In this episode we chat with ex-evangelical pastor, Brian Recker, about his journey from leaving an evangelical church, to becoming a fierce ally for love, equality and healthy spirituality.

We talk about deconstructing religion, faith, sex, shame and relationships.

(2:25) Brians faith journey and walking away from the church.

(14:45) Conversion therapy and shame.

(16:30) Faith and sexuality.

(21:15) Has the bible become an Idol?

(27:30) Who really was Jesus?

(32:40) Letting go of 'Hell'.

(35:00) How did Brian come to be a fierce Queer ally?

(49:10) Sex, shame and relationships.

Amie McNee is an Author, a Speaker and a creative Coach. In this episode we dive deep into the world of the creative with Amie, we discover what it takes to be seen for your Art, and talk through the challenges we face along the way.

(06:50) Denying your creativity.

(08:45) Amy's writing and books.

(10:40) Why do we need art and creativity?

(18:40) Finding community.

(20:40) Creating without recognition.

(30:00) Journaling.

(35:00) Taking your space.

(40:25) Sharing your Art, and sharing it more that once!

(43:00) A.I. and the future of Art.

(55:00) Capitalism and Art.

Amie can be found in Instagram at @inspiredtowrite and her website amiemcnee.com

Welcome back to 'Out in the Open'! Join us this season for chats on self-growth, personal tales, challenging topics and a fresh perspective on issues that matter to us all; with a free-thinking and fiercely Queer throughline that guides us through every episode.

In this episode, we wrap up the year with a recap of Season 1.

We discuss the swings and roundabouts of the creative hustle, staying resilient, Matt's upcoming Melbourne Theatre debut, and some of the funniest stories working in Hospitality.

We have merchandise too!!

(01:00) Merchandise!

(2:26) Progress in the creative sphere here in Melbourne.

(3:50) Art is important.

(7:40) Working in hospitality.

(10:00) Bevan's past life as a flight attendant.

(20:00) Matt's theatre debut in Melbourne

In this episode we chat with Opera Star, the Diva herself, Helena Dix!

Come with us on a lyrical journey as we laugh and sing our way through Helena's success story, from singing to an aircraft full of passengers at a young age, to performing the dream role of Norma at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

(2:20) Warming up with Helena.

(4:20) The beginnings of Helena's singing journey.

(5:20) Helena's debut on a plane!

(7:40) Struggle is a challenge for Helena.

(8:45) Managing nerves while performing.

(10:07) Performing under every circumstance.

(17:45) Metropolitan Opera in New York

(19:45) Pavarotti

(23:00) Opera for beginners. Where to begin.

(27:30) Singing in different languages.

(40:55) Knowing yourself.

(44:55) What is Bel Canto?

(48:00) Auditioning for Metropolitan Opera in New York.

(54:00) Helena's dream role in New York.

(59:00) Taking a compliment.

In this episode, we speak to Jacob Miller about finding our identity through clothing, sustainable fashion, the role of Op Shops in our lives, and the joy and connection that we can find through clothing and expressing ourselves through fashion. Jacob is the Senior Manager of Op Shop for Uniting Vic/Tas.

(5:29) Fashion and sustainability.

(7:50) Evolution through fashion.

(12:10) Being brave and finding strength in authenticity.

(17:50) The art of giving a compliment.

(19:25) Being present - Op Shops bringing people together.

(34:45) We are there for you.

(49:50) Coco Chanel heels!

(56:00) Feeling greatful.

In this episode, we talk with watercolor artist, Jess Keeli. Jess is a self-taught artist and now runs a successful art business.

We discuss when Jess first went viral on social media, her favourite things to paint, how art can give back to the community, and what it means to be a Creativity Advocate.

(9:00) Viral post(12:55)

Favourite things to paint

(16:00) Being a Creativity Advocate

(24:00) Art at school

(30:25) Art, trauma and healing

(33:00) Internet trolls

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Carlton about all things sexual health.

Dr. Carlton is known for his advocacy in the queer space and gives regular sexual health tips on his social media channels. He has travelled the U.S. conducting sexual health seminars and has been featured in the Advocate and New York Times, as well as being part of the #Out100 in 2022.

(3:45) Everyone has a butt.

(11:00) The Butt clock!

(17:00) All butts are different.

(19:30) Comparing ourselves to porn.

(23:50) Marriage equality.

(26:50) Pillars of sexual health.

(42:50) Dr. Carlton's kids - how do they identify?

(48:00) Dr. Carlton and Billy Eichner!

(53:50) Surrogacy.

(55:38) Final words.

In this episode, we chat with financial advisor, Jess Orrico about our relationship with money and how we can better cope and manage financial stresses in our lives.

(3:25) Money is linked to every aspect of our lives.

(3:55) Our relationship with money.

(9:15) Comparing ourselves to a false image of life.

(9:48) Money and masculinity.

(17:50) Financial tips.

(22:00) Happiness and joy with money and finances.

(25:10) More money more GREED!

(27:30) Honest conversations about finances.

(33:30) Tips for young people.

(35:00) Saving money.

(35:50) Mindfulness and money.

This week we chat with Adam Cox. Adam is a trainer, coach, and mentor for single gay men. Adam helps gay men to let go of their past, to heal, to gain clarity on what they truly want, and empowers them to launch into confidently creating a life that is aligned with their heart and soul. We discuss the complexities and challenges that gay men face, finding our authenticity, and moving through the world of dating.

(1:30) Adam's story.

(5:02) Our own stories and being programmed.

(9:00) Online dating - Which category do I fit into?

(10:54) Adam's struggle with drugs - A catalyst for change.

(12:54) Bevan's body dysmorphia.

(23:00) The experience of using the apps.

(25:20) Growing up gay.

(32:50) Learning to love ourselves.

(33:48) Bevan's healing process after his stroke.

(43:00) Finding authentic connection.