The holiday season can be a triggering one for a lot of people, especially those of us from the LGBTQ+ community. In today's episode, host Calan Breckon speaks with guest Jeremy Long about how we can navigate conflict during this holiday season. Together they share their personal tips and tricks for those difficult interactions in hopes that it can make your holiday season a little more jolly. Jeremy Long is the founder of the Conscious Queer Community where he leads Queer Men's groups. He’s als...
Dec 22, 2022•42 min•Ep. 114
Being alone does not necessarily mean that you’re feeling lonely. Some people quite enjoy the experience of solitude and prefer it over being in large groups. But over time, does that disconnection lead to chronic loneliness? In this episode, we’re exploring the difference between being alone and the feeling of loneliness. We’ll cover topics such as: What’s the difference between loneliness and being alone? What roles does introversion or extroversion play in feeling lonely? How do you know when...
Dec 15, 2022•49 min•Ep. 113
Long before the days of Grindr and the internet, the gay scene was largely underground. Gay and bi men had to find creative ways to connect in discreet, yet relatively safe spaces. For many, the locals baths - or bathhouses- were a sanctuary where you could be yourself and meet other guys who were interested in both sexual and friendly connection. Meanwhile, cruising spots were known public spaces where men met for casual encounters. Yet for decades, the baths were routinely raided ...
Dec 08, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 112
Loneliness is extremely common among gay men of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, some mental health professionals refer to loneliness as an epidemic for our times. In this episode, we are sharing our own struggles with loneliness and how we have dealt with it. The questions we’re answering today are: How has loneliness impacted your life? What relational fears do you have when it comes to connection? How do you deal with these fears? What have you done to deal with loneliness in your life? By ...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 111
In this episode, Matt Landsiedel interviews Peter DeWitt from Gaywellness.com and they explore the topic of leadership in the gay community. Both Matt and Peter have been in leadership positions within the gay community over the last several years and they wanted to share what their experience has been like and how we can all be a leader in our own right. Come join us to learn what makes a great leader and how you can step into your power through leadership. These are the questions that we...
Nov 24, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 110
A difficult conversation is often the one thing standing in the way between you and greater connection. Many of us have a hard time with these conversations because we don't have the tools to navigate all of the emotions that arise when we feel vulnerable. In this episode, we're discussing how to have these prickly conversations Join us as we discuss how to navigate a conversation when you need to talk about topics charged with negative emotions. Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva ...
Nov 17, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 109
In this episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the questions around intersectionality with guest Owin Pierson and the work he does as a mental health and Asian American Pacific Islander advocate. Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must consider everything and anything that can marginalise people ranging from gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc. Today's episode is sponsored...
Nov 10, 2022•55 min•Ep. 108
Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. There are 3 different types of tears that we cry: Basal : The tear ducts constantly secrete basal tears, which are a protein-rich antibacterial liquid that help to keep the eyes moist every time a person blinks. Reflex : These are tears triggered by irritants such as wind, smoke, or onions. They are released t...
Nov 03, 2022•55 min•Ep. 107
Masturbation is a perfectly natural and healthy sexual activity that has many physical and mental benefits. However, some question whether it is a harmful habit that leads to negative consequences in their personal life and relationships. In this provocative and educational episode, Michael and Sex Coach, Craig Cassey answer your burning questions about masturbation, including topics such as: The benefits of masturbation When is it too much? Masturbation while in a relationship Is po...
Oct 27, 2022•50 min•Ep. 106
Trust takes a long time to build and only seconds to break. In this episode, we’re talking about how our trust issues impact our ability to connect with others. Specifically, we’ll be exploring questions such as: What do you think has led to trust issues in the gay community? How have trust issues impacted your relationships? How can we begin to heal trust issues amongst gay men? Join us to learn some practical tips on relating more authentically with others, especially if you’ve had a hard time...
Oct 20, 2022•50 min•Ep. 105
In this episode Matt Landsiedel interviews Dr. Lucas Wilson about the psychological impact of conversion therapy. They explore how shame and internalized homophobia are typically precursors to making someone susceptible to agreeing to do conversion therapy. Dr. Wilson shares his own personal experience with conversion therapy and how this experience has impacted his life. Both Matt and Dr. Wilson share how they have approached their own healing journey through shame and internalized homophobia a...
Oct 13, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 104
We often talk about trust in the context of trusting others, but in this episode, we’re focusing on how to build an internal sense of trust. We’re exploring questions such as: How do you know if you trust yourself? What gets in the way of trusting yourself? What is one thing you can do to build greater self-trust? Join us for this informative conversation that will help you develop your relationship to self, and ultimately your relationship with others. Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watc...
Oct 06, 2022•50 min•Ep. 103
In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon and guest Drummond Fulcher dive into the uncomfortable for a conversation that revolves around cancel culture, the "either you’re with me or against me (or us)" mentality, giving space for the in-between where conversation happens, how bridges are where understanding is born, and where we need to go in order to work through the uncomfortable feelings in order to learn and grow. Together they unpack questions like: Why do people avoid being uncomfortabl...
Sep 29, 2022•53 min•Ep. 102
You asked and we answered! In this episode, we're answering some of the juiciest questions from our community such as… How to let go of the past? Why can’t gay men find love? How to get unstuck and move forward? Join us as we cover topics such as shame, gay dating, self-confidence, and trust in this Q & A style discussion. Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Take the A...
Sep 22, 2022•54 min•Ep. 101
In this very special 💯 100th episode 💯, we are taking you behind the scenes of the idea that started it all, The Gay Men's Brotherhood. Today, we represent a group of thousands of men who share a vision to create a community where people feel more authentically connected to one another and feel comfortable showing up vulnerably so deeper intimacy can be established within our community. We have invited our moderators to the podcast to join us as we share our personal experiences as a leadershi...
Sep 15, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 100
From the outside looking in, the queer community is seen as an inclusive space that celebrates diversity. Yet for many people, it feels quite exclusive and lonely. In this episode, we are sharing our vision for the gay community and the different ways we are implementing this vision. We’re talking about... What exactly is our vision? What are the different parts of our community? Why is building this community important to each of us? How we’ve changed from the beginning to today? Wh...
Sep 08, 2022•48 min•Ep. 99
Dark periods are an inevitable part of life that can happen at any moment and in any number of ways: The death of a loved one A terminal diagnosis Job loss Relationship breakdown But what is the spiritual and psychological significance of this pain? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, Michael is joined by LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapist Justin Oberste to discuss the concept of the Dark Night of the Soul, including: The 4 phases of a dark night of the soul Sharing personal, real-life exam...
Sep 01, 2022•56 min•Ep. 98
Your mind is a powerful tool that you can use to create a life that you love. Your mindset is your overall outlook on life and it will determine whether you remain stuck spinning your wheels or moving towards your goals and dreams. In this episode, we’re looking specifically at the difference between the Fixed and Growth Mindsets. We will be discussing questions such as…. What type of mindset were you raised with (growth of fixed)? And what mindset do you have today? How do you cultivate m...
Aug 25, 2022•43 min•Ep. 97
In this episode, Matt Landsiedel and Andre-Lee Wills unpack the hot topic of pretty privilege. Pretty privilege works on the principle that people who are deemed more attractive—based on accepted societal beauty standards—have an upper hand in the world and are afforded many opportunities that less “attractive” people don't have. Yet, it's not often that people are willing to admit it—or even talk about it—especially if they’re on the receiving end of its benefits. Here is what Matt and Andre-Le...
Aug 18, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 96
As more people are choosing to explore non-monogamous relationships, the discussion about open and closed relationships can be divisive and unhelpful. In today's episode, we are having an open conversation about open and closed relationships that will enrich your understanding of the many different types of relationships out there and help you figure out what's right for you. We will cover questions such as: What is the ideal relationship structure for you? How do you handle jealousy in yo...
Aug 11, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 95
Recognizing and understanding privilege can be a hard pill to swallow for some. It means admitting you’re not perfect and possibly “looking bad,” which we were all taught growing up not to do. In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the hard questions around community inclusion with guest Raymond Jordan Johnson-Brown and the work they do as an indigenous wellness leader. Raymond, who uses they/them pronouns, is passionate about creating connections for marginalized groups and havi...
Aug 04, 2022•36 min•Ep. 94
Sex is a natural part of the human experience yet many people sense a lot of shame and insecurity around the topic. In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we want to help you become more sexually empowered. We will be discussing things like… What does sexual empowerment mean to you? What makes you feel sexually empowered? What makes you feel sexually disempowered? What is one tip you can share with the audience to feel more sexually empowered? By the end of this episode, you’ll be able ...
Jul 28, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 93
Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) is the tendency chase after things that are new and exciting, keeping you in a state of perpetually looking for “the next best thing”. In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, Michael invites psychiatrist Dr. Hector Rodriguez to discuss how Shiny Object Syndrome affects gay men in life and in relationships. They’ll cover topics such as: SOS in dating apps The link between perfectionism and SOS The role of social media The fear of genuine intimacy The...
Jul 21, 2022•54 min•Ep. 92
One of the most common forms of sexual shaming we see in the gay community is towards bottoming. The closed-minded narratives that are perpetuated around receptive anal sex reflect a patriarchal belief system that inhibits our growth as a community. In this episode, we're tackling the topic of bottom shaming and exploring questions like... Where do you think bottom shaming stems from? Why do you think bottom shaming keeps being perpetuated in the community? How do you think we as a community can...
Jul 14, 2022•51 min•Ep. 91
In this episode, Matt Landsiedel speaks with certified SOMA Breath breathwork instructor Jason Samadhi . Jason takes us on a journey into the power of breathwork and how consciously connecting with your breath can be one of the most potent tools for healing. By sharing the science of breathwork, Jason teaches us about the health benefits of working with your breath and how it can be used to improve performance both in and out of the bedroom. Jason then takes us on an hour long breathwork journey...
Jul 07, 2022•2 hr 44 min•Ep. 90
One of the greatest obstacles along the spiritual path is an overactive ego - that fear-based part of you that needs to control outcomes and win at all costs. But having an ego is necessary to the human experience, so how can we reconcile both the ego self and spiritual self? In this episode, we’re explaining how understanding your ego can actually benefit your spiritual practice. We’re answering questions such as: How do you distinguish between your ego self and spiritual self? How ...
Jun 30, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 89
Change can be scary. And in today’s world of ever-evolving language around gender and identity, it can make it hard for someone to ask questions without feeling judged or misunderstood. In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon opens up the conversation around navigating non-binary with genderqueer author Jason June and what his journey was like and how it now informs his work as a writer. Together they explore questions like… What is Non-Binary and what does it mean to be non-binary? What’s the mo...
Jun 23, 2022•45 min•Ep. 88
Spirituality is an umbrella term that means many different things to many people. In this episode, we’re revealing our own experience with spirituality and spiritual practices by exploring these questions: What does spirituality mean to you? What in your life brought you to spirituality? What does your spiritual practice involve? Where can someone start if they want to develop a spiritual practice? Whether you’re spiritual or religious or neither, this episode will give you much to think about w...
Jun 16, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 87
Guilt and shame are two of the most challenging emotions we encounter. For those who grew up with a religious or spiritual belief system, guilt and shame can have a uniquely traumatic impact on your sense of self and in your relationships. In this episode, host Michael DiIorio speaks with inter-faith community leader, Jeremy Russo, who has used his experience with spiritual abuse to become a leader in the queer community helping others overcoming their own spiritual and religious trauma. In this...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 86
Toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset, no matter how challenging a situation may be. This belief invalidates your authentic emotions and is a form of avoidance. In this episode, we're sharing our own experiences and understanding of toxic positivity and we'll answer the questions: What are your thoughts on toxic positivity and the effects it has on silencing negative emotions and experiences? What’s been your experience with pushing away negati...
Jun 02, 2022•55 min•Ep. 85
