In this insightful conversation, Michael Pezzullo, LMFT (he/him), explores the complex dynamics of pretty privilege, aging, and self-worth within the gay community. He discusses how external validation impacts mental health, the cultural obsession with youth, and practical ways to develop inner strength and authenticity.

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About Michael:
Michael Pezzullo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Michael runs his own private practice in West Hollywood, CA. He specializes in LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy, substance use disorders and trauma. Therapeutically he practices EMDR, ketamine assisted psychotherapy and internal family systems. He offers coaching to gay men internationally.

Connect with Michael:
Website: www.michaelpezzullo.com
Instagram: @michaelpezzullolmft
YouTube: @Therapy-for-Gay-Men
TikTok: @michaelpezzullolmft

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Dr. Miguel Toribo-Mateus(he/they) shares his personal journey with ADHD and autism, discussing the importance of diagnosis and medication. He explores the intricate relationship between nutrition, gut health, and neurodivergence, emphasizing how these factors can influence ADHD symptoms. Miguel also highlights the unique experiences of queer individuals in relation to neurodivergence and offers practical advice on nutrition and self-care. The discussion touches on the significance of reframing ADHD as a natural neurotype and the challenges faced in relationships where one partner is neurodivergent.

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About Dr. Miguel:
Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a queer clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutrition researcher specializing in nutritional psychiatry and the gut–brain axis. His work is influenced by both scientific training and lived experience of navigating identity, relationships, and nervous system stress in a minority body.

With over 20 years of experience bridging laboratory research and clinical practice, his work explores how diet, the gut microbiome, stress, and emotional regulation shape behavior, relationships, and wellbeing, particularly within minorities such as neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. He is especially interested in how early experiences, shame, and chronic hypervigilance affect our body needs and desires, as well as patterns of relating.

He is the author of ADHD Body and Mind: A Compassionate Guide to Rewilding Your Nervous System with Neuroscience, Nutrition, and Gut-Brain Health, published by Jessica Kingsley in 2026. His research has appeared in journals including the BMJ and BMC Psychiatry.

An Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology and Senior Lecturer at the University of West London, Miguel is known for translating complex neuroscience into language that helps people understand their bodies, soften self-judgement, and build more sustainable relationships with food, themselves, and others. His work places self-compassion, interoception, and nervous system safety at the center of emotional and relational health.

Connect with Dr. Miguel:
Website: https://drmiguelmateas.com
Book: https://mybook.to/ADHDbodymind
Instagram: @drmiguelmateas

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Ed Bell (he/him), a gay dating and relationship coach, shares his journey from being a musician to a coach, discussing the importance of authenticity, the challenges of modern dating, and the impact of dating apps. He emphasizes the need for community and real-life connections while addressing issues like biphobia and the evolving culture of gay dating. Ed offers some practical advise for how gay men can date in this modern world more authentically.

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About Ed:
Ed Bell is an award-winning dating and relationship coach working with gay and bi men. He's the host of the Better Gay Dating Podcast and, under the pen name Max Thomas, the author of the book "Boys Who Like Boys." He works with queer men to help them build stronger and more meaningful relationships.

Connect with Ed:
Website: www.bettergaydating.com
Podcast: www.bettergaydating.com/podcast
Book: www.bettergaydating.com/bwlb
Instagram: @bettergaydating

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Dr. Roger Kuhn(he/him) discusses the themes of connection, cultural identity, and the importance of vulnerability in healing. He emphasizes the significance of understanding one's cultural background and how it shapes our experiences and relationships. The discussion also explores the concept of soma-cultural liberation, the impact of trauma on our bodies, and the necessity of pleasure in the healing process. Dr. Kuhn invites listeners to redefine their understanding of culture and identity, particularly within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to embrace the journey of liberation through connection and joy.

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About Roger:
Dr. Roger Kuhn is a Poarch Creek Two-Spirit Indigiqueer soma-cultural sex therapist, sexuality educator, writer, activist, and musician. Roger’s work explores the concepts of decolonizing and unsettling sexuality and focuses on the way culture impacts and informs our bodily experiences. He is a community organizer of the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit powwow, and a board member of the Two-Spirit & Native LGBTQ+ Center for Equity. His first book, Somacultural Liberation, is available in both paperback and audio. His music can be streamed on all digital platforms.

Connect with Roger:
Professional Website: www.rogerjkuhn.com
Music Website: www.rogerkuhn.com
His Book: https://www.rogerjkuhn.com/academic-and-publishing
Instagram: @rkoughenr

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Tom Bruett (he/him) speaks with Finn Deerhart (he/him), an AASECT certified sex counselor and coach, about his journey from ministry to sex counseling, the importance of writing in his life, and the complexities of navigating sexuality in urban environments. They discuss the significance of embodiment, community, and the impact of religious trauma on sexual identity. Finn shares insights from his workshops, the role of fantasy in sexuality, and the importance of ethical porn. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about sexuality and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing.

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About Finn:
Finn Deerhart, is an AASECT Certified Sex Counselor, writer and group facilitator. Through his courses, workshops, retreats, and private sessions, men learn tools to confront their limitations, unravel internal narratives of shame, and spark deeper human connections—grounding themselves into a deeper experience of life. Finn also creates educational erotic content and provide on-site erotic coaching for various organizations, including Himeros TV, an online service that provides explicit educational content for queer men. He co-hosts the weekly Himeros Backstage podcast which can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Connect with Finn:
Website: www.finndeerhart.com
Substack: www.finndeerhart.substack.com
Instagram: @finndeerhart

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this engaging conversation, Tom Bruett (he/him) interviews Dr. Ty (he/him), a sex therapist and advocate for the kink and leather communities. They discuss the integration of personal and professional experiences in therapy, the importance of consent in relationships, and the need for mentorship within the kink community. Dr. Ty shares insights on navigating stigma surrounding polyamory and kink, and emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and empowerment in sexual exploration. The conversation highlights the evolving perceptions of kink in therapy and the importance of finding supportive professionals in the field.

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About Dr. Ty:
Dr. Ty (he/him) is a clinical sexologist, certified sex therapist, and owner of Southwest Psychotherapy Associates in Houston. He specializes in working with the Gender, Sexual, and Romantic Diverse (GSRD) communities, including altsex practices. As Mr. Texas Leather 2024, he founded the 1,900-member international K!nky Book Club, and co-founded the Texas Leather Generations Project. His work bridges clinical care and kink community leadership, with features on TV, in The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and more. He’s active in national leather organizations and is building an international kinky mentorship program to expand access to networking, education, and belonging for the entire community.

Connect with Dr. Ty:
Website: www.tdlcounseling.com
Instagram: @tdlcounseling @drtyleatherman

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this interview, Tom Bruett, sex and relationship therapist, interviews Cator Sparks, a life coach for gay men. They explore topics like loneliness, connection, intergenerational friendships and relationships.

About Cator Sparks:
Cator Sparks is a life coach for men based in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute. He came out at 18 and has been living openly and proud ever since—though the journey hasn't always been easy. For years, he used drinking, drugs, and sex to fill the holes that bullying and shame had carved out. Working with his own life coach changed everything. He began to heal and discovered the transformative power of this work. Today, Cator runs a private practice, coaches for Boon Health, and founded GBTQ Retreats—a long weekend for queer men to connect more deeply with themselves and their community, free from alcohol, drugs, and the pressure of hookup culture. He also hosts a weekly Zoom call for the GBTQ+ community to go beyond small talk and really connect.

Ways to Connect with Cator:
His Website: https://www.catorsparkscoaching.com/
GBTQ Retreats: https://www.gbtqretreats.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catorsparks/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_Sntx--6SalbrACo2tguJw

In this conversation, Tom Bruett (he/him) interviews Nick Wolny (he/him), an author and columnist for Out Magazine, about his new book, Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your Future. They discuss the unique financial challenges faced by the queer community, the emotional connections to money, and the importance of financial literacy. Nick shares insights from his research and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to personal finance that resonates with queer individuals. The conversation covers topics such as inherited beliefs about money, the impact of debt, budgeting strategies, and the significance of estate planning for queer people.

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About Nick:
Nick Wolny is an author, host, and finance columnist for Out magazine. He writes Financialicious, a personal finance newsletter tailored toward queer readers, and his new book Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your Future was recently recommended by The New York Times.

Connect with Nick:
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0eAqJq0C
Financialicious newsletter: https://nickwolny.com/newsletter
Instagram: @nickwolny
Youtube:  ⁨@Nick-Wolny⁩ 

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this interview with Tom Bruett, LMFT, CST, interviews Dallas Bragg, a Chemsex Recovery Coach. The interview talks about some of the devastating ways that chemsex is ravaging the gay community. More importantly, there are tips for what to do if you or someone you love is struggling with sex and meth addiction.

Dallas Bragg is the Founder of Recovery Alchemy, a 1:1 and Group Coaching Chemsex Recovery program focusing on men who have sex with men who are using crystal methamphetamine and want to quit. He is also the creator of The AfterMeth Podcast, dedicated to supporting gay and bisexual men in recovery from crystal meth. With 7+ years in recovery, Dallas offers a unique blend of lived experience, compassionate guidance, and practical strategies for transformation. Beyond just "quitting," Dallas advocates for a holistic approach to recovery that embraces your authentic self and highest potential. His work focuses on identity transformation rather than mere abstinence, helping men rebuild their lives and discover who they truly are beneath the addiction.

Connect with Dallas:
Learn more: www.drdallasbragg.com
Youtube:  @Drdallasbragg ​

In this conversation, Tom Bruett (he/him) speaks with Zach Taylor (he/him), a fitness coach specializing in helping men over 40. They discuss the changes men experience as they age, the importance of mental health and body image, and the impact of social media on self-perception. Zach shares his journey through various careers, his passion for teaching, and the significance of community in fitness. They also explore the challenges faced by queer men in fitness environments and the importance of addressing mindset and relationship dynamics in coaching.

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About Zach:
Coach Zach helps gay men in mid-life reclaim their potential by building strong, confident, muscular bodies through simple, sustainable training and nutrition. He cuts through the Instagram and AI garbage to teach men how to actually look and feel amazing after 40. Through Zach Taylor Fitness, he’s built a powerful community where guys shed fat, gain strength, and rediscover their confidence, proving that our best bodies aren't behind us - we're just getting started.

Contact Zach:
Website: https://zachtaylorfitness.com/
Instagram: @zachtaylorfitness

Contact Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute

Youtube: @queerrelationshipinstitute