EP 802: Behind the Costume: Gay Fantasies, Sexual Confidence & Evolving Desires

In this episode: Gay sex fantasies: Better in our heads or in real life? Why exhibitionism topped a small survey of men's sexual fantasies The thrill of watching versus being watched Group sex fantasies and the reality of multiple partners What makes certain kinks and sexual scenarios so exciting? When sexual experimentation opens unexpected doors Why anticipation can sometimes be hotter than the actual encounter How our fantasies and turn-ons evolve with age and experience Does every sexual fantasy need to become reality? Plus, Steve V and Kodi get personal about sexual curiosity, the surprises that come with exploring desire, and why there may always be something new to discover about ourselves. Because being sexually liberated doesn't mean you have to try everything. Sometimes it's simply knowing what turns you on—and having the confidence to explore it on your own terms. Hot Topic: Gay men and relationship anxiety... Hot Topic: Andrew Scott reflects on the queer community and why it's important to have friends of all ages, races and backgrounds... Hot Topic: Is it Cuffing Season? Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

n this episode: An unforgettable '80s Halloween wedding anniversary celebration Why costumes, uniforms, and sexual personas can be such a turn-on The connection between fantasy, confidence, and sexual freedom How our attractions and desires change as we get older Breaking free from sexual labels and expectations What experience teaches us about intimacy and pleasure Lincoln's reflections on 800+ episodes of TAGSPODCAST WSteve V is joined by co-hosts Lincoln and Kodi for a revealing, sexy, and sometimes hilarious conversation about gay fantasies, sexual confidence, and how our desires evolve over time.First up, Steve V recaps his and husband Diego's epic one-year wedding anniversary celebration—an '80s Halloween-themed party where everyone brought their A-game! From the costumes to the unforgettable energy, the celebration sparks a bigger conversation: Why do gay men love stepping into different personas, and can dressing up actually reveal something about our true selves?The guys explore the connection between costumes, sexual fantasies, role-playing, and the freedom to express different sides of our sexuality.Then, with TAGSPODCAST celebrating more than 800 episodes, Lincoln joins the reflection on how our perspectives on sex, relationships, and desire have changed over the years.hy sexual curiosity and self-discovery don't have an expiration date Plus, the guys get personal about the ways they've changed, what turns them on today, and why evolving sexually might be one of the most exciting parts of getting older. Because being gay isn't about becoming one fixed version of yourself. It's about having the freedom to keep discovering who you are. Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Lincoln on IG: @madlincoln Follow Lincoln's Protein Bakery on IG: @proteinbakery Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Topics explored include: Dr. Kevin Charles's journey as a gay physician and storyteller Masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and the masks men wear The relationship between self-acceptance, confidence, and intimacy Race, representation, and the importance of being fully seen Shame, trust, and the challenges of honest conversations about sexuality The intersection of medicine, human connection, and personal identity His debut novel, The Color of Blood, and its themes of love, addiction, identity, and redemption Can we truly experience intimacy without allowing ourselves to be vulnerable? And what happens when we finally stop hiding the parts of ourselves we're afraid to reveal? Learn more about Dr. Kevin Charles and The Color of Blood: https://www.thecolorofblood.com/kevin-charles Follow Dr. Kevin Charles on IG: @kcharles808 Subscribe to TAGSPODCAST and join us for candid conversations about gay sex, relationships, culture, and living authentically. Hot Topics: Ronan Farrow investigates Grindr and what information it gives away from it's users plus how to opt out. Hot Topic: Grindr is implementing 'Freddie' for information and access to PrEP Hot Topic: Sam Smith awkwardly explains the title of his album "Hazel Eyes"... Hot Topic: Troye Sivan almost joined OF to promote his album. What was he teasing? Hot Topic: Lucian Piane sadly dies...known for writing many of RuPaul's iconic songs Hot Topic: Andrew Scott wishes that there is still room for gay cinema and TV that features our past... Advice: How can a couple indulge in their first bathhouse expierience... Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How PrEP has transformed gay sex, sexual freedom, and our attitudes toward HIV prevention. How our own sexual identities, desires, and confidence have evolved. Changing perspectives on monogamy, open relationships, jealousy, and communication. What we've learned about love, intimacy, and what we really want from a partner. Body image, aging, sexual roles, and the freedom to reinvent ourselves at any age. The ways gay culture, dating apps, and our community have changed since 2017. Why personal growth sometimes means challenging beliefs we once held about sex and relationships. What the future might hold for gay sexuality and the conversations we still need to have. After 800 episodes, one thing is clear: Our sexuality isn't static, our relationships continue to evolve, and there's always more to discover about ourselves and each other. Thank you to everyone who has listened, supported, shared, and joined the conversation throughout the years. Here's to 800 episodes of talking about gay sex — and we're not finished yet! Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Jeremy on IG: @jrosslopez Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode: Meet RAYSHARD and discover his remarkable journey of radical reinvention. Walking away from stability to pursue a creative dream and live authentically. Being a Black gay independent artist and finding your voice in today's world. Queer love, marriage, and living unapologetically with husband Jay. The inspiration behind My Way, Vol. 1 and his Happy Pride… Stay Gay Tour. Kodi gives us the juicy details from the inaugural RU5H cruise! Sex-positive spaces, parties, freedom, and sexy adventures on the high seas. Steve V shares his latest The Naked Truth Substack story, revisiting his younger years discovering homoerotic magazines and the unexpected journey from looking at gay men to becoming the one being looked at. It's an episode about owning your sexuality, embracing change, and celebrating the freedom to be exactly who you are — whether that's on stage, in a relationship, or somewhere out at sea! Follow RAYSHARD: @HeyThereImRay RAYSHARD Website: https://www.rayshard.online/ Read Steve V's Substack: The Naked Truth Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Explore RU5H: RU5H.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode: Where Steve and Lincoln first felt at home after coming out Why gay spaces can become much more than places to drink or hook up Finding community, belonging and chosen family Sex and relationship dilemmas Communicating what you actually want Navigating expectations in dating, hookups and relationships Steve and Lincoln dispense some very unofficial gay advice And why sometimes there really is no single “right” answer Where did YOU first feel completely at home as a gay man—and whose relationship advice do you trust? Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Lincoln on IG: @madlincoln Follow Lincoln's Protein Bakery on IG: @proteinbakery Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why open doesn’t mean “anything goes” The difference between rules, agreements and boundaries Asking permission vs. simply giving your partner a heads-up Whether jealousy automatically means something is wrong Sexual intimacy vs. emotional intimacy When a repeat hookup starts becoming something more Whether “don’t catch feelings” is even a realistic rule What responsibility open couples have to the people they hook up with Steve and Teddy play Ransom’s “Would This Count?” relationship stress test And the big question: What actually makes non-monogamy ethical? It’s a conversation about sex, honesty, jealousy, communication and the gray areas that no relationship label can completely eliminate. Hot Topic: On Hispanic Heritage Month we salute national radio host Enrique Santos on the heels of standing up to hate after posting congratulations to his gay friends who got married... Hot Topic: Bob the Drag Queen gets scolded for not updating his Grindr photos... Hot Topic: On the last day of Prostate Cancer Awareness we're sharing the importance of getting checked plus Teddy reinforces getting a colonoscopy and encourages us to watch the documentary "Andre is an Idiot". Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Teddy on IG: @teddyalexis Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it actually mean to “de-gay” your home? Would you remove homoerotic artwork when family comes over? Is nude male art treated differently than female nudity? Where is the line between art, erotica and porn? Being considerate of guests vs. censoring yourself Kodi’s first impressions of Folsom Street Fair What surprised him most about leather and BDSM culture Kink as sexual expression, identity and community Why queer spaces still matter Have gay men become more concerned with being “respectable”? And how do you know when privacy becomes shame? From what hangs on our walls to what we wear in the streets, the bigger question is: after fighting so hard to live openly, are we still sometimes putting parts of ourselves away when company comes over? Hosted by Steve V with Kodi and Lincoln. Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Lincoln on IG: @madlincoln Follow Lincoln's Protein Bakery on IG: @proteinbakery Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We get into: How Brad’s background and personal journey shaped him as an artist The origins of Season’s Breedings and that unforgettable name Turning homoerotic imagery into playful queer pop art Where sexuality, humor and fantasy intersect in his work Celebrating the male body without apologizing for desire Creating art specifically through a queer gaze How Brad develops his characters, concepts and imagery The response to his work from the queer community Why provocative queer art and visibility still matter What’s next for Brad and Season’s Breedings It’s a fun, sexy and fascinating conversation about art, desire, creativity and what happens when queer sexuality gets to be front and center instead of hidden away. Hot Topic: We play 'Thirst Trap' with Brad and determine who took the hottest shot of the week! Hot Topic: Is Grindr becoming everything but a hookup app??? Why are women on the app? Hot Topic: A Lesbian bar in MA is getting backlash for instituting a 'no mask' policy one day a week? Are we back to 2020?? Hot Topic: Are younger gays drinking less and are gay bars in danger of closing?? Hot Topic: Trans radio dj quits on air due to the parent company monitoring him... Hot Topic: Tom Cruise goes shirtless at 64...is there an age limit for gay men to take off their shirt? We discuss.. Advice: 'Why do I keep attracting men who think of me as a provider?' Visit SeasonsBreedings.com Visit Season's Breedings on IG: @seasonsbreedings Visit Brad on IG: @bradley2121 Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Teddy on IG: @teddyalexis Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode: Why imperfect plans can sometimes create the most memorable experiences The fellow partygoer who declared, “We’re the real New Yorkers—we showed up” Leather, exposed ass cheeks and dancing through uncertain weather The surprisingly meaningful conversations Steve had with gay men throughout the boat Why even the busiest among us still need time for pleasure, release and community How smaller crowds can sometimes make queer nightlife feel more intimate Steve and Diego’s romantic moment in front of the Statue of Liberty Bonding with neighbors, strangers and the people who briefly enter our lives Why marriage doesn’t have to mean leaving nightlife or adventure behind DJ Chloé Caillet responding to a rainstorm with “It’s Raining Men” How the people we meet throughout our lives represent different chapters, locations and versions of ourselves The difference between waiting for life to happen and actively showing up for it Sometimes community isn’t something we simply find. It’s what happens when a group of people decides to arrive, dance through the rain and create the experience together. Hot Topic: Troye Sivan is back with new single and video "Party" - are we here for it? Hot Topic: GotMik says 'stale drag' should look to 'Kings' as 'the future'... Hot Topic: D. Smith of Love & Hip Hop is re-transitioning back to a male and has a message to the Trans community... Hot Topic: JD Vance gets everything wrong in speech about The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! Advice: Grindr is affecting self-esteem in large city... Follow Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles. 20% Off now through end of August! https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Follow TAGSPODCAST: YouTube: YouTube.com/TAGSPodcast Instagram: @iam_stevev TikTok: @tagspodcast Follow Kodi on IG: @mistahmaurice Subscribe to Steve V’s Substack, The Naked Truth, for personal stories and uncensored reflections on sex, desire, confidence, relationships and queer life. https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.