40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk.

In this powerful episode, Eric Swanson activist, performer, and drag entertainer - aka Miss Bouvier - joins me to talk about what it really means to keep Pride alive when the world feels divided. From Florida’s political battlegrounds to global stages in Amsterdam, Eric opens up about using performance as protest, the legacy of Stonewall, and why LGBTQ+ unity is more vital than ever. What you will get in this episode  is truth-telling, hard-won hope, and a reminder that visibility is resistance. We discuss how... Visibility is power and how drag performance keep help keep LGBTQ+ culture alive in places trying to silence it. Global perspectives teach us the power of resilience, rights, and representation. Unity conquers fears - Why division within our community only serves those who want to erase us. About Eric As an actor and artist, Eric Swanson has been seen in regional productions of  “La Cage Aux Folles “ (Albin),  “Hairspray “ (Edna Turnblad),  “Hair “ (Margaret Mead),  “Chicago “ (Mary Sunshine) and  “Simply Gershwin “ with over 400 performances as leading man Frank. He is a fierce advocate for the arts and arts education having completed his bachelors in Music Education from Adrian College (2007). He is the former Choral Director of Middle and Upper Schools (2007-2012) at the prestigious Roeper School located in Birmingham, Michigan. From 2011-2021 he held the position of co-founder and Executive Director for The Detroit Actor’s Theatre Company. He holds two national directorial credits with his direction of  “Pray The Gay Away “ (2019) and  “Golden Girls, The Laughs Continue “(2022-currently touring), both produced by acclaimed producers Murray and Peter Present. of the struggle of working full time in the state of Florida as a drag performer. Miss Bouvèé debuted in March 2020 and is the live-singing drag persona of Eric Swanson. As Miss Bouvèé, she has charmed audiences in self produced sold out productions like her annual murder mysteries “Minnie Behind Bars” and “Minnie’s Merry Murder Christmas” and an original musical comedy “Double Trouble”. Miss Bouvèé travels the high seas with LGBTQIA+ groups like Adventure Bears, Island City Travel, and the national brand OutBound (GayCities Best Travel Group 2024). She has collaborated with cruise lines like Azamara, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity Cruise Lines. Miss Bouvèé continues her arts and advocacy for underserved communities in Florida. She was vehemently opposed to SB1438 which banned public performances of drag and trans artists in the state of Florida. Her voice rose to national media attention when Out/Advocate magazine (June 2024) did a full feature on her which told the story In August 2023, Miss Bouvèé starred in the indie drag horror comedy and full feature f ilm “Big Easy Queens” which premiered at Popcorn Frights in Fort Lauderdale. Filmed entirely in the state of Florida during the infamous SB1438 drag ban, the film went on to win nearly a dozen awards including Best Actor for Eric Swanson as Miss Bouvee (Berlin Indie Film Festival), and played at over 40 festivals around the world. In 2024 Bouvèé was named Out South Florida’s (OutSFL) “Best Local Celebrity”, “Best Actor” and holds the title of “Best...

In this episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk, Rick sits down with author Cas Holman - author, creative designer, and playful instigator, to explore the power of playfulness in adult life—and why it matters more than ever for gay men over 40. From family life to queerness to creativity, Cas shares insights from their new book and personal journey, reminding us that joy isn’t childish—it’s essential. 3 Key Takeaways From This Episode: Why playfulness boosts creativity, happiness, and adaptability in adulthood. How to reclaim your “play voice” and let go of judgment. Practical ways LGBTQ+ men can embrace possibility and stay open to joy.  About Cas Cas Holman is the founder and chief designer of the toy company Heroes Will Rise and a former professor of Industrial Design at RISD. Cas travels the globe speaking about playful learning, the design process, and the value of play in all aspects of life. She has shared her perspective in workshops and seminars with teams at Google, Nike, LEGO Foundation, Disney Imagineering, and art museums around the world. Some of her designs include toys like Rigamajig and Geemo, as well as play experiences at the High Line and the Liberty Science Center. Cas lives in Brooklyn and designs from her studio in the Catskills, New York. Connect With Cas Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

