294: Unleashing the Monsters In Our Closets – Mark Julien

To be queer is an affirming move. Yet, it takes a lot of coming to terms with our queer selves and knowing how to hold ourselves in our highest self-esteem. Whether it is about being sex positive, owning your non-monogamy, or simply affirming your way of being the LGBTQ+ space as a Christ believer, you get to determine how to be and do you as a queer person. Ann Russo joins us today to talk all aspects of queer affirming therapy, and how to be your queer self as a gay man over 40. Her professional insights as a mental health professional who specializes in sex positivity, queer issues, religious trauma are worth a listen guys. And it doesn't hurt that she was rasied by two gay men! In this provocative episode we: Explore sex positivity and how to own it your way Define what queer affirming therapy is and how to use it for personal growth Dip our toes into the ever controversial monogamy, non-monogamy aspect of being queer About Ann Ann Russo is a mental health professional, author, and advocate specializing in sex positivity, queer issues, and religious trauma. She offers training programs, consulting services, and publications to support mental health providers and improve client care. Ann’s Continuing Education (CE) Courses are in the final phase of approval by ASWB/ACE for social workers, MFTs, and APCCs. They cover topics such as ethical non-monogamy, sexual health, sexual assault, sex work, lesbian couples, PTSD healing, kink, and BDSM. She combines personal experience with professional expertise to provide accessible mental health care through her business AMR. She has done speaking engagements and has been hired to train and educate various groups on these topics, including hospitals, clergy, and other therapists. Connect With Ann Website Instragram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

It's November 1st. 5 Days before the most consequential election in U.S. history in my lifetime. To be honest, I'm nervous and concerned, but I am also a believer in that whatever happens our LGBTQ+ community will rise to the occasion. It's time to walk in the footprints of all those beautiful ancestral colors of the rainbow who have marched before us and ensure, that whatever comes in the days ahead that we meet the moment as out, proud, gay men and never let them see us back down. Join Our Live 40 Plus Gay Men, Gay Talk Chats The third Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. Pacific, we gather together on a zoom chat to talk about the stuff us gay gays aren't talking about but should - careers, finances, sex, love, health, coming out - all that stuff that we think we're talking about but aren't. It's fun, it builds community, and you never know when you just might make a great connection or a friend. Click Here To Join The Calls!  

Ah. The pursuit of love. We all want it, whether it is for a lifetime or point in time. Yet, as gay men we often lose our minds and ourselves in the pursuit of love with another man and then we wonder WTF! We're did I go wrong, why is this happening to me, blah, blah, blah. Here's your wake up call guys. Todd Baratz, author of, "How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind," get raw, real, and lays it on the line how to get the love you want and keep your sanity. In this episode you'll: Learn the one area of relationships were are never taught how to do Uncover why finding love isn't a "rescue mission" Discover how to take the "D-word (desperate)" out of your bag of tricks for finding love About Todd Todd Baratz is a renowned psychotherapist and sex therapist whose innovative approach to mental health and relationships has established him as a leading figure in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Baratz is a prolific writer and speaker. His insights are regularly featured in various media outlets, where he discusses topics ranging from romantic relationships to individual mental wellness. His new book is new book, "How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind," is available on all outlets where books are sold. He lives in New York City and Los Angeles. Connect With Todd Website Instragram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

It's a charged world these days. From politics to religion. Even in our own gay world. It seems that from the apps to even in person meetings, we throw shade at each other without exercising empathy and understanding. Yet what happens when you to take a second look? When we slow down and exercise empathy and understanding, rather than staying in your apathetic ways of being in your beliefs and only your beliefs? That's what we're exploring today with the host of Second Sunday podcast, Darren Calhoun. He's an open-minded explorer teaching how we can all be more open and understanding to one another from the pulpit to the ballot box. In this provocative episode: We explore apathy and empathy and how to become more of the latter Learn how to utilize the pause in all situations Uncover the means for seeing each other as gay men for who we truly are About Darren Darren Calhoun (he/him) is a justice advocate, worship leader, and artist based out of Chicago. He works to bridge connections between people of differing perspectives through story and relationship. Darren brings with him an intentional focus on communities being inclusive as an authentic reflection of God’s love and justice. Lastly, Darren is a neurodivergent extrovert who loves hugs. Connect With Darren Website Instragram Facebook Second Sunday Podcast Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

It's National Coming Out Day. A day we celebrate coming out and being our authentic self. Today is also a day that I am calling all gay men, LGBTQ+ individuals, and allies to come out and vote as if your rights depend on it - because they do. I'm passionate about supporting people coming out and passionate about getting out to vote and here's my take on making both happen. Join Our Live 40 Plus Gay Men, Gay Talk Chats The third Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. Pacific, we gather together on a zoom chat to talk about the stuff us gay gays aren't talking about but should - careers, finances, sex, love, health, coming out - all that stuff that we think we're talking about but aren't. It's fun, it builds community, and you never know when you just might make a great connection or a friend. Click Here To Join The Calls!  

Fact: We're all sexual beings. Fact: That doesn't mean we all approach sex and our sexual fantasies the same way. Fact: Just because you are a gay or bisexual man, doesn't mean how you do sex and own your sexuality has to fit into a societal expectation box. Instead, heed the calling from KK Homme - produced by founder Emma Sayle - and release yourself into an inclusive space and that challenges outdated stereotypes. Get comfortable in an environment where issues related to sex, relationships, equitable pleasure are expected and respected to uplift gay and bisexual men. Welcome to the party of all that can be, whatever you desire it to be for you. You could even win tickets to the flagship event - October 19 - London, UK. This provocative episode: Addresses sexual desires without shame Teaches you how to mix friendship with sexual pleasure with confidence Invites you to explore your truth as a sexual being - however that looks for you About Emma Emma is one of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs’. She made her name launching the global female empowerment brand Killing Kittens in 2005, now incorporated into the KK Group www.wearekk.com with over 200,000 members having launched events across the US, Australia and Europe and has grown online into an online community network with sexual empowerment at its core. April 2023 saw the group launch the world's first sex positive social dating app WeareX now WAX app with KK Homme, events and community for gay, bisexual , NB and trans masc men launched in June 2024 The press have pronounced her a leader at the cutting edge of the new dawn of sexual liberation. Recently in Business Leaders top 30 inspirational UK entrepreneurs and recognised by other awards and media setups including Top 10 women entrepreneurs Game Changer Magazine 2019 and 2020 Inside Out leaders board role model, KK won the growth business of the year 2021 in the Business champion awards and Emma was a finalist in both the Lloyds Business awards 2022 and GBEA London 2022 both as Entrepreneur of the year and now up for Business Woman of the year 2024 at the prestigious national Natwest EVA awards Connect With Emma & KK Home Events Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

For most men, especially many gay men, the size of their penis is directly related to their confidence. Whether it be the length or girth, many gay men allow there manhood to rule their world. No judgment, just speaking the truth. If you are a guy who struggles to love your penis, in a healthy way, Dr. Joel Pash shares how girth enhancement, might be an avenue for you to explore to bring you more confidence in your manhood. In this educational episode, we explore: How to embrace your penis size and love what you have A procedure you can have - safely - to enhance the girth of your penis The benefits of having more girth if that is what you desire About Dr. Joel Pash DR. JOEL PASH is the co-founder of The Upsize Clinic and the medical director of its San Francisco location. He completed medical school at Midwestern University in 2006. He then went on to complete a residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Calgary. Since finishing his residency in 2011, he has performed thousands of complex injectable procedures including nerve blocks, epidural and spinal injections, intravenous and arterial catheters and penile injections. He has published academic papers on subjects such as operating room management and pain management. He is on staff at several hospitals in Northern California as well as the two Upsize Clinic locations. Connect With Dr. Joel Website Instragram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

Gay men. They are all about sex, raunchy sex, and lust. Wait, hold that thought. Not always true. Yet, many gay men find connection in sex, raunchy sex, and lust - and that's ok, if that is there way to show up in the world. Everyone has a right to be themselves in the world provided it is not hurting someone else. Even if that means frequenting bathhouses and sex clubs to create those connections and to find your people. Debut author, Jin De Luong, shares his new book Naked Love Berlin - a frank, frisky, and proud, this provocative debut celebrates sexual freedom as it surveys the lives of four gay and bisexual men in Berlin amidst break-ups, deaths in the family, and pregnancy scares. Showcasing the importance of sexual freedom and connection, this provocative episode: Showcases how you create connections without sex, sex, sex - or with it if you choose Teaches you how to embraces the freedom of being a sexual being The love of what you desired to become as a child can turn into your passion if you let it About Jin DeLuong Jin DeLuong has moved over fifty seven time zones, and has more than a decade love affair with Germany. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmacy from a Canadian university, and he received a dual master’s degree from Hamburg University and Fudan University. He speaks three languages well, two additional languages with enough wine, and can order more wine in another. Naked Love Berlin is his first book and tribute to his love of a city that didn’t always love him back, but Berlin did always offer him a beer and a blowjob, even when it wasn’t Jin’s birthday. Connect With Jin Website Instagram Buy Book On Amazon Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

As gay men, there are monsters in our closets that are frightening and the comical. For most of us the monster of coming out is one that terrifies and terrified us the most. Capturing the essence of that journey, in comic book form, Author Mark Julien joins us to share about his desires to use his creativity to help us discover the nurturing power of love, and the belief in one's self, can act as a catalyst for healing and self-acceptance in his new graphic novel - Becoming Abel. Showcasing the importance of self-acceptance, this episode covers: Ways to activate self-care and self-love Candidly discusses the power of mental health therapy How the love of what you do can be the catalyst for being a beacon of light in the world About Mark Mark Julien is a Canadian writer and illustrator of the LGBTQ graphic novel Justin Case and the Closet Monster: Hope (2018). Named as one of the best LGBTQ graphic novels of that year by The Advocate magazine, Mark’s debut book dealt with the trial and tribulations of living in the closet. He has followed up with Becoming Abel (2024), a graphic novel set in the same fictional universe. A 1999 graduate of the renowned Illustration program of the Ontario College of Art & Design (now OCAD University), Mark was a longtime contributing artist to Genre magazine, as well as to Men’s Exercise and Exercise for Men Only magazines, and an illustrator of greeting cards for Village Lighthouse and children’s books for Curriculum Plus. Mark earned his B.Ed. from Queen’s University in 2008 and is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT), having taught visual arts and drama at the secondary school level. Mark married his husband Stacy in Kingston, Ontario in August 2009. Connect With Mark Website - Discount code for any purchase 40 Plus Instragram Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

Erotic. Pleasure. Being authentically yourself as a sexual being. Some would have us shamed into oblivion for thinking that we deserve to be, being of pleasure. Not today. Joining me is today, erotic and pleasure expert - Ayce Kyptyn. Bringing his full trans masculine gay self to the conversation, Ayce shares his journey to his truth and how it brought him the pleasure of becoming an erotic expert to help individuals enjoy the pleasure of human pleasure. In this episode... Learn why erotic pleasure is so important to our essence as gay men Discover how to lose the shame about sexual pleasure Enjoy Ayce's forthright insights as a gay, transman on sexuality, gender, and erotic pleasure About Ayce Ayce has been in the coaching industry for 14 years! He is certified in the Erotic Blueprints, Bondassage, and is a student of Sexological Bodywork. Their passion has been centered around somatic embodiment and living an erotically liberated lifestyle as a gay, trans masculine individual. Connect With Ayce Website Instagram Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies