Empowered & Out

In this deeply important and at times heavy conversation, Coach Jon sits down with Lucas Wilson — researcher, writer, and editor of Shame, Sex, Attraction: Survivor Stories of Conversion Therapy — to talk about the lasting impact of conversion therapy, evangelicalism, white Christian nationalism, and the long road back to self-trust.

Luke shares his lived experience growing up in a conservative religious environment, attending Liberty University, and spending four years in its conversion therapy program. Together, Jon and Luke unpack what it means to survive high-control religion, how shame gets embedded into identity, and what healing, resistance, and reclamation can actually look like on the other side.

This episode is honest, thoughtful, and powerful. It’s a conversation about religious harm, queer identity, survival, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life when the systems that shaped you also wounded you.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of conversion therapy, religious harm, shame, identity-based trauma, and mental health. Please listen with care and pause if needed.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome + season theme: healing and resistance
01:42 Meet Lucas Wilson
04:43 Luke’s research, writing, and public-facing work
08:59 Why these conversations matter
11:03 Growing up in Toronto, family, and religion
18:11 Realizing his identity didn’t fit the framework around him
24:52 Arriving at Liberty University
27:37 Surveillance, control, and fear on campus
36:57 The culture of punishment and institutional pressure
1:00:22 Shame, survivor stories, and what healing can look like
1:05:07 Christianity, colonization, and naming harm
1:11:32 What Luke hopes students and educators hear
1:14:10 Rapid fire questions

If this conversation resonated with you and you’re ready to rebuild confidence, reconnect with yourself, and make career choices that support your wellbeing, book a free discovery call with Coach Jon through the link in the show notes.

Connect with Luke
Instagram: @lukeslamdunkwilson

Threads: @lukeslamdunkwilson

Bluesky: @lukeslamdunkwilson.bsky.social

Twitter/X: @wilson_fw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-wilson-2a0753b1/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luke.wilson.96

Connect with Coach Jon:
https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

In this episode of Empowered and Out, Coach Jon sits down with Phillip Hargrove, instructor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida and former NASA Kennedy Space Center engineer, for a deeply honest conversation about authenticity, identity, and what it means to return to yourself.

Phillip shares his journey from working at NASA to making a bold career pivot into education, and how that transition helped him recognize what true alignment really feels like. Together, Jon and Phillip explore the difference between authenticity and oversharing, the cost of shape-shifting to fit into different spaces, and the ongoing practice of choosing yourself again and again.

They also talk about coming out later, navigating visibility as a Black gay man, trusting your intuition, finding supportive people, and how coaching, therapy, and mindfulness can help you stop abandoning yourself in the name of survival.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to edit themselves to belong. If you’ve been shrinking at work, questioning your next step, or trying to figure out how to show up more fully in your life, this conversation will meet you with honesty, warmth, and real encouragement.

Chapters
00:00 Intro and welcome
00:45 Meet Phillip Hargrove
02:39 Energy check-in
07:45 What authenticity means in real life
08:43 Authenticity vs. oversharing
12:36 The pattern of changing yourself to fit
18:04 What shape-shifting looked like
21:40 Coming out and feeling ready
26:07 Fear, faith, and internalized messages
32:15 What Phillip wishes he knew earlier
37:01 Safety, visibility, and trusting intuition
42:40 Leaving NASA and choosing alignment
45:00 Engineering vs. teaching authenticity
49:00 How coaching, mentors, and therapy helped
53:28 What real support looks like
56:50 Support alternatives when coaching or therapy isn’t accessible
01:03:06 Skills to build authenticity over time
01:07:23 Rapid fire questions
01:14:33 Final takeaway and closing

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s been shrinking to survive. And if you’re ready to rediscover your purpose, rebuild your confidence, and show up more fully at work and in life, book your free 30-minute discovery call through the link in the show notes.

https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout 

What happens when your style, voice, or presence gets judged before your leadership ever does?

In this episode of Empowered and Out, Coach Jon sits down with Aaron Roberts, an operations director at a leading fertility hospital in central London, to talk about leadership, identity, performance, and what it means to succeed without shrinking yourself to fit someone else’s version of professionalism.

Aaron shares his journey from being bullied as a young queer person, to navigating corporate healthcare without the traditional credentials people expect, to becoming a leader who believes the results speak louder than stereotypes. Together, Jon and Aaron unpack what authenticity actually looks like at work, why some people still confuse it with being unprofessional, and how leaders can better protect and promote diverse talent without making it awkward or performative.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever been told they were too much, too visible, too different, or not the “right fit” — and needed the reminder that your identity is not the problem.

In this episode, we talk about:
• What being authentic really looks like in leadership
• The pressure to tone yourself down at work
• How Aaron built a serious career without traditional credentials
• Why open-door leadership matters
• What inclusion looks like when it’s done well
• How to stop negotiating your identity just to make others comfortable
• One actionable step to advocate for yourself while protecting your peace

Chapters:
00:00 Intro + season theme
02:04 Meet Aaron Roberts
02:28 Energy check-in
03:50 Who Aaron was before the title
08:21 Why reception work is never “just” reception
12:27 What authenticity looks like as a leader
15:24 Why authenticity gets mistaken for unprofessionalism
20:51 “The face doesn’t fit” and workplace bias
25:58 What it took to stop negotiating identity
35:22 Progress and gaps in healthcare leadership
39:41 What inclusion done well really looks like
44:09 One norm Aaron wants to see everywhere
51:10 What supportive leaders do differently
54:59 What managers can do this week
57:13 What Aaron wants people to unlearn
01:01:14 Rapid fire questions
01:05:03 One actionable step for self-advocacy
01:07:08 Closing thoughts + CTA

If this episode hit home and you’re ready to rebuild confidence, get clear on your next move, and lead without self-editing, book a free discovery call with Coach Jon through the link below.

https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

And if this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that authenticity isn’t a liability — it’s leadership.

What does it mean to come out later in life — and then learn how to live, work, and lead from that truth?

In this powerful returning guest episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon welcomes back Aime Hutton for a deeper conversation about identity, self-acceptance, coming out in adulthood, and what it takes to feel safe and seen in the workplace. Aime shares her personal journey of coming out in her 40s, the fear she carried before saying it out loud, the role family played in that process, and how self-acceptance became her superpower.

Together, Jon and Aime unpack what authenticity really looks like when you are still figuring yourself out on your own timeline. They also dig into workplace inclusion, disability advocacy, accommodations, belonging, and the difference between simply surviving at work and actually thriving there.

Aime also shares insights from her work with Open Door Group’s Work Abilities Program, where she helps adults living with barriers find meaningful, lasting employment, along with her leadership as Chair of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Advisory Board for the Calgary Police Service.

This conversation is honest, affirming, and deeply needed for anyone navigating identity, confidence, and career without wanting to abandon themselves in the process.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome back and introducing returning guest Aime Hutton
02:12 Aime’s new role with Open Door Group and today’s focus
03:40 Energy check-in and grounding through work and weather
06:14 “Self-acceptance is my superpower” — where that came from
11:26 What was happening internally before coming out
13:23 Fear, family, and what felt most at risk
17:09 What surprised Aime most after coming out
19:55 Advice for anyone in the “I think I’m ready, but I’m terrified” stage
22:15 Coming out at work and learning what safety really looks like
29:12 Helping adults with barriers find meaningful, lasting employment
32:00 What workplaces need in order for people to thrive
39:43 How employers can rethink inclusive hiring
45:48 Leading systems change with the Calgary Police Service
49:29 Mentoring, pronouns, and speaking to the right room
52:04 Rapid-fire questions with a Canadian twist
57:20 One action step toward self-acceptance without forcing danger
58:53 Final reflections and closing message

If this episode reminded you that you are not behind in your becoming, share it with someone who needs to hear that today. And if you’re ready for support around identity, confidence, workplace belonging, or career direction, book a discovery call through the show notes or DM me the word READY.

https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

What does it look like to lead with integrity in an industry that still clings to outdated assumptions about masculinity and who “belongs”?

In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Chris Malden, owner of Prestige Security, to talk about coming out at 19, building credibility in a male-dominated field, and what real workplace inclusion actually requires.

Chris gets honest about stereotypes gay men still face in security, why “allyship” can sometimes become too much, and the leadership lesson he’ll shout from the rooftops: know your people. We also get into authenticity versus safety at work, how to navigate conservative environments, and why being out doesn’t have to become your entire personality to be valid.

Want support beyond the episode?

Follow Coach Jon on social (jmbcoachingllc) and book a Discovery Call with Empowered & Out Coaching using the link below.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Empowered & Out + season focus
01:13 Why LGBTQ+ visibility in security matters
02:03 Energy check-in
03:09 Who Chris is outside of work
05:40 “People assume I’m straight” — stereotypes and perception
06:31 Coming out at 19 + early influences
09:24 What he needed most back then: reassurance
12:21 Misconceptions about LGBTQ+ people in security
18:52 Building credibility with low representation
20:31 Earning respect the hard way
22:12 What “lead by example” actually means
27:02 Leadership lesson: know your people
29:45 Authenticity vs safety at work
37:43 Advice for conservative workplaces
46:03 What companies get wrong about support
49:25 Allyship that doesn’t help (and why)
52:06 Rapid fire time
01:00:20 Actionable takeaways for listeners + leaders

Follow + Book a FREE Discovery Call using this link: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

What happens when you stop living on autopilot… and finally tell yourself the truth?

In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Mark Dembo — business leader, executive education professional at Cornell University, coach, and co-host of Coming Inside Out — to talk about the chapter so many people live quietly: coming out later in life, and what that changes in your confidence, leadership, and day-to-day experience at work.

Mark shares what shifted internally before anything changed externally, why “authenticity” can’t be a checkbox, and how vulnerability can make you a stronger leader without turning your workplace into therapy hour. We also get into imposter syndrome in LGBTQ+ spaces, the pressure to “prove” confidence by coming out, and why community isn’t optional — it’s foundational.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind, late, or “too much” for wanting a career where you don’t have to edit yourself… this one lands in your chest.

Ready for support? 

Book a free call with Coach Jon https://calendly.com/jmbcoachingllc/discovery-call 

And if you want a quick starting point, DM “ALIGN” to @jmbcoachingllc and you’ll get a simple next step for this week. 💬🏳️‍🌈

Podcast chapters (timestamps based on transcript) ⏱️
00:00 — Welcome + season theme: visibility, authenticity, and unmasking
01:10 — Today’s topic: coming out later in life and what shifts at work
02:05 — Meet Mark Dembo + his leadership/corporate lens
03:10 — Energy check-in: “There’s a lot going on… especially in our community”
06:10 — Decompression and joy (Olympics, rest, permission to unplug)
08:20 — “What did coming out change internally?” (the mirror moment)
11:25 — What got easier vs what got harder (family, guilt, people-pleasing)
13:55 — How authenticity + vulnerability changed Mark’s leadership
18:10 — Vulnerability without “therapy hour” at work
20:55 — Where leaders get authenticity wrong (checkbox culture)
23:10 — Boundaries: what to share vs what to keep private at work
29:40 — Pressure to come out to “prove confidence” + pacing your story
41:05 — Integrating truth into professional identity (later-in-life lens)
42:55 — Small steps that create momentum (signals, conversations, leverage)
46:45 — Imposter syndrome in LGBTQ+ spaces: what fuels self-doubt
55:40 — Community as bedrock: why you can’t do this alone
01:00:00 — Building community from zero (online groups, interest-based meetups)
01:07:20 — Ideal workplace: psychological safety
01:14:20 — Rapid fire (hand-holding in NYC, comfort show, theme song, podcast chaos)
01:21:20 — One move to build confidence while coming out later
01:22:40 — Coach Jon closing message + CTA (DM “ALIGN”, book a free call)

In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Dr. Steve Yacovelli (aka The Gay Leadership Dude) for a powerful conversation about what leadership looks like right now—especially for LGBTQ+ professionals navigating workplace change, performative allyship, burnout, and the rise of AI.

Steve brings decades of experience in leadership development, organizational change, belonging, and learning strategy (including work with organizations like Disney and IBM). He breaks down what queer leaders often get wrong about authenticity, what they uniquely bring to the table, and how to lead with context without losing yourself.

You’ll also hear an eye-opening conversation about using AI as a leadership tool (not a replacement for human judgment), where people overcomplicate it, and the biggest mistakes people make when using AI at work. Plus, Steve shares practical burnout warning signs, resilience strategies, and advice for coaches, consultants, and thought leaders sitting on ideas they haven’t launched yet.

This episode is honest, insightful, funny, and full of real-world takeaways for anyone who wants to lead more effectively, communicate with more courage, and build a career that actually fits who they are.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink to succeed, this conversation is for you.

If this episode sparked something in you and you’re ready to rebuild confidence, get clearer on your purpose, or make more aligned career moves, book a discovery call with Coach Jon: https://calendly.com/jmbcoachingllc/discovery-call

Chapters:

00:00 Intro |

03:24 Queer leadership + authenticity |

09:12 AI as a leadership tool |

13:48 Biggest AI mistake (“rip and read”) |

16:11 Inclusion vs. corporate theater |

23:20 Gen Z + business case for inclusion |

32:29 Burnout warning signs |

34:45 3 resilience strategies |

42:45 Going virtual + business pivot |

51:02 Author/speaker/thought leader journey |

01:10:25 Final actionable advice

In this episode of Empowered & Out, Coach Jon sits down with Ryan M. McCarthy for a sharp, honest, and surprisingly funny conversation about radical authenticity, visibility as strategy, and what it really takes to stay human inside high-pressure work cultures. 🧠✨

Ryan shares what it means to “translate yourself” across cultures and power structures, how identity can feel like a mask we’re constantly updating, and why reading the room isn’t the same thing as shrinking. They also get real about corporate toxicity, layoffs, dignity, boundaries, and the brutal reality of today’s job market—especially in big tech and AI-adjacent work. 😮‍💨💼

If you’ve been editing yourself to survive at work, this one lands. And Ryan leaves listeners with one simple, subtle action you can take this week to reclaim more of who you are—without putting a target on your back. 🌈✅

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Empowered & Out + season theme (visibility & authenticity)
00:31 Coach Jon’s mission + discovery call CTA
01:10 Ryan McCarthy intro: radical authenticity + high-stakes leadership + “translation”
02:30 Energy check-in (Ryan’s 7/10… after a rough start)
04:23 What radical authenticity looks like on inconvenient days
05:10 Coming out at 14 (and why it felt like compulsion + relief)
10:08 Authenticity vs. oversharing (context + knowing your audience)
12:06 “Read the room” without masking yourself
14:24 France story: conservative context, gay rights convo, and visibility timing
19:48 Translation as a life skill: identity, masks, reinvention
24:08 Returning to U.S. corporate norms after France (culture shock + job struggle)
28:39 The current job market: networking, silence, and corporate “ghosting”
32:46 Toxicity at work: leadership, layoffs, and the cost of staying
40:48 PIPs, hiring freezes, and why “dignity intact” matters
47:07 When the pay doesn’t match the pressure (and choosing your health)
53:18 “Too much / too weird / too queer”: why wording reveals culture
55:22 Integrity + boundaries after disruption (and refusing “professional grief”)
01:01:06 When you can’t afford to leave: the hard truth + compassion
01:08:23 Resilience vs harm: the signs it’s time to cut something loose
01:10:42 Rapid fire fun 🎬🚿🎧
01:15:03 One small action this week to reclaim yourself (the “rainbow heart” move) 🌈
01:17:00 Ryan’s upcoming book: The New Meta + job market help offer
01:17:41 Coach Jon wrap + how to connect

Reach out to Coach Jon here - https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout 

What does it really cost to keep editing yourself at work?

In this episode of Empowered & Out, host Jonathan Barbe sits down with Dr. Ty McKinney (Calgary, Alberta) to talk about the brain-and-body toll of staying “less than fully you” on the job — especially for LGBTQ+ professionals.

Dr. Ty lives at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, leadership, and queer entrepreneurship, and he breaks down burnout in a way you can actually feel and understand: stress hormones, cognitive overload, emotional exhaustion, and the long-term health impacts that pile up when authenticity becomes a performance.

00:00 Welcome + episode focus
01:58 Energy check-in to set the tone
04:25 The extra “burnout weight” many queer professionals carry
07:57 Burnout broken down: the 3-part model
12:30 Stress hormones and focus (why productivity drops)
16:30 Burnout vs a rough week: how to tell the difference
18:59 Expressive suppression + why masking compounds stress
22:38 Gen Z at work: vulnerability, voice, and burnout trends
27:59 What companies lose: retention, presenteeism, performance
31:56 Authenticity without the “free-for-all” (healthy boundaries)
44:38 What the smartest leaders do differently
01:10:17 One doable change this week + your powerful close

If you’ve ever felt exhausted from code-switching, masking, or shrinking at work — this one is for you.

Connect with Dr. Ty + learn about his upcoming expressive suppression workshop (ahead of Pride Month): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tytheneuroguy/
Work with Coach Jon/Jonathan / coaching: https://linktr.ee/empoweredandout

Reminder: You deserve a career that doesn’t require you to disappear to succeed.

#EmpoweredAndOut #BurnoutRecovery #AuthenticLeadership #Neuroscience #MentalHealthAtWork

Queer Time, Becoming, and the Courage to Stay Visible — with Colin Belcourt

What does it mean to live in the in-between?

In this expansive and deeply honest episode of Empowered & Out, Jonathan sits down with writer and former HR/DEI leader Colin Belcourt, author of the forthcoming memoir The Blue Hour Gospel—a lyrical, fragmented exploration of queer time, self-erasure, survival, and the slow work of becoming whole.

Together, they unpack what it means to move through careers and communities while constantly editing yourself, how queer lives resist neat timelines, and why authenticity is less about perfect endings and more about learning how to stay.

Colin shares how therapy helped him recognize patterns of self-erasure, why he rejected traditional memoir structure in favor of fragments, and how chosen family, queer spirituality, and music playlists became acts of resistance and repair.

The conversation weaves through generational divides, visibility politics, body image, belonging, faith, and the quiet courage it takes to stop shrinking—at work and in life.

If you’ve ever wondered:
✨ Why your career path doesn’t look linear
✨ How to stop performing safety
✨ What “home” really means
✨ Or how to honor who you’re still becoming

This episode is for you.