In this powerful National Coming Out Day episode, Rick Clemons sits down with Brian Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, to talk about the organization’s 52-year mission of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. From the history of PFLAG to personal coming out stories and the creation of affirming spaces across America, Brian shares how the movement has grown and why community support still matters more than ever, and how you as gay men over 40 can support and benefit from PFLAG Listeners will walk away with inspiration, resources, and encouragement to live authentically and help others do the same. Three Takeaways: The Power of Family Support – Why parents, siblings, and chosen families are critical in the coming-out journey. PFLAG’s Expanding Impact – How 40+ new chapters are creating affirming spaces in small towns nationwide. Hope, Healing, and Humanity – Brian’s personal stories of finding support, faith, and resilience in unexpected places. About Brian Brian K. Bond, a native of rural Missouri, joined PFLAG National in 2019. Under his leadership, the organization has experienced unprecedented growth at a time when LGBTQ+ people and those who love them are under assault in every corner of the country. This includes suing multiple states, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his abuse investigations into parents of transgender children, the first time in PFLAG’s 50-year history the organization has served as a plaintiff in such a case. With an extensive background in constituency outreach and coalition bridge-building, Brian has also strengthened PFLAG National’s deep commitment to ensuring PFLAG is a place where every family belongs. This includes the creation of PFLAG Connects: Communities, a safe, virtual monthly meeting space for families from typically underrepresented and marginalized communities. He also gained the commitment of the PFLAG National Board of Directors to invest in minority-owned depository institutions, a commitment to DEI that internationally recognized nonprofit leadership expert Joan Garry called, “…one of the most creative diversity and inclusion initiatives ever.” Prior to joining PFLAG National, Brian served in the Obama Administration as Deputy Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement and primary liaison for the LGBTQ community, the first to serve in that role. He also served in the Environmental Protection Agency as Associate Administrator for Public Engagement and Environmental Education. Prior to these roles, he served as the Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund; the Coalitions Director for the Climate Action Campaign in Washington D.C., and as Deputy CEO for the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2024, President Biden appointed Brian to the non-partisan President’s Commission on White House Fellows. Connect With Brian Website Instagram Donate to PFLAG Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They...

Talking about condoms shouldn’t feel awkward—it should feel empowering. In this episode, I sit down with Milla Impola, a sexual health educator and advocate with ONE® Condoms, to explore how pleasure, safety, and confidence all go hand-in-hand. From the FDA approval of condoms for anal sex to the innovation of over 50 custom-fit sizes, Milla is breaking down barriers and building better conversations about sex. 3 Things That Kick Ass In This Episode... Learn why fit, comfort, and lube matter for condom confidence and pleasure. How ONE® Condoms is making safer sex tools approachable and inclusive. DiscoverThe power of open, shame-free conversations about sexual health and boundaries.   About Milla Milla Impola has a passion for increasing awareness and access to safer sex tools. One of Milla’s proudest achievements is highlighting the FDA approval of ONE® and MyONE® Custom Fit condoms for anal sex—the first condoms in the U.S. to receive this designation. She has also played a key role in developing workshops and educational content that make condom use more approachable, including promoting MyONE® Custom Fit, a revolutionary brand that offers over 50 sizes for a better fit and increased comfort. Committed to fostering engaging and accessible sexual health conversations, Milla has helped shape innovative outreach programs, including the ONE® Condoms Ambassador Program and ONE® On Stage, which merge creativity, community, and education. Whether working with students, healthcare providers, or the public, her goal is to ensure that everyone has the knowledge and resources they need to protect and enjoy their sexual well-being. Connect With Milla Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

In this episode, choreographer and dancer David Rousseve joins Rick to share his inspiring journey—from Princeton to law school to the dance stage. David opens up about the recent loss of his husband, his bold leap into the arts, and his upcoming performances in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Together, they explore themes of love, aging, resilience, and why following your passions is the boldest choice of all. In this episode you'll learn... How grief, resilience, and creativity can coexist and fuel self-expression. Why pursuing bold choices—at any stage of life—leads to true fulfillment. The power of art to create dialogue, connection, and meaning in community. About David David is a choreographer/writer/director/performer, Magna Cum Laude graduate of Princeton University and a Guggenheim Fellow. He is known for his dynamic, socially conscious dance/theater that uniquely blends contemporary dance, theater, and multimedia elements to create immersive and thought-provoking performances. His work draws inspiration from the stories of marginalized communities, as it explores complex themes related to identity, social justice, and human connection. Roussève founded the dance/theater company David Roussève/REALITY in 1988 in New York, and REALITY has since toured throughout the US, Europe, Great Britain and South America, including three commissions and four performance residencies at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Next Wave Festival and two commissions and three performance residencies at Jacob’s Pillow. Roussève’s most recent short film screened at 56 festivals in eleven countries and received ten awards, including four for “Best Film”. Other awards include a “Bessie”, Creative Capital Fellowship, three Horton Awards, Herb Alpert Award in the Arts and seven consecutive NEA Fellowships. Roussève is Distinguished Professor of Choreography in the department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance at UCLA where he has also served as Associate Dean, Acting Dean, and Interim Dean of the School of the Arts and Architecture Connect With David Website Instagram Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

About John John Casey is senior editor of The Advocate, writing columns about political, societal, and topical issues with leading newsmakers of the day. The columns include interviews with Sam Altman, Mark Cuban, Colman Domingo, Jennifer Coolidge, Kelly Ripa and Mark Counselos, Jamie Lee Curtis, Shirley MacLaine, Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Bridget Everett, U.S. Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Jamie Raskin, Ro Khanna, Maxwell Frost, Sens. Chris Murphy and John Fetterman, and presidential cabinet members Leon Panetta, John Brennan, and many others. John spent 30 years working as a PR professional on Capitol Hill, Hollywood, the Nobel Prize-winning UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, UN Envoy Mike Bloomberg, Nielsen, and as media relations director with four of the largest retailers in the U.S. Connect With John Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

Gay men often live for the fun of today but forget to plan for tomorrow. Enter Brian Thompson, queer financial advisor and founder of Brian Thompson Financial LLC. With a background as a tax attorney and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses rooted in purpose. I In this episode you'll discover Learn how to align money with meaning How to grow with confidence in your financial life When and how to flex your financial future even in uncertain times.  About Brian Brian Thompson is the Founder and Financial Planner of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, where he helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and support the impact they want to make. As a financial advisor and business strategist, Brian works with service-based founders who are building more than just a business. They're building movements, communities, and legacies. Brian helps them bring clarity and structure to their business finances, so they can grow with confidence while staying rooted in purpose. Before launching his firm, Brian spent nearly a decade as a tax attorney. That experience, combined with his own entrepreneurial journey, informs his holistic approach to planning. He understands the challenges faced by underrepresented founders, especially those navigating traditional financial systems that don’t reflect their identities or values. His work dismantles the myth that profit and purpose are mutually exclusive. He is the host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, where he features the stories and strategies of diverse entrepreneurs. He was also recently featured on the Making Good podcast, sharing insights on how to build a business that serves your values and your life. Through personalized financial planning, strategic advisory, and real-talk podcast conversations, Brian helps entrepreneurs lead businesses that work for their founders—energetically, ideologically, and economically. As a Black, queer financial advisor, Brian is especially passionate about creating space for diverse voices in financial and entrepreneurial conversations. Connect With Ricky Website Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

In today's episode, Rick Clemons interviews author Bill Hulseman about his new book Six to Carry the Casket and One to Say the Mass. Bill opens up about growing up Catholic, embracing his queer identity, and discovering the transformative role of ritual in weddings, community, and personal healing. From his own wedding ceremony to his upcoming projects on ritual design, Bill shares powerful insights on how identity and spirituality shape our lives. What you'll learn: The Power of Ritual – How personalizing weddings and life events creates deeper meaning and connections Queerness + Spirituality – Why embracing both identity and faith can lead to authenticity and healing. From Loss to Renewal – How grief, global events, and love fueled Bill’s writing journey and future projects. About Bill Bill Hulseman is a writer, ritual designer, and former Catholic school educator whose work explores the intersections of identity, queerness, and spirituality. A campus minister by training and a reflective educator by nature, he now leads weekly Zoom meditations for anyone looking for a little peace and quiet. Bill lives in Seattle, WA, where he continues to write and design meaningful experiences that challenge the status quo with gentleness and depth. Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass is his debut book. Connect With Bill Website Instagram Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

