Coming Out Later in Life: The Power, The Pain, and The Freedom – Mark Dembo

Shame is that pebble in the shoe that many of us as gay men just can't seem to get away from. Whether its religious shaming, masculinity shame, or simply the shame of "being gay," there is nothing sacred about owning shame. It's time to uncover the shame of our past, deal with it in our present, and not allow it to leak into our future. Sacred intimate and founder of PostShame.org, Adam MacLean brings his beautiful fierce and sacred self to the conversation today to guide us to release our shame and step intimately into our powerful light. In this episode: Learn how to connect to source to release shame Discover the power of becoming a shame warrior Embrace a masterful tool for tackling shame - past, present, and future About Adam Adam MacLean (pronounced like "Shirley MacLaine") is the founder of PostShame.org, a platform that helps people own their stories and turn them into sources of strength. He’s the host of the podcast "Find Your Light" and the former co-host of Safe Space at NeueHouse (NOY-yuh House). He has served on the board of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and currently chairs the Abzyme Research Foundation at endHIV.com, working on an HIV e-vaccine. He is also a 21/64-certified advisor, trained to facilitate unique and often difficult family conversations around money, philanthropy, and legacy—all through the lens of #PostShame. As a trained sacred intimate, he helps people tune into their bodies, uncover their fantasies, and discover what they truly want. His work lies at the intersection of shame, privilege, intimacy, and inheritance—reimagining what it means to belong, to lead, and to be set free. He’s also the emergency contact for thirteen kiddos in his extended chosen family. Connect With Adam Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

13 Kesä 47min

As Pride 2025 is upon us, what are we really celebrating—and what are we resisting? In this urgent, unflinching episode, Brad Pritchett (he/him), Interim CEO of Equality Texas, joins us to unpack how Pride must return to its roots as a community-centered movement, not a corporate spectacle. We dive deep into what the political right is really afraid of when it comes to trans rights: visibility, bodily autonomy, and the power of collective liberation. From Texas to the national stage, Brad explores why safe, affirming spaces are more critical...

6 Kesä 35min

What exactly is Queer Joy? How do you create it? And where can we, as gay men, unleash its power to make the biggest impact? I’m sitting down with Revry TV Co-Founder and CEO Damian Pelliccione (They/Them), who knows a thing or two about it—after all, their unapologetic Queer Joy helped land them on Goldman Sachs’ Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs list. You might be thinking, Why does this matter if I’m a gay man over 40? Because representation matters. How we show...

30 Touko 44min

Pride season is supposed to be all glitter, joy, and celebration—but for many, it can bring up waves of anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. So how do you keep your spirit lifted when everyone else seems to be riding rainbows, and you’re just trying to stay afloat? In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we’re joined by the fabulous Will Dempsey—licensed social worker, drag queen, and fierce queer mental health advocate from Heads Held High Counseling. Together, we explore how to protect your peace and prioritize your mental health during Pride and beyond. Will dives into:• How to climb out of the emotional rabbit hole when anxiety and depression pull you down• The importance of connection and chosen family in healing and self-discovery• Ways to activate your pride—not just as a celebration, but as a tool for transformation Whether Pride fills you with sparkle or feels a little heavy this year, this episode is your permission slip to feel it all, find your people, and lift your head high. About Will Will Dempsey is a social worker, drag queen and queer rights advocate. He is the founder of Heads Held High Counseling, a LGBTQIA+ virtual group therapy practice supporting queer and trans individuals across Massachusetts and Illinois. Will's innovative approach to social work seamlessly blends his creative flair with his commitment to advocacy, making mental health care both accessible and affirming for marginalized communities. Connect With Will Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

23 Touko 48min

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rahim Thawer (he/him)—psychotherapist, educator, and queer Muslim thought leader—joins us to unpack what sets queer men apart from our straight counterparts. From anticipating rejection in dating and navigating body image pressures, to managing our sexual health with a unique blend of hypervigilance and shame, Rahim explores how systemic oppression shapes the queer male experience. Drawing from his clinical work and upcoming book The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys, Rahim reminds us that our differences are <span...

16 Touko 44min

Today the word "Christian" is polarizing. In fact for many it conjures up words like hate, nationalism, evil, fear. WOW...it should not. Then couple that word with Queer, and you might as well be burned at the stake! Let's not do that. Instead, let's invite Queer Christians to the table to embrace their love of goad and faith, and invite others who do not believe you deserve a place at the table, to have human conversations to change that hate, to love. Repeat podcast guest, Rev. Brandan Robertson joins us today to share his new book Queer and Christian: Reclaiming The Bible, Faith, Our Faith, and Our place At The Table - a joyful celebration of queer faith. In this episode: Discover calm, peaceful, empathetic conversations with the extreme Christians are necessary Learn why coming to church is an act of community and activism Uncover the right questions to ask to reclaim your faith in yourself and your community About Brandan Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian, dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social justice. He serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City and is the founder and Executive Director of The Devout Foundation. Known as the "TikTok Pastor," Robertson's inclusive theological content reaches over 250,000 followers and has garnered 6 million views. He has authored 23 books, including the INDIES Book of the Year finalist True Inclusion. His work has been featured in TIME Magazine, CNN, and The Washington Post. Robertson is a sought-after speaker who regularly presents at prestigious platforms like The White House and Oxford University, continuing to inspire and challenge audiences around the world. Robertson acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministry and Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, an Master of Theological Study from Iliff School of Theology, and an Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He's presently pursuing aPhD in Biblical Studies at Drew University. He currently resides in New York City. About The Book Celebrate queer faith and take your rightful place at God’s table with Brandan Robertson, the “TikTok Pastor,” Biblical scholar, and social activist For too long, the Bible has been weaponized to exclude LGBTQ+ individuals, despite Jesus’ radical message of inclusion. In Queer & Christian, Brandan Robertson envisions a faith where all are unequivocally embraced. Ostracized at school, Brandan thought he had finally found his community when he joined the local church. But he soon realized that they were as intolerant as his peers at school had been—if not more so. After agonizing years of repressing his true identity, he discovered that God’s table had always had a place for him. Jesus’ love knows no bounds, embracing everyone unconditionally. Queer & Christian is a joyful celebration of queer faith and an unyielding reclamation of the Bible. Dive into pages that offer: -Compelling, evidence-based counterarguments to the “clobber verses” often used to condemn queerness -Celebrations of queer saints within the Bible—more numerous than you might believe! -Responses to commonly asked questions by queer folks and allies who’re feeling lost within the Christian faith Connect With Brandan Website Instagram TikTok Hey Guys, Check This Out!...

9 Touko 48min

Maybe you find yourself bored in your couple. Then you decide playing together with another guy could be fun...and it is. Then you decide that maybe having another guy in the middle (so to speak) on a permanent basis will make your relationship thrive (so to speak). And then it doesn't! Helping us explore this whole concept of the Throuple live, is TV producer and Author Jeff Hudson, sharing his brand new book, Deconstructing Us: My Trouble with a Throuple. In this episode: Discover what can make and break your Throuple Learn how to love yourself enough to move on Find the pathway forward after an longterm relationship becomes the past About Jeff Jeff Hudson is a six-time Emmy nominated television producer and won the award for Best Informative Talk Show for the daytime medical series The Doctors in 2010. Jeff has developed and produced an array of reality, talk, and documentary-style programming including MTV’s Fanatic, HGTV’s Deserving Design, Soapnet’s Soap Talk, plus the syndicated series’ Elimidate and The Montel Williams Show, just to name a few. Jeff’s experience with highlighting stories of real people throughout his career has ultimately led him to this very moment—telling a very real, a very honest, and very raw story about himself. As a true advocate for non-monogamous relationships, Jeff made the decision to give a third man equal footing in his already existing 22-year partnership. BAM. POW. OH YEAH. WTF? After his mind-bending throuple experience, Jeff was cast on The CW’s dating show The Matchmaker. Did he find true love again? Or did his polyamorous relationship completely dismantle his life as he once knew it? Jeff is ready to reveal ALL and is available for interviews about his new book Deconstructing Us: My Trouble with a Throuple. Connect With Jeff Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

2 Touko 40min

Navigating gay relationships isn't easy, but it can be worth it. Yet, for most gay men, that 1st breakup can be a doozy and waht we often don't realized is where that pain is rooted...it's not where you think. Shedding light on how to overcome trauma, is RTT Therapy specialist, Lonay Halloum, who guides us to explore a powerful therapy technique for navigating relationship pain in a new way. In this episode: Discover a pathway for overcoming self sabotage Learn three key pillars a stellar relationship Discover what RTT therapy is and how it can support you in releasing old habits About Lonay As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I know firsthand the journey of navigating heartbreak and toxic relationship patterns. It’s this personal experience that fuels my passion for guiding others towards healing and transformation. My upbringing in a war country, as well as being gay, I intimately understand the struggles and challenges that can arise from navigating one’s identity and acceptance. The journey to self-acceptance can be fraught with societal expectations, internalized shame, and the fear of rejection. These experiences can deeply impact our sense of worthiness and affect our relationships, particularly our love lives. Through my own journey of embracing my identity and overcoming societal norms, and as a certified RTT practitioner and hypnotherapist, I’ve developed a profound empathy and insight into the unique experiences and traumas faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. I’m dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their authentic selves, heal from past wounds, and cultivate fulfilling and authentic relationships. Connect With Lonay Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

25 Huhti 42min