Living OUT Loud Podcast

What if the stories you've been living aren't actually your own? In this powerful conversation, Michele sits down with Dr. Rick Diamond, Story Healer, speaker, author of Wrestling with God , devoted father, and ally, to explore how the narratives we inherit shape our identities, relationships, faith, and sense of belonging. Together, they discuss the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs,...

What happens when a lifelong librarian decides it's finally time to tell her own story? In this episode of  Living OUT Loud , host Michele Flamer sits down with award-winning author Kathy Anderson to explore a journey filled with reinvention, creativity, authenticity, and the courage to embrace new chapters at any stage of life. After spending more than twenty-five years connecting people with sto...

Karen Kay Holmes shares her journey to authenticity, self-acceptance, and joy, chronicling her path of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. The conversation explores the power of self-discovery, the significance of the name 'Karen,' emotional and life-threatening moments, and the misunderstood emotional challenges of transition. Karen shares her journey of transitioning and the challeng...

When Connection Becomes the Lifeline: A Conversation with Lisa Sugarman What do we do when life throws us into the deep end of grief, loss, uncertainty, or emotional overwhelm? In this heartfelt episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele Flamer-Powell sits down with Lisa Sugarman, author, mental health advocate, columnist, and founder of Helphub.co , to explore the power of connection during life's mos...

Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer-Powell | Eboné Bell on Courage, Belonging & Building What Doesn't Exist What do you do when the world doesn't reflect your story? You create something that does. In this inspiring episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele Flamer-Powell sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and  Tagg Magazine  founder  Eboné Bell  to discuss the power of visibility, authentic lea...

In this episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele Flamer-Powell sits down with Kado Stewart, Vice President of Programs & Strategy at one•n•ten, Arizona's leading organization serving LGBTQ+ youth. Together, they explore the meaning of belonging, the responsibility of leadership, and what young people are teaching us about authenticity, resilience, and community. Kado shares insights from his work...

What happens when a young person who has experienced rejection, homelessness, or mental health challenges is finally met with safety, affirmation, and community? In this powerful episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele Flamer-Powell sits down with  Elton McDuffus  and  Yuri  from  Friends of Ruby , a Toronto-based organization dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth through mental health services,...

What does it mean to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction in today’s world? In this powerful episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele sits down with  Brad Pritchett , CEO of  Equality Texas , for a deeply human conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the importance of protecting dignity for all people. Together, they explore the emotional realities behind leadership in advocacy spaces,...

In this powerful episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele Flamer-Powell sits down with entrepreneur, advocate, and Ron Platt, founder of  NASDF.org , to discuss the hidden realities facing single-parent and divorced families across America. With more than 35 years of experience spanning insurance, real estate, and social advocacy, Ron shares how his personal experiences as a foster parent and advocat...

In this episode of Living OUT Loud, Michele sits down with Bertie Gardner, Program Director at LGBTQ Saves, for a powerful conversation about creating safe spaces, building trust, and supporting LGBTQ+ youth in meaningful ways. Bertie shares the heart behind their work, what inspired their journey into advocacy, and the real-life impact of providing access to resources, education, and community fo...

In this episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele sits down with trailblazing filmmaker Nicole Conn, a visionary who helped redefine what love stories could look like on screen. Long before representation became a mainstream conversation, Nicole was courageously telling deeply personal, emotionally rich stories centered on LGBTQ+ relationships. From her groundbreaking film Claire of the Moon to a body...

In this episode, Michele sits down with Beth Goldfinger, founder of Modern Affection Prints, a queer stationery and card line rooted in authenticity, visibility, and love that feels true. What started as a creative spark has quickly grown into something much bigger. Beth is creating space for people to see their relationships, identities, and emotions reflected in ways that traditional cards have...

This week's conversation on Living OUT Loud with Chih Lin, explores courage, reinvention, and what it really takes to navigate and evolve beyond corporate America. From the leap into entrepreneurship to building a tolerance for discomfort, Chi Lin shares her journey of pivoting with intention while staying grounded in joy, yes, even in something as simple as dumplings. We dive into the complexitie...

In this episode of  Living OUT Loud , Michele sits down with Phoenix City Council candidate Michael Mazzocco to explore a life rooted in connection, service, and community. From navigating a childhood shaped by constant movement to becoming a connector and advocate in Phoenix, Michael shares the personal moments that led him to step into the political arena. This is a conversation about more than...

This week's solocast explores the journey of healing and self-discovery, emphasizing the rewards of healing and the importance of recognizing the quiet, specific moments of growth and transformation. It delves into the ordinary moments of healing, the discovery of contentment and joy, and the process of healing and growth, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace their own healing journey. Work...

In this powerful and necessary conversation, Michele sits down with Ivy Hill of the  Campaign for Southern Equality  to explore what equality truly means in this moment in American history. This is not a surface-level discussion about policy. It is an honest look at how legislation impacts real people, real families, and real lives across the South. Together, they examine the urgent challenges fac...

In this deeply moving episode, Michele sits down with author Jackie L. Disch for a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and what it truly means to live with grief rather than “move on” from it. Through the lens of her powerful memoir, Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief, Jackie shares the story of her beloved wife Katy, the journey through illness and loss, and the evolving r...

In this heartfelt episode, Michelle and Dani explore identity, emotional safety, and the courage it takes to create spaces where people can fully be themselves. The conversation delves into Dani's coming out story, her journey from marketing to therapy, and the creation of safe spaces for the queer and trans community. They also discuss the concepts of belonging, inclusion, and the changing landsc...

The conversation with Paul Conroy delves into his personal journey, the founding of Outfront Theater Company, and the LGBTQ+ community center feasibility study. It highlights the role of queer theater as a space for celebration and escapism, as well as the importance of community-driven spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion also emphasizes the evolving nature of community spaces and the...

The conversation delves into Em's journey of self-discovery, coming out, and embracing their gender identity and expression. Em shares experiences of navigating gender identity in middle school, struggles with bullying, discovering sexuality, finding validation through media, family reactions, online support, coming out to family, taking care of siblings, and the challenges of growing up. Em also...

What does fairness look like when it’s lived, not just legislated? I’m joined by Chris Hartman, CEO of the Fairness Campaign, for a deeply human conversation about building bridges, leading with empathy, and advancing LGBTQ equality across Kentucky, from small Appalachian towns to the state capital. The conversation with Chris Hartman covers the journey of self-discovery, coming out, building comm...

The conversation explores personal connections, positive youth development, and the power of peer support in the LGBTQ+ community. It delves into coming-out experiences, family support, career journeys, and the impact of online spaces on identity and belonging. The discussion also highlights The Trevor Project's mission and the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. The co...

Anna Goodman, a visionary community builder, shares her journey of coming out, forming her identity, and creating inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. She discusses her passion for community building, the challenges and lessons learned, and the expansion of her events across different cities. Anna's commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces is evident in her approach to event planning...

The conversation with Becca Eppley delves into the themes of authenticity over expectation and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Becca's story is one of unlearning old narratives, choosing authenticity over expectation, and finding community in places she once thought she didn't fit. The discussion explores Becca's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of...

The conversation with Juan Rodriguez covers a range of topics, including his vision for 'Thinking A New Thought,' his personal interests, the impact of his conversations, the journey of coming out, the power of empathy and compassion, and the need for connection and support. Throughout the discussion, the themes of compassion and curiosity are evident, highlighting the importance of understanding,...