Happy Endings at Shameless Acres

Join us as we explore meaningful conversations from a community of seniors sharing their journeys through health, aging, relationships, and self-discovery. This episode offers diverse perspectives on maintaining vitality, building community, and embracing life's evolving chapters.

Key topics covered:

• The importance of community and social connection in later life
• Personal health journeys: managing chronic illness, mental health, and aging
• Innovations in self-care, including diet, exercise, and alternative therapies
• The role of spirituality, religion, and secular communities in aging
• Overcoming addiction, mental health struggles, and maintaining sobriety
• The impact of medical insights, including medication management and lifestyle changes
• Embracing authenticity and self-acceptance in senior years
• The significance of shared experiences and peer support in overcoming challenges
• Practical tips: nutrition, exercise, mental health, and social engagement
• The value of open discussions about aging, health, and relationships

"Good Times - Disco House" - Produced by Danya Vodovoz

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HEASA Happy Hour is a recorded conversation series for gay men 55 and better — real talk about aging, health, connection, and what Jane Fonda calls the "third act."
HEASA stands for Happy Endings at Shameless Acres, and that tells you everything about the spirit of the show: honest, irreverent, and warm. Every other week, hosts Colin Brownlee and Scott Pralinsky gather 20+ men on a live call from around the world — Costa Rica, Canada, Australia, Boston, Dallas, and beyond — to share their stories. Survivors of the AIDS crisis, men in recovery, recent widowers, retirees reinventing themselves abroad: a generation that fought for its rights and built its own chosen families, now figuring out how to make this chapter the best one yet.
Topics range from "Health Is Wealth" to "Senior and Single," but the through-line is always connection — because the research is clear that community is what keeps us thriving as we age.
Pull up a chair. The happy hour is open. Learn more or join a live call at heasa-live.org.

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In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Colin from HEASA chats with Brent and Michael of "Brent and Michael Are Going Places"  about their unconventional life as “slowmads”.  From leaving the U.S. after the 2016 election to discovering unexpected joy in global living, they reflect on travel, aging, partnership, privilege, and the difference between aspiration and authenticity. With warmth and humor, they share lessons learned on the road, including how to stay grounded, embrace uncertainty, and live a richer life by simply stepping outside the door.

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Colin sits down with long-time friend Scott to unravel the intricate tapestry of his life. From enlisting in the military as a closeted gay man to facing the grim realities of an AIDS crisis in a Romanian orphanage, Scott's early experiences shaped a deep commitment to social service. Learn how his family's influence and personal encounters with bullying ignited a passion for helping those on the margins. This episode explores Scott's current role as COO of "House of Possibilities" and the powerful origins of his drive to create positive change.

Support the show

Colin sits down with long-time friend Scott to unravel the intricate tapestry of his life. From enlisting in the military as a closeted gay man to facing the grim realities of an AIDS crisis in a Romanian orphanage, Scott's early experiences shaped a deep commitment to social service. Learn how his family's influence and personal encounters with bullying ignited a passion for helping those on the margins. This episode explores Scott's current role as COO of "House of Possibilities" and the powerful origins of his drive to create positive change.

Happy Endings at Shameless Acres kicks off with an inspiring and deeply personal conversation between Scott Pralinsky and Colin Brownlee, founder of Happy Endings at Shameless Acres (HEASA). In this premiere episode, Colin reflects on a life that defied convention — from his turbulent youth and struggles with addiction to his journey through the AIDS crisis, spiritual transformation, and eventual reinvention as an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur in Costa Rica. He shares how embracing vulnerability, self-discovery, and bold dreams led him to create a vibrant community for queer seniors. It’s a powerful story about resilience, reinvention, and building your third act on your own terms.

Support the show

In this powerful and heartfelt introductory episode, hosts Scott Pralinsky and Colin Brownlee launch Happy Endings at Shameless Acres (HEASA) — a visionary community for gay men 55 and older seeking connection, purpose, and a bit of fun. Colin shares the origin story of HEASA, born from a beachside epiphany over 20 years ago, and explores how this dream has grown into a nonprofit movement for vibrant aging. From virtual happy hours and Zoom salons to future real-world meetups, this episode paints a vivid picture of what’s possible when older gay men come together to create their own shameless, supportive space. Whether you’re lonely, thriving, or simply curious — you belong here.

Support the show

Colin sits down with long-time friend Scott to unravel the intricate tapestry of his life. From enlisting in the military as a closeted gay man to facing the grim realities of an AIDS crisis in a Romanian orphanage, Scott's early experiences shaped a deep commitment to social service. Learn how his family's influence and personal encounters with bullying ignited a passion for helping those on the margins. This episode explores Scott's current role as COO of "House of Possibilities" and the powerful origins of his drive to create positive change.

In this powerful and heartfelt introductory episode, hosts Scott Pralinsky and Colin Brownlee launch Happy Endings at Shameless Acres (HEASA) — a visionary community for gay men 55 and older seeking connection, purpose, and a bit of fun. Colin shares the origin story of HEASA, born from a beachside epiphany over 20 years ago, and explores how this dream has grown into a nonprofit movement for vibrant aging. From virtual happy hours and Zoom salons to future real-world meetups, this episode paints a vivid picture of what’s possible when older gay men come together to create their own shameless, supportive space. Whether you’re lonely, thriving, or simply curious — you belong here.

Happy Endings at Shameless Acres kicks off with an inspiring and deeply personal conversation between Scott Pralinsky and Colin Brownlee, founder of Happy Endings at Shameless Acres (HEASA). In this premiere episode, Colin reflects on a life that defied convention — from his turbulent youth and struggles with addiction to his journey through the AIDS crisis, spiritual transformation, and eventual reinvention as an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur in Costa Rica. He shares how embracing vulnerability, self-discovery, and bold dreams led him to create a vibrant community for queer seniors. It’s a powerful story about resilience, reinvention, and building your third act on your own terms.