In this episode, Matt speaks with therapist and author Tom Bruett about the struggles many gay men face with romantic relationships. Together they share decades of experience when it comes to understanding the relational challenges faced by gay men. From toxic shame to developmental trauma, they unpack what causes these challenges and how to start healing and empowering ourselves in our relationships. If you are someone who struggles in your romantic relationships with intimacy, vulnerabil...
Feb 13, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast What happens when friendship and intimacy collide? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we’re exploring the nuanced dynamics of friends with benefits (FWB) and friends with intimacy (FWI). But what happens when emotions sneak in, boundaries blur, or feelings start to change? We’ll discuss: Defining FWB vs. FWI: What they mean, how they’re different from dating or hookups, and what these relationships can look like. Boundaries: Essential skills like self-awareness, clear communication, and re...
Feb 06, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast The first year after coming out can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—exciting, scary, and full of questions. How do you navigate this transformative time while finding your community, and embracing your authentic self? In this episode, we’re talking about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living out for the first time. We’ll discuss: What was your first year out like? What are some common struggles newly out gay men face, and how can they overcome them? How do you figure...
Jan 30, 2025•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Matt speaks with world-renowned trauma treatment expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and psychotherapist Dr. Frank Anderson. Let’s be honest, trauma isn't the most glamorous topic to talk about, but it significantly impacts us as gay men, and our community is in desperate need of healing from the trauma of growing up gay that we each likely experienced. This episode is a raw and real exploration of the impact growing up gay can have on us. Many of us had the pressure and...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Living in the closet is a unique experience that queer people must face. Yet each person’s journey is shaped by culture, family dynamics, and social pressures. For some, living in the closet is about safety and survival. For others, it’s the first step in a journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity. In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to live in the closet and the complex emotions that come with it. We discuss: What was was like for you living in the closet? What did it take ...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep 222•Transcript available on Metacast Coming out to our families can be one of the most difficult experiences we navigate as queer folk. Sometimes it can be made even more difficult if the people we are opening up to are challenged by it, or don’t understand it. Other times, we may find ourselves in the company of people who do understand, or simply meet our openness with their own. Or, in this case, sometimes what we experience is a combination of both. This is a unique episode, because today our co-host Reno is sitting down with n...
Jan 09, 2025•54 min•Ep 221•Transcript available on Metacast Big things are on the horizon for the Gay Men’s Brotherhood in 2025, and we can’t wait to share them with you! In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our vision for the future— including new opportunities and exciting changes you can expect in the year ahead including: Opportunities for local meetup groups New virtual events In-person retreats Leadership opportunities We’ll also talk about the ways you can step into the mission, make an impact, and help us shape the...
Jan 02, 2025•41 min•Ep 220•Transcript available on Metacast Whether you love it or hate it, hookup culture is a part of gay culture—and if you look a little closer, it just might be a powerful tool for self-discovery. In this episode, we’re diving into the real-life lessons our casual hookups taught us about confidence, boundaries, and self-love. We’re going beyond the benefits and drawbacks of hookup culture, and sharing how these experiences have shaped who we are This episode is for anyone curious about navigating hookup culture with more clarity and ...
Dec 26, 2024•51 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, Matt interviews the “dick doctor” Urologist Dr. Joshua Gonzalez. They candidly explore some of the most taboo topics related to the penis. From erectile dysfunction to circumcision, increasing your size to foreskin, we got you covered. Topics we discuss in this episode: Circumcision Foreskin Erectile dysfunction Premature ejaculation Masturbation All things cum Penis size Pelvic health Peyronie's disease Th...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper , we're diving into The Sexuality Spectrum . From fluid attractions and shifting needs to understanding social conditioning and embracing different sexual dynamics, we’re exploring the dynamic range of human sexuality and how it shows up uniquely for each of us. Some of the topics we’ll be discussing are: Some of the aspects of the sexuality spectrum, including emotional needs, affection, and attraction How shame and social conditioning impact...
