Gay Men's Life Lab with Buck Dodson

Join me for this thoughtful conversation with psychotherapist, Steve Lapuk, as we discuss his work helping gay men address self-destructive behaviors by understanding the root causes and learning how to soothe ourselves to get our needs met.  Steve and talk about: How the trauma of growing up can fuel self-harming behaviors How to use the “Hangover Effect” to determine if you’re self-medicating Wh...

Join me for a lively conversation with writer, purpose strategist and Sensitivity Mapper, Mike Iamele, as we talk about how his unique process for guiding gay, bi and queer man to live our purpose by embracing – rather than resisting – our greatest sensitivities.  Mike and I dive into: His journey to falling in love with a man and coming out to 100K people overnight How knowing and mapping our sen...

In the first episode of the Self Esteem Series, I’m diving into one of the most effective tools to decrease the harsh judgement and self-criticism that make us feel unworthy and incapable of having the life we want and need. It’s called Self Compassion and it’s a simple yet powerful practice.  Tune as I talk about… What self esteem is and what GBQ men must do to recover ours The reason high self e...

In this episode, I’m talking with Paul Bailey, a nutrition coach with over 15 years experience helping gay men transform their health, body and self confidence. Join me as I talk with Paul about how focusing on our mindset, relationship with food and ourselves is the key to a balanced, healthy lifestyle that’s right for us.  Join us for a fun and informative conversation that covers topics includi...

I’m talking drag, animation and LGBTQ+ heroism with storyteller Anthony Hand. Tune in as he introduces us to Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, the heroine of his new feature-length animated film releasing in 2024. I talk with Anthony about his inspiration to create Maxxie LaWow and his vision for an animated world where LGBTQ+ culture, comic books and anime intersect in stories of good triumphing ov...

In Part 2 of this “A Quick Buck” episode on relationships, I dive into some of the most common myths and misconceptions about relationships that block healthy intimacy.  Tune as I talk about… Approaching relationships with as a learner and with “beginner’s mind” The difference between relationship anxiety and red flag issues The key to building trust through conflict  What’s underneath the myth th...

In Part 1 of this “A Quick Buck” episode, I cover one of my favorite topics – relationships! More specifically, what it takes to become a skilled “relator” as gay, bi and queer men.   Tune as I talk about… The core reason many of us struggle with finding and keeping healthy relationship Why gay, bi and queer man are relationship leaders, innovators and teachers Learning to move toward relationship...

In this episode, I have a powerful conversation with sought-after spiritual teacher, personal transformation coach, gay male thought leader, and author Christian de la Huerta. We talk about his latest book, Awakening the Soul of Power, and the hero’s journey we all must go on to access our authentic personal power.  Tune in to hear Christian and I talk about: The theory in his first book, Coming O...

In this episode, I have a lively conversation with ®EMMY Award-winning entrepreneur, faith-based communications expert and ordained minister, Tony Scott. Tony aka “The Apostle of Joy” and I talk about his new project, Grace for Gays, which is forging a new path ahead for those in our community who identify as gay, bi or queer as well as Christian.  Tony’s story is about embracing his individuality...

In this episode, I talk with Certified Sex Therapist, Derek Leighton about how gay, bi and queer man can begin to recognize and heal sexual shame. This important topic is rarely, if ever, discussed and yet it’s one of the most commonly discussed issues in counseling.  Tune in to hear Derek and I talk: Defining sex therapy vs traditional talk therapy Understanding how sexual shame impacts how we re...

In this episode, I talk with wellness entrepreneur and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Lance Pyburn, about healing through our bodies, storytelling and living with authenticity. Tune in as Lance and I discuss Brave New Love, his latest initiative that create spaces for about living authentically, especially for LGBTQ+ people.  Highlights include: How Lance redefined authenticity and success by h...

Happy Pride and Happy Power!  In this “A Quick Buck” episode, I dive headfirst into the special powers we have and why it’s time for gay, bi and queer men to take the next step to evolve. Check it out as I talk about… Why we need a Coming Out 2.0 to step into full power as gay men Gay men’s roles, gifts, spiritual functions, and superpowers  The work of thought leaders, Christian de la Huerta, Ray...

Join me and gay thought leader, spiritual writer, novelist, and former monk, Dr. Toby Johnson, as we explore the essential role gay and queer men play in expanding spirituality and raising consciousness.  In this episode, Toby and I chat about… The intersection of spiritual practice and living as a gay man in a non-gay world Defining spirit as the “observer inside” involved in the evolution of con...

Join me and Chris Tompkins, author, TEDx speaker, spiritual life coach, and LGBTQ inner-advocate to discuss his new book, Raising LGBTQ Allies: A Parent’s Guide to Changing the Messages from the Playground. In this episode, Chris and I chat about… The “messages from the playground” that become subconscious negative beliefs about being gay Doing the work to talk openly with children and families ab...

Perfectionism runs rampant in the gay, bi and queer male communities. Striving to the “best little boy in the world” is a strategy many of us use to cope with the shame, invalidation and rejection from growing up gay.  It’s time to set ourselves free so let’s start by addressing the root cause – our need for connection.  Check out this episode to learn…  Signs of perfectionism as well as over-achi...

Join me and Dating & Relationship Coach, Ken Reid, as we dive into Ken’s no-nonsense dating tips for gay men.   In this episode, Ken and I unpack… How our own thoughts, beliefs and assumptions are hurdles to finding a man Transforming gay shame and self-abandonment into empowered action Knowing and communicating your “terms and conditions” in dating Healthy alternatives to ghosting and being g...

Join me and The Gay Life Coach, Brian Falduto, for a fun conversation as we dive into his story as a twentysomething gay man, life coach, podcaster, and musician.   In this episode, Brian and I chat about… His experience as a child actor that kept him from coming out How becoming a musician storyteller helped him heal His mission as a life coach to inspire self-awareness in younger gay men Develop...

This week, I dive deep into the story of empowerment coach, entrepreneur and author, Yatin Mistry.  Join us as Yatin and I go into his story and discuss how he approaches empowering his LGBTQ clients of color.  In this episode, we cover: Yatin’s journey to identifying as a first-generation British-Indian and as a gay man The role of spirituality in coming to terms with sexuality Realizing that you...

Hey everyone, I hope you’re doing well and as always, thanks for supporting the podcast. I see Gay Men’s Life Lab as a community and a big conversation that I’m having with you, so I’m sharing a quick update today to let you know a little bit of what’s going on behind the scenes, and what's in store in upcoming episodes.  And remember, you can always reach out to me at www.buckdodson.com or o...

You knew it was coming, guys. Y’all knew I’d talk about anger at some point. To live fully as a powerful, loving and impact-making gay man, you must identify, express and transform your anger.  Gay shame often gets the attention but gay anger needs love too. Literally.  Check out this episode to learn…  That anger is healthy, natural and deserves your attention Why gay men need to own our anger to...

We’re finally talking about sex, boys! Sexual health, recovery and healing that is. Tune into this episode with Los Angeles-based psychotherapist and author, Andrew Susskind, as we discuss his new book “It’s Not About the Sex: Moving from Isolation to Intimacy after Sexual Addiction.”  Andrew and I go deep on … Long term healing from problematic sexual behavior  “Brokenheartedness” as the root cau...

It’s our first Happy Hour episode! And it’s all about gay men and the women we love. Tune as I have mock and cocktails with my crew of ladies and one of my best gays as we discuss what makes our relationships so special.  We chat about: Women and gay men being “co-revolutionaries”  The unique dynamic that happens when sex is removed The experience of safety, acceptance and lack of competition we f...

In this episode, I dive into the heated conversation about “PV Gays” going to circuit parties during the COVID pandemic.  Tune in as I talk with Gay Men & Blog writer and clinical social worker, Armando Sánchez about the underlying issues in gay male culture that draw men to these high-risk events during the pandemic.    Tune in as we talk about… How gay men’s hunger for connection fuels party...

This week is all about body image. Tune in as I talk with therapist and male eating disorder and body image specialist, Brad Kennington, Licensed Professional Counselor.  If you're preoccupied with how your body looks, what you eat and how much you exercise, you'll want to tune in to this episode.   If you're feeling like your body is the only currency you have, you need to listen. ...

Happy New Year, guys! Since self work + relationship work is where it's at in improving your life, I’m kicking off 2021 with an episode on Connection. Every gay, bi and queer man I know and who I've worked with over the last 15+ years wants better connections so tune in to hear four ways you can improve your relationships with everyone in your life and help yourself in the process. Learn...