Becoming Wilkinson

IN BRETT'S OWN WORDS:I initially did the Ride in 1999 because, at the time, I thought I had only months to live. It was my sixth anniversary of being HIV. Medications were limited and toxic. My health was struggling greatly, so I wanted to challenge myself to fight for those living and aging with HIV/AIDS one last time, myself included. However, to my thankful surprise, I'm still here!Since 1993, when the Ride began as the "California AIDS Ride," participants have raised more than $300+ million and completed more than 42,000 journeys on bikes from San Francisco to Los Angeles.The stigma of HIV remains very prevalent, and many in the HIV community are still reluctant to talk about it. Those living and aging with HIV/AIDS struggle daily to maintain their health and get reasonably priced health services. New infections are still alarmingly present in communities all over the US. Those becoming HIV+ are constantly saying, "We didn't know, we didn't realize, we don't care, no one told us, we thought it was a manageable disease!.We realize that the week out on AIDS/LifeCycle is the hardest we will work all year, but it is also the most emotional and fulfilling for me and the other Riders and Roadies. (from 2021) My personal training story started in September after a ten-month recovery from a nasty bike crash. Thankfully, I'm now riding 100-200 miles weekly, but it can be grueling, a huge time-suck, and days filled with mental and physical challenges, but I do it with my Desert Roadrunners team of like-minded and selfless individuals. Team Desert Roadrunners represents our own 'desert love bubble.' I was raised on the idea that community and service are essential and can fulfill your wildest dreams and goals. The love that comes towards you as a Rider or Roadie, you get to give back tenfold to other people. It's incredibly emotionally filling.The AIDS/LifeCycle advances the shared interests of the beneficiaries in reducing new HIV infections and improving the quality of life for people living and aging with HIV/AIDS. It raises crucial awareness about the ongoing epidemic, in addition to funding critical services such as HIV testing and screenings for other sexually transmitted infections, medical care, prevention services, housing, and more.In addition to the 1.2 million people living with HIV and AIDS in the United States, 1 in 7 people do not know they live with the disease. https://giving.aidslifecycle.org/participant/43387Desert Sun: https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/health/2022/06/03/palm-springs-resident-ride-545-miles-raise-funds-hiv-aids/7462292001/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Daniel StewartAfter the death of his mother when he was only six years old was when his father said it was "God's will" and he was not to question it. That was only the beginning of his problems that went on for decades. Daniel Stewart has led a very interesting life.  As a teen, he figured out that he was gay, was outed to his religious father by a disgruntled lover and was subsequently rejected and kicked out of his home. That started him on a precarious downward spiral.  But he figured out a way to turn his life around...Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Dr. Sean Ferri, PsyD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California (#34510) and New Jersey (#35SI00737900). He currently serves as the Senior Manger, Clinical Support and Clinical Psychologist at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert in Palm Springs. He also maintains a private practice. His doctoral research focused on the need for expanding LGBTQ+ competency within school-based mental health programs across the U.S. Prior to his clinical work, he was an educator and taught in a multitude of settings including China, Harlem, NY, and NJ. He currently teaches Human Sexuality and Intimacy at Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education & Psychology. His areas of focus include the LGBTQ+ Community, anxiety, grief, and exploring the intersectionality of neurodivergency and gender identity.Contact Sean via email: drseantherapy@gmail.com.LGBT youth crisis helpline. If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

