming Out With All Pride, No Ego | 00:44:02 | |||||
Many LGBTQ+ individuals struggle with the question, "How do I show up at work, and as a leader, while still being true to myself as a queer person?" The answer, "Your way, on your terms!" Jim Fielding, author of the brand new book, ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive’s Journey to Living and Leading Authentically, shares he navigated his gay life and roles at t top global brands including Disney, DreamWorks, and Twentieth Century Fox. From his conservative Midwestern roots and a lovingly imperfect family to higher education, travel, advocacy, Jim found how seeing the world through a distinctly different lens is actually a positive way of being in the world, living life without apologies.
About JimJim Fielding is an acclaimed retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. He is a partner at independent media company Archer Gray, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world’s largest media companies, Jim served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide, and transformed global consumer experiences at DreamWorks, Twentieth Century Fox, and more. His early career experience has included top global brands, from The Gap to Lands’ End, where he mastered vertical specialty retail, product design, store operations, visual merchandising, and supply chain management. Jim later served as CEO of Claire’s Stores, Inc., a leading jewelry and accessories retailer. An active community leader and philanthropist, Jim is a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, the nation’s premier fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. He also participates in the Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle. Jim serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation, and has served as an executive-in-residence for IU’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and as a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross. He lives in Atlanta with his partner, Joseph. Connect with JimWebsite Instagram Twitter LinkedIn | |||||||
| 13 Jun 2020 | Special Edition – America's Racism Just Came Out of The Closet – Jeff Harry | 00:45:29 | |||||
It goes without saying that "America's racism, truly just came out of the closet!" While it has been simmering there ever since the first African slave landed on our shores, and even prior to that as native Americans had this land taken from their hands, it is as err apparent as it was in the 60's and 70's that a revolution is under foot and everything is out of the closet when it comes to racism, diversity, and inclusion. As an advocate for individuals to have the right to be who they are, I personally do not advocated racism, fascism, or discrimination in any manner where it harms others. You can be who you are, but when being who you are mentally and physically abuses others, it's time for you to check your values and beliefs and take a knee and look into your own soul. Today, my friend Jeff Harry and I have a candid conversation about the national conversation that has erupted about racism, anit-racism, white privilege, and every thing that is now on the table following George Floyd's brutal murder at the hands of incompetent police.
About JeffJeff Harry shows individuals and companies how to tap into their true selves, to feel their happiest and most fulfilled — all by playing. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day. Jeff is an international speaker who has presented at conferences such as INBOUND, SXSW, and Australia’s Pausefest, showing audiences how major issues in the workplace can be solved using play. Jeff was selected by BambooHR as one of the Top HR Influencers of 2020 to watch. His play work has been featured on AJ+, SoulPancake, the SF Chronicle, and CNN. While we spend most of our time pretending to be important, serious grownups, it's when we let go of that facade and just play, that the real magic happens. Fully embracing your own nerdy genius — whatever that is — gives you the power to make a difference and change lives. Jeff believes that we already have many of the answers we seek, and by simply unleashing our inner child, we can find our purpose and, in turn, help to create a better world. Connect with Jeff | |||||||
| 21 Aug 2024 | 637: Living Your Life (Un)Closeted Series: Part 7 – What Happens When You Unfollow The Rules – Rick Clemons | 00:11:32 | |||||
Rules, rules, rules. They are meant to be broken, and meant to be followed. But they are also meant to be rewritten. When you come out of the closet you lovingly rewrite the rules for you. In fact most the time when we shake up our lives we are rewriting the rules so that life can be better. Having the courage to unfollow a rule, break it and rewrite is what we are exploring today.
In this episode you'll...
About Rick
Rick is a life and business coach, speaker, author, and podcaster. With his husband by his side and two grown children, life looks dramatically different than it did more than 20 years ago.
“I started living by my expectations rather than others, and gained the confidence to love me.
“Instead of seeking out hidden sexual experiences and lying about who I was, I found love with a man who embraced me and my kids.
“Of course, none of this was easy. I wouldn’t bullshit you. That’s not my style.”
In addition to speaking from stages around the country, today Rick helps men who are struggling with their sexuality to learn to be themselves, to stop making excuses, face their fears, and commit to living an unapologetic life.
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth you are pretending to be, so let’s work together to show the world WHO YOU ARE!”
Ready to explore coaching?My goal is to support you in kicking ass and moving from, "Crap I'm stuck in this rut of life," to "Damn, I'm a badass gay/bi guy living a life the turns me on!" I'm a straight-forward, no BS kind of coach that challenges you to stop jerking yourself off, cut the lip service, and get in action - no excuses, no fears, no apologies. If you're ready to explore, invest a bit of time and a little bit of money in yourself and scheduled a "Your Next Move" coaching session today. Click here to schedule. | |||||||
| 21 Apr 2021 | 461: Why Fatherhood Means As Much As Being Gay – Steve Disselhorst | 00:39:22 | |||||
He knew from a very young age that Fatherhood was for him. But then the reality of being gay put a damper on the expectation...until it didn't. Author and proud gay dad, Steven Disselhorst was determined to be a Dad and made it happen. From adoption nightmares to candid parenting realities, Steve shares his life uncloseted story of being a gay dad. About SteveSteve Disselhorst specializes in personal & professional leadership development and consulting for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and is the author of the memoir Determined To Be Dad: A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Love. Before founding his firm, Steve worked for Genentech, a biotech company, and is a veteran healthcare marketer. Currently, he serves on the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission and is a speaker for the San Francisco LGBTQ Speaker’s Bureau. Steve is the father of two wonderful children who are the center of his world. Connect With SteveYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 27 Oct 2021 | 489: Learning To Lovingly Say – It’s My Time – Joey Salinas | 00:44:36 | |||||
Sometimes you hit a big block wall life and realize "It's My Time!" Through heartache, a wake up call or even a simple moment when you realize you do need to put yourself in the driver's seat of your life, and that's ok, no matter what anyone else says. Singer, artist, and dancer Joey Salinas, a a latin gay man, channeled all that energy into his latest pop song "My Time / Too Much Goin On" to help him come out of the closet of making others more important than himself. This is his Life (UN)Closeted story.
About JoeyJoey Salinas’ “My Time / Too Much Goin On” is a traditional pop song about reclaiming one’s worth, not allowing anyone to define you, and accepting that some people are around for a reason or a season and it is up to you to know when their time is up. Joey Salinas wrote the song after a tumultuous relationship that left him feeling empty and depleted. “I had lost all motivation,” he recalls. “I needed to reignite my spark so I left Los Angeles for a summer to get back to me.” While out on his personal adventure, Joey enjoyed a romantic fling that taught him what he truly wanted from future relationships. He returned home reinvigorated and determined to jump back into his craft. He channeled his past frustration into not only “My Time”, but the entire Identity: Chapter 1 album. “My Time was the first song I cut and it helped shape the sound for the rest of the project, one that echoed my first album, ‘In the Beginning…’” Joey Salinas’ “My Time / Too Much Goin On” is available now on Apple Music, along with all tracks from Identity: Chapter 1. The music video for “My Time / Too Much Goin On” is available at YouTube. “Sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands and push forward,” Joey Salinas continues from his Los Angeles home. “That may mean letting go of those who no longer benefit your life. Too many of us continue in relationships that aren’t working in the misguided hope that things will get better. Most often, they will not. I learned that it is liberating to finally realize that you can move on to a bigger, more powerful life.” “My Time / Too Much Goin On” is the fourth video release from Identity: Chapter 1, Joey Salinas’ pop album that is sprinkled with dance, R&B, rock, Latin fusion, and electro beats. Each song on the album represents a different facet of his life. The title track reflects on his many shades, colors and textures. “Stomp” attests to his drive to achieve goals; and “Wonderland” examines a romantic love in its infancy. The overall message is one of self-discovery; figuring out what defines you as an individual. “I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum,” Joey reflects. “And I have always felt multi-layered, like there is more than one version of me.”In the music video for “My Time”, Joey Salinas plays multiple characters to depict his different sides. Drawing inspiration from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, he and director Wes Culwell created a concept of being trapped in a loop; in an illusion and not knowing it, like Alice in the film. Joey likens Alice’s experience to being trapped in a toxic relationship.
The video was shot over two days in Washington DC. It was choreographed by Viktor Wallace; assisted by Joey. Andrea Masse-Tognetti of Merimask best known for creating the Egyptian masks for Katy Perry's Prismatic Tour, created the White Rabbit steampunk... | |||||||
| 16 Jan 2020 | 417: Uncloseting a minimal life – The RV Way – Ashley Gann | 00:43:19 | |||||
She already knows how to stand out in crowd. She's a STEM gal - science, technology, engineering, and math wizard. She's a woman in a mostly male dominated world - Chief Meteorologist at CBS 42 in Birmingham, Alabama. And, now she's coming out of the closet to live a minimalist life with her husband and three young kids...wait for it...in an RV. Not out of necessity, but out of choice. Loving what it's done for her and her family, and discovering that we really don't need as much stuff as we think we do in life, Ashley is sharing her journey out of the closet of suburbia living, to permanent RV life...at least for now...and the joys and happiness it has brought to her life. About AshleyAshley Gann, Chief Meteorologist at CBS 42 in Birmingham, Alabama is a mom, wife, and advocate. With her background in Aerospace Engineering and Geosciences, Ashley engages women in the sciences. Professionally, Ashley is one of a very small group of women named Chief Meteorologist. She knows that our professional STEM communities needs more women and when she isn't delivering the daily forecast, she is actively speaking to groups, schools, and corporations about the need for young girls to engage in STEM and the need to retain working women in STEM. Ashley is passionate about gender equity and equality and hopes to provide ways to bridge the gender gap in our STEM communities. And....Ashley and her family have decided to go live in an RV, yes, sell their home and move into a house on wheels, in the middle of the woods, just off the lake. She has learned the value in being a minimalist and found that she has reprioritized what matters most; spending time with the people she loves. Connect With Ashley | |||||||
| 22 Mar 2023 | 563: Why LGBTQ+ Representation in Film Matters – Christin Baker | 00:42:21 | |||||
Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood. Everything in Hollywood is so open, diverse, welcoming, and gay. Maybe not so much. But it has gotten better. So good that it is becoming more common for the LGBTQ+ crowd to be honored with Emmy's, Oscars, and all types of film acknowledgements.
Sharing her journey as Founder of Tello Films, a queer content driven film house, Christin Baker talks candidly about where the film industry stands and why more fluidity in the industry helps LGBTQ+ individuals have more impact in the arts.
About ChristinKristin is the founder of Tello Films, which focuses on lesbian/queer content and is the first LGBTQ network to receive an Emmy nomination. Their 2017 series “Secs & EXECS” earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Austin Powers actress Mindy Sterling. Also, in 2019, their series Riley Parra received two Emmy nominations for actresses Liz Vassey and Carolyn Ratteray. The SVOD platform has a wide library of the best LGBTQ+ women's titles and thousands of paid subscribers. The majority of their million-dollar revenue goes back to filmmakers, enabling them to make more shows. Christin is also the Founder and Chief Director of A Baker Production, which focuses on bigger budget films and a range of genres, including LGBTQ, horror, and socially relevant stories. The project is built upon the values of respect, inclusion, diversity, creativity, fiscal stewardship, profitability, and artistic integrity. In 2016, Christin was awarded Best Director at the London Raindance Film Festival for her work on Maybelle, a series that follows the story of a 35-year old gay woman in the south after the death of her mother. Over the last four years, as an indie producer, she has made five features on SAG Ultra Low Budgets, but she believes the storytelling quality is as high as anything on Netflix.Connect With KristinWebsiteYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 23 Nov 2022 | 546: Grateful For Being LGBTQ – Rick Clemons | 00:16:17 | |||||
For those of us in the U.S. it is Thanksgiving eve and a wonderful reminder to be grateful. Yet, how often do you remind yourself to be grateful for being LGBTQ. Before we stuff ourselves with Thanksgiving goodies, it is time to take a little breath and give thanks for being our unique selves with 10 Things I'm Grateful For Being LGBTQ+.
You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 13 Oct 2021 | 487: How To Have A Blessed Gay – Tyler Martin | 01:00:27 | |||||
One of 6 children. Surrounded by a family of pastors. Drawn to theater. Is it any wonder why one might be GAY? Well bless your heart. When grow up in White Settlement, Texas (yes that is a for real city deep in the heart of Texas), and you're called (he hates that term BTW) to the arts and theater, you just gotta let your gay shine and shine it has for Tyler Martin. Join us on a fun filled, spiritual, and religious romp through being gay, deep in the heart of Texas, even though he now resides in little 'ol New York, New York!
About TylerTyler Martin is an award-winning actor, writer, comedian, singer, and podcast host. Originally from small town Texas, he now works out of NYC. He began acting professionally at a young age and has continued into adulthood, receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre with an emphasis in Acting and Directing. Since his move to NYC, he has worked in multiple Off-Broadway and Regional shows, performed as a stand-up comedian, and worked in independent film. Tyler wrote, directed and is the leading character of the award-winning LGBTQ+ short-form series "DON’T SUCK," which can be found on YouTube. From the show’s success (over 5 million channel views), he created and hosts the spiritual-comedy podcast "Have a Blessed Gay," which was named one Feedspot’s Top LGBTQ podcasts of 2020 and Stitcher’s Top Podcast Picks. Tyler critically discusses religion, spirituality, & social issues from an outcast’s perspective and features discussions and interviews with celebrities, faith leaders, and experts of various faiths and traditions who are trying to make the world a better place. Continuously working toward social justice, Tyler is a featured author for the new book, "The Deconstructionist Playbook," exploring how to navigate religious deconstruction.Connect WithWebsite Podcast YouTube Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 10 Jan 2024 | 605: Ry Levey – Out & Proud In The Wrestling World | 00:49:43 | |||||
"And in this corner we have an out, proud, wrestler." Wait, what? Wrestlers can be gay? Of course they can. We queers are everywhere, so let's celebrate with Ry Levey, film maker. His film Out In The Ring, showcases the hidden world of queer wrestlers and also parallels the nuances of the wrestling world imitate the queer world. From drag and performance art to the homoerotic costumes and positions. Nothing is left to the imagination when Queers invade the ring. About RyRy Levey is a 20+ year film industry professional who has publicized and or distributed over 100 Feature films, including award winning documentaries like Emmy Award winner MATT SHEPARD IS A FRIEND OF MINE, Oscar nominated THE INVISIBLE WAR, and films by documentary legends Frederick Wiseman and Steve James, Tony winning and Oscar nominated filmmaker/Theatre icon Julie Taymor and 2 time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. His documentary feature directorial debut, OUT IN THE RING was the recipient of 4 Intl. film festival awards. Connect With Ry | |||||||
| 15 Dec 2021 | 496: Managing loss of life, and being with your gay self – Mike Keren | 00:39:03 | |||||
You're parents are aging, you're settled in your gay life, and all of that gives you plenty of material to come out of the closet as a comedian...until you do. Then life throws you curve balls, and then the comedy comes to you not on stage, but through the words of your book, addressing the challenges of funerals, caring for parents, and managing your gay relationship. So let's dive in and explore - Four Funerals, No Marriage with gay author Mike Keren.
About MikeMike Keren is a clinical psychologist with advanced training in psychoanalysis and family therapy. He currently maintains a private practice with adults and couples in central New Jersey, although in the past he has worked in a variety of community and correctional facilities. Although he has a general practice he has a particular interest in working with caregivers as well as helping families talk about end of life issues. Mike enjoys a challenge in his free time and has explored the world of competitive gay tournament bowling (several trophies and a bit of prize money), golf (bored to tears) as well as stand-up comedy. His foray into stand-up comedy even became the subject of a friend’s senior thesis at film school. Mike worked the open mic and bar comedy scene for several years but decided to leave the stage to the younger folks. He decided then to channel his humor into creative writing. His first book is Four Funerals, No Marriage, plunges the readers into Mike's caregiving journey when his loving but difficult parents come to visit and both end up hospitalized over the course of one weekend, followed shortly by his Mother-in-Law also needing care. Keren finds support for the stresses of caregiving over the next three years from his relationship, his friends, and a special affinity to the character of Aurora Greenway from “Terms of Endearment”. Told with humor and compassion the book will bring laughter and tears, sometimes at the same time. Mike is supported in his endeavors by his loving husband, Tom, and their two canine children, Carley and Clyde. They divide their time between central New Jersey and the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.Connect WithWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 24 Aug 2022 | 532: Living from Boys To Men In Rural America – Taylor Brorby | 00:46:20 | |||||
Growing up a boy in a mans world is hard enough. But growing up a gay boy in a rural masculine, coal and ranch country is a whole other way of growing up. From bullying to beatings and watching the correlation of tearing up the planet as a metaphor for tearing up someone's self worth, author Taylor Brorby lays it all down in words with his new book BOYS AND OIL, a haunting journey of living life as a closeted gay man until you just can't any longer.
About TaylorTaylor Brorby is an essayist and poet. The coeditor of Fracture: Essays, Poems, and Stories on Fracking in America, his work has appeared in the Huffington Post, Orion, and North American Review, where he is a contributing editor. About The BookIn BOYS AND OIL, a bracingly honest coming-of-age memoir, Brorby brings new focus to a chronically ignored region of the country whose rich resources—its land and its people—are too often ravaged for America’s expedient purposes. In his hometown, Center, North Dakota, there are no stoplights, grocery stores, or motels, just a few bars and churches, with pews filled on Sundays by men who will return to the coal mine or the power plant on Monday and every day after. Here Brorby recounts his story, and that of the prairie, too, interweaving historic coal-country vignettes with scenes from his youth to forge a new path across a notoriously unforgiving landscape. In visceral prose, Brorby recalls his upbringing in a trailer house in Center, and later in Bismarck; his adolescent infatuation with books; and how he felt intrinsically different from other boys in his home state, a state that ranks first in binge drinking. Childhood memories of picking chokecherries and fishing for bluegill with his beloved grandfather are soon replaced with the recollections of a closeted adolescent—of taunting and mocking, even beatings, from peers. Still, Brorby remained in North Dakota until he was outed to his family, and it became clear that to survive home, he had to leave first. Drawing readers into the tumultuous relationships of his early adulthood, Brorby relays his decision to flee North Dakota—physically, but never spiritually—for Minnesota, and eventually to come out on his own terms. Now an environmentalist, Brorby casts the prairie as a place of vulnerability, “where humans and animals must be resilient to survive.” Using the terror he experienced as a youth as a metaphor for the destruction of his homeland, Brorby describes his awakening as an activist, his arrest in Iowa at the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the yearning for the lush green grass and brown buttes of his childhood, “for a way to return.” Haunting and deeply affecting, BOYS AND OIL is as much a book about growing up gay in rural America as it is an extraordinary paean to the natural environment, and a plea to stop destroying the land we call home.Connect With TaylorWebsite InstagramYou can also listen to the podcast on… | 28 Jul 2021 | 475: Coming out of abuse, debt, obesity, and living inauthentically – Travis Daigle | 00:47:35 | ||||
From being an obese young man who was bullied, to bullying himself into a job that everyone else - including himself - thought was the perfect path for him, Travis Daigle just couldn't come out to be himself, until he realized, the Army was calling. Tricked into joining and being told they would teach him how to swim, Travis takes on his own coming out journey to live life on the other side of abuse, obesity, misery in a corporate job, to step into the world as an Army Green Beret which has now lead him to be a speaker who values the journey of living your life on your own terms.
About TravisTravis Daigle overcame a childhood haunted by physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, he battled obesity, weighing over 300 pounds at 17 years old. After years of failed attempts, in the midst of constant bullying at school, he lost over 100 pounds, as he began his college career at the University of Houston. There, he would spend 5 years grinding out sleepless nights spent studying, dealing with financial struggles, and overcoming social awkwardness from his past. In May of 2005 he graduated with honors, majoring in Electrical Engineering as a 1st-Generation College student. After a brief stay in Corporate America, Travis decided that he needed a deeper sense of purpose at work. In August of 2007, he enlisted in the US Army with hopes of becoming a Special Forces Soldier a.k.a. Green Beret. At the time, he was 25 years old. He had never been on a hike, never shot a gun, never been camping, and he didn't know how to swim. He would go on to graduate in the top 20% of his class of Green Beret's and spend a year deployed to combat in Afghanistan. During the two and a half year Special Forces Assessment Process, he would also pay off $60,000 dollars of debt and leave the military in 2012, debt-free. Today, Travis continues to challenge himself as he pursues competition as a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter. He speaks with the hope that his story will help others to meet life's challenges with the determination to Adapt and Overcome.Connect With TravisWebsite YouTubeYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 12 Aug 2020 | 434: Creating Radical Alignment To Come Out of LIfe’s Closets – Alexandra Jamieson & Bob Gower | 00:47:53 | |||||
Nothing is harder in any kind of relationship than having difficult conversations. They make us feel uneasy, scared, sometimes even disempowered. Now, what if you found a way, by becoming radically aligned, to get through big conversations, decision, and some of the toughest moments of your life - would you jump at it? I think most of us would. Today's guests Alexandra Jamieson and Bob Gower, are repeat podcast guests, who are here to guide us how to become radically aligned when moving through difficult situations and conversations so that you can get better results and feel more supported. Whether you are coming out of the closet, considering a trip to the family, or trying to decide whether to end your relationship or keep it going, radical alignment is a powerful process to get you there with grace and ease. About Alex and BobAlexandra Jamieson is a success mentor, life, and health coach to creative, professional women who want it all. She is the best-selling author of Women, Food & Desire, co-creator and co-star of the Oscar-nominated documentary Super Size Me, and highly-sought-after wellness expert. Bob Gower helps organizations move faster, create better products, and become happier, more engaged places to work. He is an authority on agile software development, lean theory, and responsive organizational design, and has advised leaders at numerous companies—including GE, Ford, Chanel, PG&E, and Spotify—in creating more effective organizations. He is the author of Agile Business: A Leader’s Guide to Harnessing Complexity and speaks regularly on organizational development and leadership. Connect with Bob and AlexYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 09 Sep 2020 | 436: Tiny Leaps, Big Changes – Gregg Clunis | 00:41:39 | |||||
Let's get that great paying job. Oh wait, that's way to big of a step. Let's take that trip around the world. Oh wait, that's to big of a step. Let's finally come out of the closet. Oh wait, that's to big of a step. Life is full of big steps, that lead to big changes, but the key is realizing, you can get there with tiny steps. Author Gregg Clunis - Tiny Leaps, Big Changes - shares insights on how all big changes come from the tiny leaps you take every day. About GreggGregg believes that no matter how busy you are or how hopeless and confused you might feel, your goals are possible if you can focus your time and energy on the tiniest next step rather than letting the fog overwhelm you. That might be hard to believe, but his life is proof of what is possible when you keep moving forward taking each day with one tiny leap at a time. When he was 8 his family sold everything they owned and immigrated to the U.S. with no real connections, no options, and no opportunity. Over the next 19 years his parents worked themselves to the bone taking every tiny opportunity they could find and squeezing it for everything it had. Slowly but surely they created a life for their family and allowed Gregg the opportunities they never had. All big changes comes from the tiny leaps you take every day. This is the approach to life that my parents used to create the life he has now and, if you’re willing to embrace it, it’s the same approach that will help you take a tiny leap of courage and get more out of your life. That philosophy has turned into a podcast, a book, and a thriving digital community that spans 170+ countries. Most importantly? That philosophy has become the commonality across all of his work. At the end of the day, it’s not actually about personal development. It’s about understanding the factors that cause and effect change across all of life. Change on a personal level, changes in society and culture, and change on a global scale. In his content, art, and businesses he will explore these topics and create frameworks around them in order to help each of us harness those factors. Connect With GreggYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 17 May 2023 | 571: Marci Warhaft – Coming Out About Lies, Loss, and Lap Dances | 00:46:57 | |||||
Some would say she went to the extremes, but secrets make us do that. Others would say, she isn't a good Mommy. We say, she uncloseted herself to save herself and step out of the secret life she thought she had to live to survive. Baring it all, Author Marci Warhaft unclosets her life, stripping down to the bare essence of her truth as a Soccer Mom sharing the truth about her lies, losses, and lap dances.
About MarciMarci is the author of “The Good Stripper: A Soccer Mom’s Memoir of Lies, Loss and Lap Dances” Where she shares in raw, honest and intimate detail her eye-popping journey to self discovery. Her book is dedicated to anyone who may be struggling to forgive themselves for mistakes they made when they were just doing their best to survive. Marci is a recognized expert on body image and self-esteem and the body image expert at Defy magazine. She also hosts the podcast “How to Ruin Your Own Reputation” highlighting people living unusual lives unapologetically.Connect With MarciWebsite Twitter FacebookYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 28 Feb 2024 | 612: Roger Kuhn – Uncloseting the Kaleidoscope of being Two-Spirited Through Music | 00:39:08 | |||||
From a very young age he knew he was different in spirit, two-spirits to be exact. Yet, he pushed through, did the things that were expected of him, and yet, never lost sight of the essence of who he was.
While he left the world of music for a time, the music never left him and the kaleidoscope of his life finally caught back up to him, nudging him back into his passion of music, story telling, and writing about the beauty of being an Indigiqueer artist and creative. Roger Kuhn talks about his two-spirit roots and being as well as talks about his new pop single Kaleidoscope and his new book Somacultural Liberation.
About RogerRoger Kuhn’s new single, “Kaleidoscope” - his first since signing with music label, So Fierce Music - is a dance song rooted in classic house and progressive EDM that asks listeners: what do you believe? and what does it mean to be free? For the artist, freedom is pursing his dreams and living his truth, which is why after working as a psychotherapist for the past decade, Kuhn decided to take time away from his practice and prioritize his creative expression once again. “I love being a music artist,” explains the singer-songwriter whose breakout single from 2008, "What's Your Name," was crowned Song of the Year by the Stonewall Society for the Arts. “Even the lyrics in “Kaleidoscope” reflect on my joy,” Kuhn continues. “I sing about flying through the sky, never being so high, and how I can’t believe I’m not falling. That’s who I am when I am performing live or writing songs. I am living my ultimate purpose and celebrating my authentic self.” Roger Kuhn’s real self includes being a bi-racial, bi-cultural, Two-Spirit Indigiqueer artist. His father was of German and Russian descent and his mother is a Poarch Creek woman. He recalls his childhood in rural North Dakota as being a mix of curiosity and wonder where he would spend hours meandering through the forests on the family farm, singing and writing songs. Sadly, there were moments of horror, too, as his father was an abusive alcoholic who terrorized Roger’s family. The pain was further exacerbated by the young boy’s feelings of isolation as he began to question his gender and sexual orientation. Roger says his gender is best described as circular, meaning he is not on a fixed binary. It is the same with his sexuality. “Gender and sexual orientation can be seen through a kaleidoscopic lens,” he explains. “When you peer through a kaleidoscope you see multiples shapes, colors, expressions, and beauty, which is what life is like if we allow ourselves to see beyond the ordinary.”Connect With RogerWebsite Facebook Instagram | |||||||
| 03 Jul 2024 | 630: Ry Levey – Silencing LGBTQ+ Christian Music – Not on God’s Watch! | 00:47:45 | |||||
For too long the voices of Christians have tried to silent the LGBTQ+ community. But what happens to their voices when Christian music artists sing the Lords praise, and those performers happen to be members of the LGBTQ+ community? Do they abandon them? Call them fake Christians?
