Lesbian Chronicles is a podcast for women (and men) who’ve realized they’re gay later in life. Alli and Melisa share their own experiences of leaving their heterosexual marriages to be their true selfs in an effort to help others find their own way and feel a little less alone in the process.
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The Lesbian Chronicles: Coming Out Later in Life podcast is a remarkable discovery for anyone who is going through the process of coming out later in life. The hosts, Melisa and Alli, share their own personal stories and create a safe and relatable space for listeners to feel understood and supported. As someone who recently ended a long marriage, I found that everything they talked about resonated deeply with me. It's like finding a group of people who understand exactly what you're feeling. This podcast truly feels like a gift.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the authenticity and vulnerability that Melisa and Alli bring to each episode. They openly share their own experiences, including all the highs and lows, which makes it easy for listeners to connect with them on a deeper level. The addition of Alissa as a producer and contributor has also added another dimension to the show, providing fresh perspectives and insights. The guests they bring on are real and unique, further enriching the conversations.
While there may have been some early episodes where certain comments or attitudes were not aligned with progressive values, Melisa and Alli have shown tremendous growth by addressing these issues head-on when criticism arises. Their willingness to listen, learn, and revise their approach is commendable. It demonstrates their genuine commitment to creating an inclusive space for everyone. It's refreshing to see hosts who genuinely care about their audience's feedback.
In conclusion, The Lesbian Chronicles: Coming Out Later in Life podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of coming out later in life, especially if there's a family involved. The hosts' bravery in sharing their stories, along with the diverse range of topics discussed, make this podcast both entertaining and life-changing. It's a safe space where listeners can find validation and support as they embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. I highly recommend giving it a listen – you won't be disappointed!
Alli and Melisa discuss dating expert Matthew Hussey's theory on the levels of a relationship. Also, how to have those hard, "defining the relationship" conversations -- and finding your power when you don't get the answer you're hoping for. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Country music singer Brooke Eden shares how she went from never wanting to get married -- to ready to U-Haul with her now wife -- and how her career has grown since coming out.Fun fact about Brooke: Trisha Yearwood officiated her wedding and Garth Brooks sang during the ceremony!Click here to learn more about Brooke's music and tour info!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Alexi Melvin joins the Lesbian Chronicles for our 300th episode!!! Alexi shares how her affinity for Gillian Anderson (aka FBI Special Agent Scully) led to her TikTok and Instagram following -- and what it's like dating in NYC! Follow Alexi on Instagram and on TikTokBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Mallory Hanfling, MSW, LCSW, and PhD Student of Human Sexuality joins the show to share her "firefly" journey and the study she's currently working on involving late in life lesbians! Courage to Grow CounselingFirefly StudyFollow Mallory on InstagramBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Alli and Melisa talk internalized homophobia and the ways it still shows up for us today. And how we were definitely the elephants in the room at a predominantly hetero event. (Note: In this episode Melisa says gay marriage was legalized on a federal level in 2016... it was actually legalized in 2015.)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Melisa and Alli discuss the importance of shedding your past pain to allow yourself to be open to new relationships. We also share quotes about heartbreak and moving on from writer and relationship coach, Jillian Turecki. For more information on Jillian Turecki, click here!Also mentioned in this episode, Yung Pueblo's new book How to Love Better and Running on Empty by Jonice Webb, PhDBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
New York Times "Wirecutter" sexual health journalist Bianca Alba, MPH joins the show to talk sexual positivity, feeling safe in your body and topics like lube recommendations and how to get confident in your own body before being intimate (ahem, masterbating)Trust us, you definitely want to listen to this episode!Check Out Bianca's Website!New York Times WirecutterFollow Bianca on Instagram!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Our friend Robin shares her take on kissing techniques -- her story of coming into her own as a mother of three, and her life now co-parenting/"nesting" with her ex-husband. Check out Lesbian Chronicles Merch! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.
Anna shares her coming out journey, her feelings around imposter syndrome as a newly out queer person and the life-changing news she got shortly after coming out.
Alli and Melisa discuss how to handle things when your relationship starts to get a little boring and how to push through from the lust phase to long-term love. We also put a few friends in the Hot Seat to share their celebrity crushes and a lil peak into their ultimate fantasies!
If you were the main character in the movie of your life, what would the audience be screaming at you to do? Melisa and Alli share how they think the audience would react to moments in their lives -- and how to hush the noise of people whose opinions really don't matter.
Melisa and Alli discuss how some people have the optimism of a baby bird -- and address if there is a "mean girl" mentality from lesbians towards bisexuals.
Alli and Melisa reflect back on what life was like during the transistion of knowing they were gay and figuring out what to do about their marriages. Also, how to cope with "PTSD" from past relationships.
Alli and Melisa cover a wide variety of topics this week...-Melisa's co-parenting trip to Colorado-The internet's infatuation with Loretta Bush (the FBI agent from Netflix's Gabby Petito doc)-When/how to introduce your partner to your kids-How life feels so insecure when you're early on in your coming out journey-Late in life coming out support group in Atlanta (Melissa Lester, LCSW Coming Out Support Group)
How do you pursue someone you're interested in? Do you slide into their DMs? Or send a hot pic right out the gate? Melisa and Alli explore this topic -- and their own success (ahem, failures)
Melisa and Meredith are in the hot seat to talk the reality of dating long distace -- with Melisa in Atlanta and Meredith in Austin.
Alli and Melisa discuss age gaps in romantic relationships and what factors to consider when it comes to moving forward with an age gap relationship. Also, what happens to a friend group when a couple within the group breaks up?
Alli and Melisa discuss questions you should ask yourself about your relationship... If someone said, "You're just like your partner," would that feel like a compliment?Are you truly fulfilled by this relationship or just less lonely? Can you unapologetically be yourself? Are you in love with who they are right now? Or the potential of who they could eventually become? Would you choose a relationship like this for your child as an adult?
Kayla Bellman, Owner and Founder of Finca to Filter, joins the podcast to share her coming out story and how she started her very own coffee shop in Atlanta. Finca to Filter WebsiteFinca to Filter Instagram
Actress and comedian Julie Birke joins the show to share her Loves, Lies, Lesbians story from TikTok. Buckle up for gaslighting, breadcrumbing and a random bath in the midst of a breakup! Julie Birke TikTokJulie Birke Instagram
Vanilla ice cream is fine... but what if you never tried anything else? Alli and Melisa dive into the misconception that it's a prerequiste to be repulsed by men to consider yourself a lesbian. We also bust the myth about a woman's "scent."
Kristin shares her coming out story that includes undoing deep religious trauma, internalized homophobia and how she's keeping a positive relationship with her ex-husband.
Alli and Melisa address the Native American parable, the Tale of Two Wolves and how that weaves into life today. Feed the good wolf!
Rachel shares her early battle with addiction, getting married at a young age and how the passing of a close loved one inspired her to show up more authentically. Rachel is an amazing web designer and graciously offered to create the Lesbian Chronicles websitewhich is a safe space for late in life women to connect and share their stories. For more information on Rachel's work .. Rachel White CreativeAnd her business, Unlockd Box, dedicated to helping real estate brokers show homes easier.
The holidays are a tough time... and they haven't gotten any easier for us over the years. Alli and Melisa talk about how to prepare for the hard moments during the holidays -- and how to compromise with ex-husband and/or your partner on time spent with family.
"You can't be the cause and the cure."Meredith (Baby Gays ATX) joins the show again to talk about how sex therapy and EMDR helped uncover her true sexuality, learning to sit in discomfort of coming out -- and what life has been like coming out to her family and co-parenting with her ex. Baby Gays ATX - Facebook groupBaby Gays ATX - Instagram
Melisa and Alli chat about how we're all a little weird when we're first coming out. We all have our own Answering Machine Meltdowns a la Jon Favreau in Swingers. And Meredith from Baby Gays ATX joins the show to talk about how she has created a late in life group in Austin, Texas.
Alli and Melisa deep dive on the Big vs. Aidan dynamic in Sex and the City (random, yes... but relevant) and how people often choose partners who aren't choosing them. Also a lesson on keeping the relationship with your ex-husband intact.
Our friend Bex (known her killer karaoke skills) joins the show to share her coming out story -- her journey to find the perfect name, and how she built community following her move from Vermont to Atlanta!
Sue and Paige share their stories of coming out later in life, finding love over 50, and how they make things work blending 5 kids!
Do you truly know yourself? Or do you only know the version of yourself in a relationship? Alli and Melisa discuss "relationship hopping" and how it doesn't allow for time for you to know who you are alone.
Melisa and Alli chat about their epic Pride 2024 weekend -- from Second Friday to a party at Alli's house to the Pride Parade! Resources to build community!Atlanta PrideHuman Rights CampaignPFLAGLost n Found Youth AtlantaBaby Gays ATXGwinnett County PrideTucker Pride
"You don't know the weight you're carrying until it's gone."Joy joins the show to share her experience growing up in Ohio, the daughter and granddaughter of Baptist pastors in a Black Church, her time in a 25 year straight marriage while in love with her female best friend -- and now coming out publicly at 49 and living her truth!
We touch on lessons learned from Relationship Expert, Amy Chan and give it a lesbian twist. We mistakenly refer to Amy Chan as a doctor in this episode but no matter, she's extremely knowledgeable... check out her info below to learn more.Relationship Expert Amy Chan
Past guests Stacey and Christin join the show to share their love story and how they're helping others to heal from the past and find love! Get Off the Dating Apps- Journal to Find Your Soul MateLez Go Travel Show
We discuss Melisa's newfound bromances and talk the evolution of masculinity within ourselves.
This week Alli and Melisa talk about how your inner child wound may show up in your adult relationship. This topic was sparked by an Instagram post from Therapist and Author, Dené Logan.Click here to learn more about Dené.We also get into relationship green flags and the sexiness of emotional availability.And if you'd like to try the Holistic Psychologist's Inner Child Meditation Melisa mentions in this episode, you can check it out here.
Our friend Mandi joins the show to talk about rediscovering her sexuality later in life after the loss of her husband.
Alli and Melisa chat about the endless possibilities sexting has to offer -- and how to level up your sexting game. And how our feminine and masculine traits have evolved over the years since coming out.
Alli and Melisa chat with Ginny, a late in life lesbian who initated the start of a virtual support group based in Boston. Ginny shares how the group gives space to those who aren't ready to meet in-person or those who are immunocompromised. She also shares how coming out led to a budding new career as a carpenter! Learn more about QT Library's Late in Life Affinity Group!
Alli and Melisa take note of how Gen Z has the ability to not care about the things we cared so much about... specifically appearance and other people's opinions.We also chat about how our Book Club selection "All Fours" (by Miranda July) has prompted deeper thought on how aging impacts our growth.And how our world often makes assumptions about people's religious beliefs.
Melisa and Alli talk the truth about divorce and how it impacts kids (fun fact, it's not creating the damage you think it is...) -- then we change gears and talk about the double standards of sex
Christine Sellers and Anne Brendle join the show to talk all things perimenopause and how it impacts so many aspects of women's lives. Learn more about Nourish and Flourish
Melisa and Alli talk about with coping their respective breakups -- and Melisa shares what she wishes she could have told herself on Day 1 of the breakup.
Claire Holt joins the show to talk about how she became a queer fashion influencer with 350k+ followers on TikTok. She also shares her own coming out story! Follow Claire_Holt12 on... TikTokInstagramYouTubePinterest
Alli shares a life update -- and we discuss the importance of healing from heartbreak.
Our friend KT joins the show to talk about how she got involved with Stonewall Sports and went on to become the National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Stonewall Sports, Inc. KT also shares her very "But I'm a Cheerleader" coming out story!Learn more about Stonewall SportsJoin the QueenDom Athletix on InstagramMeet KT
This week we chat with Danie, a Sapphic Sexologist living in Denver, Colorado. We discuss how shame and guilt from a religous upbringing can continue to live in your body -- and bust the myth of lesbian bed death. To learn more about Danie's work visit her website at sapphicsexologist.com
Our friend Ally joins Melisa and Alli to talk about how alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism and tools to get your life back on track. Books mentioned in this episode include: This Naked Mind, We Are The Luckiest, Easy Way to Control Alcohol, and Sober Curious
Alli and Melisa take on more unsolicited advice -- offering opinions on if she should tell a date it's your first time kissing another woman to if you should be friends with an ex.
Our friend Christine joins the pod to answer listener questions and give our very unprofessional opinions!
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