Navigating Breakups and Toxic Relationships as A Gay Man – Lonay Halloum

In this deeply moving episode, Rick sits down with poet and cancer survivor Mickie Kennedy to explore how poetry became a tool for healing after prostate and colon cancer. Together, they unpack the power of storytelling, the challenges of queer survival during the AIDS crisis, and the urgency of preserving LGBTQ+ histories. From laughter about fiducials to tearful reflections on family and legacy, this episode invites you to witness resilience, creativity, and the choice to keep living out loud. In this episode you'll Learn how to heal through creative expression Discover ways you can give yourself permission to feel, create, and heal Understand why Queer stories matter and how they can support your own challenging journeys About Mickie Mickie Kennedy is a gay writer who resides in Baltimore County, Maryland. His work has appeared in POETRY, The Threepenny Review, The Southern Review, The Sun and elsewhere. His chapbook Glandscapes, published by Button Poetry, can be ordered at Glandscapes.com. Connect With Mickie Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

22 Aug 33min

What do you get when a 63-year-old gay man becomes the adoptive father of a homeless 21-year-old gay teen? You get a story that redefines family, masculinity, and what it means to show the hell up for someone. In this episode, I sit down with Brian Gorman—maverick coach, neuroscience nerd, and proud single dad—to talk about the unexpected journey that changed both his and Brandon’s lives. From a high school photography project to full-on parenthood, Brian shares the raw, deeply human story of stepping in when no one else would. We also dive into: • Why chosen family isn't just a buzzword—it’s survival.• How queer men can heal the past and rewrite their story at any age.• How neuroscience can actually change the way we handle life, love, and everything in between. This one’s for the misfits, the late bloomers, the dads we never had—and the men we still have time to become. About Brian and Brandon Gorman Brian Gorman is a gay senior (75) and the single father of Brandon. Brandon first came into Brian's life shortly before he turned 16. They shared a love of photography, and Brandon reached out to Brian to interview him for a school photography project. When Brandon revealed that he was abused at home and assaulted at school, Brian offered to stay in touch. Over the next two years, their bod tightened as Brian helped Brandon prepare for his SATs, complete his college and scholarship applications, and do campus visits. Brandon was living with his birth mother at the time, and she wanted no part of her gay son's life. When she threw Brandon out three months before his high school graduation, Brian took him in. Brian adopted Brandon when he was 21; Brian was 63. Today, Brian and Brandon share a home in Hoboken, New Jersey. Connect With Brian Website 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

15 Aug 37min

Why is hearing “no” so hard for gay men? Why does rejection cut so deep—and why do we sometimes choose control over connection? In this powerful and revealing episode, somatic guide and sacred intimate JoJo Bear joins us to explore how gay men navigate fear of rejection, touch deprivation, aging, and the need for control in a world that taught us we had to earn love to survive. JoJo works primarily with gay men over 40, helping them shift from mental noise into embodied presence—and his insights...

8 Aug 57min

Author Christopher Rice (aka C. Travis Rice) talks about his newest steamy romance Party of 3—and the real-life complexities behind the fantasy. From open relationships to throuples, they dive deep into poly dynamics, personal authenticity, post-sex separation cues, and why queer relationships don’t need to fit straight molds. Whether you’re monogamous, open, curious, or somewhere in-between, this episode is your permission slip to rethink how love should look—and start defining it for yourself. In this episode you'll Learn what might happen when your throuple goes outside the bounds Be pushed to embrace others and their choices to live life on their terms Understand how relationships can get sticky but how to be in the moment and grow About C. Travis Rice CHRISTOPHER RICE is A New York Times bestselling author who writes under the pen name C. Travis Rice and delivers the fourth book in his Sapphire Cove series titled: SAPPHIRE DAWN. He is the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award. He is the Amazon Charts and New York Times bestselling author of: A Density of Souls; Bone Music, Blood Echo, and Blood Victory in the Burning Girl series; and Bram Stoker Award finalists The Heavens Rise and The Vines. An executive producer for television, he also penned 2 novels with his mother, Anne Rice: Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra and Ramses The Damned: The Reign of Osiris. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist Eric Shaw Quinn, Christopher runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network TDPS, which can be found at www.TheDinnerPartyShow.com. He lives in West Hollywood, California, and writes tales of romance between men under the pseudonym C. Travis Rice. Connect With C. Travis Rice Website Instagram X-Twitter

1 Aug 39min

In this powerful and vulnerable episode I sit down with somatic sex educator and retreat leader Court Vox for an unfiltered conversation on reclaiming erotic truth, surrender, and personal power—especially as gay men navigating a heavy, noisy world. We dive into: Why rope work is more than kink—it’s about presence, trust, and release How global unrest impacts our capacity for pleasure and emotional expression The art of vocal release, erotic rituals, and finding peace through chaos How to get involved in his upcoming retreats in Mexico and Joshua Tree, California, including “Connect,” “Shadow,” and “Sacred” Court shares real tools for self-exploration, emotional healing, and erotic connection—from water rituals to surrender practices—and invites listeners to rethink the way they engage with desire, grief, and play. About Court Court Vox is a Certified Sex & Intimacy Coach, based in Los Angeles CA . He is Founder of The Bodyvox. Through his courses, workshops, retreats, and private immersions, clients cultivate toys to unlock limitations and shame, to embrace a deeper sense of intimacy with their whole self. Traditional forms of therapy are done solely through talk, while the work of a somatic coach is to further this form of work via body-based exercises, experiential learning, and touch, in comfortable, judgment-free, and caring environments. Body acceptance, exploration of sensation and desires (and learning how to ask for what you want), boundary-setting and intimacy work are some of the many reasons clients seek this form of learning. Vox is a sex educator experienced working with clients of all sexualities and genders and has been featured in AskMen.com, Cosmopolitan, and Well & Good magazines. He offers workshops and retreats across the globe for GBTQ men, and is also part of an elite team of sex educators that create the celebrated program for women, Back to the Body. His online course and community, Invitations to Intimacy, offers foundations in embodiment suited for the eroticerotic, as well as a community of like-minded individuals to support one another on their journey. Attend Courts Events in 2025 Connect Connect With Court 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 Jul 44min

What happens when two grown men finally stop pretending and start living as their fully authentic selves? In this powerful episode, Rick Clemons sits down with Mark Dembo to talk about coming out later in life, the messy beauty of self-discovery, and the liberating (and terrifying) freedom that comes with being unapologetically you. They cover: Guilt, anxiety, and codependence in late-life coming out Why authenticity is a leadership superpower Couples counseling, redefining relationships, and facing your truth Coaching vs. fixing: helping people find their own answers The reality of political “allies” who aren’t really allies at all Whether you’re on the brink of change or deep in the thick of it, this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to come home to yourself. About Mark Mark Dembo is a seasoned business leader, executive coach, and passionate advocate for living an authentic life. After spending years hiding a core part of who he was, Mark came out as a gay man later in life — a journey marked by deep introspection, courage, and ultimately, liberation. His story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of choosing to live fully and truthfully. For decades, Mark lived a life that looked successful on the outside — husband, father, professional — while carrying the quiet burden of not being fully seen. Coming out meant confronting fear, challenging old narratives, and stepping into a life aligned with who he truly is. Today, Mark lives with intention, vulnerability, and joy — and he's committed to helping others do the same. Mark is now finding his true passion in helping LGBTQ+ professionals — especially those coming out later in life — navigate transitions, overcome imposter syndrome and people-pleasing, and create lives rooted in authenticity and purpose. He’s a community advocate working to ensure and preserve LGBTQ+ rights and believes deeply in creating spaces where people feel safe to show up as their whole selves. He is also the co-host of the Coming Inside Out podcast, which explores the messy, beautiful, and liberating journey of coming out later in life. With empathy, insight, and lived experience, Mark brings heart and hope to every conversation — and is on a mission to help others live and lead with authenticity. Connect With Mark Instagram Podcast Facebook 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

18 Jul 37min

Tired of swiping? You’re not alone. Tammy Shaklee—LGBTQ relationship expert and founder of H4M Matchmaking—is here to say what most of us already know: app fatigue is real, and no one’s finding true love buried in DMs and torso pics. In this episode, Tammy and I talk about how real, lasting connection happens offline—and how you can start being your own matchmaker (without settling or apologizing for your standards). Tammy’s introduced thousands of LGBTQ singles across the country and built a matchmaking empire focused on compatibility, not algorithms. We’re breaking down her signature method for dating success, especially for gay men who are ready to stop scrolling and start connecting. You’ll learn: Why dating apps are burning you out (and what to do instead) How to create real connection in real life Why being picky isn’t a flaw—it’s power Ready to date like a grown-ass gay man? Hit play. About Tammy Tammy Shaklee is a leading LGBTQ Relationship Expert and President of one of the country’s top LGBTQ certified matchmaking companies, H4M Matchmaking. Since founding the national offline matchmaking company in Austin, Texas in 2012, Tammy and her team have successfully paired thousands of LGBTQ clients across the country that were seeking long-term committed relationships. Utilizing skills honed in her previous career as a broadcast journalist, Shaklee’s reporter objective instincts, acute listening skills, and same-sex proprietary methodology, provide the ideal foundation for identifying true compatibility. Her unique process focuses on traditional introductions and dating for LGBTQ singles who are interested in achieving relationship success that rivals their professional success. An LGBTQ ally and advocate, Tammy understands the challenges singles face when looking for a suitable mate, as she met her husband through a matchmaking service herself. Tammy and her husband, Clif reside in Daytona, Florida where she runs her national company. When not actively pairing her clients, Tammy is a regular relationship contributor to several LGBTQ media outlets and mainstream publications. She is currently working on the completion of her first book. Connect With Tammy Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Podcast Facebook 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 - <a href="https://bit.ly/40PlusFBGroup"...

11 Jul 44min

Why is it still so hard to just be in your own skin when you’re a gay Latinx man? From religious guilt to macho pressure, the layers of shame and silence can run deep. In this episode, therapist and NYU instructor Lucas Saiter joins us to unpack the mental health challenges gay Latinx men face—and how we can finally stop carrying everyone else's expectations. Lucas brings powerful insight as a clinician, Latinx gay man, and community builder. From healing identity wounds to rebuilding intimate connections, he’s helping men take off the mask and find real belonging—in themselves and in their communities. If you've ever felt like you're too much or not enough, this one's for you. In this episode we: Learn how to close the gap between shame and self-lov Break the patterns of it being rude or disrespectful to discuss mental health in the Latinx world Discover how vulnerability is a superpower About Lucas Lucas Saiter is the founder and director of Manhattan Therapy NYC and Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU. In addition to working in a group practice in New York City, he also maintains his own private practice, supervising recent graduates obtaining hours for licensure. Clinically he has interests in many areas, including LGBTQIA+ individuals working on strengthening identity, Latinx individuals and couples, immigrants adjusting to living in NYC, adults and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, identity concerns, trauma, and relationship and intimacy concerns. Connect With Lucas Website 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

4 Jul 40min