This episode of Gay Men Going Deeper is less of a casual conversation and more of a confidence masterclass. One you’ll likely want to come back to again and again.

We break down what real, unshakeable confidence actually is (and what it isn’t). Not the loud, performative kind, but the grounded confidence that comes from self-trust, self-compassion, and emotional regulation.

We talk honestly about why confidence can feel harder for gay men, how minority stress and shame shape a harsh inner critic, and how we deal with setbacks. In this episode, we cover:

How confidence is built through action, discomfort, self-compassion
How shame and the inner critic quietly undermine self-trust
Whether “fake it till you make it” actually works… and where it falls apart
Why taking action builds confidence (and how inaction erodes it)
How self-compassion keeps confidence intact when things go wrong
What to do when confidence wobbles after rejection, embarrassment, or insecurity

If you’ve ever looked confident on the outside but felt shaky on the inside, this episode will help you understand why, and give you a clear, grounded path forward.

Save this one. It’s the kind of episode you’ll get something new from every time you listen.

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Closing Bell 1/14/26

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