Film producer Ry Levey brings his newest documentary to life - Song Silenced - where he explores the intersectionality of Christian Musician and the LGBTQ+ performer.
In this episode you'll
About Ry Levey
Ry knows that music is a vital expression for many people, and a powerful part of the faith community—it's a form of celebration of that belief. But what happens when your voice is silenced, for living your truth?
In his new documentary, SONG SILENCED: COMING OUT IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC, Ry features beloved classic and current music artists and personalities like Marsha Stevens, Ray Boltz, Flamy Grant, Semler, Billy Newton-Davis, Jess Grace Garcia, Azariah Southworth, Rev. Diedre Gray, Jason & deMarco, Ricky Braddy, Trey Pearson, Derek Webb, Deacon Ross Murray and Ronté Pierce. The documentary tells the stories of faith-based music professionals, who took a great risk in coming out of the closet and faced silencing, and "Out" artists in the space, who share their message of love, faith, and inclusion far and wide, on a mission of equality and for the right to be who you are without sacrifice or silence.
Ry is an Award-winning director of OUT IN THE RING.
Support the film if you feel compelledSong Silenced Website | |||||||
| 26 Jul 2023 | 581: Bryan Ruby – Breaking the molds of Baseball and Country Music | 00:37:06 | |||||
Baseball and a love for country music. That's about as heteronormative as... Wait that would be generalizing and putting someone in a box, which is not we want in the LGBTQ+ community. So why would you think a major league baseball player, and country singer doesn't really fit the gay box. Because that is making an assumption of what it means to be gay.
Breaking the molds is professional baseball player and rising country music artist Bryan Ruby who has a message about assumptions and boxes you get put in as a gay man, and who aspires to inspire others to be themselves, regardless of the box people try to put you in.
About BryanBryan Ruby is a trailblazing professional baseball player and rising country music artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. In September of 2021 he became the only active professional baseball player to come out as gay, and his story was featured in USA Today as well as 100+ media outlets around the world including CBS, Yahoo, Bleacher Report and Teen Vogue. As a songwriter, Bryan has penned songs that have appeared on the Texas Country Top 50 chart and the iTunes Country Top 25 (#16), and songs he has written have been featured on both Huffington Post and People Magazine. As an artist, he won season 7 of the talent-search competition Nashville Rising Song, and is preparing for the release of his debut EP in 2023. Also in 2023, Bryan will be the subject of a feature-length documentary directed by award winning filmmaker Clay Westervelt (Life In The Doghouse, Miss You Can Do It), which will focus on his underdog path through the traditionalist worlds of baseball and country music. It will also chronicle the founding of his first-of-its kind charity, Proud To Be In Baseball, which supports and encourages LGBTQ youth in the sport. A native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Bryan grew up “country,” splitting his time between the baseball field, his family’s barbecue restaurant and the local country radio station (92.5 WXTU), where he worked as an intern. He then took his two loves to Vassar College where he studied on a vocal music scholarship and captained the baseball team to First Team All-Conference honors. In college, Ruby won a $5,000 songwriting prize and caught the attention of NYC-based producer and sound engineer Chris Connors (John Legend, Kanye West, NEED2BREATHE). The two collaborated on several projects including commercial music for the New England Sports Network. Bryan relocated to Nashville in 2019, and in-between baseball seasons, has developed an impressive network of co-writers and collaborators. To date he has 12+ professional cuts and has performed the National Anthem at several major events, including for the LA Dodgers. He has worked with several major influencers in support of the Sports Equality Foundation and is becoming a respected voice in the baseball, country music, and LGBTQ+ communities. More than anything, Bryan hopes to write music that “speaks to kids who feel like he did at 14,” when his love for baseball and country music seemed at odds with the secrets he kept hidden away. “Baseball and country music are woven into the fabric of America; I just want to make sure that anyone who loves them like I do feels safe and welcome there.”Connect With BryanWebsite Instagram Facebook | |||||||
| 16 Aug 2023 | 584: Riana Milne – Embracing our traumas for true, authentic growth | 00:47:50 | |||||
We all have trauma. Yes, that's a truth. But if you don't embrace that truth, you are actually causing more trauma to yourself. Guiding the direction of unpacking trauma as a LGBTQ+ individual, Riana Milne (CCTP-II) brings her expertise of facing our traumas and learning the power of holding hands and moving beyond them. This podcast includes the 10 Childhood Traumas that we most experience and is an insightful acceptance of how to see them so we can go do the work with them.
About Riana MilneCoach Riana Milne was Selected as “One of the Top Coaches to Follow in 2022” by Wealth Insider Magazine and is also featured in FORBES Magazine and Business Success Magazine. She’s a Certified, Global Life, Love Trauma Recovery & Mindset Coach, Advanced Cert. Clinical Trauma & Addictions Professional (CCTP-II), a #1 Bestselling Author, the Host of her Podcast called Lessons in Life & Love™, an Educational Speaker, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 23 years living in Palm Beach County, Florida. Riana also won the 2022 GIVA International Award for Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Top Global Wellness Coach; and was selected in 2021 as “One of The 100 Most Successful Women Around the World” by The Global Trade Chamber. She was also a Life & Dating Coach for the 12-show Docu-Series; Radical Dating – Finding Lasting Love Over 40 (and her client is now happily married!). Riana specializes in those who have had past Childhood or Relationship Trauma and offers Group & VIP Coaching programs for Singles & Couples globally. Riana’s 5-star rated books; the #1 Bestseller, LOVE Beyond Your Dreams – Break Free of Toxic Relationships to Have the Love You Deserve - and - LIVE Beyond Your Dreams – from Fear and Doubt to Personal Power, Purpose, and Success addresses Life's Difficult Transitions, Personal Transformation, The Mindset for Success, and having Loving, Conscious Relationships with yourself and others.Connect With RianaWebsite Instagram Facebook Podcast LinkedIn | |||||||
| 16 Nov 2022 | 545: Mastering The Art Of Being Sorry, Not Sorry About Who You Are – Samantha Gibb | 00:47:28 | |||||
You reach a point in your life where you finally realize, who you are is more important than what you think you're supposed to be in the world. That's when you take the stand to say, "Sorry, not sorry," and then write an amazing song about that exact subject. Drawing upon her own talent and DNA as daughter of Maurice Gibb - one third of BeeGees fame - Samantha Gibb, shares how she has come to a space where showing her true colors as a musical talent, and as an authentic person is the only way to put Good Lovin, out in the world.
About SamanthaSamantha was born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida and now lives in Nashville, TN. Sam’s father, legendary Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, vastly influenced her life and her music. She has said, “Growing up watching my father and my uncles really set the bar for what kind of musician and songwriter I wanted to be”. In 2004, after her father passed away, Sam partnered with Lazaro Rodriguez, creating M.E.G. Records/M.E.G. Productions (M.E.G. being the acronym for her father’s initials, Maurice Ernest Gibb). “It was a way for me to keep my dad’s personal studio alive and making sure the instruments would always be played.” Samantha has said. In 2007, along with her band and studio, Sam relocated to Nashville, TN. Upon arriving, Sam began to work on a music documentary called “A Nashville State of Mind”. The film was inspired by the musicians she met and the evolving music scene she encountered while living in East Nashville at that time. “A Nashville State of Mind” was accepted into over 15 film festivals and won the best international music doc in 2008 at the LA/NY International film and music festival. In 2010, her band, Samantha Gibb and The Cartel, crossed the pond for her first U.K. tour to promote her album “Wrong Side”. Later that year, they followed up with an acoustic tour of the East Coast. In February 2012, Sam performed at the Hard Rock Live in Ft. Lauderdale with her Uncle, Barry Gibb. With great success from the show, she continued to tour with her uncle on his Mythology Tour where she performed in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and North America until 2014. In the beginning of 2015, Sam sang with again with her uncle at the Miami Beach Centennial show in Miami Beach, FL. In 2016, Sam began to work on a tribute album for her father and her uncles (Robin Gibb, Barry Gibb, and Andy Gibb), titled “The Gibb Collective”. The song titled “Please Don’t Turn Out the Lights” brought together her family, including the eldest children of Barry, Maurice, Robin, and Andy. The album included covers of their music with a different style and new flavor. The album was released in 2017 for Father’s Day. In 2021, she collaborated with award winning country singer-songwriter Kyle Jacobs on her single, “Spiraling" and later that year she released “Christmas in a Small Town” which she wrote with Kyle Jacobs and another award winning songwriter, Tony Wood. In July of this year she released her newest singles “Good Lovin’” and followed up with “Sorry, Not Sorry” at the end of September. Samantha’s writing is unique and has a versatile musical sound that blends perfectly with her sultry vocals.Connect With SamanthaWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 03 Jun 2020 | 427: Coming Out with Pride, Diversity, and Inclusion – John Volturo | 00:34:16 | |||||
Whether it's the rainbow ceiling, the glass ceiling, or the race ceiling...diversity and inclusion is here to shatter those ceilings. No longer is it acceptable for any place of work, or on the planet, to not be inclusive and diverse...even in our own LGBTQ Community. Bearing his pride flag as an LGBTQ equality workplace advocate, John Volturo helps us kick off Pride month with a look inside why Diversity and Inclusion are still hot topics, and not just for the LGBTQ community. Truths, insights, and ideas for how to be comfortable in the discomfort of creating a diverse and inclusive work culture. Also, John is offering a 25% discount on all of his coaching services for anyone who listens to the podcast, simply email him at the email by CLICKING HERE to get the discount. About JohnJohn is an internationally recognized lecturer, NGLCC certified coach, and an advocate for LGBTQ equality in the workplace. For over 20 years, John Volturo has served in Executive Management, most recently with eight years as a Chief Marketing Officer, General Manager and Board Member at startup, mid-size, and large private and publicly traded companies. Having hired around 600 people and managed well over 1000, John is known for creating diverse, talented teams that companies retain longer than other groups. As a member of the LGBTQ community, John grew up conforming to heterosexual norms to succeed, he understands that not everyone is alike and deserves cookie cutter solutions. Through his coaching, John advises CEOs and leaders on how to make better decisions, overcome obstacles, hire peak performing teams, realign vision, and train and retain the company's best talent while building diverse and inclusive teams. John currently resides in California with his husband and two daughters. He is the President-Elect of the International Coaching Federation, and founder of Volturo Coaching. Connect With JohnYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 30 Aug 2023 | 586: Dr. Roger Leslie – How to step into the light of being your LGTBQ+ Self | 00:43:33 | |||||
There's something absolutely beautiful about stepping into the light of our truth and coming out of the closet. That light is you being you at your soul level. Dr Roger Leslie joins us on the podcast today to shed light on how you can step into the light of you and be your most authentic LGBTQ+ self.
About Dr. Roger LeslieDr. Roger Leslie is an author, editor, publisher, and inspirational teacher. He discovered his life’s mission from the light he discovered after emerging from the youthful struggle to reconcile his sexual orientation with his spirituality. Once he discovered his soul, he has lived from it to inspire people to live the life they dream and empower them to find their unique spiritual destiny. Dr. Roger's new book is Light Come Out Of The Closet: Memoir of a Gay Soul.Connect With Dr. Roger LeslieWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn | |||||||
| 25 Jan 2023 | 555: Coming Out and Fitting In Reset – Rick Clemons | 00:10:13 | |||||
Coming out is a complete reset in our lives. A big reset. Yet, when we do it and we really dial into a reset of thoughts, feelings and beliefs, our journey out of the closet can become so much better. Filled with simple tools in this 8 minute power packed podcast, you will find ways to reset your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about coming out and fitting in, on your terms.
You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 01 Nov 2023 | 595: Marissa Alma Nick – Being A Queer Rebel In Your Own Right | 00:37:39 | |||||
There's an uprising that is beginning to happen. It's coming from the depths that says, "We will not be silenced." It also brings about feelings of being alone, lack of acceptance, lowered levels of self-love. All of which, can stir up the rebel within. As queer culture continues to feel that target on our backs, it is good to remember that the rebel within each of needs to be seen, heard, understood, and experience empathy. In her debut book, Rebel in Venus, dancer, choreographer, and author Marissa Alma Nick brings to light the way to be yourself in a world hell bent on taking your personal worth away. Today we explore ways to let your rebel shine and never back down.
