Becoming Wilkinson

Kai Brothers Kai was born in Santa Cruz in the 1960’s and spent his early years there with his family, going to school and growing into an out gay person living life to the fullest- starting a career, dating guys and doing whatever theater opportunities that came along.  At 18 he moved to San Francisco to begin his adult life, where he continued his career, finding his community and studying theater at San Francisco State University. Life was good, life was fun.  Then came HIV/AIDS and he became positive before anyone even knew what was going on.  He was still thriving and continuing his career in technology, eventually buying a home with his partner who he eventually married.  unlike his friends, he didn't succumb to AIDS and found out later that he was a non-progressor.  He survived for 35 years without taking any medication and outlived all his friends who succumbed to AIDS.  So, physically unscathed, but emotionally scarred, he carried on.  He participated in multiple research studies to find out the secrets of long term survivors.  Having lost the drive to pursue performing arts, he eventually joined the SF Gay Men’s Chorus which brought him back to theater and performing. This was always a huge desire of his but he had let it wane.  Now in his 40’s, he became involved in the San Francisco theater scene, performing in underground shows with The Thrillpeddlers and SF Oasis to larger venues such as the SF opera and New Conservatory Theatre.  As he approached his 60’s he made a life changing decision to move to Palm Springs.  This new life brought a community and performing opportunities that became a bigger part of his life.  Now retired and doing movies, commercials, dance performance as well as theater, he feels he is living the fullest and most satisfying phase of his life. He recently played the role of Hank in "Boys in the Band", produced by The Bent Theatre (Palm Springs' newest LGBT Theatre).To contact Kai: https://www.instagram.com/kaibrosf/?hl=enPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Kai Brothers Kai was born in Santa Cruz in the 1960’s and spent his early years there with his family, going to school and growing into an out gay person living life to the fullest- starting a career, dating guys and doing whatever theater opportunities that came along.  At 18 he moved to San Francisco to begin his adult life, where he continued his career, finding his community and studying theater at San Francisco State University. Life was good, life was fun.  Then came HIV/AIDS and he became positive before anyone even knew what was going on.  He was still thriving and continuing his career in technology, eventually buying a home with his partner who he eventually married.  unlike his friends, he didn't succumb to AIDS and found out later that he was a non-progressor.  He survived for 35 years without taking any medication and outlived all his friends who succumbed to AIDS.  So, physically unscathed, but emotionally scarred, he carried on.  He participated in multiple research studies to find out the secrets of long term survivors.  Having lost the drive to pursue performing arts, he eventually joined the SF Gay Men’s Chorus which brought him back to theater and performing. This was always a huge desire of his but he had let it wane.  Now in his 40’s, he became involved in the San Francisco theater scene, performing in underground shows with The Thrillpeddlers and SF Oasis to larger venues such as the SF opera and New Conservatory Theatre.  As he approached his 60’s he made a life changing decision to move to Palm Springs.  This new life brought a community and performing opportunities that became a bigger part of his life.  