In this episode I’m joined by keynote speaker and workshop leader Rob Giardinelli to unpack the real reason so many of us as gay men fumble in rooms (not back rooms) full of people, and how to flip that script without turning into someone you’re not. Whether it’s a networking mixer, a conference, or that awkward social gay happy hour—you’ll walk away with real tools to show up with more confidence and connection (without needing to become a social butterfly or the loudest queen in the room). We dive into: Why finding the “activation points” (think photo booths and icebreakers) is a connection superpower How to exit awkward convos like a pro (ahem… “just gonna refresh my drink”) The magic of being interested, not just interesting Tips for introverts and extroverts to feel seen and included How presence, intention, and a little bit of courage go a long way If you're ready to stop performing and start actually connecting—this one's for you. About Rob Rob Giardinelli is an introvert who helps client-facing professionals go from nervous to confident at in-person events to grow their sales and develop deeper relationships. Over the past 15 years, Rob has attended more than 2,000 events—many hosted by the world’s top entertainers—while serving as COO of several luxury lifestyle publications. Before that, he spent 16 years in the tech world leading national and global sales and brand strategy efforts. Rob now delivers keynotes and workshops to equip introverts and extroverts the tools to walk into any business, social, or networking event with confidence and a sense of purpose. Connect With Rob Website Instagram LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

In this deeply moving episode, Rick sits down with poet and cancer survivor Mickie Kennedy to explore how poetry became a tool for healing after prostate and colon cancer. Together, they unpack the power of storytelling, the challenges of queer survival during the AIDS crisis, and the urgency of preserving LGBTQ+ histories. From laughter about fiducials to tearful reflections on family and legacy, this episode invites you to witness resilience, creativity, and the choice to keep living out loud. In this episode you'll Learn how to heal through creative expression Discover ways you can give yourself permission to feel, create, and heal Understand why Queer stories matter and how they can support your own challenging journeys About Mickie Mickie Kennedy is a gay writer who resides in Baltimore County, Maryland. His work has appeared in POETRY, The Threepenny Review, The Southern Review, The Sun and elsewhere. His chapbook Glandscapes, published by Button Poetry, can be ordered at Glandscapes.com. Connect With Mickie Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

What do you get when a 63-year-old gay man becomes the adoptive father of a homeless 21-year-old gay teen? You get a story that redefines family, masculinity, and what it means to show the hell up for someone. In this episode, I sit down with Brian Gorman—maverick coach, neuroscience nerd, and proud single dad—to talk about the unexpected journey that changed both his and Brandon’s lives. From a high school photography project to full-on parenthood, Brian shares the raw, deeply human story of stepping in when no one else would. We also dive into: • Why chosen family isn't just a buzzword—it’s survival.• How queer men can heal the past and rewrite their story at any age.• How neuroscience can actually change the way we handle life, love, and everything in between. This one’s for the misfits, the late bloomers, the dads we never had—and the men we still have time to become. About Brian and Brandon Gorman Brian Gorman is a gay senior (75) and the single father of Brandon. Brandon first came into Brian's life shortly before he turned 16. They shared a love of photography, and Brandon reached out to Brian to interview him for a school photography project. When Brandon revealed that he was abused at home and assaulted at school, Brian offered to stay in touch. Over the next two years, their bod tightened as Brian helped Brandon prepare for his SATs, complete his college and scholarship applications, and do campus visits. Brandon was living with his birth mother at the time, and she wanted no part of her gay son's life. When she threw Brandon out three months before his high school graduation, Brian took him in. Brian adopted Brandon when he was 21; Brian was 63. Today, Brian and Brandon share a home in Hoboken, New Jersey. Connect With Brian Website LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

Why is hearing “no” so hard for gay men? Why does rejection cut so deep—and why do we sometimes choose control over connection? In this powerful and revealing episode, somatic guide and sacred intimate JoJo Bear joins us to explore how gay men navigate fear of rejection, touch deprivation, aging, and the need for control in a world that taught us we had to earn love to survive. JoJo works primarily with gay men over 40, helping them shift from mental noise into embodied presence—and his insights...

