Gay Men Going Deeper

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.

On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, Matt interviews the “dick doctor” Urologist Dr. Joshua Gonzalez. They candidly explore some of the most taboo topics related to the penis. From erectile dysfunction to circumcision, increasing your size to foreskin, we got you covered.  Topics we discuss in this episode: Circumcision  Foreskin  Erectile dysfunction  Premature ejaculation Masturbation  All things cum Penis size Pelvic health  Peyronie's disease  This episode is filled with tons of great information on the causes and treatments of sexual dysfunctions many of us struggle with, as well as how to take care of your penis to obtain optimal health. Our hope is this conversation helps you feel like you are not alone if you have sexual dysfunction or shame about your penis. It is important to have these conversations so we heal penis shame and learn to love the one and only penis we are given. Related Links: Popstar Labs Book: A Headache in the Pelvis Matt’s YouTube video on ED and Performance Anxiety Today's Guest: Dr. Joshua Gonzalez Facebook Instagram TikTok Today's Host: Matt Landsiedel Facebook Instagram TikTok 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.

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.

Curious about whether therapy or coaching is the best fit for you? In this insightful episode, life coach Michael Diiorio and therapist Michael Pezzullo team up to break down the unique benefits of each approach, guiding you through the key differences, overlaps, and the powerful results each modality can help you achieve. Both Michaels bring their unique expertise in helping gay men navigate life’s challenges and find personal growth, and they’re here to answer the big question: What’s right for you? Join us as we explore: Therapy and coaching defined Core goals and methods of each How they’re similar (and different) Signs whether therapy or coaching is right for you How a combined approach can also work to accelerate growth Stories of clients who’ve benefited from both Whether you’re ready to tackle unresolved issues from the past or set inspiring new goals, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to choose your next step with confidence. Book a call with Michael Pezzullo (Therapist): Website Instagram Book a call with Michael Diiorio (Life Coach): Website 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 Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we're diving into how to build trust in relationships. Many gay men report having trust issues in their relationships due to growing up in a world that felt unsafe and unaccepting of our authentic selves If you struggle with trust issues in your relationships then this episode is a must. Come gain more clarity around any barriers you have to trusting people, as well as what may be required for you to build trust with someone. Also what you can do to start to repair when trust has been broken in a relationship.  Some of the questions we’ll be discussing are:  What is the relationship attachment model? What is important for you to get to know someone? What makes it hard for you to build trust in relationships? What is required for you to build trust with someone? Have you ever had your trust broken? What did it take for you to rebuild trust? Come spend an hour with Matt and Michael as they share their raw and real stories of distrust and how they have learned to trust again after betrayal. 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.

In this episode, we’re shifting the focus from red flags to the positive signs that show up when dating—green flags. Join us as we reveal the positive traits and behaviors that indicate someone would be a compatible long-term partner. We’ll discuss: What green flags we look for and why they matter The green flags that we bring to the table What green flags we see in each other  How to tell if those green flags are genuine or just part of “the honeymoon phase” Whether you’re new to the dating game or a seasoned pro, this episode is all about finding the good stuff that leads to real, fulfilling connections and healthier relationships. 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, we’re talking about those warning signs and signals to look out for in potential partners and how to manage these warning signs with care and confidence. We’ll reveal our red flags, both in others and in ourselves, and how we respond to them when they show up in our dating lives. Some of the topics we cover in this episode are: Common red flags to look out for and why they matter Red flags we might bring into dating and how they affect relationships Strategies for dealing with red flags constructively Setting boundaries and knowing when to walk away Balancing awareness with compassion and curiosity in dating By sharing our own red flags and experiences, this episode equips listeners with practical approaches to navigate red flags, fostering stronger self-awareness, boundaries, and a healthy perspective on dating. 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.

Are open relationships really about avoiding commitment, or is there more to the story? In today’s episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Israel Martinez to unpack the common misconceptions around consensual non-monogamy (CNM) and explore how commitment and connection can flourish in open relationships. We’ll be discussing: Common misconceptions about CNM and monogamy How to determine your ideal relationship style What is a relationship anchor and how to find it The role of trust, communication, and emotional intimacy in CNM Social conditioning around monogamy as the only valid type of relationship Dr. Martinez also offers self-reflection questions and takes Michael through an exercise to determine his own relationship style and anchor, giving you a practical tool to use in your own exploration. Whether you’re curious about exploring CNM or already practicing it, this episode will give you the tools and insights to foster strong, lasting connections outside of monogamy. Today's Guest: Dr. Israel Martinez 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 Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.