Episode description

In a culture where polarization feels like it's increasing, understanding each other is a radical act. This week, Brian Falduto and I get into the fear, wounding, and shadow contained within straight men and men in the queer community, and how to create better discourse and understanding. Because while there are differences in experiential content, there's also more overlap than you might think. This was a great conversation, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to listen to Brian’s knowledge and experience.

Brian Falduto is a professional actor, country music singer-songwriter, and ICF certified life coach. At the age of 11, director Richard Linklater cast Brian Falduto alongside Jack Black in the film School of Rock as Billy, a.k.a. “Fancy Pants.” He is a dual-degree graduate in Theatre Performance & Arts Administration, and proudly calls himself an alumnus of Wagner College.

Brian’s discography includes a 2017 acoustic EP titled “Love One Another,” a 2018 debut studio album titled “Stage Two,” & other singular releases - most notably his recent single, “God Loves Me Too,” which went on to become a final nominee at the 2020 International Independent Music Video Awards & winner of the Fan Favorite category. 

In addition to garnering support from The Trevor Project, GLAAD, & other LGBTQ-affirming organizations & advocates, the song was chosen as the “Loud & Proud” feature on Apple Country's Proud Radio & also the official theme song for Beloved Arise, a non-profit organization celebrating queer youth of faith.

Since re-emerging as an artist, Brian has had some amazing opportunities to share his life story openly & honestly through public speaking engagements, podcast appearances, self-authored content pieces, & media interviews; most notably his now-viral video with Now This News. In 2018, PrideLife Magazine named Brian one of the “20 most influential, outspoken, & optimistic individuals on the planet” in their 20th Anniversary #20intheir20s issue.

Brian also works as a life coach serving primarily LGBTQ+ clientele. In 2020, he launched The Gay Life Coach Podcast, The Gay Men's Self-Help Book Club, & The Gay Men's Mindfulness Collective as part of his efforts to create mindful conversation & content surrounding the effects of internalized & externalized homophobia, & how one might heal from those experiences through expanded awareness & a deeper connection to oneself.

Connect with Brian

-Website: https://www.brianfalduto.com/

-Instagram: @thegaylifecoach and @brianfalduto

-Twitter: @brianfalduto

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianfalduto

-The Gay Men’s Mindfulness Collective

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