EP 34: Broadway Husbands on LGBTQ+ Family Life, Love and Parenting Their Son

Melissa Gisoni spent a lot of years trying to do and say the right thing. Then she hit 50 and decided to stop worrying about how others might see her. She joins John Corella for a conversation about finding her voice, showing up more boldly, and choosing joy on her own terms.   John and Melissa talk about the power of allyship, what it meant to her to attend West Hollywood Pride, and how her daughters, Maddie and Mackenzie, have grown up with a strong sense of inclusion and empathy. What does it look like to raise kids in the spotlight while still protecting their spirit? And how do you hold boundaries when the world keeps asking for more?   Melissa also opens up about her dream of becoming an actress and what draws her to roles that feel fun and lighthearted, maybe even a Hallmark movie someday. She shares what she learned from being a dance mom, how she supported her girls as they built careers of their own, and what she would do differently if she could go back, especially when it came to speaking up for Mackenzie.   In this episode, Melissa reflects on what she got right, what she let slide, and what she’d never do the same way again. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to support their kids without losing themselves, what it really means to protect someone in the public eye, and why using your voice, especially later in life, can feel both freeing and necessary.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Gisoni 03:10 Celebrating Pride and Community 06:00 Finding Your Voice After 50 08:59 Navigating Social Media and Self-Expression 11:48 The Journey of a Dance Mom 14:51 Reflections on Reality TV 18:07 The Competitive Nature of Dance 20:59 Recognizing Talent in Your Children 24:04 Lessons from Dance Moms 27:06 Navigating Dance Mom Dynamics 30:00 Handling Fame and Its Challenges 33:16 The Importance of Supportive Parenting 36:04 Spirituality and Personal Growth 39:15 Dreams and Aspirations Beyond Dance 42:17 Community and Mental Health   Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Boldness looks different when you’re a gay dad, a former Broadway dancer, and raising a toddler named Maverick in Florida.   To kick off Pride Month, John Corella is joined by Bret and Stephen, Broadway performers, husbands, and proud dads, who offer an honest look at parenting, partnership, and identity. They talk about raising their son Maverick with intention, finding joy in everyday moments, and the kind of quiet courage it takes to show up as a two-dad family in spaces built for straight families.   Where does boldness come from when the world keeps trying to put you in a box? What does it mean to raise a child who sees authenticity modeled at home? Through stories about sobriety, social media, and their dance competition backgrounds, Bret and Stephen reflect on what has shaped them and what they hope to pass on.   This episode questions the norms that still dominate parenting culture and the dance world, and it offers a reminder that being seen can be a radical act of love.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Pride Month Kickoff 08:57 Becoming Bold as Gay Parents 15:03 How Dance Competitions Shaped Identity 17:55 Coming Out and Family Reactions 21:03 Advice for LGBTQ+ Youth 23:50 Finding Joy in Parenting and Creativity 26:55 Coping with Online Negativity 36:57 Personal Stories of Addiction and Recovery 42:20 Relationship Advice for Gay Men 44:10 Authenticity vs. Conformity in Gay Culture 47:51 Navigating Monogamy and Open Relationships 53:47 Parenting Challenges and Emotional Growth 56:34 What Fatherhood Has Taught Us 01:00:07 Public Reactions to Gay Dads 01:04:46 Challenging Gender Norms in Parenting 01:16:30 Understanding Straight Privilege in Family Life 01:21:15 How Representation Shapes Queer Families 01:23:11 Celebrating Pride and Building Community   Links Connect with Bret and Stephen: www.instagram.com/broadwayhusbands https://substack.com/@broadwayhusbands   Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

This episode is a replay of a previous episode of Dance Dad with John Corella. Enjoy! Happy Pride!    “I loved how free I was,” reflects Ally Marc Jacobs, a transgender teen and emerging star in the worlds of voguing and drag. Inspired by the House of Juicy Couture’s performances and the House of Balmain  on the HBO series “Legendary”, Ally began vogue dancing and quickly became a sensation across social media. She is now a member of both the House of Juicy Couture and House of Marc Jacobs. Today on the Dance Dad podcast, Ally shares insights into the ball culture, her personal journey of coming out, and how both her mainstream and kiki house communities have become like a second family to her.   Ally’s biological family, including her mother Amy, who also joins the podcast, has supported her from the start. Amy discusses the pressures facing Ally as a prominent figure in the trans community, and the scrutiny she faces as a parent.    Ally addresses her experiences with bullies in various settings, from playgrounds to churches and even political arenas, and how she has found a supportive community. Host John Corella highlights the hypocrisy of parents who criticize Amy for 'forcing a lifestyle' on Ally, while they themselves push their children into unwanted activities.   Ally, confident in her identity from a young age, and perhaps even in past lives, is forging ahead fearlessly. Tune in to hear her discuss her love for Beyoncé, Monster High dolls, and her very own dance dad.   Episode Breakdown 00:00 Pride Month & Podcast Intro   01:04 Meet Allie Marc Jacobs   04:50 How Are You Feeling?   08:44 What Is a House in Ballroom Culture?   14:01 Allie’s Coming Out Story   16:06 A Parent’s Perspective   23:38 Handling Bullying & Finding Support   25:37 Voguing at Beyoncé’s Concert   29:14 Where Boldness Comes From   31:54 The Power of Self-Expression   42:05 Advice for Kids Afraid to Come Out   49:24 Allie’s Future Goals     Links Connect with Ally Marc Jacobs: www.instagram.com/allymarcjacobs   Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

This episode includes discussions of depression, suicide, and conversion therapy. Please take care while listening. The content is not intended as providing individual counseling on a professional basis. If a listener is in need of psychological counseling they should seek help from a licensed therapist. The show is intended as information and entertainment and not as a substitute for professionally provided counseling or therapy, professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re struggling, please seek help. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Depression isn’t a flaw to fix but a signal worth paying attention to, especially for performers who build their identity around applause.   John Corella welcomes Nathaniel Flatt, a licensed therapist, former professional dancer, and one-time boy band member, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on mental health in the arts. What happens when the dream gig doesn’t fulfill you? Or when rejection keeps showing up and starts to feel personal? Nathaniel shares how he went from dancing with Beyoncé at the Oscars to sitting on a therapist’s couch, questioning what came next and why it didn’t feel like enough.   They talk about the emotional weight performers carry, the difference between sadness and depression, and what it really means to celebrate depression instead of fearing it. Nathaniel explains how therapy became a creative and collaborative practice for him, and why our culture’s obsession with winning often leaves people feeling more lost than ever.   This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like their worth depends on a callback, a competition result, or someone else’s approval.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Nathaniel Flatt: Therapist, Dancer, Boy Band Member 06:12 From Performing to Therapy: A Career Shift 14:04 Celebrating Depression and Redefining Sadness 25:04 Rejection, Perfectionism, and Identity 42:07 Finding Self-Worth Beyond Performance 44:43 Creativity, Play, and Pressure in Hollywood 50:24 How to Work Through Depression   Links Connect with Nathaniel Flatt: https://www.instagram.com/natflatt https://nathanielflatt.com/   Connect with John Corella: Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Overstretching, underrepresentation, and pressure from every direction… What's really happening behind the scenes in competitive dance?   John Corella sits down with Sharmila Mitra, a longtime friend and respected voice in the dance world. She’s a competitive dance teacher, studio owner, and a Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor who’s helped dancers heal, grow, and stay in the game for the long run. She’s also the author of “The Power of Intention for Dancers,” and her story is one many in the industry will recognize: pushed hard, stretched beyond her limits, and told her work was “too ethnic” to compete.   John and Sharmila dig into some hard truths: Is a dancer’s flexibility more important than their physical safety? How do we stop celebrating movement that could be damaging our joints for life? Sharmila shares how overstretching as a young dancer led to long-term injuries and why she’s passionate about giving today’s dancers a better way forward.   The two also talk about how Pilates, intention-setting, and proper cross-training can shift the entire experience of competitive dance. Can winning mean more than just a trophy? What if dancers were encouraged to check in with their bodies, not ignore what hurts?   This episode is a must-listen for teachers, parents, and dancers alike, especially anyone who’s ever questioned the way things have always been done. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective, a few strong opinions, and maybe a little more compassion for the kid struggling through warm-up.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Sharmila Mitra  04:33 Body Positivity and Representation in Dance 06:29 Challenging Norms: Bollywood, Identity, and Belonging 16:06 The Long-Term Impact of Overstretching in Competitive Dance 23:08 Protecting Dancers’ Bodies During Competition Season 27:16 How to Train Without Overstretching 33:33 Setting Intentions in Dance and Competition 40:25 Teaching Dancers to Advocate for Their Bodies 47:04 Integrating Spirituality with Dance Practice 52:15 Healthy Boundaries with Dance Parents 56:00 Knowing Your Worth as a Dance Teacher 01:00:00 When Students Leave: Loss, Growth, and Forgiveness   Links Connect with Sharmila Mitra: Website: https://coreartscenter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreartspilates   Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dance competitions may not come with gold medals, but for many kids and their parents, the pressure feels just as real.   In this episode, John Corella opens up about the intensity of competition season and what it actually takes to support young dancers in a high-stakes environment. What does a proper warm up really involve? When is it better for a parent to step back instead of step in? And how do you help your kid build confidence without trying to control the outcome?   John shares tips for dance moms and dads who want to be a steady presence during those long, emotional weekends. From arriving early to managing nerves in the car ride, to letting go of last-minute fixes and creating space for your dancer to get into the zone, this episode is full of real talk and grounded guidance.   Whether you’re new to competitions or just need a reset, this episode is a reminder that the energy you bring matters just as much as the routine on stage.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:52 Common Questions from Dance Moms 05:25 What Dance Competitions Are Really Like 08:15 How to Create a Calm Environment on Competition Day 09:00 Warm-Up Tips and Timing 17:28 When to Stop Rehearsing and Start Trusting 22:12 Helping Kids Manage Nerves and Stay Focused 31:41 Why Reflection Matters After Competition   Links Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Website: johncorella.net Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Can you be a gay actor, a man of faith, and a bold truth-teller in an industry that often expects you to pick one?   This week, John Corella sits down with actor and LGBTQ+ activist Danny Franzese, best known as Damian in Mean Girls. Danny shares what it was like to play an openly gay character while still closeted in real life, and how that disconnect shaped his early career. The conversation pulls back the curtain on what many actors face behind the scenes, especially when their identity challenges what the industry expects or understands.   Danny also introduces a less-talked-about influence in his journey: the Alexander Technique. For him, it wasn’t just a posture tool. It became a way to find alignment, physically and emotionally. How do you carry yourself when no one’s watching? Can you feel present in your own skin, even in chaos? Danny makes a case for the connection between movement, intention, and inner peace.   John and Danny also discuss the ongoing debate around representation in the media. Should gay roles be reserved for gay actors? What does authentic storytelling really require, and who gets to tell which stories?   This episode is part personal story, part thoughtful critique, and part reminder that the body, the voice, and the truth all deserve space. Danny brings depth, humor, and honesty to a conversation that speaks to anyone who’s ever wondered whether they’re “too much” to be fully seen.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction  04:44 Alexander Technique 10:53 Stage Performance and Authenticity 14:48 Acting and Being in the Moment 19:29 Past Danny and Future Danny 23:19 Coming Out and Mean Girls Experience 26:40 LGBTQ+ Representation in Media 29:15 Career Challenges Post-Mean Girls 32:14 Becoming an Advocate 34:07 LGBTQ+ Films and Representation 38:55 Wokeness and Diversity 41:14 Realistic Representation in Media   Links Connect with Danny Franzese: www.instagram.com/whatsupdanny www.yassjesuspod.com/   patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella @dancedadpodcast.bsky.social Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Instagram is failing kids. What happens when someone decides to walk away?   John Corella sits down with Lennon Torres to talk about her decision to quit Instagram and why she’s pushing for stronger online protections. From cyberbullying to sextortion, social media isn’t just a distraction. It’s a real danger, especially for young queer individuals. Lennon shares the work she’s doing with the HEAT Initiative to hold tech giants accountable and explains how platforms like Instagram and Apple could make simple changes to protect children, but choose not to.   This episode explores an idea that’s central to Lennon’s activism: Joy in Resistance. How do you stay hopeful when fighting an uphill battle? Why is choosing joy a powerful act of defiance? John and Lennon’s conversation challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with social media and consider what real connection looks like in a world that profits from keeping us hooked.   Quotes “Part of our liberation and part of our fight is finding joy. And so much of these people that want to silence and quiet us don’t get to take away our joy. And so the act of joy is a resistance. And so by being happy, by spreading that joy, and by reminding each other that we have each other to lean on, is in itself an act of resistance.” (10:42 | Lennon Torres) “If you had a 13-year-old son, would you give them a phone or give them an adult friend that you’ve never met before and put them in a room in your backyard and didn’t check on them for 12 hours? Because that’s what you’re doing when you hand your kid a device.” (29:09 | Lennon Torres) “We have been taught by these platforms, brainwashed by these platforms, to think that in order to have all of the good, we have to have the bad. And we don’t have to have the bad.” (40:48 | Lennon Torres) “We are at the beginning of that fight for child safety on big tech. These companies aren’t going to do the right thing on their own, and we’ve seen it historically. Climate, the reason all of these big shareholder groups and these big companies are doing good for the environment now is not because they woke up one day and loved the trees. It’s because they woke up one day and realized if they don’t do good for the environment, their business will suffer. And we are at the beginning of that fight for children’s safety on big tech.” (50:20 | Lennon Torres) “Connecting on social media is like having a meeting on enemy territory.” (01:02:29 | Lennon Torres)   Links www.protectchildrennotabuse.org https://mashable.com/article/quitting-instagram-meta-you-should-too Connect with Lennon Torres: linkedin.com/in/lennon-torres-325b791b4   Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Join Patreon for Free! BTS content and monthly zoom meetings: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella/   Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Masculinity built on dominance leaves men stuck in a cycle of insecurity and disconnection. John sat down with Brian Recker to unpack the false masculinity that keeps men trapped and explore how breaking free from patriarchy leads to something real.   Brian, a former evangelical pastor turned social media voice, shared his journey of challenging the outdated expectations placed on men. They talked about why traditional masculinity so often revolves around dominance and how that pressure keeps men from forming real connections. Patriarchy doesn’t just harm women and marginalized communities. It also forces men into rigid roles that suppress emotion, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.   Brian opened up about what it took for him to step away from those limiting beliefs and embrace a healthier, more authentic version of manhood. He offers a powerful perspective on strength, one built on empathy, mutual respect, and the freedom to be fully human. This episode is a call to rethink what masculinity really means and create space for something better.   Quotes “For a lot of people, I think masculinity is defined by dominance. And so even the idea of equality is threatening to masculinity, because equality obviously is not dominance, right? So to have equality for men who find their masculinity in being dominant, to be equals is a threat to their masculinity, because they need to feel that aggressive dominance in order to feel like real men.” (05:46 | Brian Recker) “Whenever you have an oppressive system, not only the victims of that oppression, but even the oppressors themselves are not free. In patriarchy, men cannot be their full selves.” (16:42 | Brian Recker) “Queer people, especially, have given me permission to be my full self, even though I am straight. I think queer people learn earlier in life than many that, Hey, you know what, I’m going to have to be me or I'm going to die. If I don’t ultimately embrace who I really am, I can’t keep conforming to this mold because it doesn’t fit me.” (17:55 | Brian Recker)  “Jesus was hated by the religious establishment because of who he included, not who he excluded, not who he dominated, not who he sought to be superior over, but for who he brought in and gathered to himself.” (29:07 | Brian Recker)  “Being loved for being at the top of a hierarchy is not the same as being loved for being who you are.” (46:37 | Brian Recker)   Links Connect with Brian Recker: www.instagram.com/berecker www.brianrecker.com   Dance Dad with John Corella Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Fifteen years in Wicked—that’s a lot of shows, a lot of cities, and a lot of memories. Broadway performer Justin Wirick shares how he’s kept the magic alive night after night, from tumbling across the stage to finding joy even in the hardest moments.   In this episode, Justin sits down with John Corella to talk about the highs and lows of a life in theater. He opens up about the pressure that comes with longevity, the way gymnastics shaped his movement, and how Wicked continues to inspire audiences after two decades. They also get into the Wicked movie, breaking down what worked, what felt different, and why choreography plays such a huge role in the show’s impact.   How does a performer stay motivated after more than a decade in the same production? What does it take to keep showing up, even when life throws its hardest challenges? Justin’s perspective is raw, thoughtful, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from experience.   Quotes “My mom was always positive. She’s like, you got to think positively. Always very positive, always looking forward to the next thing. Maybe that’s where a lot of my anxiousness comes from, too. She was always planning, always looking forward to the next thing. And I always love having something to look forward to. And this lifestyle of touring is just that.” (36:50 | Justin Wirick) “I just know that—like me being back on stage and back in the show—is what my mom would have wanted. And maybe that’s where I feel like I can connect with her the most, even though she’s gone.” (40:10 | Justin Wirick) “I feel like I had such a gift, and all that time we got to spend together. But the show, just being around, we’re such a close-knit family. And I think, I don't know if without them I would be as okay as I am now. So that helps a lot. The show helps a lot. The family helps a lot. Being around people helps a lot.” (40:39 | Justin Wirick)  “I think we’ve always felt different or ostracized or always felt like we're keeping a secret and having to hold everything in. Just as Elphaba was with her powers and her magic, she was always told to suppress that and don’t show that and control that. And then she goes to Shiz University where that skill is celebrated and welcomed. And doesn’t that sound like the story of so many LGBTQIA+ friends that we know and have?” (41:52 | Justin Wirick)   Links Connect with Justin Wirick: www.instagram.com/justinwirick88   Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/ John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm