
Becoming Wilkinson
When I started this podcast, I thought it would be the story of my journey from married man with three sons, involved in ministry in the NW, to my current life as a gay man in Palm Springs, CA. I'd weave in interesting interviews with amazing people whom I've met along the way. But as the podcast has evolved, I realized that interacting and hearing other people's stories has changed me. The Universe always sends me just the right person at just the right time to guide me along my own journey of "Becoming". Join me as I have conversations with these fascinating people and share this journey with you.
Latest episodes

Apr 20, 2025 • 43min
"Authenticity and sexual expression VS the impact of shame and repression" with Patrick Prohaska.
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

Apr 13, 2025 • 54min
Author David Wichman discusses his new book "The Four Rooms" which explores the intersections of shame, desire and self-acceptance with fearless vulnerability.
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

Apr 6, 2025 • 38min
Matt Nightingale shares his journey of self-discovery as a gay man raised as a fundamentalist Christian.
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

Apr 4, 2025 • 31min
The Life and Loves of John Gordon...
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

Mar 30, 2025 • 49min
Dale Allen-Rowse: Not your average shaman!
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

Mar 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Steve Balderson: Successfully Directing 20 Films Away From the Mainstream and Doing it His Way!
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

Mar 16, 2025 • 42min
JEROME COURSHON: Getting independent film into the marketplace via an ethical means.
JEROME COURSHONIn this week's episode of the Becoming Wilkinson podcast, my guest is Jerome Courshon. I met him a few weeks ago when Steve Balderson's film "Sex Love Venice" was distributed and shown at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. As an ally to the LGBTQ+ Community, Jerome loved the film and had great things to say about it. He shares his unique journey in the film industry, discussing his transition from acting to producing and eventually to film distribution. He emphasizes the importance of honesty in the industry, the challenges faced by independent filmmakers, and the evolving landscape of film distribution in the digital age. Jerome also reflects on the impact of films on relationships and the significance of creating content that resonates with audiences. He discusses the importance of integrity in personal and professional relationships, the evolving landscape of filmmaking, and the criteria for evaluating film content. He reflects on personal growth, perseverance, and the moral choices we make in life. The dialogue also touches on the impact of political discourse on personal beliefs and the balance between living a life of love versus fear. The conversation concludes with reflections on the value of meaningful discussions and the importance of staying true to oneself.Finally, as CEO of Lion Heart Distribution (launched in 2022), he has quite a bit to say about the unethical behavior in this industry.THE DETAILS:Distribution Expert and “go-to” authority of getting independent films into the marketplace for 15 years (2007 – 2022), producer Jerome Courshon launched Lion Heart Distribution in 2022. As the CEO, he serves and provides an ethical option for Producers & Directors to have success in the U.S. & Canadian marketplace with their movies, without being ripped off by unscrupulous distributors. Growth of his company was exponential in 2024, and Courshon is currently seeking investors to grow the company further. Potentially interested parties may reach him through his website: http://www.LionHeart.LA For Filmmakers & Producers: All genres of movies are considered for distribution, as well as full-length documentaries and completed TV series. For more info, visit: http://www.LionHeart.LATo contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Mar 9, 2025 • 46min
Filmmaker and author Steve Balderson: "Find something to love in every person you meet".
In this engaging conversation, Wilkinson and Steve Balderson explore themes of personal growth, sexuality, and the journey of becoming a filmmaker. Steve shares his unique upbringing in Kansas, his awakening to his identity, and the pivotal experiences that shaped his life and career. The discussion delves into the importance of storytelling, the transformative power of love, and the lessons learned through art and self-discovery. Steve's insights on kindness, humor, and finding love in everyone he meets resonate throughout the conversation, making it a rich exploration of life as an artist and individual.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

Mar 6, 2025 • 41min
Coming out as gay to his macho Marine dad, performing in adult films & finding a home on stage.
In this engaging conversation, Ronny Borrelli shares his personal journey of coming out, navigating life as a gay man in various environments, and his experiences in the adult film industry. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up in Lake Havasu, his transition to Palm Springs, and his return to performing arts. The conversation also touches on the importance of activism, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, and the significance of art in inspiring change.Ronny's Bio:Ronny Borrelli hails from Lake Havasu City, AZ where he participated in productions at the Lake Havasu's theater, Grace Arts Live in “South Pacific”, “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Peter Pan”, and “The Wizard of Oz”.A resident of the Palm Springs area since 2014, he returned to his love of performing arts last year as Harvey Johnson in “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Palm Canyon Theatre. He performed in “F**king Men” with The Bent and he was also featured as Spike in his first time performing at Revolution Stage Company. Ronny is looking forward to pursuing his passion for the performing arts and is eager to see what other opportunities await! He’s excited to join the cast of “The Inheritance” at The Bent’s final play of season 3. (The Inheritance is an inspired two-part examination of survival, healing, class divide, and what it means to call a place home. Part 2 will lead off The Bent’s season 4 in Palm Springs). No wonder Ronny is excited to be chosen to be a part of this epic play!Contact Ronny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronny.borrelliPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2024To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Feb 3, 2025 • 2min
Disconnecting from the chaos in order to reconnect with ourselves through nature.
A short message recorded in Joshua Tree National Park, CA on February 2, 2025.