Best Coming Into Queerness Day Podcasts (2025)

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We Are Family 51:21

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17h ago51:21

51:21

Jillian Markowitz and David Joseph share stories about the strains and secrets that come all too easily within families. 🌈 Support RISK! & Get Involved • 🎟 See RISK! live⁠ in NYC March 17 and June 9, 2025 • ✍️ Pitch your story⁠ • ❤️ Support us on Patreon⁠ or ⁠make a one-time PayPal donation⁠ • 📚 Shop merch or the RISK! book⁠ • 🎓 Take storytelling c…

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Inside the Rise of GADDIES: Building Community, Culture & Confidence for Gay Dads – David Morgenstern 38:12

4d ago38:12

38:12

What happens when fatherhood meets unapologetic pride? David Morgenstern, founder of GADDIES, is redefining what it means to be a gay dad through bold branding, community, and connection. From the evolution of GADDIES as a lifestyle brand for gay fathers to navigating visibility, partnerships, and authenticity, this episode explores how storytellin…

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Making the Chain, Revisited 43:30

5d ago43:30

43:30

Christine Gentry revisits her story from 2016 called “Making the Chain” with Kevin Allison. She has many new insights, nine years later. 🎤Live Story: Making the Chain by Christine Gentry Christine’s friend needs a kidney donor or she will die. Christine is not a match for her friend, but she is able to join a chain of people donating, created by Be…

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Saying goodbye to the gay nightclub Oasis // Drag Story Hour's 10th anniversary // 'The Golden Girls Live' celebrates 20 years 50:17

6d ago50:17

50:17

On today's show we say goodbye to the queer nightclub and cabaret venue Oasis. Then, we talk to the new San Francisco drag laureate about the 10th anniversary of Drag Story Hour. And, get ready to laugh because "The Golden Girls LIVE" drag parody is back for the holidays.By Jeneé Darden

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Covering Trump’s ‘Cancelation’ of World AIDS Day and Generally Remaining Unsurprised By It All 33:30

7d ago33:30

33:30

The Trump administration has canceled recognition of World AIDS Day. Is there anything the administration could do at this point that would actually surprise us? While the 2025 election is over, there are a slew of LGBTQ+ political stories happening across the country. And gender-affirming care and services continue to be a source of drama in the n…

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Not in Hiding Anymore 50:57

7d ago50:57

50:57

Mira Rivera and Rachelle Anne Warren tell stories about opening up & leaning into insecurities. 🎤Workshop Story: Sexual Healing by Mira Rivera After her partner breaks up with her, Mira's confidence plummets. She goes on a series of dates in public with a hot guy who seems uninterested.One day, they have a date in private with weed and Mira discove…

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Coming Out at 70: The Courage to Be Courageous with – Dan Bolen 37:53

12d ago37:53

37:53

What does it take to come out, really come out, when you’ve spent a lifetime hiding behind shame, success, and survival? In this episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk, Rick Clemons sits down with author Dan Bolin, whose memoir The Courage to Be Courageous tells the story of coming out at 70, healing religious trauma, and learning to love himself as…

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The Best of Gratitude Stories #1 35:30

13d ago35:30

35:30

Satori Shakoor and Paul Cibis share stories of thanksgiving. A part of our series called Gratitude Stories. 🎤Live Story: Thank You by Satori Shakoor Satori’s loss of her mother and son is devastating. Later, she dates a man who gets a kick out of Satori being “too much,” and she is grateful to remember to live life over-the-top, and fully alive. ke…

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Jeff Chang writes about the complexities of race, culture and immigration in the life of Bruce Lee 53:50

13d ago53:50

53:50

On today's show it's all about Bruce Lee! Writer Jeff Chang has a new book. It's called "Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America."By Jeneé Darden

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Digging into SNAP Benefits, Pride Updates and Lesbian Bars 43:23

14d ago43:23

43:23

This week, we’re covering threats to SNAP benefits. How gay of an issue is this, and who is stepping up to help? It is, of course, never too early for Pride news, so we’ll talk a bit about some developments in both Tucson, Arizona and in Ohio. And as always – where is our roundtable finding queer joy in the news this week? Joining us this week for …

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What to expect at FAN EXPO San Francisco 2025 9:54

14d ago9:54

9:54

On this bonus episode, host Jeneé Darden spoke with Fan Expo's Vice President Andrew Moyes about what attendees can expect at this year's FAN EXPO San Francisco, and how cons have evolved over the years.By Jeneé Darden

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The Day I Met ARFID: RISK! Reacts 32:21

15d ago32:21

32:21

Kevin hears Danielle Meinert’s “The Day I Met ARFID” story from The Story Collider for the first time and gives you his hot takes. You can also watch this episode on YouTube! This is part of our RISK! Reacts series, where we listen to a story told on another show and give our first reactions. Here’s the Spotify Playlist mentioned in the episode. An…

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Aging Out Loud: Midlife, Self-Acceptance, and Gay Wisdom with – John Patrick 54:53

19d ago54:53

54:53

In this raw and heartfelt episode, New York designer, storyteller and former drag performer, John Patrick (JP) for a powerful conversation about growing older, wiser, and freer as gay men. Together, JP and Rick unpack decades of experience — from coming out in different eras to surviving the AIDS crisis, finding confidence through drag and other ca…

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Live From Austin! 1:14:03

20d ago1:14:03

1:14:03

A Classic RISK! episode from our early years that first ran in September of 2013, when RISK! had its first live show in the city that keeps it weird: Austin, Texas. 🎤Live Story: The Redhead by Paul Normandin Every year that his wife asked, "What do you want for your birthday?" Paul would answer, "A redhead." One year, his wife finally arranged for …

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'Greater Than Ourselves' documentary // Honoring disability activist Alice Wong // Diana Gameros' new album // Rainn Wilson coming to FAN EXPO San Francisco 51:29

20d ago51:29

51:29

On today's show we honor a late Oakland artist who produced the documentary about the history of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. And we salute the late disability rights activist Alice Wong. Then, singer Diana Gameros talks about giving people hope through her new album. Finally, actor Rainn Wilson, from "The Office" talks about coming to FAN EXPO San Fr…

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EXTRA, EXTRA: The Line Between Activism and LGBTQ+ Journalism 33:19

21d ago33:19

33:19

Extra, Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the LGBTQ+ journalists who have helped define the field and continue to shape opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. Mark Segal founded the Philadelphia Gay News, created and served as president of the National LGBT Newspaper Guild, pioneered in the radio space as an out gay radio host, and is a membe…

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Do I Belong Here? 42:18

22d ago42:18

42:18

Jen Nails and Sandi Marx share stories about being who you are even, when it’s a pain in the ass. 🎤Radio Story: Permission to Be Myself by Jen Nails Jen struggles to fit in at her college acting program, which attempts to remove her from the class roster. Finally, her fellow students write to the administration appealing on her behalf and the schoo…

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Running Toward Change: Dakarai Larriett on Faith, Politics, and Courage in Alabama – Dakarai Larriett 38:53

26d ago38:53

38:53

In this powerful episode, Alabama native and political candidate Dakarai Larriett talks about what it really means to lead with authenticity in one of the toughest states to do it. From surviving a false arrest to running openly as a gay Black man, Dakarai’s story is a masterclass in courage, empathy, and conviction. In this episode we unpack the r…

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Sights + Sounds Picks: Joshuah Ciafardone and Olivia Day 6:00

27d ago6:00

6:00

On this week's episode of "Sights + Sounds Picks," pole dancers Joshuah Ciafardone and Olivia Day give their arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area.By Jeneé Darden, Porfirio Rangel

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Always A Woman, Revisited 49:15

27d ago49:15

49:15

Morgan revisits her story from 2012 called “Always A Woman” with Kevin Allison and considers how much has changed for trans folks in the 13 years since. 🎙️Radio Story: Always A Woman by Morgan A biker and ironworker has a lifelong secret. After a nearly life-ending accident, Morgan finally decides to transition from man to woman. The people in her …

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'Sally & Tom' play // Roger Thomas of vocal group Naturally 7 // 'Big Bryce Son' documentary 51:36

27d ago51:36

51:36

On today's show a play that's about a play, about former Pres. Thomas Jefferson and his enslaved mistress Sally Hemmings. Then, the amazing singing group Naturally 7 is coming to Oakland. And, a hip-hop artist from Oakland reflects on fatherhood in a new documentary.By Jeneé Darden

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Pretending to Be Human 1:06:56

28d ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Inky Montaine tells Taj Easton about how, before he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he truly felt like he might have come from another planet. Check out all of our Conversation Stories! 🎙️Conversation Story: Pretending to Be Human by Inky Montaine Inky spent a lifetime switching masks but felt a certainty of unbelonging. Later in life,…

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Demystifying (and Queering) Redistricting & Covering LGBTQ+ Org Cuts 43:09

28d ago43:09

43:09

Ohio’s gone through some redistricting – and Susan Tebben is here to update us and share why this is an LGBTQ+ issue. LGBTQ+ organizations across the country are struggling to keep themselves afloat – just how bad is it getting? There are several efforts to restrict names and pronouns across the country, but we want to highlight one initiative that…

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A Breath of Fresh Air: RISK! Reacts (feat. Ray Christian) 27:17

29d ago27:17

27:17

On this Veteran’s Day, guest-host Ray Christian from What’s Ray Saying? hears Brian Simpson’s “Fresh Air” story from So Say We All for the first time and gives you his hot takes. You can also watch this episode on YouTube! This is part of our RISK! Reacts series, where we listen to a story told on another show and give our first reactions. 🎙️ Story…

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Intimacy, Aging, and the New Era of Sexual Wellness– Jeff Abraham 42:28

1M ago42:28

42:28

In this open and unapologetic conversation, Jeff Abraham, CEO of Promescent, talks about sexual wellness, communication, and confidence at any age. From lube myths to aging libidos, solo masturbation to mutual pleasure, we explore how science, honesty, and a sense of humor can transform your sex life. It’s a conversation that every man (and his par…

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Sights + Sounds Picks: Caro De Robertis 6:00

1M ago6:00

6:00

On this week's episode of "Sights + Sounds Picks," author Caro De Robertis gives their arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area.

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Boys and Girls 1:16:45

1M ago1:16:45

1:16:45

A Classic RISK! episode from our early years that first ran in August of 2013, when DC Pierson, Selena Coppock, Brad Lawrence and Nina Davis shared stories of love and loss. 🎙️Radio Story: Let Me Sleep On It by Brad Lawrence In his youth, Brad finds and loses love with a fellow bookstore employee. Later, after marrying someone else, he sees his fee…

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Cirque du Soleil's 'ECHO' // 'Strut: A Queer Pole Cabaret' // 'Making History Fun Again' speaker series 51:47

1M ago51:47

51:47

On today's show host Jeneé Darden speaks with an acrobat and juggler from Cirque du Soleil. Then, a queer pole and cabaret show takes to the the stage one last time at the gay nighclub Oasis. And, historians and travel writers are sharing some fun San Francisco history.By Jeneé Darden

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A Path to LGBTQ+ Equality in Local Advocacy? 42:33

1M ago42:33

42:33

Many local municipalities are taking matters into their own hands to achieve the LGBTQ+ equality that is just not happening nationally. We cover how it’s working in Pennsylvania, look at Illinois’ Equality for Every Family Act, and answer if LGBTQ+ advocates should fully pivot to local approaches in states, like Ohio, with plenty of gerrymandering.…

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The Living Room: RISK! Reacts 44:16

1M ago44:16

44:16

Kevin hears Diane Weipert’s “The Living Room” story from Love and Radio for the first time and gives you his instant reactions. You can also watch this episode on YouTube! This is part of our RISK! Reacts series, where we listen to a story told on another show and give our first reactions. 🎙️ Story: The Living Room by Diane Weipert Through an unobs…

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Creativity, Authenticity & Aging: A Halloween Conversation with Author Ricky Baxter 38:58

1M ago38:58

38:58

In this Halloween episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk., host Rick Clemons sits down with UK-based author and creative professional Ricky Baxter to explore what it means to keep your creativity alive as a gay man over 40. They dive deep into the pressures LGBTQ+ men face to “fit in,” the fear of criticism that often silences creative expression, a…

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Sights + Sounds Picks: Joe Ayers 6:00

1M ago6:00

6:00

On this week's episode of "Sights + Sounds Picks," actor Joe Ayers gives his arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area.By Jeneé Darden, Porfirio Rangel

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The Best of Scary Stories, Vol. 1 56:33

1M ago56:33

56:33

Three of our favorite scary stories from Halloween specials of our past. 🎤Radio Story: The Thing by Thomas McKean When Thomas was a kid, he and a friend saw a shadowy oblong shape following them on a beach. Years later, he feels chained to his bed in the middle of the night when the same figure, then two more hover over him. keywords: Paranormal en…

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'Fairyland' film // 'The Art of Manga' exhibit 51:45

1M ago51:45

51:45

On today's show we talk with the director behind the film adaptation of the memoir "Fairyland." Then, a huge exhibit has manga fans flocking to the de Young Museum in San Francisco.By Jeneé Darden

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Amplifying Queer Elders and Responding to NBC OUT’s Elimination 35:20

1M ago35:20

35:20

NBC News has fired a ton of journalists, including NBC OUT, their LGBTQ+ news vertical. What does that mean for our media ecosystem? And we dive into the experiences of LGBTQ+ elders, a topic far too infrequently discussed in the media. Joining us for these stories and more: Senior Staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, H.L. Comeriato Managing editor …

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Scary Stories #17: Bone-chilling! 1:24:25

1M ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Our 17th annual Halloween special with scary true stories about ghosts, corpses and mortal danger. 🎤Radio Story: Do You Know My Name? by Robert Oakes Robert leads ghost tours, but unlike his father, he’s unsure he’s a believer. After his father dies, Robert’s tour of a haunted house is visited by paranormal investigators, who have him ask a questio…

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From Stonewall to Florida: Drag, Activism, and Keeping Pride Alive in Troubled Times – Eric Swanson 43:07

2M ago43:07

43:07

In this powerful episode, Eric Swanson activist, performer, and drag entertainer - aka Miss Bouvier - joins me to talk about what it really means to keep Pride alive when the world feels divided. From Florida’s political battlegrounds to global stages in Amsterdam, Eric opens up about using performance as protest, the legacy of Stonewall, and why L…

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Sights + Sounds Picks: Creepy Tales 6:00

2M ago6:00

6:00

On this week's episode of "Sights + Sounds Picks," host Jeneé Darden and producer Porfirio Rangel talk about their horror event "Creepy Tales."By Jeneé Darden, Porfirio Rangel

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Edge Play 1:03:13

2M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

A Classic RISK! episode from our early years that first ran in August of 2013, when Mather Zickel, Jen Curran, Joel Kim Booster and Julie Threlkeld told stories of times they crossed over the edge. 🎤Live Story: Waiting for the Man by Joel Kim Booster Joel would love to find a kinky Dom to write "Bitch" around his asshole. One night, he plays with a…

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'Noises Off' play // Litquake event 'Generation Women: Secrets and Lies' // 'Wrestling the Angel' documentary // Sights + Sounds After Dark event 'Creepy Tales' 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