About MarrissaMarissa Alma Nick illuminates queer experiences with an authentic perspective on emerging concerns including mental health, trauma, sexual assault, abuse and gaslighting. More than anything, Rebel in Venus, is a book about empowerment, self-realization, self-acceptance and self-love - a coming-of-age story, about a woman who is realizing she can no longer outrun herself. Connect With MarissaWebsite Instagram | |||||||
| 25 Aug 2021 | 479: Coming Out To Be A One Arm Wonder – Nick Gatto | 00:38:43 | |||||
Stuttering, and one arm About NickNick is an incredibly unique individual. Born with only one arm, Nick was forced to turn what many would call a handicap into an unforeseen opportunity. Nick grew up playing sports and was blessed with the opportunity to play football at both the collegiate and professional levels. He has been featured in many local and national publications and TV shows including USA Today, FOX SPORTS LIVE, ESPN, and The George Michael Sports Machine. In 2004 he founded a kicking and punting school - 4th and 10 - where he now trains and works with specialists at all levels including NFL, NCAA, and High School. Over the years his clients began to ask questions regarding motivation, nutrition, and life skills. In 2017 he decided to enroll and join the Institute of Integrative Nutrition earning his certification. Seeking further knowledge, Nick received additional certifications in nutrition through Precision Nutrition in 2019. Connect With NickYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 29 Jul 2020 | 433: Tapping into your soul wounds to uncloset your personal destiny – Deneen Joyner | 00:40:02 | |||||
How often do we hold ourselves back simply because we let the wounds of our past, or from others keep us from showing up as our truest self? Way to often! It's the relinquishing of our power that keeps us from dealing with our wounds and stepping into the healing so that we can live our truest self and life. Soul Medium and Spiritual Coach Deneen Joyner helps us explore our wounds so that we can come out of the closets of our life to create our own sacred revelations of who we are meant to be and how we are meant to show up in life. About DeneenDeneen Joyner is a Soul Medium, Spiritual Coach and Storyteller whose soul mission is to guide others on how to follow the footprints left by their ancestors to uncover the spiritual inheritance tied to their pain, gifts and destiny, so they may heal and fulfill their holy assignments. As a seventh-generation shaman and heiress to her ancestor’s ancient indigenous practices in self-guided soul healing, Deneen offers a unique approach to how women can partner with themselves and their pain to clear their souls. Deneen offers insightful guidance surrounding the intergenerational DNA behind family karma and emotional pain, which she gained as an 18-year professional in social work. She offers soul readings through private coaching, as well as with live audiences and radio interviews. About Her BookDeneen is the nationally award-winning author of Soul Wounds & Sacred Revelations: A Warrior Daughter's Awakening to Pain and Destiny. In it, she examines the DNA surrounding emotional pain and provides a blueprint for uncovering the lessons that are sent into our lives for the purpose of healing, evolution and mastering pain. The author delves into the role our ancestors and family play in allowing us to know ourselves, including how our divine assignments are intrinsically tied to yet-unfulfilled soul contracts that can span several lifetimes. The book begs the questions: Why have we settled for living with emotional pain? How did we learn to respond to it? Why must we hit rock bottom for God to gain our attention? Deneen’s intimate story of struggle and redemption provides answers for how each of us can see ourselves for truly who we are: more divine than human. The book gives us permission to break our own hearts and be wrong about all the ugly things we’ve ever thought about ourselves. Ultimately, it offers the hope of embracing the possibility that we are so much more than our pain. Connect With DeneenYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 29 Jan 2020 | 418: Love making advice from yo’ Momma – Natasha Ria El-Scari | 00:45:01 | |||||
Men, boys, man boys - whatever you want to call the male species, seem to get their love and love making advice from tight lipped men, or loose lipped boys in the locker room. Neither usually serve them well and make them better men when it comes to love and love making. So let the tides shift, and invite the mother energy in to do the job of teaching men about love and love making. Natasha Ria El-Scari is coming out of the closet to say, "Let Mama do the job!" Yup, she's grabbing her son, and other men by whatever appendage makes sense, sitting them down to teach them about the fine art of love and love making. Here to share her new book - Mama Sutra: Love and Lovemaking Advice to My Son - and to take us all to the church of love, sex, and love making, Natasha is not going to let what she feels needs to be taught on deaf ears. Buckle up folks, this one is full of straight-forward, no bullshit, closet busting truths. About NatashaNatasha Ria El-Scari is a poet, performer, writer, Cave Canem fellow, 2016 Ragdale Residency recipient and educator for over a decade. Her poetry, academic papers, and personal essays have been published in anthologies, literary and online journals. She has opened for and introduced many great writers, singers and activists, and has been featured at a host of universities and venues nationwide. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Natasha has a BA from Jackson State University and a MA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Natasha’s Black Feminist approach is reflected in her writing, poetry and performance pieces. Once asked in an interview what makes her unique she replied, “…most people lie to themselves, but I like to reveal myself.” In 2015 Natasha released her first book, Screaming Times (Spartan Press, 2015). Of her work, critic and poet Denise Low writes, “Poems lift off the page, almost reading themselves. Unlike some performance poetry, her words translate well to the printed page.” Her second book, The Only Other (Main Street Rag, 2016) dives into the taboo voice of the other woman. In 2019 Natasha released her first self-published and non-fiction book in collaboration with her son entitled, Mama Sutra: Love and Lovemaking Advice to My Son. Natasha’s CDs, DragonButterFirefly (2006), This is Love… (2010), CuddleComplex (2016) and DVD Live at the Blue Room (2015) display how Natasha connects with any crowd with maternal warmth and unrelenting honesty. This mother of two is also the founder and curator of Black Space Black Art, an organization created to promote the exhibition of African American visual arts and businesses. She is also the founder and curator of the El-Scari Harvey Art Gallery, a small art gallery that focuses on exhibiting marginalized artists and creating relevant events. Connect With Natasha | |||||||
| 03 Aug 2022 | 529: Uncloseting Fun In Your Life and Work – Mike Rucker | 00:49:37 | |||||
FUN. Something many of us have let disappear from our lives. Whether it is because of COVID, political strife, human rights, or simply because we keep letting life get in the way, FUN is a commodity that is worth fighting for to bring joy into our lives. Guiding us to uncloset fun and make it a habit is Mike Rucker, PH.D. He gives us cool insights on making fun an unapologetic habit in our lives.
About MikeDr. Mike Rucker is an organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He has been academically published in publications like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Fast Company, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindful, mindbodygreen, and more. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness and is the author of the upcoming book The Fun Habit, available January 2023.Connect With MikeWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 24 Jul 2024 | 633: Living Your Life (Un)Closeted Series: Part 3 - Let’s Get Naked With Our Truth(s) – Rick Clemons | 00:11:35 | |||||
Here' the naked truth about being in a state of confusion. You can't get out of confusion until you get naked with your truth!
Whether you are coming out of the closet, walking away from a bad relationship, going for a promotion, or letting go of people in your life that no longer serve you, you have to get fully naked with the truth behind that decision or situation to leave the confusion behind.
In this episode you'll
About Rick
Rick is a life and business coach, speaker, author, and podcaster. With his husband by his side and two grown children, life looks dramatically different than it did more than 20 years ago.
“I started living by my expectations rather than others, and gained the confidence to love me.
“Instead of seeking out hidden sexual experiences and lying about who I was, I found love with a man who embraced me and my kids.
“Of course, none of this was easy. I wouldn’t bullshit you. That’s not my style.”
In addition to speaking from stages around the country, today Rick helps men who are struggling with their sexuality to learn to be themselves, to stop making excuses, face their fears, and commit to living an unapologetic life.
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth you are pretending to be, so let’s work together to show the world WHO YOU ARE!”
Ready to explore coaching?My goal is to support you in kicking ass and moving from, "Crap I'm stuck in this rut of life," to "Damn, I'm a badass gay/bi guy living a life the turns me on!" I'm a straight-forward, no BS kind of coach that challenges you to stop jerking yourself off, cut the lip service, and get in action - no excuses, no fears, no apologies. If you're ready to explore, invest a bit of time and a little bit of money in yourself and scheduled a "Your Next Move" coaching session today. Click here to schedule. | |||||||
| 22 Feb 2023 | 559: The Joy of Celebrating Queer Women – Carine De Mesmaeker | 00:22:07 | |||||
Many may ask, "Why?" Why is it important to have festivals, parties, private vacations, for LGBTQ+ individuals. The answer is simple, "Why Not?" And especially "Why not?" for queer women. Helping us answer that question and sharing about her own exciting, Mediterranean event - Velvet Ibiza - is Carine De Mesmaeker. We're exploring the celebration of queer women and creating safe spaces for them to be themselves.
About Velvet IbizaVelvet Ibiza - Europe’s most epic queer women party - is celebrating its 7th anniversary this year and taking the festivities to the next level. Happening May 2 - 7, 2023 in idyllic Ibiza, Spain, Velvet Ibiza, the all-inclusive 5-day/5-night party, has, in only a few years’ time, become a holy ground for queer women who continue to descend on the pine-covered isle to enjoy one the most life changing and bonding experience. Created and (ever since) produced by Carine De Mesmaeker - the mastermind behind Velvet 69, one of Europe’s biggest queer Women party in Brussels, Belgium - Velvet Ibiza made history in its inception year by (surprisingly) being the first ever queer women event held in the small Balearic island famously known for its LGBTQ-friendly culture, its vibrant nightlife scene and celebrity sighting. The event attracts a vastly international crowd with LGBTQ+ women traveling from all over the globe for one big giant celebration of the community. The all-inclusive nature of the event (tickets include 5 nights in bungalow, all 3 meals, day and night activities & parties, transportation from airport to resort, and all drinks t’il 11pm) creates a safe and unique environment that imparts a palpable sense of belonging and freedom. No need to venture anywhere, the party is literally on your doorsteps as De Mesmaeker rents out the entire resort.Having everything in one place is key for the event producer who strives to create a great community vibe allowing people to organically connect. From the pool parties, sports tournaments, yoga classes, club nights and now the infamous duck race to the top queer female DJs from Europe and America dropping the sickest beats Velvet Ibiza has it all! The host hotel is Cala Martina, the location of the historical Hippie Market - one of the few places in Ibiza where you can still find today the peculiar and unique hippie essence. It was founded in 1973 and for that reason it is currently the largest and oldest market on the island. A second hotel, Paraiso Beach, next to Hotel Cala Martina has been retained as well Paraiso Beach is a 4* boutique hotel at only 5′ walk from the event hotel. Only 20 rooms available! Velvet Ibiza is about inclusivity for the amazing diversity of queer women around the world.Connect With Carine and Velvet IbizaWebsite InstagramYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 12 Feb 2020 | 419: Uncloseting Yourself To Build Your Destiny – Grant Baldwin | 00:31:52 | |||||
He went from being a youth pastor to a conversation with his Dad about his destiny, to now running a highly successful online business, all because he uncloseted himself to go live his destiny. Now he has a brand new book out, The Successful Speaker - 5 Steps For Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform - which is fully aligned with his mission and business to help speakers be successful. Grant Baldwin has done what a lot of people aspire to do, create a life built on freedom and flexibility. But it wasn't without challenges. Today he shares his insights for staying focused, building confidence, and overcoming paranoia. About GrantGrant Baldwin is the founder of The Speaker Lab, a training company that helps public speakers learn how to find and book speaking gigs. Through his popular podcast The Speaker Lab and flagship coaching program Booked and Paid to Speak he has coached and worked with thousands of speakers. As a keynote speaker, Grant has delivered nearly one thousand presentations to over 500,000 people in 47 states and has keynoted events for audiences as large as 13,000. Grant has also been featured in national media including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Huffington Post. He now lives near Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Sheila, and their three daughters. Connect With Grant | |||||||
| 15 Feb 2023 | 558: Marriage, Businesses, Health and Doing Life On Your Terms – Bill Rossi | 00:45:48 | |||||
Whether it is starting a business or choosing to get married as a gay or lesbian individual, it is always in our best interest to do what we know is best for us, not what everyone else expects us to do. Proving this point over and over again, serial entrepreneur, resilient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) thriver, and LGBTQ+ community advocate, Bill Rossi share candidly about his life decisions and his intentionality behind desire to get married to his husband when he did.
About BillBill Rossi is a respected entrepreneur and veteran business leader in the Chicago area, as well as a devoted partner and father, an inspirational LGBTQ+ advocate and a passionate proponent of health and fitness. As founder and CEO of Rossi Enterprises, Bill helps a diverse array of organizations thrive in their industries, by guiding them and serving as their fractional chief operating officer and/or chief financial officer. He frequently collaborates with startups and small- to mid-size organizations to foster innovation and help them recover from business challenges or put them on a path to greater success. He does this by leveraging his expertise in finance, operations and marketing and 20 years of experience as a leader and entrepreneur. He is also a co-owner of several small businesses where he functions as CFO as well as proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. By lending his leadership and voice and authentically sharing his story, Bill incites meaningful conversation and personal growth. He is passionate about discussing the challenges and achievements that have been part of his personal journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as someone who suffers from a rare heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). He gives others the inspiration, confidence or support they might need to move forward, overcome adversity and thrive in business and in life. Bill, who is frequently called upon to share his unique journey and the stories behind his many successful professional endeavors, greatly values his role as a teacher and mentor.Connect With BillWebsite Facebook InstagramYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 31 Aug 2022 | 533: Embracing The LGBTQ You, You See – Danny Freeman | 00:42:29 | |||||
Growing up LGBTQ can be very confusing. Your heart feels it before your head. You try to assimilate into hetero norms, but can't. Then once you accept who you are do you really take time to grieve the you that once was for the you that you've always been? Exploring all these types of thoughts in his brand new book - The You I See - author Danny Freemen brings us a big-hearted and humorous novel about young gay life and love.
