Gay Men Going Deeper

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

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

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.

Dr. Israel Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist, joins to challenge the myths surrounding consensual non-monogamy (CNM). They discuss how commitment and connection can thrive in open relationships, emphasizing trust and emotional intimacy. Dr. Martinez introduces the concept of 'relationship anchors' and guides listeners through self-reflection exercises. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, self-awareness, and individual desires, offering tools for building strong connections outside of traditional monogamy.

In today’s episode, we’re going deeper into the topic of resilience—what it really means and how we can develop it, especially as gay men and our unique challenges. We’ll explore how the struggles we face, from feeling out of place to dealing with minority stress, can become powerful tools for personal growth. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about learning, adapting, and thriving in the face of adversity. Some of the topics we’re discussing today include: The difference between dissociating vs. productively handling stress Surrender vs. persistence: when to let go and when to push forward Using suffering as a tool for healing and personal transformation How to reframe challenges as a curriculum for building emotional resilience Recognizing the fine line between building resilience and burning out How community and connection can strengthen our ability to bounce back The importance of self-compassion in the process of resilience By the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on how to face your struggles head-on, using them to build a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. 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 episode, Matt and Reno come together for their first duo episode to talk about their experiences with depression. They share openly about what causes depression in their lives and what they have done to deal with it. If you are someone who struggles with depression, we want you to know you are not alone. It is so important to normalize conversations about aspects of mental health that are still stigmatized. We hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, and offers you some ways to support yourself, and also ways to feel supported by others as you navigate your own depression.  The questions we explore in this episode are: What is depression? What is your relationship to depression? How have you dealt with your depression? What advice do you have for someone who is dealing with depression? Today's Hosts: 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.