Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast

Everything & Anything…and a Bit Gay David Archuleta: Devout, Coming Out, and Owning Your Sexual Health Zach sits down with David Archuleta — the beloved American Idol runner-up, recording artist, and now New York Times bestselling author — for a conversation that is equal parts honest, hopeful, and necessary. David opens up about his debut memoir Devout, the immediate bestseller that explores what it means to grow up queer inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, why he left the church, and what he hopes readers — especially those still inside religious communities — take away from his story. They also get into David's work with Gilead as an HIV prevention advocate, why he's talking openly about PrEP, and what he'd say directly to a young Latino man who's never had that conversation with a doctor. In this episode: What it felt like the moment Devout hit the New York Times bestseller list How coming out changed the way David makes music — and the creative relief that followed Growing up in a Latino household where sex was never discussed, and why he's changing that His partnership with Gilead and the healthysexuals.com resource for LGBTQ+ sexual health Why HIV infection rates in the Latino community rising 12% makes this conversation urgent The Shawn Mendes collaboration we are now officially manifesting What keeps David grounded when faith, identity, art, and advocacy all pull at once Links & Resources: Devout by David Archuleta — available wherever books are sold https://a.co/d/0djdKJYr David's music: davidarchuleta.com Sexual health resources: healthysexuals.com (Gilead) Follow David: https://www.instagram.com/davidarchie/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Title: Kevin James Thornton on Big Baby, Coming Out Late Big Baby is the result — a full memoir divided into three parts The book includes: a pregnancy scandal from his teenage years, an abusive relationship in LA, and living in his car — all told with humor alongside the pain Kevin recorded the audiobook himself and got choked up multiple times in the recording booth — he describes it as unexpectedly healing He recently went through a gay divorce after 10+ yea

Episode Summary It's Pride Month, and Zach is getting into all of it — the joy, the history, the politics, and the very real threats facing the LGBTQ+ community in 2026. This isn't just a celebration episode; it's a call to remember why Pride exists in the first place. In This Episode The magic of NYC Pride and what makes it unlike anything else Why Pride started — the Stonewall riots, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and the raw resistance that launched a movement Why Pride still matters: 650+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2026, trans people targeted despite being less than 1% of the population, and rising visibility bans The corporate retreat from DEI and Pride sponsorships — and what it means for community funding Counter-pride events: straight pride nights, "traditional family" campaigns, and what's happening in Tennessee Why the answer to "why do you still need a Pride month?" is: visibility, community, and protection Where Pride goes from here — and why returning to its grassroots roots might be exactly what's needed Zach's best (and most memorable) NYC Pride stories Resources & References Mentioned Listen Up Girl podcast — daily LGBTQ+ news in 10 minutes or less Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera — Stonewall-era activists and trans rights pioneers Stonewall Riots, 1969 Share This Episode If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder of why Pride matters. And please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform — it helps more people find the show. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Title: From Small-Town Connecticut to 200K Followers — Spencer Thomas Gets Bit Gay Episode Summary: Spencer Thomas is a 23-year-old NYC-based TikTok creator, writer, and author of Goodbye to Boyhood — a self-published collection of short stories about queer identity, solitude, and growing up. He's amassed over 200K followers on TikTok by doing exactly what he set out to do: more gay shit. In this episode, Zach and Spencer go deep on coming out in a conservative Connecticut town, the community and chaos of gay bar culture in New York and Boston, queer spaces being colonized by straight crowds, his solo trip to Peru, and what it really means to find your people. Episode Notes: Spencer grew up in Redding, Connecticut — a small town with little more than trees and a church — where boredom led him to writing and creativity. He came out at 16 after years of suspecting something was "different," including a pivotal moment watching The Goonies at age five. A memorable summer camp kiss with a girl was the final confirmation: not the path for him. He came out as bisexual first (a common gateway, as he notes with love), then didn't look back. After dreaming of New York City through childhood visits to his grandmother on the Upper West Side, Spencer enrolled at NYU, double-majored in journalism and English, minored in creative writing, and wrote his first book while still in school. Goodbye to Boyhood — 10 chronological short stories spanning birthday parties, father relationships, first hookups, and grief — was self-published on his own terms at 21. He paid for the editor and cover designer himself, kept the rights, and used his platform to get it into readers' hands. Signed copies with handwritten letters are available via his TikTok Shop. Zach and Spencer swap gay bar origin stories — Boiler Room in its decrepit, beloved old form, Playhouse before the TSA scanners, Flaming Saddles pre-bachelor-party invasion — and have a frank conversation about the state of Boston's queer nightlife. Spencer visited Club Cafe and found it overrun with bachelorette parties and straight couples, which turned into a viral video and a Queerness article that his grandfather called him about from Miami. Zach recommends Trophy Room, Danny's Queer Bar, Blend in Dorchester, and D-Bar as better options — and promises Spencer a proper Boston gay bar tour on his next visit. The conversation turns to community: why queer spaces carry historical weight, what gets lost when those spaces are colonized by people detached from the culture, and why Spencer believes most gay cattiness comes from scarcity of safe space, not character. Spencer also talks about his solo trip to Peru — sand dunes, Nazca lines, altitude sickness in Cusco, a yoga retreat he worked for free, and why he left his phone behind for five days in the desert. Spencer is currently deep

Episode Summary: Zach recaps his Memorial Day Weekend trip to Provincetown during Baby Dyke Week — and officially walks back his short-lived "Boston gays aren't so bad" take. Spoiler: they are. In This Episode: The last-minute ferry trip to P-Town with friends from New York and a 3-day Airbnb right on Commercial Street Tea dance at the Boat Slip, strong drinks, gummies, and a lesson Zach apparently keeps having to relearn Boston gays spotted forming impenetrable circles at tea — and why every friendly person in the crowd was from literally anywhere else The full Boston gay history: Benjamin Smith, Instagram comment sections, multiple guests saying the same thing, and now this weekend cementing it A specific run-in with a Boston guy who had energy — and Zach's very detailed response to said energy Baby Dyke Week lesbians: friendly, fun, rowdy by Sunday, and absolutely not eating dinner past 7:15 Zach's Provincetown tier list: when to go, when to skip (Family Week, Carnival, Leather Weekend — noted) A late-summer return to P-Town is already planned — solo trip during the week, no crowds, very much looking forward to it The rapid development happening in Provincetown and what the town might look like in five years Connect with Zach: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Let me know if you want me to adjust the tone, add timestamps, or pull a quote for an Instagram caption! Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gay Bit | Hookup Apps vs. Real Connection In this week's episode of The Gay Bit, Zach gets into one of the most talked-about (and exhausting) topics in gay culture right now: dating apps and whether they're actually helping anyone find what they're looking for. Zach runs through the full landscape — from the gay-specific apps like Grindr, Scruff, Jacked, Hornet, Growlr, Her, and Sniffies, to mainstream platforms like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and OkCupid — and shares his honest (and very funny) take on all of it. He reflects on why so many of his friends are struggling despite having more options than ever, and whether apps are to blame for the slow disappearance of real gay social culture. He also gets personal — sharing how he met his husband Andrew in an AOL chat room in 1998, why 27+ years of monogamy is genuinely rare, and what he thinks it actually takes to build a lasting connection. And of course, the DC hungry story makes an appearance. In this episode: A full breakdown of gay and mainstream dating/hookup apps Why Zach thinks apps are like gambling — and just as addictive The ghosting epidemic and why it keeps happening Is gay bar culture disappearing? What monogamy looks like in 2025 (spoiler: it's rare) How Zach met Andrew — and why AOL deserves more credit The vacation test: the real way to know if someone's a keeper "DC hungry" — and what it reveals about relationships Want to share your own story? DM Zach on Instagram at @therealizachari — he's looking for guests to come on and talk about their dating, hookup, and connection experiences. 🎙️ Also subscribe to Listen Up Girl — your daily LGBTQ+ news podcast, 10 minutes or less, 6–7 days a week. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with the electric Dani Kelly — Brazilian dancer, entrepreneur, podcast host, and force of nature who traded Rio de Janeiro for Los Angeles over 25 years ago and never looked back. Dani's story starts at age five, watching Bolshoi ballerinas on Brazilian TV and dragging her mom to audition after audition. She trained at one of Brazil's most prestigious ballet schools, mastered everything from jazz to Afro to hip hop — and then at 16, saw her first samba show, and everything changed. From there, Dani built Oya Brasil Samba Show, touring the world and bringing Brazilian carnival culture to stages in Las Vegas, Hong Kong, and beyond — all before social media existed. She shares what it was like to hustle in a pre-Instagram world and why she eventually stepped away from performing to protect her joy. Today, Dani runs Creation Studios in LA — a space for podcasters, content creators, and events — and hosts her own podcast, Be Live with Dani Ke'lly, where she spotlights immigrant stories, artists, and the people who inspire her. Her advice for aspiring podcasters? Two words: be real. In this episode: Growing up in Rio and training at Brazil's top ballet school Falling in love with samba at 16 and founding Oya Brasil Samba Show Touring the world before social media — and how she made it work Why she stepped away from professional dancing (and why it was the right call) Creation Studios: building a home for podcasters and creators in LA Be Live with Dani Ke'lly and the big guests she's keeping secret for now Her no-BS advice for anyone starting a podcast Connect with Dani Ke'lly: Be Live with Dani Kelly —https://www.instagram.com/belivewithdanikellyy/  Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if you could heal almost anything — without surgery, without meds — just by mastering your mind? That's exactly what Max Reader did. After leaving the Navy at 22, Max was dealing with a reverse cervical curve, sciatica, narcolepsy, severe depression, an ACL/PCL tear, tinnitus, crippling social anxiety, and an astigmatism so bad he couldn't read words on a page. Doctors said most of it would never change without surgery. He was handed antidepressants and nearly gave up on life entirely. Instead, he decided to master consciousness. In this episode, Max shares how he healed himself through meditation, Qigong, and what he calls "quantum mind" work — and how he's now helping thousands of people do the same. He has over 600,000 TikTok followers and runs a free community called Quantum Mind where he teaches internal alchemy, holistic healing, and total life transformation. We talk about: His darkest moment leaving the Navy — and the decision that changed everything What Qigong is and how it differs from Tai Chi How he healed his eyesight naturally (yes, really) Why mental tension creates physical dysfunction The Quantum Mind community and his 3-month transformation program Follow Max https://www.instagram.com/maxreeder/ Check out his websites: https://www.maxreeder.com/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Elizabeth Sayer has been called "Oscar Wilde meets Whoopi Goldberg" by legendary columnist Michael Musto — and after this conversation, you'll understand exactly why. A novelist, playwright, television writer, and cabaret performer, Justin brings a depth of queer cultural knowledge that is as entertaining as it is essential. In this episode, Zach and Justin cover: The 14th annual Night of a Thousand Judys at Joe's Pub (June 1st, 7pm) and why it's unlike any other tribute show — performers don't do "their Judy," they have a conversation with Judy Garland as an artist The Ali Forney Center and why Justin has partnered with them since the very beginning — and why investing in LGBTQ+ youth is so critical right now Justin's queer culture encyclopedia From Gay to Z — what made the cut, who didn't (Trixie Mattel was not thrilled), and whether an addendum is coming Writing for The Comeback with Lisa Kudrow — how Bridget Everett connected them, a makeup artist who hated him on sight, and what it was like to work with Lisa The Sony Television project that was derailed by the pandemic — a dark, funny vampire series that RuPaul was involved in producing His upcoming Edinburgh Fringe solo show: Just Notice the Sayers: A 40-Year-Old Woman — a comedy and a tribute to his late friend, podcaster Katie Lazarus Growing up in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, discovering performance at age 13 during a blackout, and how queer sensibility was always there before he had the language for it The New York downtown cabaret scene — how Justin Vivian Bond, Joey Arias, Bridget Everett, Taylor Mac, Cole Escola, Erin Markey, and others built something irreplaceable Why LGBTQ+ queer spaces are disappearing as younger generations retreat to apps — and why that matters What it means to carry queer history as a shield in this political moment, including the Oscar Wilde cell number tattoo Justin got after the first Trump election Two dream collaborators: Dawn French and Melissa McCarthy Also coming up for Justin: a new production of his play Three Little Girls and a Well (early 2027) and a commissioned play for the New York Public Library about Ray Bergen, a drag performer who played Carnegie Hall in the 1950s. Links: 🎟️ Tickets for Night of a Thousand Judys: thousandjudys.com 🏠 Ali Forney Center: aliforneycenter.org 📖 From Gay to Z — available wherever books are sold Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: <a hre

Show Notes: Guest: Con Chapman, author and attorney based in the greater Boston area Book: Queer Street: The Curious Connections Between Boxing and the Homoerotic — available for pre-order on Amazon and at lutterworth.com. Publishing April 30. Episode Summary: Con Chapman spent over a decade researching the parallel histories of boxing rules and laws governing consensual sex between men — and the result is Queer Street, a book that took 30+ publisher rejections before landing with Lutterworth Press, an 18th-century religious tract society (yes, really). In this conversation, Zach and Con trace the unexpected threads connecting ancient Greek gymnasiums, the Sacred Band of Thebes, Oscar Wilde, the Marquess of Queensbury, the etymology of the words "gay" and "queer," and the hypermasculinity of modern sports. Topics Covered: How the book came together and why Con describes it as "a double helix" Ancient Greek gymnasiums as spaces of both athletic training and homoeroticism The Sacred Band of Thebes — the first all-gay military unit to defeat the Spartans The Marquess of Queensbury: boxing rules reformer and raging homophobe — and how those two things connect St. Bernardino of Italy: a 15th-century boxing advocate who was also violently anti-gay (and whose enemies once sawed through his pulpit) The surprising etymological origins of the words "gay" and "queer" in boxing culture Oscar Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas, and how their story intersects with the Queensbury rules Bisexual boxing legend Emil Griffith and the "down low" phenomenon in sports Homoeroticism in spectator sports — and why some men are, as Zach puts it, basically "in love with Tom Brady" How masculinity and sexuality have blurred throughout history — and where things might be headed Links: Queer Street on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Queer-Street-Curious-Connections-Homoerotic/dp/0718898516/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZYYFQ9ZIII59&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1x0uzZKPViBwsAGHnUe-r5q6L_NkfkqQ5BkL1XnSycJwfhmig_CchSH4HSe6wtnUzYk956EKu_QFQxIAtuFcetAdy5BxAR3oHcDGcGsGK7MxfMz9y3l29Qm0MWfqPP0d12z1_YSItrEVgtNMgr1OE8ENF9fZY7il22mMpFi9EuQW8RpdfmEjOFQAEmvGbIVTV49Lyrrp0BUsgOHbmk1rkKkKEBcFYd3m31AJO-i8xiI.qyDQsDG0EUud7xIhO

Show Notes: Title: The Skincare Secret You're Missing: Why Glow Starts from the Inside with Francois Vix Episode Summary: Zach sits down with Francois Vix, a veteran of L'Oreal and Johnson & Johnson who spent 18 years leading skincare and dermatology brands around the world — then left it all at 40 to co-found ISOCELL. Francois breaks down the science behind Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), why your internal antioxidant defense is the real driver of skin health, and how his product Glisodin is backed by over 40 published clinical studies across 50 countries. Episode Notes: Francois's 18-year global career at L'Oreal (Australia, Asia, UK, France) and Johnson & Johnson (Neutrogena international) How cultural approaches to skincare differ — Korean and French women vs. American beauty routines What SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) is and why it's called "the enzyme of life" How the mad cow disease crisis in the 1990s shifted SOD research from animal-based injectables to orally bioactive botanical forms Why oral SOD is typically destroyed by stomach acid — and how ISOCELL's patented protective matrix solves that The connection between oxidative stress, free radicals, and skin aging Clinical results: improved skin elasticity, reduced photo damage, better hydration, and enhanced energy — seen as early as 30 days How Glisodin doubles the effectiveness of topical retinoids when combined Why Glisodin is distributed through 10,000+ dermatologists in Latin America, Asia, and Europe How the product supports recovery from laser treatments and reduces inflammation from hyperpigmentation procedures Where to find Glisodin in the US and Canada: Amazon (search "Glisodin Skin Nutrients") and select dermatology/aesthetic clinics Find Glisodin: 🛒 Amazon US/Canada: https://www.amazon.com/GliSODin-Antioxidant-Enzyme-Capsules-Supply/dp/B07FPP838D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TBMGWQZPG9LW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8pqoEp1EsrkywxfZKKq5GpQVLUIKYD4cb1LlqmN1OgPd_bdczBofzM68gAMUReAU-35x4-lx9Ld7sz-XFvy-60i-HfCpSsf2vVK2G6sLaylGEAMoo4apw7iyKpxmMaci8dWQShVLGs77mRaOONGcIG6GL78R8SOf9mQAy-7Nsxt9-3f19rFTKNqII_cUJkhsbUCg72hrILbPP513aJErvD9BgoVtIeS5SGun3_ApkinhR25iiQHNxmAh5U5uvCyizH6Oc6uGHffzSm212M9T5etYd9h88u-

Episode Summary Zach opens with some personal reflection — starting with a story about getting a facial and hearing his husband called exactly that: his husband. It's a small moment that lands big. He also unpacks a news story about a civil engineer suing his employer over a Pride flag, and shares a conversation with a dinner guest who said he didn't "understand" transgender people — and what Zach told him that just might stick. Then, Zach sits down with Barbra Banner, a psychic evidential trance medium who discovered her gift during the pandemic when Spirit literally would not stop knocking. Barbra is also certified through Helping Parents Heal and brings a rare combination of humor, warmth, and jaw-dropping evidence to her readings. Episode Notes • Barbra describes how she went from never having meditated to booking six practice sessions a day on Very Soul — and hanging a shingle within seven months of her first class. • She explains the difference between psychic readings and trance mediumship — and how she learned to "get out of the way" and let Spirit take over completely. • Barbra shares the stories that stopped her in her tracks: the husband who knew his wife watched Outlander during the pandemic, the skeptic whose father-in-law had just invented a bagel scooper, and the boy in heaven riding a giant butterfly. • She and Zach talk reincarnation, past life regression, soul pods, and why "home base" is on the other side — not here. • Zach shares his own past life regression experience: a 1940s farmer with a wife and two sons, and a second life on a planet where the water was pinkish purple. • Barbra reflects on ego, gratitude, and why she credits her guides — not herself — for every message she delivers. • She explains why she doesn't maintain a waiting list: if you need a reading, you should be able to get one now.  Connect with Barbra Banner Website: bannermedium.com Instagram & TikTok: search Barbra Banner Medium  Mentioned in This Episode • Suzanne Giesemann (Barbra's first teacher) • Very Soul (mediumship practice platform) • Arthur Findlay College • Helping Parents Heal (organization Barbra is certified through) • Maya Roth (past life regression practitioner) • Next Level Soul (podcast where Barbra appeared) • Edgar Cayce quote: "He's not gone. He's just going a little ahead of you." • James Van Praagh quote: "Once you find your purpose in life, you stop aging."  Follow Everything & Anything…and a Bit Gay 🎙️ everythingandanythingpodcast.com 📺 YouTube: Everything and Anything and a Bit Gay 🗞️ Daily LGBTQ+ news: Listen Up Girl podcast Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.ap