About DannyDanny Freeman is a native Texan: born in Dallas and raised in Houston. He is a former elementary school teacher and intervention program coordinator for a large Texas school district. Danny now lives and resides outside the Lone Star State in a happy spot somewhere between his head and his heart. He is busy writing his second novel. If there is an afterlife, he hopes he’ll get assigned to a small cottage between his two favorite couples in the world: Westley and Buttercup, and Alex and Brandon.About The You I SeeThe You I See is a big-hearted, humorous novel that functions as both a sweet 'coming-of-age, coming-out' tale and an unapologetic affirmation of queer identity which traces the sexual awakening of two gay teens as they mature through adolescence. Set against the backdrop of a fundamentalist Christian context and the changing cultural landscape of Houston in the early 1990s, The You I See weaves together faith, politics, shifting social attitudes, the journey to self-acceptance, and the importance of LGBTQ+ allies like few other young adult novels.Connect With DannyWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 23 Jun 2021 | 470 – Raising LGTBQ Allies – Chris Tompkins | 00:37:34 | |||||
What started from his own experiences on the playground and in his familial unit, has led to those moment. A moment where sexuality and gender identity need to be viewed as sacred space for each and everyone of us and human beings. A moment where we can all be eased into a healthy sense of sexual and gender identity, without the messages from the playground of life damaging us at our core. Author Chris Tompkins, shares insights from his new book, Raising LGBTQ Allies, an awesome guide for the non-LGTBQ ally to learn how to squelch the wrong messages that cause scars that deeply wound individuals in the LGBTQ community. About ChrisChris Tompkins is a teacher, TEDx speaker, spiritual life coach, and LGBTQ inner-advocate based in Los Angeles, CA. He’s also the author of the forthcoming book, Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. The book is available for purchase at most book retailers. Connect With ChrisYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 19 Jun 2024 | 628: Mark Pettit – Living your truth and being the ANKRBOY you were meant to be | 00:45:50 | |||||
In this episode you'll
About MarkMark is a three-time Emmy® award-winning TV news anchorman and best-selling author turned actor. In his new, heart-wrenching memoir, ANKRBOY (a #1 bestseller on Amazon), Pettit reveals what it was like growing up as a young, closeted TV newscaster trying to make his way during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. His first book, A Need to Kill, also went to #1 in three categories on Amazon.
Pettit has worked in journalism for more than 30 years on both the national and local level. A former anchorman at CNN, Pettit also worked as an anchor and investigative reporter at WXIA-TV (NBC), KMTV-3 (CBS) in Omaha, and at CBS46 News (WGCL-TV) in Atlanta (Now "Atlanta News First").
As an actor, Mark has appeared in a number of hit TV series including "True Detective," "Mindhunter," "Mr. Mercedes," "Sweet Magnolias" and "The Game." Pettit is also Executive Producer and appears in the horror film "The Curse of La Patasola" which is airing now exclusively on STARZ and will soon be available worldwide.
In this episode you'll...
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| 02 Dec 2020 | 444 – Coming out at work & late in life – Peter McGuire | 00:40:20 | |||||
Married, two kids, an interracial relationship, and a jetting setting high flyer for a major technology company. Oh, and BTW, he's gay. He came out late in life. And he couldn't be happier. The key is how you get here with dignity and respect and continue to get that type of respect in the workplace, regardless of your sexuality. Meet Peter McGuire. Unapologetic about who he is, Peter shares his journey in a very candid manner that helps you see, you too an come out late in life and still have a very wonderful life. About PeterPeter McGuire has had a successful career as both an Entrepreneur and a Corporate Executive in Real Estate and Technology. In 2015 he came out as LGBTQ+ and has embarked on helping other latecomers adjust and maneuver in the Corporate America. He was featured panelist on the Verizon 2019 Pride Celebration in NYC Peter currently is developing a series of Podcasts for Late comers to the community and how to prosper as a LGBTQ+ in the Corporate World. Peter has two children, Will and Tess and is in a Domestic partnership with Musician and Choreographer Ahmad Ratliff Connect With PeterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 22 Apr 2020 | 424: Hope Is A Verb – Amy Downs | 00:34:48 | |||||
A regular day, doing her regular life, left her realizing that hope was going to be the only thing that would get her through what she was about to experience. That same hope would lead her out of the closets of her life around obesity, her God given talents, and her belief in herself. Amy Downs, a college dropout turned CEO, shares her closet journey that has led her to living in a choosing mindset that now serves her well as she step daily into her life choosing to live with intention and not regrets. About AmyAmy Downs began working as a teller in 1988 at Federal Employees Credit Union, now called Allegiance Credit Union. In 1995, the credit union was nearly destroyed when the Alfred P. Murrah building was bombed and 18 of their 33 employees were killed. Amy was buried alive for over six hours and was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble. Amy now serves as President and CEO of the same credit union. Allegiance Credit Union is now four times the size and is consistently voted a Best Place to Work in Oklahoma . Amy was recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the Oklahoma Journal Record in 2020. Amy loves cycling with her husband and each summer they take week off to ride their bicycles across the state of Oklahoma, from the Texas border to the Kansas border. Connect With AmyYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 10 Mar 2021 | 455: Stepping Out of The Suicide Closet Into Your Authentic Purpose – Rob Tull | 00:48:48 | |||||
What happens when you finally come to that moment where it's stay in the game or step out? If you are lucky like Rob Tull, the universe said, "Sorry we're not done with you yet," and you get another chance to step into your path beyond the burnout of life and step out of the closet of despair to be unethically who you are. Rob shares his journey beyond suicide and a failed relationship to stand solidly in the path that was just waiting for him to catch up to it. About RobRob is a success coach, author, and speaker, and founder of Path2 Coaching. He is passionate about helping others find the best path for their happiness and success. Rob has over 20 years of experience as an executive, consultant, and thought leader in the financial services field. He understands first-hand the burnout and personal consequences that come from years of stress and postponing genuine happiness. Rob is the creator of the Path2 Program which is philosophy and process to achieve happiness and fulfillment without compromising on goals or what we already have. His Path2 techniques and insights have been featured in 3 international best-selling books. Rob is a Certified Professional Coach. He has degrees in finance and business law, and several professional certifications, and he is an adjunct law professor. Rob is a single father to a teenage son. Connect With RobYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 07 Oct 2020 | 438: A Bisexual Perspective for National Coming Out Day – Melissa DaSilva | 00:34:39 | |||||
The "B" in LGBTQ is often the people told to "pick a lane, just pick a lane!" Yet, more people are bisexual than would want to admit it. Thus the reason on this two eves, before National Coming Out Day we decided to explore the other side of the closet with a bisexual queer person. It's a fun exploration with my friend Melissa DaSilva - a coach and therapist who works with LGBTQ folks to help them be themselves. We explore her coming out - which really wasn't a huge coming out, and how she finds it being in the world of the bisexual, when everyone seems to have very interesting thoughts about what a bisexual needs and should do to fit in. About MelissaMelissa DaSilva, LICSW, is a therapist, author, podcast host, and artist. She started her career in social work, focusing on children and wellness in her community. She has found countless ways to help others thrive through therapy, coaching, and her dedication to spreading information and resources to LGBTQ+ individuals. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work at Rhode Island College with a focus in School Social Work. For years, Melissa worked in school systems to support students and help individuals succeed at what they love to do. In 2015, Melissa founded East Coast Mental Wellness in Providence, RI, a mental health agency where members of the LGBTQ+ community can find safe and specialized therapeutic services. She has created an environment in which clinicians have a place to do the work that they love, so they can help clients change their lives for the better. Melissa is the author of The Profitable Practice: Helping Healing Professionals Build and Grow a Successful Business. , which helps healers and new business owners succeed. She is the creator and host of the successful LGBTQ+ podcasts Pride Connections and Chit Chat with a Therapist. Her work has been published on many websites and she has been featured as a guest on several podcasts including Loving Without Boundaries, The Dots, and Shameless Mom Academy. When she isn’t helping others through her job, DaSilva spends time at tag sales, creating art, and spending time with her spouse and pets. For years, Melissa DaSilva has improved the lives of others through therapy, outreach, and life advice. Now, as an Executive Life Coach, Melissa helps successful and motivated LGBTQ+ individuals get “unstuck” in their lives so they can take their life and career to the next level through the use of goal setting and therapeutic techniques. Connect With MelissaYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 03 May 2023 | 569: Parrish – Confessions and ramblings about Sexuality – fresh perspective. | 00:47:19 | |||||
From bullying to finally accepting his truth, Parrish came into his attraction for men from a different perspective on who he is and how he chooses to show up in the world of sexuality. This unique perspective may challenge some of you to think differently about how you talk about your LGBTQ+ self, and I hope it helps you be open to another way of talking about and being in our sexuality and gender lives.
About ParrishParrish is a writer, filmmaker and podcast host! Nomadic since birth, he has moved at least 20 times and lived in fifteen cities in three states on both coasts. After 30 years in the bar/restaurant industry, Parrish has a wealth of experience in human condition and an endless supply of interesting and alluring guests from around the country and around the world. After years of "fake news," party-picking and the general dumbing down of America, he decided to funnel all of these interactions into a no-nonsense, completely honest podcast where many guests remain anonymous so that they will be truthful in their answers with no fear of persecution. Hopefully this medium of exposure will lead him to his one true dream- his very own Sirius show!Connect With ParrishWebsite Facebook Instagram TwitterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 11 May 2022 | 517: Taking Care of Your LGBTQ Life With Functional Nutrition – Andrea Nakayama | 00:49:26 | |||||
Our LGBTQ bodies are beautiful machines, but not unless we take care of them. Now add the stress of being LGBTQ, plus normal life stuff, and it can easily become a recipe for disaster. But what if you had a plan that stoked your body full of good just by eating right and know what is best for your body, not the fit you in the box way most medical professionals try to make you fit into. Enter Andrea Nakayama, Founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance to guide us with tips and ideas for fueling our LGBTQ lives and bodies in a powerful sustainable way.
About AndreaAs the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health. Connect With AndreaParticipate In Andreas Case Study Website Facebook Instagram LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 09 Feb 2022 | 504: Finding Yourself. Finding Your Way. - Yumna Aysen | 00:46:38 | |||||
From South Africa to New York City, you never know when you are going on your journey or where you will find yourself to finally be yourself. Speaking straight from a very purposeful heart, Yumna Aysen - aka Yumi - helps people find themselves so they can be the best version of themselves. Funny, insightful and full of energy, Yumi joins us today with tips on how to be you regardless of where you land on the planet.
About YumnaYumna Aysen is a success coach & a motivational speaker who has a passion for helping people find purpose, clarity, happiness and success. She ultimately aims to help people become the best version of themselves and to create a life that they can’t wait to wake up to and live every day. Yumna has been featured in Medium and interviewed on national television and on local radio in South Africa including eNCA, The Afternoon Express Show and Cape Talk Radio. She has also been featured in the Weekend Argus and on Bizcommunity.Connect WithWebsite Facebook Instagram LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 02 Feb 2022 | 503: Creating A Space For Care, Belonging, and Peace – Diana Cutaia | 00:46:20 | |||||
You need to make more space. Get a storage unit for the crap in your life so you can make space for more PEACE in your life. Why? Without PEACE, it's a pretty miserable existence here on the good old planet earth. To help us get there, I've found an awesome guest - Diana Cutaia - who is witty, funny, and GASP a lesbian who coaches people and team to bring more PEACE into their lives and work places.
About DianaDiana Cutaia founded Coaching Peace in 2012, a company focused on using the power of play and connection to empower organizations and teams to create cultures of care, belonging, and peace. However, the work started for Diana 25 years earlier when she first began to explore the meaning of peace. In that time, she hasn’t just defined it; she has built a brand bringing the principles of Coaching Peace to her vast clientele. Today her clients range from school districts to national organizations and global companies. Diana takes pride in discussing how employers, sports teams, and organizations alike can challenge norms and define a culture that doesn’t just make people feel welcome but makes them feel like it was designed for them. She brings high energy, a sense of humor and great story telling to any conversation!Connect WithWebsite LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 11 Mar 2020 | 421: 5 Steps For Dumping Guilt and Shame – Rick Clemons | 00:11:20 | |||||
No matter what the closet is that you are living in, in your life, there will always be some ridiculous level of guilt and shame associated with coming out of that closet. Guilt and shame of causing others pain. Guilt and shame of letting yourself or others down. Guilt and shame because you aren't playing by life's rules. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! You will know you have come through the closet doors when you dump your guilt and shame and are living your life uncloseted. Here's 5 Steps For Dumping Guilt and Shame.
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| 23 Feb 2022 | 506: Gay and Banned From California – Robert C. Steele | 00:42:04 | |||||
Imagine being gay, and being institutionalized. Imagine being gay and being jailed for being gay. Nothing to imagine, this is reality. The reality of being gay in the 1950's, just a little over 70 years ago, this was our LGBTQ reality. Robert C. Steele, captures Jim Foshee story in the book he authored, Banned From California - of what it was like to grow up as an out gay man, in the '50s being banned from family and life, just because he was gay. We're exploring this true story that truly shows why our fight to be who we are is never done.
