Episodes

  • Why Gay Men Are Talking About Heated Rivalry

    Why Gay Men Are Talking About Heated Rivalry
    Jan 29 2026

    Gay Men Going Deeper has never done an episode about a TV show before. There’s a reason we did this one. Heated Rivalry isn’t just popular. It landed at a very specific cultural moment for gay men, and the response to it points to something bigger than whether people liked the plot.

    In this off-the-cuff conversation, Michael and Matt explore why this story resonated so strongly, what emotional needs it taps into, and why certain depictions of gay love, sex, courage, and intimacy feel especially potent right now.

    This isn’t a recap or a review. It’s a conversation about why some stories carry more weight than others, and how paying attention to your reaction can become an opportunity to understand yourself more deeply.

    Today's Hosts:

    • Michael DiIorio
    • Matt Landsiedel

    Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes

    - CONNECT WITH US -

    • Watch podcast episodes on YouTube
    • Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community
    • Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls
    • Follow us on Instagram | TikTok
    • Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com

    - LEARN WITH US -

    • Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.
    • Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.
    • Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.
    • Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Gay Men Going Deep: The Rivalry
    • (00:00:47) - Heated Rival: Gay Men's Brotherhood Comments
    • (00:01:49) - "The Disappointment"
    • (00:02:55) - "Love Yourself"
    • (00:07:04) - Bait & Switch: The Gay Men's Episode 3
    • (00:10:53) - Pushing the Gay Culture
    • (00:12:53) - Coming Out: Gay People in the Closet
    • (00:13:36) - Matt Cooke on Coming Out In The Hockey League
    • (00:17:49) - The Gay Love Story
    • (00:21:06) - Neil Gaiman: The Book Review, Part 2
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    23 mins
  • Will I Be Single Forever?

    Will I Be Single Forever?
    Jan 22 2026
    It’s a question many gay men quietly carry… especially after heartbreak, disappointment, or years of trying. In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we put on our coach hats and unpack why this belief takes hold, how shame and self-protection can block love without us realizing it, and what actually helps us become more open to connection again. This conversation isn’t about forcing positivity or dating tactics. It’s about understanding the patterns that keep us guarded, how we sabotage love unintentionally, and how to restore hope without lowering your standards or abandoning yourself. In this episode, we explore: Where the belief “I’ll be single forever” comes fromThe most common blocks to love we see in gay menHow shame quietly shapes dating and relationshipsThe difference between protection and emotional availabilityHow to let love in while staying grounded, discerning, and self-respecting If you want real connection but feel tired, guarded, or discouraged, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a grounded way forward. Listen now and go deeper. Today's Hosts: Matt LandsiedelMichael DiIorio: Take the 360 Review for Gay Men Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTubeJoin the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook communityGet on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom callsFollow us on Instagram | TikTokLearn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report. Chapters (00:00:00) - Going Deeper(00:00:34) - Gaming Gay Men's Brotherhood(00:02:05) - Will I Be Single Forever?(00:04:42) - Lack of role models for gay couples(00:05:31) - Open Relationships(00:06:19) - I'll Be Single 'Forever'(00:12:48) - This 67-Year-Old Gay Man Found Love For the First(00:14:47) - How To Get Out Of The Single Trap(00:15:38) - Common Shame Blocks in Gay Men's Love Life(00:22:07) - Gay Men Need To Heal Their Love Lives(00:28:27) - Healing Your Shame For Dating & Relationships(00:30:04) - How to Overcome the Blocks to Love(00:33:26) - "My Protector Parts Are Slowly Breaking My Own Heart"(00:36:53) - How to Love Yourself(00:42:17) - How To Heal Your Heart From Heartbreak(00:44:38) - Are You Ready for Your Relationship?(00:45:58) - Gay Men's Brotherhood Podcast
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • How to Build Unshakeable Confidence

    How to Build Unshakeable Confidence
    Jan 15 2026
    This episode of Gay Men Going Deeper is less of a casual conversation and more of a confidence masterclass. One you’ll likely want to come back to again and again. We break down what real, unshakeable confidence actually is (and what it isn’t). Not the loud, performative kind, but the grounded confidence that comes from self-trust, self-compassion, and emotional regulation. We talk honestly about why confidence can feel harder for gay men, how minority stress and shame shape a harsh inner critic, and how we deal with setbacks. In this episode, we cover: How confidence is built through action, discomfort, self-compassionHow shame and the inner critic quietly undermine self-trustWhether “fake it till you make it” actually works… and where it falls apartWhy taking action builds confidence (and how inaction erodes it)How self-compassion keeps confidence intact when things go wrongWhat to do when confidence wobbles after rejection, embarrassment, or insecurity If you’ve ever looked confident on the outside but felt shaky on the inside, this episode will help you understand why, and give you a clear, grounded path forward. Save this one. It’s the kind of episode you’ll get something new from every time you listen. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio - Take the 360° Self-Review for Gay MenMatt LandsiedelReno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTubeJoin the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook communityGet on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom callsFollow us on Instagram | TikTokLearn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.Take the Attachment Style Qui... Chapters (00:00:05) - Gay Men Going Deeper: How to Build Confidence(00:01:05) - How to Build Unshakable Confidence(00:04:35) - What Actually Build Unshakable Confidence?(00:11:14) - How Do You Build Unshakable Self Confidence?(00:15:18) - How to Build Confidence(00:19:02) - Self-Compassion vs. Boastful(00:20:16) - What helps you build confidence? Join our Connection Circles(00:21:06) - Faking It Till It Actually Works(00:24:55) - "Faking It" Has It Work For You?(00:29:26) - Kinda Like Fake It Till You Make It(00:33:30) - You Should Be More Frumpy On The Podcast(00:33:48) - Gay Men: Unshakable Self Confidence(00:34:53) - How To Deal With Confirmations(00:39:15) - Reno on Being Confident(00:41:55) - How Do You Deal With Confidence(00:47:48) - Queens Talk About Self-Compassion(00:52:33) - Gayman's Brotherhood: Connection Circle
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Standards vs. Boundaries in Dating

    Standards vs. Boundaries in Dating
    Jan 8 2026
    In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the biggest dating myths gay men love to repeat: “My standards are too high.” But sometimes the problem isn’t what you want, it’s what you allow. We get into the real difference between standards and boundaries, why attraction wipes our memory clean, and how low boundaries quietly reveal your level of self-worth. If you’ve ever said you want emotional maturity but keep entertaining sexy chaos, this episode is going to sting a little (in a good way). Some of the topics we cover in this episode are: A clear explanation of standards vs boundaries (with examples)Why our standards collapse the second a hot man gives you attentionHow boundaries are actually a self-worth and self-respect practiceThe “crumb diet” too many gay men settle for Join us for this honest, relatable, and painfully accurate episode that might be the reset your dating life has been waiting for. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio - Take the 360° Self-Review for Gay MenMatt LandsiedelCome to our Monthy Community Events Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTubeJoin the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook communityGet on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom callsFollow us on Instagram | TikTokLearn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report. Chapters (00:00:00) - Gay Men's Dating: Standards and Boundaries(00:02:54) - What's The Difference Between Standards and Boundaries(00:04:52) - Gay Women Talk About Boundaries(00:09:14) - How To Give Care To Your Partner(00:12:34) - Why High Standards Don't Matter If Your Boundaries Are Low(00:16:22) - When do you find your boundaries collapsing fastest?(00:18:58) - What Makes You Feel Valid? Validation and Control(00:23:13) - What Poor Boundaries Look Like(00:27:08) - Standards vs Boundaries(00:27:23) - Gay Men's Brotherhood: Donor-funded Podcast
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Single and Ready to Mingle

    Single and Ready to Mingle
    Jan 1 2026
    In this episode, Michael and Matt get personal about what we love about being single, how we knew we were ready to start dating again, and what we want to experience differently this time around. We talk about flirting on apps, dating in 2026, and all the messy, exciting parts of putting yourself back out there when you’re ready to mingle. Some of the topics we cover in this episode are: • Getting back into the dating world • When your nervous system tries to hijack your dating life • Red flags and green flags • What we’re actually looking for in a man now (and how that has changed) It’s cheeky, honest, and surprisingly insightful. If you’re single (or single-ish), you’ll feel right at home. Today's Hosts: Matt LandsiedelMichael DiIorio360° Self-Review for the New Year Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTubeJoin the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook communityGet on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom callsFollow us on Instagram | TikTokLearn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report. Chapters (00:00:05) - Gamin Going Deeper: Being Single & Ready To Mingle(00:01:46) - What Is Single and Ready To Mingle?(00:02:27) - What Do You Love About Being Single?(00:05:02) - Mixed Messages on Dating and Singling(00:06:02) - What's Your Favorite Stage Of A Relationship? The Honeymoon Phase(00:10:22) - Matt on Conflicts In His Relationships(00:12:06) - Single People Talk About The Best Things About Being Single(00:16:13) - What I Need In A Good Relationship(00:17:50) - What's The Non-Negotiable Item In A Relationship?(00:20:43) - Gay Men's Brotherhood(00:21:22) - When Are You Ready to Mingle?(00:24:31) - Gay Men on Matching Apps(00:28:26) - "Does It Mean I Attract a Polyamorous Partner?"(00:31:49) - Are You Dating Gay People?(00:33:28) - Gaiman's Going Deep: Relationships and Dating(00:34:25) - What Would You Like To Experience The This Time Around?(00:39:17) - What You Need To Know About Chasing(00:43:10) - What I Want In A Relationship(00:43:52) - Matt on His Sexual Life(00:46:14) - I Should've Knew That My Best Friend Had Sex With Her(00:49:28) - "That's Off-limits" For Gay People(00:49:47) - Gay Men's Brotherhood: Connection Circle
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • When Attraction Fades

    When Attraction Fades
    Dec 25 2025

    Why does attraction fade- and what can we do about it? In this episode, we get real about attraction in long-term relationships. The spark doesn’t always burn forever, and losing sexual interest doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed. We talk about why attraction naturally shifts over time and how couples can ignite intimacy.

    We explore:

    • Why attraction fades in relationships
    • The 4 types of intimacy (and why they matter)
    • Sexless marriages and normalizing libido changes
    • What erodes desire over time
    • How to bring spark, novelty, and connection back

    Join us for a real conversation on attraction, intimacy, and what keeps the spark alive over time.

    Today's Hosts:

    • Matt Landsiedel
    • Michael DiIorio – Join my weekly newsletter for deeper reflections and practical tools

    Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes

    - CONNECT WITH US -

    • Watch podcast episodes on YouTube
    • Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community
    • Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls
    • Follow us on Instagram | TikTok
    • Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com

    - LEARN WITH US -

    • Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.
    • Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.
    • Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.
    • Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - When Attraction Fades in Gay Relationships
    • (00:04:24) - 4 Types of Intimate Relationship
    • (00:10:11) - How To Keep The Fire In Your Relationships
    • (00:15:06) - What Causes Attraction To Fizzle For You
    • (00:18:01) - How to Keep the Sex Fire Alive in Your Marriage
    • (00:21:21) - 3 Tips For Keeping Intimate Relationships Alive
    • (00:23:47) - Gay Men's Brotherhood: Sparking Your Love Life
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • What’s Really Sexy (and Nobody Talks About It)

    What’s Really Sexy (and Nobody Talks About It)
    Dec 18 2025
    After unpacking our culture’s obsession with “perfect” bodies, this week we’re flipping the script. In this episode, we’re celebrating what’s actually hot: the things that don’t get enough love in the gay world. We’re talking dad bods, wrinkles, kindness, confidence, awkward charm, conversational skills, and all the real stuff that makes someone magnetic. Some of the things we’re talking about: How social media perpetuates social norms that don’t fit The traits we find sexy that don’t get enough love Stories of when we’ve fallen for people outside our type The roles of dating apps in attraction and rejectionHow our types have changed (and how they haven’t) This is our love letter to all the guys out there who feel they aren’t sexy because they don’t fit the mold. It’s time to expand our definition of sexy and give some overdue appreciation where it’s due. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio- Join my weekly newsletter for deeper reflections and practical toolsMatt LandsiedelReno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTubeJoin the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook communityGet on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom callsFollow us on Instagram | TikTokLearn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report. Chapters (00:00:00) - Gay Men Going Deep: What's Really Sexy?(00:01:15) - How To Survive A Culture of Body Perfection(00:03:42) - The Real Sexy, Unmarketed(00:04:42) - Celebrating What's Real(00:05:09) - What Is Something That You Think Is Sexy About Your Guy?(00:06:02) - 5 Things That Make A Guy Sexy(00:08:03) - What's The Sexiest Walk?(00:08:55) - Michael's Signature Walk(00:09:45) - Alexandra On Being Hot For Quirkies(00:12:44) - People Compare Their Feet To Hands(00:14:58) - What's The Non Physical Attraction Of Gay People?(00:18:37) - Dad Bods and Big Nose(00:21:23) - Oh, Lisps and Accents(00:21:58) - Connection Circle(00:22:58) - My Types Are Different(00:27:06) - I Should've Swiped On Grindr Instead Of Dating(00:31:10) - Are You My Type?(00:34:44) - Matt Reno And Chris Hemsworth On Being Unorthodox(00:37:34) - Michael Jackson On His Hotness(00:39:37) - Thank You!!!
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    41 mins
  • How to Thrive in the Culture of Body Perfection

    How to Thrive in the Culture of Body Perfection
    Dec 11 2025
    From the gym to social media, gay men are constantly surrounded by images of the “ideal” body. But what does all this perfection chasing actually cost us? In this episode, we explore how body perfection culture impacts gay men on a deeper level: from belonging and self-worth to intimacy and identity. We open up about our own journeys with body image— how we’ve moved from obsession to acceptance, where it still sneaks in today, and what we’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear us unpack: Why body image matters more for gay menHow fitness and self-worth often get mixed upThe difference between caring for your body and obsessing over itHow to stop letting your reflection decide your moodPractical ways to reclaim confidence and self-respect If you’ve ever felt like a “perfect” body will earn you love, attention, or belonging, this one’s for you. Today's Hosts: Matt LandsiedelMichael DiIorio - Join my weekly newsletter for deeper reflections and practical tools Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTubeJoin the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook communityGet on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom callsFollow us on Instagram | TikTokLearn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others.Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame.Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series.Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report. Chapters (00:00:00) - Gaiman Going Deep: The Culture of Body Perfection(00:01:52) - How to Love Your Body (Without Perfection)(00:05:50) - Does the Culture of Body Perfection Impact You?(00:09:07) - The Help I Learned To Love My Body(00:13:40) - What Do You Think You Need To Look To Be Attractive?(00:16:08) - November 6: The Culture of Body Perfection(00:16:55) - Letting Go Of Body Perfection(00:22:08) - "Self-worth is not solely based on your body"(00:24:42) - Body Positivity(00:26:33) - What Have We Done To Mitigate Body Perfection Culture?(00:30:41) - What Have I Done To Prevent Body Perfection Pressure?(00:35:43) - Neil Gaiman on The Gay Brotherhood(00:36:53) - The Hard Work of Being Gay(00:37:30) - Gay People Go To the Gym(00:41:27) - Gay culture's need for belonging(00:43:13) - Gay Men's Brotherhood Podcast
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    44 mins