Long before the days of Grindr and the internet, the gay scene was largely underground. Gay and bi men had to find creative ways to connect in discreet, yet relatively safe spaces.   For many, the locals baths - or bathhouses- were a sanctuary where you could be yourself and meet other guys who were interested in both sexual and friendly connection. Meanwhile, cruising spots were known public spaces where men met for casual encounters.  Yet for decades, the baths were routinely raided and became a battleground for the fight for queer rights and the gay liberation movement.  In today’s episode of #GayMenGoingDeeper, Michael is talking with long-time writer, activist, and educator Tim McCaskell about bathhouses and cruising. Together they’ll share personal stories while exploring topics such as: What really goes on in a bathhouse? Why are they important to our history and culture? Are they still relevant today? What are the risks? Tips for making the most of your visit Whether you enjoy the bathhouse scene or not, this episode will shed light on the sociological and historical significance of these queer spaces from the perspective of two men of two different generations.  Today's Guest Tim McCaskell is a long-time writer, activist and educator. In addition to being a collective member of The Body Politic from 1974 to 1986, he was a leader in the fight back against police raids on the gay baths in the 80s. He was also a member of AIDS ACTION NOW! where he fought for funding for AIDS treatment and medication. He has published two books: "Queer Progress" and "Race to Equity". Today's Host Michael DiIorio is a certified life and wellness coach specializing in self-confidence, sexuality, and relationships. You can find Michael at www.wellismo.com and at in the Sexual Empowerment Group. You can also follow him on Instagram @wellismo_coach. Read: 10 Tips for Making the Most of Your Bathhouse Experience Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultramind System Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community

Loneliness is extremely common among gay men of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, some mental health professionals refer to loneliness as an epidemic for our times. In this episode, we are sharing our own struggles with loneliness and how we have dealt with it. The questions we’re answering today are: How has loneliness impacted your life? What relational fears do you have when it comes to connection? How do you deal with these fears? What have you done to deal with loneliness in your life? By the end of this episode, our hope is that you will feel less lonely and have some strategies for the next time this feeling shows up for you. Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultramind System Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Take our "Healing Your Shame" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon

In this episode, Matt Landsiedel interviews Peter DeWitt from Gaywellness.com and they explore the topic of leadership in the gay community. Both Matt and Peter have been in leadership positions within the gay community over the last several years and they wanted to share what their experience has been like and how we can all be a leader in our own right. Come join us to learn what makes a great leader and how you can step into your power through leadership.  These are the questions that were explored in today’s episode: What does leadership mean to you? What makes a good leader? What are the needs you see in the gay/queer community? How can we develop more culture of connection in the gay/queer community? What can people focus on to become great leaders in gay/queer spaces? Connect with Peter: Website link: www.gaywellness.com Instagram: @gay.wellness Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultramind System Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon

A difficult conversation is often the one thing standing in the way between you and greater connection. Many of us have a hard time with these conversations because we don't have the tools to navigate all of the emotions that arise when we feel vulnerable. In this episode, we're discussing how to have these prickly conversations   Join us as we discuss how to navigate a conversation when you need to talk about topics charged with negative emotions. Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultramind System Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Take our "Healing Your Shame" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon

In this episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the questions around intersectionality with guest Owin Pierson and the work he does as a mental health and Asian American Pacific Islander advocate. Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must consider everything and anything that can marginalise people ranging from gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc. Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultramind System Follow Owin: @owinpierson Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon

Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. There are 3 different types of tears that we cry: Basal: The tear ducts constantly secrete basal tears, which are a protein-rich antibacterial liquid that help to keep the eyes moist every time a person blinks. Reflex: These are tears triggered by irritants such as wind, smoke, or onions. They are released to flush out these irritants and protect the eye. Emotional: Humans shed tears in response to a range of emotions. These tears contain a higher level of stress hormones than other types of tears. In today's episode, we're talking all about crying and its multiple benefits. Specifically, we'll be talking about... What has your journey with crying been like? What benefits have you experienced from crying? Do you practice crying? How can the people out there listening learn to cry in a supportive and healthy way? How can we support others to cry more? Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon -— Join the Gay Men Going Deeper Membership coaching community

Masturbation is a perfectly natural and healthy sexual activity that has many physical and mental benefits.  However, some question whether it is a harmful habit that leads to negative consequences in their personal life and relationships.  In this provocative and educational episode, Michael and Sex Coach, Craig Cassey answer your burning questions about masturbation, including topics such as: The benefits of masturbation When is it too much? Masturbation while in a relationship Is porn helpful or harmful? Feeling guilty Tips for mindful masturbation Join Michael and Craig as they share their own experiences and provide their best coaching tips for more mindful masturbation..  Today's Guest Craig Cassey is a professional life, executive, and sex coach. You can find Craig at www.craigcassey.com or on Instagram @craigcasseyjr Today's Host Michael DiIorio is a certified life and wellness coach. You can find Michael at www.wellismo.com or on Instagram @wellismo_coach. You can also join Michael's Sexual Empowerment Group. The link between masturbation & risk of prostate cancer (2004 study) Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon -— Join the Gay Men Going Deeper Membership coaching community

Trust takes a long time to build and only seconds to break. In this episode, we’re talking about how our trust issues impact our ability to connect with others. Specifically, we’ll be exploring questions such as: What do you think has led to trust issues in the gay community?How have trust issues impacted your relationships?How can we begin to heal trust issues amongst gay men? Join us to learn some practical tips on relating more authentically with others, especially if you’ve had a hard time trusting others in the gay community. Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon -— Join the Gay Men Going Deeper Membership coaching community

In this episode Matt Landsiedel interviews Dr. Lucas Wilson about the psychological impact of conversion therapy. They explore how shame and internalized homophobia are typically precursors to making someone susceptible to agreeing to do conversion therapy. Dr. Wilson shares his own personal experience with conversion therapy and how this experience has impacted his life. Both Matt and Dr. Wilson share how they have approached their own healing journey through shame and internalized homophobia and how to move through the trauma caused by conversion therapy. These are the questions that were explored in this episode: What is conversion therapy?What is your personal experience with conversion therapy?What impact did conversion therapy have on your psychology?How is conversion therapy connected to religion?What is affect theory and how does it relate to conversion therapy?How can someone who has gone through conversion therapy begin to heal? Born and raised in Toronto, Dr. Lucas Wilson is the Justice, Equity, and Transformation Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Calgary. He holds graduate degrees from McMaster University, Vanderbilt University, and Florida Atlantic University. He has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and his public-facing work has appeared in The Advocate, Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, and Religion Dispatches, among other venues. Connect with Dr. Lucas Wilson: Website link: https://ucalgary.academia.edu/LucasWilsonInstagram: @lukeslamdunkwilsonTwitter: @wilson_fwFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/luke.wilson.96  Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com

We often talk about trust in the context of trusting others, but in this episode, we’re focusing on how to build an internal sense of trust. We’re exploring questions such as: How do you know if you trust yourself? What gets in the way of trusting yourself?What is one thing you can do to build greater self-trust? Join us for this informative conversation that will help you develop your relationship to self, and ultimately your relationship with others.  Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships" course Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Patreon -— Join the Gay Men Going Deeper Membership coaching community