This week's guest? Max Jenkins, y'all @maxjenkinsyall! In addition to being just an overall delightful person, Max is a New York-raised and based actor and he talks to us about some of the roles he's played -- all of which, so far, have been queer characters. I share with him the lasting impact that two of his roles (Netflix's 'Special' and '30 Rock') have had on me -- albeit each for very different reasons. (He even gives us a little BTS scoop on his brief yet absolutely iconic part in '30 Rock' which made my year.) In addition to Max's coming out journey, this episode is just oozing with 90s nostalgia, butt humor (which, in a way, is also 90s nostalgia), a debate about whether or not Taylor Swift is a '30 Rock' stan, and more! Enjoy! Episode Links: Follow Max on Instagram: @maxjenkinsyall Max on 30 Rock Gay Favs Of The Week: Good Children "I Wish Josh Peck Was Gay" episode (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) and Ride the podcast (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we have Kane C. Andrade (he/him) with us on RO! We talk about his creative journey as a photographer (including being featured in @outmagazine Pride issue this year!), life in the military during “don’t ask don’t tell”, the ups and downs of coming out to family twice, and much more. So grateful to have had Kane share his story. Episode Links: Follow Kane on TikTok and Instagram Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

Last week I celebrated my five year outiversary! In this week's solo episode I take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of each year as well as what I hope year six has in store. Don't forget to rate Reaching Out on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and check us out on IG and TikTok! Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

In this week's episode we chat with both halves of music group Boy2K! To add to the fun of having two guests, we're also trying out a new topic-based episode format instead of our usual coming out story centric episodes. Mark Cramer and Grant Genske help me usher in this new era of Reaching Out and chat with me about today's topic... dating! Well, it was supposed to be about dating, but it ended up being about dating, relationships, breakups, and much more. I really love this episode because all three of us bring a different perspective based on our dating histories and are all currently at very different places in our dating journeys. Mark tells us about what it's been like getting back into today's dating scene after only recently uncoupling from his former husband a little over a year ago Grant shares dating stories of his past that ultimately lead him to the healthiest relationship he has ever been in I share what dating for me has been like only having started in the past few years and what I've learned from my relatively brief dating experience We talk about our first dating experiences, our interpretations of what "dating" even means, open relationships, breakups, the lessons learned from our dating experiences, and much more! Episode Links: Check out BOY2K on Spotify Follow BOY2K on TikTok and Instagram Follow Mark on TikTok and Instagram Follow Grant on TikTok and Instagram Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This we talk with Maxwell Poth, author of the absolutely incredible new book Young Queer America. In this episode Maxwell tells us about how he faked it 'til he made it as a queer portrait photographer and photojournalist in LA working with some insanely talented an famous people (his work is unreal -- run don't walk to his portfolio linked here to see what I'm talking about). Speaking of his impressive work, he tells us about the inspiration for his new book, Young Queer America, a book showcasing "real stories and faces of LGBTQ+ youth." Maxwell also shares his personal queer journey, which despite having a loving and accepting family (including a queer twin!) had its fair share of bumps in the road due to some pretty harsh bullying in his high school years and growing up around the Mormon church in Utah. Max's story is one of resilience and a refusal to be anything less than authentic. We also chat about our shared love of the MCU, our first gay bar experiences, whether or not I should move to LA, and much more! Episode Links: Follow Maxwell on social media: Instagram @maxwellpoth, @projectcontrast TikTok @maxwellpoth Buy Young Queer America Photography www.maxwellpoth.com Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

In this week's episode I chat with the hilarious and sweet, Victor Carlesi! Victor and I talk about his rise into the comedy scene (including guest appearances on some of my favorite podcasts, Seek Treatment and That's A Gay Ass Podcast), our favorite Taylor Swift songs, and, of course, his coming out story. One of my favorite conversations I've had on this podcast takes place during Victor's coming out story as he shares how he worked through feelings of imposter syndrome and unworthiness when it came to sex and intimacy -- a feeling that I personally resonated with...dare I say it... all too well (10 minute version). Enjoy! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Victor on social media: Instagram @victor_car_bakes TikTok @victorcarlesi Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we sit down with UK-based Award-Winning Asexual Activist, model, and fellow X-Men lover, Yasmin Benoit! Yasmin tells us her story about how she got into asexual and aromantic activism accidentally through posting on Twitter and what it was like transitioning into life as a public figure in this space. She also touches on the "believability hurdle" that many asexual people face when telling others that they are asexual, especially when they do not fit the stereotypes for what people believe asexual or aromantic people to be or look like. Yasmin also gives her thoughts on racism within the asexual community itself and the importance of diversifying the narrative of Ace and Aro stories being told. In addition to all of that, we chat about Yasmin's IRL encounter with queer icon, Sir Ian McKellen; we talk about dealing with internet trolls; and I explain why the game Never Have I Ever still triggers my fight or flight response to this day. Enjoy! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Yasmin on social media: Instagram: @theyasminbenoit Articles and Features: Linktree Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

What an absolute treat you are in for today with our guest, Jaycee Queen (he/him). He is one of the funniest, quirkiest, silliest, and lovable people I have met in recent memory and I'm so happy that I stumbled upon his podcast, The Holesome Podcast, so that our paths got to cross. Before we get into Jaycee's powerful journey of self-acceptance and self-love, Jaycee and I discuss something that has not been discussed very much on Reaching Out -- astrology! We talk about our placements for Venus (how you express love in relationships of all kinds) and Mars (sex and aggression). Jaycee then tells us his powerful, inspirational, and, at times, heavy story about coming out at 14 years old in San Antonio. **TRIGGER WARNING** I want to give all listeners a heads up that Jaycee's story deals with some potentially triggering topics like being forced into Christian Church counseling, being kicked out home, physical abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Despite the heavy topics, Jaycee's story is ultimately one of finding self-love and love for the queer community. It's a story about, in Jaycee's words, seeing both the ugly and beautiful in life. And ultimately, it's about about trusting your intuition, living authentically, and becoming a beacon of permission to help others to live authentically as well. Jaycee is the ultimate sweetie and I'm so, so excited for you to meet him. Enjoy. Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Jaycee on social media: Instagram: @jayceequeen Check out The Holesome Podcast Instagram: @theholesomepodcast Spotify: Link Apple Podcasts: Link Astrology Guy YouTube: Link Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

Have you ever met someone while traveling that makes you think "damn, this is why I travel!"? That's exactly who today's guest is for me. I'm so happy to bring you my chat with the incredibly talented and wonderful, Ilkin Zeybek (he/him)! He and I met this summer in Istanbul while I was on a one-month Remote Year program and Ilkin was a guide for several events for the group throughout the month. Not only is Ilkin extremely knowledgable about all things Istanbul, he's also a ridiculously talented photographer (links below). Ilkin's story is such a welcomed one to Reaching Out as it truly gives a different, more global perspective to coming out that we haven't had much of on here yet. Ilkin tells us about the challenges and even depression that he faced as he navigated coming out during high school in conservative-leaning Turkey and amongst conservative peers. We also discuss some of the familial struggles Ilkin went through in the early years of his journey. Ilkin also shares with us what it's like being queer in Turkey today with the current conservative government in office -- including a story of him being detained, along with other queer people, at last year's Pride in Istanbul for simply showing up. Despite the challenges he has faced, he also shares how the very art he is creating now was born out of a need to resist the queer suppression he and his queer community have experienced by the Turkish government, and damn, his art f*cking great. In addition to his incredible story, we chat our favorite Lady Gaga songs, how music hits soooo different during a breakup or when you have a crush, not clearing your search history as a kid (we've all been there), and the new loves of my life thanks to my time in Istanbul... CATS! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Ilkin on social media: Ilkin: @ilkinzeybek_ Zed's Fanzine: @zedsfanzine Book an Airbnb Experience in Istanbul with Ilkin! History and Culture of Coffee: Link Play Games Like a Local: Link Photoshoot Around Istanbul: Link Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

Today we have Grace Perry, the author of the incredibly entertaining book "The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture", on the show with us. This book is a special one to me as it was given to me as a congratulations gift by my friend, Jack, for starting this very podcast. Chatting with Grace was so much fun and between giggling about her dripping in clothes from the Old Navy Boys section, we talk about coming out themes like: internalized homophobia compartmentalization and rationalization how formative millennial pop culture shaped both our queer-but-closeted teen years ..and more! To no one's surprise we also reminisce about some niche millennial hot topics like Juicy Campus, The Real World seasons from the aughts, and how shows like The OC and Dawson's Creek made initial queer sexual experiences very confusing! Enjoy. Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Grace on social media: Instagram: @muppet__baby The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we chat with life coach, yogi, and all around delightful human being, Jimmy Adams (he/him)! Jimmy shares with us the stories and lessons learned from his three comings out -- first as gay, then as an alcoholic, then as a person living with HIV. Each of which, according to himself, got progressively easier yet required an increasing amount of vulnerability. Through his coming out stories, Jimmy shares what it was like growing up as gay in a rural and conservative town in Michigan, he shares the benefits and clarity around life he has received since becoming sober six years ago, and he shares some advice on how to better educate yourself about HIV in 2022 (U=U) and tips on the best language to use when speaking about HIV. We also talk about Titanic (1997), Survivor's Richard Hatch, and our shared trauma from Sports Illustrated swimsuit magazines. Crack open an ice cold pop and enjoy! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Jimmy on social media: Instagram: @__jimmyadams Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

Sweeties... this is one for the Reaching Out history books. Today we chat with co-host of the incredible podcast, Like a Virgin, and AMC Stubs rewards member, Fran Tirado (she/they)! This episode is so incredible due to Fran's uncanny way to mix humor, heart, and knowledge into her stories and advice. Today Fran chats with us about: How boxing yourself into having specific "types" of physical attraction could be preventing you from better sex The limiting stories and narratives we create in our heads that prevent us from sexual experiences that you might end up loving How Fran was a gatekeeper to her own transness until her community helped her realize the validity in her experience Advice for people who are curious and want to explore their gender identity Finding and making queer community -- regardless of where you live We also gossip about Twitter porn, breakup movies, Fran being turned on by her own drawings of Greek warriors' "huge tits and chiseled abs", Marcel the Shell, and so much more! Enjoy! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Fran on social media: Instagram: @fransquishco Like A Virgin Instagram: @likeavirgin420 Like A Virgin Podcast Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we chat with movie buff and comedian, Stephen Kropa (he/him)! In this week's feature presentation, Stephen tells us about his journey going from what he refers to as having negative dating experience growing up to his snowy and cinematic first kiss with a man that unlocked his mind to the truth that he had been avoiding about his bisexuality. Stephen and I also chit chat about: the hardest person to come out to: yourself how having unequal attraction to men and women made him reticent to admitting his bisexuality how watching Call Me By Your Name and The Last Jedi in less than a week helped things click for him We also chat about our favorites movies, the MCU, bi musicians, and more. Enjoy the show! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Stephen on social media: Instagram: @kropacabana Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we are chatting with my former roommate and real life Gen Z'er, Jack McDermott (he/him)! Jack came into my life as my (at the time) 20-year old roommate when I first moved to San Francisco and we shared a special bond. "Special" as in he would give me shit 24/7 and I adored him for it. This story is one about Panera Girls (aka the world's greatest allies), the massive impact that growing up in an environment that is pro-LGBTQ+ can have on a young queer child growing up (listen up, straight allies having kids!!), and sticking up for yourself and others when harmful anti-homosexuality speech is being used -- especially when it doesn't start with the letter "F" and is instead disguised as religious teachings and is being taught to young, impressionable minds... I digress... I learned so much about my little Jacky Boy in this convo, I'm excited for you to hear it! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Jack on social media: Instagram: @thejackmonty Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week's guest is one of my all-time favorite girlies, the walking ray of sunshine that is Aarthy Lakshmanan (she/her)! Skip ahead to 10:27 if you want to dive right into our conversation! In today's intro I give you a quick little update on what I've been up to during our season break, including a very recent lesson learned about building queer community! I'm back in Mexico City and on a mission to build a queer community for myself, something I've lacked here despite all of the time I've spent here recently. I share a very recent story about how I started to do that recently, hoping it might help any listeners who also find making community in a new place difficult. Aarthy and I then dive into so many great topics! Finding and building queer community (a lovely coincidence given the intro) Pressures of being a queer woman growing up in an Indian family Difficulties of coming out to immigrant parents and managing expectations of their reactions The absolute power of finally being able to speak with another queer person about your experiences and them just getting it ...and much more! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Aarthy on social media: Instagram: @aarthymusic Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

What a big week this is for the podcast. Not only was Tuesday National Coming Out Day, but the podcast turned one year old on said holiday AND season two kicks off with this very episode! In today's intro I take some time to reflect on the last year in honor of the pod's birthday. I share the pod's origins, some lessons learned, and some pod numbers one year in. You can skip ahead to 10:56 if you'd like to dive into Jeff's story Today's guest, Jeff Holoman (he/him), and I become fast friends on this pod as we relate to everything from silly little narratives we would tell ourselves ("that can't be ME") to us both guzzling the liquid poison that is Burnett's vodka in college in an attempt to deal with our sinful gay tendencies #healthy to us both finding the space and clarity we needed to fully come out to ourselves while traveling in Europe. Jeff also shares with us stories about: - handling his first experiences with men in college - growing and learning from his failed first relationship - finding the clarity he needed to truly accept himself while on a trip to Prague (traveling = coming out, you cannot tell me otherwise !!) Welcome back, girlies! Share your story: Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Jeff on social media: Instagram: @jsholoman Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's TikTok: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

We've got a BIG episode for you this week -- it's episode 30, it's our first ever three person episode, and it's our season one finale! (Note: If you want to jump right to the Heartstopper discussion, it begins at 13:48) Before we dive into this incredibly fun discussion around Heartstopper, I catch you up on what I've been up to the past two weeks. I give a recap about the madness that was Madrid Pride and I also give a quick personal update that explains why we've chosen to use episode 30 as our season finale. I've been so excited for this episode to launch because we bring back two fan favorite guests, Aisha Khan (eps 24, 25) and Brad Evans (ep 27) , to chat about the hit Netflix show, Heartstopper. (We only lament a teensy bit that we didn't have this show as we were growing up.) The idea for this episode came from the unplanned (but personal favorite) episode Aisha and I did about Sex Education on episode 24. This time around we wanted to be more intentional about it so we came up with some topics that the three of us share our opinions on: Favorite characters Most powerful scene Moments that resonated most strongly with our queer experience Which character we would have had a crush on if we went to Heartstopper High This was such a fun episode to record and I think you're going to enjoy it, too. Enjoy! Share your story! Fill out this form Episode Links: Brad's Instagram: bradleyy_y Brad's YouTube Channel: Channel Heartstopper Live Reaction Series Aisha's Instagram: @lavidaoosha Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's Twitter: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we have on the supremely clever and funny, Rose Dommu (she/her)! Rose is an incredibly talented writer and co-host of the addicting pop culture podcast, Like a Virgin. I've been following Rose on Twitter for years and have always been a huge fan of her wit and sense of humor, so getting to meet her and have her share her story on the podcast was such an honor. After Rose and I gab about Ewan McGregor, Wanda Maximoff, and Like a Virgin, Rose tells us about her two coming-outs -- first as gay at 14 years old and then as trans years later as an adult. She talks about how moving to NYC and becoming involved in the underground art scene opened her mind to the different possibilities of queer life as she was finally exposed to a diverse queer scene that was not solely cisgendered gay men. That expanded queer community she found coupled with an increase in trans public figures in the past decade or so helped Rose in exploring and challenging her true feelings about her gender identity -- ultimately confirming what she knew ever since she was a child. Rose's cover photo credit: @djdumpling Share your story! Fill out this form Episode Links: Follow Rose on social media: Instagram @rosedommu Twitter @rosedommu TikTok @rosedommu Like A Virgin Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's Twitter: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we talk with the king of pop culture, Ira Madison III! Ira humors me as I fangirl over some of the insanely cool projects he works on, including his hit podcast, Keep It; his first ever Marvel comic that he wrote; and his time working on one of my all-time favorite tv shows, Q-Force (RIP). Ira tells us about some of the his formative coming-of-age queer pop culture, his thoughts between queer life in LA vs NYC, and how his coming out was not necessarily on his own terms. Ira and I also bond over one of my favorite midwestern past times, which is, of course, not sharing complex feelings with family members! I loved getting to catch up with Ira and I think you'll enjoy this chat, too. Enjoy! Share your story! Fill out this form Episode Links: Ira's Instagram: @irathethird Keep It Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's Twitter: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit

This week we talk to budding YouTube star and Reaching Out's first European guest, Brad Evans! First off, I can't believe I get to have Brad on not one, but TWO episodes of Reaching Out in the next couple of weeks. We explain how this all came to be in the first few minutes... a story I truly cherish. Brad's story brings up so many interesting topics. He discusses the dichotomy between his experience with coming to terms with his sexuality amongst different family members: some choosing to take the piss out of him while others made it known that he had the freedom to come out. Brad also makes some really great points about setting boundaries with people as you begin to come out and express your true self for the first time -- despite others might not understanding. I feel so lucky to have Brad on Reaching Out because he is truly heading towards some amazing things with his YouTube channel, you've got to check him out. Getting the chance to hang out with him twice this week (via video chat) was the biggest treat for me. Check out his episode and then go check out his YouTube channel! Share your story! Fill out this form Episode Links: Brad's Instagram: bradleyy_y Brad's YouTube Channel: Channel Heartstopper Live Reaction Series Follow along with Reaching Out: Podcast's Instagram: @reachingoutpod Podcast's Twitter: @reachingoutpod Michael's Instagram: @michaelwingsit