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Society & Culture

Gay Men Going Deeper

Michael DiIorio & Matt Landsiedel | Gay Men’s Brotherhood

Gay Men Going Deeper is a podcast about gay relationships, identity, sexuality, and personal growth for gay men navigating modern life.

Hosted by Matt Landsiedel and Michael DiIorio, the show dives into topics like dating, shame, masculinity, confidence, emotional intimacy, and the pressures of modern gay culture.

Expect raw conversations, psychological insight, and the kind of honest discussions that challenge assumptions and invite deeper reflection about what it means to live authentically as a gay man.

  • 293 episodes
  • Updated July 23
  • Explicit

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Episodes293

  • Dec 15, 2022 · 48 min

    Lonely vs Being Alone

    Being alone does not necessarily mean that you’re feeling lonely. Some people quite enjoy the experience of solitude and prefer it over being in large groups. But over time, does that disconnection lead to chronic loneliness? In this episode, we’re exploring the difference between being alone and the feeling of loneliness. We’ll cover topics such as: What’s the difference between loneliness and being alone? What roles does introversion or extroversion play in feeling lonely? How do

  • Dec 8, 2022 · 1 hr 4 min

    Bathhouses and Cruising

    Long before the days of Grindr and the internet, the gay scene was largely underground. Gay and bi men had to find creative ways to connect in discreet, yet relatively safe spaces.   For many, the locals baths - or bathhouses- were a sanctuary where you could be yourself and meet other guys who were interested in both sexual and friendly connection. Meanwhile, cruising spots were known public spaces where men met for casual encounters.  Yet for decades, the baths were routinely raided a

  • Dec 1, 2022 · 1 hr 16 min

    Dealing with Loneliness

    Loneliness is extremely common among gay men of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, some mental health professionals refer to loneliness as an epidemic for our times. In this episode, we are sharing our own struggles with loneliness and how we have dealt with it. The questions we’re answering today are: How has loneliness impacted your life? What relational fears do you have when it comes to connection? How do you deal with these fears? What have you done to deal with loneliness in your life? B

  • Nov 24, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min

    Leadership in the Gay Community

    In this episode, Matt Landsiedel interviews Peter DeWitt from Gaywellness.com and they explore the topic of leadership in the gay community. Both Matt and Peter have been in leadership positions within the gay community over the last several years and they wanted to share what their experience has been like and how we can all be a leader in our own right. Come join us to learn what makes a great leader and how you can step into your power through leadership.  These are the questions that were ex

  • Nov 17, 2022 · 1 hr 3 min

    Having Difficult Conversations

    A difficult conversation is often the one thing standing in the way between you and greater connection. Many of us have a hard time with these conversations because we don't have the tools to navigate all of the emotions that arise when we feel vulnerable. In this episode, we're discussing how to have these prickly conversations   Join us as we discuss how to navigate a conversation when you need to talk about topics charged with negative emotions. Today's episode is sponsored by The Silva Ultra

  • Nov 10, 2022 · 54 min

    Intersectionality & Mental Health

    In this episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the questions around intersectionality with guest Owin Pierson and the work he does as a mental health and Asian American Pacific Islander advocate. Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must consider everything and anything that can marginalise people ranging from gender, race, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, etc. Today's episode is sponsored

  • Nov 3, 2022 · 55 min

    Crying

    Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain. There are 3 different types of tears that we cry: Basal: The tear ducts constantly secrete basal tears, which are a protein-rich antibacterial liquid that help to keep the eyes moist every time a person blinks. Reflex: These are tears triggered by irritants such as wind, smoke, or onions. They are released to flush out

  • Oct 27, 2022 · 50 min

    Masturbation

    Masturbation is a perfectly natural and healthy sexual activity that has many physical and mental benefits.  However, some question whether it is a harmful habit that leads to negative consequences in their personal life and relationships.  In this provocative and educational episode, Michael and Sex Coach, Craig Cassey answer your burning questions about masturbation, including topics such as: The benefits of masturbation When is it too much? Masturbation while in a relationship

  • Oct 20, 2022 · 50 min

    Lack of Trust in the Gay Community

    Trust takes a long time to build and only seconds to break. In this episode, we’re talking about how our trust issues impact our ability to connect with others. Specifically, we’ll be exploring questions such as: What do you think has led to trust issues in the gay community?How have trust issues impacted your relationships?How can we begin to heal trust issues amongst gay men? Join us to learn some practical tips on relating more authentically with others, especially if you’ve had a hard

  • Oct 13, 2022 · 1 hr 6 min

    The Psychological Impact of Conversion Therapy

    In this episode Matt Landsiedel interviews Dr. Lucas Wilson about the psychological impact of conversion therapy. They explore how shame and internalized homophobia are typically precursors to making someone susceptible to agreeing to do conversion therapy. Dr. Wilson shares his own personal experience with conversion therapy and how this experience has impacted his life. Both Matt and Dr. Wilson share how they have approached their own healing journey through shame and internalized homophobia a

  • Oct 6, 2022 · 49 min

    Trusting Yourself

    We often talk about trust in the context of trusting others, but in this episode, we’re focusing on how to build an internal sense of trust. We’re exploring questions such as: How do you know if you trust yourself? What gets in the way of trusting yourself?What is one thing you can do to build greater self-trust? Join us for this informative conversation that will help you develop your relationship to self, and ultimately your relationship with others.  Take the Attachment Style Quiz

  • Sep 29, 2022 · 53 min

    Making Space for Being Uncomfortable

    In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon and guest Drummond Fulcher dive into the uncomfortable for a conversation that revolves around cancel culture, the "either you’re with me or against me (or us)" mentality, giving space for the in-between where conversation happens, how bridges are where understanding is born, and where we need to go in order to work through the uncomfortable feelings in order to learn and grow. Together they unpack questions like: Why do people avoid being uncomfortab

  • Sep 22, 2022 · 54 min

    Your Questions Answered

    You asked and we answered! In this episode, we're answering some of the juiciest questions from our community such as… How to let go of the past?Why can’t gay men find love?How to get unstuck and move forward? Join us as we cover topics such as shame, gay dating, self-confidence, and trust in this Q & A style discussion. Take the Attachment Style Quiz! Watch this ep on YouTube - Connect with us - Join the private Facebook community Take our "Building Better Relationships"

  • Sep 8, 2022 · 48 min

    Our Community

    From the outside looking in, the queer community is seen as an inclusive space that celebrates diversity. Yet for many people, it feels quite exclusive and lonely.  In this episode, we are sharing our vision for the gay community and the different ways we are implementing this vision.  We’re talking about... What exactly is our vision?What are the different parts of our community?Why is building this community important to each of us?How we’ve changed from the beginning to today?What is

  • Sep 1, 2022 · 55 min

    The Dark Night of the Soul

    Dark periods are an inevitable part of life that can happen at any moment and in any number of ways: The death of a loved one A terminal diagnosis Job loss Relationship breakdown But what is the spiritual and psychological significance of this pain? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, Michael is joined by LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapist Justin Oberste to discuss the concept of the Dark Night of the Soul, including: The 4 phases of a dark night of the soul Shar

  • Aug 25, 2022 · 43 min

    Mindset

    Your mind is a powerful tool that you can use to create a life that you love. Your mindset is your overall outlook on life and it will determine whether you remain stuck spinning your wheels or moving towards your goals and dreams.  In this episode, we’re looking specifically at the difference between the Fixed and Growth Mindsets. We will be discussing questions such as….  What type of mindset were you raised with (growth of fixed)? And what mindset do you have today?How do you cultivate

  • Aug 18, 2022 · 1 hr 17 min

    Pretty Privilege

    In this episode, Matt Landsiedel and Andre-Lee Wills unpack the hot topic of pretty privilege. Pretty privilege works on the principle that people who are deemed more attractive—based on accepted societal beauty standards—have an upper hand in the world and are afforded many opportunities that less “attractive” people don't have. Yet, it's not often that people are willing to admit it—or even talk about it—especially if they’re on the receiving end of its benefits. Here is what Matt and A

  • Aug 11, 2022 · 1 hr 5 min

    Open and Closed Relationships (Vol. 2)

    As more people are choosing to explore non-monogamous relationships, the discussion about open and closed relationships can be divisive and unhelpful.  In today's episode, we are having an open conversation about open and closed relationships that will enrich your understanding of the many different types of relationships out there and help you figure out what's right for you. We will cover questions such as: What is the ideal relationship structure for you?How do you handle jealousy in yo

  • Aug 4, 2022 · 35 min

    Community Inclusion

    Recognizing and understanding privilege can be a hard pill to swallow for some. It means admitting you’re not perfect and possibly “looking bad,” which we were all taught growing up not to do. In today’s episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks some of the hard questions around community inclusion with guest Raymond Jordan Johnson-Brown and the work they do as an indigenous wellness leader. Raymond, who uses they/them pronouns, is passionate about creating connections for marginalized groups and h