Out Late With David

In this episode of Out Late With David , David sits down with author Peter Leahy to discuss his remarkable journey of coming out at age 44 after 20 years of marriage, raising two children, and living a life that looked successful on the outside but felt deeply unfulfilled within. Peter shares how years of self-loathing, fear, and hiding his true identity gave way to courage, community, and ultimat...

What happens when the life you built no longer reflects who you truly are?   In this episode of Out Late With David, host David Cotton speaks with David Willett, who spent more than three decades living what appeared to be a traditional life — married, raising three children, and building a successful corporate career.    n 2009, everything changed when he was publicly outed.   David shares the em...

In this special crossover episode of Out Late With David , David shares his personal coming out story as a guest on The Better Man Podcast with Dean Pohlman, founder of ManFlow Yoga. Together, they explore what it means to choose authenticity later in life, the courage required to rewrite your story, and why it is never too late to live more honestly. If you’ve ever questioned parts of your identi...

A retired Army officer and father comes out at 67, choosing authenticity, love, and a fuller life — as himself.   In this episode of Out Late With David, Mark D’Agostino, a retired U.S. Army officer and father of three, shares his powerful coming-out story at age 67. After a 43-year marriage and a military career shaped by duty and silence, Mark chose to stop surviving and start becoming. He refle...

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate and global lecturer Greg R. Baird sits down with David in Palm Springs to share his journey from growing up closeted in a small Michigan town to becoming a respected educator, storyteller, and champion for allyship. Greg opens up about coming out at 31, navigating painful family rejection, and the moments that shaped his cal...

Summary In this powerful follow-up conversation, David talks with Chef Charlie Vollmar on his return to Out Late With David to share how his life has transformed since his first interview 18 months ago. Speaking from Palm Springs, Charlie updates listeners on his reinvention in San Miguel de Allende—rebuilding his life after being outed, creating a new chosen family, relaunching his culinary schoo...

Summary   Kevin O'Connor shares his profound journey of self-discovery, coming out at 55 after two marriages and raising children. He reflects on his childhood experiences, the struggles of acceptance, and the complexities of navigating relationships. Through candid discussions, he reveals the challenges of living authentically and the joy of finding love with his husband after years of hiding his...

Summary   In this episode of Out Late with David, Bill Schroeder shares his transformative journey of coming out as a gay man at the age of 60 after 37 years of marriage. He reflects on the feelings of fear and authenticity that led him to finally embrace his true self. Bill discusses the emotional challenges he faced, the reactions of his family, and the importance of self-discovery. He emphasize...

Summary   In this conversation with David, LGBTQ+ ally and researcher Kami Hunley-Jackson, who shares her personal journey and research on the coming out process, particularly focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The former Latter Day Saint is the mother of two LGBTQ+ children and sister to her gay brother. She discusses the challenges faced by families, the impact...

Summary   At age 67, Wendy Cole transitioned from male to female after a lifetime of hiding her true identity. In this candid conversation, Wendy shares the emotional cost of repression, her turning point in 2014, and how she found joy, health, and purpose by finally embracing who she is. Now a mentor and advocate, Wendy is helping others navigate their own gender journeys and working to humanize...

Thank you to Jon & Brian of Out Loud for allowing me to publish this episode from their podcast. You guys are fantastic! I've been a fan since I first discovered you on YouTube! Keep living your life, OUT LOUD!! Out Loud Podcast with Jon and Brian: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-loud/id1560962922 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHLEcaJ0RewmS9XyfVa-fww Summary   In this episode of O...

Summary   In this conversation, Wayne Scott shares his journey through a mixed orientation marriage, detailing the challenges and transformations he and his wife faced. They navigated the complexities of identity, love, and commitment, ultimately redefining their relationship through non-monogamy. Wayne emphasizes the importance of communication, patience, and the willingness to adapt as individua...

In this episode of Out Late with David, Stefan Schneider shares his journey of coming out as gay, navigating relationships, and building a modern family. He reflects on the challenges of coming out in the early 90s, the impact of his sexuality on his marriage, and the emotional turmoil of divorce. Through self-discovery and therapy, Stefan learns to embrace his identity and finds happiness in his...

Summary   Mark Dembo shares his journey of coming out at the age of 59, reflecting on the challenges and transformations he faced in his relationships, particularly with his wife and children. He discusses the emotional weight of living a life that felt inauthentic and the liberation he felt upon embracing his true self. Mark emphasizes the importance of support from family and community, and the...

Summary   In this interview David Cotton speaks with John Duerler who shares his journey of self-discovery as a gay man, navigating the complexities of coming out to his family and the challenges of maintaining relationships. He discusses the importance of being true to oneself, the supportive reactions from his family, and the creation of a community for gay fathers. John emphasizes the significa...

In this conversation, David Cotton speaks with David Nygaard about his journey of coming out as gay later in life. They discuss the challenges of recognizing one's identity in a society that often stigmatizes homosexuality, the complexities of navigating relationships and marriage, and the impact of a significant health crisis on Nygaard's life. Nygaard shares his experiences of embracing authenti...

Summary   Brian Janes, a successful real estate broker, came out as gay at age 49 after 26 years of marriage. He loved being married and had a strong connection with his wife, but deep down, he had a sexual desire that didn't match up with her. After years of therapy and self-help, his wife eventually told him she wanted a divorce. Brian knew he was gay from a young age but didn't know how to embr...

Summary   Ron Bunnell shares his journey of coming out as gay later in life and the impact it had on his marriage. Despite initial fears, Ron's wife, Barb, showed love and support, and they were able to rebuild their relationship. Ron emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself, even if it means facing challenges. He also highlights the significance of finding support from oth...

Summary David's guest, Brian, first came out to his wife over 20 years ago but chose to stay married for the sake of his family.   It took ten years for him to decide it was time to live a different kind of life. Today, at age 59 he can finally say he’s “found his tribe.”  Takeaways The struggle of coming out after being married for 20 years The impact of coming out on family, work, and community...

Summary In this episode, David Cotton interviews Kristin Kalbli, the host of Our Voices podcast and an LGBT ally. Kristin shares her experience as a straight spouse and her mission to help others in similar situations. They discuss the signs that Kristin missed in her marriage, the impact of her husband's coming out on their relationship, and the importance of honesty and communication in the comi...

Summary   Charles Vollmer, a successful California chef, shares his journey of coming out later in life and the challenges he faced. After being outed by his wife, he left his possessions behind and started a new life in San Miguel, Mexico. He is rebuilding his career as a culinary teacher and started sharing his story on social media. Charles discusses the unique challenges faced by men who come...

Dan Bolen - at age 70 he came out as gay, was kicked out of his church and ended his second marriage Summary Dan Bolen shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a gay man after living a life of denial and fear. He discusses the challenges he faced in a restrictive religious community and the fear of losing his family and friends. Dan's story highlights the importance of being honest w...

Summary In this episode David interviews Larry Best, a retired trial lawyer who came out 20 years into his marriage, now living a full life with his partner and husband of 20 years. Their conversation explores the coming out journey of Larry, who shares his unique story of coming out to his business partner and wife. Larry's decision to come out was driven by a combination of personal factors, inc...

Summary In this episode David interviews Rick Clemons, well-known as the host of the popular podcast “Life (UN)Closeted” as well as “40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk.” He is a sought-after public speaker and a successful life coach. He is also the author of the book “Frankly My Dear I’m Gay: the late bloomers guide to coming out." Rick shares his journey of coming out and helping men come out of the clo...

Shaun Williams - founder of Gay Fathers Worldwide and Bent Couch Counselling Summary In this episode, David Cotton interviews licensed counselor Shaun Williams; he previously had successful career in construction when he came out as gay after 25 years of marriage. After coming out he changed his career to help others finding their true selves. Shaun shares his experiences growing up in the 80s, di...