Anyone paying attention realizes the United States is being confronted by a direct threat to our democracy from our own government. Horrific things are happening, and happening quickly. Many ask “But what can I do?” This episode is an answer to that question. The On Guard crew discuss some of the things we can all do to push back against the internal threats to our country; while interviewing the community in Minneapolis already at ground zero pushing back and supporting their own community. What can we learn from them? Please share this one far and wide and get the word out...Don't be a bystander - BE AN UPSTANDER!

During this holiday season, in the spirit of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” the On Guard crew reflects back on some of their past standout Christmas experiences, their experience of the Christmas present, and what they hope will transpire over the Christmas seasons yet to come.

The On Guard crew takes a look at a longstanding queer dance art form that has deep roots within the gay men’s leather community. Flagging (no, not the hanky kind) developed from fan and t-shirt dancing prominent in early American leather dance and later circuit party club culture. Today it is most commonly done using specially-made weighted silk flags spun while dancing. The modern iteration of flagging has seen a revival in recent years. The On Guard crew wants our audience to experience the joy of this unique queer art form while we discuss its leather roots and tangential cultural influences.

The body positivity movement wants us to love our bodies regardless of our shape, size, color, sex, or ability. That’s a wonderful goal, but how easy is that to achieve in our modern culture that worships at the altar of idealized lean, ripped, muscled physiques? We bring in trainer Sterling Walker to help us explore this topic in an enlightened way. This episode tries to dispel false myths and negative beliefs that get in the way of full self-acceptance and embracing our full erotic self.

After the last national election and seeing news reports shortly thereafter of a racist demonstration by white nationalists, Brent Heinze became even more worried than he had been and began to fear some horrifically troubling times ahead for the US. Those fears were sadly validated by increases in discrimination and hate crimes affecting people within LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other communities. Not being one to simply accept a bad situation, Brent decided to do something. He formed Safety Blows, a grassroots nonprofit initiative to empower queer people and other marginalized communities to better protect themselves while also fostering strength and solidarity. In this episode, On Guard interviews Brent Heinze about his organization and safety within our communities.

On Guard Cigar Salon traditionally celebrates Pride during the month of June but this year we’ve invited three special guests to join cast member Graylin Thornton in honor of Juneteeth (look it up). Meet Jason, Pony and Brown Bomber Bear, a group of old black leathermen hanging out at Smokeout in Las Vegas to discuss their experience in this episode titled “Power in Smoke”.

The new administration has done a lot of damage to our country in a short amount of time. But people are pushing back as we become the OPPOSITION PARTY. There is an energy rising of Americans from all walks of life who are horrified by what they’ve seen. So, what’s working to push back against the attempt to install authoritarian rule and what’s not? The On Guard crew has a lively discussion to inform and inspire our audience to get engaged to save our democracy and protect our freedoms.

The leather and kink communities embrace certain agreed upon boundaries that when crossed are considered inappropriate behavior. People within those communities also have their own individual boundaries. In this episode, the On Guard crew discusses the topic of boundaries. What are the community's rigid boundaries and which ones might be more contextual? What boundaries might a person adopt and how do they enforce them? Join us for a lively discussion in the spirit of author and speaker Brene Brown who once said "Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.

The On Guard crew is back with another Unfiltered show. We recorded this about two weeks into the new administration and it's clear we're angry and pissed off. But, that said, we offer tangible action items our viewers and listeners can do to push back against the firehose onslaught of awful coming from the administration right now. This is a heated and lively discussion and we point you to useful resources so you can get active immediately to help save our democracy and freedoms.

Immediately after the November 2024 election, our On Guard crew gathered for a casual unfiltered “Time to Resist” https://youtu.be/9hupTOZnWq8?si=vh7QVlxjgILr342z recording of our honest and raw shock and anger. Emotions were high. We must hold on to the anger, but anger without action is hollow and useless. In this Unfiltered episode, our crew discusses some tangible action items we can all do to resist the extremist right-wing forces taking aim at our civil rights and democracy itself.