Chosen Family | The Gay Bit Zach opens with a rabbit hole of coming-out videos — and the way they split almost perfectly between parents who said "we love you no matter what" and parents who said "get out." That contrast sent him somewhere deeper: a meditation on chosen family, the strange art of disappearing in rooms where you can't be fully yourself, and the people who have quietly held him together for decades. In this episode: • What those coming-out videos stirred up — joy, heartbreak, and a lot of gratitude • The slow, quiet disappearing act so many LGBTQ+ people learn growing up — adjusting your laugh, your walk, your reaction to things — just to stay safe • His own story: a dad who went silent for six months, a mom who grieved a life she'd imagined, and how both came around • Andrew's grandfather, in his 90s, who loved them both without reservation • His friend Gary — whose grandmother tore a family apart — and who has since vanished entirely • His friend David, who came out at 52 to his wife, kids, and in-laws, and found the courage to start over • What South Beach in the 90s felt like: a whole island where you didn't have to perform • The friends who are his anchors — Jennifer, Mandy, Tony, Gina, Matt — people he could call at 3am with nothing and they'd show up • Getting honest about fear: aging parents, the possibility of illness, the safety net getting smaller • Why chosen family isn't about replacing your biological family — it's about finding people who show up because they want to Zach's takeaway: Be your authentic self. The right people don't need a curated version of you — they just need the real one.  📬 Leave a rating or review on your podcast platform — it helps the show reach more people.  🎙️ Everything & Anything…and a Bit Gay drops new episodes weekly.  📰 Catch Zach's daily LGBTQ+ news podcast, Listen Up Girl, wherever you listen.  🌐 everythingandanythingpodcast.com Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Notes: How it started: Dr. Blechman trained at NYU and did a fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he focused on breast reconstruction for cancer patients. In 2016, a trans patient came in seeking a mastectomy — and everything shifted. Top surgery isn't one thing: The term is often used to mean chest masculinization, but Dr. Blechman walks through the full range — from complete chest masculinization to gender-affirming radical breast reductions for non-binary patients, to breast augmentation for trans women. Every patient is different, and he starts every consult by asking patients to tell him about their journey with gender. Narcotic-free pain management: Dr. Blechman has developed a protocol using a pre-surgical nerve block (long-acting numbing medicine injected into the rib cage), combined with Advil and Tylenol post-op. Only about 10% of patients need anything beyond that. He draws on his experience running the NYC Marathon to put post-op discomfort in perspective for patients — and credits the psychological framing as part of why it works. Nipple tattooing: Some top surgery patients choose not to keep their nipples. For those who later want one, or for patients who experience asymmetry or color variation after surgery, Dr. Blechman's PAs perform nipple and areola tattooing right in the office. Building a safe space: Dr. Blechman talks about the well-documented reality that many trans people have had negative experiences in healthcare settings. His practice is designed to counter that — respectful care, inclusive intake, and a staff trained to meet patients where they are. Advocacy beyond the OR: Dr. Blechman travels to Albany and Washington twice a year with medical organizations to meet with legislators on gender-affirming care issues. He notes that New York State has written gender identity protections directly into the state constitution. NYC Pride March: For the past three to four years, Dr. Blechman and his team have marched in NYC Pride with a pickup truck and a group of patients they've operated on — sometimes 20–30 people. One former patient is now shadowing in his office, inspired to go to medical school. Grayson: Dr. Blechman mentions operating on Grayson, a trans fitness influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers, whose dressing-removal video got 14 million views on TikTok. Connect with Dr. Blechman: 🌐 blechmanplasticsurgery.com https://www.blechmanplasticsurgery.com/dr-keith-blechman-upper-east-side-plastic-surgeon</

This week, Zach sits down with Justin Alexander — writer, director, and producer — for a wide-ranging conversation about his debut feature film Mean Boys and the raw personal experience behind it. Justin shares how growing up as an outsider, being bullied, and looking up to popular jocks in school became the foundation for a story that's part bisexual love triangle, part cautionary tale about fentanyl addiction. He opens up about losing a friend to fentanyl — a friend who didn't even know what he was taking — and why he felt compelled to tell that story. The conversation gets into the realities of indie filmmaking: shooting Mean Boys in two parts years apart, writing a sudden 60-pound weight gain into the script to explain a returning actor's transformation, and what it actually feels like when your movie comes out and there's no Hollywood Reporter moment waiting for you. From there, Zach and Justin dig into something both of them know well — where you fit in (or don't) in the gay community. They talk about mean gays in West Hollywood and Boston, body image pressure, and the unspoken hierarchies that show up whether you're 17 in high school or 35 at Equinox. Justin also previews two upcoming projects: Video Essay, a parody about the indie film festival circuit shot in New York; and Drive Me to Rap, a motion-capture film about two gay rappers co-starring Melanie Halfkenny from Queen & Slim. Plus: his dream of working with Jodie Foster, his love of Pedro Almodóvar, and Zach's very serious plan to find him a husband in Boston.  Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjustingonzales 🎬 Watch Mean Boys now:  Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/mean-boys/umc.cmc.40dfrljemlixdzx3gubnsy8qf Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100049337/mean-boys And available on Roku and Here TV  Topics covered:  • Mean Boys — the film, its origins, and what it's about  • Bisexuality, bisexual erasure, and queer representation in film  • Fentanyl addiction and the dangers of contaminated drugs  • Gay hierarchies, body image, and outsider identity  • What it's really like to make micro-budget indie films • Justin's upcoming films: Video Essay and Drive Me to Rap  • Pedro Almodóvar, Jodie Foster, and Justin's filmmaking inspirations  • The gay community in West Hollywood vs. Boston Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: <a href="https:

About Lennon Torres Lennon Torres is a professional dancer, trans activist, and advocate for online safety and social media reform. She is a core voice at the Heat Initiative, an organization fighting to hold Big Tech companies accountable for harms to children and young people. She also writes the Diary of a Palatable Trans Woman on Substack — an honest look at what it's like to navigate spaces that don't fully welcome you while doing work that depends on being in the room. Lennon appeared on Dance Moms beginning in Season 3 as a guest dancer. She has since been featured in documentaries about social media harm and works closely with families who have lost children to platform-facilitated tragedies. Topics Covered Growing up on Dance Moms — the excitement, the exploitation, and the panic attacks on camera How social media shifted from connection to engagement-driven addiction — and when Lennon first felt it happen Why algorithms are engineered to show your content to people who will react most extremely — not your actual audience Meta's internal documents proving they knowingly connected predators to minors Influencers as an unpaid workforce performing for an algorithm, not their followers Sextortion: what it is, how it works, and the story of Jordan DeMay The documentary Can't Look Away (available at joltfilm.com) and the families behind it Mason Edens — a teenager whose TikTok feed shifted from positive affirmations to suicidal ideation in under two weeks Alexander, 14, who was poisoned by fentanyl purchased through a Snapchat-recommended contact Landmark legal victories: Meta and Google found guilty in LA addiction trials; New Mexico awarded $375 million Why queer kids are three times more likely to be harmed online — and why Big Tech lobbies against reform using LGBTQ+ community as cover Tim Cook, tech oligarchs, and what it means when powerful gay men align with power over people Lennon's personal healing journey — deleting social media, switching to a dumb phone, and reclaiming herself The false choice between safe social media and LGBTQ+ community online What Lennon would be doing if social media didn't exist (spoiler: a queer kids outdoor camp) Resources & Links 🔥 Heat Initiative: heatinitiative.org ✍️ Lennon on Substack — Diary of a Palatable Trans Woman: https://substack.com/@lennontorres 🎬 Documentary: Can't Look Away —https://www.jolt.film/watch/cantl

Kelly O'Hearn is back, and this one goes deep. One of Zach's all-time favorite guests — and it's easy to hear why. Their conversation flows like two old friends who can't stop finishing each other's thoughts, covering everything from quarters mysteriously appearing after a loved one's passing to the quantum physics of tarot to what it means when a baby's soul comes through during a reading and changes a woman's entire life. In this episode: How Zach took a 6-week tarot class (with the incredible Amaris in Canada) after Kelly's first reading inspired him — and what he discovered Why tarot is a language, not a fortune-telling trick — and how intuition works like a muscle Quarters, flickering lights, and boxes falling over — signs from Zach's late mother-in-law and what Kelly thinks they mean The global spiritual shift happening right now, the rise of feminine energy, and why people are turning away from rigid religion toward personal faith Kelly's "dark night of the soul" — illness, divorce, and losing her father — and how it led her to tarot in 2014 How she studied secretly for 3.5 years, told no one, and then finally told her very New York, very Wall Street mother — whose first words were "Are you monetizing it?" Past life regression, soul contracts, and why Earth is one of the most desired places to be as a soul (even though it's the hardest) Channeling: archangels, clairvoyance, clairaudience, and what it sounds like when a message isn't your own thought Daryl Anka / Bashar, Lee Harris, and the 2027 predictions that have Zach obsessed The most powerful reading Kelly has ever done — a story that will stop you cold Her Arcanum series: a four-book love story of souls traveling through lifetimes, trying to get it right. Book 3 — Arcanum: Secrets of the Madonna — is set in late 1400s Vatican and comes out June 9th Pre-order Arcanum: Secrets of the Madonna: https://www.amazon.com/Arcanum-Secrets-Madonna-Kelly-OHearn-ebook/dp/B0GY9YRR24?ref_=saga_ast_ss_dsk_dp  Books 1 & 2 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-OHearn/author/B0D324YQG5?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1779053698&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=2b73128c-1cbd-44c3-89f5-75a2571451b2  Follow Kelly: https://www.instagram.com/kellyohearnauthor/ Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay drops new episodes weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what you think about Kelly's books in the comments. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/155

In this episode:  • Isaac's debut novel Six and a Half Days in the City — what's real vs. fictional  • Coming out as bisexual at 17: the notes app, Facebook post, and a very supportive mom  • Growing up Native American and Mexican American with a bisexual mother  • Why people still deny bisexuality exists — and why Isaac no longer cares  • Hookup culture, Grindr, Hinge, and making real friends off dating apps  • Being an EMT in pre-med and balancing school, work, and writing  • Trauma showing up uninvited: a panic attack in Prospect Park  • Isaac's next book: grief, brotherhood, and a bisexual oldest son  • Where to find Isaac: @isaacgrijalvabooks on Instagram, TikTok: @isaactaylorsversion99   Buy Issac's Book: https://www.amazon.com/6-1-2-Days-City-ebook/dp/B0F89S9WSG Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gay Bit — Cliques, Categories & The Truth About the LGBTQ+ Community In this week's Gay Bit, Zach gets real about something we all see, experience, and — if we're honest — participate in: the silent rules about who belongs where inside the LGBTQ+ community. From twinks and bears to Grindr exclusion lists to fem-on-fem policing to the obsession with masculinity, Zach holds the mirror up to the community he loves — himself very much included — and asks: are we building the inclusive community we say we want, or are we recreating the same hierarchies we're trying to escape? Plus: the time Zach accidentally landed in Provincetown during Bear Week, his habit of borrowing friends' phones to "call his mom," and why the bears might just be the most welcoming group of all. The Gay Bit drops every Friday on Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with Margot Grant-Witz, third-generation CEO of Elizabeth Grant Skincare, a privately owned brand founded in 1948 by her grandmother — now 103 years young — who developed the world's first at-home serum after suffering bomb blast damage to her skin during WWII. They cover the real reason your neck is sagging (hint: it's your phone), why bar soap is destroying your face, the truth about the vampire facial, how men and gay culture are reshaping the skincare industry, and why 28 days is all it takes to transform your skin. Elizabeth Grant Skincare: https://elizabethgrant.com 📩 DM Zach on Instagram with your results after trying the products! 🎧 Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay drops new episodes weekly. Follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more than you know. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Board-certified plastic surgeon and President Emeritus of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Dr. Steven Williams joins Zach for a wide-ranging, refreshingly honest conversation about plastic surgery ethics, body autonomy, the GLP-1 revolution, transgender surgery, medical tourism risks, social media's toxic impact on beauty standards, and why your NAD supplements probably aren't doing what you think. Dr. Williams practices at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in the Bay Area. Learn more at TriValleyPlasticSurgery.com. 🌈 Subscribe & follow Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay wherever you listen. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with Nicole Gress (she/they), speech-language pathologist and founder of Undead Voice — a virtual trans voice training platform helping transgender and gender-diverse people find voices that feel affirming. Nicole shares why the traditional medical path can take 3–5 years, how Undead Voice cuts that to just 4–6 months, and the free Jumpstart program that's already helped over 40,000 voices across 20 countries. They also talk about voice dysphoria, workplace transitions, the safety realities trans people face right now, and why community is the secret ingredient in any voice journey. 🔗 Partner with Undead Voice: https://www.undeadvoice.com/partnership Everything & Anything… and a Bit Gay is your home for honest, joyful, and sometimes serious conversations about life, identity, and all the beautiful in-between. 🎙 Subscribe + leave a review! Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with Thais Gibson, founder of the Personal Development School, to explore why our childhood wounds quietly run our adult relationships — and what we can actually do about it. Thais breaks down the science of attachment styles, explains the difference between love and emotional obsession (limerence), reveals why people cheat (it's not what you think), and shares a powerful subconscious rewiring technique you can start using tonight. Whether you're stuck in a push-pull relationship, wondering why you keep going back to the same person, or just want to understand yourself better — this episode is for you. 🔗 Take the free attachment quiz: personaldevelopmentschool.com Follow Thais on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepersonaldevelopmentschool/ Topics covered: – What attachment styles are & how they form – The bear in the woods: why our brains hold onto pain – Limerence vs. real love (and the Starbucks story) – Why people cheat — and what the 90% actually have in common – How to set boundaries with regulated tone + strong language – The subconscious rewiring tool you can do in 5 minutes a day – Why affirmations don't work (and what does) Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode: Psychic Orion — Remote Viewing, Mediumship & What's Coming Psychic Orion is an evidence-based medium and intuitive teacher who trained at the Oak Bridge Institute under Michael Mayo and with TikTok-based psychic John Crawley (handle: @joncrawley). He offers a 10-week intuitive development course with one-on-one sessions, free Sunday live readings at ~3pm PT, and discounted one-on-one readings for followers and super fans. Key moments: The role of stillness in unlocking intuitive ability Why Orion's student Amanda was shivering while targeting Rembrandt's studio Zach's past life as a Kansas farmer — and why his husband Andrew was his son What spirits consistently regret: not choosing love The dementia/mediumship connection and why those moments are beautiful, not scary Orion's symbolic tsunami dream and what he believes it means for our culture Zach's dad coming through — the smile, the brown pants, the overalls photo Resources mentioned: John Crawley — TikTok @joncrawley The Telepathy Tapes — podcast Psychic Orion — psychicorion.com | Free Sunday readings ~3pm PT Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Listen Up Girl — your daily LGBTQ+ news podcast — the DOJ is bribing lawyers to target trans healthcare providers, courts keep blocking their grab for children's medical records, and a federal LGBTQ+ book ban is one step closer to the House floor. Plus: Dave Chappelle's tone-deaf moment on Michelle Obama's podcast, a horrifying Florida hate crime targeting a 5-year-old, Equality California's SF Awards, and Drag Race All Stars 11 is officially here. Pride is 23 days away. 🏳️‍🌈 Subscribe for daily LGBTQ+ news. Sources: LGBTQ Nation, Bloomberg Law, Philadelphia Inquirer, Book Riot, GLAAD, Fox News (Chappelle), Pink News, Equality California, Paramount+ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Check out Alex's stories on Queerty: https://www.queerty.com/author/alex-reimer/ Grindr takes D.C.: The gayest party in Tr*mp’s Washington was also the strangest: https://www.queerty.com/grindr-takes-d-c-the-gayest-party-in-trmps-washington-was-also-the-strangest-20260428/ Sniffies users are not OK after learning their glory hole was just infiltrated: https://www.queerty.com/users-are-not-ok-after-learning-their-glory-hole-is-getting-a-venture-capital-makeover-20260428/   Journalist and Queerty contributor Alex Reimer is back, and he brought the receipts. This week we're breaking down two stories that have the gay internet buzzing — and they both point to the same uncomfortable truth: the apps and spaces we thought were ours are quietly being handed over to the highest bidder. First up: The Grindr DC Party Grindr sponsored a party during the White House Correspondents' Dinner weekend — and the crowd was overwhelmingly straight, Republican, and very much not who you'd picture at a Grindr event. We break down why Grindr has a former GOP operative as their top lobbyist, what their conservative CEO is really after in Tr&mp's Washington, and what their HIV prevention deals, age verification lobbying, and AI agenda actually tell us about where this company is headed. Plus: did Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska really show up? She did. And Lindsey Graham? Well… Then: Sniffies gets a $100 million investment from Match Group The map-based gay sex app that became a cult phenomenon — explicit, anonymous, no face pics required — just took a $100 million investment from the same company that owns Tinder and Hinge. The community is not happy. We talk about what Match Group really wants, whether Sniffies will get cleaned up and pushed back into the App Store, and why this feels like the beginning of the end for the last truly subversive gay app. We also get into: Why gay bars keep emptying out — and whether Sniffies and Grindr are to blame The broader collapse of corporate LGBTQ+ support ahead of Pride DEI programs and what they were really covering for The app economy that's made life more expensive and less human for everyone HRC geofencing ads against the Republicans at the Grindr party (love to see it) Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfo

Bears, twinks, circuit queens, drag queens, fashion gays, gym gays — the gay community contains multitudes. In episode 5 of The Gay Bit, Zach explores the many personalities within the LGBTQ+ world and asks a bigger question: how much of our identity is authentically ours, and how much is performance? Drawing on his own journey from South Beach club kid to 53-year-old podcaster, Zach reflects on how gay people learn to code-switch, adapt, and sometimes suppress who they are just to feel safe — and what it looks like to finally stop doing that. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jennifer Norman — founder of the Human Beauty Movement and host of the Human Beauty Movement Podcast — joins Zach for one of the most emotionally raw and beautiful conversations Everything & Anything has ever had.   Jennifer was abandoned in Seoul, South Korea as an infant, adopted by a white family on Long Island, and spent years in the beauty industry trying to outrun a deep sense of not belonging. What she didn't know was that her greatest transformation was still ahead. When her son was diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disorder at age two and nearly died, Jennifer's entire world shifted. She quit her career, tried everything from traditional medicine to ayahuasca, and ultimately received a message that changed how she moves through the world: your job is not to fix him — your job is to love him. In this episode: the shame of being different, the toxicity hiding inside the beauty industry, two divorces, surviving the almost unthinkable, and why Jennifer believes real beauty has nothing to do with how you look. Subscribe to the Human Beauty Movement Podcast wherever you listen. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-human-beauty-movement-podcast/id1641573958 🎙️ Everything & Anything…and a Bit Gay drops new episodes weekly. 👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more than you know.   Chapters: 0:00 – Intro & how they met 1:07 – The Human Beauty Movement Podcast 1:30 – 25 years in the beauty industry 3:35 – Abandoned in Seoul, adopted to Long Island 6:00 – Growing up different in Smithtown 8:00 – Social anxiety, sensuality, and feeling "less than" 12:05 – Have you ever gone back to Korea? 12:28 – 23andMe, DNA, and the truth about adoption trafficking 15:25 – Zach's college roommate finds her biological family 17:40 – Jennifer's siblings and their own search stories 21:35 – How their upbringings shaped their relationships 23:25 – Two divorces, depression, and rebuilding 27:14 – Her son's rare mitochondrial disorder diagnosis 30:28 – The decision no parent should have to make 33:00 – Ayahuasca, the cosmos, and the message that freed her 36:00 – Why she started the Human Beauty Movement 39:10 – The best lesson from 4 years of interviewing people 44:00 – How friendships shape who we become 50:38 – Losing track of time — the sign of a great guest 51:07 – Where to find Jennifer & outro           Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: <a href="https://music.apple.com/us/artist/s

This week I went digging through old boxes and found a stack of CDs I haven't touched in years — and it sent me down a full nostalgia spiral. From Two Live Crew to Dolly Parton, Duran Duran to Alanis Morissette, I talk about how music is basically a time machine for your memories.\ Then I sit down with LA-based musician Robbie Gennet — a seriously talented artist who has performed at Graceland and has an incredible history in music. He's releasing a lot of new music this year, and I'm already a fan. We talk about his journey, his sound, and his dreams of a world tour. 🎵 Check out Robbie Gennet's music and website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1RLP13ilHJQ7HNqwRrcY4m?si=UJzNwRlmTzOVCF29F3TEBg https://www.robbiegennet.com/home https://www.instagram.com/robbieg.music/   Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ 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 of Everything & Anything…and a Bit Gay, Zach sits down with Kurtlan (he/him), Director at BAGLY — the Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth — for an honest, funny, and deeply meaningful conversation.  WHAT WE COVER:  • Why Boston's LGBTQ+ community can feel cliquey and closed off — and how New England culture plays a bigger role than people realize  • The current climate for queer and trans youth in America and what BAGLEY is seeing on the ground  • Family rejection, housing insecurity, and BAGLY's radical direct aid initiative ($70K+ distributed annually)  • Why Massachusetts has become a destination state for queer and trans youth fleeing hostile environments  • The intersection of being Jewish and queer in today's political moment • How to be a safe, affirming foster home for LGBTQ+ youth  • Kurtlan's personal journey: boxing, painting, Lord of the Rings soundtracks, and the muscle of being bad at something and doing it anyway • Why intergenerational LGBTQ+ friendship matters more than ever  RESOURCES MENTIONED:  • BAGLY (Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth): bagly.org  • QT Library (Queer Trans Library) — coming to Boston  • LGBTQ+ History Project (Massachusetts)  If you're a young person in Massachusetts (up to age 25), BAGLY offers:  ✔ Free mental health therapy with licensed social workers  ✔ Direct financial aid for housing, food, and utilities  ✔ Youth leadership development  ✔ A community center in downtown Boston open to all — no crisis required Follow the podcast and share this episode if it resonates with someone you know.   Learn more at https://www.bagly.org/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Liz Entin’s journey from skeptic to believer Scientific research on reincarnation (Dr. Ian Stevenson & Dr. Jim Tucker) Evidence behind psychic mediums and consciousness Zach’s personal experiences with mediumship and past lives How beliefs about the afterlife can ease grief Are more people becoming open to these ideas? Liz’s books and podcast: WTF Just Happened Learn more about Liz and buy here books here: https://www.wtfjusthappened.net/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris’s journey from biology student to aesthetic expert What inspired him to enter sexual enhancement medicine How penis filler works and who qualifies Recovery timelines and expectations What “HoleTox” is and why people are getting it Confidence, insecurity, and body image in men Differences between gay and straight client experiences The psychology of sex, relationships, and self-worth The future of sexual aesthetics and where the industry is heading Learn more about Chris and Lushful Aesthetics: https://lushfulaesthetics.com/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Gay Bit (Ep. 4) What “toxic gay traits” really mean Friendship expectations & texting anxiety The Instagram stalking phase (we all do it) Dating delusion: falling in love on the first date Hookup culture vs real connection The “self-awareness spiral” explained Partying, regret, and growing older Different personality types in gay friend groups Cutting off friendships and setting boundaries Why being self-aware is your superpower Final message: Be yourself—but lead with kindness Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Introduction to filmmaker Stefan and his journey From indie filmmaking to HBO Max success Behind-the-scenes of working with Kit Connor The unpredictability of audience connection The emotional power of storytelling Stefan’s personal story of loss and healing through art The incredible connection with actor and artist André Gregory The philosophy of meaning, grief, and human connection Religion, purpose, and modern identity Why authenticity wins in today’s content landscape Zach and Stefan on creativity, imposter syndrome, and impact Follow Stefan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefan.vdg/ Follow Stefan on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8664327/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrating 200 episodes of Everything and Anything… and a Bit Gay From passion project to full-time podcast career Early struggles: finding guests, building an audience, and self-doubt What 200 conversations taught Zach about: Relationships vs. readiness Confidence vs. performance Success as growth, not arrival The importance of storytelling and human connection How asking deeper questions creates meaningful conversations Building a community through vulnerability and authenticity Becoming a stronger LGBTQ+ ally through lived conversations A powerful perspective shift on the transgender experience Spiritual exploration: psychics, past lives, and personal growth Why reinvention is always possible Gratitude to listeners and the journey ahead Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ellie Krug’s journey of transitioning later in life The concept of “human authenticity” and why it won’t leave you alone Coming out, divorce, and rebuilding relationships with family The emotional cost—and reward—of living truthfully Ellie’s books: Getting to Ellen and Being Ellen Dating as a transgender woman and the realities of modern relationships LGBTQ+ community dynamics and allyship The rise in anti-trans legislation and why it matters Ellie’s work as a speaker, advocate, and radio host A candid and heartfelt conversation about identity, courage, and belonging   Learn more about Ellie: https://elliekrug.com/   Buy Ellie's Books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ms.-Ellen-Krug/author/B00BISJYSC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1777324473&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=905cd415-ba48-4a01-83af-9858a9ed81e5 Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What “unconditional love” actually means and why most people misunderstand it Why love ≠ relationships (and how that belief keeps you stuck) The truth about soulmates (and why you can have more than one) How past relationships and emotional wounds block you from finding love Why self-love is the foundation for any healthy relationship The real reason some people can’t find the “right person” Patterns in dating: why the same outcomes keep happening Fear of abandonment and how it sabotages relationships Why some people shut down emotionally after heartbreak LGBTQ+ rejection: healing from family and societal wounds How to shift your mindset to attract the love you deserve The power of forgiveness and letting go of the past Why you must become the love you want to receive Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Kathy McDaniel Topic: Near-death experience (NDE), spirituality, life after death Key Themes: Consciousness, heaven vs. hell, purpose, healing, trauma Buy Kathy's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Misfit-Hell-Heaven-Expat-Near-Death/dp/1952146089 🔑 Key Moments: Kathy collapses and is rushed to the hospital with ARDS Placed in a coma and enters a terrifying alternate reality Experiences what she believed was “hell” before transitioning Encounters her deceased fiancé in a state of peace and light Learns she “has more to do” and is sent back Wakes up after 18 days—doctors didn’t expect her to survive Struggles for years to process and share her story Finds community through near-death research groups Now helps others who’ve had distressing NDEs 💡 Takeaways: Not all near-death experiences are positive Trauma and belief systems may shape what we experience Many who return report loss of fear around death Living with intention, kindness, and purpose becomes central Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show Notes Introduction to “The Gay Bit” segment The generational divide: older gays vs. younger gays Growing up gay before apps, social media, and widespread acceptance Life during the AIDS crisis and its lasting impact How dating, relationships, and community-building have changed Social media, comparison culture, and identity pressures today Are younger gays less connected—or just different? Judgment, resilience, and evolving LGBTQ+ norms The role of history in shaping today’s queer experiences Why both generations ultimately want the same thing: connection and love Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Title: Inside Boston’s Design Scene & LGBTQ+ Culture with Marcus Hamblin Episode Summary: In this episode, Zach sits down with Marcus Hamblin, founder of Flourish & Foundry, to explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ life, interior design, and small business ownership in Boston. From growing up gay in a Mormon household to building a purpose-driven brand, Marcus shares powerful insights on identity, creativity, and building a life you love. 🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why Boston’s gay scene has a reputation for being “unfriendly” The difference between Boston and NYC LGBTQ+ culture Marcus’ journey from Utah to Boston The truth about big box stores vs. small makers How to stop wasting money on low-quality home goods The emotional energy of your living space Dating, relationships, and what Marcus looks for in a partner Rapid fire: design trends, style preferences & more 🛋️ Key Takeaways: Your home should feel intentional—not just look good Buying fewer, higher-quality items saves money long-term Supporting small businesses creates better products and experiences Design is about people, not just aesthetics 📍 Connect + Explore: Flourish & Foundry: flourishandfoundryshop.com Podcast: Everything & Anything…And a Bit Gay Follow Zach for more LGBTQ+ conversations & interviews 🎧 Listen If You Love: LGBTQ+ culture, interior design, entrepreneurship, personal growth, real conversations, dating & relationships   Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Summary: Zach speaks with Jake Hylton, founding Executive Director of Lookout News, an independent nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling LGBTQ+ stories through an accountability lens. What started as a small Substack has grown into a statewide—and soon regional—news operation amplifying voices that are often ignored. Key Moments: The origin story of Lookout News and its rapid growth How one story turned a vandalized Pride flag into a hate crime investigation The truth about conversion therapy still happening under new names Why LGBTQ+ communities still lack proper media representation The risks journalists face covering queer issues in conservative areas Building real community through events, storytelling, and connection Key Takeaway: When stories are told, change happens. Silence is what allows harm to continue. 👉 Support the work: https://lookoutnews.org Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Learn more about Hearth Math: https://www.heartmath.com/ Zach sits down with Deborah Rozman to explore the science of stress and emotional regulation through HeartMath’s groundbreaking research. They discuss how heart rate variability reflects emotional states, why stress is more damaging than we realize, and how simple techniques can help reset the nervous system, improve sleep, and increase mental clarity. This episode blends science, mindfulness, and practical tools for living a calmer, more empowered life.   Introduction to Deborah Rozman and HeartMath Why stress is increasing in modern society What heart rate variability (HRV) actually means The connection between emotions and heart rhythms “Incoherence” vs. “coherence” explained How stress impacts the brain, sleep, and decision-making Why breathing alone doesn’t fully fix stress The “Quick Coherence Technique” How to retrain your nervous system in minutes a day The link between stress and long-term health risks Why your heart has its own “intelligence” Real-life tools to stop emotional spirals How nature and frequency impact your body The future of stress management and global coherence Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show Notes Zach welcomes viral political commentator Eumie How Eumie built a massive social media following in months Growing up in rural Appalachia vs. becoming a progressive voice The intersection of entertainment and political messaging Why short-form content is shaping modern political discourse The impact of social media algorithms on ideology Eumie’s firing and the backlash from online critics The power of authenticity and “unfiltered” communication Gen Z’s frustrations with the current political system Trump-era politics and shifting narratives The role of humor in activism and engagement Online hate vs. overwhelming support from followers The future of left-wing media and representation Why Eumie refuses to go back to corporate life Building influence, brand deals, and what's next Zach reflects on how Eumie influenced his own podcast voice Follow Eumie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eumiexx Follow Eumie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eumieverse_/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Introduction to Ed Wilson and his background in historical archives The discovery of a NASA-related lithograph and why it matters Discussion of Gemini-era space photography and alleged anomalies Claims about missing or altered NASA images The role of intelligence agencies in handling sensitive materials The idea of “sanitized” public releases Broader conversation: trust, secrecy, and government transparency Why conversations like this matter—even without definitive answers 📌 Explore the discussion and draw your own conclusions. But Ed's Books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ed-Wilson/author/B0GLGLSWSP?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=50bd5ff9-6b3e-4667-979d-6e58b5ff52b1 Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show Notes Introduction to A Bit Gay weekly segment Zach reflects on viral clip discussing the Boston gay community A surprising night out changes everything Meeting Nick at the bar Expanding the group to 10–12 new connections Playing matchmaker and making real connections The impact of meaningful human interaction Spotlight on “Alex” and the idea of being an “old soul” Rethinking assumptions about the Boston LGBTQ+ scene Transition into TikTok habits and guest sourcing The rise of gay MAGA influencers on TikTok Internal conflict: identity vs. political ideology Discussion on anti-trans legislation and LGBTQ+ rights Personal story of interviewing a MAGA gay guest (unaired) The emotional weight of division within the LGBTQ+ community Call to action: listeners share their thoughts and perspectives Closing thoughts and teaser for next A Bit Gay episode Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Help David become the Entrepreneur of Impact and appear in Entrepreneur Magazine. Vote for him here: https://entrepreneurofimpact.org/2026/david-chum Follow David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidchum.studio Check out David's website: https://www.davidchum.com/ In this episode, we cover: David’s early life as a Cambodian refugee and growing up in Massachusetts Discovering art as a survival tool and form of communication Being bullied for race, gender expression, and sexuality The impact of trauma and cultural expectations within immigrant families His experience on Project Runway and the truth about reality TV Building a fashion brand from scratch—and why he walked away The shift into permanent cosmetics and paramedical tattooing How beauty, identity, and perception shape opportunity (“pretty privilege”) The psychology behind how we present ourselves to the world Boston’s LGBTQ+ scene—clicky, complicated, and controversial Family reconciliation, grief, and finding acceptance later in life Astrology, intuition, and stepping into your purpose in your 40s Why cutting off friendships can be part of personal growth David’s future plans: interior design, writing, and expanding his brand Key Takeaway: How you present yourself to the world isn’t superficial—it’s powerful. And when you align your identity with your truth, everything changes. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Support Bree Fram: https://teambree.com/ Volunteer - Contribute - Get Involved!  Bree Fram’s early inspiration from Star Trek and how it shaped her worldview Transitioning from aerospace engineering dreams to a 23-year Air Force and Space Force career What it was like being selected for the United States Space Force Living authentically as a transgender service member The emotional and professional impact of anti-trans policies Why transgender people have become a political target in America The power of storytelling in breaking stereotypes and fear Bree’s decision to run for Congress and what she hopes to change The importance of hope, courage, and representation in today’s political climate A deeply moving family story about fleeing persecution and why staying to fight matters How listeners can support Bree’s campaign through donations, volunteering, and advocacy Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show Notes Introduction to Adam Mizel and the Us United movement Adam’s life before 2020 and his career in private equity The “lightning moment” after George Floyd’s death that changed everything Why Adam believes America is not as divided as we think The power of getting out of your “bubble” and connecting with others The Holiday Giving Spectacular and real stories of impact Helping families in need—from fixing roofs to life-changing medical connections The “Five Mile Rule” and how anyone can create unity locally Driving across America: what people really think vs. what media shows How sharing personal experiences—not arguments—can change minds Unity Seats: bringing strangers together through sports The importance of hope, empathy, and human connection Zach shares his own journey leaving corporate life to pursue podcasting full-time Mental health, trauma, and Adam’s transformative experience with the Hoffman Process Why self-love and self-awareness are key to uniting others What’s next for Us United, including a potential national unity tour and documentary Learn more about US United:  https://www.us-united.org/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

🔹 Meet Kim Kelley Born and raised inside the Children of God / Family International cult Lived across Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. with no access to the outside world Escaped at 19 and rebuilt her life from the ground up Now works in anti-trafficking efforts and law enforcement training Founder of Digital Defenders United 🔹 What We Talk About 1. Growing Up in a Cult Life inside isolated compounds No autonomy, strict control, and forced labor Psychological conditioning and “red is blue” mentality Lack of safe adults or normal childhood experiences 2. The Reality of Abuse Physical, emotional, and systemic abuse How manipulation is normalized through belief systems Why victims often can’t “just leave” 3. Escaping the Cult How Kim slowly began questioning reality Gaining exposure to the outside world Leaving at 19 without a “Hollywood moment” 4. The Truth About Trafficking The U.S. as a major hub for child trafficking Misconceptions vs. reality (it’s not just “white vans”) Familial trafficking as a major factor The role of digital platforms 5. The Psychology of Predators Power, control, and vulnerability Why abuse is about domination—not opportunity Understanding behavior without excusing it 6. What Kim Is Doing Today Training law enforcement at a tactical facility Conducting undercover work online Building awareness through Digital Defenders United Creating real-world solutions—not just awareness 7. What You Can Do Protect the kids in your life Stay informed about online dangers Take responsibility at a community level Key Takeaway “Pick five kids near you and promise it won’t be them.” Resources Digital Defenders United: digitaldefendersunited.org Follow Kim on social media for safety tips and awareness https://www.instagram.com/the_kim_kelley/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spo

Introducing the new segment: The Gay Bit The “gay radar” and reading energy in a room Two types of straight men: confident vs performative Real-life story: workplace dynamics and subtle discomfort The overcompensation effect: “bro culture” and masculinity Why insecurity is more obvious than people think The truth about being “threatened” by LGBTQ+ people Why it’s not your job to make others comfortable What real confidence actually looks like The power of authenticity and being grounded in who you are “Everybody’s a little bit gay”—what that really means Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.