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I’m sorry for the podcast silence last month, especially since it was Pride Month. Although Gay Men’s Life Lab celebrates LGBTQ+ pride every month.  In this episode, I share about my decision to take a few months off from the podcast so I can spend the summer soaking up some extra self, relationship and business care.  I hope you’ll tune in to join me for this relatively brief conversation about my decision. It involves filling my well, learning to set limits and listening to my inner creative. As always, I hope this might inspire you to double down on self care this summer or on whatever care your life is needing right now.  Stay subscribed or start following to be notified when new episodes are on their way.  You can also join my email list by visiting www.buckdodson.com.  I’ll be in touch with podcast updates as well as new blogs, coaching programs and more.  As always, I love hearing from you so feel free to share your thoughts, episode ideas or just say hello by leaving a message on our Phone Line at 512.808.0849.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks and talk with you all in September! Buck

In part two of my pro-dating, pro-relationship guide, I dive further into energizing your dating and relationship life. I cover the key topics my clients and I work on and offer practical ways you can beef up your relational dating skills.  Check out the episode to hear… How to approach pacing in dating so you can stay “sober” in the early stages of love My suggestion for approaching sex  The communication styles and skills you need for dating and relationship success How to work with unfinished business before you start dating or when you’re dating Why we don’t find Mr. Right, we create Mr. Right Resources: Check out Wired for Dating by Dr. Stan Tatkin for more detail on secure functioning dating.  Want to share your thoughts? Have ideas for episodes? Leave a message on the Phone Line at 512.808.0849 . Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men – and allies too - live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and Gay Men’s Life Lab on Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks!Buck

In the first of this two-parter, I invite you into a conversation about becoming or rediscovering hope and eagerness about dating. Join me for this deep dive into how becoming “pro dating” and a pro at dating means could radically shift your perspective on dating and creating long term relationships. Tune in to hear… What it means to be Pro-Relationship rather than Pro-Self How to approach dating like you would in a relationship The 5 characteristics of “Secure Functioning Dating” Developing a Pre and Pro-Dating Mindset Ideas for meeting dating partners IRL rather than relying solely on apps Resources Check out Wired for Dating by Dr. Stan Tatkin for more detail on secure functioning dating.  Want to share your thoughts? Have ideas for episodes? Leave a message on the Phone Line at 512.808.0849 . Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men – and allies too - live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and Gay Men’s Life Lab on Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks!Buck

Join me for this engaging and important conversation about porn, sex, masturbation, and most importantly, pleasure. I’m talking with Don Shewey, a psychotherapist, pleasure activist and author of The Paradox of Porn: Notes on Gay Male Sexual Culture. Tune in to hear Don and I discuss: His journey to being a pleasure activist and Sacred Intimate The integral yet complex role pornography plays in gay men’s self-discovery How porn both helps and hinders our views of our bodies, sexuality, and relationships Learning to distinguish sex, porn and masturbation The role of pleasure and desire in addressing issues with porn RESOURCES: Learn more about Don Shewey at http://bodyandsoulwork.com. Purchase your copy of The Paradox of Porn here. Gay Men’s Life Lab Phone Line – 512.808.0849 What do you think about this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts about the role of porn in your life and in gay make sexual culture. Drop us a line at 512.808.0849 . About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about how I help leading edge gay, bi and queer men and allies find joy, deep connection and gay superpower by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following Buck Dodson Coaching on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps Gay Men’s Life Lab reach more men like you!  Thanks!Buck

Join me for this enriching conversation with licensed psychotherapist, Brian Torres, on what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person and how embracing this part of your nature can help you create a more optimal lifestyle.   Some of the topics Brian and I discuss: The core traits of highly sensitive people What D.O.E.S. - Depth, Over-Arousal, Emotional Responsiveness, and Sensitivity to Subtleties – has to do with high sensitivity Misconceptions that high sensitivity isn’t backed by science, is the same as introversion or is a mental health diagnosis The parallels of living with high sensitivity and living as LGBTQ individuals The “Five to Thrive” tenets of self-care for Highly Sensitive people RESOURCES: Learn more about Brian Torres and his work with HSPs at www.briantorrestherapy.com.  Read about HSPs in Dr. Elaine Aron’s book, The Highly Sensitive Person.  Check out Dr. Aron’s documentary, Sensitive: The Untold Story featuring HSP, Alanis Morissette  Gay Men’s Life Lab Phone Line – 512.808.0849 What do you think about this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts about Highly Sensitive People. Drop us a line at 512.808.0849 . About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about how I help leading edge gay, bi and queer men and allies find joy, deep connection and gay superpower by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following Buck Dodson Coaching on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps Gay Men’s Life Lab reach more men like you! Thanks!Buck

You won’t want to miss this enlivening conversation about tapping into your erotic energy as a pathway to healing, aliveness and joy. Join me and my guest, Craig Cullinane from The New Body Electric School as we dive deep celebrating our erotic potential.  Some of the topics Craig and I discuss: The role of “conscious eroticism” in self and collective healing His own journey from body shame to celebration The intersection of pleasure, desire, power, and unmet needs The foundational tool that superpowers inner growth  Healing that happens when erotic exploration is not limited by physical attraction The dance of shame and pleasure that builds intimacy with ourselves and our bodies How Body Electric courses help GBQT write new stories about our lives through erotic liberation practices Learning more about Body Electric and other resources discussed in this episode: The New Body Electric School Easton Mountain Healing Body Shame Online Course  Gay Men’s Life Lab Phone Line – 512.808.0849 Want to share your thoughts on your conscious eroticism, self healing and body transformation? Drop us a line at 512.808.0849 . About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about how I help leading edge gay, bi and queer men and allies find joy, deep connection and gay superpower by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following Buck Dodson Coaching on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps Gay Men’s Life Lab reach more men like you!  Thanks!Buck

In this episode, I unpack codependence, developmental trauma and love addiction with Jodi White, a psychotherapist, sober recovering love addict and host of “Journals of a Love Addict.”  Jodi and talk about: The 5 core symptoms of codependence How dysfunctional families set the stage for being over or anti-dependent What love addiction is and how it’s different from codependency Developing a Functional Adult Self to care for our “inner woundeds” How experiential learning bypasses the ‘thinking brain’ to heal trauma Jodi White, LPCLearn how you can work with Jodi White, LPC at www.jodiwhitelpc.comSubscribe to Jodi’s podcast Journals of a Love Addict. Follow Jodi on Instagram.  Read Pia Mellody’s books on Codependency, Love Addiction and Intimacy.  Gay Men’s Life Lab Phone Line – 512.808.0849 Want to share your thoughts on codependence or love addiction? Have ideas for episodes? Leave a message on the Phone Line at 512.808.0849 . Have you had experience with codependent relationships or love addiction? Let us know your thoughts about this episode or any other topics by leaving a message on the Phone Line.  About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about how I help leading edge gay, bi and queer men and allies find joy, deep connection and gay superpower by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following Buck Dodson Coaching on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps Gay Men’s Life Lab reach more men like you!  Thanks!Buck

Gay Men's Life Lab is all about trying things out, and since we have a lot of new listeners in the last year, we’re experimenting with a new Relationship Replay Series which features some of our earliest episodes on all things relationships such as… How to handle conflict Communicating your feelings  Navigating relationship dynamics How to identify your needs and get them met  If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own relationship journey and in those of my clients, it’s that we’re always learning and we can all use a refresher now and then. So even if you’ve already heard these episodes, you might discover something new if you take another listen.We'll feature Relationship Replay episodes from time to time, but we'll also continue to have fresh content and new episodes for you every two weeks, so if you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe.Now, let’s go to Relationship School. - - -Episode 8 Replay"Get Closer" with Jeff Chernin, PhDHey guys! This episode is all about improving communication patterns and dynamics in your relationships. I dive deep with L.A.-based psychotherapist and author, Dr. Jeff Chernin, about his must-read book, “Get Closer: A Gay Men’s Guide to Intimacy and Relationships.”  If you’re in a relationship, you want to be in one or you’re learning from one that just ended, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Dr. Chernin and I talk about… What to do when you and you’re man are in a “Pursuer-Withdrawer” pattern How to balance out differences in power that show up around money, status Taking responsibility for our part in unhealthy dynamics including infidelity Setting your partner up for success to meet your needs Identifying your “hidden goals” and “secondary gains” that block your intimacy What contribution you’re making to your “not enoughness” The benefits and advantages of being gay couples How gay, bi and queer men are leaders of negotiating healthy sexual lives together Learn more about Jeff Chernin’s work, his books and articles at jeffreychernin.com and on Facebook. Get your copy of Get Closer here and start learning how to have healthy relationships and more intimacy with your man.  Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men – and allies too - live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks! Buck

Gay Men's Life Lab is all about trying things out, and since we have a lot of new listeners in the last year, we’re experimenting with a new Relationship Replay Series which features some of our earliest episodes on all things relationships such as… How to handle conflict Communicating your feelings  Navigating relationship dynamics How to identify your needs and get them met  If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my own relationship journey and in those of my clients, it’s that we’re always learning and we can all use a refresher now and then. So even if you’ve already heard these episodes, you might discover something new if you take another listen. We'll feature Relationship Replay episodes from time to time, but we'll also continue to have fresh content and new episodes for you every two weeks, so if you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe.Now, let’s go to Relationship School.  - - -Episode 1 ReplayRupture and Repair: How to Handle Conflict in Your RelationshipsStop avoiding conflict and repair your relationship wounds.  Conflict sucks. Nobody likes it, and we’d all avoid it if we could. But when we face it head on, conflict is healthy and helps us build trust. Since most of us were never taught how to handle conflict, this episode I'm talking about what to do if you keep arguing about the same issues in your relationships. I’m chatting about some of the skills you need to resolve conflicts:  stop playing the blame game;  take responsibility for your part;  own your feelings; and  get curious about what the other person feels.   Check out this episode for practical ideas to move you guys out of rupture and into repair. Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men – and allies too - live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks! Buck

We’re going to mindset school. In this solo episode, I’m riffing on how our attitudes, perspectives and beliefs—our mindsets—make the difference between creating the life we want or staying stuck.   Tune in to hear… Buck’s update on his ‘Filling my Well’ commitment How being a ‘design thinker’ can help solve problems and achieve goals The core mindsets you need to move you toward personal and relationship growth How to be curious, try stuff, shift your beliefs, and trust the process  The secret sauce mindset to accelerate your vision   Want to share your thoughts? Have ideas for episodes? Leave a message on the Phone Line at 512.808.0849 . Start planning your 2022 commitments and goals by downloading a free Core Life Dimensions Guide.  Check out Designing your Life for more guidance on how to use design thinking in your life.  Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men – and allies too - live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks!Buck

This week, I dive into a misunderstood topic that we don’t talk about enough – Adult ADHD. Tune in as I talk with ADHD Coach and Founder of Queer ADHD, Sarah Dopp, about what it does and does not mean to live with ADHD. Even if you don’t have ADHD, I encourage you to check out this episode because someone in your life does and may be struggling alone. Sarah and I talk about: Misconceptions about Adult ADHD How coming out with ADHD mirrors coming out as LGBTQ The connection between fear of rejection, perfectionism and ADHD Why people with ADHD need to play BEFORE work not after How ‘body doubling’ and community increase productivity  Learn all about Queer ADHD and follow them at: TikTok Instagram Links discussed in the episode: noisli.com - sound generator focusmate.com - free virtual coworking Stay up to date on all Gay Men’s Life Lab events and programs on Facebook and Instagram.  About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about how I help leading edge gay, bi and queer men and allies find joy, deep connection and gay superpower by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following Buck Dodson Coaching on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps Gay Men’s Life Lab reach more men like you!  Thanks!Buck

You won’t want to miss my bold conversation with David Pevsner, author of DAMN SHAME: A Memoir of Desire, Defiance and Show Tunes. Join us to hear about David’s journey as a 62-year-old actor, erotic provocateur and anti-ageist, anti-body shaming, pro-sexuality advocate. David and talk about: How becoming an escort changed his outlook on what he means to be a man The missed opportunity that helped him see the cost of being a ‘body nazi’ His big “fuck you” to anti-gay religious fundamentalists  Owning his age and power as a gay man in his 60s The key to exploring all his sexual fantasies through his blog and Only Fans  Get your copy of David’s book, Damn Shame and follow David Pevsner at: Only FansTwitterPhoto BlogInstagramFacebook Stay up to date on all Gay Men’s Life Lab events and programs on Facebook and Instagram.  About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about how I help leading edge gay, bi and queer men and allies find joy, deep connection and gay superpower by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following Buck Dodson Coaching on Instagram. If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps Gay Men’s Life Lab reach more men like you!  Thanks!Buck

Happy new year, everyone! What were the personal growth and gay takeaways from 2021? What did you learn and how are you going to apply that in 2022?  In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share some of my own growth journey this last year and what I’m committing to next year. I’m guessing many of you might relate. Tune as I talk about… Why 2021 was my yearlong “choppy growth phase” Grieving the loss of my False Self & ego persona Making your big, bold commitment for next year   Choosing 1-2 of your Core Life Dimensions to focus on 2022 What from your past will you complete and release next year?  Share your 2021 takeaways and 2022 commitments on the GMLL Phone Line at 512.808.0849 . Start planning your 2022 commitments and goals by downloading a free Core Life Dimensions Guide.  Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men – and allies too - live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!  Thanks!Buck

In this episode, I’m talking about coming out later in life and what coming out looks like over the life span of gay and queer men.  Tune as I talk about… Why coming out is about more than saying “I’m gay”  How we’re always coming out and what it evolves through life Identifying your “gay age” to decrease shame regardless of when you come out The one thing we all need whether we’re coming out at 16 or 60 GMLL Phone Line Call 512.808.0849 to share your ideas, questions and topic suggestions.About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men—and allies too— live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!

In this special “Quick Buck” episode, I’m having a conversation with listeners about what’s next for the podcast including the Gay Men’s Life Lab Phone Line!  Tune as I talk about… My desire to build community and connect more deeply with listeners in 2022 Finding ways to engage that aren’t through social media (which I suck at) My search for an “intern” to help grow our community How to expand our audience and how you can help You can start engaging by leaving a message on the new GMLL phone line at 512.808.0849 with topic ideas, questions, guest suggestions, and helpful feedback. About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay, bi and queer men—and allies too— live, love and lead powerfully by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!

Join me for a spirited conversation with Martin Cowart, the founder of Financial Heart Space and prosperity mindset coach as we dive into how he helps gay, bi, and queer men business leaders create financial abundance through spiritual alignment and clarity of purpose.Martin and I talk about: What’s at the core of every financial issue The spirituality of abundance and prosperity Connecting net worth to self worth Leading in the “post-pandemic abundance economy” How skills of generosity, gratitude, forgiveness, and surrender build prosperity About Martin Cowart You can find Martin at https://www.financialheartspace.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/martin.cowart LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmartincowart Resources mentioned Facebook Group – Financial Heart Space for Gay, Transgender and Bisexual MenAbout Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay men like you live and love well by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab! 

Join me for this thoughtful conversation with psychotherapist, Steve Lapuk, as we discuss his work helping gay men address self-destructive behaviors by understanding the root causes and learning how to soothe ourselves to get our needs met.  Steve and talk about: How the trauma of growing up can fuel self-harming behaviors How to use the “Hangover Effect” to determine if you’re self-medicating What a “manic flight” is and why it drives self-destructive choices What you can do to start taking better care of yourself  About Steve Lapuk Based in Los Angeles, you can find Steve at www.stevelapuk.com.  Resources mentioned Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men’s Lives by Walt Odets, PhDAbout Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay men like you live and love well by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab! 

Join me for a lively conversation with writer, purpose strategist and Sensitivity Mapper, Mike Iamele, as we talk about how his unique process for guiding gay, bi and queer man to live our purpose by embracing – rather than resisting – our greatest sensitivities. Mike and I dive into: His journey to falling in love with a man and coming out to 100K people overnight How knowing and mapping our sensitivities improves our lives, work and relationships Why sensitive mapping helps queer men release shame around sexuality and desires The key to living with purpose About Mike Iamele You can find Mike on Instagram and at www.mikeiamele.com where you’ll get access to his Free Training and Worksheet as well as courses in Sacred Branding©.  About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay men like you live and love well by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab! 

In the first episode of the Self Esteem Series, I’m diving into one of the most effective tools to decrease the harsh judgement and self-criticism that make us feel unworthy and incapable of having the life we want and need. It’s called Self Compassion and it’s a simple yet powerful practice. Tune as I talk about… What self esteem is and what GBQ men must do to recover ours The reason high self esteem doesn’t always prevent self-criticism Why we criticize ourselves and how to slow down the “Threat” State that drives it The three components of self compassion practice  Resistance to self compassion and what happens when there’s “backdraft” Three self compassion practices to get you started Resources: https://self-compassion.org https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay men like you live and love well by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab! 

In this episode, I’m talking with Paul Bailey, a nutrition coach with over 15 years experience helping gay men transform their health, body and self confidence. Join me as I talk with Paul about how focusing on our mindset, relationship with food and ourselves is the key to a balanced, healthy lifestyle that’s right for us.  Join us for a fun and informative conversation that covers topics including: Measuring success without focusing on weight The key to staying motivated that Paul helps client discover Paul’s tips for prioritizing health when you’re busy Transforming your relationship to your body and health through community  You can find Paul Bailey at paul.coach where you’ll get access to all his nutrition and health coaching resources.  If you’re a gay man over 40 looking to improve your health, considering joining his free Facebook Group. About Buck Dodson, Host Learn more about me and how I help gay men like you live and love well by visiting www.buckdodson.com and following me on Instagram and Facebook.  If you found this episode helpful, please ‘gay it forward’ by subscribing and leaving a quick review and rating. This helps more gay men find Gay Men’s Life Lab!