Podcasts about lgbtq

After a month-and-a-half break and a big network move, your Russian big sister Violet Benson is back – and she's starting 2026 the only way she knows how: with tough love.Violet breaks down the four shifts that changed her life – and can change yours too.• setting real boundaries (and holding the door open when someone wants to leave) • radical self-awareness (aka stop lying to yourself) • knowing exactly who you are • and changing your perspective so you stop feeling like the victim in your own storyShe then breaks down why we romanticize the wrong people, the truth about “twin flames,” how you've been quietly self-sabotaging your love life, forgiving without apologies, and learning that sometimes the love story you're chasing isn't about another person – it's about yourself.Today is the day you take your power back and start gaining confidence again after losing yourself in love. This episode is your reset.Don't forget to leave a 5-star review when you're done listening.Thanks for supporting our sponsors:Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/adultingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dangerous criminals would be released early from prison under Washington Democrats bill. A restaurant owner in Seattle said he had to temporarily close due to construction at Westlake Park. A Left wing reporter claimed that Trump isn’t called racist and proceeded to get laughed at. // LongForm: GUEST: Transportation expert Bob Pishue with the Mountain States Policy Center on some new shenanigans Sound Transit is up to. // Quick Hit: Idaho House backs sweeping trans bathroom ban bill. A new poll found that the amount of US adults identifying as LGBTQ+ has exploded over the last decade and a half.

Send a textWhat if leading at home wasn't about fixing every problem, but about showing up with curiosity, clear standards, and follow-through you can keep? We sit down with Thomas Miller—therapist, coach, and host of the Four Peaks Parent podcast—to explore how dads can guide teens through injury, identity shifts, and big feelings without swinging to extremes.Thomas shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his approach: art school beginnings, building programs for LGBTQ youth, and running a wilderness therapy team responsible for 62 high‑risk teens. Layer in profound personal loss and years of clinical work, and you get a grounded, no-nonsense playbook for family leadership. We unpack why “Do it right, do it once” is more than a motto, how to transform rehab into purpose, and why small, consistent wins beat grand speeches every time.We get practical about mental health. Instead of chasing labels, Thomas returns to ADLs—sleep, movement, hygiene, purposeful work, connection—and Freud's simple barometer: work, love, play, and laughter. He maps the two pitfalls he sees most often: parents who minimize obvious issues until a child “gets sicker” to be seen, and parents who pathologize every wobble. The middle path uses clear assessment, heart-centered language, and boundaries you'll actually enforce. You'll also hear how couples' communication styles—head-on versus avoidant—leak into parenting, and what it takes to co-write a healthier family culture.If you're a dad juggling a demanding job, teen sports, and rising anxiety at home, this conversation hands you a framework: lead with curiosity, set standards you model, and let kids own outcomes. Less rescuing, more guiding. Less reacting, more discernment. Subscribe, share with a dad who needs it, and leave a review with the one standard you're committing to this week.Support the showPlease don't forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!

This Isn't Therapy... it's the long-time-coming episode about the social ins-and-outs of Survivor and the TikTok trend "Hot Girl Walks."Asking for a Friend:https://forms.gle/LofZNaNzGe22W7XG7Follow us!Instagram & TikTok | @thisisnttherapypodJake | @mswjakeSimon | @directedbysimonListen to This Isn't Therapy:Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/0gvAhpRsaI8lDip7B1Jpi9?si=HIWUpJYbRiuxpuMABa4I_A⁠⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/this-isnt-therapy/id1528399646Original music composed by Kat Burns and performed by KASHKA.

This week, Kyra sits down with Brian Thompson, financial advisor, former tax attorney, and business strategist, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of finance, identity, and purpose. Brian works with LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs to help them build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and what they stand for. Together, they explore the myth that founders must choose between impact and profit, the early signs that a business may no longer fit your life, and how identity-led planning creates sustainable growth. Brian shares practical mindset and financial shifts that help entrepreneurs build with clarity, charge confidently, and design operations that support long-term legacy. In this episode: ✨ Why impact and profit are not opposing forces ✨ How identity shapes the way you build your business ✨ Signs you may be building the wrong business for your life ✨ Financial mindset shifts for mission-driven founders ✨ Aligning operations, money, and legacy with your values For entrepreneurs who want their work and wealth to reflect who they truly are, this episode offers grounded strategy and encouragement to build differently. Connect with Brian: Website: https://btfinancial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btfinancial/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for a powerful new episode of A Spoonful of Paolo featuring daytime legend and Emmy Award winner Susan Lucci. I haven't stopped thinking about this conversation since we taped it last week. Susan's New York Times bestselling memoir, La Lucci, is beautiful, raw, and deeply truthful. I couldn't wait to sit down with her to go even further into her extraordinary story. We talk about profound loss, grief, enduring love, and what it truly means to hold onto your dreams. I also treasured the opportunity to thank her for her unforgettable portrayal of Erica Kane during Bianca's coming out storyline on All My Children— a groundbreaking moment that meant so much to so many in the LGBTQ+ community and those that love them. I hope you feel as moved and inspired by this conversation as I did. Enjoy the one and only La Lucci! To see the video version of this interview or any of our other interviews, head over to aspoonfulofpaolo.com or our YouTube channel. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!INSTAGRAM https://instagram.com/PaoloPrestaTHREADS https://www.threads.net/@paoloprestaFACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/spoonfulofpaoloTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@paolo.prestaTWITTER https://twitter.com/PaoloPrestaWATCH ALL OF OUR CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS AT http://www.aspoonfulofpaolo.com If you enjoy our podcast, please take a quick second to rate, comment, subscribe & tell a friend. It all truly helps!

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani now says he is “forced” to raid the rainy day fund retiree benefit fund and to increase property taxes while trying to freeze rent. The Biden official who created the ‘Disinformation' Board is appointed as FISA Court Adviser. French President Macron claims “Free speech is pure BS”. Dana breaks down how GOP Rep. Randy Fine rightfully CALLED OUT the Islamists over the commentary to his dog tweet following news that 3 Million dogs are going to be massacred by firing squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whoopi Goldberg reveals on The View that she is in the Epstein Files as she tried to get a free private jet for a charity event.Stephen Colbert BLASTS CBS for denying the James Talarico interview but completely lied that they just didn't want to give “equal time” to Jasmine Crockett. Sen. Eric Schmitt joins us to break down the status with the SAVE Act, the partial gov't shutdown, and much more.Dem. Rep. Ted Lieu alleges Donald Trump r*ped and threatened to kill children. Dana exposes the extremely questionable political past of Rep. Lieu, including his association with Ed Buck. Team USA skater Amber Glenn trashes America abroad, says Trump is attacking LGBTQ, then lands in 13th place. School districts across the country are reconsidering their picture day partnerships after social media posts pointed to a link between major school photo company “LifeTouch” and Jeffrey Epstein. Trump heightens his threats against Iran.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Bank on Yourselfhttps://BankOnYourself.com/Dana Bank on Yourself offers tax-free retirement income, guaranteed growth, and full control of your money. Receive your free report.Noble Goldhttps://NobleGoldInvestments.com/DanaThis is the year to create a more stable financial future.  Open a qualified account with Noble Gold and receive a 3 oz Silver Virtue coin free. Relief Factorhttps://ReliefFactor.com OR CALL 1-800-4-RELIEFTry Relief Factor's 3-week Quickstart for just $19.95—tell them Dana sent you and see if you can be next to control your pain!Patriot Mobilehttps://PatriotMobile.com/DANA or call 972-PATRIOTSwitch to Patriot Mobile in minutes—keep your number and phone or upgrade, then take a stand today with promo code DANA for a free month of service!Humannhttps://HumanN.comGet simple, delicious wellness support when you pick up Humann's Turmeric Chews at Sam's Club next time you're there and see why they're such a fan favorite!Byrnahttps://Byrna.com/DanaMake 2026 the year you protect your family with solid options—Get the Byrna today.WebRoothttps://Webroot.com/DanaTake your cybersecurity seriously! Get 60% off Webroot Total Protection for a limited time.Subscribe today and stay in the loop on all things news with The Dana Show. Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramXMore InfoWebsite

Kevin and Anthony are back together after more than a year apart. The two men reunite and catch up on what has happened since they were last together on a podcast. This season of BYLATINMEN will feature classic segments with a focus on specific topics. This week's episode is all about immigration. Follow BYLATINMEN on Instagram @BYLATINMENFollow Kevin @HeresWhyKevin Follow Anthony @MrAnthonyPolanco

According to its website, The Lavender Network is Eugene’s only LGBTQ+ service and community center. The coalition of five nonprofits offers health care, counseling, a free clothing closet and more to queer communities in Lane County. After renting different spaces around Eugene, the network opened its first permanent space near downtown on Feb. 10.   Laura Henry is the manager of The Lavender Network. She joins us to talk about the importance of creating permanent spaces for LGBTQ+ communities.

Catherine Opie talks to Ben Luke about her influences—from writers to musicians, film-makers and, of course, other artists—and the cultural experiences that have shaped her life and work. Over more than three decades, Opie, who was born in 1961 in Sandusky, Ohio, and lives today in Los Angeles, has created photographic portraits, cityscapes and landscapes that have borne witness to social and political conditions and tensions—particularly in her native United States—while also reflecting a deeply personal response to people and community. Fundamental to her work is an exploration, as a queer woman and as a documentarian photographer, of the nuanced, multifarious nature of identity, most prominently in LGBTQ+ communities, but also far beyond them. She has committed from her earliest mature images to the idea that, as she has phrased it, “Without representation, there is no visibility”—a belief that remains more vital than ever in the US and across the world in the 2020s. And that visibility is manifest not just in the portraiture for which she is best known, but also in the central place that architecture and interiors play in her work. She repeatedly calls our attention to the juxtaposition of the built environment and the construction of bodies and identities. So she documents her surroundings in the fullest sense: she depicts the people she loves, knows and meets; the spaces they occupy; and the broader physical and social environment around them. Ultimately, she hopes, through encountering her art, viewers will gain a better understanding of humanity in all its complexity. She reflects on her early discovery and desire to make pictures, aged nine, and the key figures that helped her choose to become an artist. She talks about the kinship between poetry and art and the fundamental importance, whatever her subject, of human connection. She reflects on artists as diverse as Holbein and Leonardo and Gerhard Richter and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, on the influence of writers including Joan Didion and Octavia Butler, and on her admiration for Chloe Zhao and Chris Marker. Plus, she gives insights into her life in the studio (and darkroom) and answers our usual questions, including the ultimate: what is art for?Catherine Opie: To Be Seen, National Portrait Gallery, London, 5 March-31 May 2026; Catherine Opie: The Pause that Dreams Against Erasure, The Fridericianum, Kassel, Germany, 19 July 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, Medical Director of The Agora Clinic and Trustee of Fertility Action, to talk about family building within the LGBTQ+ community.If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and thinking about becoming a parent, or you love someone who is, this episode is a practical starting point. We talk about treatment pathways, donor conception, fertility preservation, NHS inequality, and how to make sure you are supported properly by a clinic that understands your needs.This is about education, empowerment and knowing your options.What we cover in this episodeWhy fertility equality on the NHS is still not where it should beThe postcode lottery affecting IVF fundingWhy three full IVF cycles should be the national standardThe additional financial barriers faced by same sex couplesWhy six self funded IUIs before NHS eligibility is deeply problematicThe risks of sourcing donor sperm onlineChoosing between known donors and donor banksHow clinics should approach inclusive paperwork and languageWhy pronouns and preferred names matter in clinical settingsShared motherhood and reciprocal IVFFertility testing for both partners before deciding who carriesSupporting gay male couples through complex pathways involving egg donation and surrogacyWorking with the trans community around fertility preservationPreserving sperm or eggs before starting hormone treatmentThe emotional impact of genetic connection and non biological parentingWhy counselling is essential before treatment beginsSupporting patients who fear internal examinations or surgical environmentsCreating clinic spaces that feel safe, calm and inclusiveAbout Dr Carole Gilling-SmithDr Carole Gilling-Smith is the Medical Director of The Agora Clinic, one of the UK's leading fertility clinics for the LGBTQ+ community, based in Brighton and Hove.She is also a founding Trustee of Fertility Action, the UK charity campaigning for fertility equality and better access to treatment.Carole has been a long standing advocate for:Equal NHS funding for fertility treatmentInclusive fertility care for LGBTQ+ patientsFertility education in schools and universities

In this episode of The End in Mind, I sit down with Brian Thompson, founder of Brian Thompson Financial, to talk about building a profitable business that actually supports the life you want. Brian is a financial planner and former tax attorney who specializes in helping LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs gain clarity around their money, systems, and long-term growth. We discuss the difference between being good at your craft and knowing how to run a business, why financial clarity is foundational to impact, and how to align your mission, values, and profit goals. We also explore hustle culture, intentional growth, balancing mindset and money, and why entrepreneurship is a gift when you approach it with clarity and intention. If you're building a purpose-driven business and want your finances to support your vision — not stress you out — this conversation is for you. Connect with Brian:- Website: https://btfinancial.com- Instagram: @btfinancial- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianthompsonfinancial/- Podcast: Mission Driven BusinessIf this episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur building with purpose! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textOn this week's episode, I am joined by host of the Action Addicts Podcast, Scott Wiley! We chat about Scott's love for action movies and where that comes from before diving into our featured movie of the week. This week's gem is the 1999 sci-fi comedy, Galaxy Quest, starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and the late legend, Alan Rickman.You can follow Scott on BlueSky at Action Addicts Podcast (actionaddicts.bsky.social).Follow Fat Dude Digs Flicks across social media:Facebook - Fat Dude Digs FlicksInstagram - FatDudeDigsFlicksBlueSky - FatDudeDigsFlicksTikTok - FatDudeDigsFlicksLetterboxd - FatDudeFlicksSubscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Goodpods, or wherever you get your podcasts. Search for Fat Dude Digs Flicks and click on that subscribe button. Please take a second to rate and review the show, while you're at it!Subscribe to the Fat Dude Digs Flicks YouTube channel and send a thumbs up or two my way!If you'd like to contact me for any recommendations, questions, comments, concerns, or to be a future guest, you can send an email to FatDudeDigsFlicks@gmail.com.And now the call to action:To help get aide to civilians in Gaza suffering from unjust military action:Help.Rescue.OrgSave the ChildrenHDF - Gaza EmergencyPCRFBuild PalestineThe fight for Women's Reproductive Rights continues. If you are interested in supporting a woman's right to choose, please look into the following organizations:Planned ParenthoodCenter for Reproductive RightsPathfinder InternationalNational Women's Law CenterNARAL Pro-Choice AmericaReligious Coalition for Reproductive ChoiceEquality NowEvery Mother CountsGlobal Fund For WomenHelp protect, defend, and support our LGBTQ+ brothers, sisters, and non-binary spiritual siblings by checking out:Transformation Project SDGLAADTrans LifelineThe Trevor ProjectThe Center of Excellence for Transgender HealthGender DiversityHuman Rights CampainIt Gets Better ProjectThe Transgender Law CenterFORGEGLSENThe Matthew Shepard FoundationPride FoundationTransgender Legal Defense and Education FundTrans Women of Color CollectiveTrans Youth Equality FoundationNational Center For Transgender EqualityTrue Colors FundThe Trans Culture District Support the show

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Eiren Caffal at her website eirencaffall.com or on IG @eirencaffall   We chat this week with Eiren Caffall, a Chicago writer whose memoir, The Mourner's Bestiary, sat on Carrie's shelf staring at her for a year until she finally made time to read it but she is so glad I did. In this creative nonfiction work, Eiren talks about her family's long history with a chronic illness (specifically, polycystic kidney disease (PKD)) and connects that to the health of the waterways and living creatures in Maine. It is a master work that merges scientific writing with poetic language. We also talk about her novel, All the Water in the World, which came out less than six months after The Mourner's Bestiary. It is also about water, but in a fictional dystopian setting where New York City has flooded due to the melting of the ice caps. If you enjoyed Station Eleven, you must give this novel a try.   And for our book recommendation section of the show, we are focusing on Old Dudes!!  Carrie has a soft spot in her heart for curmudgeonly and/ or cuddly elderly men, so we are giving you six ideas of books that feature crotchety (or not) male senior citizens.  We have a memoir, a children's book series, a book translated from Swedish, novels featuring LGBTQ protagonists, and literary fiction.   Books Discussed in this Episode:   1- The Mourner's Bestiary by Eiren Caffal  2- All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffal  3- Howards End by E.M. Forster  4- Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius  5- Ignition by MR O'Connor  6- Hotshot: A Life on Fire by River Selby  7- The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Story of a Donner Party Bride by Daniel James Brown  8- The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann  9- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones  10- Queen Bee by Cierra Geraghty  11- The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey 12- A Five Star Read Recommended by a Fellow Book Lover - In a Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes  13- The Very Long Very Strange Life of Isaac Dahl by Bart Yates  14- The Last Days of Ptolemy Gray by Walter Mosley  15- The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku  16- The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson  17- The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain  18- Mr. Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant 19- A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City: Murder, Secrets, and Scandal in Old Louisville by David Dominé   Media Mentioned: 1- 'Murder in Glitter Ball City' - https://www.wdrb.com/news/murder-in-glitter-ball-city-hbo-documentary-explores-2010-old-louisville-murder/article_1b4cc513-c22b-4543-b609-5b6267e1dce2.html 2- Our Episode with David Dominé - https://ThePerksofBeingaBookLover.podbean.com/e/season-5-episode-108-sex-drugs-and-true-crime-vibes-with-guest-david-domine-10-13-21/ 3- True Detective Night Country (HBO Max, 2024)  

90s TV Babies Meet The Golden Girls: Uncovering Timeless Comedy | 80s TV PodcastJoin co-hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they welcome back the “'90s TV Babies”—Sergio Perez, Sailor Franklin, and Serita Fontanesi—plus first-time (almost silent) guest: the 20s² TV Baby Theo —for a 2026 discussion of The Golden Girls.The group is assigned a lineup of key episodes across Seasons 1, 2, 4, 6, and the two-part series finale.They catch up on the last six months: Serita welcomes baby Theo (nearly six months old), shares his love of his Paddington bear, and talks about returning to work; Sailor celebrates a new solo apartment in South Pasadena, a promotion to visual and performing arts associate at a nonprofit, and performing in a 134 West variety show (“Merry Queerness: A Wildly Inappropriate Holiday Show”) featuring a “Last Christmas” number; Sergio describes his first “adult summer” without children's theater, a year in a new apartment with Koji, and travel to the dunes at Pismo Beach.Theo's teething, sock-removing, and foot-in-mouth milestones frequently steal the spotlight.On The Golden Girls, the guests discuss its lasting impact, rapid-fire joke writing, and how boldly early seasons tackled topics like LGBTQ+ themes, age gaps, consent/power dynamics, teen pregnancy, grief, and loss—often balancing heart with humor. Sergio admits he's watching the series for the first time and praises the show's intelligence and influence on later sitcoms; Sailor highlights the value of 24-plus-episode seasons and names Dorothy as her favorite; Sergio chooses Rose and admires Betty White's performance.They single out “Mrs. George Devereaux” for its emotional weight and structure, and critique the pacing and feel of the series finale's ending. They also touch on behind-the-scenes context discussed on the podcast, including Estelle Getty's later-season memory issues and reported tensions between Bea Arthur and Betty White, and briefly fan-cast a hypothetical reboot.The episode includes a Cozy Earth ad read (41% off with the show's promo code - ONLY GOOD UNTIL MARCH), mentions a 40th anniversary Golden Girls special on Hulu (2025), shares Serita's Venmo for diaper money, and plugs Susan's arts organization Arts à la CarteThe hosts preview upcoming episodes featuring writer/producer/professor Georgia Jeffries (episode 99) and announce Morgan Fairchild as the special guest for the show's 100th episode.THE ASSIGNMENTIf you want to watch what the 90s TV Babies watched…Here is your assignment should you choose to accept it:S1E1 Pilot, The EngagementS1.E9 Blanche and the Younger ManS1.E13 A Little RomanceS1.E25 The Way We MetS2.E02 Ladies of the EveningS2.E24 To Catch a NeighborS4.E15 Valentine's DayS6.E9 Mrs. George DevereauxS7.25 & S7.26 One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's NestBONUS EXTRA CREDIT EPISODESS2.E5 Isn't it RomanticS2.E21 Dorothy's Prized PupilS6.E14 Sister of the BrideS7.E2 The Case of the Libertine BellS3, Ep1 - Friendship and Memories00:00 Welcome Back + Golden Girls Episode Assignment02:24 Meet the Nineties TV Babies (and Baby Theo!)03:24 Serita's Life Update: New Baby, Time Off, Paddington Bear05:04 Sailor's Update: Shows, Audio Fixes, and Holiday Performance11:11 Sailor's Big News: New Apartment + Promotion12:20 Sergio's Update: Post-Theater Freedom and Travel Adventures18:57 Back to the Show: Everyone's Golden Girls History24:29 Sailor's Take: Why Golden Girls Still Hits in 202628:39 Campy vs. heartfelt: unpacking the dream episode's wild tonal mix30:00 Bring back 24-episode seasons: why filler, flashbacks & character color matter32:20 Sergio's first-time watch: rapid-fire jokes, smart writing, and trusting the audience34:15 Standout lines & bold topics: teen pregnancy, grief, and jokes that land36:16 Sponsor break: Cozy Earth bamboo sheets (41% off)36:59 Why Golden Girls still feels ahead of its time (and the case for a reboot)39:53 Surprises on rewatch: dramatic acting, theater-style sitcoms, and that gut-punch ending46:38 Favorite Girl debate: Dorothy vs. Rose, and what makes each character click49:00 Behind-the-scenes: cast dynamics, Estelle Getty's memory issues, and Betty White lore53:14 Finale reactions: hating Stan, rushed romance, and an ending without a button57:26 Monoculture is gone: streaming chaos, reboot realities, and dream fan-casting01:01:50 Wrap-up & plugs: anniversary special, links, Patreon, and what's nextAUDIOOGRAPHY

Has the fear of being trolled ever impacted how you show up online? It definitely has for me, and sometimes I feel like I can't share all the things that I want to in case I attract hate. Today on the podcast I'm chatting to Rhiannon Louden, who is a brand and wedding photographer, all about an incident where she got trolled and exactly how she handled it. A big facet of this conversation is about values, and I love that it comes back to something that has been chatted about on this podcast so many times before: the importance of your brand values. Rhiannon shares a candid story about a reel featuring a trans wedding that attracted significant hate, and how she navigated that storm while protecting her clients and standing by her beliefs. We touch on personal branding, attracting the right clients, running your business with integrity, and why "going viral" isn't always the dream we think it is.   Key Takeaways: Viral isn't always a victory: Rhiannon shares how a reel hitting 5 million views brought a wave of hate rather than just "success". It serves as a reminder that visibility without the right audience can be damaging. Values act as a filter: Being vocal about your values (e.g., trans rights) effectively repels people who don't align with you. While the trolling was difficult, it ultimately solidified her niche and signaled safety to her ideal clients. Client care comes first: When the post blew up with negative comments, Rhiannon's first priority was her couple. She communicated openly with them and gave them the option to delete the post, prioritizing their mental health over the "viral" reach. Have a crisis plan: It is helpful to think about how you would handle trolling before it happens. Having a process—like warning clients or knowing when to turn off comments—can help you stay calm in the moment. Separating your brands: We also discuss Rhiannon's decision to run two separate brands (Rhiannon Neale for weddings/families and Rhiannon Louden for branding) to ensure her messaging stays clear and relevant to each specific audience.   Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Rhiannon's journey from journalism to photography and moving to Scotland. 04:00 – The decision to split her business into two distinct brands to clarify her messaging. 06:00 – The story of the viral reel: How a post celebrating a trans wedding attracted millions of views and a storm of hate. 13:00 – Handling the fallout: How Rhiannon communicated with her clients and gave them the power to decide the post's fate. 15:00 – The aftermath: Why repelling bigots is actually a business positive, and how it has led to more aligned inquiries from the LGBTQ+ community. 19:00 – The reality of viral fame: Why we need to stop romanticising the idea of "blowing up" online.   About The Guest: Rhiannon Louden is a photographer and brand mentor based in Scotland. She runs two businesses: Rhiannon Neale, focusing on alternative, documentary-style wedding and family photography, and Rhiannon Louden, where she offers personal brand photography and mentorship for female entrepreneurs. She is passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and helping business owners show up authentically. You can find her wedding work at https://rhiannoneale.com/ and her branding work at https://www.rhiannonlouden.co.uk/   Mentioned in this episode: Rhiannon's Viral Post: The reel discussed regarding the trans wedding (though comments are turned off!). I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @‌lizmmosley or @‌buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft lucylucraft.co.uk If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with David Archuleta to discuss his new memoir, Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself. David opens up about his life inside of Mormonism, his rise to fame on American Idol, his mission, his relationship with Church leaders, and the long, painful journey toward self-acceptance as a gay man.This conversation goes far beyond headlines. David walks us through the internalized shame, religious scrupulosity, and obsessive righteousness that shaped his childhood and young adulthood. He reflects on the messages he received about masculinity, sexuality, and obedience –and how those teachings distorted his understanding of intimacy, trust, and self-worth.We explore David's experiences with Mormon apostles, including M. Russell Ballard, the November 2015 Policy, and the unsettling realization that Church leaders often spoke with certainty despite privately admitting they had no answers. David shares what it was like to be counseled to marry a woman, to suppress his identity, and to believe his faith could “heal” him –while quietly spiraling toward despair.This episode also addresses growing up in a Mormon bubble, religious OCD, messages about LGBTQ people, chastity and sin, fame and unpaid church services, leaving the church and reclaiming agency and what happiness and God look like for him now.David speaks with extraordinary honest, vulnerability, and compassion –not just for himself, but for the countless LGBTQ people still navigating high-demand religions.Order his book here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

This week, Julie & Brandy continue to try and wade thru the river of sh*t in the Epstein Files.*******CHECK OUT FREE EPISODES OF JULIE & BRANDY'S PATREON PODCAST**********FOLLOW JULIE ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER****FOLLOW BRANDY ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER***CHECK OUT THEIR T-SHIRTS!***EMAIL THEM! JulieBrandyPodcast@gmail.com******* Dumb Gay Politics with Julie & Brandy **** Dumb Gay Podcast with Julie & Brandy **** Julie Goldman **** Brandy Howard **** Julie and Brandy *** The People's Couch *** DGP *** Gay Podcast *** Political Podcast *** Lesbian *** Bravo *** Housewives *** Queer *** Liberal **** LGBTQ **** Killer Burlesque *** Host *** Portland *** Denver *** Nightmare on Strip Street *** Funny *** Comedy *** Democrat *** Progressive *** Comedian *** Jewish *** Politics *** Left *** San Francisco ***See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes.   Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeEpisode Links:”It's none of your business how a child wants to inhabit their body!” Says Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D) She then compares teen girls suffering from gender dysphoria who opt for injections of testosterone & radical double mastectomies to folks getting spray tans & designer sneakers.Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear cites Bible to defend veto of ban on gender treatments for minors; Kentucky's Democratic Governor Andy Beshear cited the Bible while defending his veto of "anti-LGBTQ legislation" banning gender treatments for minors."People criticize me for dating a trans woman. Saying that I am a homosexual for doing so."What a SCAM. An DNP finally admits that gender affirming hormones are "relieving dysphoria" because they're literally modulating the levels of neurotransmitters IN THE BRAIN.  Meanwhile the lab rats think they feel better because now they're "passing."  And when this modulation induces illness, it's blamed on dysphoria or the patient, and used to justify additional prescriptions and procedures. - DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice, a terminal, practice-focused doctoral degree for nurses, designed to prepare experts in advanced clinical practice, leadership, and evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes. It differs from a PhD in nursing by focusing on applying research rather than generating new research.Parents in Southern California lost custody of their children because they didn't want their child to “transition” - “She wouldn't call her daughter a male, and CPS took her child.”Mother of missing Washington student pleads with state lawmakers

Welcome to episode 334 of Trivia Time Weekly, the podcast quiz show! February Visual Round: https://tinyurl.com/Feb26VRCheck out No Chit Chat Trivia!: https://open.spotify.com/show/4KHu4LWG5jy5MI90trWk3m Website: https://triviatimepodcast.comEmail: triviatimepodcast@gmail.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/triviatimepodcast

Tim and John discuss the rising costs of utility and grocery prices and catch up on their Olympic viewing. Then they tackle the attempted removal of the Pride Flag at the Stonewall Memorial in NYC, recent events in Russia regarding anti-LGBTQ laws, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming he once snorted coke off a toilet seat. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: "Should American Olympic athletes make political statements during the games?" As the Winter Games unfold in Milan-Cortina, several Team USA athletes are speaking out about U.S. politics—from immigration enforcement to LGBTQ rights—prompting a sharp response from former President Trump. Michael examines whether Olympic competition should remain a politics-free zone or whether athletes have every right to use their global platform. With reactions from Lindsey Vonn, Chloe Kim, Mikaela Shiffrin and others, plus a look back at historic Olympic protests, this episode asks whether national unity is still possible in an age of constant partisanship—or if even the Games are now part of America's culture wars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our next episode drops on February 24th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show in the US. John conducts a lot of author interviews on there!In this episode, we're talking about US National Security with Lucas F. Schleusener the Executive Director of Out In National Security. Also, a recent guest of This Queer Book Saved My Life! We get into the ban on transgender servicemembers, Lavender Scare 2.0, and how the Trump administration's actions are damaging relationships with our international allies.Connect with Lucas and Out in National Security at their website: https://www.outinnationalsecurity.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutInNatSecBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outinnationalsecurity.orgWatch on YouTubeWe're in video too! You can watch this episode at youtube.com/@thegailyshowCreditsHost/Founder: John Parker (learn more about my name change)Executive Producer: Jim PoundsProduction and Distribution Support: Brett Johnson, AM950Marketing/Advertising Support: Chad Larson, Laura Hedlund, Jennifer Ogren, AM950Accounting and Creative Support: Gordy EricksonSupport the show

This week your BFF's are joined in the third seat by Christopher Griffin AKA Plant Queen to get into the Category of growth, ask What's Poppin' with the Benito Bowl and holler Yes Ma'am to all the good news happening for trans youth in Southern California. We want to hear from you! Send us an email with your thoughts/comments about the show: BlackFatFemmePod@gmail.com. Also, don’t forget to watch and subscribe on YouTube! Buy DoctorJonPaul's book here! Follow the show on social: Instagram | BlueSky | Threads | Tik-Tok | Facebook Follow DoctorJonPaul: BlueSky | Instagram | Website | Tik-Tok Follow Jordan: Instagram | Website | Tik-Tok Follow Plant Kween: Website | Instagram | Tik-TokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the episode, host Clay Edwards reacts to the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at age 84, expressing mixed views on his legacy while focusing on Jackson's criticisms of Donald Trump and his supporters. Edwards highlights several controversial statements from Jackson, including a 2017 response to the Charlottesville events where Jackson accused Trump's rhetoric of fueling "ignorance and hate and fear and violence" from the White House, linking the "Make America Great Again" slogan to "make America segregated again." He cites Jackson's 2016 accusation that Trump voters were "complicit in racism" for supporting a candidate who espoused anti-Semitic tropes, anti-Muslim policies, and anti-Mexican sentiments, stating, "You're on the team... the racist team." Edwards also references Jackson's 2018 claim that the Trump administration advocated "authoritarianism, not decency, and white supremacy, not multiculturalism," and a 2018 column where Jackson contrasted Trump with Abraham Lincoln, accusing him of railing against immigrants, embracing neo-Nazis, assailing the free press, and dismantling governance. Edwards notes Jackson's involvement in pushing LGBTQ issues late in life, which he sees as hijacking the Rainbow Coalition, and mentions Jackson's role in the Jeffrey Dahmer case as a positive contribution. On Trump, Edwards shares the president's Truth Social post calling Jackson a "good man" with "lots of personality, grit, and street smarts" who "truly loved people," while debating whether Trump should lower flags to half-mast—predicting he will for virtue-signaling but hoping he won't, given Jackson's attacks and Democratic double standards. Edwards argues Trump's flaw is appeasing critics who constantly move the goalposts on racism accusations, emphasizing that pleasing Democrats is futile.

