Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast

What you’ll hear in this episode Zach’s Singapore memories: chili crab vs. black pepper crab… and why durian is a hard no Nikki’s clear explanation of occupational therapy : “occupation” = everything meaningful you do (self-care, relationships, leisure, work, and more) Nikki’s personal story: growing up neurodivergent before there was language for it—and how her parents intuitively accommodated he...

In this episode, we cover: Why LGBTQ+ “inclusion” can’t stop at flags, pronouns, and branding Rainbow washing : how companies create a veneer of support without changing culture The difference between performative vs. transformative inclusion Why some companies backing away from DEI can be “good” (in one specific way)—and why it’s also harmful “Permission structures”: how visible signals (even per...

What happens when “How does that work?” becomes your whole brand? In this episode of Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay, I sit down with fellow podcaster Rashad Woods, host of The Randomness of Nothing (TRON) Podcast—a show fueled by curiosity, discovery, and the kind of conversations that make your world feel bigger than your zip code. Rashad shares how he launched TRON (and grew it to tens of...

In this episode, we cover: Meet Aidan Wharton: from theater school to the Wicked national tour and Broadway’s Girl From the North Country Why Aidan “checked the boxes” in acting—and followed boredom and curiosity into writing + podcasting The origin story of Aidan’s podcast Getting Close and its three pillars: curiosity, connection, community How technology can be both a tool and a wedge—and why A...

Meet Guruji: Energy, Discipline, and Why People Seek Him Out The most common question he gets: “Where do you get your energy?” His daily schedule: early mornings, long days, “smiling through complexity” His origin story: hyperactive childhood, raised with Ayurveda + Vedic philosophy Martial arts to meditation: how “violence can lead to silence” The turning point: learning to love solitude and inne...

In This Episode: Christian’s journey from growing up in the Mormon church to embracing humanism The danger of absolutism — and why “I don’t know” is powerful Storytelling as survival and self-interrogation How sci-fi (and yes, Star Trek!) shapes empathy Why his protagonist Lily Starling wakes up without her memory Writing queer characters without making queerness the “issue” Radical agency in fema...

Rehan Jalali’s “good to great” philosophy and how he builds fully customized transformation plans What Rehan tests before creating a program: blood work genetics allergies/preferences full “blueprint” approach Getting actors ready for roles with zero margin for error (and a one-day shirtless scene deadline) Touring and performance fitness: why concerts are basically marathons every night The momen...

In This Episode, We Discuss: Risa’s seven-year journey to finally being diagnosed with acromegaly Undergoing brain surgery and the emotional aftermath Grieving an old identity as an Ironman athlete and high-achiever Naming her brain tumor “Bubba” — and why it changed everything The dissolution of her 18-year marriage Falling in love with a woman and redefining her identity Choosing to ride 1,800 m...

Guest: Kyle Ridley Host of The Tangle with Kyle Ridley In This Episode: Kyle’s 20-year journalism career — from print to NBC to producing DC morning TV Winning two local Emmys (and why he didn’t attend the ceremony) Turning 40 and deciding to finally step into the spotlight Imposter syndrome in media and aging into confidence Divorce in the LGBTQ+ community and how relationships evolve Monogamy vs...

In this episode, we cover: Kelly’s origin story: wanting to help people since childhood — and why traditional therapy didn’t feel like her path What the Akashic Records are (and what they aren’t ) How readings work: questions, guidance, and the “Masters and Teachers” Why healing can feel harder for ourselves than for other people The difference between forgiveness vs. tolerance (and why the words...

Guest: John Hill Host: Zach Randles-Friedman Podcast: Everything and Anything… and a Bit Gay In This Episode John Hill’s career in one sentence: singer, songwriter, performer, radio host, and pop-culture favorite The Threads post that sparked a real conversation about “rage engagement” and authenticity “Famous in pockets”: what it feels like being recognized across Broadway, radio, and niche inter...

Show Notes What we cover Dual citizenship + Spain: Why Spanish citizenship may require a verbal U.S. renunciation—and why the U.S. doesn’t recognize it Why not New Zealand? The “barrier to entry” and long-term stability factor Why Barcelona: Water, big-city energy, queer-friendliness, and lifestyle fit Visiting before moving: How Kyle and his husband did a “tourist + neighborhood” test trip Family...

Two athletes. Two different sports. Two continents. One powerful truth. In this emotional and timely episode of Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay , Zach is joined by returning guest Jesse Kortuem , the first hockey player to come out publicly after the cultural wave of Heated Rivalry , and first-time guest AJ Ogilvy , former Australian professional basketball player who recently came out in a v...

Skincare nerds, this one’s for you. Zach Randles-Friedman welcomes back skincare expert and YouTube favorite Chris Gibson for a wide-ranging, super practical conversation that starts with a game-changing retinol alternative—and then goes way beyond the bathroom mirror. Zach shares how switching from retinol to the First Deep Renewal Serum (featuring bakuchiol ) made an immediate difference in his...

Episode Notes What sexual integrity really means—and why Dr. Davidson created the term Why sex problems are always relationship problems How honesty and transparency shape long-term intimacy The evolution of sexuality from Gen X to Gen Z Why younger men are experiencing more erectile dysfunction Social media, dating apps, and the loss of real-world intimacy skills Coming out later in life and marr...

In this episode, we cover: How Sunshine earned the name “Sunshine” and what her pink hair symbolizes Growing up in an alcoholic household and the moment sobriety became unavoidable Celebrating recovery during life’s hardest moments—not just anniversaries What witchcraft really means (and why it’s so often misunderstood) The role of spirituality in staying sober long-term Psychic sensitivity, energ...

In this episode, Zach Randles-Friedman talks with Betti Rooted Lionheart , a shamanic healer, minister in the Church of Earth Healing, and founder of Braided Root Waters Healing Sanctuary in New York. Betti shares how becoming aware of environmental destruction at just seven years old shaped a lifetime of grief, despair, and undiagnosed depression—and how everything came to a breaking point in 201...

Guest: Jaymes Buckman (Hot Apollo) Location: Toronto, Canada 🎶 What We Talk About: Growing up with a natural pull toward performance and theater Discovering an 80s aesthetic through music, fashion, and flamboyance Learning to sing through persistence, repetition, and self-belief How Hot Apollo came together—and why collaboration matters Jaymes’ songwriting process and how single lines turn into f...

What you’ll hear in this episode How Kevin got started : chasing college credit turned into a 30+ year career in hypnosis Why hypnosis isn’t “mind control” (and why the “bank teller” myth makes him laugh) The real reason the nickname “Hollywood Hypnotist” stuck—and why branding matters Common reasons people seek hypnosis: smoking, weight, insomnia, nail biting, stress, and more Kevin’s specialty b...

What happens when a successful finance career leads to a bold career change in acting? In this episode of Everything and Anything and a Bit Gay, host Zach Randles-Friedman sits down with actor Kimberley Kim to discuss reinvention, resilience, and following a creative calling at any stage of life. Raised in Canada and now working across North America, Kimberley shares her unconventional journey fro...

Meet Ian Vogel – creator of Alternative Timelines and a facilitator of past-life regression work. How Zach found Ian – a video where Ian answered “28 questions” about the afterlife: near-death experiences, reincarnation, spirit guides, and more. Why Ian went searching – personal development, repeating patterns, and the idea that awareness is the first step to change. Core wound Ian wanted to heal:...

Guest: Myla – DJ, Producer, Model, Entrepreneur Topics Covered: Growing up in Ukraine and dreaming of a global life Modeling across Asia and Europe without speaking English Building confidence and independence through international travel Living in New York vs. Los Angeles and finding balance Transitioning from modeling and acting into music and DJing Performing at Burning Man, festivals, and inte...

In this episode, we cover: Kira’s journey as a four-time entrepreneur and why he sees entrepreneurship as problem-solving How growing up in Ukraine and Israel shaped his understanding of information conflict Why today’s biggest media problem isn’t lack of information—but overload The rise of misinformation, clickbait, and “structural sensationalism” How advertiser-driven media changed journalism’s...

Guest: Reporter Matt (Matt Shearer) Host: Zach Randles-Friedman Reporter Matt’s path from rock radio and talk radio to WBZ News How not studying journalism helped him become a better storyteller Why everyday people—not landmarks—are the real story Finding viral moments in malls, small towns, and random encounters Richard’s drag revival and centering LGBTQ+ humanity through storytelling A powerful...

Zach Randles-Friedman sits down with hockey player Jesse Kortuem, who recently came out publicly—sparking an overwhelming wave of support and surprising ripple effects. Jesse shares what it was like growing up in the Minneapolis suburbs as the youngest of four boys in a hockey-first family, realizing he was gay in middle school, and staying closeted in a sport built on toughness and brotherhood. T...