The Queer Stuff Pod

In this episode, I chat with Brian Sims, a pioneering LGBTQ+ advocate and former Pennsylvania state legislator, who continues the fight for equality as the CEO of Agenda PAC. Brian shares his experiences as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and as the only NCAA football captain to come out publicly while still active.

We discuss his journey through politics, the importance of staying true to your values, and navigating challenges like discrimination and anti-queer legislation. Brian also reflects on the significance of intersectionality, the need for genuine allyship, and his advice for those wanting to get into politics.

Highlights:

Listen now for a powerful conversation on leadership, equality, and making change in the world.

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• Chris Colfer Episode coming soon! 

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Special thank you to the following: 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson

In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, the co-founders of CLEARSTEM Skincare, to talk about everything from acne myths and skincare scams to gut health and the importance of clean, effective ingredients. Danielle, a licensed clinical esthetician, and Kayleigh, an integrative health practitioner, share their expert insights on managing acne, debunking common skincare misconceptions, and why it’s so important to be mindful of what’s in the products we use. We also discuss the impact of diet on skin health and how they approach both acne and anti-aging without using pore-clogging ingredients.

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• Website 

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Special thank you to the following: 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson 

In this episode, stand-up comedian Zach Noe Towers opens up about his bold and unapologetic approach to comedy, podcasting, and life. Zach, co-host of Confidently Insecure, shares insights into his journey from musical theater to comedy, how sobriety has influenced his career, and his unfiltered takes on sex, relationships, and personal growth. He also talks about what it’s like to push boundaries on stage, work with big names like Taylor Tomlinson and Bob The Drag Queen, and offers advice to aspiring comedians.

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Special Thank You To The Following:

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson

In this episode, we’re joined by Braden Summers, a commercial photographer renowned for his cinematic style and thought-provoking visual storytelling. Braden shares his journey of capturing queer relationships, particularly through his iconic All Love is Equal series, which reimagines classic romantic imagery with LGBTQ+ couples. He discusses the intersection of high-fashion aesthetics, inclusivity, and emotional resonance, and how he’s pushing the boundaries of representation in both commercial and creative photography. Plus, we explore his creative process, challenges, and the stories behind his most impactful projects. Tune in for a conversation about art, identity, and the power of visual storytelling.

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Thank you to all my patreon subscribers! 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson 

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my partner, Andrés, to talk about our adoption journey. We’ll share where we are in the process, the challenges we’ve faced, and answer some of your questions about what it’s really like. From navigating agencies to dealing with the emotional ups and downs, we’re giving you an honest look at the highs, lows, and everything in between.

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Thank you to all my patreon subscribers! 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson 

In this episode, Matthew Dempsey, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at therapy and mental health. With years of experience, he talks about creating a safe space for clients, how to approach therapy, and why finding a supportive community matters. He also discusses the misuse of therapeutic terms, the ever-evolving nature of psychology, and beating the stigma around therapy. It’s a real, down-to-earth conversation about building better connections and taking care of your mental well-being.

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Special thank you to the following:

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson 

Ever wondered how a young talent from Miami makes a leap to the grandeur of Broadway? Join us as we explore Dexter Carr’s remarkable journey from his early days dancing with entertainment icons like Chris Brown, Beyonce and Janet Jackson to gracing Broadway stages in "Bring it On" and "In the Heights." Dexter shares invaluable insights into the transformative shift from the exhilarating world of professional dance to the theatrical demands of Broadway. His story is a vibrant testament to the resilience and creativity needed to thrive in the arts, providing a unique perspective on the supportive nature of the dance community versus the competitiveness of the entertainment industry. 

Dexter opens up about the highs and lows of his career, including the challenges of imposter syndrome and the ever-evolving landscape of auditions and networking. He reflects on his experiences choreographing for megastars like Janet Jackson and Nicki Minaj, and how social media has become a critical tool for building connections and sustaining a career. With a focus on empowerment, Dexter delves into his role in projects like Megan Thee Stallion's reality series "Playground," which gives dancers a voice beyond being background performers. His insights encourage aspiring dancers to embrace their uniqueness and find strength in community and collaboration.

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Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:56 - Who The Hell Are You: Rapid Fire Questions 

00:07:30 - What Drew Dexter to Dance?

00:08:09 - Male Cheerleading as a Cover Up For Being in the Closet

00:08:43 - Auditioning for Chris Brown as a Dancer

00:10:00 - Being Chris Browns Body Double

00:10:37 - Dexter Transitioning from Pop Music to Broadway and Musical Theatre

00:12:52 - Learning How to Tour and Not Party on the Road

00:14:06 - How Does Dexter’s Personality Influence His Work and Creative Process

00:15:05 - Most Memorable Moments in Dexters Career

00:15:48 - Advice from Lin Manuel during “In the Heights”

00:19:34 - Dexter’s New Hulu Series, “Playground” Produced by Megan Thee Stallion

00:22:11 - What Impact Will the Playground Have on Aspiring Dancers?

00:23:12 - How To FInd Your Voice as a Dancer

00:23:50 - How to Adapt to Working with Different Artists 

00:25:22 - Choreographing for The Nicki Minaj Tour

00:28:03 - How to Stay In the Game 

00:29:00 - When Did Dexter Parents Stop Making Him Get a Real Job?

00:30:37 - Behind the Scenes with Janet Jackson

00:33:12 - How Do You Adapt Choreography To Each Project?

00:34:44 - Max’s Episode of Glee

00:35:20 - Current Projects that Dexter is Excited About

00:37:30 - Kaos

00:38:44 - What is Outlet By Dexter?

00:39:51 - TikTok Advice and How To Get TikTok Fame?

00:41:00 - How to Not Get Burnout on TikTok

00:42:11 - Nike App

00:43:40 - Dexter’s Advice for Other Dancers

Special thank you to the following:

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson 

In this episode, I’m answering your questions about wellness and fitness. From workout routines and diet tips to those tough days when motivation is low, I’m sharing how I stay on track with my health. I’ll talk about everything from strength training and cardio to dealing with cravings and finding balance between exercise, diet, and mental well-being. Plus, get ready for some forbidden food confessions and the real talk on how I maintain my fitness and self-care routine.

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Show Links:

• Shred

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Check Out Max:

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers! 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson

Welcome to Stuff Every Queer Kid Should Know! Today, I’m super excited to chat with H. Alan Scott, a talented writer, comedian, and podcaster you might know from Newsweek's The Parting Shot and *Out on the Lanai. We’ll explore the world of podcasting, talking about how to find your voice and connect with your audience. H. Alan will share his journey from writing to comedy and how he uses humor to tackle some pretty serious stuff. So, tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation that might just spark your own creative journey!

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• Max on You’re Making It Worse

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Thank you to all my patreon subscribers! 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson

Welcome back to Stuff Every Queer Kid Should Know! Today we’re joined by the fabulous Betsy Volk, a model and adventurer whose journey is as inspiring as it is exciting. At just 27, Betsy has been navigating the modeling world since she was 16, moving from the Midwest to Los Angeles and traveling the globe while embracing her authentic self as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as we explore her experiences in the fashion industry, her adventurous lifestyle, and her journey of self-discovery—from her early days with Abercrombie to her candid reflections on coming out and personal growth. Whether you're a budding model or just seeking connection and inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and real talk you won't want to miss!

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Check Out Betsy:

• Instagram

Check Out Max: 

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers! 

Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson