Queerly Beloved

Send us a textIn this special Pride Month solo episode, Wil Fisher honors Pride by reading his Queer Manifesto essay titled, "Queer Love is the Medicine the World Needs Now," featured in the upcoming queer anthology Spirits Queer, Spirits True.Wil explores queer love as a sacred, rebellious, and deeply healing force. Through poetic reflection and bold truth-telling, he invites listeners into a space of radical inclusion, where love transcends binaries, borders, and outdated beliefs.This episode dives into:- What makes queer love so powerfully unique. - The societal barriers that get in the way of fully embodying it. - How rituals, community, and self-acceptance help us access queer love's full magic. - Why this kind of love might just be the medicine our world is craving right now.Enjoy this episode as a celebration of Pride Month in the form of a living prayer. Mentioned in this episode:

Send us a textIn this episode I'm joined by the radiant Juan Francisco, a gifted psychic medium and tarot reader based in New York City. After experiencing a spiritual awakening in his twenties, Juan stepped fully into his intuitive path, eventually launching his global podcast Third Eye Sight. His work has been featured in Women's Health UK and The Cut, and he brings a deeply grounded and loving presence to the world of spiritual connection.Together, we explore Juan's fascinating journey from conservative Christian spaces to becoming a trusted intuitive guide. He shares what it's like to deliver sensitive messages from spirit with care and integrity, and how developing self-trust has been key to deepening both his psychic gifts and personal healing.Juan reminds us that spiritual connection is available to everyone, not just the “gifted.” Through stories, laughter, and wisdom, he offers practical tips on how to recognize synchronicities, listen to your intuitive hits, and begin building your own relationship with the unseen world. Whether it's playful games with spirit or powerful rituals, Juan makes it all feel accessible and alive.And in one of the most moving moments of the episode, Juan offers me a psychic reading, bringing through heartfelt messages from my loved ones on the other side (including my Grandpa Bill). His channeling touches on writing, creativity, and how our past, present, and future are beautifully intertwined.This episode is filled with insight, emotion, and spiritual nourishment. Enjoy!Connect with Jaun at https://juanfranciscospirit.com/linksFollw him on instagram at @juanfranciscospiritConnect with Wil at https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Send us a textIn today's episode, I have the joy of speaking with Andrew Sartory, someone who began as my mentor and coach and who I am now honored to call a dear friend.Andrew loves supporting people in creating and running businesses, and leading organizations from a foundation of true peace, joy, and alignment. He guides people toward generating wealth and income in ways that feel authentically joyful and fun, all while maximizing their positive impact on their organizations and the lives of the people they serve  My coaching journey with Andrew was a roller coaster ride filled with leaps of faith, intense challenges, profound breakthroughs, and joyful celebrations. He helped me uncover shadows I wasn't aware of and consistently supported me in viewing life through a spiritual lens, a rich topic we dive deeply into during this conversation.Andrew shares insights on genuinely living a "Heaven on Earth" experience—embracing the beauty and joy in every aspect of life, including the tough stuff. We explore the powerful concept "I Am One With Source," discussing how embodying this belief transforms perspectives and softens judgments. We even bravely tackle how to approach politics through a spiritual lens of unity and love, with Andrew passionately sharing his conviction that love is always rising, despite external appearances.Andrew also generously shares his practical and playful personal framework for creating a heaven-on-earth life, anchored by his three sacred pillars: Peace, Presence, and Pleasure.This conversation was especially sweet because we recorded it together in person—a first for this podcast. If you'd like to see our conversation visually, please check out the video on my YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@willfullyliving4357Connect with Andrew:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agsartoryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewsartory/Andrew's Newsletter & Heaven-on-Earth Services: www.mylovingpresence.comGay Man Thriving:Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gaymanthrivingWebsite: www.gaymanthriving.comConnect with Wil:Website: https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Send us a textIn this solo episode, I take you on a heartfelt exploration of my evolving relationship with hope.I share that we're not talking about the grasp-y, wishful thinking kind, of hope, but the solid, grounded, spiritually aligned energy that helps us move through uncertain times and create the ideal futures we desire. I share how hope has shown up in my business and romantic life, the moments when it felt almost impossible to hold, and the moments it worked for me. And, I describe "solid hope" the kind of hope I'm working to cultivate where hope is a deeper, more embodied sense of trust in what's unfolding, even when I can't yet see the proof.I also talk about hope and its impact from a scientific, quantum physics based perspective. Next, I share how hope requires trust: in ourselves, in Spirit, and in the greater plan that's always at play. I explore archetypes like the Magician, lessons from RuPaul's Drag Race (yes, we talk drag delusion, lol!), and how we can believe fully in what we're creating without clinging tightly to specific outcomes.I also share a beautiful image I've been working with that was given to my mom by her healer- of a candle of hope burning in the heart. Some days the flame is small, other days it roars, but the practice is to keep it lit.Join me as I reflect on the power of hope as a spiritual force, a guiding star, and an energetic match to the future we're calling in. Whether you're in full trust or just trying to keep your flame alive, this one's for you. Learn more about the upcoming Awakened Hearts retreat I'm hosting in Joshua Tree May 15 - 18th! https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/events Support the show

 In this episode of Queerly Beloved, I'm joined by the multi-faceted Shelby Clark, a visionary entrepreneur, investor, embodiment facilitator, and founder of The Jungle Gayborhood, an LGBTQ+ focused retreat located center in the beautiful jungles of Costa Rica. You may remember me talking about the Gayborhood in my episode Healing the Father wound where I share about my magical time there attending a conscious kink retreat. Now you get to hear about it from the founder and director himself. In this interview we get to hear the story of how Shelby went from being a tech entrepreneur and founder of the groundbreaking billion-dollar car-sharing company Turo, to founding a queer retreat center in the jungle. And all the twists and turns on the way. Shelby vulnerably shares how, as a queer kid, he struggled to fully accept himself and found refuge in overachievement. Together, we unpack this familiar queer narrative of overcompensating to mask internalized shame, and explore how so many queer people, link their identity to achievement and people-pleasing, often at the cost of their own authentic selves.We then learn about all the influences for the Gayborhood including Esalen, Burning Man and radical fairy sanctuaries and then We explore why dedicated queer spaces like The Jungle Gayborhood offer uniquely medicine and create environments where radical authenticity can flourish free from societal expectations or limitations.Together, we unpack the transformative potential of psychedelics for queer healing, and I share some personal stories about my journey with that then Shelby shares insights from groundbreaking research recently facilitated at the Gayborhood. Enjoy this convo covering hese topics and many more!Check out the Jungle Gayborhood here-https://junglegayborhood.com/Use code: 'awakenedhearts100' for listeners $100 off any retreat.

In this heart-opening episode of Queerly Beloved, we welcome an extraordinary mother-son duo whose journey embodies the transformational power of unconditional love.Acclaimed actress and advocate Ally Sheedy joins us alongside her incredible son, Beckett, a passionate community activist and educator. Together, they share their personal paths through identity, transition, and deep familial support.Wil first met Ally during his time at the Ali Forney Center, where Ally was a committed supporter of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Through that work, Wil also got to know Beckett—whose honesty, humor, and authenticity leave a lasting impression.

In this solo episode, I take you deep into the transformative journey of my sacred chest tattoo. What started as a simple request for power animals on my arm evolved into a spirit-guided, deeply spiritual experience that taught me powerful lessons about patience, surrender, and divine timing.I'll share the highs, the lows, and everything in between—from being blindfolded and transported by medicine music into trance-like states, to visiting (and feeding!) the giraffes that by a wild act of synchronicity happened to live minutes from our pop-up AirBnb tattoo parlour. I describe the challenges and lessons I learned through the process. I'll also share about the tattoo's meaning and what it means to me to do my best to embody the spiritual significance of this powerful piece of art.Join me as I reflect on the spiritual lessons of patience, acceptance, protection, and surrender, and explore how embracing these insights has guided me toward deeper self-awareness and growth.Check out my upcoming Awakened Hearts retreat here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/events Support the show

In this episode we go deep with Micaiah Deull— who is a psychospiritual coach specializing in guiding people through significant transitions and transformation, addiction recovery, and psychedelic integration. He is a master kambo practitioner with 10 years of experience, a writer, speaker, storyteller and a self proclaimed ssilly goose.We start off sharing some epic drag avatars, which inspires a convo about fanaa, or the ecstatic annihilation by, of and for GOD. From there, we explore the dark night of the soul—how, instead of breaking us, these moments of deep struggle can empower us if we meet them with the right perspective.We take a raw and real look at self-love, self-loathing, and the slippery terrain in between, and then Micaiah introduces us to the powerful practice of “The Altar of Maybe”—a space where embracing non-binary thinking and uncertainty, can build bridges and connection. Then, we get into disaster collectivism—those rare, paradoxical moments when crisis forges unlikely connections between people with wildly different worldviews. Micaiah reflects on the hurricanes in Asheville, and I share my own experience of this phenomenon on 9/11 in NYC.Speaking of radical experiences, we also explore the medicine of Kambo—what it is, how it's used, and my personal rite of passage in Micaiah's Kambo Brotherhood, where I received three days of this powerful frog medicine in a deeply transformative initiation.And finally, we talk about prayer as a technology, not just a way to speak but a way to listen—and Micaiah leaves us with the question:In a world of bridge-burners, how can we be bridge-builders?It's a powerful conversation, full of heart, depth, and a little bit of silly goose fun!Learn more about Micaiah and his work here -https://www.kambofroghealing.com/edwardConnect with Wil here - https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

In this illuminating episode, I sit down with Kevin Kahakula'akea John Fong —an internationally recognized cultural translator, facilitator, and speaker whose work bridges ancient wisdom with modern healing.We begin by exploring how history can offer perspective on today's chaos, reflecting on past global crises and the role of queer leaders in shaping a new path forward. We discuss the medicine of being seen, heard, and connected—and the vital role of bridge-makers in an increasingly divisive world.Kevin introduces us to the Five Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal), an ancient East Asian framework for balance and well-being—one he first learned from his grandmother and later applied while directing an AIDS clinic in the Bay Area during the height of the epidemic. Through a personal Five Elements reading, I get a firsthand experience of how this wisdom can guide our daily choices, from setting boundaries to creating environments where we thrive.We also talk about our relationships with nature, the ways it nurtures and nourishes us, and how our elemental makeup influences our paths. We leave you with an invitation to tap into your queer joy.Check out Kevin's work at: https://www.kahakulei.com/And find more info about The Five Elements and their new book at https://my5elements.life/Connect with Wil at https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

In this deeply personal solo episode of Queerly Beloved, I recount my transformative journey of healing my father wound during a Conscious Kink retreat at the Jungle Gayborhood in Costa Rica in late 2024. Amidst the lush jungle, a profound memory emerged during a naked hike, unveiling layers of my father's emotional absence. This revelation led to a powerful role-play ritual, allowing me to reparent myself and mend deep-seated emotional wounds.Following the retreat, I experienced a series of synchronicities that led me to meet my current partner, illustrating how this healing work opened me to receiving love in new and profound ways. This episode underscores the significance of addressing unhealed wounds and celebrates the transformative power of spiritual and healing practices.Join me as I explore the depths of personal growth, the magic of conscious kink, and the beauty of recieving love. Support the show

In this episode we're diving deep into the power of authenticity, self-expression, and unapologetically living your truth with someone who's made it his life's work to guide others out of their metaphorical closets.My guest for this episode is Rick Clemmons—a mindset shifter, closet buster, and all-around authenticity guru. Rick is the author of Frankly My Dear, I'm Gay, the host of two incredible podcasts Life (UN)Closeted) and 40 Plus: Gay Men)- which I've had the pleasure of guesting on, and a life coach for gay men who are ready to shed excuses, fears, and apologies to step fully into their truth.In this episode, Rick introduces us to his fabulous inner drag avatar, Limonad Pop, and shares how embodying this alter ego has helped him tap into his authenticity and creativity. He takes us through his journey of coming out at 36, how it reshaped his life, and what it taught him about living unapologetically.We explore what gets in the way of people's authenticity, and Rick shares a powerful story that reminds us we're not responsible for how others see us. Together, we unpack how fear and love factor into the quest for truth and how coming out can be a kind of “training” for queer folks to connect with their deeper selves—a practice that can transform all areas of life.Rick also shares the framework he uses to help clients take big leaps of faith toward alignment and authenticity—whether it's coming out, changing careers, or embracing life's biggest transitions. And, of course, we talk relationships. Rick opens up about navigating an open marriage with his husband and how staying true to themselves has strengthened their bond.Finally, we close with gratitude for the divine maker that made each of us unapologetically us.Check out Rick Clemmon's podcast 40 Plus Gay Men Gay Talk here- https://rickclemons.com/coming-out-resources/40-plus-gay-men-gay-talk-podcast/Connect with Wil Fisher here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Today we've got Dr. Michael R. Smith who has helped connect individuals with their Divine potential for over 20 years. As a doctoral trained counselor, spiritual medium, and healing practitioner of indigenous ceremony, Michael's great joy is to serve as a spiritual guide for those at all levels of awakening. In addition to his annual northern California redwood and ocean retreat, he offers intuition development classes & The Empath Sanctuary community.In this episode, we kick things with Michael telling us how claiming the word “weird” as a badge of honor changed his life and how it can be a gift for all of us. From there, we explore the joy of surrendering control and letting the universe surprise us. We both vibe out on the approach of embracing the unpredictable and finding playfulness in the process. Next, we dive into some deeper waters, talking about Michael's work with the Lakota tribe and his experiences as a medium. He shares how his connection to spirit guides and loved ones on the other side has transformed his life—and how it can transform yours, too.One of my favorite parts of the conversation is when we dig into the idea queerness as a gift. Michael gets real about turning off parts of his true self to stay safe in the past and the liberating journey of living authentically. Michael also shares ideas for connecting to our spiritual gifts including the practice of semen retention which inspires me to share my story of a 3 month long semen retention practice and the climax that took place at the end of it.. Michael then shares about his Empath Connection community, which helps empaths like him navigate the world with self-love and strong boundaries. And he offers some tips on how you can do that too. Before we wrap, Michael shares a beautiful story about how memories can be messages from spirit, and he leaves us with a powerful reminder to connect with nature and the cosmic energy all around us.So, grab your cosmic lollipop—and settle in for a conversation that will leave you inspired, uplifted, and maybe even a little weird (in the best way possible).Check out my upcoming retreat, Awakened Hearts, January 23 - 26th in Joshua Tree here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsCheck out Michael's work here- https://www.empathconnection.com/Support the show

Today's guest is the incredible Wolf Martinez who identifies a Human Being, as an In-Between person, between male and female and a person with Native and Hispanic roots. Wolf leads retreats and ceremonies across around the world and practices healing arts based in Indigenous and Oriental Medicine, as well as Life Counseling. His desire is to help people become more human, and find their Freedom and Unity with All that Is.  We begin our conversation with Wolf sharing an awe-inspiring and deeply emotional story—one filled with spirit-led synchronicities—of discovering that they have a daughter. It's miraculous, heart-touching, and a testament to the spiritual threads that weave through our lives.We also dive into the power of ancestral work, exploring how healing ourselves can liberate and heal our ancestors. And we reflect on the idea of “ancestors of the future,” inspiring us to live with intention for generations yet to come.Wolf illuminates the sacred, traditional role of Two Spirits as caretakers of children, language, songs, and stories, reminding us that even if we don't have biological children, our actions ripple through future generations. We explore the idea of All Our Relations and the importance of honoring our interconnectedness.From there, we unpack the power of language—how shifting the way we speak about work, challenges, and even ourselves can open doors to liberation and possibility. I share some wisdom on celebrating our differences and embracing our uniqueness rather than forcing conformity.And finally, we close with a grounding meditation and a blessing, wrapping this conversation in love and intention.Learn more about host of Queerly Beloved, Wil Fisher here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

 In this special solo episode, I'm diving into my recent reunion with Grandmother Ayahuasca after an 18-month pause since my last journey. This eleventh sit—symbolically aligning with 1/11 and the new moon on Día de los Muertos—came at just the right time, ushered in by signs and synchronicities, and guided by the first female leader of one of the first indigenous tribes to work with Ayahuasca. Sharing it here feels like honoring the sacred nature of my experience while also opening up space to process, integrate, and share any insights with you, my beloveds.  I was joined by five other queer men for this ceremony, and the experience itself was both familiar and beautifully new. I began with a hape ritual, which grounded and opened me to Ayahuasca in a way that shifted my usual pattern. This time, the experience was gentler—no need to leave the space, no overwhelming discomfort. Instead, I found myself sitting with ease, receiving downloads with clarity. The purging took new forms: yawns, deep breaths, and laughter, each release bringing its own wave of insight. Some of the major takeaways centered on inner authority, sovereignty, and trusting myself more fully. Ayahuasca reminded me to create spaciousness in my life—spaciousness to slow down, limit caffeine, tune in more intentionally to my intuition, and reconsider my relationship with things like social media and Netflix. In a paradoxical yet timely message, I was encouraged to both seize the present moment and move forward without unnecessary haste. A second serving brought a more intense wave, confronting me with images of skeletons and snakes, and a primal fear of losing loved ones. This phase saw a deeper, physical purge, followed by a release of laughter and movement—each stage bringing a sense of relief and connection. This gentle reunion with Grandmother Ayahuasca was a gift, reminding me to honor life's rhythms and embrace the power of presence. Join me as I unpack the lessons, magic, and moments of this sacred journey.Learn about upcoming retreats I'm hosting here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

In this week's episode of Queerly Beloved, I sit down with Shadi Terra, a Wild-at-Heart, Kink-positive, Relationship & Sexuality Educator who's paving new pathways in the world of shamanic kink, conscious relationships, and transformational ritual. Shadi draws from a powerful blend of lived experiences and professional training to support personal and erotic empowerment, relational mastery, and self-awareness for individuals and groups alike.Shadi's journey began with a life-changing nomadic adventure, and we start there, exploring how they connected with their calling and met transformational teachers at Lake Atitlan, a place that also holds deep meaning in my own heart. From there, we dive into the world of cacao as Shadi shares insights on this gentle yet profound plant medicine and its role in emotional processing.Our conversation then heats up as we discuss the power of ritual, especially fire rituals, before diving into the juicy world of conscious kink. Shadi shares how kink and BDSM, when approached with intention, can be healing and transformative, creating safe spaces to explore power dynamics and self-expression. We even explore our own imagined playful scenario to demonstrate the potential alchemy of conscious kink!We wrap up with a look ahead at Shadi's upcoming retreat, Conscious Kink at the Jungle Gayborhood, happening this November. This episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a bit of playful edge you won't want to miss!Click here to sign-up for Conscious Kink- https://junglegayborhood.com/conscious-kink-ritual/(Be sure to mention this podcast, Queerly Beloved, or Wil Fisher as “where you heard of the retreat”). Learn more about Shadi here- https://www.terraviva.love/Connect with Wil Fisher here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Hello, Beloveds! This is the premiere episode for Season Three! Thanks for all your continued support! Speaking of support.. if you're willing to help me reach my goal of 100 or more reviews, I would greatly appreciate a 5-star review!In this premiere episode, I interview the legendary Justin Elizabeth Sayre!Justin is a multi-talented writer, comedian, performer, and playwright. Known for their razor-sharp wit, insightful social commentary, and a deep love for camp and queer history, Sayre has made their mark across various mediums, including theatre, cabaret, television, books, and musicals. At the heart of Justin's live performance career is The Meeting—a hilarious and heartfelt variety show that serves as a modern-day homage to the bygone era of queer political activism. Justin is a committed advocate for LGBTQ rights.In the interview, Justin discusses their journey, including their recent engagement and the pandemic's impact on their life. They reflect on their complex relationship with Catholicism and their current spiritual exploration towards Judaism. They share about the impact the AIDS epidemic had on their identity. We also get a glimpse into Justin's introduction to the Radical Faeries and the origins of The Meeting. The conversation touches on the importance of community, the challenges of forging one's own path, and the value of passing wisdom and energy to future generations.Justin's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/justinelizabethsayre/?hl=enThe Meeting on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrderofSodomitesConnect with me! https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

In this solo podcast episode, I share about my recent travels. Specifically I talk about choosing to visit Scotland to do some ancestor work after learning that I'm 45% Scottish.   Outside of ancestor work, I reflect on other ways that travel is a powerful and effective approach to personal and spiritual growth. These include seeing yourself reflected in all things and experiences, deepening our awareness of the connection to all, and allowing space for synchronicities.   I explore the topic of faeries and the use of imagination to access various energies and medicines.   I share about an encounter with stags and its significance. And talk about a profound experience connecting with my ancestors, and the valor of their hearts, while visiting a Scottish battleground. I end inviting folks to consider exploring travel focused on ancestry work and collect more spirit guides. Enjoy! Here's some info on my Scottish host, James Phillip-https://jpenergywisdom.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFX8FxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYaiBtc5_scf8rWfszB3Jmr7-aX2bNdG3f7tc5miar_aIt5KIX6J7gqLHg_aem_qfdhoqqOItj8JDK0BFyc2w And here's my info-https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Surrendering Into Authenticity with Rocky Heron Rocky is an internationally renowned yoga and movement educator, performer, human design mentor and content creator. He is devoted to unlocking the codes to our most authentic self-expression and empowering his students and community to recognize and surrender into their unique brilliance. As an artist and creator, Rocky exists at the intersection of spirituality, eroticism, pleasure, and personal transformation. He is a creature of intimacy and spirit and designed to inspire you to become your own personal authority.In this juicy interview we talk about surrendering into authenticity and about the factors that help make that possible. Rocky next speaks about what it means to him to be a self-described Holistic Hedonist Then, we explore what the journey was like for him to integrate various parts of himself that may have been labeled under the hedonism umbrella- like his Onlyfans, and his porn work. In this exploration we acknowledge that he can be spiritual and a yogi while also engaging in spaces that some may consider ‘hedonistic.'We also discuss my concerns around perceived energetic risks of casual sex and find ways to address that more honestly. Rocky ends explaining what Human Design is and how it can be helpful on the path of self-discovery. And we close talking about my human design and specifically the role folks with 6 in their profile are playing at this time. Connect with Rocky here- https://www.instagram.com/rockyheron/?hl=en Connect with Wil here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/contactSupport the Show.

Nyle Biondi is focused on helping people to heal from chronic pain and symptoms through the mind/body connection and neuroplasticity. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist living in Boulder County, Colorado. Historically, he has focused primarily on working with trans and queer youth and young adults. In recent years, he has shifted his The divine timing of it all has made it possible for this episode to be a great follow-up from the last solo podcast. So I explore similar issues, but with an expert!We start with Nyle sharing how the my drag avatar question almost had him back out of the interview and whyNyle then shares the distinction that chronic pain in your brain and nervous system and not in your body. I share with Nyle about my recent shoulder issues and the healing psycho somatic healing journey I've been on- including a big somatic release from the day before. We both share about recent whirlwind romances that ended abruptly and caused some heartbreak and what we're learning from them and the healing they opened us up to- and in general observe how  challenging moments in our lives are opportunities healing and growth. We then explore the trap some spiritual folks get in where they use their tools to bypass emotions that want and need to be expressed. And we look at where emotional suppression come from- especially for queer folksNyle then offer some tips for identifying internal emotions and how to express and release them. And, finally, Nyle tells about what happened on his personal journey that lead him onto this healing path for himself and now in service to others.  Then we end sharing how healing work has the capacity to bring peace to the world. Check out Nyle's work here- www.healingwithinpsychotherapy.comAnd click here to see his course on healing chronic pain- www.healingwithinpsychotherapy.comLearn about me and my work here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the Show.

Solo podcast! After a recent shoulder injury, I've been learning how to be with pain, and I've gotten to receive a lot of lessons in that experience that can be applied to other areas of my life. One major lesson is seeing   I also explore in the episode how I've come to see that I've been repressing anger for some time. I've began to see how and why I've been doing that and have found new ways to relate to anger that honors the emotion and allows it to move on. Support the Show.

Carl Siciliano is the Founder of the Ali Forney Center, which he built up to become the nation's largest organization providing housing to LGBTQ youth. He is also the author of Making Room: Three Decades of Fighting for Beds, Belonging, and a Safe Place for LGBTQ Youth. In his youth, Carl spent several years living with and serving unhoused people as part of the radical Catholic Worker Movement and spent eight months living in Benedictine monasteries. My brief backstory with Carl is that I worked for the Ali Forney Center for the bulk of my time living in NYC where I served as their director of special events and got to see the org grow very quickly. I love the Ali Forney Center and all the folks connected to it- especially the people it serves, and reading Carl's new book gave me a deeper perspective about the importance of this work. We start by talking about Ali Forney, a homeless queer youth who is the namesake and inspiration behind the Ali Forney Center, and we talk about what was so profoundly impactful about that relationship for Carl.  Carl speaks of his admiration of Ali's and their ability to own a relationship with God, describing this as the conscious divinity of Ali. We look at what it was like to bring awareness of the plight of homeless LGBTQ youth by initiating rallies and other forms of activism, and this was a transformational moment of the consciousness of the LGBTQ community (and beyond) in New York.  Next, we dicuss the spiritual significance of supporting our most disenfranchised community members. And then we look at how Carl has contended with the hypocrisy of some religious leaders essentially doing the opposite of God's work by creating more division rather than unity. In addition to looking at the shadow side of religions, Carl also makes a passionate case for what queer Catholicism can look like and how it can be experienced (leaving me wanting to attend mass..!). All these and many more topics in this very personal and inspiring interview. Learn more about the Ali Forney Center-https://www.aliforneycenter.org/Check out Carl's new book-https://www.amazon.com/Making-Room-Decades-Fighting-Belonging/dp/0593444248Connect with Wil-https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/work-with-wilSupport the Show.

Robert Christophor Coppes is a scientist and retired financier, and currently is board member of International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS). He has studied Near-Death Experiences (NDE's) for decades and has lectured on this topic in the US and Europe. He considers his new book “Impressions of Near-Death Experiences” his best book on NDEs because of the wealth of quotes from experiencers. Coppes lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  We start the conversation by assessing research, experiments and instances proving the truth of Near Death Experiences and we look at what differentiates NDE's from hallucinations. We then explore some of the common things people experience including the common experience of “life reviews”. We also discuss the possible reasons why some folk's experiences are very different from others.  I share what scares me about death, even with the info we get to learn from folks NDE's. Coppes then shares his perspective on reincarnation and past lives based on what he's learned from NDE's. We then get to hear stories from LGBTQ folks who had NDE's, and the spiritual perspectives on queerness they got to receive. Robert also shares about the impact studying NDE's has had on his life.We end with Bob sharing the story of an 8-year-old girl who got the message from God that these are the 4 ingredients for life: To Love; To Be Loved; To Just Be, and: To Experience Life. Check out Robert's work and his new book, "Impressions of Near-Death Experiences" at : www.bobcoppes@planet.nl  Connect with Wil at : https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the Show.

In this solo podcast I share some reflections from my recent retreat, Awakened Hearts, and talk about some of my key takeaways and learning from the experience.   Some themes I cover include:  - Hiding- why so many GBTQ men (and people in general) feel the need to hide; what does that mean and what does it look like; what the negative impact of that is; and what happens when you make a different choice.   - The power of connecting to others with an open heart and some of the strategies used to make that possible in a retreat setting (including taking sex off the table).   - Religious wounds and how sharing stories of religious wounds provides healing.   - Tapping into the wisdom of nature.   - The dynamics of working with intuition; how it can flow easier the more you choose to say yes to it; the importance of creating space for it; and, the magic possible when you work with it.   All these topics, and more, in this reflective solo podcast.

Joe Weston is an international thought leader, facilitator, trainer, author, lecturer, consultant, coach, professor and—above all else—an advocate for lasting peace. With a career spanning 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management and communication, he is a highly sought-after facilitator and has worked with groups ranging from NASA scientists to prison inmates. He's the author of "Respectful Confrontation" and his newest book, "Fierce Civility", which we focus on in this interview.  His Tedx Talk (linked below) is titled “A Cure for Chronic Niceness."We start this interview by talking about my story of the work I've done with Joe and how it helped me connect with my embodied authentic power. We then hear about his journey in developing two main bodies of work and the books that express them. And what the evolution of his work has been like. We talk about purpose and approaching it from a place of being in greatest service to the higher will.   Next, we explore the global spiritual malnourishment he observes, where our global heart is being technologically overfed and spiritually under fed.  Then we get into the ways people can soften their hearts, what that look like, at what the value of it is.  Joe talks about his belief that it's in your vulnerability where your true power is revealed. He shares a story that illustrates what's needed for people to feel safe enough to step into their vulnerability. We end with the question, "How do you become a catalyst for fierce hope?" All these topics and more in this profound and powerful interview with my teacher and friend, Joe Weston.   Learn more about Joe here- https://joeweston.com/  Check out his free monthly meditation here- https://joeweston.com/event/global-heart-gathering-2/2024-05-14/  Watch his Tedx Talk here- https://joeweston.com/tedx-speaker/  Learn more about Wil and connect with him here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the Show.

Cator Sparks is a life coach for men. All men. With a focus on queer men. Certified through CTI and the International Coaching Federation, Cator also works for EVRYMAN leading retreats and facilitating their weekly GBTQ + men's group. Before stepping into the coaching world, Cator spent 20 years in NYC where he was a writer and editor at various publications.In this interview we start by taking a trip down memory lane, recalling our days connecting in NYC as part of the fashion world and nightlife glitterati. And we both share our stories of how we transitioned from that kind of work and lifestyle into the work and lifestyle we're  each experiencing now.  Next we describe the ways working with coaches helped and influenced us on our individual paths.  We then get into the power of psychedelics and the importance of psychedelics integration.  And we chat about the possibility of seeing the world through a spiritual lens. Then, we discuss men's work and the value of straight men working with gay men as coaches.  We talk about gay men being a stand for being heart-centered, for and for being vulnerability, and for being in touch with our emotions. We end sharing about the value of retreats for for GBTQ men.Learn more about Cator here- https://www.catorsparkscoaching.com/And his upcoming retreat here- https://www.wetravel.com/trips/gbtq-retreat-at-easton-mountain-mike-sagun-greenwich-52919054Learn more about Wil's retreats here-https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

In this new solo-podcast I share my thoughts on self-love and the insights I've gathered to help folks 'crack the self-love code!'  I start by expressing some self-love I was experiencing when I went to record this episode (and I later share what inspired that gushing!).   Next, I talk about the meaning of self-love. And then I look at the difference between self-love and self-care- including ways some people confuse them and the disservice that may cause.   I share about unconditional self-love versus conditional self-love, and how I was able to see myself engaging in conditional self-love until I was made aware of that and able to shift it. Then I talk about ways we can actively works towards cultivating more of self-love by using the love languages but applying them to ourselves. To help with that I share what each of those languages could look like in the context of self-love.  Finally, I share what becomes possible when we have more self-love!  Learn more about my work as a coach and facilitator here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/  Get in touch with me here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/contact  Check out my Instagram here- https://www.instagram.com/wilfish99/Support the show

In this episode I interview someone who inspired me to launch Queerly Beloved and has made a big impact on my spiritual path, Alyson Charles Storey.  Alyson is an internationally renowned shaman, best-selling author of Animal Power and host of the Ceremony Circle podcast. Alyson went from being a national champion athlete, top rated radio host and a national daytime television talk show host to aligning with her calling as a shaman after a traumatic moment provided her awakening. Since then, her ability to share ancient sacred wisdom and divine energy and be a powerful catalyst for change has ignited a global phenomenon. Alyson devotes her life to living by the calls and directives of Source. Her best-selling book and card deck Animal Power, we're both the number one new releases in their categories. Her full bio is filled with epic accolades and stories, including the fact that Marie Claire magazine selected her as the cover story, and how she made history becoming the first person to perform on stage at the HBO film festival, where she guided a shamanic journey for over 10,000 people, (which we get into in this interview!). There's also a long list of amazing respected spiritual teachers from around the globe that she's worked with, so check out the full bio via the link below to see more of this amazing woman's journey and accomplishments.   In thge interview, after discovering and revealing our current drag avatars, Alyson shares an epic story about seeing a gigantic bat in Bali, and the transmission that happened in that moment that marked a long period of deep shadow work.  We then talk about this phrase "in relation," Alyson describing it as the favorite phrase she's come across in this lifetime. We discuss how so much can be revealed when we ask, “how am I in relation to  ____?"Next, Alyson talks about how in shamanism you don't turn away from anything, you lean in, and learn and experience that aspect of life. This leads to a conversation about the possibility of expanding our hearts by seeing God in everything- especially our adversaries or the things that cause us to contract. Then Alyson shares some profound wisdom about ego positioning in relationship to the path of enlightenment.We then look at the strategy of giving a name to shadow archetypes in our lives in order to have more levity (and compassion for ourselves) when these shadow shows up. Staying in the themes of names, next we hear the story of Alyson receiving the name Rockstar Shaman, and I share about naming from a queer perspective. Alyson also talks about the epic experience of guiding 10,000 people on a shamanic journey at the HBO film festival. Coming back to power animals, I share about how Alyson's book Animal Power, had a profound impact on the life of one of my family members who was really struggling. We then get to learn more about power animals and how to work with them, and both Alyson and I share about the power animals that have shown up in our lives and how they have supported our journeys. We end with an invitation from Alyson to be open and trust as we traverse these soul contracts.   Learn more about Alyson here- https://www.alysoncharles.com/about Check out Ceremony Circles Podcast here- https://www.alysoncharles.com/podcast  Learn more about Wil here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/ Connect with Wil here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/contactSupport the show

I loved being in conversation with these two amazing people! Moe Ari (they/he) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, The Love and Connection Expert at Hinge, a TEDx Speaker, a Board Member for It Gets Better Project, a published academic writer, and a Leading Expert in Transgender Mental Health. He also identifies as Transgender. He's been featured in magazines and news outlets throughout the US, UK, and Australia for his expertise in Transgender identity, love, and relationships Tiffany (she/her) is a ç, public speaker, and femme-powerment coach! She is the founder of Birthing The Empress Within, a platform she is developing to help women nurture themselves as they go through the journey of motherhood. Tiffany is also a brand partner for the Irth app, a tech company dedicated to equity in Black Maternal Health. Our drag avatars kickstart us into a conversation about dancing with shadow and light, inspiring me to share a dream I had the night before the interview about a jaguar picking me up gently in it's teeth.  We move onto to discuss how Tiffany, as a post-partum birth duala - sees birth from a spiritual perspective. She acknowledges the incredible Right of passage that occurs not just for the baby and it's mom, but for everyone connected to a new child coming into the world.  Moe then shares about how shadow work is not just working with what traumas from the past- but it's looking at the shadows as they are showing up in the present moment. He also talks about the shadow work that surfaced during his gender transition. And specifically, we talk about grieving our lost identities as we evolve into new versions of ourselves.  This brings in the idea of being in good relationship with grief and other challenging emotions- and recognizing that grief can actually call-in gratitude.  Moe then shares how he see shis being transgender as an invitation for people to see others beyond their physical form and we talk about slaying limitations.  We then get into what spiritual lessons they are learning from raising their 3-year old daughter. We chat about the journey of reclaiming spirituality after growing up in traditional religious background and coming out of the closet as spiritual And we end with an invitation into one ness and love.

Currently I have a lot of energy around a retreat I'm planning this May (Awakened Hearts - May 2-5 in Marin County) and so with retreats on my mind and my heart I chose that as the topic for this month's solo podcast. In this episode I share about me experience as the Executive Director of Easton Mountain (a LGBTQ retreat center in upstate NY) and what I learned and gained from that experience. Particularly I share about what I overserved and learned about retreats from living at and running a retreat center for those years. I also share about what I've experienced as a retreat producer, host, and facilitator- as well as my experience as a participant of many retreats. I share what I find valuable about them and what makes them a powerful and effective medicine. I also share about what I have come to observe are some of the effective best practices for creating safe, effective, transformational retreats.  I offer some tips to folks who may be considering planning a retreat, and also offer ways you can have a retreat like experience without signing up for a retreat (i.e. like some do it yourself guidelines).  Get more info on the Awakened Hearts retreat, May 2nd - 5th in Marin County, CA - https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

Zintis Muiznieks is a Channeler for Orykl.com who has been channeling the Joshua energy for over 10 years. He's a gay man with a lengthy and varied spiritual journey who, in addition to channeling, serves as an energy healer, Reiki master, and body worker. Zintis lives in the Catskill Mountains with his family where they grow much of their own foodIn this interview Zintis tells us what is channeling and how we can receive value from working with channelers. He shares his experience going from receiving from channelers for many years to unlocking his own gifts. He also shares how all people can connect with their abilities to channel. We chat about distinguishing between hearing guidance or your own thoughts. I share a story about a recent time where I chose not to listen to inner guidance.We then start a live channeling session with the energy called Joshua, a 5th dimensional energy. Joshua shares about the role the queer community has in the movement of the awakening of human consciousness. They share thoughts on creativity and manifesting and some tips on doing it effectively. I ask some personal questions to Joshua, and then ask some for the collective. We get to hear some predictions for 2024- like what to look out for and how to prepare for any upcoming unrest. We close out by hearing about Orykl.com, the platform that connects people with channelers that brought Zintis and I together. Check out Orykl:https://orykl.com/Work with Zintis:https://orykl.com/zintis-muiznieksConnect with Wil:https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

In this interview, I talk with Summer Minerva. Summer is an independent researcher, performer, author, filmmaker, community organizer, priestess and educator. Summer's main purpose is to help awaken human consciousness to the sacred role of genders beyond the binary. She does this through film, performance, education, and ritual.Summer is also the co-director and focus of an autobiographical documentary film called “The Summer Within” which features her journey to Southern Italy where she encounters an ancient transgender tradition. We start this interview discussing the power of signs and how we can receive signs from passed loved ones or spirit and gain value from those signs. Next, we chat about drag as an access point to the divinity within each of us. We then dive into Summer's very moving and provocative film, "The Summer Within." We explore it's themes including the power of naming as a way to claim our true identity.  We also discuss the healing and expansion possible in taking pilgrimages to our ancestral lands. Many more playful and profound topics arise in this delightful interview with my friend, Summer. Learn more about Summer here- www.summerminerva.comLearn about Wil's work here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Solo Podcast! Hear me talk about creativity from a spiritual perspective- and share an original song on my shruti box..!There's a story many folks tell, that you're either born a creative person, or, you're not. It's a story I don't believe. I believe creativity is our birthright– it's just that some people choose to access it, and some people don't.Many folks think being creative means you have to be skilled at artistic expression. I prefer a broader understanding of the word- creativity is the capacity to create- a capacity we all carry. Many folks refer to God as the Creator with a capital C to acknowledge that God created all things. Folks also like to acknowledge that we were made in the likeness of God. Doesn't it make sense then, that we are creators too?And if we are creators, then naturally we are creative people!And yet, many people feel cut off from their capacity to create. As if God forgot to give them that gift. Buying into that narrative not only robs people of the magic of the creative arts, but also denies people of the magic they possess to create the lives they want. Instead, they take a passive role in their lives, waiting for something to happen and eventually settling for a life that feels unfulfilled and unsatisfied. Many people don't even realize there's another way.When we choose to believe the story that we are all born creative creators ready to create then we get to dive into the world of creating and creativity!!!  In that world, we get to play in the arts, letting go of the constraints of being labeled ‘good' or ‘bad' at them, and instead, savoring the joy of the creative process. In that world, rather than waiting for life to happen we can be intentional about creating the life we want. We can connect with our desires, imagine what's possible, take inspired action that aligns with that vision, and allow our desired experiences to flow in.And that's what Creator with a capital C wants for us – to recognize ourselves as the creators we are, and start creating the lives we desire.I love helping my clients access their creativity and apply it to the way they approach their lives. If this sounds interesting, contact me and we'll talk about what's possible.https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/work-with-wilSupport the show

In this inaugural episode of 2024, I interview critically hailed indie musician and Life Coach, Brian Falduto. After garnering international attention for playing “Fancy Pants” in the massive cult-classic School of Rock, Brian Falduto has overcome the challenges of child star fame, rediscovered himself, transforming into both a successful country music artist and a PCC-certified life coach. His recent album, "Gay Country", is jam-packed with LGBTQ joy & features the viral lead single, "Same Old Country Love Song". Brian has traveled the country performing and speaking at Pride events, sharing himself vulnerably and offering hope to countless young people with his story. We start by discussing his song and music video, “God Loves Me Too” and hear the story that inspired him to write it.  Next we touch on what it was like playing a gay role at 11-years old in 2003 during a time lacking in acceptance of gay folks- and Brian shares about the homophobia it forced him to face. We then get into his personal journey with spirituality, looking at the power of mindfulness and meditation to find that still “space beyond the ego.” And, how from that seat of awareness you can observe life happening rather than just being consumed by life happening.  We then get into the science behind anxiety and how information of our body/mind systems can help people find more effective strategies for dealing with stress. We end chatting about what lights him up about creating and sharing his music.Learn more about Brian here - https://www.brianfalduto.com/Connect with Wil here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is a writer, journalist, meditation teacher, and professor. He is the author of ten books, most recently The Secret That is Not a Secret, a collection of ten interlocking tales of mysticism, queerness, and magic. Jay's previous book, The Heresy of Jacob Frank: From Jewish Messianism to Esoteric Myth, won the 2022 National Jewish Book Award.As a journalist, Jay regularly appears on CNN and in Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, The Forward, and other publications, and won the 2023 New York Society for Professional Journalists Award for Opinion Writing. For ten years, he worked as an LGBTQ activist, and is the author of the bestselling God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality. Jay is also a meditation teacher in Buddhist and Jewish traditions and serves on the leadership team of the New York Insight Meditation Center.In the academic world, Dr. Michaelson a public fellow at American Jewish University and a field scholar at the Emory Center for Psychedelics and Spirituality. He holds a PhD in Jewish Thought from Hebrew University, a JD from Yale Law School, and nondenominational rabbinic ordination. He lives outside New York City.  In this interview we cover many topics including Jay giving an introduction to what Jewish Mysticism is all about. We also explore the nuggets of queer spirituality found within traditional religious beliefs. We cover some of the stark differences between spirituality and religion and the tension they create. Inspired by a story from his newly released book of stories, The Secret that is not a Secret, I share about my first erotic experience with a guy which happened in a hot tub. I then ask Jay about how his experiences in spaces like radical faeries gathering and Burning Man have impacted his spirituality and the way he communes with spirit. And, Jay shares a story that helped him realize that our full expression as sexual beings contributes to, is informed by and enriches our full expression as spiritual beings. Please enjoy this thought provoking and fun interview with my friend, Jay Michelson. Subscribe to Jay's Substack here- https://jaymichaelson.substack.com/  Grab Jay's new book, The Secret that is not a Secret, here- https://www.jaymichaelson.net/books/the-secret/  Connect with Wil Fisher here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/contactSupport the show

In this solo podcast I talk about the path of play towards awakening. I explore play and playfulness from a spiritual and personal growth lens.  I get into all the amazing ways play can support us on our expansion paths- including connecting us to the essence of our souls, helping us step into creatorhood, helping us express ourselves more, helping us be more present, helping us connect with our hearts, with other's hearts, and helping us to elevate the pleasure we recieve.  I also discuss the reasons play can be a growth edge for some people and what they can discover on the other side of that growth edge. I then break down the "languages of play" and help folks see possible access points to access the magic of playful energy.   I hope you enjoy this playful episode about play!!Support the show

Juanita MORE! is a denizen of the limelight. For almost three decades, the laudable hostess has blitzed San Francisco with high glamour, drag irreverence, and danceable beats that have illuminated the entire city. She inspires those around her to make positive differences in their lives and communities — and doing it all with timeless elegance and an innovative spirit. To date, MORE! has helped raise over 1 million dollars for local LGBTQ charities — among them GBLT Historical Society & Archives, Our Trans Youth, Q Foundation, Queer Lifespace, Transgender Law Center, and more. MORE!'s culinary expressions are an extension of what mothers have been doing in their kitchens for generations — which, simply states, is sharing “loads of love.”  In this delightful interview we discuss how Juanita created and continues to create their colorful, unique and purposeful path. We get to hear about Juanita's spiritual spirituality, from childhood until now. We talk about synchronicities and spirituality weaving through our everyday lives.   We then get a full TEA story about Juanita's journey trying drag for the first time and all the epic events that  followed, plus all the synchronicities and fabulous players who came together to birth the magic that is Juanita MORE! Next, we chat about their amazing charity work and activism work and what inspires it. And we end chatting about the importance of following one's passion in life and always seeking joy. Learn more about Juanita MORE! here- https://juanitamore.com/Learn about Wil's work here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

Jordi Wood is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, medicine carrier, and an advocate for healing. Jordi has spent much of their life learning indigenous wisdom, plant medicine, and sacred music as a means of cultivating their unique curative properties and then combining these learnings to create rich musical and medicinal healing spaces.  Jordi strives to walk the HEART road and is deeply committed to the path of service to those authentically seeking healing, reconnection, and heart opening.  Jordi is passionate about working with individuals who struggle with addiction, PTSD, chronic illness, survivors of sexual abuse, persons struggling with depression, anxiety, or sexual identity, and those within under-represented communities. We chat about his unique sacred path and the work he did to follow divine guidance. Even when there were seemingly easier more conventional paths showing up for them to be a successful musician, they kept choosing the heart path, which brought them to beautiful unforeseen places. Jordi shares how they worked with ayahuasca alongside tribes from the Amazon to heal critical medical issues he had been dealing with his whole life. Then we discuss the benefits and models of working with other plants from the amazon- using Ayahuasca to interface with these more subtle plants in order to receive learnings from them. We flesh that out hearing about the different categories of plant helpers and the fascinating process of discer'sning what plant wants to work with the person recieiving the medicine. Next, we dive into how Jordi works with sound in medicine spaces as a kind of sonar, and utilizes its capacity to transmit packets of information in a sonic form that are registered on an energetic level. It's really mind-blowing hearing him describe this cosmic technology and how it can be used to heal. We explore Ayahueska ability to unlock people's creative potential and how it calls people back to their natural roles as creators. Finally, we explore the importance of diversity in these plant medicine healing spaces. We look at how the medicine can support folks to recieve more self-love and how important this is for all people, and especially people who are part of marginalized communities. Jordi's album, "The Wheel of Time - An Ayahueska Journey," provides a channel for those who are open to receiving the vibrational medicine of the Master Plant allies of the Amazon. In this episode you'll get to hear two samples from this powerful album, one at the top of the interview and one at the end.  Enjoy!Support the show

Hello Beloveds!I'm back for my 2nd solo podcast, a bit of a continuation of my first solo podcast. Put together they read "Allow me to Introduce Myself" "I Am Sylvia WIl Gather Rainbow." And they serve as a way for you to get to know me a bit better. In this one, I share about myself by telling the story of my full chosen name and where each of its parts came to be. You'll hear about the rite of passage Kambo ceremony that connected me with the power of "I Am."  Next, you'll hear about the origin of my Drag Name, Sylvia London, and what that name means to me. I tell you more about my radical fearie name, Gather, and why I identify with that word. And finally, you'll hear the story of being gifted the name "Rainbow" and why that word is so special. to me. Support the show

Adam Jackson is the co-founder of Sacred Sons and host of Sacred Sons podcast.  Sacred Sons is the world's largest organization dedicated to modern Men's Work.   Adam holds a vision for ushering brotherhood to the forefront of our community as a means for conscious healing. Fatherhood has set Adam on a heart-opening journey of conscious parenting, commitment and continual inner work. He is walking his spiritual path with the power of self-love and the intention to raise the collective consciousness of our human family.We start the interview by hearing a story about Adam's early exposure to drag while working with one of the members of the notorious drag squad, The Ruby Girls. I then share about my time with my drag squad from the early 2000's, Snapdragon and tell Adam about drag houses and drag culture in general. We get deeper into this from a spiritual perspective, looking at how drag can be an access point to transformation and to stepping into fuller versions of ourselves.  Adam shares his understanding and appreciation for unity, bringing together people from all walks of humanity, and shares from his perspective as a biracial person. And we also look at queer folk's roles as unifiers.Adam then describes men's work- what it is, what its lineage is, and what Sacred Sons does in the world of men's work.  We discuss the healing that takes place when men are given safe space to experience platonic, brotherly, intimacy together. And also the healing of play.We then explore the love languages through the lens of men's work, and we close exploring the masculine archetypes and how to effectively work with that framework.   Sacred Sons' Convergence 8 is coming up October 5-8th! https://www.sacredsons.com/convergence8  More info about Sacred Sons and the podcast: https://www.sacredsons.com/    https://open.spotify.com/show/13MNzScptw2xqgkCTrgAEJ?si=3f37a2a1475448c0  Info for contacting Wil  https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/contactSupport the show

The LGBTQ History Project maintains that Don Kilhefner is the most dangerous gay activist alive in America. For over 50 years, he has fought to secure civil rights for LGBTQ people. Without a doubt, the fruits of his work have changed the world. He was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970, one of the first organizations to bring gay rights to the general public's attention.  He co-founded the Los Angeles LGBT Center, which has become the model of all LGBTQ Centers around the world with a $172 million yearly budget and nearly 800 employees. In 1978, he co-founded the Radical Faeries, a counter-culture network and movement that explores queer consciousness and queer spirituality and is alive and well today all around the world. He has dedicated the second chapter of his life to the exploration of queer consciousness and his community-based psychology practice.We start this interview by discussing the importance of intergenerational connections in the LGBTQ community. Next, we get into a juicy conversation addressing how heterosupremacy defined who we are based on sex, and now it's time to re-envision who we are and what it means to be gay beyond sex. We explored the possible purpose and roles of LGBTQ folks from a historical and anthropological perspective. Two possible roles we identified are the altruistic impulse, and the cooperative principal which Don describes. Don then shares the origin story of the radical faeries and the part he played in starting the radical faerie movement along with Harry Hay. Delightfully we get to learn some of the beautiful details from the very first radical faerie gathering. We end with Don sharing his thoughts on what our community's biggest challenges. This included a concept called "elite capture" meaning we've moved from a grassroots community-based movement to a movement where the elite have monopolization the LGBTQ community and it's fight for rights. This shift is failing, and Don and I consider what needs to change.This is a pretty epic interview with a very epic figurehead of the LGBTQ history!Support the show

Welcome to the 2nd Season of Queerly Beloved!In this inaugural episode I'm releasing my first solo podcast. In the episode I share my personal story of walking the queer and spiritual path. Stories include:Almost converting to Mormonism;Losing all my friends in 8th Grade because of rumors about me being gay;Some of the books that shaped my path;Discovering the radical faeries; Connecting back with my Native American (Osage) Ancestry;Living and working at an LGBT Retreat Center;Working with plant medicines;And starting this podcast..!This new season promises to deliver more interviews with incredible folks talking about queerness and spirituality, plus some of these solo podcasts sprinkled in. I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to send thoughts, ideas and feedback! You can reach me here-  https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/contactYou can learn more about my work here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Cory Thorell is a seasoned Insight and Personal Development Coach, Circle Way Facilitator, and the visionary Founder of the Dream Intending Workshop. With a rich background of 40 years in show business, he honed the art of manifesting on demand, bringing miracles to life on opening night.  Now, Cory shares his expertise and teaches the teachable skill of manifesting for the greater good. For over three decades, he has passionately followed the shamanic path, facilitating true change and transformation with groups, organizations, and individuals, all guided by the sacred heart. Cory is a storyteller, speaker, and teacher, empowering dynamic individuals to embrace their authentic selves and create lives filled with purpose and fulfillment.We start by chatting about Coyote energy, this trail blazing, speaker of truth energy that Cory very much identifies with and quickly deemed Coyote as one of his main power animals after he shared two epic coyote stories from the wild. We then looked at Cory's experience of spirituality as a boy, knowing that even as a gay boy he knew nothing was wrong with him and rejected the idea of conditions put on love. Next Cory offers some practical steps to move through pain in a good way and also how to use our intellect, memory and kinesthetic responses to choose joy.  Finally, Cory shares some awesome tips for becoming a master manifestor that you can start applying now!Learn more about Cory here: https://corytimecoaching.com/Learn about Wil's work here: https://wil-fullyliving.com/Reach out with feedback and ideas to Wil here:wil@wil-fullyliving.comSupport the show

David Monticalvo began to celebrate his gayness in his mid-30s, after experiencing an unplanned period of transition. During this process of beautiful challenge, David discovered the teachings of New Thought, which empowered him to view his journey as divine and perfect. Currently he leads the Gay Men's Spirituality Group based out of Unity Church San Francisco. He earned a master's degree in public health from the University of Florida and has a bachelor's in social work. As a teacher on gay men's wellness, he has spoken on rejection, creativity, and substance use disorders. His first book will be finished this year.This interview starts with David sharing (perhaps the most!) well thought out drag avatar that embodies who he is at this moment. We then talk about his experience coming out later in life and the energy that has resulted as he embraces being totally gay and totally spiritual- a combination he used to not believe was possible. In fact, originally for David, choosing Christianity was his attempt to hide his queerness. This eventually lead to his experience of Miso theism (which is hating, or resenting God). And what a journey has taken to come to loving God and loving his queerness. I speak about my journey to being unabashedly spiritual and my growth edge with prayer, admitting that sometimes I feel a bit in being shy about praying. And this leads to us chatting about how following our intuitive hits enables our true gifts to be revealed. Next, we chat about Spiritual hobbies- distinct from spiritual practices. And we talk about connecting with spirit through creativity (and connecting with creativity through spirit). We also touch on how Play is a magic sauce to create heart centered connectivity. We end envisioning a world where gay folks embrace their true spiritual selves, and they heal world. David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmonticalvo/ Wil's Personal Retreats: https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

In this interview I speak with Julio G. Alvarez, who, from Apple to Open AI, is a trusted coach & advisor to extraordinary leaders in tech. He's the creator of ‘Out in Tech' and host of the popular Let's Go With Julio Podcast. Julio is a powerful coach on a mission to help high achievers change the world by changing themselves, first.We talk about Julio stepping through the drag portal recently while at a gay coaches conference we both attended and what that meant to his spiritual and personal growth journey. Within that we also talk about Julio's decision to lean into discomfort and to view his resistance as an invitation to explore and learn. Then we get into some juicy AI talk starting with me sharing Chat GPT's response to my famous opening question in this podcast, Who are you but tell me by describing the perfect drag avatar. Chat GPT's drag avatar is pretty great!Julio, who is a very good friend of Sam Altman, the founder of Chat GPT, shares his thoughts on the impact AI is going to potentially make on society and what our roles are as healers, spiritual thinkers, practitioners, coaches, etc. We explore how we can influence the tech to be used to make the world better to counteract the potential destruction and manipulation of AI in the hands of bad actors. We speak about how AI might impact the spiritual movement, and the spiritual community, and even possibly play a role in helping people find their purpose and live out their highest dharma.Let's Go With Julio Podcast- https://www.letsgowithjulio.com/podcastWil's Personal Retreats- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsBook one this summer and enjoy San Diego during it's finest months- while also healing, expanding, and accelerating your soul's evolution!Support the show

Court Vox is a trained Sex and Intimacy Consultant and Sacred Intimate. Founder of his practice The Body Vox, he brings opportunities for his clients to learn about and embrace their bodies and the bodies of others. Court's work breaks down the walls of shame and anxiety around intimacy and sex. Vox is a sex educator and is experienced working with clients of all sexualities and genders. He offers workshops around the world. In this interview we talk about Court's very diverse career path all leading up to becoming a sex coach. We explore the parallels of entering trance space while performing as a musician, and finding that same space while exploring eroticism and sexuality. We look at how we can use eros to connect with a bigger part of ourselves and show up in all our fullness. Next we get into some discussion on self-pleasure practices as a meditative practice to shut off the mind (and we even discuss where pornography fits in with all that). We end the interview diving into the power of group work (like at retreats) as a means to help folks see the truth of who they are and the impact they're making. Here's a link for the upcoming Prism festival: https://www.cielos.co/pryzmAnd for other ways to connect with Court check out: https://thebodyvox.com/To connect with Wil, click: https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Laura Hartley is an activist, coach and the founder of Public Love Enterprises, a liberatory space and online school.  She sees self-work and world-work as interconnected, and through coaching & group programs, she empowers changemakers to get free, dismantling capitalism & patriarchy from the inside out; get power to make real change, and, find what's theirs to do in this time. She hails from Sydney, Australia but currently lives in Toronto, Canada.We talk about how queerness really shaped her spiritual path and taught her to orient to what was whole, true and authentic to herself. Laura then defines for us internalized capitalism and internalized patriarchy and we talk about how to detox ourselves from those patterns. I share about combatting my own internalized capitalism and the process of letting go of things on my calendar that weren't 100% aligned with me and my purpose.We get to learn more about the "Unholy Trinity": capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy- 3 major systems of oppression that we see in the world today. And, together, Laura and I create a new “Holy Trinity" to guide and support a new way forwardWe also chat about the potential pitfalls of personal growth and spiritual development work when some of the "unholy trinity" creeps in and how we can combat it to avoid spiritual bypassing, narcissism and selfishness in our work. Finally, we end with some wisdom in the message, "It is not your job to fix the world, it is your job to love it."  Check out Laura's work at: https://www.laurahartley.com/  Connect with Wil here:  https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Terry Bartley is the writer of the upcoming collection of short stories, Tyranny of the Fey and the host of the podcast “Most Writers are Fans,” about the intersection between writing and fandom. Terry has won awards for writing and broadcasting from the West Virginia Associated Press, the National Broadcasting Society, and MarCom. We talk in this interview about all things related to faeries, wizards, goblins and trolls including where do they come from? Do they exist on another plane? Can they interact with us? How are they queer?When it comes to spirituality, we speak about why he chooses Agnosticism and what that means for him. We also talk about the queerness of a spiritual smorgasbord-picking and choosing from various culture's religious customs the things that resonate for you and putting them together to create your unique altar and spiritual practice. Finally, we discuss his path as a storyteller and he shares some insights around the process of creating something (like a book)Check out Terry's book "Tyranny of the Fey" :  https://books2read.com/u/3nDX9eCheck out Reclaiming Our LGBTQ Spiritual Heritage virtual summit happening June 17-24 and sponsored by Queerly Beloved: https://presenter.consciousleaderssummit.com/wilfSupport the show

Gord, who join us from the UK, is a dynamic and insightful individual who brings a unique perspective to spirituality and personal growth. As a non-binary, autistic tarot reader and meditation guide, Gord has a wealth of life experience and a deep understanding of what it means to be on a spiritual journey. With a sense of humor and an open heart, Gord helps people navigate life's changes and unlock their inner potential through tarot readings, guided meditations, and journaling. In the interview we chat about them getting deeper and deeper involved with different organized religions, including the notoriously homo hating Baptist church, all the way to almost becoming a priest, and then eventually discovering a different way. Eventually they land on Ignosticism, which they explain the meaning of. I share a similar story of almost getting. baptized into the Mormon church. They they chats about discovering their path with tarot. Next, we pull some cards for me and my relationship to this podcast. You can watch the card pulling on YouTube via the link below- it's a really cool process. https://www.youtube.com/@willfullyliving4357Gord is offering a discount for Queerly Beloved listeners. Use this link to get 10% off a reading:watchfulsoul.com/queerlybeloved Here's infö for my upcoming retreat!https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

Nicholas holds a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, an LMSW from New York University, and is a Doctoral Candidate in Religion, Gender, and Culture at Harvard University. They currently work as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. He's a radical faerie and a dear friend.  :)We start this interview discussing our perspectives of who the radical faeries are, what they do, what their history is, and what they represent. Nicholas shares how his encounter with the faeries completely shifted the trajectory of his spiritual and intellectual life.We then talk about Queerness as spirituality and as a way of life, and explore the possibility of imbuing everything in life with queer spirituality. About halfway in we tap into some high level concepts concluding that Spirituality is Queerness is God is Love..! Nicholas then Shares about his work studying queer spirituality at Harvard where he explored the the inquiry "what are queer spiritual traditions?" We also discuss his thesis which was focused on the spiritual impact the AIDS crisis had on queer people and on the world. There's a provocative moment towards the end of our interview where Trouble declares the way homophobes “gets it right.”  We then chat about Psychoanalysis and explore it as a spiritual act. These topics and many more in this interview I've titlesCome retreat with us at Hearts Alive, August 11-14th in Idyllwild, Ca!  Check it out  here- https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/eventsSupport the show

In this interview I talk with Craig Cullinane who just finished serving as the Director of the Body Electric School for the last four years and has served on the Body Electric faculty for more than ten years. Body Electric is a school offering experiences grounded in the erotic and its integration with the sacred, to foster transformative personal, relational, and communal healing. As a coach, he supports his clients in centering their most treasured desires with simple habits that translate into real results.In this interview we discuss the mission and history of Body Electric; I share about my experience with tantric work as a powerful healing modality; we talk about the "queer ecstatic path" and the inherent queerness of  connecting with God by experiencing pleasure in our bodies. We also compare notes on our gratitude practices and Craig shares about the simple practice that has changed his life. Next we dig deep into the concept of "the only way out is through," and how important it is to stay with negative emotions even when they feel terrible- that only by moving through it can we learn from them and alchemize them. Craig highlights that with a story about experiencing shame, breathing into it and allowing it to run it's course. All these topics and many more!https://www.craigcullinane.com/https://bodyelectric.org/https://www.wil-fullyliving.com/Support the show

Mountaine Jonas' greatest passion is consciousness raising through theater. Among many other theater credits, he is a founder, producer and performer of Off the Stonewall Street Theatre Players, who were known for doing satirical audience-participation shows about LGBTQ rights. He is the seed planter, conductor and mentor of NYC Queer Playback. And he currently make videos as Merlin the wise wiseass wisecrack wizard - there's currently 46 total on YouTube (see the link below!).  In this interview Mountaine shares many wonderfully entertaining and insightful stories including how he got is radical faerie name. We discuss the power and pleasure of playfulness. Mountaine shares stories of healing in hospitals as his Merlin avatar and what it's like to work with the Wizard archetype. We discuss the thin line between acting versus channeling. We also get to hear about the magic of playback theater and hear stories of healing through that magic. We finish by discussing death and how he is learning to make friends with death and receive all the lessons that are coming in that process. Merlin Speaks Youtube -- https://www.youtube.com/@MerlinSpeaks NYC Queer Playback --https://www.alighttheater.org/queerplaybackSupport the show