Living in the closet is a unique experience that queer people must face. Yet each person’s journey is shaped by culture, family dynamics, and social pressures. For some, living in the closet is about safety and survival. For others, it’s the first step in a journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity. In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to live in the closet and the complex emotions that come with it. We discuss: What was was like for you living in the closet? What did it take for you to come out? What advice would you give to someone who is in the closet but afraid to come out? Whether you’re still in the closet, reflecting on your journey, or supporting someone else through theirs, this conversation offers empathy, wisdom, and practical guidance for navigating this deeply personal experience. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion about courage, culture, and living your truth—at your own pace. Free download: The Gay Man's Survival Guide For Your First Year Out Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Reno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Coming out to our families can be one of the most difficult experiences we navigate as queer folk. Sometimes it can be made even more difficult if the people we are opening up to are challenged by it, or don’t understand it. Other times, we may find ourselves in the company of people who do understand, or simply meet our openness with their own. Or, in this case, sometimes what we experience is a combination of both. This is a unique episode, because today our co-host Reno is sitting down with none other than HIS MOM to have a conversation about being different, growing up gay and queer, how she navigated his queerness as a parent, and how they both navigated his queerness as parent and child. Allison Johnston is a mother, grandmother, social worker, advocate, and sage. In this episode, we dive into… When she knew I was different. When she knew I was gay. What some of the signs were. Life growing up. Coming out. How she and my family and friends experienced my coming out. Whether she struggled with it or not, and who did. What some of my own struggles were. What it was like being the mother of a queer child. What wisdom we might offer family members relating to queerness. Today's Guest: Allison Johnston Instagram Today's Host: Reno Johnston Instagram LinkedIn Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Big things are on the horizon for the Gay Men’s Brotherhood in 2025, and we can’t wait to share them with you! In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our vision for the future— including new opportunities and exciting changes you can expect in the year ahead including: Opportunities for local meetup groups  New virtual events  In-person retreats Leadership opportunities  We’ll also talk about the ways you can step into the mission, make an impact, and help us shape the future of GMB. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just tuning in now, this is your moment to be part of something bigger. Your voice, your participation, and your unique contributions are what make this community thrive in 2025- and beyond. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Whether you love it or hate it, hookup culture is a part of gay culture—and if you look a little closer, it just might be a powerful tool for self-discovery. In this episode, we’re diving into the real-life lessons our casual hookups taught us about confidence, boundaries, and self-love. We’re going beyond the benefits and drawbacks of hookup culture, and sharing how these experiences have shaped who we are This episode is for anyone curious about navigating hookup culture with more clarity and intentionality. Some of the topics we’ll be covering: The benefits and drawbacks of casual sex  Practicing self-care before and after sexy encounters  3 questions you can use to check in with yourself Setting healthy boundaries Ways to discover what needs are motivating your hook ups Practical tips for making casual encounters align with your values Join us as we break down the skills that casual sex can build (yes, they’re easily transferable to other areas of life!) and how you can approach hookups in a way that feels empowered, intentional, and true to yourself. Reflection Questions in the Show: Michael’s 3 Questions (listen to the episode to learn when and how to use these!) Why am I seeking this experience? As I imagine moving forward, how do I feel? Tomorrow when I look back on this, how will I feel about it? Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Reno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez, a board-certified urologist and co-founder of Popstar Labs, delves into intimate penis health topics with host Matt. They break down the stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction and discuss treatments. The conversation covers circumcision, revealing its cultural implications. They explore safe methods for penis enlargement and the significance of pelvic health, including innovative Botox therapy for dysfunction. Lastly, they tackle myths about semen volume and the benefits of regular ejaculation, encouraging openness in discussions about sexual wellness.

On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we're diving into The Sexuality Spectrum. From fluid attractions and shifting needs to understanding social conditioning and embracing different sexual dynamics, we’re exploring the dynamic range of human sexuality and how it shows up uniquely for each of us. Some of the topics we’ll be discussing are:  Some of the aspects of the sexuality spectrum, including emotional needs, affection, and attraction How shame and social conditioning impact our sexual expression How we align (or don’t) with different parts of the spectrum based on environment, mood, or connection with others. How our sexual needs evolve over time  The role of emotional intimacy and vulnerability in sexual connection  This episode is filled with personal stories on how our own sexual preferences have changed over the years, and what it means to get those needs met. Tune in for a nuanced conversation on embracing the fluidity of our sexuality, breaking down labels, and finding what truly works for us. Related Link: Types of Sexuality Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Reno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

In this enlightening discussion, Michael Pezzullo, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in the LGBTQIA+ community, teams up with life coach Michael Diiorio. They delve into the nuances of therapy versus coaching, clarifying their goals and methodologies. Listeners learn how to identify which approach suits their personal growth needs. The conversation highlights real client stories, coping strategies, and the importance of selecting the right support for emotional healing and goal-setting. Discover your next step towards personal development with their expert insights!

Dive into the complexities of trust within relationships, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Discover how past traumas influence trust issues and the crucial stages needed to foster authentic connections. Explore the importance of vulnerability and interdependence while navigating emotional challenges. Gain insights on rebuilding trust after betrayal, the significance of open communication, and the role of personal development in healing. Join the conversation about how platonic bonds can evolve into deeper connections.

This discussion shifts the spotlight to the positive signs in dating—green flags. Discover the traits like kindness and emotional availability that indicate a strong connection. The hosts share personal stories and insights, highlighting the significance of communication, vulnerability, and maturity. They engage in playful dialogue on self-awareness and trust, while reflecting on authenticity and pacing in relationships. It's a refreshing look at how to cultivate fulfilling and healthier partnerships.

This discussion dives into the critical red flags to watch for when dating. It highlights how personal experiences can shape perceptions of these warning signs. The speakers share reflections on the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and communication in relationships. They explore the balance between compassion and caution, emphasizing practical strategies for navigating potential pitfalls. By sharing personal stories, they encourage listeners to foster stronger connections through greater self-reflection and understanding.