40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk.

In this episode, author Peter Leahy shares his powerful late-life coming out story towards true authenticity. In this episode we explore what it means to shed old personas, embrace your identity at any age, and rewrite the stories you once hid behind. From navigating professional masks to discovering emotional freedom through writing, Peter’s memoir Glowing Up Gay has resonated with thousands for...

In this powerful episode, David Osterman shares his journey from late-life self-discovery to addiction recovery that is nothing short of extraordinary. David opens up about coming out in his 40s, surviving meth addiction, rebuilding after a life-threatening fall, and finding purpose as a coach for gay men seeking confidence, clarity, and truth. Together, we dive into identity, resilience, executiv...

Loneliness is one of the most unspoken struggles among gay men, especially as we age, get sober, or outgrow old social circles. In this powerful conversation, licensed therapist Chris Tompkins unpacks why so many gay men feel disconnected even when surrounded by people, apps, and nightlife. This episode explores how sobriety, shame, dating apps, and societal expectations quietly fuel isolation, an...

In this intriguing episode, Dr. Mark Broomfield, author of Black Queer Dance, Gay Men and the Politics of Passing for Almost Straight ,  explores the complex intersections of race, queerness, masculinity, and identity. It's a deep d ive into the realities queer men of color face in dance, performance spaces, academia, and everyday life, including the pressure to “pass,” racial surveillance, and th...

In this powerful episode, LGBTQ+ historian and collector Adrian Cardwell shares how his project, Badge of Pride, is preserving 30 years of queer history to ensure our stories are never forgotten. From the AIDS crisis to modern-day equality movements, Adrian’s journey reminds us that visibility, unity, and storytelling are the backbone of our community’s strength. We explore what it means to protec...

In this soulful and unfiltered conversation, singer-songwriter Mike Maimone —a former accountant turned queer creative force—shares how love, loss, and midlife reinvention shaped his music and life. From finding love across an age gap with late partner Howard Bragman , to channeling grief into his upcoming album and book, Guess What, I Love You (out February) , Mike opens up about rediscovering pu...

What happens when fatherhood meets unapologetic pride? David Morgenstern, founder of GADDIES , is redefining what it means to be a gay dad through bold branding, community, and connection. From the evolution of GADDIES as a lifestyle brand for gay fathers to navigating visibility, partnerships, and authenticity, this episode explores how storytelling and representation can reshape culture. Discove...

What does it take to come out, really come out, when you’ve spent a lifetime hiding behind shame, success, and survival? In this episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk , Rick Clemons sits down with author Dan Bolin, whose memoir The Courage to Be Courageous tells the story of coming out at 70, healing religious trauma, and learning to love himself as a beautiful gay man. It’s raw. It’s real. And it...

In this raw and heartfelt episode, New York designer, storyteller and former drag performer, John Patrick (JP) for a powerful conversation about growing older, wiser, and freer as gay men. Together, JP and Rick unpack decades of experience — from coming out in different eras to surviving the AIDS crisis, finding confidence through drag and other careers, to redefining what self-acceptance really l...

In this powerful episode, Alabama native and political candidate Dakarai Larriett talks about what it really means to lead with authenticity in one of the toughest states to do it. From surviving a false arrest to running openly as a gay Black man, Dakarai’s story is a masterclass in courage, empathy, and conviction. In this episode we unpack the realities of running for office, reforming broken s...

In this open and unapologetic conversation,   Jeff Abraham , CEO of Promescent , talks about sexual wellness, communication, and confidence at any age. From lube myths to aging libidos, solo masturbation to mutual pleasure, we explore how science, honesty, and a sense of humor can transform your sex life. It’s a conversation that every man (and his partner) should hear—because better sex starts wi...

In this Halloween episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk. , host Rick Clemons sits down with UK-based author and creative professional Ricky Baxter to explore what it means to keep your creativity alive as a gay man over 40. They dive deep into the pressures LGBTQ+ men face to “fit in,” the fear of criticism that often silences creative expression, and why reclaiming your authentic voice is essenti...

In this powerful episode, Eric Swanson activist, performer, and drag entertainer - aka Miss Bouvier - joins me to talk about what it really means to keep Pride alive when the world feels divided. From Florida’s political battlegrounds to global stages in Amsterdam, Eric opens up about using performance as protest, the legacy of Stonewall, and why LGBTQ+ unity is more vital than ever. What you will...

In this episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk , Rick sits down with author Cas Holman - author, creative designer, and playful instigator, to explore the power of playfulness in adult life—and why it matters more than ever for gay men over 40. From family life to queerness to creativity, Cas shares insights from their new book and personal journey, reminding us that joy isn’t childish—it’s essenti...

In this powerful National Coming Out Day episode, Rick Clemons sits down with Brian Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, to talk about the organization’s 52-year mission of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. From the history of PFLAG to personal coming out stories and the creation of affirming spaces across America, Brian shares how the movement has grown and why community support still mat...

Talking about condoms shouldn’t feel awkward—it should feel empowering. In this episode, I sit down with Milla Impola , a sexual health educator and advocate with ONE® Condoms , to explore how pleasure, safety, and confidence all go hand-in-hand. From the FDA approval of condoms for anal sex to the innovation of over 50 custom-fit sizes , Milla is breaking down barriers and building better convers...

In this episode, choreographer and dancer David Rousseve joins Rick to share his inspiring journey—from Princeton to law school to the dance stage. David opens up about the recent loss of his husband, his bold leap into the arts, and his upcoming performances in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Together, they explore themes of love, aging, resilience, and why following your passions is the boldest choi...

About John John Casey is senior editor of The Advocate, writing columns about political, societal, and topical issues with leading newsmakers of the day. The columns include interviews with Sam Altman, Mark Cuban, Colman Domingo, Jennifer Coolidge, Kelly Ripa and Mark Counselos, Jamie Lee Curtis, Shirley MacLaine, Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Bridget Everett, U.S. Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Jami...

Gay men often live for the fun of today but forget to plan for tomorrow. Enter Brian Thompson, queer financial advisor and founder of Brian Thompson Financial LLC . With a background as a tax attorney and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses rooted in purpose. I In this episode you'll discover Learn how to alig...

In today's episode, Rick Clemons interviews author Bill Hulseman about his new book Six to Carry the Casket and One to Say the Mass . Bill opens up about growing up Catholic, embracing his queer identity, and discovering the transformative role of ritual in weddings, community, and personal healing. From his own wedding ceremony to his upcoming projects on ritual design, Bill shares powerful insig...

In this episode I’m joined by keynote speaker and workshop leader Rob Giardinelli to unpack the real reason so many of us as gay men fumble in rooms (not back rooms) full of people, and how to flip that script without turning into someone you’re not. Whether it’s a networking mixer, a conference, or that awkward social gay happy hour—you’ll walk away with real tools to show up with more confidence...

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,...

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 h...

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 primar...

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, thi...