Courage to Be Courageous

Barbara shares the story of embracing her gay brother after he came out later in life, highlighting her family's unconditional love. In this heartfelt interview, she reflects on why being gay should never be a reason to disown a loved one.

In this powerful episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen welcomes writer and ally Susan Montag for an open conversation about fear, growth, and standing up for marginalized communities. Susan shares her journey from a conservative upbringing in Iowa to becoming a strong LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. She reflects on the deep cultural biases she had to unlearn, how raising a gay son and having a trans son-in-law shaped her activism, and the importance of community, truth, and courage in today's divisive climate. Together, Dan and Susan explore how writing, connection, and speaking out can be tools for resistance and healing in a world that often feels chaotic and unsafe.

In this powerful episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen speaks with Isaiah Bell, a biracial gay man who endured years of conversion therapy as a teenager. Isaiah shares the painful reality of trying to change who he was to please his family and church, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. Together, Dan and Isaiah explore the lingering impact of conversion therapy, the political and social challenges still facing the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of using our voices to create lasting change. This is a moving conversation about truth, healing, and the courage to be yourself.

In this episode, we welcome Zach Cohen, who shines a light on the incredible work of the Ali Forney Center, a lifeline for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Born from the legacy of Ali Forney, a young advocate who sought safety and justice for his peers and was tragically murdered in the streets of New York, the center provides housing, meals, medical care, and life skills to thousands of vulnerable youth every year. With a mission to protect and empower, the Ali Forney Center continues to grow, offering hope and a fresh start to those rejected by their families. Discover the impact of their work and how you can support this vital cause.

 In this episode, John Kazanjian, recounts the profound impact of his mother's death during his college years and how he honored her dreams by excelling academically and professionally, even achieving acceptance into Harvard. He reflects on navigating life as a closeted gay man during a conservative era, his 35-year relationship with his partner Jack, and the devastation of Jack's passing. Through personal reinvention, entrepreneurial ventures, and the development of the Soul Intelligence System with a close friend, John found solace and purpose. His story is a powerful testament to the courage required to embrace life's challenges and live authentically.

In this podcast episode, Dan Bolen welcomes Raymond Macon, both former Jehovah's Witnesses, to discuss their personal experiences of being disfellowshipped from the church for being gay and acting on it. They reflect on the impact of organized religion, the challenges they faced with guilt and shame, and how they ultimately found freedom in embracing their true selves. Their conversation sheds light on the restrictive nature of certain religious doctrines while emphasizing the importance of personal authenticity, acceptance, and love.

Mike Krupit has a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from Queens College in New York graduating in 1985. He started as a software engineer and worked his way up to Chief Technical Officer, and then the Chief Operations Officer and finally CEO of a company called CD Now which sold music on the internet. Mike is now the owner of his own company called Trejectify which is in leadership development, organizational development and business growth coaching. Mike was married for 36 years and has a son who is a teacher in Florida and a daughter that is 29 years old. Mike knew he had same sex attraction during his younger years. However, he was raised during the AIDS crisis and was fearful of coming out for many years. He realized the greatest fear of denying or fooling himself. It's quite a story of how he came out to his wife and son and daughter late in life and also his professional clients and peers at the age of 60 years old. This is fascinating story of the courage that Mike used to be his authentic self with his beautiful wife and his two children. The outcome is courageous and inspiring!  Mike can be reached at Mike@krupit.com  

Matt Christofaro has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from University of Rhode Island in 2010 and a MBA in Global Business Leadership & Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in 2012. Also he is a Licensed Thrive Programme Coach . Matt suffered for over 22 years with panic attacks . He had tried all types of therapy and help which was not working. However, he stumbled on a company called Thrive company and thought he would “give it a chance”.Matt was totally surprised that it worked for him even though he was skeptical. This has had such an impact on his life that he wanted to share it with others and became a Thrive Programme Coach. This company is very popular in the UK. The founder of the company who treated patients came up with three reasons that would make people feel better ,do better and thrive in their life. 1.Feel  more control of your life 2. Build high self esteem. 3. Develop high social confidence . Surprisingly this program would be completed in six to eight weeks. The Thrive Programme has helped over 60,000 people mostly in the UK and Europe and is being  introduced more fully in the United States. It has helped many people, whether their heterosexual or part of the LGBTQ  community . Several of the licensed coaches at Thrive are part of the LGBTQ community. I want to encourage my listeners to listen to this podcast.and see if it is an option for positive mental health for you. Matt can be reached at Matt.christofaro@thriveprogramme.org and Instagram: thrive.with.matt 

This is for audiences 18 years and older. Viewer discretion advised. Part two will show how Travit continued to be violently and sexually abused by his aunt Annie and finally how Travit was able to use courage to overcome his fear and leave. This is the end to a tragic story and yet a story of courage and faith that Travit had . May all my listeners get the lesson in this always protect our children.

This is for audiences 18 years and older. Viewer discretion advised.   Tavit Kazanjian was  born in the United States. His mother was Arabic and Greek and his father was Armenian. They were both born in Syria but married in New Jersey. Tavit has two older sisters. His entire family moved to Arizona because  his father‘s cousin wanted to get a large lot of land where everyone could live. Travit  Ladidn't realize he was different until about 10 years old .Tavit was overcome  with severe shame and trying to do everything  he could to be more masculine and not so effeminate.Tavit was from a large extended family, His mother being the oldest of seven children and an aunt , Annie the youngest of the seven. Since Tavit was in Arizona he  flew back to visit his  extended family in New Jersey. Even though he did not know his aunt Annie well only had seen her one time before ;he ended up staying at her house. Annie was a violent person physically ,mentally and emotionally .When Travit Was 11 years old Annie started sexually abusing him until he was 18 years old. None of his his  family, except one of his sister and cousin gave him any help. This is an emotionally told  tragic story. It's a pwereful  amount of courage that Tavit had to break this cycle of abuse. This is the first time he has told his story publicly. Our listeners will see the tragedy of not helping our young children out when they are physically and sexually abused . You will have feelings of outrage, anger, and frustration when our children are not protected. 

Cameron Call has a Bachelor Science Degree in Exercise Science from  Brigham Young University in Provo Utah ,and a Doctor Degree in Chiropractic (DC) in 2015 from Parker University in Dallas, Texas . Cameron grew up as the “perfect Mormon boy“. He served as a missionary in Nashville, Tennessee, did high-level work with the bishop in the church , was married to his wife in the Mormon Temple in Mesa Arizona. He had so much shame and so much internal homophobia of being a gay man. Cameron produced three beautiful children .He also is an excellent pianist started playing when he was seven years old . Even though he loves to play the piano, he continued to use this  as one of the ways to hide himself authentically. What  makes Cameron story so incredible is his internal homophobia which went on for years and his denial of his authentic self and the tremendous shame he had to overcome by using courage. You will see the tremendous amount of courage that Cameron displayed. You will also be impressed with the peace he has with being his authentic self. Another thing that's incredible in this story it has a happy ending  and you'll have to listen to the podcast find out what that happy ending is . . 

Arturo Morales was raised in Mexicali, Mexico where he spent the first 25 years of his life. He got his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the State  University ,Baja California. He went on to get his MBA in Computer Science specializing in data management  from San Diego State. He knew from a young child that he was different and then he came  to realize that different meant he was gay. Arturo first opened up to his cousin who he was close to and told him he was gay . He showed a lot of courage when  went on and told his mother and his father who had been divorced for many years that he was gay .His mother was totally supportive of him and his father accepted him but never talked about it. Arturo  two sisters and brother accepted him as gay as well .He began dating a priest from the Catholic parish and they were together over  10 years. Arturo also said they were a few other Catholic priest that were gay . Arturo being gay and Catholic , didn't feel  judgement or shame about it. He took a lot of courage to move forward after the break up with his priest. Several years later, he found the love of his life and they were together for two years and got married .After  six months they took a cruise to Mexico where his husband died on the ship of a massive heart attack. This was so dramatic for Arturo that he moved away from Hillcrest ,California to New York City for three years. This is a powerful podcast or Arturo shares the importance of telling everyone you love them and you care about them because you never know what will happen.  He also talks openly about his healing process and grief.

Faythe Huston was a 70 year virgin , how in the hell did this happen? Faythe has a Masters Degree in Counseling and also a Masters Degree in Spiritual Direction. She grew up in a conservative, religious family, never married or had children. Faythe believed in the Hero Journey which had a “called to adventure “which brought her so much energy she could not ignore it. She will talk about the well-known Hero Journey and the different stages involved in the Hero Journey .Faythe did not want to die without having the experience of sex and intimacy and began to explore the area of sexuality and sex in her life. Faythe is a seeker by nature and discovered a program called” Surrogate Partner Therapy “ (SPT). A client meets with a surrogate partner weekly as well as talking afterward with a sex therapist. This program is for those who have had little or no sexual history, those who have had sexual abuse or trauma, and those who experience pain with sex or have other sexual issues .As a heterosexual woman she had concerns and fear . However she used courage to overcome her fear. Faythe will describe her own journey . She says “ This last year and a half with SPT has been the most incredible journey I have been on in my whole life “. This is a fascinating podcast which will appeal to both male and female heterosexual allies, LGBTQ and even those that are Transgender. Over half of the clients of SPT are men . You must hear this podcast. It is eye-opening, vulnerable, and powerful.

Stonewall Rebellion /Riot took place , June 28th 1969 early in the morning. The Stonewall Inn was a LGBTQ bar located in Greenwich Village in lower Manhattan, New York. This was a safe place where LGBTQ people could come and spend time together . During this period of time in New York it was illegal to be gay as well as the majority of other states in the United States . Early in the morning on June 28 the police came to raid the patrons at the bar. Raids were common by the police at Stonewall but this one got violently out of hand .The police use extreme force and the 200 patrons back . The riot went on for almost 5 days. Sonewall riots are widely considered the watershed event that transformed the gay liberation movement and the 20th century fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States. One year later on June 28, 1970 the first pride events were held in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Many of the rights that LGBTQ people have today i.e. the freedom to get same sex married , freedom in the military to be gay or lesbian came from the basis of what happened at Stonewall This is truly our history, and we must not forget the courageous people who fought back and led others be proactive in fighting for the gay rights .You will find my commentary enlightening and show all of us why we must have a voice and to be proactive for fighting for LGBTQ rights.

Dan Bolen was privileged and honored to be interviewed by the nationally syndicated daytime talk show “Daily Blast Live”. “Daily Blast Live” is sent out to over 100 TV stations across the United States. I met the host Sam Schacher two years ago when I was in Telluride, Colorado. I sent her a copy of my memoir “the Courage to Be Courageous“. The memoir was so powerful for her she wanted to interview me on “Daily Blast Live”. It is a great opportunity for me to get my voice out nationally for our community. If you want to listen to my interview which was done on April 18, 2024 you could go to YouTube and search for the “Daily Blast Live” Dan Bolen. You will be able to listen to the video/audio portion. What you'll be listening to on my website/podcast is the audio portion. I think you will  find this interview, inspiring to the LGTBQ community and also to the heterosexual allies. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvrXYu7C0gY&t=1s

Dan Bolen was interviewed by Chelsea Ennen out of Brooklyn, New York for the Kirkus Review. Kirkus is the number one in the world who rates authors and their books. Chelsea did an excellent interview with me and Kirkus was supportive and honest about my memoir “the Courage to Be Courageous”. So on this podcast, I read the interview word for word in hopes of inspiring others to read my memoir regarding overcoming fear and using courage to get through it. Kirkus reviewed it on their website digitally April 8 and I was featured in their March 1 and March 15 magazine publication that goes to bookstores and all libraries. I also wanted my listeners to know that I will be doing a live interview with a national syndicated TV program, “The Daily Blast”. I will be doing this podcast on April 18, 2024. Because “The Daily Blast is a national syndicated program I invite my listeners to listen to it locally. You all should have it on your local TV stations .Here we get it on NBC. it's my opportunity to have a national voice for our community and I am humbled and appreciative that “The Daily Blast “ have offered me this opportunity. On this podcast I also read a portion of Steve Petersons “Bursting Through knowledge and power” about an article he did regarding the Love of Hate . What is the love of hate? “The love of hate is best described as someone looking at someone and simultaneously seeing hate in their eyes and a smile on their lips”. Steve goes onto show the love of hate is gaining power and momentum. For example: He mentions in 2020 these groups took over $110, million and their revenue continues to grow. We all in our community and our heterosexual allies must have a voice about this. Do not remain silent. I encourage all of you to read this entire review ONLINE knowledge and power. The entire article can be found on Steve'swebsite. stevepetersen@substack.com

Sage Jaurequi of Hispanic descent received his BA at Arizona State University in Family Studies and Human Development and Masters Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant University in San Diego. Sage knew he was different and was ashamed of being different because he was met with so much disapproval. He had no interest in sports loved to play with dolls and received emotional and physical abuse from his older brother. Sage's mother decided to put him into therapy. This was the first time he admitted to the therapist or to anyone that he was gay. It took so much courage for him to do this but for the first time he felt he had owned who he was. Sage also later came out to his mother when he was 14 years old and she struggled with it, but came to accept it. When Sage finally got into high school he was able to find an accepting community of others who were gay. Because of the Hispanic community, it is harder to come out and Sage realized the importance of having a community; all races who accept you for who you are. When Sage became a flight attendant, he was able to meet others from the gay community who supported him. Sage found out that he need to find out the history of his hispanic ancestors because this is part of who you are. He encourages all individuals to find out the history of their ancestors. You will find out in this podcast the history of “marginalized “individuals and how they can have the strength and courage to get through it.

Monish Modi grew up in India and was on cricket as his whole family played it. In India, the marriages are arranged by their parents, because there is so much respect and dignity for the parents who they consider their their elders. Monish knew he was different than the other boys however because they're so much pressure against being gay in India, his fear of coming out crippled him. On the request of his mother who had had a stroke and she wanted him to get married before she died he married someone he only knew for four days. It produced a beautiful daughter, Monish decided to move to the UK, where he felt it would be better for his wife and daughter. However, his wife did not want to move to the UK and went back to India, which led to a separation and a divorce because Monish love to play cricket, he got connected to an LGBTQ team called Graces where he eventually became the captain of the cricket team. First time in his life, he was able to feel he was accepted, and they gave him courage and strength. He was interviewed by Sky Sports News and CNN, who totally supported the LGBTQ network. You're going to learn how things have changed in India. However, there are still many who have a fear of coming out because there's society pressure in India. Monish decided to come out to his dad when he came to the UK and the outcome you will see in the podcast. This is an intriguing and powerful story. Monish we'll talk about what his story can help others to be their authentic self. He continues to do a lot of work for the LGBTQ community and he has a voice for our community.

Kevin O'Connor grew up in a different lifestyle than most of us. He was a son of a Funeral Director and lived in the house where the whole funeral took place. The caskets and embalming were in the basement. The main floor was the funeral parlor. The first floor was where his uncle and their family lived . The second floor was where Kevin, his brothers and parents lived . His dad was also a funeral director . Kevin received his Bachelor Science degree in Political Science from Loyola university in Chicago and his Masters Degree in Education at the University of California at Berkeley graduating in 1977 .Kevin published an outstanding book called “Two Floors Above Grief “ a memoir of two families in the unique place we called home. This is a combination of letters from many of his family members that Kevin compiled and put in this beautiful memoir. You're going to learn in the memoir how Kevin came out as gay to his father and the tremendous support his father showed him in a generation where it was not safe to come out. Kirkus review called it “a warm and sincere family history“ .You are going to see the courage that Kevin displayed when he came out to both of his wives as gay and also his two beautiful sons who are now adults. You will see how he met his life partner and now his husband Leon . Kevin is living his best, authentic life. You will also see how he has done community efforts and had a voice for the LGBTQ industry and has written several programs for them and has been life coach for many of them .Kevin can be reached on his website www.kevino'connorauthor.com.

I had open heart surgery February 8, 2024 at Cleveland clinic which is number one in the world for open heart surgery. What started out as a routine procedure ended up in a wild ride for me and my partner John. This was an opportunity for me to embrace my fear and use courage to get through it. I had three surgeries; they had to repair the aorta, give me a bovine valve and repair my mitral valve. It was a seven hour surgery. I recovered in ICU for seven days then was assigned to a regular hospital room. After two weeks in Cleveland we were ready to check out. However, after two days at the hotel, I develop symptoms and had to be rushed to emergency where it was determined that I had pneumonia and sepsis. This was a time I had to really embrace  my fear, and use courage to get through it . My partner, John was with me every step of the way and Cleveland clinic saved my life. This is a powerful podcast for those who have fear regarding their health needs and need courage to overcome their fear. You will find in this podcast what's really important in our lives and the importance of community. You will also see in my podcast the other  programs which Cleveland clinic is developing to save lives. Telephone number for Cleveland clinic is 800-659-7822 and the heart Institute 866-320-4573. Their website is www.clevelandclinic.org Access Anytime Anywhere | Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic www.clevelandclinic.org for those who would like to learn more about Cleveland clinic and may want to make a donation. Cleveland clinic is a 5013c organization.

John Preston has a BS in Kinesiology and a Masters Degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from Arizona State University. He is certified in CSCS, EP – C, CPT ( ACE) , and TPI (certified golf fitness instructor). He has over 30 years in the physical fitness industry and is presently the Director of Fitness for the Village Club in Scottsdale Arizona, where he supervises 13 trainers and eight concierges. John discusses the benefits of exercise, i.e. cardio, controlling mood, managing stress and depression. He talks about not only commitment, but more important, behavioral changes. John is very insightful of how the viewpoint toward exercises has changed after Covid. John will talk about the importance of your technique when you are working out and the importance of a personal trainer and how to find one. This podcast will be so encouraging to those that are working out and those that want to work out and give themselves the best life that they would like to have. John will talk about the need for courage to overcome the fear of working out in a gym. This is a powerful podcast.

Dan Bolen, our podcast host, talks about the guests we've had on our podcasts from episode 27 through the podcast 47. He focuses on what The Trevor project has done in the last year 2023 and also what Outright International has done in 2023. These are two organizations that Dan supports financially through his book sales of “the Courage to Be Courageous”. Dan talks about the atrocities that the Ugandan parliament and now the president has signed against LGBTQ +people and the people of Uganda taking away their rights. You will be shocked when you hear what has been done to the whole society in Uganda ie doctors, school teachers, parents, clergyman, landlords who do not report a “possible homosexual.“ They are given a six month sentence in prison, and some to the extent of 20 years. We must have a voice against this inhuman behavior. Respond to these websites to give your support: https://outrightinternational.org/ To give a donation to Uganda www.outrightinternational.org/Uganda-fund.  To donate to The Trevor project www.thetrevorproject.org To be a part of the heterosexual ally contact the website www.burstingthrough.com

Claudia Wilson who is the Asscciate Director of Development for Cleveland Clinic is our guest today. U.S. News & World Report ranks Cleveland Clinic number one in the world for heart surgery. Cleveland Clinic has held this position for almost 30 years in a row. You are going to learn about some incredible first time achievements in heart surgery from the 1950s 60s 70s and into 2024. In the 1970s they did their first valve replacement and repair which became the number one facility to do it and is the standard which has been set for other hospitals and facilities throughout the world. The Cleveland Clinic just finished their 2000th full heart transplant In 2021. Cleveland Clinic has the world's largest database and research center for heart research. In the last few years Cleveland Clinic have expanded into cancer research and neurological care dealing with Alzheimer's Parkinson's, and Dementia. Their goal is to treat it before the symptoms start. Cleveland Clinic, which is an educational center and hospital, is nonprofit. At the end of the year all the profits which are made go into their three prong mission statement: Research, Education and Patient Care. Because of this they are classified as a 501 c 3). The Cleveland clinic is very close to my heart as I will be receiving open heart surgery there very soon. I have been going to Cleveland Clinic for over three years and I really know they are the best organization in the world. They treat their patients as family. If you would like to call them for any questions their number is 866-320-4573. Anyone that would like to make a donation to them please contact their website give.ccf.org. The Cleveland Clinic organization certainly helps anyone overcome their fear, and use courage to get through it.

David Cotton is a retired Brigadier General with the United States Air Force. He got his Masters Degree in Computer Data Management and another Masters in National Security studies. After serving over 29 years in the Air Force and doing consulting work for the Pentagon, he had to deal with who he was authentically. This sent him on a journey of reading all types of literature related to the LGBTQ community and watching podcasts to figure out who he really was. David finally realized he was a gay man. He realized the importance of providing a website/podcasts for the community. Many people come out late in life and they need a website and a community for support. David's website is www.outlatewithdavid.com. He also has become a life coach and is certified to help others. You can find more information at https://www.davidcottoncoaching.com David and I use our websites/podcasts to have a voice for our community. Both our websites/podcasts are free to listen to. David interviewed me last week on his website and I have the pleasure of interviewing him on my podcast this week. It is an incredible journey for both of us and how we used courage to get through our fear.

David Cotton interviewed Dan Bolen from his podcast/website www.outlatewithdavid.com. David is doing a tremendous amount of work through his podcast for the LGBTQ + community. David is a retired Brigadier General from the Air Force who also came out as gay after retirement. You will get the opportunity to hear part of my life story which will be up on my audio portion on my website www.danbolen.com, and you will also be able to listen to the video on David Cotton podcasts www.outlatewithdavid.com. You will see how I used courage to overcome a tremendous amount of fear, and come out as my authentic self and why I wrote  the book “the Courage to Be Courageous“ and started doing my podcasts. My story is powerful, vulnerable, at times, riveting, and very honest. Many of you will know more about me than my own personal family knows. This will be a great podcast for not only the LGBTQ community, but also our heterosexual allies. I have the privilege to interview David on my podcast this week and it will be available after my interview podcast. Both David and I are committed to being a strong voice for our community.

Steve Petersen grew up in a farming town in Audubon, Iowa. He went on to get his BS degree in Fashion Merchandising from Iowa State University. He struggled with his sexuality and it wasn't until after college that he had to deal with who he authentically was. He went on to several different retail organizations, and ended up at Macy's in Manhattan, New York, in their merchandising group. Steve later move to Las Vegas, Nevada and eventually opened the heterosexual ally group called “Bursting Through“. This podcast is for our heterosexual allies who want to have a voice for our community and want to know what they can do to support LGBTQ people. Most of the population knows someone who is part of the LGTBQ community. Statistics from Steve's website show that over 62% of the nations population know someone that identifies as part of the LGBTQ community. This podcast will give you some insight on how you can have a voice and offer real support to the LGBTQ community. Please check out the substack group at www.substack.com where you can be an active ally. Just look for the Bursting Through section. Steve Peterson's website is www.burstingthrough.gay

Nate Rhoton is the CEO of an organization in Phoenix called OneNTen. This organization has 18 satellite locations and helps the LGBTQ+ community with individuals in ages 11 to 24 years and homeless people between the ages of 18 and 24 years to be a support system for them. Nate has a BS degree in Economics from Arizona State University and after spending five years with General Mills and 12 years as Human Resource Manager for a construction company he joined OneNTen as the Development Director, and later moved on to be the CEO of the organization. Nate shows the powerfulness of courage by identifying who he was authentically and coming out to his parents. He showed courageousness when his father was imprisoned, and Nate moved on with his life and accepted his dad for who he was and appreciating the good gifts that his father gave him. Nate also learned lessons from his dads behavior which taught him not to follow the path of his father. Nate shows the importance of who you are authentically and not be complacent and to follow your heart and live as your authentic self. This is a wonderful organization which has a number of programs to help the young LGBTQ+community when many of them are kicked out of their homes by their parents and have no other place to go. For those of you, that would like to donate to OneNTen or would like to volunteer, here is their website www.onenten.org.

Harry Fox got his B.I.D. (in industrial design) from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and his M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He spent 30 years in the IT industry and ended as a Chief Information Officer for one of the large insurance firms. Harry struggled to find who he was and spent 12 years in therapy. He's always had an interest in the “mind“ and so took a lot of courses and studies in psychology and philosophy. Harry married a beautiful woman and was with her for over 20 years and produced a beautiful son. Harry came to the realization that he was gay which ended in a separation from his wife and yet he spent the last nine months of her life navigating her clinical care when she was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer, before she died in 2017. Harry found a community in an organization called Gamma which was founded in 1978. Gamma is an organization that started in the Washington DC area, and now has expanded in different parts of the world. It was really an organization of men who were married to women and yet have same sex attraction. Harry became the facilitator of the meetings for gay, bisexual, or questioning men since 2013 and an average of two times weekly since March 2020 when Gamma took the meeting virtual due to COVID. Currently, Harry facilitates four different types of meetings: weekly meetings, open to all gay, bisexual, and questioning men; a meeting every every 3 to 4 weeks specifically for bisexual men; a monthly couples meeting for bisexual men, and their wives; and a separate monthly meeting just for the wives. Harry also works privately with gay and bisexual men as a coach as they step through their own personal journey. The website for Gamma is www.gammasupport.org and Harry's email for those that would like to contact him personally is harry.dietz.fox@gmail.com .

David Gurzenski Luke grew up in upstate New York in the city of Albion . David was a soft-spoken introvert and had tragedy hit him at 11 years old when his father died of a heart attack. He eventually moved to Arizona, where he attended Arizona State University, and got his Bachelors Degree  in Journalism in 1969. He also became the editor of the school newspaper at ASU in his first year of school. He got married to a beautiful woman named Pam and ended up having two beautiful girls, Jennifer and Julia. David felt the pressure of being married with all the things couples go through in the first few years of marriage. From a young age, he knew he was attracted to men, but had a tremendous amount of shame and guilt. He met a very outgoing classmate who had confidence, and they ended up having an affair but the shame and guilt was so strong he went into depression. David eventually came out to Pam when she asked him if he was having an affair with a woman, and he said “no it was an affair with a man”. His wife, Pam, whose father is a doctor suggested he get a lobotomy to change his orientation, which David found shocking . The doctor did refer him to a psychiatrist to help him become straight. Obviously it didn't work. David also went onto the University of Arizona, where he received his Masters in Journalism in 1972. He became the editor of the University of Arizona's newsletter, and also was the Associate Director of the Alumni Association. He went on to have a successful career in journalism holding several positions. Unfortunately, he was fired from two positions due to being a gay man. He took both employers to court for discrimination and was successful in winning both cases.This shows a tremendous amount of courage on David's part. David met his life partner and husband Alan who is a Substance Abuse Counselor, and they've been together 19 years. His husband, Alan formed  a group called “ Life Challenges Support  Group” which he supports free of charge for anyone who is facing challenges in their life and needs courage to get through them.

David Pederson grew up in a mining town in Leadville Colorado, where his father was a miner. When the family moved to Wisconsin, David worked in a retail outlet for Amity Leather and later, as a property manager for over 500 apartments. He later worked in furniture sales and decorating, and then started to work more on his writing, which was his real passion. David knew he was different and especially at puberty, realized he was gay. David kept silent because of his shame and having fear he would be rejected by his family and society. Later on, as he used courage to come out as gay, he was  mugged by four cowardly men and was “gay bashed” outside a local bar. After spending two weeks in the hospital and having a plastic plate put in his head, David had to deal with his fear and used courage to get through it. By using courage, he went back to the same bar where he was mugged and met Alan, who is now his husband and they've been together 29 years. David pursued his passion for writing, and after a number of setbacks he used courage to  “Keep Moving Don't Stop” as his motto. Because of this, he landed a publisher and has successfully written 10 books; seven books on Heath Barrington series and three on the Mason Adler series. This is an incredible story of using courage to get through your fear and “ Keep Moving Don't Stop!”

Gypsy Haake who became known as just “Gypsy” became a Hollywood star. He was featured in over 118 shows both in films TV and on stage. This is an incredible podcast about Gypsy who is now 91 years old and served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Palm Springs gay pride parade. Gypsy, who worked with numerous Hollywood stars such as Mel Brooks and his wife Ann Bancroft, Lana Turner, Lucille Ball, Jane Fonda, and also from 2017 to 2018 Miley Cyrus where he filmed a video with her and also did the VMA awards. He traveled all of the world and is known as his work in LA Cage Aux Folles in Hollywood before it became a movie. Most of the above stars saw Gypsy perform as the Masters of Ceremonies at the dinner theatre. Gypsy, will talk about experiencing the aids crisis, the Stonewall  riots in 1969 and the courage he had to get through those. He will also talk about his personal life as a gay man and some incredible lessons of acceptance for who you are such as  when you look at the person in the mirror and you love the person in the mirror you have total acceptance of who you are, you will not be rejected . You may be rejected by others, but you are accepted by you. Gypsy said remember acceptance is the opposite of rejection. All of us can learn some incredible examples from the lessons Gypsy gives us.

This podcast is an incredible, powerful story from Patrick Harkness, who lost his brother Scotty being senselessly murdered. Scotty was a beautiful human being who had  “special needs “  who showed courage throughout his entire life. He was active, his whole life in Special Olympics playing basketball, baseball, track, and field, and golf. Scotty, who died at almost 60 years old, was passionate about everything he did. He loved people and did things for people . He showed courage to work his way up through group homes to come to independence of living on his own. His brother Patrick said he was the most kind, loving and supportive individual.” “You could know Scotty always had a smile on his face “ said Patrick.  He volunteered on his own to help in “Club Sar “ moving fitness equipment and cleaning equipment 30 hours a week as a gift to the club.  The club even dedicated a bench Scotty with his name on it when he died. When he was walking home from a restaurant, he was murderously killed, and it sent shock through the entire community . The City of Scottsdale Arizona had an Adaptive Recreational  sports group that supported all Special Olympics individuals and Scotty was a trailblazer in that community .All the proceed of  the “go fund me” that was established for Scotty was given 100% to the special Olympic committee to buy all of them New Jerseys with the name of Scotty on the jersey. This was the gift that his brother Patrick gave the Special Olympics. Scotty loved as his idol Chuck Norris and had 22 T-shirts of Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris was contacted and actually did a video at his funeral which you will see at the end of my podcast you will hear Scotty Harkness voice followed by the audio of Chuck Norris at Scotty's funeral. We have a tremendous amount of courage not only for Scotty, but for his incredible brother Patrick .You must see this podcast. It is powerful and yet heart wrenching. For Donations to his fund: https://give.classy.org/ScottyHarkness

This is an incredible podcast of two great men who have persevered through the odds and have used courage and optimism, to get through their fear and setbacks. Cam Davis has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science/ Psychology and English, a JD degree, and an MBA. He is presently the Managing Director of Investments for Wells Fargo Advisors. Sam Randazzo has a Bachelors of Science in Advertising and Marketing from Ferris State University in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Sam has been in media and advertising for his entire  career and ended as the Managing Director of Media Maniacs, a company that he owned. Cam has had to reinvent his career three different times, being at the top of his game and losing a substantial amount of financial security two times over. He will show perseverance, as well as positive attitude of optimism and moving forward. Sam, who has had 12 back surgeries and two neck surgeries, and is still facing more surgeries, showcases moving forward despite health challenges by having a positive attitude with a great partner/husband who totally supports him. This is an great story of two incredible people who've had to learn, adapt, change, through adversity, listen and understand one another to accomplish their life goals. This is a riveting and powerful podcast.

Dennis lived in a generation where you could not come out as gay because it was considered a psychiatric disorder. He even made a couple attempts at suicide. Dennis lived in a generation where there was no moral support and no role models for LGBTQ individuals. He used education to bury his feelings, receiving a bachelors degree two masters degrees, and a PhD in Public Health . He connected to The Trevor project and applied to become a voluntary youth crisis counselor in which he has been doing for three years .The Trevor project receives calls from all over the United States with children between the ages of 13 to 24 years old, who are struggling with suicide forLGBTQ youth .Dennis is a digital counselor which is done over the Internet . The Trevor project is the one that I, Dan Bolen support and you will get to see the inner workings of a volunteer youth  crisis counselor . The film Trevor was released in 1995 and received an Oscar for Best Short Subject  at the 67th Academy Awards. For  those that would like to trained to be a voluntary youth crisis counselor you can go to their website www.thetrevorproject.org. Not only does Trevor Project receive digital program calls, but they also have a suicide hotline number 1866-488–7386 or text 678–678

Crystal Waltman was extremely good at softball, and got a scholarship for Central Arizona College for softball and won two national championships in softball . After receiving her Associate Degree she went on to Arizona State University, and  received her Bachelor Degree in Communications . After the death by suicide of her best friend, she started to bury her feelings and become numb to any emotion. She used alcohol to numb all the feelings she had. After struggling in her marriage and having a beautiful daughter named  Liv Crystal hit rock bottom . When she was driving home from a restaurant intoxicated with her daughter in the car it brought  her to surrender; It brought her to her knees. With the support of her family, who were at first in denial she was able to get sober . She released a book/memoir, entitled “Quitting to Win”, A Proven Plan to Let Go of Bad Habits ,Learn to Feel and Love Yourself. It gets top ratings on Amazon. This is an inspiring story of a beautiful woman, embracing her fear and using courage to get through it. Crystal‘s website is www.crystalwaltman.com. Please check out this incredible podcast!

Rich T graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree from San Jose State University in Hospitality Management. Rich was raised in a sports environment and played all different types of sports and was particularly good at swimming and diving which he did in college . He volunteered to go into the army and was sent to Korea . Rich knew he was attracted to older men and he struggled with that trying to convince himself that he wasn't gay. He ended up in two relationships in the military with two men who were colonels and were married and had children. Rich struggled with this, knowing that he didn't want to live the life with men who were married and were hiding from their wives. When Rich got out of the army, he dated a woman and were engaged and then he realized that he couldn't do it. He also met a man who was vice president/pastor of a huge Megachurch, whose children were also pastors who secretly carried on in the relationship with Rich and others until Rich found out who he was. It showed the hypocrisy of organized religion. He showed courage by dealing with PTSD caused by the army, and also being sodomized as a young man. Rich we'll talk about his healing, and the peace he has from being his authentic self.  

Mike Klein graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in finance from Arizona State University, and received his Master in International Management (MIM) at Thunderbird University. He grew up in Mesa Arizona where he was a member of the LDS church. He also went on a mission for the church and became a high achiever in all the leadership positions in the Mormon church thinking that if he did all these good things and high achievements in the church that God would take away his gayness. Mike struggled a good part of his life, trying to fit in and trying to deny that he was a gay man. He even went to repetitive/conversion therapy. The reality was he was attracted even more to men which added more shame to his life. Mike married his wife and proceeded to have seven children and continued struggling with himself, even to the point of considering committing suicide. He tells a fascinating story of how he was able to pull his life together and become his authentic self. He will also talk about his relationship with God, and what God thinks of him. This is an incredible podcast.

Steve Gumble is founder of SBG productions which is a special event production company located in Telluride Colorado. He has Bacheors of Arts from the University of Hampshire, in Parks and Recreation /Tourism. He married a beautiful woman that he met in college, named Lynn and they stayed married for 12 years. This produced two beautiful girls, Katy and Taylor. Steve showed courage by coming out as gay to his wife and also to his two daughters. Even though this ended in divorce, this is a powerful podcast about courage, grief, anger, and acceptance, Steve And Lynn, our best friends, and do things together with Steve and his partner, Jake. This is a unique story, of courage and on the part both Steve and Lynn and eventually total acceptance.

Jalene Murphy overcomes life's obstacles, mental health, the stigma of divorce, pervasive perfectionism and shame and guilt from the Catholic Church to find her authentic self. After a deep discovery, of who she is, she divorced her husband, who was her best friend because she knew she was gay/lesbian. This podcast will talk about sexual affirmation, self love, and the power of courage and inner strength. Jalene wrote a book called “Modern Day Courage” which is essential reading for anyone, wishing to discover self. Doing so requires work – hard work -but the reward is inner peace. Jalene shares with emotion and tears the courage that she's had to be her authentic self and live the  best life she can live.

Ralph Kellog was an only child raised by a single mom who was emotional and physical abusive to him. He knew at four years old he was different ;he liked playing with dolls, didn't fit in with the other boys, was bullied at grade school and middle school, and would run home to hide. He had no one that he could talk to about who he was, and he learned not to fully trust adults .In high school he met a good friend named Tommy where they met in ROTC .Tommy  supported Ralph and new that he was gay . They became good friends. However, when they went out to a lake with friends and boated  to a small island, Tommy ended up drowning. Even though Tommy  was straight he was the love of Ralph's life. Ralph not trusting adults was accelerated when he was outed at work by his boss. Ralph received  his MBA at Bellview University in Nebraska, and received another Masters Degree  in Conflict  Negotiations and Dispute Resolution . Ralph is the HR Director for Lutheran Family Services which has been around over 100 years and are leaders in adoption and behavioral health . Regardless of what Ralph went through he teaches us empathy and forgiveness.

Larry Smith is our guest from Toronto, Ontario Canada. He has a BFA in Drama (Acting and Directing). He was the son of an evangelical minister of the Church of Christ . The church was very restrictive., no alcohol, no dancing and took the literal word.of  God in the Bible fundamentally. Larry knew that he was different. He's always like speech and drama,love the fine arts , wanted to be an actor and felt as an alien with other men. He suffered depression, and eventually married a woman to have a beautiful daughter Genna as he has always wanted children . After attending a seminar, which is about letting down your walls, he knew he had to be open and honest and express who he authentically was which led to a divorce . Larry makes some powerful comments about “Don't  let the ideology of your childhood be the ideology of your life, change is constant “. Also, “Being your authentic self is enough just be present and that is enough.” Please check out this powerful podcast.

Andy Vaughn is the president of Alliant University which is headquartered in San Diego, and has  six campuses. They are the leading university training license clinical psychologists in the United States. They also opened a nursing division in training individuals to get a degree in nursing. He started in his earlier years in radio broadcasting ; broadcasting sporting events, and eventually news radio in Nebraska before entering higher education. Andy talks about coming out, gay in a very conservative environment in Nebraska, and what it was like to do so .He  talks about the tragedy of losing his father who was a great mentor to him  to suicide  and the powerful lesson it taught him. Andy gives some insight as to  accepting ourself as our authentic self and the peace and joy it brings. Alliant University: www.alliant.edu

After doing 27 episodes of the podcast “the courage to be courageous“ I wanted to do a reflective interview to my Podcasters. It's really a podcast of thankfulness and having a voice for our community and I am so appreciative that I'm able to do this . .I also want to ask those who are my listeners to give me input on what they would like to hear in future podcasts.I also want them to have a voice on my website and on my Podcasts, where they can individually encourage those with your compliments of my guests who have come out with some incredible courageous stories. Tell him how their story has affected your life. As humans we need affirmations and I want to encourage my listeners to give those affirmations on my podcast/website. Our audience is an audience of inclusivity, and I want to hear from all including our heterosexual allies. This is a podcast for humanity.

Jahn Curran was a member of the Mormon church served on a mission. He came out as gay late in life and went through a tumultuous life of coming out as a gay person. He also was a patient of conversion therapy and the damage that it caused giving him PTSD. This story is powerful with elements of sadness and acceptance. He also is battling cancer along with having open heart surgery. I believe you're going to be drawn to Jahn. As his community, let's give him the support that he needs. He was so courageous in telling his story.

Marisa Butler is the Director of development for the Phoenix Theater Company. You're going to find an incredible community at the Phoenix Theater Company . The theater just started their 104th season and are expanding their facilities. In fact, Steven Spielberg showed his first production as a high school senior in the Phoenix Theater, and still considers it to be the start of his movie career. Live theater is for the whole person and we encourage all to embrace live theatre in your community . The Phoenix Theater also provides healing and laughter for the Phoenix, Children's Hospital and other hospitals. Also, they all support hospice of the valley where they help elderly ones to enjoy laughter and connection with the community. One of the reasons that I chose to support this theater is the productions I have seen have been the best with professional actors from all over the world. Their website is wwwphoenixtheartre.com/support. In many cases, you can give funds to the Phoenix Theater and get a charitable deduction 

Andrew Suozzo is a marathon runner and completed the New York marathon , the Boston marathon, and the Tucson marathon at the age of 76 and 77 years old. He was number one in his group in all three marathons. This is an incredible podcast which shows the importance of commitment to exercise by running which Andrew pursued . He will also be running the Chicago marathon in October 2023 where he is in the Hall of Fame for the Chicago Marathon. He also received his PHD from the University of Pennsylvania and taught history and later teaching French . Andrew went through the AIDS crisis and he talks about the fear, but also the courage to get through it. This is a dynamic podcast.

David Matheson was formally a member  of the Later Day Saints church, and even went on a  mission for the church. He got his bachelor,s  degree from BYU in counseling. Because he wanted to help people, especially those that were part of the Mormon church he went into counseling, which eventually led to “conversion therapy counseling“ . After spending many years, doing conversion therapy counseling, he had to deal with one sobering fact:” he never changed anyone's sexual orientation.”He trained under one of the leaders/developers of conversion therapy, and he tells an incredible story even coming out to accept himself as a gay man . You will  find this podcast riveting and insightful

Ian Jenkins MD wrote a book called “three dads and a baby”. He is in a throuple relationship with Alan Mayfield and Jeremy Hodges. This is a powerful podcast for all three dads wanted to be on the birth certificate and went to court to get this approved. This shows the courage of all three dads in the face of odds to make this happen. They received international recognition from all five continents of the world, and were interviewed on podcasts throughout the world. They have two beautiful children, daughter, piper, and son Parker. This is a fascinating podcast!

Abigail Batton married a gay man and traveled with him all over the world to serve the poor people in their ministry. When he came out as gay, they had three children and were serving the poor internationally in their church . I  wanted to do a podcast with an ex wife, who has gone through the pain and the struggles, and the resentment of being married to a gay man and how she was able to turn her  extreme pain into gratitude and forgiveness. Abigail story is powerful and shows the courage she had over a 20 year period  to get where she is at today. For the husband's who are in turmoil and have not come out to their wives and wives who are also living in turmoil when  they found out their husbands were gay this is a must hear podcast .Abigail makes some incredible comments through the work she has done on herself and becoming best friends with her ex husband, Jeff . She talks about the great  life they have together as friends along with their three adult children.

Joan Robinette is an incredible supporter of her son who came out as gay at the age of 15 years. Not only did she support him but she became his ally. She established a website www.societyofluckymothers.org. Joan felt that having a gay son was a gift that needed to be celebrated. This is an outstanding story of having a voice  and fighting for LGBTQ +rights. On her website under the “Queer Agenda a Great  American Road Trip” she traveled to seven states with her son Drake and her daughter Coco to interview lawmakers and educate  these states on LGBTQ + rights and understanding. They received national recognition when Joan put an ad in a Houston, Texas newspaper congratulating her son for coming out as gay. Meredith Vieira is a nationally known host and TV journalist who commented on the article in the newspaper. This is a powerful story.

Christina DaCosta is the Chief Experience Officer for Sage USA . This organization formed in 1978  is dedicated to taking care of the LGBTQ plus community who are of senior age. Based out of New York City, they have expanded to other parts of the United States. Their motto is “We Refuse To Be Invisible “. This  is a powerful podcast, and she will outline a number of programs that they have instituted to take care of our seniors to prove that they “Are Not Invisible “Christina will talk about the ways that we can support Sage USA both financially, and in other ways .  Their website is www.sageusa.org