How to Navigate A World Bent On Not Talking To Each Other – David Grasso

The pursuit of peace-of-mind, serenity, of "Can this crazy life just let me breathe?" As gay men this is the hamster wheel that we struggle with from the time we realize we are gay, to present day - the pursuit of peace. But what changes when we have the tools to slay the "everything, everywhere, all at once" dragons in our lives? We learn to activate mindfulness, choice, and embracing we can only control what we can control. Joining me once again for a lively, fun, and thoughtful discussion is Dr. Wade Maggert, a very astute and insightful Psychologist. In this episode we...  Help you identify how to define peace-of-mind for yourself Guide you through some of our own truths to how we developed peace Give you a five step guide for uncovering peace - don't miss this from Dr. Wade About Wade Dr. Wade Maggert, esteemed mental health expert and advocate, harbors a past as vibrant as his current professional pursuits. Before his doctoral days, the world knew him as DJ Ra, spinning tracks in the most electrifying gay nightclubs across global capitals. His journey through the highs of fame was a prelude to personal transformation. Encountering the consequences of an intense lifestyle led him to therapy, revealing the scars of an anti-gay upbringing. Embracing self-love marked the beginning of his dedication to mental health, inspiring a profound shift from electrifying dance floors to empowering lives in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. With a Master of Social Work from UNLV and a groundbreaking PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Dr. Maggert has pioneered research into the depths of the masculine psyche. As an educator and a seasoned practitioner, his mastery extends from academia to the frontlines of mental health advocacy. His specializations in advanced therapeutic techniques have revolutionized treatment paradigms. At the helm of three VA mental health programs and at the heart of his private practice, Dragonfly Psychotherapy, Dr. Maggert is a trailblazer for trauma and addiction recovery within the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond his professional prowess, he is a Zen Buddhist adept, weaving the tranquility of meditation into his therapeutic approach and sharing his wisdom at the Houston Zen Center. Dr. Maggert's life's work is not just his occupation, but his offering to the world. Connect With Matt 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! Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

2 Aug 202445min

As gay men, we know that many have paved the way for us to enjoy our lives as they are today. But the fight isn't over, and it's always humbling and inspiring to revisit history and the arts that got us here. Today we are joined by writer Christopher Adams who invites to revisit, the re-release of Fritz Peter's Finistère a trailblazing, 1951 published LGBTQ+ novel that is more than just a commentary on homosexuality and forbidden love. It highlights culture clash, class conflict, divorce, child-rearing, and the gaps in the struggle of homosexuality that can provoke life’s greatest pains. As such, Finistère is a transcendent novel that outlasts its historical moment and will appeal to all lovers of great literature. In this episode: Review how the past gay life informs our present gay life Uncover how the struggles have not really changed that much Compare the resilience of the 1950's with the resilience we need today About Christopher CHRISTOPHER ADAMS is a British-American playwright and screenwriter based in the UK. His plays include Cooked (Bread & Roses Theatre, 2015), Antigone (Actors of Dionysus, 2017), and Tumulus (VAULT, 2018 | Soho Theatre, 2019). He currently has a film project in development with Hirsch Giovanni. In his academic life, Christopher holds a PhD in mid-twentieth century queer publishing history from the Institute of English Studies, University of London. He is a co-editor of The Collected Works of John Ford: Volumes II & III (OUP). He is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar. Connect With Christopher 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....

26 Jul 202430min

As a 40+ gay man, he's now living his most authentic life being the ANKRBOY he'd never dreamed hed be in this way. During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, his life and career was shattered because of one innocent move out in public. But that didn't stop him from rising to the top of his now delicioous 40+ gay life. Joining us today on the podcast is three-time Emmy® award-winning anchorman and best-selling author - ANKRBOY - turned actor, Mark Pettit, to share his journey of coming into being himself in a world hellbent on telling him he would never work again because of his sexuality. In this episode you'll Hear the moments that most impacted Mark's life to help him live his truth Unlock hatred that existed and still exists towards the LGBTQ+ community Learn how live your truth, anything is possible About Mark Mark is a three-time Emmy® award-winning TV news anchorman and best-selling author turned actor. In his new, heart-wrenching memoir, ANKRBOY (a #1 bestseller on Amazon), Pettit reveals what it was like growing up as a young, closeted TV newscaster trying to make his way during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. His first book, A Need to Kill, also went to #1 in three categories on Amazon. Pettit has worked in journalism for more than 30 years on both the national and local level. A former anchorman at CNN, Pettit also worked as an anchor and investigative reporter at WXIA-TV (NBC), KMTV-3 (CBS) in Omaha, and at CBS46 News (WGCL-TV) in Atlanta (Now "Atlanta News First"). As an actor, Mark has appeared in a number of hit TV series including "True Detective," "Mindhunter," "Mr. Mercedes," "Sweet Magnolias" and "The Game." Pettit is also Executive Producer and appears in the horror film "The Curse of La Patasola" which is airing now exclusively on STARZ and will soon be available worldwide. Connect With Mark Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

19 Jul 202445min

From finding himself on the streets at a young age to thriving in the military, this former Boy Scout found his wings, gave back to his country, and literally and figuratively learned the power of finding his own gay wings to thrive beyond the chains of sexual abuse victimhood. You're invitied into an intimate conversation where Ron Hunter, author of Angel Finally Found his Wings: A True Story Of Finding Trust, Hope, Faith, And The Power Of Love, shares himself, his story, and his wisdom for thriving beyond your circumstances. Learn how... His will to trust finally got reawakened The ability to go beyond is within each of us Loving yourself is the key to getting your own wings to fly About Ron Ron Hunter was raised in abject poverty in Brooklyn, with 21 siblings, by a schizophrenic mother in and out of mental institutions, and a dad who died when he was just six years old. A local Boy Scouts leader took an interest in young Ron and then violated the family trust, stealing the innocence of a 12-year-old boy. Ron was then blackmailed by this man and forced into prostitution in Times Square. Rather than be labeled a victim, Ron asserts that he is a survivor and is now an active advocate to give voice to others. He reveals this story in a moving and inspiring memoir, Angel Finally Found his Wings: A True Story Of Finding Trust, Hope, Faith, And The Power Of Love. He is a lover of life, a survivor of sexual abuse, and a person of profound faith in the miraculous. Ron resides in Roaring Gap, North Carolina with his husband, Scott, and has a second home in St. Petersburg, Florida. Connect With Ron Website 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

12 Jul 202439min

Yes sir, I'm a farm boy. Yes sir, I'm ready to serve my country. No sir, I'm not gay or do drag - but your not supposed to ask and I'm not supposed to tell. Taking us on his journey to stand up for who he is, virgin author, Jay Claypool shares his life and story about growing up on a rural farm in Georgia and keeping his life as a gay man and drag performer hidden through the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" years. Learn how... His strong conviction to himself kept him going Authenticity has helped him know who he is as a human Uncover his motto of giving people their human rights About Jay Jay Claypool is a 20-year United States Air Force veteran, and freshman author originally from Augusta, Georgia. As a young drag performer, and frequent night-club fixture, Jay strives to be a source of inspiration to anyone with wild ambition, who also may be doubting their sexuality, individuality, and artistic freedom, specifically within the ranks of the military. He currently lives in Washington DC, with his Navy veteran husband Douglas. Connect With Jay Instagram 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

5 Jul 202450min

Is gay romance dead? Do you feel like no gay man has a romantic bone left in his body? Well grab your beach chair, your Speedo, and sunscreen and get ready for your next summer read. Steamy, passionate, and full of sizzling romance, author C. Travis Rice (Christopher Rice) shows how ghosts of gay men's past can lead to an happy ending. In this candid, heart centered interview, Christopher shares how and where he gets in inspiration as well as digs deeper into the heart of who we are as gay men and how we need our elders and each other in such a deeper way, now more than ever to support our community. In this episode you'll Learn about Christopher's sparks of inspiration for his books Hear his heart-felt philosophy and how we can better embrace one another in the gay community Understand how our "healthy gay aging generation" is sparking romance as a desire in relationships 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

28 Jun 202433min

Happy Pride. That's what today's guest said over the pounding beat of his DJing life for many years. The thrill, the fun, the drugs, the sex. It all made him feel desired and alive...so to speak, until it didn't. Then he woke to the truth that to be desired and loved, he had to do that to and for himself. Dr. Wade Maggert, brings his Buddhist sensibilities and practical awakened self to this candid conversation about his life, then and now, and shares how during this Pride Season, you can find yourself when you simply look within. About Wade Dr. Wade Maggert, esteemed mental health expert and advocate, harbors a past as vibrant as his current professional pursuits. Before his doctoral days, the world knew him as DJ Ra, spinning tracks in the most electrifying gay nightclubs across global capitals. His journey through the highs of fame was a prelude to personal transformation. Encountering the consequences of an intense lifestyle led him to therapy, revealing the scars of an anti-gay upbringing. Embracing self-love marked the beginning of his dedication to mental health, inspiring a profound shift from electrifying dance floors to empowering lives in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. With a Master of Social Work from UNLV and a groundbreaking PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Dr. Maggert has pioneered research into the depths of the masculine psyche. As an educator and a seasoned practitioner, his mastery extends from academia to the frontlines of mental health advocacy. His specializations in advanced therapeutic techniques have revolutionized treatment paradigms. At the helm of three VA mental health programs and at the heart of his private practice, Dragonfly Psychotherapy, Dr. Maggert is a trailblazer for trauma and addiction recovery within the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond his professional prowess, he is a Zen Buddhist adept, weaving the tranquility of meditation into his therapeutic approach and sharing his wisdom at the Houston Zen Center. Dr. Maggert's life's work is not just his occupation, but his offering to the world. Connect With Matt 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! Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

21 Jun 202445min

From the moment he was a young man, he knew, and was taught - no one is going to hand you anything and you have to go out and get it yourself. And as a Jamaican-American man that is exactly what he did. He's gone out and fiercely pursued his dreams and lived his life authentically. Author and Fashion Designer, Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe shares is thoughts on how you stay and the game of your life to create your own way into your destiny as a gay man. In this episode you'll discover... How his toughest challenges brought him to is greatest strengths The one phrase that always moves him from failure to success What one thing you must do every day to feel fulfilled About Kadeem Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe, is a Jamaican-American fashion designer. His label, KADEEM ALPHANSO FYFFE | NEW YORK, specializes in made-to-order event wear and RTW for the contemporary woman. He studied womenswear design in Milan, Italy at Istituto di Moda Burgo, and is a gradaute of Parsons School of Design. Fyffe has worked for esteemed brands such as Michael Kors, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs - his work has been featured in numerous major publications, including in USA Today, People, and Cosmopolitan; his LGBTQ+ advocacy work landed him on Out Magazine’s 2020 Out 100 List. Additionally, Kadeem is the author of Threading the Needle: A Fashion Designer's Guide to Successfully Launching Your First Collection. Connect With Kadeem Website Instagram 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

14 Jun 202447min