About RobertRobert C. Steele served as a reporter and producer at various radio and television stations in Colorado and Arizona. He was a broadcaster at the Italian National Broadcasting Company (RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana) in Naples, Italy. While on active duty in the U.S. military he was a reporter for Armed Forces Radio and Television along the coast of Vietnam, the Asian Western Pacific and Vicenza, Italy. He was a volunteer and activist in the early gay liberation movement with the Gay Coalition of Denver and with two weekly gay radio shows in Colorado. Later, as a federal government public affairs officer, he served as a government spokesperson and managed media relations with reporters who worked for media outlets from across the USA and around the world.Connect With RobertWebsiteYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 19 May 2021 | 465 – How to be an accepting parent to your LGBTQIA child – Zach Selch | 00:37:58 | |||||
Parenthood. One of the most rewarding and challenging roles on planet earth. Then add to the mix that your child reveals they are non-binary, or a lesbian, or both, but both meaning that two of your 3 children are now expressing they are not gendered or identifying in the sexuality that you would have thought. What do you do? You grow, you learn, you then take the family out for ice cream. Zach Selch helps to kick off the pre-PRIDE shows with this candid conversation where he shares his journey as a Father of a non-binary individual and a lesbian daughter. It didn't stop how he loves and it shouldn't stop how anyone loves their child. Happy pre-pride and don't forget - we are who we are...yes it is that simple. About ZachAt 11 he was living in a 29 foot trailer on cinder blocks behind a gas station in rural Pennsylvania. At 15 he was fending for himself. At 19 he was a paratrooper scout sergeant leading men into combat. Zach has breakfasted with the Dalai Lama, run the original course marathon in Greece, was in Germany when the wall came down, Jordan when the peace treaty with Israel was signed, and been in a surprising number of right places at the right time. Zach has sold to more than 100 governments as well as to some of the biggest corporations in the biggest economies in the world. Zach has spent time at War College, a world class business school, and at the University of North Carolina BBQ pitmaster certification school. Connect With ZacYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 24 Jun 2020 | 430: How to have healthy Sexual Desires – Robb Kornoelje | 00:38:17 | |||||
Happy Pride and Happy Sex. So let's talk about sex and pride. What makes good sex? What's a desire? Why do we shame sex? We ask these types of questions and then still wonder why the LGBTQ community can be so screwed up about sex and love. Well maybe need to admit, that as humans we tend to shame thoughts of sex when what we need to do is celebrate that we are sexual beings. Join Robb Kornoelje (pronounced core-new-l-yeah), sex therapist and I as we explore sexual desires and pride of being sexual beings without shame. If you're not into penis talk you might not want to listen to this one. Or maybe you should - wink, wink. About RobbRobb brings a diverse set of experiences to the uncloseted world. His story is not all that uncommon. He believed that if anyone ever knew he was gay that they would reject him. After being a pastor for 18 years, married to a woman with three children together that fear was substantiated when he came out in 2013. After a few years of struggling to land on his feet Robb went back to school to get his master’s degree in counseling. In 2019, he graduated and started a private practice for mental health called The Truism Center in Grand Rapids, MI. He currently specializes in Sex Therapy for individuals and couples and is an expert in helping people sort out their issues with faith and sexuality. Connect WithYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 14 Apr 2021 | 460: Three Tips For Stepping Out Of The Closet– Rick Clemons | 00:12:02 | |||||
Coming out of your closet is a scary proposition. It's filled with fear, anxiety, but also filled with excitement and a future sense of peace of mind. Yet, if you do not have these three things present, you could have a rocky journey to your truth, regardless of whatever that (UN)Closeted truth might be. You need to TIB! You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 11 Aug 2021 | 477: The Beauty of Being Flawed And Complicated – Benji Carr | 00:45:47 | |||||
We're all flawed, all complicated, and all hunger to be accepted to be just who we are in the world. But, we also desire to feel safe. The bigger question is, "How do you feel safe when everyone sees you as flawed or complicated?" You don't let them IMPACT your life. You live you, and share your flawed and complicated life, even if that means you admit you've been abused - physically and emotionally...because someone else needs to hear your story. Benji Carr, author, journalist, and performer, takes us on his journey to come out of his closet - gay and otherwise - to embrace his flaw with making it complicated journey. About BenjiAs a child growing up in the South with cerebral palsy, Benji Carr developed an eye for the bizarre and quirky, which provided all of the stories he told his friends and family with a bit of flavor. Working as a journalist, storyteller and playwright, his work – whether the stories be personal tales of struggle and survival or fiction about cannibal lunch ladies, puppet romances, drag queen funerals, and perverted killer circus clowns – has been featured in The Guardian, ArtsATL and Pembroke Magazine. Onstage, his pieces have been presented at the Center for Puppetry Arts, Alliance Theatre, and as part of the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival in Manhattan. He lives in Atlanta and helps run the online literary magazine, Gutwrench Journal. IMPACTED is his first novel. Connect WithYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 07 Feb 2024 | 609: Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s Love and Connection Expert – Making Love and Connection Happen! | 00:41:12 | |||||
Love and connection. Who doesn't desire those things? Very few. So why is it so hard for us as humans, and especially LGBTQ+ beings to find it and keep it. It's starts by deliberately choosing to live authentically and doing the internal work so that love can show up. Guiding us today to that truth, is Moe Ari Brown, Hinge's (online dating app based on the premise that anyone looking for love should be able to find it) Love and Connection Expert. Take a listen and let's explore love and connection.
About MoeMoe is Hinge’s first ever Love and Connection Expert. They are a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and one of the leading mental health experts in the realm of Transgender Identity. Over the past decade, Moe has worked with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families on their journey to love their authentic selves and establish meaningful connections. They are also a Diversity & Equity Consultant and former Adjunct Professor at Adler University. Moe graduated from Northwestern University with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy.Connect With MoeMoe's Website Instagram LinkedIn | |||||||
| 04 Nov 2020 | 442: Coming Out of the Dieter Closet – Tyler Hall | 00:38:47 | |||||
You're too fat, not built enough, and god knows nobody wants to see you naked. Sound familiar? For many of us it is the bane of existence in the yo-yo world of hiding in the dieting closet. Add to that world the fact that you are LGBTQ and our own community thrives on the perfection of the perfect body, mostly to hide from our own insecurities that have still not been dealt with in our lives. Speaking from the heart, Tyler Hall takes us on his journey out of the self-abuse dieting closet to come out and love himself and his body as a gay man just as he is. About TylerTyler is a certified Holistic Health and Wellness coach who specializes in helping chronic dieters DITCH the diet so they can live a happy healthy life. At the ripe age of 14 he tried his first diet, and would spend the next 10 years struggling with deprivation and restrictive eating during the day; followed by nights of uncontrollable binging. Eventually he had a spiritual awakening moment that forever changed the way he saw his body and dieting forever. For the majority of his life he had been chasing success and weight loss with a deprivation, and restrictive mindset. The way he talked and treated my body was horrible. He wasn’t nurturing or supporting his body. And then, just like that he realized that DIETS DON’T WORK! Diets deprive, and when we are depriving, we aren’t allowing ourselves to truly be in alignment with who we truly are. The diet culture is all about telling you that you’re not enough. You’re not thin enough. You’re not healthy enough. You’re not fit enough. And this constant propaganda from the diet and weight loss community is toxic. ONLY YOU GET TO DECIDE IF YOU’RE FIT ENOUGH, OR HEALTHY ENOUGH, OR THIN ENOUGH. After 10 years of the toxic diet culture he decided to dive head first into really tackling his weight-loss and taking complete control of his life. Since doing so he's been able to lose over 50 pounds, completely change the way he views his body, and for the first time he's able to look at himself in the mirror and actually say “I Love You” to himself…and mean it! Connect With TylerYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 06 Jan 2021 | 448: Embrace The Uniqueness of Being LGBTQ – Rick Clemons | 00:09:36 | |||||
Let's kick off the New Year with something positive to help you be exactly who you are as an LGBTQ individual. Don't see yourself as different, see yourself as unique. It may sound simple but here are some quick tips for really embracing the uniqueness of who you are as an LGBTQ in a world that wants to box you in as the same old same old hetero-normative individual. You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 24 May 2023 | 572: Ilene Mitnik & Allison Baldwin – Zest Joy and Step Into Living A Delicious Life | 00:48:06 | |||||
Joy, happiness, being in love with you. Sounds great but as humans we find it oh so hard to get there. Until now! Step into the joy zone and uncover your zest for living. Whether you've be through a traumatic coming out experience or one where you just followed your heart and it went really smoothly, you can find your joy in the zest zone. Joining me today are two amazing, loving women who have found their zest for life and can help you find yours. Ilene and Ali form The Zest Zone, share their coming out stories and how they have found a way to be the love experts for loving life, even in the toughest times.
About Ilene & AllisonIlene Mitnick and Allison Baldwin have practiced breakthrough coaching, transformational work, large-scale cultural change and leadership development for decades. Whether it’s working with those who want to start up, start over or stand out, or those who need a personal kickstart, they take a creative and unique approach allowing clients to let go of what they know and experiment with new perspectives. Their lives have always been canonized by choosing only those things that bring them joy. They have ignited their own big-life changes trailblazing new careers, launching award-winning businesses and manifesting a life where they play resident Love Experts — because, as they say, “If you’re not in love with your own life, how can you give the best of yourself to others?” Ilene and Alli currently reside in sunny St Petersburg, Fl with their beloved pet family – dog Bōdhi and cats Epstein and Jersey — and are continuously working on their reputation for living an insanely positive life.Connect With Ilene & AllisonWebsite InstagramYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 31 Mar 2021 | 458: They, Them, Theirs. It’s just who they are so get over it already. – Jessye DeSilva | 00:46:42 | |||||
They, them, theirs are simply pronouns just like he/him/his or she/her/hers. So why does it get so many peoples knickers in a wad when someone says, "I'm a they, them, theirs!" Simply because it's a new way of being with someone who says they don't feel themselves as he or her. And, BTW it has nothing to do with their sexuality. So buckle up, open your mind and take a journey with Jessye DeSilva as they helps understand a little bit more about the pronouns of those who don't fit the boxes. Plus, enjoy the music that Jessye brings to the world to make it a better place. About JessyeJessye DeSilva’s (they/them/theirs) brand of indie folk music centers around a philosophy of radical openness and specificity in storytelling. They believe in the idea that empathy is an artist’s greatest tool in nurturing a sense of community with their listeners. Armed with a piano and a voice which is both fierce and fragile, Jessye “... evokes a chest-ripping emotion that hovers inches above the ground, pouring forth the kind of wellspring folk music rarely witnesses” (Jason Scott, B-Sides and Badlands). Their upcoming EP Hover deals with the dilemma of remaining emotionally present through mental health struggles, grief, and political unrest all while showcasing Jessye's trademark confessional lyrics and a sound which is both ethereal and firmly rooted in Americana. Connect WithYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 22 Jun 2022 | 523: Loving and Raising and LGBTQ+ Child – Heather Hester | 00:38:44 | |||||
Being LGBTQIA is messy. Hell, being human is messy. But no one prepares you as a mother of four to have two of two kids that are LGBTQIA. Yet what she never saw coming is her life calling to come out of her cocoon to support kids and families on the journey out of the closet. Heather Hester, proud mom, coach and podcaster joins this PRIDE season with a candid conversation and insights about raising two LGBTQIA children and the ups and downs of parenting.
About HeatherHeather is a podcast host and coach for parents and allies of LGBTQIA+ adolescents and young adults. She believes the coming out process is beautiful. She works with her clients to let go of fear and the feelings of isolation so that they can reconnect with themselves and their child in a meaningful, grounded way. She is a writer, the mother of four (two of whom are LGBTQIA), and a student of life who believes in embracing the messiness, opening to education, strengthening through empowerment, and overcoming anything with love.Connect With HeatherWebsite Podcast Facebook Instagram TwitterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 28 Dec 2022 | 551: Things you don’t have to tolerate as an LGBTQ+ Person in 2023 – Rick Clemons | 00:14:05 | |||||
Life is full of challenges, many of which we feel we have to tolerate, especially as LGBTQ+ individuals. But tolerance is mostly bullshit that we create ourselves, and then we find ourselves wondering why we are always the one tolerating things. As you head into 2023, let's explore what you don't have to tolerate as an LGBTQ+ person in the world. And, Happy New Year. Thanks for being listeners.
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| 12 May 2021 | 464 – Thriving beyond the closet of prison – Travis Barnes | 00:49:42 | |||||
Anyone who is living their life in the closet, is living their life in prison - a metaphorical prison. But, how does that closet feel when it is an actual prison cell where you find yourself living for 10 years? Will your life ever be the same on the other side of that prison once you are released? Dive into this candid conversation about life in prison and life in the closet, and see the parallels as Travis Barnes shares his life uncloseted story beyond the life of prison. About TravisBefore Travis Barnes became a best selling author, international presenter, founder and franchisor of Journey Fitness 333 he spent a decade of his life in prison for a nonviolent drug offense. Upon returning home to his wife and daughter he worked hard to buy them a home of their own only to have it flooded to the second floor. Travis Barnes began his fitness franchise while on an unemployment check and living in a FEMA trailer. Simply put Travis Barnes is an overcomer and it is his passion to help others overcome adversity and live their dreams. Connect With TravisYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 26 May 2021 | 466 – Godly But Gay – Joel Barrett | 00:46:17 | |||||
Just remember this. GOD LOVES YOU...EVEN IF YOU'RE LGBTQIA! If you don't believe that, then you need to read this little book - Godly But Gay. Because you can be Godly But Gay! Just ask Joel Barrett, a conversation therapy dropout. He knows first-hand the challenge of try to hold God in your heart, and loving yourself and having room for both. In his newly released book Godly But Gay, Joel shares how he lived a life of fear and shame for over 30 years, until he came face to face with himself when he had an encounter with another closeted gay minister. As we kick off PRIDE Month, Joel gives us a glimpse into how you can love GOD and love YOURSELF, just as GOD would want you to. About JoelJoel Barrett of Joel Speaks Out is an LGBTQ Author, Speaker, and Gatherer. He is recognized for his honesty in sharing his story as a former Baptist pastor and survivor of ex-gay therapy. He has a unique ability to bring people together, and his message encourages everyone to challenge their fears and live with authenticity and transparency. Joel is a regular guest expert on podcasts, news reports, and panel discussions. His story has been featured on StoryCorps, Risk!, The Daily Mail, and more. He is the co-author of Cultivating Culture Like a Garden: Reaping the Harvest of Diversity & Inclusion. His memoir Godly…But Gay is now available at JoelSpeaksOut.com Connect With JoelYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 19 Jul 2023 | 580: Sarah Salisott – Navigating past life’s traumas to thrive | 00:41:06 | |||||
Using her own life experience of trauma - coming out late in life, hiding herself for years, and then a traumatic brain injury, Sarah Salisott is now on a mission to helps parents and children navigate past the traumas to live their best lives. Here is her coming out story.
About SarahSarah is a Certified Parent Coach whose passion is helping families with children who have experienced trauma or struggle with attachment. She started The Foster Lane Parent Coaching in 2016. Her goal: Use coaching to help others avoid some of the parenting challenges my own family faced. She's spent over 5,000 hours researching trauma, children’s brain development, parenting strategies, and foster and adoptive parenting. She successfully completed the graduate-level Parent Coach Certification program through the Parent Coaching Institute®, have completed the initial training in Theraplay, and continues to attend conferences on trauma-informed parenting. Sarah's upcoming book is called "Welcome To The Foster Lane!"Connect With SarahWebsite Facebook | |||||||
| 06 Dec 2023 | 600: Schuyler Bailar - Celebrating the Diversity of Gender & 600 Episodes | 00:33:09 | |||||
In a world of divisiveness, one thing remains constant to learning about humanity - being curious. To celebrate the 600th episode of Life (UN)Closeted, were going to invite you to realize, we all have genders, it more complicated than school science, shame and fears have no place in this discussion, and just because someone lives outside the box of your norm, doesn't mean they deserve your hate. Sharing his new book He/She/They: How We Talk About Gender and Why It Matters, Schuyler Bailar guides us to the table of curiosity, understanding, and empathy. About SchuylerSchuyler Bailar (he/him) is an educator, author, and advocate. He is also the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men’s team. Schuyler’s exemplary work has earned him numerous honors including NYC Pride Grand Marshall, the Out100, LGBTQ Nation’s Instagram Advocate of the Year, and the Harvard Director’s Award. He holds a degree in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology from Harvard and works in four research labs focusing on trans health. Connect With Schuyler | |||||||
| 01 Jun 2022 | 520: Celebrating Pride and Becoming Addicted To Loving Yourself – David Houle | 00:51:11 | |||||
It's Pride Month and we are kicking it with a celebration and a deep dive into loving yourself in your prideful skin as an LGBTQ person - regardless of your flaws and addictioins. During this fun and deep conversation, David Houle a multidisciplinary artist shares his coming out and addiction recovery journey with ways to celebrate you and your life this pride season. Happy PRIDE everyone!
About DavidFrom rural Loretteville, Quebec, Canada, multidisciplinary artist David Houle battled addiction for a decade; he is now motivating audiences to face their struggles and inspires them towards a path of recovery and healing. In 2019, as a guest keyboard artist and dancer with Montreal’s atypical metal band Deadly Apples, he performed at the 25th Vans Warped Tour, alongside Simple Plan, Good Charlotte and Blink 182. He also performed at the VIVO X El ROCK festival in Peru with Slipknot, The Strokes and Bullet for My Valentine and toured with Marylin Manson. Both of his parents served in the Canadian Armed Forced, and after his mother’s death in 2003, he decided to study dance full-time, later graduating from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. In 2015 he worked alongside Cindy Lauper in the Tony Award-Winning musical Kinky Boots in Toronto. In 2020 before the global pandemic, he was set to debut the world premiere French adaptation of it in Montreal with Serge Postigo and Just for Laughs Productions. Singer/Songwriter David Houle was also the lead character for two productions of Cirque Du Soleil and a dancer for the Canadian Opera Company. He is also the choreographer for Billboard charting artist Dion Todd.Connect With DavidWebsite Instagram LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 04 Jan 2023 | 552: Coming Out With A No Excuses, No Fears Attitude – Rick Clemons | 00:18:10 | |||||
Coming out is no easy journey, but when you have a no excuses, no fears attitude, it does get a little easier. Helping you step into a new year, with a new mindset about coming out, whatever your coming out journey may be, are some steps for getting clear and honoring yourself for doing this on your terms, your way in 2023.
You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 31 Jul 2024 | 634: Living Your Life (Un)Closeted Series: Part 4 - Who created those beliefs? You or the others? – Rick Clemons | 00:11:30 | |||||
To begin to unpack our direction and our desires, we have to realize that our beliefs and values will guide us or fight us. Of course, we'd prefer they guide us. In order to make those beliefs serve us and serve us well, whether we're coming out of the closet, choosing a new career, or letting go of toxic people in our lives, we have to get ready to re-evaluate our beliefs in order for them to serve us and our long term goals of being ourselves in the world.
In this episode you'll
About Rick
Rick is a life and business coach, speaker, author, and podcaster. With his husband by his side and two grown children, life looks dramatically different than it did more than 20 years ago.
“I started living by my expectations rather than others, and gained the confidence to love me.
“Instead of seeking out hidden sexual experiences and lying about who I was, I found love with a man who embraced me and my kids.
“Of course, none of this was easy. I wouldn’t bullshit you. That’s not my style.”
In addition to speaking from stages around the country, today Rick helps men who are struggling with their sexuality to learn to be themselves, to stop making excuses, face their fears, and commit to living an unapologetic life.
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth you are pretending to be, so let’s work together to show the world WHO YOU ARE!”
Ready to explore coaching?My goal is to support you in kicking ass and moving from, "Crap I'm stuck in this rut of life," to "Damn, I'm a badass gay/bi guy living a life the turns me on!" I'm a straight-forward, no BS kind of coach that challenges you to stop jerking yourself off, cut the lip service, and get in action - no excuses, no fears, no apologies. If you're ready to explore, invest a bit of time and a little bit of money in yourself and scheduled a "Your Next Move" coaching session today. Click here to schedule. | |||||||
| 05 May 2021 | 463: From Pastor’s Wife To Taking Care Of Orgasms – Sabrina Torres | 00:36:27 | |||||
At 19 she was married. Didn't got to college. Became the Mom of three autistic kids, and in her kids playgroup, she fell in love - real love - with the woman who would one day become her wife. Sabrina Torres shares her journey from pastors wife to owner of thriving online adult sex toy store. Buckle up kiddies, we're no longer sitting in the pews, but the life she is leading is her truth and her blessing and its the inspiration for you to Make Yourself Happy.™️ About SabrinaShe went from depressed pastor's wife to out, thriving, sex toy shop owner. Her story is essentially a journey of becoming a seeker of happiness. She found that first in coming out, then in becoming an entrepreneur, and being able to care for her family (no small feat with 4 kids with autism), and finally to recently opening an online adult toy store that focuses on women taking charge of their sexuality. Her Motto and tagline for her sex toy business - Make Yourself Happy.™️ You can see that store HERE. Connect WithYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 06 Jul 2022 | 525: When The Greatest These is Love For This LGBTQ+ Ally – Kellie Woolf | 00:53:25 | |||||
What happens when a Mom says, "That's ok, you are who you are and I accept that!"? You get an amazing author who is giving out HOPE. Her debut novel, Mount Hope, takes readers on journey where a murder victim and Jesus have a conversation that could change the world...something we all need right now. A little change and empathy to let LGBTQ people just be themselves.
About KellieKellie Woolf’s debut novel, Mount Hope, is set in Topeka, Kansas,where she was born and raised. While she now lives in Colorado With her husband, Steve, and her cat Figgy, Topeka will always be home. She graduated from Seaman High School, and all other children were born at Stormont Vail hospital. Mount Hope Cemetery is the resting place for precious family members, and as a young adult, her first employment experiences crisscrossed the city. Kellie has been a fierce supporter and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Multiple family members on every side, dear friends and herself belong. In this human experience, she believes three things are designed innately for everyone: faith, hope, and love. In this work, she presents all three, with the greatest of these being love. While she is serious about her family, faith, and social justice,you can usually find her laughing with friends and exploring nature. Her adventures include marrying Steve, raising three children, and adopting two teenagers—to say nothing of evading London’s subway bombs in 2005, competing in Irish Hard shoe dancing, and being a contestant on Ellen’s Game of Games. She is currently acting as co director of a non-profit organization that offers healing and inspiration to today’s weary teachers and is working on her second novel.Connect WithWebsite Facebook Instagram TwitterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 03 Feb 2021 | 450: – How to Focus On One Thing As You Come Out – Rick Clemons | 00:07:30 | |||||
Coming out can be very confusing and loaded with tons of stuff on the checklist. It's enough to make you say, "SCREW IT, I'm just going to stay in. the closet." But will that get you where you want to go, or the peace of mind you deserve by being your most authentic self? Regardless of the closet you're coming out of, there's one thing that can make this task much easier. That one thing is the focus of today's podcast! You can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 26 Apr 2023 | 568: Linn Rivers – Getting into your health for a healthier coming out journey | 00:40:28 | |||||
After multiple near death experiences, and realizing not all doctors have all the answers, Linn Rivers bundled up all her experiences from trauma and has made it her life's work to show others how to break the trauma patterns with microshifts for true healing - mentally and physically. Linn shares what you can do today to create habits of "trauma breaking" and better living, plus she talks about her brand new film - "So you think you're healthy!"
About Linn RiversLinn Rivers is photographer, filmmaker and writer. Her background is extremely diverse and she loves sharing knowledge from all areas to assist people in moving forward on a truly authentic and healthy path. She is a graduate of the renowned, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Her journey with holistic medicine and spiritual counseling however, started way before this time. Linn's educational background includes; Holistic/Functional Medicine, Microbiome Therapy, Spiritual Counseling, Eastern and Western Massage Therapy, Neurolinguistic Programming, Yoga Therapy, Life Coaching, Death Doula, Hypnosis, and Human Design Analysis. It was her own journey that led her to all of these practices. Linn is able to connect with people on a wide range of traumatic events that she herself has overcome, such as: death of loved ones, abandonment, neglect, sexuality, growing up with an alcoholic, relationship trauma, career challenges, lack of direction, feelings of hopelessness, gender identity, anger and fear, addiction, illness, and near death experiences. Rather these events took place as a child or later in life, Linn has the tools to assist you in moving forward to create a new reality and to live the life you absolutely deserve.Connect With Linn RiversWebsite LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 29 May 2024 | 625: Dr. Lulu - Embracing your transgender black child | 00:49:19 | |||||
Embracing your transgender child is hard enough for many parents, but then add to the mix that your child comes from Nigerian descent and is part of the people of color community, and that brings on a whole new set of challenges. Sharing her own journey as a queer parent of a black transgender child, Dr. Lulu - fierce LGBTQ+ advocate - talks truths about how your journey to being a parent of transgender black child is one of our greatest gifts you can have as a parent.
In this episode:
About Dr. LuluDr. Lulu is a queer Nigerian-born pediatrician, mom of a transgender daughter, former Lt. Col., Disabled US Air Force Veteran, TEDx Speaker, certified parent/life coach, corporate consultant and recently added “comedian” and “indie actress” to her echelon. She is the recipient of the 2021 San Antonio LGBT Chamber Youth Advocate of the Year Award, 2022 San Antonio Business Journal D.E.I award and was a 2023 finalist for the San Antonio NAWBO 2023 “Rising Star” Award. Dr. Lulu was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on “The Life You Want” Masterclass on Service, her mission is youth suicide prevention, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth, particularly, Black gender-diverse youth and their families. The CEO of Dr. Lulu’s PRIDE Corner, an all-inclusive gender-affirming coaching & Consulting practice, Dr. Lulu speaks about intersectionality and allyship for the LGBTQ+ community and is the chief host of “Moms for Trans Kids Podcast”. Her focus these days is on helping communities affirm Black transgender children one family at a time.
She is the bestselling author of 7 books including "How to Teach Your Children About Racism”. Her next books: “Invited In, How to Become the Parent Your LGBTQ+ Child Needs”, “About Your Black Transgender Child”, and "Allies in White Coats: LGBTQ Connect With Dr. LuluWebsite Instagram Facebook LinkedIn | |||||||
| 17 Jul 2024 | 632: Living Your Life (Un)Closeted Series: Part 2 – Why Your Closets A Mess – Rick Clemons | 00:12:35 | |||||
Before you can step out of the confusion of your life's closets, you have to do this one thing! Admit your closet is a mess.
It's in the messiness of our life's closets hat we find the path forward. We reveal the hidden secrets so that they are out in the open, and we free ourselves to be ourselves.
In this episode you'll
About Rick
Rick is a life and business coach, speaker, author, and podcaster. With his husband by his side and two grown children, life looks dramatically different than it did more than 20 years ago.
“I started living by my expectations rather than others, and gained the confidence to love me.
“Instead of seeking out hidden sexual experiences and lying about who I was, I found love with a man who embraced me and my kids.
“Of course, none of this was easy. I wouldn’t bullshit you. That’s not my style.”
In addition to speaking from stages around the country, today Rick helps men who are struggling with their sexuality to learn to be themselves, to stop making excuses, face their fears, and commit to living an unapologetic life.
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth you are pretending to be, so let’s work together to show the world WHO YOU ARE!”
Ready to explore coaching?My goal is to support you in kicking ass and moving from, "Crap I'm stuck in this rut of life," to "Damn, I'm a badass gay/bi guy living a life the turns me on!" I'm a straight-forward, no BS kind of coach that challenges you to stop jerking yourself off, cut the lip service, and get in action - no excuses, no fears, no apologies. If you're ready to explore, invest a bit of time and a little bit of money in yourself and scheduled a "Your Next Move" coaching session today. Click here to schedule. | |||||||
| 20 Mar 2024 | 615: Suzette Mullen – The Only Way Through Is Out | 00:41:42 | |||||
Were you raised to play it safe because you were afraid to cause others pain? Then, you decide to put on a happy face facade and instead of walking boldly through life, you held yourself back. Leaving the “unspeakable” feelings unspoken, until you finally decide to take a leap that might be your only chance to feel fully alive and to experience your new possibilities of what you are meant to be.
In her new book, The Only Way Through Is Out, Suzette Mullen takes you on an introspective, bittersweet, and empowering, journey for coming-out and coming-of-age for every human who is longing to live authentically but is afraid of the cost.
About SuzetteSuzette Mullen (she/her) is a memoir and nonfiction book coach, retreat leader, and the author of the new memoir The Only Way Through Is Out, published by the University of Wisconsin Press. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, today.com, among other outlets. As a book coach, Suzette focuses on amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ writers as she guides them to find their deeper stories and define their big ideas. Suzette made a big leap personally and professionally at midlife and now lives in Pennsylvania with her wife and their rescue pup.Connect With SuzetteWebsite Facebook Instagram LinkedIn | |||||||
| 02 Mar 2022 | 507: The Dangerous Closet of Secrets – Elaine Pasqua | 00:47:39 | |||||
We all have secrets. We all keep Secrets. And, all those secrets cause pain and trauma. Sharing her own secret, as an LGBTQ ally, Elaine Pasqua takes us on a journey of a family secret that took her own Mother and Step Father that led her to turn to one community, that helped her find solace, while that community was having the world turn their backs on them.
About ElaineA 6’5″ 250-pound man once looked at Elaine Pasqua standing at 5’3″ and said: “You are the biggest little thing I’ve ever seen!” For 25 years this funny, passionate, and energetic woman has been traversing the country, helping her clients obtain peak performance through positive relationships and choices. She has worked with countless businesses and associations, 31 professional sports teams across the NFL, NBA, and MLB, hundreds of college campuses, our military leaders, and high schools and parent groups. Her passion lies in transforming people to create stronger, innovative teams to increase business profits. When Elaine is not traveling for fun, or singing with friends, you can find her home in her gardens with plenty of dirt under her fingernails!Connect With ElaineWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 03 Mar 2021 | 454: Equality For All And How You Do Your Part Your Way - Rick Clemons | 00:09:01 | |||||
A golf game, a dare, and a life changing event that brought Tyler Schrenck out of a closet of his life that he never saw coming. From got it all going on, living an easy life with not a lot of intention, to suddenly having to depend on a group of people for his basic life necessities, Tyler shares how his closets helped him understand what was really the important stuff in life. AboutTyler Schrenk, based outside of Seattle, Washington, is the President of the TSF Foundation and the owner of Assistive Tech Consulting. Through both his business and non-profit organization, Tyler works to provide individuals with disabilities the technology they need to live a fuller, more independent life. Unlike many other assistive technology providers, Tyler Schrenk understands what the challenges people with disabilities face because he himself needs and uses the same technology he provides them. Connect WithYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 27 Dec 2023 | 603: Patty Cabot – Living Beyond The Person You Thought You Were | 00:45:16 | |||||
Imagine gaining and losing 50 to 75 pounds every two years as a teen. Miserable, right? The imagine at 38 years old discovering that you issues with food and weight were a symptom of a much deeper issue: your childhood sexual abuse. Today's Guest, Patty Cabot, author of Not That Girl Anymore, shares the tremendous effort, the suspension of doubt, and a steadfast belief that took to come out of her food disorder and sexual abuse closet to find and love herself, so that she could find and love men. About PattyBeginning in her teens, Patty battled drastic weight fluctuations. Desperate to break the cycle and thinking it was what prevented her from meeting men, in her late 30s Patty embarked on a therapeutic journey that led to her unresolved childhood sexual abuse. Over 12 years she worked with her therapist and EMDR, a chiropractor to release trapped “fight or flight” responses, a sex therapist and attended group therapy for sexual abuse. Patty published Not That Girl Anymore, a memoir about the alternative therapies she explored in the hopes of undoing the ruin within to claim the happiness she – and everyone else struggling with trauma – deserves.Connect With PattyWebsite Instagram TikTok | |||||||
| 20 Dec 2023 | 602: Quinn O’Briant – Becoming The Joy Boss of Your Life! | 00:47:04 | |||||
It's the most joyful time of the year...or is it? For many of us the holidays bring joy, joy, joy but then it also brings stress, frustration, and overwhelm. Yet, in life, we are the master of our own joy! Today we explore how to bring joy into our life by planting seeds or creating little breadcrumb moments, with the Joy Boss - Quinn O'Briant. In this episode you will discover the shortcuts to more joy even in the craziest, most joyful time of the year.
About QuinnQuinn O'Briant is the Joy Boss, and she's celebrating 30 years out of the closet! Quinn is the creator of the life-changing Joy + Money Mindset, Joyful Entrepreneur, and Joy-Based Business programs. Before she was the Joy Boss, Quinn founded and ran an innovation firm where she led a team that worked with Fortune 500 companies and large school districts. Quinn spent several years working at Google and is an alumna of Stanford University, Goddard College, and Emory University. Quinn believes joy is the key to living an unapologetic, authentic life.Connect With QuinnWebsite Instagram TikTok | |||||||
| 14 Jun 2023 | 575: Koshin Paley Ellison – Untangling The Trauma of Being Queer | 00:45:20 | |||||
Coming out is an act of compassion and courage. But without the clarity to step forward, many of us will continue to hide our beautiful selves from the world. Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, author of Untangled: Walking the eightfold path to clarity, courage, and compassion, joins us today to talk about his journey out and how it lead him to step into the world buddhism and zen practices to quiet his own mind and live a life uncloseted.
About KoshinSensei Koshin Paley Ellison, MFA, LMSW, DMIN, is an author, Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, and Certified Chaplaincy Educator. After many years as a chaplain and psychotherapist, Koshin co-founded the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, which offers contemplative approaches to care through education, personal caregiving, and Zen practice. Today, New York Zen Center’s methodologies are internationally recognized—and have touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals. Koshin is a world renowned thought leader in contemplative care. He is the author of Untangled: Walking the Eightfold Path to Clarity, Courage, and Compassion (Balance/Hachette, 2022); Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up (Wisdom Publications, 2019) and the co-editor of Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End of Life Care (Wisdom Publications, 2016). His work has been featured in the New York Times, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, Tricycle among other publications. Koshin has served as the co-director of Contemplative Care Services for the Department of Integrative Medicine and as the chaplaincy supervisor for the Pain and Palliative Care Department at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, where he also served on the Medical Ethics Committee. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Arizona Medical School’s Center for Integrative Medicine’s Integrative Medicine Fellowship, on Faculty of the Integrative Medicine Fellowship of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine, and he is a visiting professor at the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics, of the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston Medical School.Connect With KoshinWebsite Instagram TwitterYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 22 Sep 2021 | 483: Why We Need All Need a Drag SUPER-SHERO – Anthony Hand | 00:41:30 | |||||
What do you do when you need some help? Call a super hero. But what do you do when you've been medically laid up, off work, and then jsut as you come out of that challenge, COVID-19 hits? You finally let your dream to be a superhero come to life...or you create your Drag Super-SHERO. Anthony Hand let the solitude of COVID-19 bring his dream of creating a comic book character come to life by introducing the world to the first Drag Super-Shero - Maxxie LAWOW. He's sharing his journey and the impact he hopes to have on the world when you know what the world needs is SHERO!
About Anthony HandCreator, Director, Producer: Anthony Hand is a product designer and former entrepreneur in Silicon Valley where he puts his storytelling skills to use on a daily basis. Anthony has seen every season of RuPaul’s Drag Race since Season 1, frequents local and national cabaret and theater, and is a recovering comic book geek. Drag legend Dina Martina is his spirit totem. Anthony is the president of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.Anthony is bringing his feature-length animated film MAXXIE LAWOW: Drag Super-Shero to life featuring the very first drag heroine. Backed by both private investors and a fandom that meets at the intersection of LGBTQ+ culture, anime, and a comicbook universe that Marvel and DC have yet to venture into. It will be marked by the film’s “Adventure Reel” screening in LGBT+ bars and cafes in major markets around the globe and be the world’s first introduction to these over the top, out of the box characters. The films crowdsourced funding initiative on IndieGoGO launches in September of 2021 Anthony believes the world has never needed a super-shero more than during these times that can only best be categorized as “Other”… much like his characters. Our super-shero’s first silver screen adventure pits her against her archnemesis Dana Bolical. With a nefarious scheme tucked-up and ready for every situation, Dana will quickly become the villain audiences love to hate. The first animated film to feature a drag superhero—and villain!--, Maxxie LaWow will feature a strong LGBTQ+ and BIPOC cast that will make turn heads and raise carefully plucked eyebrows as it evovlves into a camp favorite that will go down in HERstory. Connect With AnthonyWebsite Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedInYou can also listen to the podcast on… | |||||||
| 24 Jan 2024 | 607: Mark Daley – Fun and Fears of The Unlikely Path To Gay Parenthood | 00:40:56 | |||||
Every day seven hundred children enter the foster care system in the United States, and thousands more live on the brink. In his new “truly revealing” (Hilary Clinton) memoir, SAFE: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family, longtime activist Mark Daley traces his, and his husbands unlikely journey to parenthood through the American foster care system, shining a spotlight on how we treat the most vulnerable among us and sounding a vital call to overhaul a thoroughly broken system.
About MarkMARK DALEY is a social activist, entrepreneur, and foster-turned-adoptive father. Daley has over two decades of experience in message development, communication strategy, and public policy, including as a communications director and spokesperson for then-Senator Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. He has worked with more than thirty members of Congress, numerous governors, and other elected officials. He is the founder of One Iowa, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ equality organization, and TheFosterParent.com, a national platform to connect interested families with foster organizations.
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| 31 Jan 2024 | 608: Roxy Manning, PhD & Sarah Peyton – Uncloseting Racism & White Supremacy | 00:49:16 | |||||
You can't turn on the news these days without white supremacy and racism being part of the headline news. Yet, how we define both these things isn't just about the color of one's skin. And then, how we choose talk, or not talk about them is what is causing more strife on the planet. Roxy Manning, PhD and Sarah Peyton share with us in today's podcast how to have antiracist conversation and how to truly understand our own biases, even when we think we don't have them. Plus they talk about their books - How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy, and the companion workbook - The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook.
About Roxy and SarahRoxy Manning, PhD is a clinical psychologist and certified Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) trainer. She brings decades of service experience to her work interrupting explicitly and implicitly oppressive attitudes and cultural norms. Dr. Manning has worked, consulted, and provided training across the US with businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations wanting to move towards equitable and diverse workplace cultures, as well as internationally in over 10 countries with individuals and groups committed to social change. She also works as a psychologist in San Francisco serving the homeless and disenfranchised mentally ill population. She is the author of How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy and the co-author with Sarah Peyton of the companion text, The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook. Sarah Peyton, Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and neuroscience educator, integrates brain science and the use of resonant language to awaken and sustain self-compassion, particularly in the face of such difficult issues like self-condemnation, self-disgust and self-sabotage. She teaches and lectures internationally and is the author of the Your Resonant Self book series. She is also the co-author alongside Roxy Manning, PhD of The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook.Connect With Roxy and SarahRoxy's Website Sarah's Website Roxy Facebook Sarah's Facebook Roxy's Instagram Sarah's Instagram X-Twitter Roxy LinkedIn Sarah's LInkedIn | |||||||
Connect With River
Connect With Mark