On today's show a British slapstick comedy that makes you laugh and think about the chaos of life. Then, secrets and lies in literature by women and non-binary writers. Also, a Berkeley artist reflects on her art and life lessons she learned from having cancer. We close with details about our pre-Halloween storytelling event "Creepy Tales."…

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Covering New LGBTQ+ Data & Uncovering Anti-Trans Consequences 49:51

2M ago49:51

49:51

New research has been released on what the LGBTQ+ community thinks about the issues affecting our lives. Anti-trans policies continue to abound across the country – with consequences that you may not have considered. And despite attacks, there are folks creating safe spaces for our LGBTQ+ siblings – and we’ll be discussing their efforts. Joining us…

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Mortal 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

Hannah Sussman and Swapna Deshpande tell stories about coming to terms with mortality. 🎤Anecdote: Another Conversation with my Dead Mother by Hannah Sussman Hannah reflects on her relationship with her deceased mother—waking from a dream, looking in the mirror and eventually coming to peace with her own aging. keywords: mother daughter relationship…

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Playfulness, Possibility, and Queer Joy After 40 – Cas Holman 37:31

2M ago37:31

37:31

In this episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk, Rick sits down with author Cas Holman - author, creative designer, and playful instigator, to explore the power of playfulness in adult life—and why it matters more than ever for gay men over 40. From family life to queerness to creativity, Cas shares insights from their new book and personal journey, …

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Sights + Sounds Picks: Kristin Tièche 6:00

2M ago6:00

6:00

On this week's episode of "Sights + Sounds Picks," filmmaker Kristin Tièche gives her arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area.By Porfirio Rangel, Jeneé Darden

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Live From Norfolk 2 59:39

2M ago59:39

59:39

A Classic RISK! episode from our early years that first ran in August of 2013, when Brad McMurran, Alicia Camden, and Sean Devereux told stories at the Norfolk Comedy Festival. 🎤Live Story: The Color Purple by Brad McMurran Brad’s first sexual experience goes wrong when an allergic reaction to spermicidal condoms sends him to the ER, where his moth…

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'Kim's Convenience' play // Children's book 'Story Power!' // 'So Many Stars' // Sights + Sounds After Dark event 'Creepy Tales' 51:19

2M ago51:19

51:19

On today's show, actress Kelly J. Seo from the hit play "Kim's Convenience." Then, a children's book that encourages kids to write stories. Later, a book of oral history of trans and gender-nonconforming elders of color. And, our upcoming, pre-Halloween creepy, storytelling eventBy Jeneé Darden

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Taking A Break From Queer News to Dive Into Queer Culture 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

This week, we’re setting aside dialogue on healthcare bans, conversion therapy, and cuts to crisis resources to talk about queer culture. How do we know it when we see it? How are we doing with representation – and where do we need more than a bit of work? Joining us for this discussion: Membership Director at GALECA and Coordinator of Out On Film,…

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The Lies That Bind 1:43:18

2M ago1:43:18

1:43:18

Mishelle tells Taj her story of a lifetime lived with an abusive mother in an environment of relentless lies, instability and unspeakable violence. Check out all of our Conversation Stories! 🎙️Conversation Story: The Lies that Bind by Mishelle Roberts (Content Note: child abuse, child murder) Mishelle tells Taj about growing up in the shadow of hos…

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Get Undomesticated 4:22

2M ago4:22

4:22

Candiace Dillard Bassett (Bravo’s Real Housewives of Potomac) and Michael Arceneaux (New York Times best-selling author and culture critic) have thoughts…and on Undomesticated, they’re sharing all of them. Think of it like the group chat you wish you were in - brutally honest, funny, smart, and gloriously unfiltered. From viral TikTok drama to the …

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Coming Out, Family, and Community: Brian Bond of PFLAG National on National Coming Out Day 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

In this powerful National Coming Out Day episode, Rick Clemons sits down with Brian Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, to talk about the organization’s 52-year mission of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. From the history of PFLAG to personal coming out stories and the creation of affirming spaces across America, Brian shares how the move…