Modern Gays

In this Halloween-themed episode, Daniel and Garet dive into the season of spookiness and villains, exploring the idea of embracing your inner “villain” as a way of living authentically. With the season of costumes and haunted houses setting the tone, they ask: Why do we sometimes feel like villains for simply being ourselves? As they discuss everything from favorite Halloween characters to how villains in pop culture own their power, the conversation shifts to something deeper—how embracing confidence and setting boundaries can be perceived as “villainous” by others. They explore the balance between empathy and self-assurance, discussing their own experiences of when they’ve been perceived as villains for putting themselves first. Ultimately, this episode is about owning your choices and celebrating your authentic self, villain era and all!

Key Episode Highlights:

• Halloween Vibes: Daniel and Garet reminisce about Halloween traditions and their favorite villains.
• Villain Energy: A discussion on why being confident, assertive, and authentic can sometimes make you feel like a “villain” in others’ eyes.
• Setting Boundaries: Insights into how people-pleasing and being overly empathetic can hold you back from living your truth.
• Balancing Empathy and Self-Confidence: Garet shares his journey of learning to stop disarming others and instead embracing his own power.
• Pop Culture Villains: From Maleficent to House of Villains, Daniel and Garet discuss why we love watching villains thrive and how that energy can inspire our real lives.

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SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

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SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

In this episode of Modern Gays, Daniel and Garet open up about insecurities, plastic surgery, and how unsolicited advice can derail our self-confidence. From Garet’s experience with a recent surgical procedure to Daniel’s vulnerability about thinning hair, they explore the weight of personal insecurities and the judgment we often feel from others. Why do we care so much about what people think? They dive deep into the ways technology and social media amplify this pressure, while also challenging the instinct to offer advice when it’s not asked for. Can we truly walk in someone else’s shoes, or is it time we all learned to trust ourselves more? Listen in for laughs, raw truths, and some hard-earned wisdom.

Key Highlights

• Plastic Surgery Stories: Garet shares his recent experience getting surgery and how it affected his self-image.
• The Unsolicited Advice Club: The hosts discuss the pitfalls of giving advice when it’s not wanted, particularly in LGBTQ+ spaces.
• Social Media Pressure: They examine how public routines and online life invite judgment and curiosity, even when nothing’s changed.
• Empathy vs. Relatability: A conversation about when sharing your own story doesn’t help someone going through their own experience.

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SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

In this heartfelt episode of Modern Gays, hosts Daniel and Garet chat with Joey Guzman Kuffel, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ fertility and mental health. Joey dives into his personal and professional journey, exploring the unique challenges and emotions queer people face when building families, particularly through surrogacy and IVF. The conversation covers vital topics such as the initial steps in family planning, the decision-making processes involved in egg donation and surrogacy, managing anxiety during IVF, and dealing with societal and familial judgment. They also discuss the significance of mental health support and therapy in navigating the rollercoaster of emotions that come with building a family in the LGBTQ+ community. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for those considering parenthood, seeking connection, and fostering love within their relationships.

Key Highlights:

• LGBTQ+ Family Planning: Joey discusses the key factors to consider when starting a family, including choosing egg donors, surrogates, and the emotional preparation needed for this life-changing journey.
• Mental Health Support: The importance of consulting a mental health professional early in the family-building process, providing a safe space to explore options and prepare for challenges.
• Managing Expectations: Joey emphasizes that every path to parenthood is unique; comparing your journey to others’ experiences can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• Coping with Judgment: Strategies for setting boundaries and coping with judgment from society, family, and even self-imposed doubts during the process of surrogacy or IVF.
• Navigating Relationship Dynamics: The episode explores the impact of family building on relationships, stressing the importance of communication, shared responsibilities, and maintaining connection as a couple.

Connect with Joey:

Joey Guzman-Kuffel, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Counseling With Joey & Associates. Inspired by his own journey to fatherhood through surrogacy and egg donation, Joey specializes in fertility, IVF, and surrogacy counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. His practice provides culturally competent, empathetic care for those navigating the emotional complexities of third-party reproduction. The team offers consultations, psychological evaluations, and traditional therapy services.
 

• Website: Counseling With Joey & Associates
• Book an Appointment: Schedule Here
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram
• Phone (USA): +1 (619) 363-5677

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SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

Dive into the curious world of “gooning,” a term that’s swept both the queer subculture and mainstream conversations. Daniel and Garet break down its roots as a kink-focused term used to describe a trance-like euphoric state, and discuss how it’s now become a playful way to express intense excitement. From pop icon obsession to reality TV indulgence, the hosts unpack why gooning isn’t just for sexual exploration anymore—it’s become part of everyday language, humor, and pop culture. What does it say about queer subcultures when their unique terms break into the mainstream? And should we be cautious about overusing and trivializing these identities, or is this just another step in the evolution of modern LGBTQ+ language? Tune in to find out, laugh, and maybe even discover your own goon face!

Key Highlights:

• Gooning Origins: A deep dive into the history of “gooning” as a sexual practice within queer communities.
• Pop Culture Crossovers: How gooning has evolved from a kinky term to a mainstream word embraced by pop culture.
• Housewives and Pop Stars: The latest buzz from the world of pop icons like Tate McRae, Normani, and reality TV favorites.
• Language Evolution: A discussion on how queer slang like “gagged,” “gooped,” and “gooning” enters everyday language.
• Queer Subculture Insights: Exploring how niche sexual subcultures influence and shape larger societal trends.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

In this insightful episode, Daniel and Garet sit down with Dan Harry, star of I Kissed a Boy and a powerful voice in HIV and sexual health advocacy. Dan opens up about his experience on the UK’s first gay dating show, shedding light on the pressures of on-screen dating and the vulnerability that comes with reality TV. Beyond the entertainment world, Dan is making a significant impact in the LGBTQ+ community by participating in an HIV vaccine trial and hosting the BBC documentary HIV, PrEP & Me. Together, they explore the evolving conversations around HIV prevention, the importance of breaking down stigma, and how the gay community can prioritize sexual health. Dan’s candidness about his personal struggles in dating, public perception, and advocacy work makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in both love and community activism.

Key Highlights:

• Dan’s Reality TV Experience: Dan talks about his unexpected journey on I Kissed a Boy and how joining later in the show impacted his confidence and connections.
• HIV Advocacy and PrEP: Dan discusses his role in an HIV vaccine trial and his BBC documentary, highlighting the importance of PrEP and HIV prevention education.
• Breaking Stigma: The conversation dives deep into how HIV stigma still exists and why it’s essential to dismantle it, especially in the LGBTQ+ dating world.
• Dating in the Spotlight: Dan shares how being on reality TV has changed his dating life and the toxic traits he’s working to overcome.
• Words of Wisdom: Dan reflects on how what may be seen as weaknesses can be our greatest strengths, offering empowering advice for those navigating the dating world.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

In this episode, Daniel and Garet unpack the complex role of the messenger, using Selling Sunset’s latest drama as a case study. From holding onto secrets to dealing with backlash, the hosts explore the fine line between being helpful and being perceived as stirring the pot. Is it ever okay to share private information if you think you’re protecting a friend? Or does the blame always fall on the one delivering bad news? Reflecting on both the show and their own experiences, the duo offers listeners relatable insights on trust, communication, and managing drama in their own relationships. Tune in as they dissect the fine art of being the vault, the ally, or the unfortunate bearer of bad news.

Key Highlights:

• The Messenger’s Dilemma: Is delivering sensitive information an act of kindness or meddling?
• Selling Sunset Drama: The blurred lines between reality TV and real-life relationships.
• Trust vs. Intention: How your role as a messenger impacts the trust others place in you.
• Reality TV’s Influence on Friendship: How shows like Selling Sunset mirror real-life dynamics.
• Navigating Gossip: Balancing empathy and honesty when delivering uncomfortable truths.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

In this heartfelt episode, Daniel and Garet sit down with Jake and Sean from DaddiestoThree to explore the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable world of gay parenthood. From their initial desire to start a family to the unexpected news of triplets, Jake and Sean share the intimate details of their surrogacy journey, including the emotional impact of miscarriage and the joy of finally welcoming three healthy babies. As they navigate the complexities of IVF, surrogacy, and being visible gay parents, Jake and Sean open up about the importance of representation, the power of community, and the reality of daily life with three toddlers. This conversation is filled with moments of laughter, vulnerability, and inspiration, offering a unique glimpse into what it means to create a family on your own terms.

Key Highlights

• From Surrogacy to Triplets: Jake and Sean recount their journey from finding a surrogate to the surprise of having triplets, highlighting the rollercoaster of emotions involved in gay parenthood.
• Overcoming Challenges: The couple opens up about their experience with miscarriage and how they found the strength to continue their journey toward parenthood.
• Importance of Visibility: Jake and Sean discuss the significance of sharing their story online, aiming to provide hope and representation for other LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
• Support Systems: The episode dives into the crucial role of community and family support, especially during the highs and lows of their surrogacy process.
• Balancing Authenticity and Advocacy: They talk about balancing personal life with their advocacy work, especially in the current political climate, and how they use their platform to support other queer families.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

Daniel and Garet dive into the concept of “short and sweet,” discussing how brevity can enhance various aspects of life, from storytelling to relationships. They explore the balance between keeping things concise while still conveying depth and meaning, touching on personal anecdotes and larger cultural phenomena like the upcoming Gay Games in Melbourne. The hosts challenge the notion that longer is always better, proposing that sometimes the most impactful moments are those that are brief but memorable. How do we determine when to keep things short and when to dive deep? And what can the LGBTQ+ community learn from the practice of mindful brevity in both personal and public spheres?

Key Highlights:

• Understanding “Short and Sweet”: The hosts discuss the value of brevity in storytelling and daily interactions, and how this approach can often lead to more meaningful connections.
• The Gay Games 2030: A conversation about Melbourne’s bid to host the Gay Games, exploring its history, inclusivity, and the importance of representation in sports.
• Navigating Relationships: Insights on embracing short-term relationships, focusing on the lessons and growth they offer rather than their duration.
• Effective Communication: How to say more with less—developing the skill of impactful communication through mindful listening and concise expression.
• Cultural Reflections: Daniel and Garrett reflect on the importance of valuing experiences for what they are, without the pressure of longevity, and how this perspective can enrich both personal growth and community dynamics.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

Daniel and Garet are joined by the legendary acting coach Margie Haber, who has helped shaped the careers of Hollywood stars like Halle Berry and Brad Pitt. Inspired by Margie’s book F*ck Your Comfort Zone, the trio dives deep into the paralyzing grip of fear and how to break free from it. Margie shares her journey of self-discovery and the importance of embracing discomfort to grow, offering powerful insights that go beyond acting. Whether you’re looking to change careers, come out, or simply live more authentically, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you say “f**k it” to your fears and start living the life you deserve.

Key Highlights

• Overcoming Fear: Margie discusses how fear can either motivate or paralyze, and offers tools to harness it for personal growth.
• Comfort Zones as Traps: Insight into how comfort zones act as self-imposed prisons and why breaking out is crucial.
• The Power of Saying Yes: Margie shares how saying “yes” to opportunities, even when they’re scary, can lead to transformative experiences.
• Balancing Multiple Selves: Exploring the concept of embracing all parts of yourself, from the nurturing parent to the playful child.
• The Circle of Life: Understanding that life’s ups and downs are natural, and how to keep moving forward despite setbacks.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co

From the timeless romance of Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor to the unique dynamic between RuPaul and George LeBar, these couples teach us that love is not one-size-fits-all. The discussion spans across monogamous, open, and polyamorous relationships, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, admiration, and staying true to your authentic self. How do these relationships thrive despite societal pressures and personal challenges? And what can we learn from their journeys to apply in our own lives? Tune in for a conversation that celebrates love in all its forms.

Key Highlights:

• Monogamy, Open, and Everything In-Between: Insights into how different celebrity couples navigate various relationship dynamics.
• Sarah Paulson & Holland Taylor: A deep dive into their 32-year age gap and their mutual admiration that keeps their love strong.
• RuPaul & George LeBar: Exploring the balance of independence and togetherness in a 30-year open relationship.
• Tom Daley & Dustin Lance Black: The role of family and shared values in sustaining their monogamous marriage.
• Redefining Love: How these couples break societal norms and create their unique love stories.

___

SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON

Join our Patreon! Get access to deeper dives and juicier content around every episode! Move into the Modern Gayborhood for only $5 USD/month and help us produce Modern Gays. Your support pays for our hosting, audio production and episode research. Please check it out and sign up here!

What’s included:

• Exclusive content, stories and behind-the-scenes
• Community chats with Daniel and Garet
• Exclusive voting power on episode topics/guests
• Daniel and Garet's personal journal updates

___

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Modern Gays is published every week. If you love the show and can support us, please subscribe and write a review wherever you get your podcasts!  Thanks for listening! 

Daniel and Garet
Co-Hosts of Modern Gays
https://www.moderngays.co