Detoxicity: By Men, About Men, For Everyone

DetoxPod 153: Robert Brooks Cohen (Screenwriter/Author)

Robert Brooks Cohen, is a screenwriter, podcaster (Two Bi Guys), and the author of the new book "Bisexual Married Men: Stories of Relationships, Acceptance and Authenticity". In this episode of Detoxicity, Rob shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a bisexual man. He discusses the challenges faced by bisexual men and the shifting attitudes towards bisexuality in society. Rob emphasizes the importance of building a queer community and the benefits of in-person connections. He also explores the dynamics of mixed-orientation marriages and the exploration of non-monogamy. Rob reflects on imposter syndrome and the integration of his pre-coming out and post-coming out life. He concludes by discussing the role of masculinity in his identity and the importance of authenticity. In this conversation, Rob and Mike discuss various aspects of self-acceptance and personal growth. They explore the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's sexuality, taking baby steps towards self-acceptance, and the continued evolution and self-discovery that comes with embracing one's true self. They also touch on the addictive nature of "Law & Order: SVU" (one of the shows that Rob has written for) and the impact of meeting role models who embody qualities one sees in themselves. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of modeling behavior and living authentically.
Follow Rob on Instagram.
Takeaways
Building a supportive queer community is crucial for self-acceptance and personal growth.
Challenging societal norms and expectations can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Open and honest communication is essential in navigating relationships and exploring non-monogamy.
Accepting and embracing one's true identity can help overcome imposter syndrome and promote self-confidence.
Masculinity should be defined by authenticity and being true to oneself, rather than conforming to societal expectations. Acknowledging and accepting one's sexuality is a crucial step towards self-acceptance and personal growth.
Taking baby steps towards self-acceptance is a valid and effective approach.
Self-discovery and personal evolution are ongoing processes.
Meeting role models who embody qualities one sees in themselves can have a profound impact on personal growth and self-acceptance.
Modeling behavior and living authentically is important for oneself and for others.

DetoxPod 152: Nick Gordon (Music Exec/Ethical Hedonist)

Nick Gordon is a veteran music executive and is also the owner and proprietor of Love, Velma, a music and lifestyle venue in Ellenville, NY. Over the course of our conversation, Nick traces his history in the music industry and discusses how he's managed a lot of the potentially damaging habits that come with the rock and roll lifestyle. He also discusses the importance of community (y'all know that's a favorite topic of mine), his continued interest in fashion, and what he likes to call "ethical hedonism". Hope you enjoy Nick's story!

DetoxPod 151: A Discussion About IPV (Intimate Partner Violence) With Micah & Stephanie

Content warning: Graphic discussions about physical and emotional abuse, and suicide.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women is a victim of physical intimate partner violence at some point in their life. Sadly, I don't think that's a surprising statitistic. What you might find surprising is that 1 in 4 men is a victim of physical intimate partner violence. I would imagine that a lot of intimate partner violence among men-particularly in a heteronormative framework-goes unreported because so many men are embarrassed to report it and, in many cases, are socialized to ignore or not recognize the signs of abusive behavior.
 
Back in Episode 141, we talked to Micah R, who shared his journey through everything from homelessness to his life as a transgender man. Unfortunately, shortly after our episode was released, Micah lost his brother Jeffrey to suicide. Now, Micah and his sister Stephanie are sharing their brother's story as someone who was involved in a toxic relationship fraught with emotional and sometimes physical abuse. This is a heavy conversation about heavy topics, but I really hope that folks-no matter their gender or the gender of their partner- listen and if they see themselves in any of the situations we discuss, evaluate their lives and relationships and do what they can to get into a better place.
 
If you are experiencing Domestic Abuse, please call 1-800-799-7233.

DetoxPod 150 : Almar Reyes (Tech Exec, Dad)

I do most of the sourcing when it comes to finding guests for the show, but every once in a while a friend surprises me by saying "hey, I'd like to be a guest". That was the case with my dude Almar Reyes, who I've known for something going on twenty years via the internet. Almar is a Bay-Area based veteran of the tech world, and is most recently adjusting to life as an empty-nester after raising two kids. That forms the basis of our conversation, although we detour plenty along the way. Other topics we cover include everything from being a military brat to the reality of cultural minorities often being severely prejudiced against other cultural minorities. I'm really glad Almar hit me up, because he proved to be a fantastic interview! You can find him on most socials as AlmarSezStuff. 

DetoxPod 149 : Chris Loper (Coach/Author)

Chris Loper is a habit coach based in the Pacific Northwest. What is a habit coach, I bet you're asking. Well, listen to the episode and it'll all be explained to you :-) Chris is also a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie and we talk about how his penchant for thrill-seeking led him down a bad path, only to come to a head after a near-death experience. His journey from there to here is also documented in a memoir, entitled Wood Floats and Other Brilliant Observations. Chris's most recent endeavor, Smart College Habits, combines academic and habit coaching to help students thrive in college. Addiction, recovery, living life lightly, it's all covered in this conversation. I hope you enjoy!

DetoxPod 148: Dave Holmes (Writer/Actor/Pop Culture Obsessive)

I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Dave Holmes to the podcast. You might know Dave as an MTV VJ and host of TRL, you might know him as an author (his memoir, Party of One, is excellent), you might be familiar with his work as an actor, podcaster, even as an advice columnist. Dave's relatability and his pop culture obsessiveness have contributed to a decades-long stint in the public eye. Our conversation covers everything from struggles with sexuality to wanting to build an empire for the future to living a full life with a chronic illness (in this case, diabetes). I quiz Dave about his obsession with running, meeting Huey Lewis, and much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
Find Dave on IG here.
 

DetoxPod 147 : Bill Harrison (Therapist/Musician/Author)

Bill Harrison is a licensed therapist working in the Chicago area. He specializes in men's issues, and works primarily (although not exclusively) with creatives/people in the arts. Bill has also spent many years working as an artist himself. Prior to devoting himself to mental health, he was a successful gigging musician. Our conversation follows Bill's journey from traveling troubadour through his own mental health journey and ultimately deciding to help others for a living. We also talk a lot about Bill's book, "Making the Low Notes: A Life in Music", (also here), and how writing has helped him give voice to his feelings.

DetoxPod 146 : Yawnyblew Returns

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter YAWNYBLEW visited us for Episode 134, and folks enjoyed our conversation so much that I got several requests to bring him back. Well, what our listeners want, our listeners get! My second conversation with Yawny focuses on the ups and downs of the music industry and how he has struggled to maintain mental health practices due to the stress of having to survive as a working creative. Yawny and I also talk about his circle of male friends and how even in a private group it's hard to have those "real" conversations. We also discuss the need for life resets, which for Yawny is manifesting itself in a summer-long road trip.
You can find YAWNYBLEW on Instagram, or you can follow his podcast, BIIGGER THAN OUR DREAMS.