Dec 12, 2024•57 min•Ep 217•Transcript available on Metacast Curious about whether therapy or coaching is the best fit for you? In this insightful episode, life coach Michael Diiorio and therapist Michael Pezzullo team up to break down the unique benefits of each approach, guiding you through the key differences, overlaps, and the powerful results each modality can help you achieve. Both Michaels bring their unique expertise in helping gay men navigate life’s challenges and find personal growth, and they’re here to answer the big question: What’s right fo...
Dec 05, 2024•54 min•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we're diving into how to build trust in relationships . Many gay men report having trust issues in their relationships due to growing up in a world that felt unsafe and unaccepting of our authentic selves If you struggle with trust issues in your relationships then this episode is a must. Come gain more clarity around any barriers you have to trusting people, as well as what may be required for you to build trust with someone. Also what you can do ...
Nov 28, 2024•45 min•Ep 215•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we’re shifting the focus from red flags to the positive signs that show up when dating— green flags . Join us as we reveal the positive traits and behaviors that indicate someone would be a compatible long-term partner. We’ll discuss: What green flags we look for and why they matter The green flags that we bring to the table What green flags we see in each other How to tell if those green flags are genuine or just part of “the honeymoon phase” Whether you’re new to the dat...
Nov 21, 2024•51 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we’re talking about those warning signs and signals to look out for in potential partners and how to manage these warning signs with care and confidence. We’ll reveal our red flags, both in others and in ourselves, and how we respond to them when they show up in our dating lives. Some of the topics we cover in this episode are: Common red flags to look out for and why they matter Red flags we might bring into dating and how they affect relationships Strategies for dealing with r...
Nov 14, 2024•52 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast Are open relationships really about avoiding commitment, or is there more to the story? In today’s episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Israel Martinez to unpack the common misconceptions around consensual non-monogamy (CNM) and explore how commitment and connection can flourish in open relationships. We’ll be discussing: Common misconceptions about CNM and monogamy How to determine your ideal relationship style What is a relationship anchor and how to find it The role of trust, communication, and ...
Nov 07, 2024•44 min•Ep 212•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we’re going deeper into the topic of resilience—what it really means and how we can develop it, especially as gay men and our unique challenges. We’ll explore how the struggles we face, from feeling out of place to dealing with minority stress, can become powerful tools for personal growth. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about learning, adapting, and thriving in the face of adversity. Some of the topics we’re discussing today include: The difference between...
Oct 31, 2024•42 min•Ep 211•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Matt and Reno come together for their first duo episode to talk about their experiences with depression. They share openly about what causes depression in their lives and what they have done to deal with it. If you are someone who struggles with depression, we want you to know you are not alone. It is so important to normalize conversations about aspects of mental health that are still stigmatized. We hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, and offers you some ways to support...
Oct 24, 2024•53 min•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever felt like you just don’t belong in the gay community? In today’s episode, we’re tackling the deep and painful feeling of not fitting in—a sentiment shared by many gay men. Some of the topics we’re exploring today are: How do we feel excluded vs. how do we feel included? Belonging vs. fitting in Vulnerability Judging others and ourselves Core wounding and attachment trauma Fear of rejection Fostering more inclusive spaces If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or if you wa...
Oct 17, 2024•45 min•Ep 209•Transcript available on Metacast In honour of National Coming Out Day, we’re diving deep into a sentiment many gay men have struggled with at some point: "I wish I wasn’t gay." While this feeling may seem contradictory on a day meant to celebrate coming out, it’s a reality for many who grapple with their sexual orientation and the journey to self-acceptance. In this episode, we unpack the challenges of embracing your authentic self, including: How we came to accept our sexuality Would we change our sexuality if we could? Words ...
Oct 10, 2024•32 min•Ep 208•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we welcome Somatic Intimacy Coach, Vance Hedman , for an insightful discussion on the importance of both mindset work and somatic body work when dealing with emotional pain and discomfort. We delve into how each approach can be uniquely beneficial in different scenarios, particularly when it comes to intimacy, building friendships, and deepening relationships. Some of the concepts we cover today are: How mindset work and body work are different and how they are similar How each ...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 207•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper , we dive into the complexities of the inner critic—the voice in our heads that often feeds perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt. While it can feel like a harsh and relentless judge, the inner critic is actually trying to protect you in its own way. We explore how to better understand this part of ourselves, offering strategies for befriending the inner critic and cultivating a mindset of self-compassion. Some of the topics covered today are: How the inner...
Sep 26, 2024•43 min•Ep 206•Transcript available on Metacast Today we’re tackling the universal struggle of comparing ourselves to others. Whether it’s about body image, social status, or relationships, comparison can have a negative impact on our mental health, leading to a cycle of insecurity and self-doubt. In this episode, we’re looking at how to break the cycle and actually re-frame it for your personal development. Join us as we dive into how to compare consciously and mindfully, transforming it into a tool that actually serves you instead of tearin...
Sep 19, 2024•43 min•Ep 205•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper , we explore the complex nature of making friends within the gay community. There’s a fine line between sexual or romantic connections and platonic friendships, and those lines can blur quite easily. Some of the topics we’ll cover include: Blurred lines between friends and friends with benefits Advice and tips on platonic friendships How to expand your friendship circle Keeping an open mind when meeting people Having honest conversations Join us as we delv...
Sep 12, 2024•40 min•Ep 204•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we are talking about the unique challenges and pressures that we face in social settings within our own community. The Gay Men’s Brotherhood is dedicated to helping gay men connect and build more authentic and meaningful relationships, but this is particularly challenging for those who feel anxious in groups of gay men. We'll share our personal experiences and the coping strategies we've developed to manage and overcome social anxiety. Topics discussed today are: Typ...
Sep 05, 2024•50 min•Ep 203•Transcript available on Metacast In this insightful episode, we turn our focus to the often unspoken challenges that come with being a gay man. The reality for many queer folks is that our lives are met with unique hurdles that impact our mental, emotional, and social well-being. Through candid discussions and personal experiences, we are looking at these challenges from the gay male perspective. Some of the topics we’ll be covering are: Learning to hide who you are Social discrimination External and internalized homophob...
Aug 29, 2024•59 min•Ep 202•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Matt speaks with Counsellor Ken Reid about attachment styles in dating and relationships. Together they unpack how attachment styles can impact whether or not we choose to be in monogamous or non monogamous relationships. They explore the impact of trauma on the development of insecure attachment styles, and what we can do to heal if we find ourselves anxious or avoidant in our relationships. The concepts and questions we explore in this episode are: What is an attachment ...
Aug 22, 2024•57 min•Ep 201•Transcript available on Metacast Join us for a very special milestone as "Gay Men Going Deeper" celebrates our 200th episode! In this celebratory episode, we're raising our voices and our spirits high as we discuss what it truly means to embrace our gayness. From the early days of fear and isolation to the empowering present, we're sharing why we love being gay and how we got here. We’re sharing personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections that highlight the evolution of our relationship with our gayness. Some of the topics we’...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr•Ep 200•Transcript available on Metacast From coming out in high school in Brooklyn in the 80’’s, to moving to California, to leaving college and moving into hypnotherapy, and finally landing in the world of embodiment and somatics sexual therapy, and becoming a facilitator at The Body Electric School; JoJo’s resume reads more like a permission slip. The theme of todays episode is very much that: permission. Permission to be sexual, permission to be messy, permission to be shameless, and permission to be you, and permission to be...
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr•Ep 199•Transcript available on Metacast How can you tell if someone is gay? It’s an age-old mystery that often turns into a discussion about “gaydar” – the ability to perceive or intuit someone's sexual orientation. In this episode, we are unraveling the intricacies of this phenomenon in how we navigate the subtle cues and signals that hint at our ‘gayness’. Some of the topics we’re covering today are: The science behind gaydar Criteria we use to detect someone’s sexual orientation Unconscious bias Code switching (ad...
Aug 01, 2024•57 min•Ep 198•Transcript available on Metacast Living a life guided and powered by creativity and “Spirit” is a liberating journey, not for the faint of heart. It leads us into freedom and liberation, but not before inviting us to reconcile with some of our most significant attachments and greatest fears. Today, we are joined by heARTist, creator, activist, poet, author, and shaman, Keone Wales , in a dynamic conversation around inspiration, death, queerness, creativity and more. You might call this a unique conversation in that it unfolds i...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 197•Transcript available on Metacast