The New Maturity

Ever had a meaningful connection when you least expected it? In this episode, I share how being relegated to "staff status" at a high-profile work dinner led to an authentic friendship when a stranger said: "I'll be vulnerable with you."This isn't about networking—it's about what happens when professional masks drop and we allow ourselves to be truly seen. I'm u...

A design influencer trades digital perfection for duck-filled days in Tennessee, confronting social media's hollow promises and discovering authentic connection in America's heartland. Ready to revolutionize how you grow older? The New Maturity is your vibrant community where queerness meets wisdom, and every year brings exciting new possibilities. Our stories celebrate aging authentically, challe...

Former state representative Brian Sims reveals how political defeat became an unexpected gateway to freedom, exploring grace under fire and why America's current turbulence might spark profound transformation. Ready to revolutionize how you grow older? The New Maturity is your vibrant community where queerness meets wisdom, and every year brings exciting new possibilities. Our stories celebrate ag...

Like this video? Join The New Maturity on Substack, a groundbreaking newsletter that reimagines queer aging through intimate storytelling and community connection.  From our signature podcast and field notes to exclusive deep-dive essays and video series, we're creating a digital living room where queer identity, resilience, and personal growth aren't just discussed—they're celebrated.  Whether yo...

The iconic Book of Love frontwoman charts her metamorphosis from new wave pioneer to literary force, weaving a tapestry of 80s queer activism, artistic rebirth, and the power of constant evolution. Ready to revolutionize how you grow older? The New Maturity is your vibrant community where queerness meets wisdom, and every year brings exciting new possibilities. Our stories celebrate aging authenti...

From synth-pop legends to communal revolutionaries, nine extraordinary individuals shatter aging stereotypes with fierce joy. Host Heath Brockwell returns with stories proving life's most vibrant chapters often unfold in unexpected seasons. Ready to revolutionize how you grow older? The New Maturity is your vibrant community where queerness meets wisdom, and every year brings exciting new possibil...

Heather Lynn Johnson’s work is characterized by its lyricism and cultural critique. Johnson’s formal approach to the narrative, whether visual or poetic, is distinguished by her willingness to lay bare her own existence. Check out their website to see more. New to the show? Welcome, I’m so glad you found it! This is the place to be if you’re queer or queer friendly and want to get better with age....

Tony Valenzuela is a leading activist and thought leader in LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities since the 1990s. He recently entered a new phase. Tony took on the role of executive director at the One Institute , the nation's longest-standing queer organization dedicated to educating about the history and contemporary culture of the LGBTQ+ community. New to the show? Welcome, I’m so glad you found...

R. Eric Thomas is a national bestselling author, television writer, and playwright. His books include:  Here For It, or How to Save Your Soul in America, a YA novel called Kings of B’more , which was named a 2023 Stonewall Honor Book by the American Library Association. Take a deeper dive and learn more about him on his website .  New to the show? Welcome, I’m so glad you found it! This is the pla...

Philip Miner leads diverse projects such as Natural Pursuits Magazine , Pheromone, and specialized communications consulting for queer individuals and organizations. Guided by his mission to champion inclusivity and equality, he envisions a future where every person, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, lives with dignity, authenticity, and an unwavering sense...

John Bartlett is a fashion designer, educator, animal activist, and runs a dog rescue nonprofit called the Tiny Tim Rescue Fund. We have a great conversation about moving beyond the world of fashion and what that looks like. Keep up with John via his website . New to the show? Welcome, I’m so glad you found it! This is the place to be if you’re queer or queer friendly and want to get better with a...

Mike Albo is the author of three novels, Hornito , The Underminer: The Best Friend Who Casually Destroys Your Life (written with Virginia Heffernan) and most recently Another Dimension of Us . His other works include The Junket and Spermhood: Diary of a Donor. Be sure to check out his latest project on his website . New to the show? Welcome, I’m so glad you found it! This is the place to be if you...

Robert Goman is the board chair of The Sports Equality Foundation . Their goal is to support LGBTQIA+ athletes, coaches, and leaders to create inclusive spaces. They do this by fostering community, improving inclusivity, and forging partnerships with sports leagues, organizations, and athletic coalitions. New to the show? Welcome, I’m so glad you found it! This is the place to be if you’re queer o...

Sean Harvey is Chief Compassion Officer and Founder of the Warrior Compassion Men’s Studio .  He is actively involved and contributing to men’s work communities around the globe and is passionate about helping men heal their wounds at a soul level. His book, Warrior Compassion, Unleashing the Healing Power of Men , offers a roadmap for men's soul healing as a catalyst for systems change. New t...

Allison Michael Orenstein is a New York-based portrait photographer. Her personal project ‘The Queer Artists Series’ focuses on queer performers. "The artists I shoot are those whose work I love and admire. The portraits are a way to get to know them. I want to document queerness, otherness, at this moment in time in New York City." Check out her latest project on her website .  New to t...

Welcome to The New Maturity. Iʼm Heath Brockwell. This is the place to be if youʼre queer or queer friendly and looking for ways to get better with age.  In each episode I have a conversations with someone in our community who is thriving and reaching new heights in their mid-years.  My goal in sharing this with you is to help you unlock your fullest potential and get better with age.  Learn more...