Author Christopher Rice (aka C. Travis Rice) talks about his newest steamy romance Party of 3—and the real-life complexities behind the fantasy. From open relationships to throuples, they dive deep into poly dynamics, personal authenticity, post-sex separation cues, and why queer relationships don’t need to fit straight molds. Whether you’re monogamous, open, curious, or somewhere in-between, this episode is your permission slip to rethink how love should look—and start defining it for yourself. In this episode you'll Learn what might happen when your throuple goes outside the bounds Be pushed to embrace others and their choices to live life on their terms Understand how relationships can get sticky but how to be in the moment and grow About C. Travis Rice CHRISTOPHER RICE is A New York Times bestselling author who writes under the pen name C. Travis Rice and delivers the fourth book in his Sapphire Cove series titled: SAPPHIRE DAWN. He is the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award. He is the Amazon Charts and New York Times bestselling author of: A Density of Souls; Bone Music, Blood Echo, and Blood Victory in the Burning Girl series; and Bram Stoker Award finalists The Heavens Rise and The Vines. An executive producer for television, he also penned 2 novels with his mother, Anne Rice: Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra and Ramses The Damned: The Reign of Osiris. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist Eric Shaw Quinn, Christopher runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network TDPS, which can be found at www.TheDinnerPartyShow.com. He lives in West Hollywood, California, and writes tales of romance between men under the pseudonym C. Travis Rice. Connect With C. Travis Rice Website Instagram X-Twitter

In this powerful and vulnerable episode I sit down with somatic sex educator and retreat leader Court Vox for an unfiltered conversation on reclaiming erotic truth, surrender, and personal power—especially as gay men navigating a heavy, noisy world. We dive into: Why rope work is more than kink—it’s about presence, trust, and release How global unrest impacts our capacity for pleasure and emotional expression The art of vocal release, erotic rituals, and finding peace through chaos How to get involved in his upcoming retreats in Mexico and Joshua Tree, California, including “Connect,” “Shadow,” and “Sacred” Court shares real tools for self-exploration, emotional healing, and erotic connection—from water rituals to surrender practices—and invites listeners to rethink the way they engage with desire, grief, and play. About Court Court Vox is a Certified Sex & Intimacy Coach, based in Los Angeles CA . He is Founder of The Bodyvox. Through his courses, workshops, retreats, and private immersions, clients cultivate toys to unlock limitations and shame, to embrace a deeper sense of intimacy with their whole self. Traditional forms of therapy are done solely through talk, while the work of a somatic coach is to further this form of work via body-based exercises, experiential learning, and touch, in comfortable, judgment-free, and caring environments. Body acceptance, exploration of sensation and desires (and learning how to ask for what you want), boundary-setting and intimacy work are some of the many reasons clients seek this form of learning. Vox is a sex educator experienced working with clients of all sexualities and genders and has been featured in AskMen.com, Cosmopolitan, and Well & Good magazines. He offers workshops and retreats across the globe for GBTQ men, and is also part of an elite team of sex educators that create the celebrated program for women, Back to the Body. His online course and community, Invitations to Intimacy, offers foundations in embodiment suited for the eroticerotic, as well as a community of like-minded individuals to support one another on their journey. Attend Courts Events in 2025 Connect Connect With Court Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

What happens when two grown men finally stop pretending and start living as their fully authentic selves? In this powerful episode, Rick Clemons sits down with Mark Dembo to talk about coming out later in life, the messy beauty of self-discovery, and the liberating (and terrifying) freedom that comes with being unapologetically you. They cover: Guilt, anxiety, and codependence in late-life coming out Why authenticity is a leadership superpower Couples counseling, redefining relationships, and facing your truth Coaching vs. fixing: helping people find their own answers The reality of political “allies” who aren’t really allies at all Whether you’re on the brink of change or deep in the thick of it, this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to come home to yourself. About Mark Mark Dembo is a seasoned business leader, executive coach, and passionate advocate for living an authentic life. After spending years hiding a core part of who he was, Mark came out as a gay man later in life — a journey marked by deep introspection, courage, and ultimately, liberation. His story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of choosing to live fully and truthfully. For decades, Mark lived a life that looked successful on the outside — husband, father, professional — while carrying the quiet burden of not being fully seen. Coming out meant confronting fear, challenging old narratives, and stepping into a life aligned with who he truly is. Today, Mark lives with intention, vulnerability, and joy — and he's committed to helping others do the same. Mark is now finding his true passion in helping LGBTQ+ professionals — especially those coming out later in life — navigate transitions, overcome imposter syndrome and people-pleasing, and create lives rooted in authenticity and purpose. He’s a community advocate working to ensure and preserve LGBTQ+ rights and believes deeply in creating spaces where people feel safe to show up as their whole selves. He is also the co-host of the Coming Inside Out podcast, which explores the messy, beautiful, and liberating journey of coming out later in life. With empathy, insight, and lived experience, Mark brings heart and hope to every conversation — and is on a mission to help others live and lead with authenticity. Connect With Mark Instagram Podcast Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

Tired of swiping? You’re not alone. Tammy Shaklee—LGBTQ relationship expert and founder of H4M Matchmaking—is here to say what most of us already know: app fatigue is real, and no one’s finding true love buried in DMs and torso pics. In this episode, Tammy and I talk about how real, lasting connection happens offline—and how you can start being your own matchmaker (without settling or apologizing for your standards). Tammy’s introduced thousands of LGBTQ singles across the country and built a matchmaking empire focused on compatibility, not algorithms. We’re breaking down her signature method for dating success, especially for gay men who are ready to stop scrolling and start connecting. You’ll learn: Why dating apps are burning you out (and what to do instead) How to create real connection in real life Why being picky isn’t a flaw—it’s power Ready to date like a grown-ass gay man? Hit play. About Tammy Tammy Shaklee is a leading LGBTQ Relationship Expert and President of one of the country’s top LGBTQ certified matchmaking companies, H4M Matchmaking. Since founding the national offline matchmaking company in Austin, Texas in 2012, Tammy and her team have successfully paired thousands of LGBTQ clients across the country that were seeking long-term committed relationships. Utilizing skills honed in her previous career as a broadcast journalist, Shaklee’s reporter objective instincts, acute listening skills, and same-sex proprietary methodology, provide the ideal foundation for identifying true compatibility. Her unique process focuses on traditional introductions and dating for LGBTQ singles who are interested in achieving relationship success that rivals their professional success. An LGBTQ ally and advocate, Tammy understands the challenges singles face when looking for a suitable mate, as she met her husband through a matchmaking service herself. Tammy and her husband, Clif reside in Daytona, Florida where she runs her national company. When not actively pairing her clients, Tammy is a regular relationship contributor to several LGBTQ media outlets and mainstream publications. She is currently working on the completion of her first book. Connect With Tammy Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Podcast Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community -

Why is it still so hard to just be in your own skin when you’re a gay Latinx man? From religious guilt to macho pressure, the layers of shame and silence can run deep. In this episode, therapist and NYU instructor Lucas Saiter joins us to unpack the mental health challenges gay Latinx men face—and how we can finally stop carrying everyone else's expectations. Lucas brings powerful insight as a clinician, Latinx gay man, and community builder. From healing identity wounds to rebuilding intimate connections, he’s helping men take off the mask and find real belonging—in themselves and in their communities. If you've ever felt like you're too much or not enough, this one's for you. In this episode we: Learn how to close the gap between shame and self-lov Break the patterns of it being rude or disrespectful to discuss mental health in the Latinx world Discover how vulnerability is a superpower About Lucas Lucas Saiter is the founder and director of Manhattan Therapy NYC and Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU. In addition to working in a group practice in New York City, he also maintains his own private practice, supervising recent graduates obtaining hours for licensure. Clinically he has interests in many areas, including LGBTQIA+ individuals working on strengthening identity, Latinx individuals and couples, immigrants adjusting to living in NYC, adults and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, identity concerns, trauma, and relationship and intimacy concerns. Connect With Lucas Website Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

The world has become galvanized, polarized, and hell bent on not talking and seeing each other. You're either on my side or out...even in our own LGBTQ+ Community. So how do we find center, find each other, and let each other be the gay men we are, without throwing each other under the bus of hate? David Grass, journalist and television commentator joins us today to share his perspective in navigating our world and getting us all back to focusing on one fundamental right - FREEDOM! In this episode: Discover the power each of us holds to bring FREEDOM back into FOCUS Learn how to explore the flaws instead of exploiting them Focus on the purity test to get the real answers About David David Grasso is a distinguished journalist, television commentator, and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience covering startups, public policy, and technology. He has provided insights on business and politics on networks such as Fox, CBS, and The Young Turks. In addition to his nonprofit work, David previously hosted the nationally syndicated podcast "Follow the Profit," which showcased the transformational power of entrepreneurship. He also hosted a startup-focused streaming show, Bold Business, where he interviewed more than a thousand entrepreneurs. Currently, David leads a nonprofit media portfolio for a foundation. He also serves as the Executive Director of Project Amicus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising global awareness about LGBTQ+ safety through media. He holds a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he serves on the Alumni Board, chairs the Pride Alumni Caucus, and is a founder of the Carr Center's Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program. Originally from the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, David was also one of the founding residents of Celebration, FL, a town developed by Disney. He resides in Houston, where he is an active member of the Harvard Business School Club of Houston. Connect With David Website Instagram LinkedIn   Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

What if your anxiety wasn’t something broken—but an invitation? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Cory Schneider (LMFT, SPHR, CDE), a queer therapist and leadership coach who brings serious depth to the conversation around identity, mental health, and healing. We talk about how we’re living in an anxiety generation—where everything from our phones to our trauma histories is working overtime on our nervous systems. Cory unpacks how slowing down, tuning in, and learning to trust your gay psyche (yes, that deep, intuitive voice inside you) is more powerful than trying to hustle your way to peace. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety is running the show—or like you’re too “sensitive” for this world—this one’s for you. You’ll learn: Why anxiety isn’t your enemy—it’s a message How our nervous systems are in constant fight-or-flight mode Why your queer inner knowing is sacred (and how to listen to it) This isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about coming home to the you that’s already whole. About Cory Cory Schneider, LMFT, SPHR, CDE (he/him) is a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ psychotherapist, leadership and career coach, and organizational consultant with over 15 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and companies explore the intersection of identity, mental health, and belonging. With a background that bridges clinical psychology, HR, and DEI strategy, Cory works at the heart of healing and human development—supporting LGBTQ+ people in reclaiming their stories, navigating trauma, deepening relationships, and creating lives rooted in authenticity. His work is grounded in evidence-based practices, queer-affirmative frameworks, and a deep commitment to social justice. Cory specializes in working with LGBTQ+ adults and couples, guiding them through the complex terrain of internalized oppression, attachment wounding, and the emotional repair work necessary for connection and wholeness. As a former Executive Director in global consulting firms, he also partners with mission-driven organizations to foster inclusive cultures and emotionally intelligent leadership. Whether he’s speaking on the psychology of identity, supporting a couple rebuilding trust, or helping an organization transform its workplace culture, Cory shows up with curiosity, clarity, and care. His goal? To help people and systems heal—from the inside out. Cory holds credentials as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). He is based in Los Angeles, and is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ mental health, emotional literacy, and human-centered change. Connect With Cory Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus:...

Shame is that pebble in the shoe that many of us as gay men just can't seem to get away from. Whether its religious shaming, masculinity shame, or simply the shame of "being gay," there is nothing sacred about owning shame. It's time to uncover the shame of our past, deal with it in our present, and not allow it to leak into our future. Sacred intimate and founder of PostShame.org, Adam MacLean brings his beautiful fierce and sacred self to the conversation today to guide us to release our shame and step intimately into our powerful light. In this episode: Learn how to connect to source to release shame Discover the power of becoming a shame warrior Embrace a masterful tool for tackling shame - past, present, and future About Adam Adam MacLean (pronounced like "Shirley MacLaine") is the founder of PostShame.org, a platform that helps people own their stories and turn them into sources of strength. He’s the host of the podcast "Find Your Light" and the former co-host of Safe Space at NeueHouse (NOY-yuh House). He has served on the board of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and currently chairs the Abzyme Research Foundation at endHIV.com, working on an HIV e-vaccine. He is also a 21/64-certified advisor, trained to facilitate unique and often difficult family conversations around money, philanthropy, and legacy—all through the lens of #PostShame. As a trained sacred intimate, he helps people tune into their bodies, uncover their fantasies, and discover what they truly want. His work lies at the intersection of shame, privilege, intimacy, and inheritance—reimagining what it means to belong, to lead, and to be set free. He’s also the emergency contact for thirteen kiddos in his extended chosen family. Connect With Adam Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies