Gay Men Going Deeper

One of the most exciting things about life is being able to transform your identity whenever you want. For most people, transformation happens naturally and gradually over time. But sometimes you can purposefully and intentionally undergo a process of personal reinvention to become a new version of yourself.  In this episode, we’re talking about Reinventing Yourself and answering questions such as...

In this episode, Matt Landsiedel and Tirrell Cherry talk intimately about healing sexual trauma. They share their own personal experiences with sexual abuse and how they have moved through their own trauma healing journeys. If you have experienced sexual trauma, you are not alone. This episode was created with the intention to normalize having these difficult conversations that can lead to deep co...

Research has shown that quality friendships are fundamental to the mental and emotional well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. A close-knit circle of friends can help us feel less alone, affirm our identity, and alleviate the stressors that come with being part of a stigmatized minority group. But making friends can be challenging for many reasons. In this episode, we're exploring the topic of making...

The holiday season can be a triggering one for a lot of people, especially those of us from the LGBTQ+ community. In today's episode, host Calan Breckon speaks with guest Jeremy Long about how we can navigate conflict during this holiday season. Together they share their personal tips and tricks for those difficult interactions in hopes that it can make your holiday season a little more jolly. Jer...

Being alone does not necessarily mean that you’re feeling lonely. Some people quite enjoy the experience of solitude and prefer it over being in large groups. But over time, does that disconnection lead to chronic loneliness? In this episode, we’re exploring the difference between being alone and the feeling of loneliness. We’ll cover topics such as: What’s the difference between loneliness and be...

Long before the days of Grindr and the internet, the gay scene was largely underground. Gay and bi men had to find creative ways to connect in discreet, yet relatively safe spaces.   For many, the locals baths - or bathhouses- were a sanctuary where you could be yourself and meet other guys who were interested in both sexual and friendly connection. Meanwhile, cruising spots were known public spac...

Loneliness is extremely common among gay men of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, some mental health professionals refer to loneliness as an epidemic for our times. In this episode, we are sharing our own struggles with loneliness and how we have dealt with it. The questions we’re answering today are: How has loneliness impacted your life? What relational fears do you have when it comes to connec...

In this episode, Matt Landsiedel interviews Peter DeWitt from Gaywellness.com and they explore the topic of leadership in the gay community. Both Matt and Peter have been in leadership positions within the gay community over the last several years and they wanted to share what their experience has been like and how we can all be a leader in our own right. Come join us to learn what makes a great l...

A difficult conversation is often the one thing standing in the way between you and greater connection. Many of us have a hard time with these conversations because we don't have the tools to navigate all of the emotions that arise when we feel vulnerable. In this episode, we're discussing how to have these prickly conversations   Join us as we discuss how to navigate a conversation when you need...

In this episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the questions around intersectionality with guest Owin Pierson and the work he does as a mental health and Asian American Pacific Islander advocate. Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must consider everything and anything that can marginalise people rangi...

Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. There are 3 different types of tears that we cry: Basal : The tear ducts constantly secrete basal tears, which are a protein-rich antibacterial liquid that help to keep the eyes moist every time a person blinks. Reflex :...

Masturbation is a perfectly natural and healthy sexual activity that has many physical and mental benefits.  However, some question whether it is a harmful habit that leads to negative consequences in their personal life and relationships.  In this provocative and educational episode, Michael and Sex Coach, Craig Cassey answer your burning questions about masturbation, including topics such as: Th...

Trust takes a long time to build and only seconds to break. In this episode, we’re talking about how our trust issues impact our ability to connect with others. Specifically, we’ll be exploring questions such as: What do you think has led to trust issues in the gay community? How have trust issues impacted your relationships? How can we begin to heal trust issues amongst gay men? Join us to learn...

In this episode Matt Landsiedel interviews Dr. Lucas Wilson about the psychological impact of conversion therapy. They explore how shame and internalized homophobia are typically precursors to making someone susceptible to agreeing to do conversion therapy. Dr. Wilson shares his own personal experience with conversion therapy and how this experience has impacted his life. Both Matt and Dr. Wilson...

We often talk about trust in the context of trusting others, but in this episode, we’re focusing on how to build an internal sense of trust. We’re exploring questions such as: How do you know if you trust yourself?  What gets in the way of trusting yourself? What is one thing you can do to build greater self-trust? Join us for this informative conversation that will help you develop your relations...

In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon and guest Drummond Fulcher dive into the uncomfortable for a conversation that revolves around cancel culture, the "either you’re with me or against me (or us)" mentality, giving space for the in-between where conversation happens, how bridges are where understanding is born, and where we need to go in order to work through the uncomfortable feelings in order...

You asked and we answered! In this episode, we're answering some of the juiciest questions from our community such as… How to let go of the past? Why can’t gay men find love? How to get unstuck and move forward? Join us as we cover topics such as shame, gay dating, self-confidence, and trust in this Q & A style discussion. Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with...

In this very special

From the outside looking in, the queer community is seen as an inclusive space that celebrates diversity. Yet for many people, it feels quite exclusive and lonely.  In this episode, we are sharing our vision for the gay community and the different ways we are implementing this vision.  We’re talking about... What exactly is our vision? What are the different parts of our community? Why is building...

Dark periods are an inevitable part of life that can happen at any moment and in any number of ways: The death of a loved one A terminal diagnosis Job loss Relationship breakdown But what is the spiritual and psychological significance of this pain? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, Michael is joined by LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapist Justin Oberste to discuss the concept of the Dark Nig...

Your mind is a powerful tool that you can use to create a life that you love. Your mindset is your overall outlook on life and it will determine whether you remain stuck spinning your wheels or moving towards your goals and dreams.  In this episode, we’re looking specifically at the difference between the Fixed and Growth Mindsets. We will be discussing questions such as….  What type of mindset we...

In this episode, Matt Landsiedel and Andre-Lee Wills unpack the hot topic of pretty privilege. Pretty privilege works on the principle that people who are deemed more attractive—based on accepted societal beauty standards—have an upper hand in the world and are afforded many opportunities that less “attractive” people don't have. Yet, it's not often that people are willing to admit it—or even talk...

As more people are choosing to explore non-monogamous relationships, the discussion about open and closed relationships can be divisive and unhelpful.  In today's episode, we are having an open conversation about open and closed relationships that will enrich your understanding of the many different types of relationships out there and help you figure out what's right for you. We will cover questi...

Recognizing and understanding privilege can be a hard pill to swallow for some. It means admitting you’re not perfect and possibly “looking bad,” which we were all taught growing up not to do. In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the hard questions around community inclusion with guest Raymond Jordan Johnson-Brown and the work they do as an indigenous wellness leader. Raymond, wh...

Sex is a natural part of the human experience yet many people sense a lot of shame and insecurity around the topic. In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we want to help you become more sexually empowered. We will be discussing things like…   What does sexual empowerment mean to you? What makes you feel sexually empowered? What makes you feel sexually disempowered? What is one tip you can share...