I'm very happy that my friend Amine came by and we recorded this podcast episode.  It's a definite eye-opener!Contact Amine here:Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amineraif/email: amineraif@yahoo.comThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.    Text or call 988 on your cell phone for help.LGBT youth crisis helpline. If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Ryan St. Michael is a full-time content creator based out of Palm Springs, CA. After graduating from the University of South Carolina in his home state, he moved to Cape Town, South Africa for fourteen months to study in a Masters in Public Health Program while on a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship. Following his time overseas, St. Michael went to law school at the University of Houston Law Center. He practiced family law litigation for four years before resigning to go into full-time business with his ex, an artist. In addition to owning and operating an art gallery for a dozen years, the couple co-founded a nonprofit for artists to train them on entrepreneurial skills. After their divorce, Ryan decided to pursue his passion of content creation. Links: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanstmichaelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryansaintmichael/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In Shaun's own words:As a young boy, growing up in Virginia, I used to pour over house plan books from the local library for hours! I was fascinated with interior design, architecture, and what HOME represents to all people. I found that rooms and our environments can influence us in many ways including our emotions and our life experiences. I continued my hobby of design, and architecture appreciation throughout my teen years. I initially followed a career path in Musical Theater, but that is a story for another time. After discovering that I preferred roots to wings I decided that the traveling life was not for me and honed my skills in hospitality management with the Marriott Corporation. It is there that I found my love of service and helping others realize their dreams. I moved to the Palm Springs area eight years ago after falling in love with the architecture and the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley. I am extremely grateful to be able to help others find their piece of paradise here in our glorious valley.Contact Shaun: https://shaunwaters.com/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Aaron Fury is an actor, model and medical professional. Born and raised in Washington state, Aaron’s small town charm and creative flair have served him well, engaging in a variety of entertainment roles including show producer, gogo dancer, DJ, singer songwriter and now actor and model. Aaron made the big leap from Washington State to California to pursue his dreams and see where the sun, palm trees and opportunities lead him.CONTACT AARON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_fury_/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AaronFury Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Trent Blanchard, M.A. is a human being in search of the true meaning of life! He’s spent over half of his life studying, attending endless workshops and being therapatized up the yin yang to understand his own internal struggle to figure it out and ultimately, experience that ever elusive thing called inner peace. What he thinks he’s figured out is that love, worthiness and perfection are the foundation of our being and that it is up to us to embark on a journey of releasing any emotional, physical, mental or spiritual beliefs that are not in alignment with this Truth. Whilst Trent continues to walk his own journey he feels obligated, and privileged, to share the wisdom he’s acquired with others as they walk through theirs. Trent Blanchard is an accidental alchemist; through the love he showed himself in facing his own struggle, he has transformed his pain into medicine that heals himself and others.Contact:Trent Blanchard, MA760.481.4445https://www.instagram.com/trent4change/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

STEVEN DREW AUERBACHSteven Drew Auerbach is a recognized International Business Consultant specializing in Brand Marketing/Management for over 30 years. His work has taken him around the world, and he has brought numerous luxury brands to the U.S. market.  Steven has been featured as both “A Retail Guru” and “A Top Designer to Watch” by LDB Magazine. He has also been a guest on National Public Radio due to his work in social entrepreneurship. Raised on the east coast by a fashion model/clothing designer mother and legal scholar/entrepreneur father, provided him with the foundation to be both a designer and business executive. Auerbach earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business/Consumer Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He also holds certificates in International Negotiation, Importation and Harmonized Scheduling. Additionally, he earned a Writer’s Certificate from UCLA and is a published journalist and public speaker.In 2017 Auerbach shifted his career from private business to non-profit. He has served on the advisory boards of two non-profits that focus on the health and welfare of the LGBTQ+ community, is the COO and Director of Business Development for the HIV+ Aging Research Project and is a Founding Partner of The Chosen Family Project.Residing in Palm Springs, CA Auerbach lives with his two dogs, Rocco and Teddi, (which he declares are “full of so much love it should be illegal”).   Auerbach enjoys yoga, is an ardent reader, news junkie and makes a mean kugel.  Web:http://www.TheChosenFamilyProject.orghttp://www.HARP-PS.orgPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

In Matt Irby's own words:When the pandemic hit, I was working a corporate job in Seattle and was given the opportunity to work from home and live where I pleased. My first thought? Palm Springs! I moved here in late 2020, made a great group of friends and started doing "game nights" every week. As game nights went on and the group got larger, it became a true source of happiness and connection in an otherwise chaotic work life I had. Then it hit me! If I could feel this great connecting with new and old friends playing games, aren’t there others out there wanting the same thing? I was sitting at my desk in another corporate drone meeting, and it came to me: “Play”. I wanted a cool hangout spot that I could go to and meet new people that centered around games. Then more came to my mind... why not extend it and have a café in the morning where people can work from and grab some food throughout the day, then flip it to a lounge in the evening with fun board games, outdoor games, pool tables, darts, etc. with a different selection of beer and wine? Play was officially born and opened in September 2023.I love sharing my passion with you and making a lot of new friends along the way! See you at Play! Matt Irbyweb site: https://www.playloungeps.comMatt's email:  Matt@playloungeps.comPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2024Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com