This week: I talk with BIG GAY ED, an unapologetic 61-year-old gay force of nature from rural Michigan, who lives surrounded by MAGA neighbors, but still manages to shine his rainbow nails at Kroger like a superstar. We go full tilt for over an hour— just two queer atheist weirdos talking about politics, dogs, compassion, MAGA neighbors, OCD, Jesus’ abs, sobriety, and how to survive in a country that feels like the trailer for a dystopian reboot nobody asked for.

Ed shares what it’s like being openly gay in a rural area surrounded by conservatives, how he stays visible so younger LGBTQ+ kids see hope, and how we both still believe in kindness, even while we're saying “fuck them” at least every six minutes.

This episode covers:

• Coexisting with people whose politics terrify you
• Why pets are the last remaining thing everyone still agrees on
• Class, poverty, suffering, and the people falling between the cracks
• Gay joy, queer visibility, and the power of showing up
• Trump, hypocrisy, corruption, January 6, and all the things that give Daniel an aneurysm
• Recovery, sobriety, community, and chosen family

It’s honest, messy, heartfelt, profane, and—somehow—hopeful.

CALL THE SHOW:
Go to danielcartier.com → Podcast → Call the Show
Leave Daniel a 90-second voicemail. Any topic. Any opinion. All are welcome—even the people who want him to burn in hell. (He’ll probably be there with his friends anyway.)

• (00:00) - Introducing Big Gay Ed and His Name Pronunciation