<p>Too often, gay men trade in "toxic currencies" like attention, sex, money, status, drama, and jealousy. They feel powerful in the moment but drain us over time. In this episode, Ken Howard, LCSW, CST, shares what healthier currencies look like — and how to build a richer, more grounded life.</p>

Too often, gay men trade in "toxic currencies" like attention, sex, money, status, drama, and jealousy. They feel powerful in the moment but drain us over time. In this episode, Ken Howard, LCSW, CST, shares what healthier currencies look like — and how to build a richer, more grounded life.

Toxic Gay Currencies: How to Avoid the Attention, Sex, and Status Traps

Gay Therapy LA with Ken Howard, LCSW, CST

Where expertise meets real talk for gay men who want more out of life, love, and themselves.

I'm Ken Howard, LCSW, CST -- an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist; gay men's specialist psychotherapist with over 32 years experience working with gay male individuals, couples, and polycules; life/career/relationship coach; and advocate for gay men thriving on their own terms.

Here, you'll get more than clichés or recycled pop psychology. These are deep dives into the real mental health, relationship, sex, career, and personal growth challenges gay men face—told through the lens of 30+ years' experience working exclusively with our community.

We explore it all: navigating the dating scene and long-term relationships (monogamous or open), building self-worth in an appearance-driven culture, aging with confidence, overcoming trauma and shame, sorting out real help versus hype, mastering career transitions, building long-term financial security, and finding fulfillment beyond the stereotypes.

Episodes are mostly just me—so you get unfiltered, professional insight without the fluff—plus occasional guests whose expertise or lived experience can help you grow. Whether you're here for solid therapy-based strategies, sex-positive conversations, or no-nonsense truth about what actually works in gay men's lives, you'll leave every episode with something you can use right now.

If you want to be inspired, challenged, and equipped—not just entertained—this is your podcast.

*****
GayTherapyLA with Ken Howard, LCSW, CST is the podcast show related to Ken's private practice for psychotherapy (California) and coaching services (worldwide).  Ken is the founder of GayTherapyLA.com and GayCoachingLA.com, and has over 32 years experience providing services for gay men, as individuals, couples, and polycules, from his office in West Hollywood, California, serving gay men all over the world via webcam or phone sessions. Ken is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Certified Psychiatric Social Worker, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified in Consensual Non-Monogamy and Polyamorous Families, and a retired Adjunct Associate Professor in Social Work.  

Through both psychotherapy and coaching services, Ken provides help for gay men to maximize their quality of life in both their personal lives and careers, leveraging their past to enhance their future. 

(While a podcast cannot substitute for therapy and is provided here as educational information only, these episodes reflect the work Ken does with clients, daily.) 

Your questions, comments, ratings, and reviews are welcome, as well as suggestions for future episodes.  

(copyright 2025 by Ken Howard, LCSW, CST, all rights reserved)

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Sexuality

Gay Therapy LA with Ken Howard, LCSW, CST Where expertise meets real talk for gay men who want more out of life, love, and themselves. I'm Ken Howard, LCSW, CST -- an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist; gay men's specialist psychotherapist with over 32 years experience working with gay male individuals, couples, and polycules; life/career/relationship coach; and advocate for gay men thriving on their own terms. Here, you'll get more than clichés or recycled pop psychology. These are deep dives into the real mental health, relationship, sex, career, and personal growth challenges gay men face—told through the lens of 30+ years' experience working exclusively with our community. We explore it all: navigating the dating scene and long-term relationships (monogamous or open), building self-worth in an appearance-driven culture, aging with confidence, overcoming trauma and shame, sorting out real help versus hype, mastering career transitions, building long-term financial security, and finding fulfillment beyond the stereotypes. Episodes are mostly just me—so you get unfiltered, professional insight without the fluff—plus occasional guests whose expertise or lived experience can help you grow. Whether you're here for solid therapy-based strategies, sex-positive conversations, or no-nonsense truth about what actually works in gay men's lives, you'll leave every episode with something you can use right now. If you want to be inspired, challenged, and equipped—not just entertained—this is your podcast. ***** GayTherapyLA with Ken Howard, LCSW, CST is the podcast show related to Ken's private practice for psychotherapy (California) and coaching services (worldwide). Ken is the founder of GayTherapyLA.com and GayCoachingLA.com, and has over 32 years experience providing services for gay men, as individuals, couples, and polycules, from his office in West Hollywood, California, serving gay men all over the world via webcam or phone sessions. Ken is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Certified Psychiatric Social Worker, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified in Consensual Non-Monogamy and Polyamorous Families, and a retired Adjunct Associate Professor in Social Work. Through both psychotherapy and coaching services, Ken provides help for gay men to maximize their quality of life in both their personal lives and careers, leveraging their past to enhance their future. (While a podcast cannot substitute for therapy and is provided here as educational information only, these episodes reflect the work Ken does with clients, daily.) Your questions, comments, ratings, and reviews are welcome, as well as suggestions for future episodes. (copyright 2025 by Ken Howard, LCSW, CST, all rights reserved)

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Toxic Gay Currencies: How to Avoid the Attention, Sex, and Status Traps

Toxic Gay Currencies: How to Avoid the Attention, Sex, and Status Traps

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