Julie Austin and Matthew Cain share their journey in leveraging their military backgrounds to assist veterans in transitioning to entrepreneurship through their podcast Dogtags to Ownership. We explore the definition of mission-driven businesses, the importance of community & networking, and the personal experiences that shaped their call to service. The discussion also touches on the significance of identity, the challenges faced during the Don't Ask, Don't Tell era and how their backgrounds influence their current endeavors. The episode concludes with insights on partnership dynamics and key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs.   The Essence of a Mission-Driven Business   Julie defines a mission-driven business as one that embodies a deep sense of purpose and passion. It's not just about making profits; it's about waking up every day with a drive to make a difference. Both Julie and Matt share a commitment to helping veterans transition into fulfilling careers, which their podcast serves a vital role in. They help veterans find meaningful work instead of merely passing time in jobs that don't inspire them. A mission-driven business must not only fulfill its owner's passion but also create a positive impact in the community.   Lessons from Military Service   Julie and Matt share their experiences in the military, which have profoundly influenced their understanding of leadership and community service. In this episode they discuss how the skills and values learned during their service translate effectively into the business environment. For instance, the ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex situations is invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference.   Finding Purpose Through Adversity   The discussion also touches on the challenges veterans face during their transitions. Julie candidly shares her experience with the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which was a significant barrier for many LGBTQ service members. She reflects on the internal struggle of being true to oneself while serving in the military. However, the repeal of this policy allowed for greater openness and inclusion, fostering a more supportive environment for veterans today. This change parallels the mission-driven ethos of creating spaces where individuals can be authentic and contribute their best selves.   The Importance of Community and Connection   Emphasis on the importance of community was a big theme in our discussion. Their mission is to connect veterans with valuable resources and mentorship opportunities that can help them thrive in the civilian world. By sharing experiences and knowledge, they create a supportive network that empowers veterans to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions.   Resources + Links Newsletter Sign Up DogTags to Ownership: Website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes Follow & review the podcast: on Spotify and Apple Podcasts   About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast Brian Thompson, JD/CFP®, is a tax attorney and Certified Financial Planner® who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit. On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.

As a Black gay man, James Baldwin became a widely recognized voice exploring the intersection of race, sexuality, and identity during a time when both were fiercely contested in America. Today, his work continues to inspire conversations about justice, equality, and authentic self-expression.In this episode, we're diving into Baldwin's life, career, and the ways his writing and activism shaped public conversation while leaving a lasting cultural legacy.Additional Resources:James Baldwin (Britannica)James Baldwin (Wikipedia)Lives of Notable Gay Men and LesbiansSpreading the WordSupport the showGet Your Merch

Was Donald Trump's personal antipathy towards Don Lemon the real reason behind the gay African American journalist's arrest? Lemon made a surprise appearance at the Human Rights Campaign's New York City gala, then spoke out for the First Amendment after his initial court appearance. The pioneering work on sexual liberation of Anais Nin and notable February dates in LGBTQ+ history in the Rainbow Rewind (produced by Sheri Lunn and Brian DeShazor). And in NewWrap: cohabitating same-gender couples in the Philippines can now be recognized as joint owners of property that they acquire during their relationship, trans people in the U.K. can use bathrooms and changing rooms that match their gender identity – except in the workplace, public school officials in the U.K. are being directed to notify parents if their child's behavior suggests that they are questioning their gender identity, New Hampshire's Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte for the second time vetoes a bill to require trans students to use sex-segregated school bathrooms and changing facilities that match their gender assigned at birth, embattled U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's fiery five-hour joust with minority Democrats culminated in an explosive confrontation with Vermont's lesbian Congress member Becca Balint, and more international LGBTQ news reported this week by Sarah Montague and Joe Boehnlein (produced by Brian DeShazor). All this on the February 16, 2026 edition of This Way Out! Join our family of listener-donors today at thiswayout.org/donate/.

In this episode: The role and responsibilities of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party Why local races matter and how party involvement influences election outcomes Challenges of down-ballot races and voter engagement techniques The significance of endorsements in local elections, including the Santa Barbara mayoral race Fundraising realities for grassroots campaigns and the importance of community support Deep dive into the upcoming County Supervisors race and candidate endorsements The impact of federal policies on local communities and the importance of proactive leadership Christian's personal background: growing up in Nevada, activism origins, and his journey to Santa Barbara Perspectives on LGBTQ+ advocacy, faith, and community building The importance of values, respect, and authentic communication in politics Future challenges and opportunities for Santa Barbara's political landscape Personal anecdotes and reflections on love, family, and community service

Co-Pastor Rev. Mimi Walker preached on February 15, 2026. The Church at Ponce & Highland is a multiracial, pro-LGBTQ, economically diverse, member-led church in intown Atlanta. We practice following the way of Jesus through radical inclusivity, thoughtful spirituality, and caring community. To learn more, hit subscribe or visit http://churchatponceandhighland.org/

For this Out Takes, we had a stack of reviews to cover some of the films on offer in cinemas and online this February. We started off by saying bon retour to the 37th Alliance Française French Film Festival which kicks off again across Australia from March 3rd. One of the queer highlights in this year’s program is ‘The Little Sister’ which tells the story of Fatima (played by Nadia Melliti), who is the youngest daughter of a Franco-Algerian family living in the suburbs of Paris. Surrounded by her sisters, she grows up in a warm, loving household shaped by strong traditions and Muslim faith. A gifted student, she graduates high school and enrols in a philosophy program in Paris, where she is suddenly exposed to a world far removed from everything she knows. In the capital, new encounters and ideas unsettle her certainties, specifically her exploration of her sexuality and connection with the queer community. This beautiful film was selected for the Official Competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where Nadia Melliti won the Best Actress award and the film received the Queer Palm and is a must-see. We then took a look at ‘Cashing Out’, a new documentary that is streaming now online for free from The New Yorker that tells a little heard story about an insurance scheme that had a huge impact in the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. ‘Cashing Out’ was shortlisted for this year's Best Documentary Short Film and was executive produced by Matt Bomer and RuPaul's Drag Race alumni Angeria Paris Van Michaels and is another incredible story of the resilience of our community in the face of an epidemic. We then moved on to ‘Wuthering Heights’, the latest film from celebrated writer and director Emerald Fennell who brought together Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi and a Charli XCX soundtrack for her ‘horny’ interpretation of the classic novel by Emily Bronte. Everyone has a lot to say about this new version, so we jumped on the bandwagon to give you the Out Takes take on this one. We ended the program by spotlighting ‘She’s The He’, the closing night film at this year’s Mardi Gras Film festival, plus we paid tribute to two wonderful talents and LGBTQ allies, Catherine O’Hara and James Van Der Beek, who both sadly passed away recently. The post The Little Sister, Cashing Out and Wuthering Heights appeared first on Out Takes.

Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes.   Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeEpisode Links:BREAKING: Many Democrats are now furious that AOC short circuited in an embarrassing word salad in Germany, as they wanted her to be the 2028 frontrunner “Um, you know, I think that, uhh, eh, this is such a, uh, you know, I th-I think that this is a, umm, this is of course a, uh, a very longstanding, um, policy."That's a congresswoman's — and presidential hopeful's — response to a question about Taiwan. Unbelievable.She is blowing up her 2028 prospects in realtime!Come, let us all marvel at AOC explaining the big picture against populism at the Munich Security Conference on Populism Black Detroit pastor stunned by Trump's unannounced church visit: "Nothing was pre-programmed. Nothing was planned. He comes in, the most authentic person I've ever met." Trump personally asked for prayer, genuinely wanted to be around Black people—and everyone could feel it. "He wasn't socially awkward." What you see is what you get.We are ONE NATION UNDER GOD! At yesterday's Prayer Breakfast, President Trump announced the nation will come together on May 17 to rededicate America as One Nation Under God. Pray for our nation and leaders to know that Jesus Christ is Lord and for revival, repentance, and reformation in our land I just want to be as happy as Donald Trump was when his daughter renounced her belief in Jesus ChristThe Church of England has voted 252 to 132, with 21 abstentions, to cease efforts advancing LGBTQ acceptance in the church (along with blessing same-sex-marriages) after consensus between conservative and liberals could not be reached. This is a major blow to the progressives.Claire Robson, a priest in the Church of England, laments the recent blow to LGBTQ advancement at Synod yesterday,  making it so that she won't be able to marry her 88-year old lesbian partner that she's been shackin' up with years. Rachel Mann, a prominent transgendered priest in the Church of England, GOES OFF on her denomination during her Synod speech yerday (she remoted in) for halting the blessings of same sex-couples, calling it "disgrace" and "excretable" and "not worthy of a national church." 

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: What does the Family Proclamation Mean to You? [Episode II of II]This episode of Latter Day Struggles continues a two-part conversation about the LDS Church's Proclamation on the Family, examining the tension between claims of unchanging doctrine and the historical reality of doctrinal evolution.Petrey demonstrates through historical analysis that LDS teachings on gender, sexuality, marriage, and family have repeatedly changed over time—from positions on interracial marriage and the priesthood ban, to birth control prohibitions, plural marriage, conversion therapy for LGBTQ individuals, and women wearing pants. The conversation highlights how church leaders have consistently taught that their current positions were "unchanging doctrine" until those positions eventually changed, creating a pattern that contradicts claims of doctrinal fixity. Petrey offers a constructive framework for understanding doctrine as historically contingent and evolving—consistent with the LDS concept of continuing revelation—rather than eternally fixed. The Family ProclamationOp Ed by Taylor PetreyTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:19 - Overview of the Proclamation to the Family 01:19 - Recap: Last Week's Discussion 01:31 - Defining Doctrine and Authority 02:08 - What Does 'Doctrine' Mean to Members? 03:48 - The Salvational Weight of Doctrine 05:31 - Elder Rasband's Talk and Proclamation Analysis 09:40 - Historical Changes in LDS Doctrine 11:41 - Race, Interracial Marriage, and Doctrinal Change 13:14 - Birth Control and Plural Marriage 15:11 - History vs. Faith-Promoting Narratives 17:34 - Redefining Doctrine: Making Space for Change 20:06 - Conversion Therapy and Evolving LGBTQ Positions 22:31 - Holding Contradictory Positions Simultaneously 25:31 - Challenges of Authoritarianism in the Church 28:09 - Religious Authority Across Denominations 32:33 - Who Defines History vs. Who Defines Doctrine? 34:22 - Doctrine as Continuing Revelation 35:15 - Concluding Thoughts and Future DirectionsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

When someone says, “Everyone would be better off without me,” it sounds selfless — but what if it's a distortion built on the wrong currency of worth? In this episode, we unpack the hidden assumptions behind that belief, from perceived burdensomeness to shame, control, and the quiet fear of being irredeemable.Why “better” is often measured by productivity, not meaningHow depression turns imagination into certaintyThe difference between removal and redemptionThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

We linked with our play cousins, Aury and Sheria of The Strap Down podcast, to review Hedda (2025) for this bonus episode. Get into this in-depth and (un)serious review of remade classic starring bicon, Tessa Thompson, and directed by Nia DaCosta. We discuss how this version holds up to the original play, the characters, scene association, and our rating for the movie.As you might expect, our episode is full of spoilers. We highly recommend you watch the movie before enjoying this episode.Share your Am I A Bad Queer? hereSupport the showPATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast Subscribe to our Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.

"Dawns are heartbreaking," as is the queer love story of Arthur Rimbaud & Paul Verlaine.Please Support Breaking Form!Review the show on Apple Podcasts here.Aaron's STOP LYING is available from the Pitt Poetry Series. And BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE is available from Bridwell Press. James's ROMANTIC COMEDY is available from Four Way Books.Show Notes:Paul Verlaine was born in 1844. Read more about him here. Verlaine was an Aries sun, Leo Moon, and Scorpio ascendant.Arthur Rimbaud was born on October 20, 1854, and you can read more about him here. Rimbaud was a triple Libra (sun, moon, ascendant). Rimbaud met Verlaine in September 1871, a month before his 18th birthday. Following his tumultuous relationship with Paul Verlaine, which ended in 1873, Rimbaud traveled extensively through Europe, often on foot. He became a trader/merchant, selling coffee, hides, and eventually guns, becoming a "soldier of fortune." In 1891, a tumor developed on his right knee and forced him to return to Paris and died later that year at 37, without knowing how popular his poems had become in Symbolist circles.  The gun Verlaine used to shoot Rimbaud recently went up for auction.One of the poems Rimbaud sent to Verlaine in 1871 was "Le Dormer du Val," which you can watch recited as part of the Favorite Poem Project here. (Recited by chef Jacques Pépin.) Rimbaud and Verlaine wrote a collaborative poem, "Sonnet to the Asshole" which you can read (and read about) here.  In 2016, the poet Eileen Myles told The New York Times, "I think men should stop writing books. I think men should stop making movies or television. Say, for 50 to 100 years. Sounds great." Read the interview here.When we reference "tongue in the butt," we are talking about a segment from an early Breaking Form season 1 show called "Bad Animals." Check it out here, and hit the 14:30 mark. If you've never read Flannery O'Connor's short story "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," stop what you're doing and read it here.

It may have rained every single day in the UK so far this year but we're not letting a few "Messy Little Raindrops" get us down! Attention, Soldiers. We are celebrating Cheryl's second solo album, featuring the hit singles 'Promise This' and 'The Flood'. In case you have 'Amnesia', Joel and David are taking you back to 2010 and 2011 to retrace one hell of a rollercoaster year in the life and career of our Girls Aloud star. Following the triple-platinum-selling success of her debut album, "3 Words", she performs 'Fight For This Love' at the BRIT Awards in 2010 amid marital dramas splashed across the papers. From landing her second British Vogue cover to returning as a judge on "The X Factor" - the most watched TV show in the country - to contracting a life-threatening illness... you really couldn't write the kind of year Cheryl had. Amidst it all, our Storm Flower diva sailed to the top of the charts and delivered a colourful and empowering pop album fitting of a global pop superstar with contributions from Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am, Muni Long, Kelis, Dizzee Rascal and Travie McCoy. Fancy more Chez? We've done a Cheryl "3 Words" episode as well as a whole back catalogue of Girls Aloud's albums. Get them in the queue! Follow Right Back At Ya!https://www.instagram.com/rightbackpod/https://twitter.com/rightbackpodhttps://www.facebook.com/rightbackpodFollow Joelhttps://www.instagram.com/dr_joelb/https://twitter.com/DR_JoelBFollow Davidhttps://www.instagram.com/lovelimmy/https://twitter.com/lovelimmyEmail us rightbackpod@gmail.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send a textThe Human Rights Campaign Foundation's recent Youth Report shows that more than 46 percent of LGBTQ+ youth, including almost 55 percent of transgender and gender-expansive youth, feel unsafe in at least one school setting. And despite the pervasiveness of school bullying, many teachers and staff remain unaware — or are explicitly unhelpful when informed. This is why HRC's Welcoming Schools resources and professional development training, including National Day of Reading events, are so vital to meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ students today. This year's National Day of Reading is happening on February 27th, and today In the Den we are joined by the HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools Sr Director Cheryl Greene to tell us more about this event and how we can get involved.Special Guest: Cheryl GreeneCheryl is the Vice President of School and Youth Programming at the Human Rights Campaign. She has spent her career in education and is passionate about providing educators and school leaders with the tools to create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive classrooms where all children can thrive. She spent 20 years as a middle school teacher, district bullying prevention coordinator, and as an adjunct professor before turning her talents to lead the broader work of preventing bias-based bullying nationwide. Cheryl leads the most comprehensive, bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation specifically designed for youth serving professionals impacting over 10.5 million students. She also oversees a robust school advocacy program designed to empower local advocates to organize and impact school boards and district policy to positively impact LGBTQ+ youth and families. In her spare time, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, her wife, and three amazing grandchildren.Links from the Show:HRC LGBTQ Youth Report Learn More About HRC's Day of ReadingWelcoming School Resource ListRequest a Welcoming School TrainingPledge to Participate in the Day of ReadingJoin Mama Dragons todayIn the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Support the showConnect with Mama Dragons:WebsiteInstagramFacebookDonate to this podcast

This week on the Queer News podcast, In top news, The Trump Administration ordered the removal of the pride flag from Stonewall. Cathy Renna was there in person and left us a voicemail to share more about it. In politics, The Trump Administration attempts to revoke $600 million in health care funding from four states who've vocally opposed him, and we break down what the Transgender Bill Of Rights could look like. In culture and entertainment, Don Lemon pleads not guilty to federal charges and the Seeing Her docu-series premieres! Let's get into it.    Want to support this podcast?

GRAY AREAS, part 4 — Do you often wonder what God thinks about drinking, vaping, gambling, tattoos, country music, TikTok, AI, LGBTQ+, chewing tobacco, living together unmarried, and many others areas of life? Many times we are tempted to classify these as “gray areas”. Gray is a combination of two totally opposite and distinct colors: black and white. If the Bible does not directly address a specific topic, how can we be clear on how God wants us to behave? Follow along our message series, Gray Areas, as we discuss some relevant issues and how we can handle them from a Biblical world view.

Gissele: [00:00:00] Hello and welcome to The Loving Compassion Podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. Today Gissele: we’re talking about coming back together after estrangement, and I have my good friend, Iona Sky, who is a globally recognized social worker, consultant, and educator whose work is rooted in compassion and systemic change. For over two decades, they’ve helped organizations transform policies and cultures through equity, inclusion and accessibility strategies. Gissele: Iona inspires leaders and students alike to see compassion, not just as a value, but as a powerful tool for justice. Please join me in welcoming my good friend. Hi Iona. Iona: Hi Gissele. Thank you for having me here. Gissele: Oh, you to be a part Iona: of this. Gissele: Thank you for being on the show and I’m so grateful to be able to chat with you. Gissele: I mean, you and I have worked together for many years in the field of child welfare and [00:01:00] we did as we were talking off camera, we did some transformative work around the voices of children and the voices of families and how to work in more empathetic and compassionate ways. You were talking a little bit in your story about estrangement that happened between yourself and your parents, ’cause you’re part of the LBTQ community . Gissele: I was wondering if you could share a little bit about Helped you make the decision to come back together Iona: Mm-hmm. Thank you for that question. When people see me and my my mother now, my dad passed nine years ago you know, I think they would, they would be very surprised to hear perhaps that, we did not have any contact for seven years and that that was purely based on, who I am as a person, my sexual orientation, and what my parents’ journey in understanding and what their story was. Iona: So seven [00:02:00] years of no contact and I got married, my partner had a son, all of these things. And it was actually at my brother’s engagement party. When I was invited, I went by myself and I saw my parents and from across the room after seven years and I looked at them and I, wow. Iona: And I. I remember looking at them and seeing how they had aged in seven years. And in my heart, I was sad that I didn’t get to be a part of that experience. And I thought to myself, I miss them and I don’t wanna continue in this way. And so I went and gave them a hug and said Hi. And then I went and sat with my sister, and, we didn’t really talk, I don’t [00:03:00] think much that day. Iona: And then it was a series of really slow steps my brother’s wedding. Slowly starting to communicate via email. And then because my parents they weren’t living in Canada at that time for for periods of time. And so I decided to go and see them and spend some time back home after I separated from my ex-wife because I needed to go back home and just get rooted again. Iona: Mm. And, and I remember being very nervous. ’cause I’m like, whew, okay, how’s this gonna go? Right? Yeah. ’cause not only have I not seen them, you know, I haven’t been home for a long time. And I saw them at the airport and it was like old times. you know, my family, Iona: We don’t talk about emotions, [00:04:00] we don’t talk about this kind of stuff, right? Mm-hmm. And, but we show, so for me it’s been learning especially with my son, talk about emotions, those kinds of things. We show us reactions, right? And so, you know, through cooking, through care, through those kinds of things. Iona: And so that’s how I knew we were slowly rebuilding that relationship. And it takes time, right? And it also takes navigation of of your own boundaries also. And what’s healthy and what’s not, right? How much time, how much space will help you maintain that healthiness, you know? Iona: Mm-hmm. Because I had to have boundaries as well with how much time do I go and spend, because in the beginning it was just me. And so I had to still, you know, dichotomize my life and not talk about my life. And it was only, in the past few years you know where my mom has gotten to know my [00:05:00] partner, my son, where I can live my full life with my family. Iona: I can say this, that Iona: the one thing we cannot stop in our life is time. We can’t stop time, we can’t get it back, you know, and if I would have time with my father on this earth, I would’ve perhaps had some more conversations with him. But it’s okay, because I have it with him on the other side. Gissele: Hmm. Iona: And that’s, sometimes no matter what you believe in, however, what, whoever, whatever, if you believe in anything, trying to find your peace, right. Iona: Your peace through a compassionate way. And, it’s an ongoing journey, so, right. Like, I’m not arrived, you know, I would love to see I’ve arrived but it continues to be small steps. Right. Gissele: Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. So in order for you to get to the point where you could invite even just the [00:06:00] reconciliation, was there a level of forgiveness that needed to happen for yourself and for your parents? Iona: Mm-hmm. I think for both. You know, I think for both. Because once again, we both have our stories, right? Mm-hmm. And I’m sure that my parents were hurt profoundly, and that’s their journey. I don’t own their hurt, right? Iona: Mm-hmm. Yeah. ’cause that’s their journey of their lost hopes, their lost dreams, their whatever it is, right? And for me, I’ve reframed it. I tried to reframe it for them. It’s not lost, it’s just different. Just looks different. Just looks different than what you imagine. I live a full life with a loving partner, a beautiful son, a beautiful home with my two dogs. Iona: when you think about those things, right, like what parents dream about a success, right? To have a good family, a good life. I have those things. Iona: I just wanna say that forgiveness is an ongoing journey [00:07:00] because also. what I’ve realized about my brain is that my brain has been traumatized by significant events in my life, right? And the disowning was a significant event in my life. And so there are things that I don’t remember or that come to me as I get older. Iona: And so in the sense that forgiveness is an ongoing journey, and I’m sure that it is from my parents as well. Gissele: Hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. in order for you to be able to have some sort of reconciliation, you had to deal with your internalized homophobia. Gissele: Can you talk a little bit about that and that journey? Iona: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Absolutely. So my parents are from India. I identified as a outgoing, I’m from Gowa. Iona: I give that context, right, because India was colonized. I grew up, in a family but strong Catholic [00:08:00] faith. I grew up not seeing any images. Iona: Or any representation of L-G-B-T-Q identities. Mm-hmm. we didn’t really talk about, you know, being gay, being queer, being lesbian, and the only times that we did it was in a way that was derogatory and, if there were people who we thought might be part of the community, it was always like people spoke negatively about them. Iona: Right. Yeah. and also back home, it’s illegal. And so mm-hmm. To me, you know, like it’s against the law. And so I grew up with a strong sense that it’s not okay to be gay, and also there’s no, no words in our language, in Conquer for the word gay, lesbian, like, you know? Gissele: Hmm. Iona: And so I had no exposure and so, it’s that whole, cliche, I always knew I was different kind of thing. Yeah. But not recognizing, what that might be. And so when I came to Canada and started in [00:09:00] university to be exposed to different communities and identities and, you know, it can be such a formative time for folks and for me it was also being exposed to different people and that I had never been exposed to and starting to understand myself in different ways. Iona: And I had huge internalized struggles learning that growing up, thinking, oh my God, being gay was bad. To now going, oh my God, I think I’m gay. And then going, oh my God, what is that going to mean? Like, am I gonna lose people? Like, am I gonna be in trouble? what’s wrong with me? Iona: And I also saw people in the queer community and university, but they were all white. Mm-hmm. so as I was working through my internalized homophobia, you know, I tried to find space in the queer community, which was predominantly white. Iona: So then I [00:10:00] had to experience racism. Gissele: Yeah. Iona: And it was that living in liminal spaces, right. Not really belonging in either space and so I had really had to process through, you know, and for me, I’m the kind of person who I have to feed my brain before I feed my heart Gissele: Mm-hmm. Iona: And so for, for me, it helped me to learn about, the history of sexual orientations and gender identity in my culture’s pre colonization. And how we were welcomed, you know, we’ve existed from time immemorial. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Iona: And it’s only colonization that’s come and hap and said, okay, no, it has to be male and female, this and that and that, and all of that. Iona: Right. And so it was the finding some roots. Mm-hmm. Finding community, but you know, you take the best. With All right. Yeah, Gissele: yeah, yeah. Iona: [00:11:00] And but have I arrived, Gissele, once again, it’s my own ideal. I, I question my own internalized racism, homophobia internalized ableism every day, right? Iona: It’s an ongoing process. Gissele: It’s interesting how in, in colonization, all the fundamental things that make us caring human beings sort of got eliminated. living in communities generosity, equality, empathy you know, and compassion acceptance, inclusion, all of those things. Gissele: Sort of like, it’s almost like we divorced from ourselves, right? We became so separate from who we really are in ourselvesthat led to the propagation of colonization, which is. Really, really interesting. And I think now we’re in the process as humanity to come back to ourselves and to each other. Gissele: Because when I think about, we don’t live in community anymore. our communities are like our nuclear family, if you may. But when you think about caregiving, in [00:12:00] the olden times when we lived in sort of like villages, there was the grandparents and the kids and the grandparents usually took care of the kids, which makes them younger. Gissele: And then the older people would do lots of different things. And so, and we sort of lost that connection. We’ve sort of created all this space between us Iona: Yeah. Gissele: our communities were so small, I don’t think that, that kinda separation would’ve been possible. Iona: Exactly. Exactly. And that is just it Gissele, we have become so separate because that is part of colonization with. Tied to capitalism, right. And it is about, mm-hmm. Yeah. Iona: it’s about creating classes of income. It’s about who can achieve I grew up in a collectivist culture, you know, my humanity is tied in yours to self, you know, and that is what drives everything that I do. And I will offer a reframe that it was olden times in here, but in other parts in the world, it still exists. Iona: Right? And so how do we bring [00:13:00] this community of compassionate care together in a new way, right? Because you’re right, like. I just returned from Nunavut, you know, and from Ranking Inlet and Cambridge Bay. And, you know, you can see the sense of community there, the sense of caring there, the sense of connection. Iona: And then it is, it is rooted in their values. it is not only. Because of who they are, but it was the necessity. Yeah. Necessity that they had to care, led to be together. Right. Because of the land. Mm-hmm. And the landscape. And, and so what I would love to see is for Iona: for us to find that urgency of necessity to be together and to care, care for one another. Gissele: Mm-hmm. ‘ Iona: cause until we find that necessity where your humanity is tied up [00:14:00] into mine, we’ll just continue on with this dominance. Right. Iona: With the same, the same tyranny of time that I talked about a little bit earlier on in a different meeting. Gissele: Yeah. Iona: Which pulls that compassion away from us. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Yeah, and we can’t be in survival mode and be in compassion. We can’t be in fear being in love. It makes it really, really difficult. And so, you know, I always think of the colonizer. Gissele: I’m like, what must their life have been like that they needed that, that they felt like they didn’t have enough? So it’s always more and more and more and more like, having to fill that empty hole, right? With more money, with more things and more materials and more land. it just, it’s never enough. Gissele: But I find when you’re trying to fill it with stuff that doesn’t fit there, it’s just, it’s a pit, it’s a never ending filling. Iona: Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. I know. I’ve often wondered that too, right? I would love to go back in time and listen to their stories. Gissele: Right. And try to understand. Gissele: Yeah. And you [00:15:00] mentioned listening to stories, and I think for me, curiosity is the stepping stone to compassion, right? I’m trying to understand your story and so the more I listen to you, the more I understand. and, you know, I’m a big lover of Louise Hay, which is like, everybody’s doing the best they can with the understanding, knowledge and awareness that they have at the time they have. Gissele: Yeah. Right. For some people, their story makes sense to them, even if it’s just a justification, right? Iona: Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, what you have just said on is the essence of where I am at this point in my life, I truly believe that people do the best that they can at the point in their life with the resources that they have, just as my parents did, you know, just as I did. Iona: Just as I do. Yeah. As I say to my son, I’m an imperfect person, you know, and please have patience with me as I have patience with you. Right. Gissele: Yeah. and it’s amazing Like, I wasn’t taught that parents could be [00:16:00] questioned. Right? And so for me to be able to be honest with my children and say, I’m not always gonna get it right. Gissele: I don’t always know what I’m doing. Please forgive me. I’m sorry that I hurt you. It’s such a like, departure from my parents, right? Because there’s a lot of denial and there’s a lot of oh, this isn’t true, it hasn’t happened. And so to be able to actually do that for our children I can’t remember where I heard it, but this is sort of like these generations are the ones that are re-parenting themselves and at the same time trying to parent the next generation. Gissele: And that’s how I feel. I relate to that to have to address all my fears, my limitations, my thinking, my trauma, my biases, so that it stops with me and it doesn’t get transferred to my children and their children’s children and so on. And so. The willingness to be able to do that even so it’s difficult, it’s necessary. Iona: Yeah, absolutely. That I felt that in my heart, Gissele because Gissele: mm-hmm. Iona: Yeah. I really feel like I’m trying to reparent [00:17:00] myself and do things differently so that certain things end with me and don’t get passed to my boy. You know? I want lots of good things to get passed to my boy. Gissele: Yeah, yeah, for sure. Iona: But not the difficult trauma, the impacts of those, Things. And also the intergenerational stuff. Right. And that’s the compassion I think we can have for our ancestors as well. Because, I stand before you and sit before you as a representation of those who came before me, just as you do with you. Iona: Right. And so how can we carry on that? That torch and those values that, you know, that we’re sharing today and moving it forward. Because I think, you know, I think the world needs a little bit more compassion and love and light and Gissele: empathy. Iona: Empathy. Gissele: Yeah, definitely. I was thinking about, as you were talking about how I’ve had to really shift my perspective on my [00:18:00] ancestors. Gissele: I was very mad at my ancestors. ’cause there was a lot of trauma passed down. There was a lot of like neglect, there was a lot of abuse, there was a lot of poverty. There was so many different things. And so I think when I was younger there was an aspect of me of like, why couldn’t you get their, your HIT together? Gissele: Yeah. So that my parents weren’t so traumatized when they raised me. Now I have a different perspective it’s interesting once I sat down with my dad and he was telling me the history of all the things that they went through and they managed to survive. They managed to survive the war. Gissele: They managed to survive poverty. They managed to survive deep, deep trauma. And so it gave me a new perspective around how can I have appreciation for their strengths? How can I acknowledge the strength they gave me? How can I acknowledge the resiliency they gave me? How can I acknowledge all of the history in a way that comes from a place of gratitude rather than from a place of judgment? Iona: Yeah. Gissele: Yeah. And so, and I, and as I go through my own journey of healing my own trauma and doing all of that, I see how difficult. It is, I [00:19:00] see how, how dynamic it can be and feel and how much courage it, it even took I mean, when you’re in the middle of the war, you’re not thinking, I really gotta deal with my trauma. Gissele: You’re just, you’re just coping. You gotta live right. I you gotta live. so I’m so proud of my ancestors for having survived so much and for everything that got me here. Right? Yeah. But I, I didn’t always feel that way. Iona: Yeah. and that’s humble of you to say Gissele, right? Iona: and I think that that’s part of also our development and our growth is people, right? Is how do we come to understand it. Because yeah, like there were times I was angry too and you know, I come to see that they. They have all done their own healing work in their own ways. Right. Iona: Whatever that is, which has cumulatively helped me reach this point where I can sit in this room in Canada, have this conversation with you. Yeah. It was unimaginable to me as [00:20:00] a child in Bahrain. So, you know, I thank you for this opportunity. So, yeah. Iona: You know Gissele: for sure. And I’m, I’m so grateful that you were here. Gissele: I wanted to go back to you had said that, you had to go through your own process of dealing with your internalized homophobia. What things really helped you to be able to do that for yourself? Iona: Well, the first thing is finding a community was huge. So finding resources, finding support, because once again, there’s nothing like being with people who are, in the same situation, you know? And finding somebody to help you process things through. Iona: So of whether it’s a counselor, whether it’s your I mom, or whether it’s your, whoever it is, you know somebody who is knowledgeable in dealing and helping people to process through, their [00:21:00] internalized homophobia. I’ve had people who did it well and people who did not. Mm-hmm. So I’ve learned from both. Iona: And also now we are in the time and the space, Gissele, we have so much access to information. Right. Like, I was out in the nineties, like in the nineties, we didn’t have Google, we didn’t have podcasts, we didn’t have, or Gissele: TikTok Yeah. Iona: Or TikTok or those things connects millions and millions of Gissele: people. Iona: Yeah. Or those kinds of things. Right. So there are lots of resources out there. Find ones though that feed your soul. And now, there is also representation from folks in the L-G-B-T-Q-Q community from different identities, you know, who are racialized, who are, when you think about intersectionality of, of identities. Iona: And I think that that is, was also a really huge thing for me, which I did not. Experiences people with a good understanding of intersectionality and how all the different parts of [00:22:00] me impact my experience of homophobia and internalized homophobia. And so, you know, finding resources that speak to you as a person. Gissele: Can you just tell my audience what intersectionality is for some of them that we’re not gonna know what that means? Iona: Yeah. Great. So intersectionality is a term that was coined by Dr. Kimberly Crenshaw, and it is used to describe how intersecting forms of oppression impact on people. Iona: So when I say intersecting forms of oppression, so if you look at me, I experience on an average day, when I go out in the world, I can experience racism because of the color of my skin. I can experience homophobia because of my sexual orientation. I can experience transphobia because of how I dress and present in the world and my gender identity. Iona: I can also experience ableism because I live [00:23:00] with different forms of invisible disabilities. So when you take all of those things together. They, they don’t work in silos because I say when I enter the room, I’m not just Brown Iona or, you know queer Iona. I’m Iona in all of the pieces that I am. So intersectionality is how all of those forms of isms work together and impact on people. Iona: And so when I think about, supports for people who, might be coming out, might be experiencing their own internalized homophobia the first thing I want to say to you, to the people who are out there who might be listening is that you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are. Gissele: Yes. Iona: And that you know, you belong in this world, in society exactly how you are and [00:24:00] that you are worthy of love, of safety, of joy, and to live a life where you not just survive, but where you thrive. And there’s a resurgence of a lot of homophobia, a lot of transphobia. Iona: I was just saying to my partner the other day, you know, I can’t believe I’m still fighting over the same fight and protests like 25 years later about people who are protesting the existence of our lives. You know? And so so to be mindful of what you also expose yourself to with social media mm-hmm. Iona: Because it does impact on your brain and your wellbeing. And to find your places and your pockets of safety and hope find your communities because they’re out there. Gissele: Hmm. Oh, thank you. That was wonderful. You know, it’s interesting [00:25:00] that. The world is so vast and people’s perspectives are so different, right? Gissele: That there’s still people who think it’s a choice. And I remember our mutual friend that, you know, he would tell me like, why would I choose this? Why would I choose to not belong? it would be just so easy for me to make this choice versus this other choice. And so it’s not anything that I would be choosing because I don’t wanna choose to be different. Gissele: Everybody wants to belong, right? That’s just our RN innate nature . But you know, from my perspective, God source universe never makes a mistake. And so we are all perfect, we’re all beautiful. We may make choices that are maybe not so loving sometimes, but we always have the ability to come back to our true selves, which is from my perspective, our original most compassionate selves. Gissele: But yeah, it’s interesting. and I don’t know if I’ve shared this with you, I’ve heard the best reasoning behind. Homophobia and all, actually all isms. Iona: Oh, okay. Tell me, tell me. Gissele: So it’s from have you heard of the comedian? Iona: Oh yeah. [00:26:00] Gissele: Yes. they then had said in an interview and I loved it. Gissele: they were talking about the acceptance of trans people. And they mentioned the fact that the reason why some people struggle with that is because they, them are being the most authentically themselves. Gissele: And in a world where we don’t like authenticity, where we’re so terrified of it, when we’re not allowed to be our authentic self, Iona: it’s Gissele: threatening. It’s threatening to see people being authentically themselves. ’cause then do we have them to be authentic ourselves and it shines a light on us when we are not being authentically ourselves. Gissele: It took a while for me to figure out where I was being authentic and where I wasn’t Like how many things did I think I had to have, like the marriage and the specific job and the specific income and the specific car and the type of house and all of that stuff. Gissele: How much was it something that I was conditioned to accept as something I should want versus how much is [00:27:00] it that my soul really wants? the worst part is I wasn’t aware that that. There was a different me, a little me that was screaming to come out and say, you know, those things don’t really resonate with us. Gissele: I wanna do this, I wanna do that. I wanna play, I wanna be joyful. I don’t wanna care about how much money I make. I don’t wanna care about the things that people told me that I should care about. Iona: Yeah. Gissele: And so that is sort of the journey and coming home to ourselves and doing things that s authentically align with your higher self, your joyful self. Gissele: Right. I never thought I’d be doing a podcast. this brings me extraordinary joy. This is me, this is who I am. You know, and all the things that I’m doing right now are things that bring me incredible joy. I don’t know if it’s on the recording, but you were talking about how you never thought you were gonna stay in child welfare two years and then I’m out. Yeah. For me it was the reverse. I had wanted to work in child welfare since I was 15. I appreciate that. Iona: Yeah. Gissele: I thought I was gonna live and die in child welfare. Gissele: I [00:28:00] thought if this is my dream, this is me rescuing myself and my mother, and my family, my ancestors, you know, I’m gonna revolutionize child welfare and then it’s all gonna be good. And then to think that I’m doing something totally different. It was not in my bingo card. Gissele: Yeah. Right. But that’s when you start to connect with more of your authentic self and say, okay, who am I really? And what do I really love? What do I really want to do? And in a world where you are punished for not conforming, it feels very difficult. Mm-hmm. And it, and I don’t think it’s purposeful, but as I’m co-writing a, a book with my daughter I did my first book re-Imagining Work. Gissele: Yeah. And now we are doing re-imagining education. We don’t realize how in the education system system we are reinforcing consciously or subconsciously the belief that difference is bad because there has to be one right answer. Mm-hmm. There’s only one way to do things. And so diversity is not welcome. Iona: That’s Iona: in Iona: systems. Gissele: Yeah. Right? Yeah. Yeah. But it [00:29:00] starts when they’re very little. Yeah. Iona: Yeah, yeah, Gissele: yeah. Iona: Oh, absolutely. Gissele: And so how do we educate our children to be open to diversity and to differences and to sit in the gray and to be more critical thinkers? Gissele: I wanted to, to ask you a question about your work, because this is something that I’ve observed and so I wanted you to comment on it. Gissele: there’s many organizations that wanna do the DEI work that wanna bring, you know, the representation, inclusivity, but they don’t do the work to cultivate the ground. And so when they bring in the people, you’re setting them up to fail. Yep. Can you talk a little bit about that and how do we help these organizations Gissele: Establish the ground? Iona: Yep. Great question because I have worked with many folks who want to do the right thing, increase diversity, increase representation, all of those good things, right? But it has to be done in a thoughtful way, in a thoughtful and strategic way because I always say that it’s very easy to hire to get diversity, but it’s the retention. It’s [00:30:00] whether people stay. And so this is where it requires leadership to create the climate where people can join and where people feel a sense of belonging, contribution, and inclusion. So not just, we have a racialized person. Iona: Oh, we have a whatever person, right? How do they feel? A sense of belonging? How do they feel that, their voice is being heard? So what leaders can do is create the groundwork right from the beginning, right on. And the fact that this is work that the organization is going to be doing to hire folks from different communities, different identities. Iona: Talk about why that’s important. Tie it in to your organizational goals and outcomes and and prepare your organization and staff in the sense of not making it about the [00:31:00] person, oh, Iona is coming, but about the organization and the growth and the direction we want to go in. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Iona: Because I have been in organizations where people have hired me and that’s great. They want me, but then. When I get in there, I’m like, okay, so you want me, but you don’t necessarily want my ideas. And like, like what work has been done here to get ready to create spaces and places where people can have different conversations, are open to, various perspectives. Iona: Right. Yeah. And you said something really important around children and education And where, where do these conversations start? They start at the kitchen table. They start when you tuck your kid in at bedtime. And if they don’t start there, then they start at university. Iona: They start When I’m sitting with somebody who is 70 years old and we’re having a conversation, it can start. You know? Mm-hmm. That’s the beauty of humanity and of growth. [00:32:00] We can grow and learn anytime. but if you’re looking at it for, from an organizational perspective, there are certain tangible things that leaders can do to get spaces ready. Iona: So that people can not only exist and join your organization, but they can thrive there. Because when you look at your data and if you see people coming in and leaving shortly after that tells me that y’all have work to do in creating places that demonstrate true inclusion. Gissele: Yeah. I love that. I appreciate that. Yeah. I wanted to go back to your journey of reconciliation after estrangement and talk a little bit, about your partner’s journey it must have been really challenging and, and so I’m just, I’m curious you must have had to kind of balance the relationship with your partner and also the relationship with your parents in a way that led to the reconciliation. Gissele: how [00:33:00] difficult was it to manage and were there things you found that helped? Iona: What helped the most, I think is that my partner is the pillar of patience. Gissele: Hmm. Iona: Because that could have broken our relationship. Quite honestly. Yeah. And, you know, I appreciated that she allowed me to walk that journey in the way that I needed to walk it with her by my side when I needed her to be and alone when I needed to do it alone. Iona: Was it easy? No. Was it painful? Yeah. Did we cry? Yeah. Were there times where, you know, we had to have serious conversations about, my relationship with you is, is primary and they are my parents. and she never made me choose, and I always appreciated that. Iona: And she never made me feel guilty for any choices that I made, But it, did it come at a cost? I’m sure it has. Well, I know it has profoundly impacted [00:34:00] her and that’s her journey. And I I can’t speak to that, but for me, you know it was, it was definitely something we had to navigate for many years. Iona: And you know, and it was hard. It was hard for me. It was hard for all of us, but I think it was hard for me because, you know, I mean, and you know, my partner, she’s amazing and and I feel sad that, you know, my dad gets to know her from the other side, but didn’t get to know her in this, in this dimension. Iona: Yeah. and I like your perspective in terms of the being able to still connect. ’cause even if you don’t believe that there is more to this life than this, write a letter to someone and Gissele: burn it, it’s just a way to get your voice out, right? Iona: two more questions. Gissele: The first one is, I’m asking everyone this season what their definition of self-love is. Iona: Oh, that’s a profound question that gave me chills. I think it’s so profound for me at this point in time because I’m still figuring that out. What does that mean for [00:35:00] myself? Iona: You know? Because I’ve lived with so many voices in my head telling me things about my worthiness or unworthiness or whatever, right? That have impacted how I see myself and my ability to love myself. And so now I’m actively working on, who do I allow in my space, in my body? Iona: Who do I allow to occupy space in my brain, you know? And being very conscious also of how do I feel on a very IM visceral, so really paying attention. So for me, because I’ve spent from the age of six to now, like being like disconnected from disjointed from my body due to traumatic events, now my self love is how to bring myself back together in a new way. Iona: And thinking about also, you know, who do I expose myself to? What do I expose myself to because that [00:36:00] releases different chemicals in my body and I want to release chemicals of joy. And positivity and not to be naive, because there’s pain and heartache in the world. Yeah, I know that. Iona: But I think for me, my self-love is how to, experience those moments honor them and walk through them and continue to find joy and beauty every day. Really. Every day, even in the smallest things. Even if it is justlaying on the ground with my penny, who’s my puppy, and just staring at her eyes for 10 minutes. Iona: Mm. You know, we do that sometimes, you know? Yes. And that’s what my self-love is, it is finding my way to, to myself and. I think my biggest thing, Gissele, is learning how to talk to myself, like somebody who I [00:37:00] love. Because I think this is the first time in my life as an adult that I’m learning how to do that Iona: that’s what my self-love is. Gissele: it’s been interesting for me in my journey learning to understand that my body is not my enemy. Gissele: your body is what? That my body is not my enemy. Yes. Yeah. That my body is not separate from me. It’s actually my house. right. So, so feeling like it’s not separate from me that it can’t, it, it can’t hurt me. It’s actually my very best friend and it’s my home for this lifetime. Gissele: Right? last question is where can people find you? Where can people work with you? What’s your website? What do you wanna share with the audience ? Iona: Awesome. People can find me. Check out my website at iskyconsulting.com. You can email me. I sky@iskyconsulting.com. I’m on LinkedIn. Iona: drop me a line. You know, I always say that I work, who is anybody who really [00:38:00] wants. to do this work in a meaningful way and make real change and take the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and put it into action. And I’m also a social worker, right? And I love supporting folks with their clinical work and social work skills and leadership. Iona: Because to me, this work is about how do we show up every day, whether we’re a leader, whether we’re a fundraiser, whether we are a parent, whether whoever we are, right? You know, Gissele you came into my life like a gift when we worked together. Oh. And I’m grateful for you and for this opportunity because I count you as one of the people who have impacted me and continue to. Iona: And so thank you for having me on your show. Gissele: Oh, thank you. Thank you Iona for coming to the show. I feel the same way. You’re such a gift to me in the times when we worked together were just some of the best [00:39:00] times I’ve had, honestly . And thank you to everyone who joined us for another episode of Love and Compassion, which Gissele and we will see you soon.

This week, we enter the Ice Age. The first feature film from Blue Sky Studios and their most successful franchise.  Music from https://filmmusic.io "Glitter Blast" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artwork by Viga: https://www.patreon.com/Viga All our social media links:  https://linktr.ee/rewatchingthemagic Immigrant Legal Resource Center: http://www.ilrc.org Trans Life: http:/www.translife.org Reproductive rights are human rights. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

Kiki Fehling has always felt emotions deeply — a strength that shaped both her struggles and her calling as a licensed psychologist. Living with depression and anxiety, her life took a dramatic turn when she suffered a heart attack at just 29 years old, forcing her to confront not only physical recovery but intense waves of grief, fear, shame, and anger. In this powerful conversation, Fehling shares how dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) became both her professional foundation and personal lifeline, inspiring her book Self-Directed DBT Skills and upcoming LGBTQ+ mental health workbook. She opens up about the connection between physical and emotional healing, the lack of mental health support for heart disease survivors, and why DBT skills can help anyone navigate life's hardest moments with resilience and self-compassion.

In this episode, Carl Jackson discusses the recent Canadian school shooting and the suspect's identity as a trans individual. He expresses frustration with the police's decision to respect the gunman's preferred pronouns, questioning the logic behind it. Carl also touches on the topic of transgenderism, stating that he believes it's not compassionate to accept it and that it's being used for political means. He shares his thoughts on Governor Andy Basheer's comments on faith and LGBTQ+ issues, and how they relate to the current societal trends. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our friend Becca joins the show for a long overdue interview seeing as Melisa and Becca go way, way back. Becca shares her story of experiencing multiple losses in her life, multiple marriages (to the same man!), a sexual awakening courtesy of a former teacher -- and her journey to coming to terms with her sexuality. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lesbian-chronicles-coming-out-later-in-life--5601514/support.

Legendary activist Marsha P. Johnson was one of the most remarkable figures in LGBTQ+ history – central to the Stonewall Riots and the gay liberation movement at large. Her remarkable life story is captured in a new biography by artists and filmmaker Tourmaline. Tourmaline is an award-winning artist, filmmaker, writer, and activist whose work is dedicated to Black trans joy and freedom. She is a TIME 100 Most Influential Person in the World awardee and a Guggenheim Fellow. She has frequently appeared on ABC News, as well as in the New York Times and Vogue. Her art is in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Tate, and the Getty Museum. She created the critically acclaimed film Happy Birthday, Marsha!, and she has directed Pride campaigns for Dove, Marc Jacobs, and Reebok. She previously worked with Queers for Economic Justice and the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. She lives in Miami, Florida.Kate Schatz is the New York Times-bestselling author of the “Rad Women” book series and Do the Work: An Anti-Racist Activity Book, co-written with W. Kamau Bell. Her novel Where the Girls Were is forthcoming in 2026 from Dial Press. On December 10, 2025, Tourmaline came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater to talk to Kate Schatz about her bool "Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson".  

In this episode, Carl Jackson discusses the recent Canadian school shooting and the suspect's identity as a trans individual. He expresses frustration with the police's decision to respect the gunman's preferred pronouns, questioning the logic behind it. Carl also touches on the topic of transgenderism, stating that he believes it's not compassionate to accept it and that it's being used for political means. He shares his thoughts on Governor Andy Basheer's comments on faith and LGBTQ+ issues, and how they relate to the current societal trends. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradio X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshow Parler: https://parler.com/carljacksonshow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshow http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Border czar Tom Homan announced the end of the ICE operation in Minnesota in the coming days following weeks of operations by federal law enforcement in the state.Customs and Border Patrol officials closed airspace around the El Paso airport this week after firing an anti-drone laser, and failing to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration.And President Donald Trump ordered pride flags at New York City's Stonewall National Monument, a prominent site in LGBTQ history, removed as part of a larger campaign to change displays at national parks around the country.And, in global news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington this week meeting with President Donald Trump. Items on the agenda were Iran, its ballistic missiles, and Iranian nuclear capabilities.Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Belgium to counter economic pressure from China and military threats from Russia.And the Trump Administration threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Memorial Bridge over disputes with the Canadian government. The structure, which connects Michigan and Ontario, took several years and billions of dollars to build.We cover the most important stories from around the globe on the News Roundup.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Greg Jenner is joined in 17th-century France by Dr Jonathan Spangler and comedian Tom Allen to learn all about Philippe, Duc d'Orléans, Louis XIV's younger brother. King Louis XIV is one of the most famous monarchs in French history: the man who built and presided over the glittering court at Versailles, established himself as an absolute ruler, and whose 72-year reign is still the longest in European history. But what about his younger brother, Philippe? Who was the man who grew up and lived in the shadow of the Sun King? Raised to defer to his brother at all costs, his promising military career was cut short when it seemed like he might outshine Louis. When all eyes were on him as heir to the throne, he would wear dresses to provoke shock at courtly balls. He balanced his marriage to his witty German wife, Liselotte, with a decades-long relationship with his aristocratic male lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine – and other men of the court. And he maintained an image as a louche and irresponsible courtier while increasing his personal wealth through clever financial management. This episode explores the complexities and contradictions of Philippe's life, and examines the difficult position of second sons in royal history.If you're a fan of royal sibling rivalries, the gossip and glamour of the French court, and queer history, you'll love our episode on Philippe, Duc d'Orléans.If you want more fascinating French royals, listen to our episodes on Catherine de Medici and Marie Antoinette. And for more LGBTQ+ history, check out our episodes on heretical lesbian nun Benedetta Carlini and the Bloomsbury Group.You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Emma Mitchell Written by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars