Podcasts about time out youth

As the societal landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for dads to have open conversations and seek understanding when it comes to supporting youth in the LGBTQIA+ community. In a recent episode of the Dads with Daughters podcast, David Samson, a father and advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth, shared his experiences and insights. From fatherhood to the work he does at Time Out Youth, Samson shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. In this blog post, we explore key takeaways from the conversation to provide guidance for dads looking to support their children and other LGBTQIA+ youth. Fatherhood: A Journey of Understanding and Acceptance Fatherhood is often described as a journey, and for David Samson, it's a journey filled with unique challenges and triumphs. Samson emphasized the importance of creating a supportive community for fathers raising daughters and navigating the complexities of fatherhood. He underlined the significance of not parenting alone and highlighted the need for fathers to engage with other dads for support and guidance.  For fathers of LGBTQIA+ youth, Samson's perspective offers a valuable reminder that parenthood is an ongoing learning process. Each child's journey is unique, and it's crucial to provide unwavering love and support no matter what. Samson beautifully articulated the joy and challenges of being a father, touching on profound moments such as the first day his son went to school, demonstrating the emotional layers of parenthood. Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth: Challenges and Opportunities When discussing his work at Time Out Youth, Samson highlighted the vital support they offer to LGBTQIA+ youth. From mental health services to housing support and community engagement, the organization serves as a beacon of acceptance and advocacy. The issues faced by LGBTQIA+ youth are complex and varied, ranging from homelessness to societal unacceptance. Samson discussed the challenges faced by trans and nonbinary youth, emphasizing the crucial need for understanding and support in today's society. Through his insights, Samson underscored the impact of the recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on LGBTQIA+ youth. The increased periods of isolation and trauma have highlighted the critical need for supportive environments and understanding from family and the broader community. Dads of LGBTQIA+ youth can leverage resources such as Time Out Youth and PFLAG to enrich their understanding and create safer, more supportive spaces for their children. Embracing Change and Acceptance An essential aspect of Samson's narrative is the potential conflicts parents may encounter when their children come out. He emphasized the importance of choosing to support and believe in one's child, even when it challenges long-held beliefs. Samson acknowledged the internal struggles but emphasized the necessity of prioritizing one's child over preconceived beliefs. Dads in this situation can find solace in resources like PFLAG and Trevor Project, which offer guidance and support in navigating conversations and acceptance. Educating and Advocating A Call to Action for Dads Samson highlighted the importance of being actively involved in youth-serving organizations and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community. By participating in local prides, engaging with neighbors, and opening conversations about acceptance, dads can foster inclusive communities. Being present and supportive serves as a powerful start to effecting positive change in society. The conversation with David Samson offers valuable insights and guidance for dads looking to provide support and understanding for their LGBTQIA+ children and other youth. As fathers, embracing change, practicing patience, and committing to learning and understanding are essential in creating inclusive environments for all children. By engaging with resources and proactive conversations, dads can empower themselves to be unwavering beacons of love and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ you Navigating fatherhood while supporting LGBTQIA+ youth presents its own set of challenges and responsibilities. However, by acknowledging the significance of acceptance, education, and advocacy, fathers can create an environment that nurtures and uplifts all children, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The conversation with David Samson provides a compelling and informative starting point for fathers to embark on this journey and become stalwart advocates for LGBTQIA+ youth. Through empathy, openness, and a willingness to learn, dads can play a pivotal role in shaping an inclusive world for their LGBTQIA+ children and others in the community. In conclusion, Samson's insights and experiences highlight the transformative power of loving and supporting one's children unconditionally, thereby forging a future that embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusion in all its forms.   TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:05]: Welcome to Dads With Daughters. In this show, we spotlight dads, resources, and more to help you be the best dad you can be. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:16]: Welcome back to the Dads with Daughters podcast where we bring you guests to be active participants in your daughters' lives, raising them to be strong independent women. Doc. Really excited to have you back again this week. Every week, I love being able to sit down with you, to work with you, to be able to talk to you Dog. About this journey that you and I are both on. I've tie told you before, I've got 2 daughters myself. I've been where you are at, And I know that every day is a little bit different, and every day is a journey. The biggest thing here that and I say this over and over again to you is that the You don't have to do this alone. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:54]: It is so important to know that there is a community of fathers out there that you can reach out to, that you can talk to. The You don't have to go alone and think that you have to father alone because that's really lonely, and that is really Docs. It's something that that that a lot of times as society, we've kinda feel like we have to man up. We have to the Figure it out for ourselves and you don't. So that's why it's so important that every week we sit down, we talk, we learn together from other their fathers from other people with many different resources that they're sharing to be able to help you on this journey that you're on. Every week, I also love being able to bring you different guests, the different people that have had different experiences that are fathers that have resources that are here to help you Doc. To be that dad that you wanna be in today, we got another great guest. David Sampson is with us today. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:49]: And David is a father. He is the He lives down in North Carolina, works for a organization called Time Out Youth, and we're gonna talk more about that today. The David has worked to raise over $30,000,000 in funds to support nonprofits, but he works with youth to help youth in many different ways. And the And the things that he's doing, especially in the intersection of working with LGBTQ youth, I think is really important because the All of us are working with different kids. Our kids are maybe in that same community, and we have to be able to support our kids no matter what. The So it is important to understand and to know, you know, what David has learned along the way in working with youth, the But also learn about his own experience in being a father as well. So I'm really excited to have him here. David, thanks so much for being here today. David Samson [00:02:41]: Hey. Thanks so much. It's so great to be here and to be able to share some perspective with you and the great folks who are listening and who you're supporting. I really appreciate it. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:50]: I appreciate you being on. And 1st and foremost, we gotta talk about you being a dad because you are a father of a son. I wanna turn the clock back in time. I wanna go back to that first moment that you found out you were going to be a the Father, what was going through your head? David Samson [00:03:01]: I have a 5 year old son. Gosh. When I found out I was gonna be a dad, it was At the end of a very long journey, Jasper was born via surrogacy. So the planning for him to come really was Decades worth of work, honestly. It was, you know, saving money and planning and trying to understand what it meant to be a gay dad in this world. We had just no marriage equality. So we were sort of in the midst of a transition as a country, but I always knew the From the day that, really, I became an adult that I wanted to be a parent. So to have that opportunity to have and and raise such an an amazing boy was a dream come true, no Quite honestly, I remember the 2nd we got the positive pregnancy test, I was just, like, in tears. David Samson [00:03:48]: And I don't think I stopped crying from that point until Dom. The 2nd I held them in my arms for the 1st time, it was really magical. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:56]: Now I have to ask this question because I think the You have that glow and that that magic. As you said, it's magical when you're holding your child for the 1st time, but it's not always roses. It's not always the Positives. The there's ups and downs to parenting, and you have to learn along the way how to balance all of that. Talk to me about what's been the hardest part the for you in being a father. David Samson [00:04:19]: So it's I feel like it's different for every parent. Right? Like, Jasper was the easiest infant. He really was. You know, we sleep trained him. And from the time he was 12 weeks old, he was sleeping 12 hours a night. Like, it was unbelievable. And then he turned 3. And when he turns 3, it was like, oh, This is what everybody is talking about because up until that point, I'm telling you, he was the easiest kid. Even when he learned to walk and, you know, was running around, he was still pretty the Cautious. He didn't you know, wasn't too reckless, didn't injure himself or do anything, but, man, he really found his space when he turned 3. The And kinda since then until now, it's I feel like we've gotten our our punch of tough parenting. So we've learned to set boundaries. We've learned, the Kinda what it means to push back, and we've learned a lot of his tricks along the way. But it's a different experience for everyone, but infant, easy. Toddler, tough. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:22]: So as a father, what would you say has been your biggest fear in raising a child in today's society? David Samson [00:05:28]: Feel like I'm always gonna say the wrong And I think that that is a fear that every parent has. You know, I think back to to my childhood, and there are A lot of things that my parents said to me that stuck. So I always try and pause a little bit before I speak. I listen to him. I try and look at him and and try and figure out what he's going through in that moment and what he actually needs As opposed to looking at him throwing a tantrum on the floor. So, yeah, I feel like just really thinking about the words that come out of my mouth, really Understanding the impact that everything that we say as parents have on our kids. But, yeah, it's a it's a fear I live with every day that I'm gonna traumatize them somehow say the wrong thing. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:14]: I smile at that because I think that I think every father feels that way, that what we say, what we do is going to, as you said, scar them, the Make you know, do something that's going to impact who they become. And I think that it's the Possible that there are things that you can do definitely that could scar them or impact them, but they're pretty resilient. The And they definitely forgive more than and they forget things a lot more so than we do. So just to give you some some perspective. David Samson [00:06:47]: I appreciate that. Yeah. I've learned how to apologize more as a parent than ever than at any point in my life. Like, I've gotten really good at saying I'm sorry to my son because I think that's really important. Right? Because you're always wondering, is this the moment that he's never gonna forgive me for Slightly raising my voice, and I'm like, oh, I just you know, I curl up like a kid in the corner. I really do. I'm like, I want you to be okay. I want you to feel love, and I don't want you to to, you know, to feel this energy that I'm giving off right now in this sort of heated moment. David Samson [00:07:19]: So, yeah, thank you for that. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:07:21]: The Now one of the things that I I just mentioned was the fact that as a parent, as a father, you do have to find that balance for yourself the To be that engaged dad that you wanna be, but then there's also the pull to the work that you do and the things that you do to provide the family as well. So talk to me about balance in thus far how you have had to or what you have had to do To balance both work and raising your son. David Samson [00:07:51]: Yeah. Because he can't do one without the other, Right. As it turns out. And I've had progressive responsibilities in my role here at Time Out Youth. I I started in the midst of the pandemic as the director of development and then the director of advancement. Now I'm the the chief operating officer. So it's not like my my work has gotten less. It's gotten much more. David Samson [00:08:11]: So I find myself really Struggling at times to have the time to to dedicate, but you have to. Luckily, I work for a wonderful nonprofit who understands that work, life balance is incredibly important. They know Jasper. They love Jasper. They see me as a person, first here at Time Out Youth and not a number in, you know, no Some big corporations. So I I'm lucky enough to have a supportive work family who respects my home life. I start my day by getting up with him or he'll crawl into bed with us and curl up for 20 minutes, no If that ever ends, I'm just gonna lose my mind because those are the best moments, but it's really nice to start my day with him. The You know what I mean? I just get to start my day with my son, and it centers me immediately. David Samson [00:09:01]: You know? And then I get up, and I read my work emails, and my brain gets going, and then I have to stop again, and I have to make breakfast for him. And then I have more moments with him in the morning. And then it's no A struggle getting him ready for school and packing his backpack and rushing around and getting out the door, but then more moments in the car. So I think that truly finding those steady moments throughout the day when you're together, even when you're in the midst of, you know, your busiest time at work or whatever it might be. Truly just capturing and having those very few moments with him, even if they might be fleeting, are Incredible opportunities to bond as parents, and I really value them. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:09:44]: It is really important to find those moments, Dom. As you said, the the opportunities to make those specific bonds with your child. Now you have 1 child. Now the What do you do individually as a dad to be able to make that connection, to develop that connection with your son? The Because we know that each child is unique, but that your children may have very different interests in very different ideas of what is fun than what you may think is fun. So what do you do to be able to build that unique relationship the that you want to have with your son. David Samson [00:10:23]: No. You're exactly right. He's into totally different stuff than I was when I was a kid or I am now. I was a music major in college, so I had this, like, grand vision that my son was gonna come out and be a the A pianist or a vocalist or something, and that is not happening, which is sort of heartbreaking for me. My husband bought us a the Piano for my birthday last year. And I was like, oh, I'm gonna teach Jasper how to play the piano. He's gonna sit down with me. Like, You know, like, my mom sat down with me and taught to you know, taught me to play the piano. David Samson [00:10:57]: He doesn't care at all. Nothing. Now he can he knows where middle c is. We've done a few lessons, but he would much rather go do, like, LEGO robotics, which is, like, So far outside of the realm of anything that I was interested in or am interested in. So I feel like for a while, I tried to push him into things that were in my comfort zone, but it has nothing to do with my comfort zone. It's about supporting him and the things that he wants to do and Really fostering that that passion and that fire in whatever it is that he wants. So he's only 5. Right? So we're still in the midst of, like, the Trying to figure out exactly what it is that he likes or what he's good at or what he thinks he's good at. David Samson [00:11:39]: So we still try and push him in as many different directions as we can. But when he latches onto something and when we can kinda see the wheels turning in his head, It's really exciting. And we latch onto that with him, and we get excited for him. And we're already finding ourselves, like, the Pushing him towards the things that he really loves and, you know, just going all in with him as much as we can. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:12:04]: Well, that's so fun. And and maybe there's some intersection there. Because if he likes the LEGO robotics, you maybe you can do some stop motion type things where you bring music to the robotics that he builds And do something fun like that. David Samson [00:12:18]: Yeah. Look inside the piano lid and see the hammer. Right? Like, yeah, it's super cool. It's all connected. They'll figure it out. We'll help them. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:12:25]: Now You mentioned the fact that you are or I mentioned the fact that you are a part of Time Out Youth. You talked about that as well and the organization itself. Tell me more about Time Out Youth. I know it's been around since 1991. It's serving LGBTQIA plus youth, but tell me more about the organization, What your mission is and how you're working with youth in many different ways. David Samson [00:12:49]: Yeah. Absolutely. So you mentioned it has been around since 1991, and that's right. The We are the oldest in the Carolinas, and we are also the biggest in the Carolinas. In between, Washington DC and Northern the Florida. Time out youth is the standard of LGBT youth centers on the East Coast. So our mission, is to support LGBTQ the youth by offering vital programs, fostering unconditional acceptance, and creating safe spaces for self expression through leadership, the community support and advocacy. So we do that in a number of ways. David Samson [00:13:23]: Our bread and butter are youth 13 to 24 the Here in the Charlotte Metro region, we have mental health services, free counseling services. We offer really vital housing support the Services here at Time Out Youth. And then we have social interaction space. So 5 days a week, we offer programming whether virtually or in person here in the center. The And then Fridays Saturdays, we have drop ins space. So Friday nights are for our big kids, so 18 to 24. And then Saturdays are for our younger youth who no We're 13 to 18. So on any given day from the time we get here at 10 o'clock up until school's out, We're usually offering housing services, job search functions to our kids who are houseless or have been kicked out of their homes due to unacceptance. David Samson [00:14:12]: So in in that time period, we're really seeing a very specific group of kids. And then in the evenings, it's anyone's guess. These are kids. So we might have 30 or 40 kids who are coming in and just wanna hang out and play video games, or we might be having a trans specific group That evening or talking to our our youth who identify as asexual, any number of things can happen at any given moment here. Along with all that, we also offer community engagement work. So we have a really fantastic community engagement manager who goes out into the community, the Works with educators, administrators, corporations, small businesses, you name it, and helps to educate folks on the best way To serve LGBTQ youth when they're not within safe space of our 4 walls. So last year, she educated 2,000 community members here in the metro regions. It's really a full slate of services that we offer our youth as well as our community. David Samson [00:15:09]: I'm really proud of and the work that we do. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:15:11]: Now you work with a lot of different youth or your organization does as well, and I'm sure you do as well. And the Things have changed over the years. I know many people that were very silent when I was growing up and did not the Come out until college or beyond because of the unacceptance in society. I'm seeing much more now the In the generation that my children are in, that at least children are very accepting and are much more accepting the than they would have been when I was a youth. So as you're working with these youth, what are some of the big issues the that they are bringing to you. You talked about homelessness, but what are some of the other issues that are really prevalent in today's LGBTQ youth that other people may not be aware of. David Samson [00:16:05]: Yeah. You know, you're right that things have changed, especially politically. Right? What has not changed is that there is still rampant unacceptance in the form of religion, in the form of the Family structure that is unsupportive traditionally of our youth and that sometimes these kids have no place to go. Those kids are always going to exist. Docs. Whether we turn the clocks forward 50 years, there's always gonna be something. And especially for our trans and nonbinary youth, Especially here in the south. Things are very different in New England or California even than they are here in North Carolina. David Samson [00:16:45]: The In North Carolina, there is a a really large movement to really isolate our trans and nonbinary youth because as we've seen at no Any point throughout this movement, people don't understand, and they're just scared of what they don't understand. So we really work hard the To help people understand what our youth are going through, how to support them, and who they can be as people just to make These kids not feel so alone. These feelings of isolation, especially after 2020 and 2021 when a lot of our youth were forced To stay in unsupportive homes around the clock 247, there's a lot of trauma that happened in those years that were unraveling. And as our youth reemerge and, you know, come back into the building still, there was a lot that happened there that that we need to work through, and and we're working hand in hand every day with those youth to try and figure it out with them. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:17:37]: Now there are dads out there that may have young kids, the may have kids that are struggling right now and trying to figure out who they are and try or they know who they are, but they're the Scared to come to their parents with that reality of who they are themselves? Are there specific things that you would recommend to dads, To parents that could help to create that atmosphere in the home that would allow for them the For that home to be that accepting place. And the 2nd piece of that is if personally, as a father, you have the Views that are contrary to typically accepting LGBTQ, but your child comes to you the And says, I am this way. I feel this way. I am this person. How do you reconcile that Doc. And are there resources that can help you to move and to a accepting of the person in that sense, Even though you may still have those fundamental beliefs that are at opposite ends. David Samson [00:18:44]: Yeah. It's an internal struggle. I'm not that person, but I I understand that those people exist. You know what I mean? It makes total sense. My dad was the An air force colonel. He was in the air force for 30 years, and I grew up around this toxic masculinity that really invaded a lot of our family life. And so as a young person coming out, I was terrified. David Samson [00:19:09]: I was absolutely terrified. My mother's a pastor. I get it. No. It turns out that they were incredibly accepting, and I had nothing to worry about. The But that's just not the case. But I there's a choice to be made. Is your kid gonna come first? And I know that sounds harsh, but, truly, Doc. David Samson [00:19:29]: Is your kid gonna come first? Do they come above these beliefs that you have developed for yourself your entire life? The Are you willing to change for your child? Because your child is not going to change for you. They might pretend. You know? They might pretend until they're 18, but the You're running such a risk, and how sad to run the risk of losing a child just because you, as an adult, who should have the skills the change. You're just so unwilling. So, yeah, there's a choice to be had, and there are great resources out there. PFLAG, which stands for the Parents and friends of lesbians and gays. There's a chapter in every major city in the United States and no A lot of smaller cities in the United States. So go to pflag.org and find resources to help you as a parent Navigate that with your child. David Samson [00:20:21]: It's incredibly important. You know, we started this conversation with me saying I was always scared I was gonna say the wrong thing. It's the Really easy to say the wrong thing to someone who is so fragile in the coming out process, whether they're coming out as gay or lesbian or Brands or nonbinary or whatever it is. There are very specific things that you can say that are not gonna help and that will just Make your child feel even, you know, more isolated and even more of an outcast than they already feel like they are. Dogs. So it's important to be careful and to really consider every step along the way the impact that that that you're gonna have on your child. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:21:00]: I think it's so important, and, the You know, I've talked to other fathers that have youth that are at many different aspects of the spectrum in regard to the Whether they are they're they're gay, they're lesbian, they're, you know, they're asexual, they're trans, and They go through their own journey just like their child goes through a journey of better understanding. And I think one of the things that I hear from I've heard from them many times is the The some of the times, the challenges of pronouns and changing your brain to think in different ways. And I think one of the things you said earlier is so important, especially when you have a child that is LGBTQIA QIA plus and they come to you and start talking is to be honest and open with them and say, I'm gonna make mistakes, And I may use the wrong pronoun. I may say something that's going to upset you, and we need to be able to the Talk and communicate and be willing to have this type of conversation so that I can learn just as you're learning about who you are. David Samson [00:22:14]: Yeah. It takes an extra layer of patience sometimes, and I totally get it. Like, you know, a teenager is still a teenager. Right. So if you tell a teenager, like, be patient with me, they're not gonna be patient with you. They're a teenager. But I get it. It's this extra layer. David Samson [00:22:29]: And the the pronouns conversation, It's the easiest one to have. You're gonna make mistakes. Absolutely. It's okay. You say sorry. You correct yourself. You move on. That's it. David Samson [00:22:38]: You know what I mean? You don't make a big deal. Those struggles that people have with with pronouns are not about the person that is asking you to use the correct pronouns as about themselves. I'm named after my dad. I understand that if I changed my name to him, Dom. That would have seems like some sort of slap in the face because he gave me his name. That happens all the time. But, again, That's not about him. Like, it's a choice that you as a parent have to make to respect your child and to believe your child and just listen to your DIL. David Samson [00:23:11]: And I hope that the majority of people out there do that and understand that truly. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:23:16]: Now for dads that are out there that the May not have a child that is a part of the LGBTQIA plus community, but they want Docs. Support the community, and they want to support other youth, other friends of their children. What's the best way for them to advocate or to support the The community from a external perspective. David Samson [00:23:39]: Yeah. Absolutely. So find your local, youth serving organization, LGBTQ youth serving organization. They're smaller in a lot of places, but they're incredibly vital resources. You can go to our website, which is no Time at youth dot org, and we have a resource section where you can go find local pflag chapters. You can go read Trevor Project studies. I mean, Trevor Project also has an the amount of resources, including crisis resources throughout the United States. So but, really, go support those organizations and show up where you can. David Samson [00:24:12]: Show up at your local prides. Show up in support of your youth at schools and out in the community, and just Be there as a supportive face and as a smiling face. Showing up is half the battle. Right? So really just being there is is Enough sometimes. David Samson [00:24:28]: Well and the other thing that I think that I'd throw out there is as you get involved and if you bring your families and have them be involved, the You can start having conversations and start to allow your children to better understand the The people that are around them and that there are differences, and that's okay, And that it normalizes things as well. David Samson [00:24:54]: Yeah. No. Absolutely. It's the know your neighbor campaign. You can put a the Face and a name to all of these different labels that society has put on us. So, yeah, having those conversations is an incredible first step. Doc. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:25:07]: Now, David, we always finish our interviews with what I like to call our fatherhood 5, where I ask you 5 more questions to delve deeper into you as a dad. Are you ready? David Samson [00:25:15]: Oh, boy. Ready? Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:25:18]: In one word, what is fatherhood? Floating. When was a time when you finally felt like you succeeded at being a father. David Samson [00:25:26]: The 1st day that Jasper went to big kids' school, he gave me a hug, he turned around, And he walked in that front door confidently. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:25:37]: Now if I was to talk to your son, how would he describe you as a dad? David Samson [00:25:42]: I hope that he would see Me as the caretaker. My husband is the fun dad. He plays with him not more, but better than I ever could. I think That. I think I'm the caregiver. I don't know. That's a tough one. David Samson [00:25:58]: I cook and I drive him to school and, you know, I clean. I I feel like that's my zone. You know what I mean? So I don't know. Ask me in 10 years. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:07]: Now who inspires you to be a better dad? David Samson [00:26:09]: My dad. He was incredible. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:12]: Now you have given a number of pieces of advice, resources that dads can take and can use for themselves. The As we finish up today, what's 1 piece of advice that you'd wanna give to every dad? David Samson [00:26:23]: Be patient with yourself. We've talked a lot about mistakes in this conversation. Know that you're gonna make mistakes And learn to forgive yourself and know the importance of apologizing to your kid. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:35]: Well, David, I just wanna say thank you. Thank you for being here today, for sharing your story and for telling us more about Time Out Youth. I really appreciate the work that you and your organization is doing, and I wish you all the best. David Samson [00:26:49]: Thank you, Chris. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for having me on. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:26:52]: If you've enjoyed today's episode of the dads with daughters podcast, we invite you to check out the fatherhood insider. The The fatherhood insider is the essential resource for any dad that wants to be the best dad that he can be. We know that no child comes with an instruction manual, and most dads are the Figuring it out as they go along. And the fatherhood insider is full of resources and information that will up your game on fatherhood. The Through our extensive course library, interactive forum, step by step road maps, and more, you will engage and learn with experts, the But more importantly, dads like you. So check it out at fathering together.org. If you are the Father of a daughter and have not yet joined the Dads with Daughters Facebook community, there's a link in the notes today. Dads with Daughters is a program of fathering together. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:27:41]: We look forward to having you back for another great guest next week, all geared to helping you raise strong, empowered daughters and be the best dad that you can be. We're all in the same boat, and it's Full of tiny screaming passengers. We spend the time. We give the lessons. We make the meals. We buy them presents. The the mind blast, calling astronauts and firemen, carpenters, and musclemen. Donuts. Get out and be the world, choose them. Be the best dad you can be!

After yet...ANOTHER hiatus we're back to discuss...uh...has anything really happened? Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

After the wild draft episode last week, we calmed down a bit for this episode. I said "a bit" so...keep your expectations for that LOW Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

It's just been injury after injury in the offseason....good thing the regular season is almost here! Almost...ALMOST... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

We are SO close to the season you guys...we can SMELL it Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Zak is back from his vacation, just in time to talk about the new "Quarterback" series on Netflix, which teams SHOULD tank for Caleb Williams, some Cap or No Cap, and of course our divisional players series Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Well since our back NIck is back we HAD to talk about the Cowboys, and Austin...well Austin supplied the laughs in this episode Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

So...Dame is gonna get traded right...right? Where is he going? Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

It's been a couple weeks but we're finally back and talking about...who knows...it's that time of the year where we are SCROUNGING for content Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Oh, what's that? You wanted a normal podcast episode this week? Wel we brought on Nick and Austin so...that ain't gonna happen Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

This was EASILY the most off-the-rails episode we've had so far....we've never needed so many censors... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

We brought on the 2 guys who actually know what they're talking about when it comes to the NFL draft, so let's see how they're mock draft goes! Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

The NBA season is almost over and the NFL offseason is almost irrelevant, so the boys are...doing their best here... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Whelp...it's finally here: the last in-person podcast episode... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Let's go over which teams have had the best and which teams have had the worst offseasons in the NFL? Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Don't even try to figure out what we talk about in this episode based on the title and thumbnail...we PROMISE this is a sports podcast Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

So...Connor decided to just make this episode an absolute babysitting job for Zak. Wish Zak luck... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

With it being the offseason and all let's do the one thing everyone is doing: SPECULATE! Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

After a snowstorm put last week's episode on hold, the pod is back and...angry as ever...? LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

AH! STOP! NO DON'T WORRY! WE DIDN'T SLANDER RIHANNA! Phew...okay now that that's out of the way...how about that Super Bowl? Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

As we approach the Super Bowl we give our thoughts on the AFC/NFC championship games and our season grades for every AFC team Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Funsize and Buff Faye talk about their pets after #nationalpetday and welcome a VERY SPECIAL guest from Time Out Youth! The organization has great events in the works and deets on how you can make a difference in someone's life.  

Cast:Dr. Tara Egan, hostLaura Conner-Hughes, LCSWA, and Adria Goulet, LCSWA , guest expertsParents, family and friends can have a big impact, especially in the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth through their support. How can that be accomplished---in part, through education and understanding .On this episode of "One Day You'll Thank Me" Tara welcomes two guest experts and fellow colleagues, Laura Conner- Hughes, LCSWA and Adria Goulet, LCSWA from Calming Waters Counseling Services in Charlotte, NC. Laura and Adria share with Tara and the listeners their expertise of ways to best support lgbtqia+ youth.Tune in to learn about:- how can we be the most supportive throughout the process - handling the-fear, anxiety, and about their child's safety and future in the LGBTQ community -dealing with the grief and disappointment of your own expectations of your child's identity- And SO MUCH MORE!To learn more about Laura and Adria and their services, https://www.calmingwaterscounselingservices.com/Check out Time Out Youth -https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ PFLAG Charlotte - https://pflagcharlotte.org/Transcend Charlotte - https://www.transcendcharlotte.org/Website - To learn more about Dr. Tara Egan's child & adolescent therapy services books, webinars, public speaking opportunities, and coaching/consultation services, Go HERE.Facebook - learn more HERE.YouTube - learn more HERE.Instagram - learn more HERE.Podcast edited by Christian Fox

After one of the weirdest NFL regular seasons in recent memory we make our NFL Award predictions as well as our NFL Playoff predictions! Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Zak explains why we didn't have an episode last week, we talk playoff scenarios, and also just kinda...go off the rails so...what else is new? Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

In this episode Connor and Zak talk about overreactions to this weeks games, whether Tom Brady will return for another season, old soccer memories, the World Cup, and more! Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

After a week off we revisit the NFL playoffs and make a HUGE announcement! (Thanks Built Bars!) Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

We're back after a 3 week break, and things were just as NUTS as usual... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Zak and Connor give their takes on who in the NFL is underrated and who is overrated Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Connor and Zak have absolutely no idea how to comprehend this NFL season Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

In a surprise change (for one episode don't worry), Connor and Zak break down the biggest surprises and letdowns! Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Zak somehow keeps letting Connor get away with it... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

We brought Nick back for the Halloween Special! And this episode was...let's just say: unpredictable Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Connor and Zak react to the biggest names who were moved at the NFL trade deadline. As well as our midseason NFL awards Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Zak is back from missing last week and things...are just as nuts as usual Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Zak was unable to be there today so who else had to come and bring the energy than Japes? Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

This episode of the pod took so many WILD twists and turns... Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

Me and Zak give our takes on Week 1's biggest headlines and everything heading into week 2 Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

We've made some changes but nonetheless we are back! Donate and Better-Educate Yourself: LGBTQIA+ Foundations -OutRight International https://outrightinternational.org/ -Freedom to Marry http://www.freedomtomarry.org/ -GLAAD https://www.glaad.org/ -Intersex Society of America https://isna.org/ -Human Rights Campaign Foundation https://www.thehrcfoundation.org/ -The Point Foundation https://pointfoundation.org/ -Time Out Youth https://www.timeoutyouth.org/ BLM Foundations -NAACP https://www.naacpldf.org/ -Nationwide Bail Fund https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd -Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ -Donate to Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 -Equal Justice Initiative https://support.eji.org/give/153413/#!/donation/checkout -Donate to ACLU https://action.aclu.org/give/now? -George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd -Other Ways to Educate and Help https://www.swaay.com/ally-resources-black-lives-matter

O'Neale Atkinson, Deputy Executive Director of Time Out Youth, joins us to talk about the complexities of identity, to answer questions about how to ask questions, and to share his perspective of best practices in holding space for youth.

Matt and David are back to preview Charlotte FC's return to Bank of America Stadium against Inter Miami. They break down the new player signing – and a possible new formation? – that may affect Saturday's match. They also discuss some merch for good – the MCC Pride Scarf and sunglasses that support Time Out Youth. And they dig into the surprise departure of Tepper Sports CEO Nick Kelly. Most importantly, David learns that he is "good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone it – people like him."

For many people the holiday season brings much excitement and festivities but, for others it's a time of heightened emotional vulnerability & isolation. Surveys show that people among the LGBTQ community commonly experience increased feelings of anxiety, stress, & depression during these times. For a lot of us going home means leaving the safety net of our queer freedom and identities behind just to survive the “family” function. Let us not forget that there are many who don't have the option of going home or there isn't a home to go to. This week, Sarah Mikhail (she/her) Executive Director of Time Out Youth, an organization serving a LGBTQ-youth in Charlotte, NC shares her professional and personal approach on the importance of identifying emotional triggers, how to create safe boundaries for uncomfortable situations and healthy ways to communicate when those boundaries have been crossed. More importantly how to show up and be supportive for our chosen friends and loved ones who are spending the holiday season alone.

A lot of progress has been made in the past decade in respect to the acceptance and support of the LGBTQ+ community. But there is still a long way to go, and children growing up finding their way in a straight world, sometimes need a helping hand or listening ear. That's where today's guest comes in. Kathy welcomes O'Neal Atkinson, Deputy Director of Time Out Youth Center in Charlotte, NC. They have a delightful and engaging conversation about the center's role in helping LGBTQ+ youth through, advocacy, leadership development, social opportunities, counseling and more. They also discuss the use of preferred pronouns and language of respect for people in the community.  Plus! O'Neal talks about resources for parents and families who want to gain more understanding and connect with other parents who have similar stories.  Find out more about Time Out Youth here

On the show today, I have Nate Turner, the executive chef and owner of Your Custom Catering. He has been named one of “Charlotte's Best Caterers” for two years consecutively. He is also an incredible human being who has dedicated a tremendous amount of time, energy, and money toward feeding the homeless community in Charlotte building up an amazing Food Pantry. His kindness and heart is what makes him so loved by the people close to him and as a successful entrepreneur and amazing chef, he is what we would call in baseball a 5 tool player. In this episode, we talk about: What it is like growing up as a black man in the USA How he developed such a high level of self-esteem and confidence How pervasive racism is in the US today and what we can do to make a difference His passion for taking care of the underserved in our community How old he was when he realized he was gay And much much more. He is a native of Maryland, but moved to Charlotte three days after his high school graduation to pursue his degree in culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University. He received his Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in 2008. Upon graduation, he continued to manage restaurants and hospitality along with offering private chef services in the Charlotte metro area. In 2012, he opened Your Custom Catering & Events, a full-service catering and events firm. His idea was to offer catering and event management to those who were priced out of the big-name competitors within the industry. Following his first open tasting, which was attended by more than three hundred potential clients, his calendar quickly filled. Five years later, with more than twenty employees and the ability to cater events for 500+ guests, he is considered one of the best in Charlotte. His company has consistently received the Spectrum Customer Service Award for three years as well. Nattiel prides himself in a client centered approach to catering and event management and maintains an “A+ Rating” and is an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau and is listed as an accredited business in the North Carolina. In addition to his culinary prowess, he is also very involved in his community. His philanthropic beneficiaries include the Charlotte Men's Shelter, Time Out Youth, Urban Ministry, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and The Relatives. In 2017, Nate was honored as one of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce's 30 Under 30 for his entrepreneurial success and what he has given to the Charlotte community through his business, activism and volunteerism. Nate is awesome and you guys are going to love him.

On the show today, we have Chad Turner. Chad is President of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber and high level HR executive and consultant. His leadership is extraordinary and you are going to love this interview. In the interview we discuss: The history of the Charlotte LGBT chamber starting in such a conservative area. What can people do to enhance equality among the LGBT and POC communities and general population?  Challenges the LGBT community face that people would not really think about What it will take to break down the barriers of judging and excluding people based on their skin color or sexual orientation  What are the qualities of a great leader How we become better communicators And much more! What I found especially interesting about what Chad has created and is continuing to create in the community and as president of the LGBT chamber is that he is working to build up all small businesses and success for EVERYONE in the community and not just the LGBT community. He is an amazing human being with a heart of gold and a brilliant mind. Under his direction with Chamber, they have received national affiliation with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, established the Aspiring Professionals' Initiative for local colleges and also created a comprehensive training program for LGBT owned businesses.  The Chamber is now one of the largest LGBT chambers in the southeast.  In addition to his duties with the Chamber, Chad is a human resources consultant in the Charlotte region assisting businesses and professionals with their human resource needs. Chad has spent the past nine years training and advising small business owners, corporations and individuals in the areas of LGBT workplace issues, diversity, inclusion, equity and policy development. In his endeavor to create more equitable workplaces, he has opened dialogue with businesses by providing specialized training in benefit administration, policy creation and implementation and leadership development. He believes that companies and workplaces will create a new standard and develop best practices that will evolve from the changing perception of the LGBT community and those who support equality for all.   In 2008, Chad was designated a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute.  In 2015, 2017 and 2019 he completed certificates with Notre Dame School of Business in the areas of human resources, small business supplier diversity, organizational development and chamber planning.  He is a frequent clinician in the Charlotte region on these topics.  Chad holds a BA in Music from Lee University and his BS in Human Resource Management from Villanova University.  His work has also provided the ability to work with various organizations such as Charlotte Pride, Charlotte Black Pride, Time Out Youth, RAIN and the Charlotte LGBTQ Elders to be a support and resource for development, philanthropy and marketing.  He serves on the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (Charlotte Chamber) Business Leader's Roundtable, the Mecklenburg County Business Roundtable and the Charlotte Small Business Recovery Taskforce.  Most recently, as a founding member, Chad and the Charlotte LGBT Chamber formed the Charlotte Small Business Coalition, which he serves as chair.  Chad's efforts and strategic planning assisted with the passage of the $50 million dollars of grant funding for small businesses in Charlotte affected by COVID-19. Chad and his husband, Nate, are both small business owners and actively involved in both the business and LGBT community.  Chad has accomplished more in the last 10 years than most people do in 2 lifetimes. It was a privilege to sit down and have this amazing conversation.   

A lot of progress has been made in the past decade in respect to acceptance and support of the LGBTQ+ community. But there is still a long way to go, and children growing up finding there way in a straight world, sometimes need a helping hand or listening ear. That's where today's guest comes in. Kathy welcomes O'Neal Atkinson, Deputy Director of Time Out Youth Center in Charlotte, NC. They have a delightful and engaging conversation about the center's role in helping LGBTQ+ youth through, advocacy, leadership development, social opportunities, counseling and more. They also discuss the use of preferred pronouns and language of respect for people in the community.  Plus! O'Neal talks about resources for parents and families who want to gain more understanding and connect with other parents who have similar stories.  Find out more about Time Out Youth here

On this episode, our fabulous Office Manager Starr Johnson sits down with members of the Center's youth leadership Peyton, Maya, and Patrick as they recap their visit to this year's Creating Change Conference. Join in as the group talks about their favorite Creating Change sessions and the amazing people they met, how the conference impacted their perspective on the community and their own unique identities, as well as discuss some ways the conference can continue to increase their level of inclusion for all participants. For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

It's officially our 1 year anniversary of recording Out With It and we are excited to launch a new year of the podcast! We want to bring you even more episodes, more great conversations, and further amplify the voices of LGBTQ youth, the LGBTQ community, and our allies.  On this episode, James sits down with youth panelist Alexander Hamilton and one of our new Center volunteers Ty as they take us back to where our podcast began. Join our panel as they talk about Alex's performance during Charlotte Pride, get to know about what brought Ty to Time Out Youth, catch up with Super-Producer (and now Super-Dad) Steven, and celebrate our 1 year anniversary by discussing coming out in honor of National Coming Out Day.  For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

We're back friends! After a short break, we are thrilled to be bringing you more new episodes of Out With It!  On this episode, O'Neale sits down with youth panelists Sy, Audrey, and Ryan as they catch up from the break and talk about all things Pride! Join our panel as we catch up with what they've been up to, recap our Queer Prom, and then dive into a Pride month discussion. We cover what Pride means to us today, where Pride came from, how to celebrate Pride if the Festival scene isn't for you, our favorite Queer artists, and much more! For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

On this episode, James sits down with our Programs Assistant Haeley and youth panelists Alex and Tre as they recap their visit to this year's Creating Change Conference. Join in as the group talks about their favorite Creating Change sessions, Applebees, body positivity, drag queens, and what each person brought back with them from their time at the conference. For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

On today's episode, we speak with James Rice III from Time Out Youth in Charlotte, North Carolina, about how he came to work in the world of activism, his own experiences as a gay black man growing up in the South, why he’s so passionate about serving queer youth of color, and what we as allies, friends, and family should know to best support those young people. Music c/o purpleplanet.com

On this episode, O'Neale sits down with some of the amazing volunteers of Time Out Youth Center in a new segment we are calling Heart Work.  Listen to Emily, Brian, Angel, and even Stephen, as they share what got them involved with the Center, what they've learned as a Center volunteer, and their hopes for a new year in 2019.  For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

Out With It is back with all new episodes for 2019. Join us as we launch into a New Year with a segment we are calling TOY Stories. TOY Stories give you a chance to hear more about the lives of the amazing youth we work with.  For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

On this episode, our fabulous panel discuss representation in media. They address the importance of seeing LGBTQ representation, what's missing in current representation, examples of good (and not so great) representation, and share out some of their favorites LGBTQ people in media. For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

LGBTQIA? OMG! Confused? We've got your FAQ right here. On this episode, the panel tackles the LGBTQIA acronym, discusses the impact of labels and identity language, and share their own experiences navigating the alphabet soup. For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

On this episode, the panel tackles the topic of allyship and what it means to be an ally. We talk about what it looks like (the good, the bad, and the well-intentioned), why allies are important, and how folks can improve their ability to ally for others. For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Music by purple-planet.com

From Time Out Youth Center, welcome to Out With It! This is our first episode (sort of). On this special episode, the staff from Time Out Youth Center sit down with producer Steven to answer all the questions you may have about the podcast. Who are we? How did this podcast start? Who has the best singing voice on the staff? All these and more are waiting to be answered!  For more information about Time Out Youth, visit timeoutyouth.org.  You can find Is This Adulting? on Apple Podcasts or in your favorite podcatcher. Music by purple-planet.com

On this first episode of Out With It, we're talking about coming out! Really, could we have started anywhere else? Meet our first panel of youth, hear what it means to come out, what it is like to come out (sometimes more than once), and what it is like afterwards.  For more info on Time Out Youth and Resources, visit timeoutyouth.org. Transcription of the episode can be found here thanks to our friend Meri! Music by Purple-planet.com

On this special episode of "Queering the Classroom," we speak with three queer youth from Time Out Youth in Charlotte, North Carolina, about starting back to school, advice for teachers with LGBT+ students, and words of encouragement for their peers. There will be no episode next week, but we'll be back the first week in September! Music c/o purpleplanet.com

On this episode of "Queering the Classroom," we speak with Rebby and Parker from Time Out Youth in Charlotte, North Carolina about the importance of GSAs and the impact they can have on a school community. To learn more about Time Out Youth, visit http://www.timeoutyouth.org and follow them on Instagram @timeoutyouthcenter. [Music c/o purpleplanet.com]

Today's episode is a brief foray into the world of GSAs in order to prepare us for next week's episode in which we will be hearing from Rebby and Parker of Time Out Youth (timeoutyouth.org) about the role of GSAs in schools. That interview -- which was originally scheduled to drop today -- will be available next Friday, August 3rd. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Candice Langston is a communications consultant who helps organizations make a positive impact in their communities. She previously was a principal at SOLID, a strategic communications and civic engagement firm. Her career includes serving as director of development and strategic partnerships for the UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture, an advancement consultant for Time Out Youth, and as business director and senior marketing manager for Sotheby's. Candice is the founder and former owner of Potion, a chain of indie skincare and fragrance boutique retail shops. She earned a B.A. in art history from Queens University of Charlotte, and an M.A. in arts administration and an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University.    This episode is perfect for anyone interested in media and messaging, civic engagement, TED talks, Hello Kitty and the music of Duran Duran.   IN THIS EPISODE Candice explains what she does professionally and how she goes about it. She shares what she tells clients about navigating different media platforms. She interprets the phrase 'the medium is the message.' She reveals what makes a good message. Candice considers mobile devices as an extension of our bodies. She talks about the message we all need to hear that she would want to help deliver. She shares the importance of 'getting proximate.' She describes growing up as an only child and memories of her mom and dad. Candice answers which music she listened to in high school and college, having the right look, and which clubs she attended as part of the music scene in Charlotte. She talks about the decision she had to make after college and her early career ambition. She discusses what she learned working for Sotheby's in London and in New York.  She answers why she returned to Charlotte and launched Potion. Candice reflects on her work at UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture and balancing family life with career aspirations.  She addresses whether she helped get the message right for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force.  She talks about launching TEDxCharlotte and the spark it created. She shares the insight she has gained as an American Leadership Forum fellow. She explains her love for Duran Duran and what she has in common with Audrey Hepburn and Hello Kitty. Candice reveals what she is optimistic about and what she values most.  Mark Peres adds a personal word that begins this way, "When I think of Candice Langston I think of British new wave music, heavy eyeliner, padded shoulders, synthesizer pop and androgynous girls and boys..." To learn more, visit On Life and Meaning.

Charlotte View welcomes back O'Neale Atkinson, along with Shane Windmeyer of Campus Pride and Rodney Tucker of Time Out Youth to talk about this terrifying epidemic and share views on how to stop bullying. Show time NOON. Call in number (805) 830-8344 or listen online here. Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. Time Out Youth is dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and education to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their allies, ages 13-23, in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Last year, President Obama headed a White House summit on bullying prevention. He opened the summit by saying "If there's one goal of this conference, it's to dispel the myth that bullying is just a harmless rite of passage or an inevitable part of growing up. It's not.” According to the White House almost 3 million students have said they were pushed, shoved, tripped, even spit on. It's also more likely to affect kids that are seen as different, whether it's because of the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, the disability they may have, or sexual orientation. Today, bullying doesn't end at the school bell -- it can follow our children from the hallways to their cell phones to their computer screens, for some, it follows them through adulthood at work, at places of worship, at social gatherings. It is only when tragedies ocurred that people understand just how devastating bullying can be.