Becoming Wilkinson

Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:02Life in California vs. Nashville05:59Growing Up in Minnesota08:51Coming to Terms with Sexuality11:45Experiences with Conversion Therapy15:01Finding Community and Connection17:57Creating the Gay Men's Collective20:56Navigating Relationships and Vulnerability23:56The Importance of Meaningful Connections35:30The Importance of Connection and Respect36:14Reflecting on Past Relationships and Self-Discovery38:35Memorable Connections and Energetic Relationships39:07Navigating Dating Apps and Open Relationships41:08Embracing Single Life and Personal Growth43:34The Journey into Coaching and Teaching47:30Connecting with Amy Grant and Personal Heroes50:57Family Dynamics and Discovering Siblings01:01:12Life Lessons and Personal PhilosophySummaryIn this conversation, Matt Moran shares his journey from growing up in Minnesota to navigating life in Nashville and California. He discusses his late realization of his sexuality, experiences with conversion therapy, and the importance of community for gay men. Moran emphasizes the need for meaningful connections and vulnerability in relationships, ultimately leading to the creation of the Gay Men's Collective, a platform for gay men seeking authentic connections. In this engaging conversation, Matt Moran and Wilkinson explore themes of connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. They reflect on past relationships, the importance of energetic connections, and the journey of being single. Matt shares his experiences with coaching and teaching, as well as his connection with Amy Grant, a significant figure in his life. The discussion also delves into family dynamics, including the discovery of siblings and the complexities of personal history. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of understanding others' stories and the lessons learned from their own experiences.Sound Bites"I didn't have any clue that I was gay.""I want to be like these guys.""I realized I'm still gay.""I started sleeping around.""I never ever had gay friends in my life.""I definitely prefer some element of connection.""I didn't jerk off until after I was married.""I have a guidepost that feels kind of internal.""I would rather struggle with loneliness single.""I love teaching and engaging with participants.""Amy Grant was a lifeline for me growing up.""He told me everything I don't want him to know.""We probably have more siblings out there."Bio:For the past two decades, Matt Moran has coached people from all walks of life across the globe, helping individuals and teams to present themselves, both internally and to the external marketplace, with excellence and precision. Through his training and one-on-one coaching, Matt has worked with Fortune 500 companies in nearly every industry, transforming the often daunting task of public presentation into one of simplicity and confident ease. In addition to his work as a professional coach, Matt Moran has dedicated his expertise to guiding individuals and teams on a transformative journey toward self-improvement, self-acceptance, confidence building, spiritual growth, and overall personal well-being. His passion lies in fostering connectedness, empathy, and authenticity, empowering individuals to unlock their true potential and find genuine fulfillment.http://www.matt-moran.comhttp://www.gaymenscollective.comContact Wilkinson: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

CHAPTERS:00:00Introduction and Setting the Scene03:03John's Journey of Self-Discovery06:07College Life and Relationships08:55Love and Loss: The Story of Ted12:11Reflections on Coming Out14:58Life After Antioch: Moving and New Beginnings18:05The Impact of the AIDS Epidemic21:01Family Dynamics and Acceptance23:57Final Thoughts and Reflections24:20Coming Out and Family Dynamics28:32Life in New York and the Search for Belonging32:53Embracing Identity and Personal Growth36:30The Journey of Writing a Memoir41:43Struggles with Addiction and Recovery48:55The Future: Theater Adaptation and Life LessonsTAKEAWAYS:John's journey of self-discovery began in college.He had a significant coming out moment while biking.His relationship with Ted was transformative and deeply impactful.Family acceptance played a crucial role in his life.John reflects on the challenges of navigating love and loss.The AIDS epidemic shaped his experiences and relationships.He emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity.SUMMARY:In this engaging conversation, John Giarelli shares his personal journey of self-discovery, coming out, and navigating love and loss within the LGBTQ community. He reflects on his experiences at Antioch College, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, and the complexities of family acceptance. John discusses the lessons learned throughout his life, the importance of embracing one's identity, and the motivation behind writing his book. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt exploration of belonging and the ongoing quest for self-acceptance.BIO:John Giarelli was born in Connecticut in 1957. He received his BA from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio in 1980 and his MA from the University of Connecticut in 1988. He taught English literature and writing for 30 years at several colleges and universities across the country. He has lived in Boston, Washington, DC, San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe. He is done with cities and currently lives in a small town in the mountains between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. His recently published memoir, “A Gay Boomer Story,” is a roller coaster ride through the past seven decades. His story begins in the straight-laced 1950s, and runs through the tumultuous 60s, “Coming Out” in the Disco era of the 70s, moving to San Francisco in the 80s, and wandering through America’s Gay ghettos in the 90s. He finally settled down with dogs and nature in the mountains, and is currently producing a theatrical adaptation of his book and taking it on the road. Contact John:    Email: jliterati@gmail.com.        Phone# 323-271-8788Contact Wilkinson: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Chapters00:00Introduction and Community Life03:03John's Early Life and Struggles05:54Coming Out and Embracing Identity08:58The Journey into Ex-Gay Ministry11:48Family Dynamics and Healing15:01The Cracks in the Ex-Gay Ministry19:57Transitioning Away from Ex-Gay Beliefs25:04New Relationships and Personal Growth35:03Redefining God and Spirituality38:32Living Authentically and Embracing Life42:41Exploring Sexual Freedom and Relationships50:17The Impact of Ex-Gay Ministries56:23Supporting the Transgender Community58:01Lessons Learned and Guiding PrinciplesTAKEAWAYS:John was raised in a complicated household that impacted his emotional development.He discovered his identity as a homosexual later in life after years of confusion.John believed he was doing God's work while involved in ex-gay ministries.He struggled with intimacy in his marriage due to his sexual orientation.John's journey led him to question the beliefs he had held for years.He found freedom in accepting his identity and moving away from ex-gay beliefs.John emphasizes the importance of living authentically and being true to oneself.He is actively involved in supporting the LGBTQ community in Hot Springs.John reflects on the impact of ex-gay ministries and the harm they cause.He believes in making amends to those affected by his past actions.SUMMARY:In this conversation, John Smid shares his journey from a complicated upbringing to discovering his identity as a gay man. He discusses his experiences with ex-gay ministries, the struggles he faced with family acceptance, and his eventual transition away from those beliefs. John reflects on his current views on faith, sexuality, and the importance of community support, emphasizing the need for authenticity and personal growth.From John J. Smid:I was born in July of 1954. Throughout my life I have lived through the mantra, “How can things be better?” As I continue to ask that question, my life has gone through several quite impactful life transitions.I have been married three times. I have two children and four grandchildren from my first marriage. Each marriage was a classroom of life for me through which I grew more aware each time that being a gay man wasn’t always easy to embrace.I spent over 25 years trying to suppress my natural sexuality in order to please God and my then, religious beliefs. 22 of those years I was deeply entrenched in the Evangelical ExGay movement. I was the Executive Director for Love In Action, a residential ExGay ministry and a board member for eleven of those years with Exodus International, a worldwide coalition of ExGay ministries.I resigned from Love in Action in 2008 and at that time began a search for what was really true for me and my religious beliefs. I’ve spent these last 17 years working to make amends whenever possible for the messages I taught and the impact they had on hundreds of people very personally. Through personal reconnections with program clients and speaking out I hope I am at least making a dent in the harm done.After 24 years in my second marriage, I finally grew the courage to answer that life question once again. For life to be better I needed to fully embrace my homosexuality and life a more authentic life.Today, I am married to my husband Larry. We spend most of our time managing our acreage in central Arkansas and our little Airbnb cabin.  We have a wonderful LGBTQ+ community here and are very active socially with our friends.Website:http://www.johnjsmid.comJohn's book: https://johnjsmid.com/exd-out-2/Contact via email: js@johnjsmid.comTo contact Wilkinson:  BecomingW

Steven Druckman, a Pulitzer-nominated playwright and NYU professor, shares his artistic journey and personal evolution. He opens up about his coming out experience, the challenges of family relationships, and the role of love in life. Druckman discusses the impact of HIV/AIDS on his artistry and reflections on kindness, acceptance, and self-discovery. Listeners will find inspiration in his insights on navigating identity and the complexities of being an artist in today’s world, as well as his upcoming projects and aspirations.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Personal Journey04:45Spirituality and Consciousness Expansion09:14The Shift from 3D to 5D Thinking13:45Authenticity and Sexual Expression17:47The Impact of Shame and Repression22:19Cultural Taboos and Their Consequences26:06Exploring 3D vs 5D Consciousness26:59Future Outlook and Societal Change28:13The Importance of Empathy in Society31:31Awareness and the Anti-Fascist Movement35:55Cultural Differences in Attitudes Towards Sexuality37:59The Impact of Shame on Creative Expression40:33Personal Growth and Business SuccessIn this conversation, Patrick Prohaska discusses the evolving landscape of sexuality and consciousness, sharing personal experiences that highlight the challenges of tolerance and acceptance. He explores the differences between 3D and 5D consciousness, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and the detrimental effects of shame and repression. The dialogue also touches on current societal challenges, the role of empathy, and the hope for a more connected future.Bio:Patrick Prohaska is an author and life coach specializing in sexual healing, personal empowerment, and consciousness expansion. Patrick has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy of science and a Master’s degree in the religions of ancient India, and developed the Light Bridge system of healing and personal transformation. He’s the author of Brain Cells: Escape Your Mental Prisons and Dream Yourself Awake: The Power of Lucid Living, as well as the forthcoming book Myths to Stop Living By. Patrick lives in Colorado and is available for lectures, seminars, and workshops around the globe. More info:  https://www.sexpowersoul.com/To contact Wilkinson: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In this engaging conversation, David Wichman discusses his latest book, "The Four Rooms", which explores themes of sexual freedom and wellbeing, particularly for queer men. The discussion delves into the concept of the 'Four Rooms,' a framework for understanding the queer male experience, and emphasizes the importance of curiosity over judgment in navigating personal and societal challenges. Wichman also reflects on the current political climate, the significance of community, and the role of storytelling in fostering connection and resilience among marginalized groups. The conversation concludes with Wichman sharing his plans for promoting his book and engaging with audiences.Bio : David Wichman Also known as David-SF is an award-winning author, speaker advocate for sexual freedom and a long time sex worker. Known for his raw intense passion in his online adult content  presence. David’s message and his work also explores the intersections of shame, desire, and self-acceptance with fearless vulnerability. His memoir, Every Grain of Sand, earned many accolades including the 2024 American Legacy Book Award in LGBTQ+ Nonfiction, solidifying his voice within the LGBTQ+ community.With over 18 years of experience as a sex worker, David brings a deeply personal lens to his writing, sharing stories that challenge comfort zones and highlight the complexities of sexuality and healing. His latest book, The Four Rooms: An InQueery on Sexual Freedom and Well-being, invites readers to uncover the parts of themselves often silenced by shame and societal conditioning, offering a path toward deeper connection and self-acceptance.Through bold storytelling and thought-provoking insights, David opens the door to meaningful conversations about identity, intimacy, and the journey to sexual well-being. His work continues to inspire and guide those seeking to embrace their full sexual selves with curiosity and compassion.Contact David: http://www.davidsworld.mePhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2023To contact Wilkinson:  BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Chapters00:00Introduction and Background of Matt Nightingale02:05Understanding Identity and Early Realizations05:57Marriage and the Struggle with Sexual Orientation10:00Coming Out and the Journey of Acceptance14:01Reflections on Marriage and Family Life17:49Navigating Relationships with Children19:57Public Coming Out and Community Support22:15Coming Out and Its Impact25:02Navigating Relationships and Acceptance28:01The Evolution of Self-Acceptance29:58Finding Love During a Pandemic36:58Current Work and Spiritual JourneyIn this conversation, Matt Nightingale shares his journey of self-discovery as a gay man raised in a fundamentalist Christian environment. He discusses his early awareness of his sexual orientation, the complexities of marrying a woman while grappling with his identity, and the challenges of living a double life. Matt reflects on his experiences in reparative therapy, the impact of his coming out on his family, and the evolution of his relationships with his children and ex-wife. He emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding within the LGBTQ community and the Christian faith. In this conversation, Matt Nightingale shares his journey of coming out as gay, navigating the complexities of relationships, and evolving his understanding of faith and spirituality. He discusses the challenges he faced during his marriage, the acceptance he found within himself, and how he ultimately found love during the pandemic. Matt also talks about his current work in ministry and his passion for supporting others in their spiritual journeys, particularly those deconstructing conservative Christian beliefs.keywordsLGBTQ, coming out, marriage, spirituality, identity, acceptance, Christian community, advocacy, personal journey, family dynamics, coming out, LGBTQ+, self-acceptance, relationships, spirituality, ministry, love, personal growth, divorce, community supportBIOMatt Nightingale is a pastor, musician, speaker, writer, and spiritual director from San Francisco’s North Bay Area. He is founder and executive director of Common Sanctuary, and co-pastor (along with his long-time best friend, Tony Gapastione) of The Quest.Matt’s musical/creative exploits have included performing a solo show at the Tulsa Jazz Hall of Fame, singing the national anthem at two 49ers games and a stint with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. His song, “Always Entertaining Me (The La-La Song)” was featured in the hit Korean drama IRIS, and his song, “Going Home” was recorded by Broadway star and Emmy winner Loretta Devine and is featured on the soundtrack of the short film “Neighbor.”For seventeen years, Matt worked as a worship pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, serving churches in Redwood City, CA; Houston, TX; Tulsa, OK; Seattle, WA; and Santa Rosa, CA. He is a graduate of the Spiritual Director Formation Program at The Journey Center Association and a member of Spiritual Directors International.As a gay Christian, Matt is passionate about the intersection of sexuality and spirituality, and he works to create safe, sacred spaces for people exploring these identities. His TEDx talk, “Choosing Gratitude and Hope,” with his former wife, Luanne Nightingale, tells their story of a mixed-orientation marriage, an evolving understanding of faith and sexuality, and the choice to divorce with gratitude and hope.Matt is the husband of Alejandro and the father of four adult children: Joshua, Jacob, Emily and Zachary.CONTACT:Matt's website:  http://www.mattnightingale.com. Matt is also @mattnightingale on Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram and FB.To contact Wilkinson: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In this conversation, John Gordon shares his life experiences, including his journey of self-discovery as a gay man, his relationships, and the challenges he faced with fear and personal growth. He reflects on his past relationships, the impact of HIV, and how he navigated life lessons that shaped his current outlook. John emphasizes the importance of facing fears and living authentically, while also discussing his current living situation and lifestyle choices.Contact John on FB: https://www.facebook.com/john.gordon.3511Contact Wilkinson:  BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In this engaging conversation, Dale Allen Rowse shares his multifaceted journey from a successful ballet dancer to a real estate trainer and author. He discusses his struggles with a debilitating neurological disorder, his healing journey through writing and shamanism, and the impact of his personal experiences on his literary work. Dale's insights into language, spirituality, and the creative process provide a profound understanding of his life and work.Dale and his husband John live on a five-acre ranch in Mountain Center, California. They currently have five dogs with a miniature donkey possibly in their future. Other things that keep Dale occupied are his quilts – you can see his work online as the Quilting Cowboy – and his day job as a real estate sales educator and coach.From Dale:📚 Read my best-selling books: amazon.com/author/dale-allen-rowse🌟 Learn about my journey: www.DaleAllenRowse.com✨ Shop my quilts and patterns: www.etsy.com/shop/thequiltingcowboy🎨 Discover more: QuiltingCowboy.com📺 Watch more: YouTube.com/@QuiltinRetreats:  https://www.merkaba.mx/To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Filmmaker Steve Balderson discusses his diverse filmography, the challenges of blending genres, and the complexities of distribution and marketing in the film industry. He reflects on the provocative nature of his work, particularly in 'Watch Out,' and the balance between explicit content and artistic expression in 'Sex, Love, Venice.' Balderson also shares insights on character development, casting choices, and the importance of humor and improvisation in filmmaking. He concludes with thoughts on the financial realities of independent filmmaking and his journey of learning a new language while immersing himself in European culture. In this engaging conversation, Steve Balderson shares his insights on the intricacies of casting, auditioning, and the creative processes involved in filmmaking. He discusses the importance of personal growth, facing fears, and embracing change, particularly in the context of moving to Europe. The dialogue also explores the dynamics of relationships, the impact of public perception and reviews, and the exploration of non-traditional relationship structures. Additionally, Balderson delves into the sensory experiences in film and the meticulous art of filmmaking, emphasizing the precision required in creating compelling narratives.BIORoger Ebert gave Steve’s film FIRECRACKER, starring Karen Black and Mike Patton, a Special Jury Award on his annual Best Films of the Year list. The U.S. Library of Congress selected his film THE CASSEROLE CLUB, starring Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys, for its permanent collection. Steve ranks #47 on the IMDb's Top 100 Gay and Lesbian director's working today.Film Threat magazine praises, “Balderson makes movies that are so gorgeous that it’s not unreasonable to say that, cinematographically at least; he’s the equal of an Argento or Kubrick in their prime. Some people have perfect vocal pitch,Steve has perfect visual composition.”Steve’s debut book, “Filmmaking Confidential,” debuted as an Amazon and Audible best-seller. He is a contributor to The Advocate and MovieMaker magazines and shares his extensive filmmaking knowledge as a guest lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).http://www.stevebalderson.com/http://www.filmmakingconfidential.com/http://www.dikenga.com/Dikenga Films | WhatsApp +1 785 565 25 35To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com