Gay Men Going Deeper

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.

Feel like an outsider in the gay community? This discussion dives into the feelings of exclusion versus inclusion, exploring how vulnerability plays a vital role in connection. The hosts share insights on the challenge of superficiality versus authentic relationships, emphasizing self-acceptance and empathy. They highlight the impact of past traumas on current behaviors and the importance of fostering inclusive spaces. Listeners are encouraged to confront their sense of belonging and take proactive steps toward creating meaningful connections.

In a heartfelt discussion, hosts delve into the complexities of embracing one's sexuality, especially on National Coming Out Day. They navigate personal journeys of self-acceptance and the emotional turmoil behind wishing to be someone else. The episode highlights transformative moments of community support and the joy of authentic self-expression. Personal stories reveal the liberating power of embracing uniqueness, underscoring the importance of safe spaces and celebrating diversity within the LGBTQ+ community.

In this episode, we welcome Somatic Intimacy Coach, Vance Hedman, for an insightful discussion on the importance of both mindset work and somatic body work when dealing with emotional pain and discomfort. We delve into how each approach can be uniquely beneficial in different scenarios, particularly when it comes to intimacy, building friendships, and deepening relationships. Some of the concepts we cover today are: How mindset work and body work are different and how they are similar How each approach can help you feel better Dealing with uncomfortable emotions  Finding peace in the discomfort of growth  Getting out of your comfort zone in seeking intimacy  How our emotions can trick us into stagnation  When to listen to fear and when to overcome it  Self-compassion Choosing the right environment for social situations Changing yourself for yourself vs. changing yourself for others  Learn how integrating mindset and somatic tools can lead to deeper connections and a more holistic sense of well-being where your mind and body are working in tandem towards your goals. Today's Guest: Vance Hedman Instagram Today's Host: Michael Diiorio Instagram 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 episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we dive into the complexities of the inner critic—the voice in our heads that often feeds perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt. While it can feel like a harsh and relentless judge, the inner critic is actually trying to protect you in its own way. We explore how to better understand this part of ourselves, offering strategies for befriending the inner critic and cultivating a mindset of self-compassion. Some of the topics covered today are: How the inner critic shows up to fuel perfectionism and shame The hidden ways the inner critic tries to protect us Strategies to befriend your inner critic instead of letting it bully you The power of self-compassion in quieting harsh inner dialogue Transforming negative self-talk into constructive feedback Unleashing your inner self-advocate to help keep the inner critic at bay  Join us for a thoughtful discussion on turning down the volume on self-criticism and fostering a healthier, more supportive relationship with yourself. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Related Link: Self-Confidence Workshop 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 fre

Today we’re tackling the universal struggle of comparing ourselves to others. Whether it’s about body image, social status, or relationships, comparison can have a negative impact on our mental health, leading to a cycle of insecurity and self-doubt. In this episode, we’re looking at how to break the cycle and actually re-frame it for your personal development. Join us as we dive into how to compare consciously and mindfully, transforming it into a tool that actually serves you instead of tearing you down. Some of the topics covered today are: Knowing who we compare ourselves to and why Instagram, TikTok, and social media - and its impact on your self-esteem Self-worth and self-confidence  Mindfulness and deliberate thought work  Stories we tell ourselves about other people’s success  How to break the cycle of compare and despair  Tearing others down as an attempt to find comfort  Join us for an informative episode where we’ll break down practical strategies for breaking free from the compare-and-despair cycle so you can find more peace and self-assuredness. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Related Link: Self-Confidence Workshop 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 Attach

Discover the intricacies of forming friendships in the gay community as we tackle the blurred lines between platonic and romantic connections. Listen for practical tips on expanding your social circle while prioritizing mental well-being. The hosts share personal anecdotes about overcoming social anxiety and initiating friendships. Embrace curiosity and authentic communication to foster deeper connections, as they discuss the challenges and dynamics unique to gay friendships. Join the conversation and enrich your relationship-building skills!

In this episode, we are talking about the unique challenges and pressures that we face in social settings within our own community.  The Gay Men’s Brotherhood is dedicated to helping gay men connect and build more authentic and meaningful relationships, but this is particularly challenging for those who feel anxious in groups of gay men.  We'll share our personal experiences and the coping strategies we've developed to manage and overcome social anxiety. Topics discussed today are: Types and levels of social anxiety Reasons why group situations trigger anxiety Strategies for coping in social situations  How nerves can manifest in physical symptoms The power of self-talk and inner dialogue  Opportunities for connection within our community  Our goal is to provide you with practical advice and insights so you can more actively engage in our community events and form deeper connections with others. 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.