Now retired and doing movies, commercials, dance performance as well as theater, he feels he is living the fullest and most satisfying phase of his life. He recently played the role of Hank in "Boys in the Band", produced by The Bent Theatre (Palm Springs' newest LGBT Theatre).To contact Kai: https://www.instagram.com/kaibrosf/?hl=enPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Kaye Laine is a person of many talents. She has designed clothes for LA music awards, and owned her own clothing line. She has had the opportunity to model in LA fashion week and she once worked as a ring girl in Yuma Arizona. Kaye has modeled in many lookbooks, catalogs, and was even nominated Latin model of the year, though she is not Latin. She was Miss Abril, for Viva Latino America. Partially why she was in modeling, she wanted to know the fashion end of the industry so she can have her own company. Kaye Laine has also been in the entertainment industry. She started out as a young girl performing in plays, musicals, and as she grew a little older, she had the opportunity to do commercials.She is now a member of SAG-AFTRA, which is the screen actors Guild. Her first speaking role in the film was One More Round, a Kevin Sorbo film, which she plays a judge’s wife. She has been featured in season seven, episode one of The New Girl, as the angry mother. She’s also done a lot of standing work and worked with Joan Cusack, Tig Notaro, along with many other wonderful people. She still strives by doing stand-up comedy at her local area and has worked in Hollywood, studio city, and other parts of Los Angeles and is currently in the Coachella valley.Kaye Laine has made it to where she is due to the struggles that she has had in her life.She is a bit of the black sheep of her family,  second oldest of six kids and the only one that’s in the entertainment industry. She struggles in this area because she puts her family first due to the trauma that has hit her in the past. She’s a mother of three kids, the second oldest has autism and she currently is a stay at home mom. She occasionally has a break and does things that she loves:  acting, art, comedy, etc.Kaye uses her past as a daily boost to move forward. She may be a victim of domestic violence, but it helps her in her daily life. Especially in comedy. And she’s continually looking for ways to help her heal. Surrounding herself with like-minded people, positive places and positive situations. She has used comedy to help herself move forward.  Everything in Kaye's  life has been a very slow journey, not because she’s just healing because she puts her family first. She continues to work on other projects that help her heal and move forward in life. She’s currently working on a book that reflects on this. It will be posted on her website when it’s published.Contact Kaye:  http://www.Kayelaine-exclusive.comPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com 

Jason ManninoJason has decades of experience in multiple various careers that overlap including careers as an Executive Search Consultant, Executive Coach, Singer, Actor.  In Executive Search Jason has partnered with a variety of mission-driven clients both in house and with some of the world’s top executive recruiting agencies including Korn Ferry and Koya Partners (a division of Diversified Search Group). He also implemented in house executive search functions at world class organizations including University of Southern California, UC Berkeley, LA Care Health Plan among others. He also spent years working throughout the entertainment industry at organizations including Warner Bros. The Walt Disney Company and Universal Music among others.  In addition, Jason has had a lifelong love affair with the performing arts as a performer and supporter. Since moving to Palm Springs in 2021 he has sung withModern Men, Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus, and had the honor of performing in the world premiere of their commission Momentum.  He's performed multiple times with A Cabello, the Coachella Valley’s Premier Male Vocal Ensemble.. And he made his operatic debut in the lead role of Guy in TigerBear Productions' West Coast Premiere of Unbound in 2022. He holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from Rutgers University and an M.A. in Spiritual Psychology from University of Santa Monica and he is credentialed as an executive/career coach with the International Coaching Federation ( He is also a certified massage therapist and certified conscious breath worker.Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2022Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.comNOTE:  This is a re-issue of a podcast that I released last year when my podcast was new and I had few downloads and followers.  I've been re-issuing some of the better ones on Friday, now that I have additional followers who can now enjoy them.

Michael Vaccaro had ended a 16 year relationship.  In the dumps, he searched the internet for sad songs and poems to match his melancholy mood.  But he found one poem that was uplifting.  He liked the poem so much that he printed it out and put it in his wallet, where he carried it for five or six years.  Then one day he met a man who embodied what was written in the poem.  They were inseparable from that point on.This is a love story completely orchestrated by the Universe.  Call it fate.  Call it The Law of Attraction. Whatever words are used to describe this story- it was a time of pure magic.  And it's one that will haunt the listener for a very long time.Wait for Him:Wait for the guy that calls you beautiful instead of hot,Who calls you back when you hang up on him,Who stays awake just to watch you sleep,who worries and takes care of you when you are ill.Wait for the guy that kisses your forehead,who wants to show you off to the world when you are wearing sweats,who holds your hand in front of his friends.Wait for the guy who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you,and how lucky he is to have you.Wait for the guy who turns to his friends and say, "That's him!"Wait for the guy who only wants you.- AntonioMichael Vaccaro is an actor/writer/producer/director/print model and singer. Michael grew up in New York City, and began working as a child actor in the Robert Altman film, “Rich Kids.” His film work includes “Deleted Scenes,” “You Can’t Stay Here,” and “The Endless Possibility of Sky,” all directed by Todd Verow,  “A Play On Words,” which was nominated for Best Feature at the NYC International Film Festival, "The Other Side of Infinity," directed by James Lay, "Surf Grifters," “Look Back,” in which he plays the lead role and was a big winner at the Cannes Film Festival, “The True Blue Ripper” can now be seen on Tubi.His TV work includes “Bronx: SIU,”(Amazon Prime) “No Brainer”(Netflix), “The Middle Ages,” alongside actress Shirley Jones, and five seasons of “Child of the ‘70s,” a sitcom he created, and he has done voices for many cartoon characters. In the ‘80s, he was an angst-ridden teen on NBC’s hit soap, “Another World.” He has an extensive theatre resume, appearing in many productions of “West Side Story,” and other musicals, tons of Shakespeare, and he recently starred in “O’Neill’s Ghosts” at the Odyssey Theatre in LA. He is a graduate of the Second City Improv Conservatory. He can be found on many TV commercials, and he often works as a print model, most recently for Miller Lite, Amazon and Audio Books. As a singer, he has 2 albums out which can be found at Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, iTunes, and all online platforms, and has his own cologne, Proteus. www.MichaelVaccaro.com Instagram: @MichaelVaccaro TikTok: @michaelvacaroofficial Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

David Zecca describes the amazing gay journey that's brought him to where he is today.He talks about the hardships of his childhood as a young boy -  discovering his sexual identity,  being on his own and learning how to survive.He's had multiple careers and he's truly very entrepreneurial! He discusses what made him get into sex work for a season and he shares the tender lessons that he learned through these experiences.Finally, he shares why he had a tattoo placed on his armpit (one of the most painfully sensitive parts of the body) and what that symbolizes.His story is interesting, heartfelt, poignant and it contains some wonderful advice for all who would listen.David lives in Palm Springs with his fiancé Doug.

Steve Oppenheimer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with a private practice in Palm Springs.  Steve also has over 30 years of executive-level business experience, and has worked with several Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Universal Health Services and J Walter Thompson.  In 2021, Steve made a career pivot and transitioned from his role of Hospital CEO to become a full-time Mental Health practitioner and entrepreneur.  In his practice, Steve blends principals of business leadership, Mental Health Wellness and a solution-focus.  Steve has lived in Palm Springs for more than 20 years, and works with individuals and couples throughout California (in person and online). For more information, please visit his website at www.stevenoppenheimermft.com In Steve's own words:"Although the concept of change is difficult for many of us to consider,  I choose to look at change as an "opportunity" to re-imagine, and re-prioritize what we want.  ​It's an opportunity to re-examine our path in life, make positive changes, and experience personal healing. Although this is typically not an easy time, it is an opportunity filled with the potential of great personal power.  As we move forward through our lives, we learn that life is not always fair.  We face challenges and obstacles on a daily basis.  Some of these we overcome; some of these, we come short. ​It's the moments of our life experience, which create, and then reinforce, not only our belief system and values, but also shape our "automatic thoughts."  Some of our automatic thoughts may lead us to create barriers for ourselves, which prevent us from finding a sense of satisfaction and personnel happiness. Additionally, some of our automatic thoughts may lead us to feel anxious, afraid, sad, stressed, depressed, unsatisfied, desperate, angry and alone.​We can find ourselves trapped in a dead-end job or stuck in unhappy, or unhealthy, relationship.    Even when we know things in our lives are just not working and we say that we want a change...It may be the fear, embarrassment or sadness that keeps us from moving forward.  It's our automatic thoughts that keep us from creating a life that we so deeply know we deserve.  ​Through authentic, honest and caring conversation and reflection, one can problem-solve, face life challenges, and find contentment and success. You can grow, make positive changes in Your life, and find personnel happiness". To contact Steve:   https://www.stevenoppenheimermft.com/Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Scott Vitale is a gay man who weighed 312 pounds when he went in for his annual check up.  His doctor said: "Scott, you're going to die".Scott: "Everyone is going to die."'Doc: "No, I mean soon."He was told that if he didn't lose a lot of his 312 pounds, that would be it...He was then referred to a doctor who did bariatric surgery.  Scott credits a lot of his success to the nutritionist who helped him learn to eat differently.  Under her guidance, he lost 45 pounds before the surgery.  Subsequently, the surgeon removed two thirds of his stomach, which caused some drastic changes in his life.His husband Eric supported him all along the way in this journey, and accompanied him to that first visit with the nutritionist.  When they returned home, Eric began to toss all of the bread, pastas , cereals, etc. into the trash and he told Scott that he too, would not be eating those things any longer.With his new-found energy and new life, Scott took up cycling and completed the San Francisco to LA Aids/Life Cycle ride in 2022.    He continues to cycle today and it's become his passion. Today he's maintains his ideal weight at 165 pounds.You may contact Scott via email at: svitale03@yahoo.comPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2022Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Brett Paesel is the author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller, “Mommies Who Drink, Sex, Drugs, and Other Distant Memories of an Ordinary Mom”  (Warner) and the novel, “Everything is Just Fine” (Grand Central). Paesel’s humorous essays have appeared in several collections including “Toddler”, “Behind the Bedroom Door”, “Lights, Action, Travel”, and “Afterbirth”. She has been a contributing editor to three national magazines: Violet, Wondertime, and Parents. She has also published pieces in numerous publications including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Kennedy Center, and Salon.com.In Hollywood, Brett has developed television shows for HBO, ABC, Fox, Comedy Central, WB, Nick at Nite, and Lifetime. As an actor, Brett was a cast member for several seasons on two critically acclaimed shows: HBO’s “Mr. Show with Bob and David” and Amazon’s “Transparent”.Contact Brett:  http://www.brettpaesel.com Find her books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=brett+paesel&crid=2VAIWK81VPQD7&sprefix=brett+pae%2Caps%2C160&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

STEVEN SKEELSSINGER • SONGWRITER • ACTOR • PRODUCER"TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE" - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARESteven was living the "perfect" life in NYC.  He was married to the man who was the love of his life and they were both living an enviable, successful life on stage and in the arts.  Then one day, after picking up his husband Jerad after his matinee performance in "Wicked" on Broadway, they headed to a day off at their cabin in the Poconos.  Their car hit an unexpected patch of black ice and the unimaginable happened in the blink of an eye.He shares the story of agonizing physical and emotional pain in the aftermath of the accident, and he also shares some very important lessons that he and his husband Jerad learned.  And he tells us some of the principals he lives by...Over his 40 year career, Steven Skeels has established himself as one of music’s most versatile artists, equally as passionate as a performer on the concert stage singing his own material to writing and producing for other artists as well. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he has explored nearly every genre of music and continues to explore new sounds and experiences. He has performed in over forty countries and has been seen on the Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as numerous television programs throughout Europe.As an actor and performer, Steven was handpicked by Andrew Lloyd Webber to originate the starring role of “Rusty” in the hit musical Starlight Express, both in Germany and Las Vegas. This role garnered him a European radio Top 10 single with the title song “Starlight Express” for CBS Records. Other roles include Lt. Cable in South Pacific (American Hawaii Cruise Lines), the Scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz (Macy’s Theatricals of NYC), and Tom Thumb in Barnum (The S.S. Norway). In film, Steven has been featured in the award-winning short film, Leaving Malcolm, and as well as composing music for the film. Steven is currently in post-production for his documentary, Becoming Whole, which chronicles his journey from humble beginnings to the top of the entertainment business.To see his entire bio and to contact Steven, go to https://www.stevenskeels.comPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2023Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com