Mindfully Gay Podcast

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Coming Out as Ceremony: Reimagining Pride as a Rite of Passage
Aired June 19

What if coming out was honored not just as a personal revelation, but as a sacred rite of passage?

In this powerful Pride Month episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore a bold and meaningful question: How can we reimagine Pride and the coming out process as something ceremonial, communal, healing, and deeply affirming?

Too...

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Coming Out as Ceremony: Reimagining Pride as a Rite of Passage
Airs June 19

What if coming out was honored not just as a personal revelation, but as a sacred rite of passage?

In this powerful Pride Month episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore a bold and meaningful question: How can we reimagine Pride and the coming out process as something ceremonial, communal, healing, and deeply affirming?

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What does Pride mean after the parade ends?

In this new episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry reflect on the deeper meaning of Pride during a time when many LGBTQ+ people are asking bigger questions about identity, belonging, self-acceptance, and how to live authentically in a world that still applies pressure to conform. Pride Month is often celebrated through festivals, parades, and public visibility, but it can also be a time for personal reflection, healing, and reconnecting with who you truly are. 

In “More Than a Cel...

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What does Pride mean after the parade ends?

In this new episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry reflect on the deeper meaning of Pride during a time when many LGBTQ+ people are asking bigger questions about identity, belonging, self-acceptance, and how to live authentically in a world that still applies pressure to conform. Pride Month is often celebrated through festivals, parades, and public visibility, but it can also be a time for personal reflection, healing, and reconnecting with who you truly are.

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Rewriting the Gay Agenda

Aired May 22, 2026

What if the “gay agenda” was never what culture, politics, and religion said it was?

In this powerful episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry reclaim one of the most loaded phrases in queer culture and give it an entirely new meaning. “Rewriting the Gay Agenda” is a bold, heartfelt conversation about gay identity, queer authenticity, internalized shame, coming out, self-acceptance, healing, and living truthfully in a world that has often tried to define LGBTQ+ people from the outside in.

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“Rewriting the Gay Agenda”

Airs May 22, 2026

What if the “gay agenda” was never what culture, politics, and religion said it was?

In this powerful episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry reclaim one of the most loaded phrases in queer culture and give it an entirely new meaning. “Rewriting the Gay Agenda” is a bold, heartfelt conversation about gay identity, queer authenticity, internalized shame, coming out, self-acceptance, healing, and living truthfully in a world that has often tried to define LGBTQ+ people from the outside in.

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Sex as Currency: The Hidden Dynamics of Gay Male Connection

Airs May 8

What if the way we connect as gay men has been shaped more by survival than by intention?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore a powerful and often unspoken dynamic within gay male culture: the idea of sex as currency.

Why do so many interactions between gay men—whether at the gym, on dating apps, or even at casual social gatherings—carr...

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Sex as Currency: The Hidden Dynamics of Gay Male Connection

Airs May 8

What if the way we connect as gay men has been shaped more by survival than by intention?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore a powerful and often unspoken dynamic within gay male culture: the idea of sex as currency.

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Internalized Homophobia: The Stories We Tell About Ourselves (and Each Other)

Aired April 24

What if the hardest judgment you face isn’t coming from the outside world—but from the story you’ve learned to tell about yourself?

In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie name a pattern many gay men quietly carry: internalized homophobia—the inherited beliefs, fears, and assumptions that can shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to other gay men, and how safe we feel showing...

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Internalized Homophobia: The Stories We Tell About Ourselves (and Each Other)

Airs April 24

What if the hardest judgment you face isn’t coming from the outside world—but from the story you’ve learned to tell about yourself?

In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie name a pattern many gay men quietly carry: internalized homophobia—the inherited beliefs, fears, and assumptions that can shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to other gay men, and how safe we feel showing...

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What does queer community really need right now—and what happens when Pride becomes more than a parade, a slogan, or a once-a-year celebration?

In this special on-location episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie step outside the studio and head to the Utah Pride Center in downtown Salt Lake City for an eye-opening conversation with Executive Director Chad Call. Together, they explore what it means to build authentic LGBTQ+ community in a time marked by political pressure, cultural shifts, financial uncertainty, and a growing hunger fo...

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More Than Pride: What Queer Community Needs Now

Airs April 10

What does queer community really need right now—and what happens when Pride becomes more than a parade, a slogan, or a once-a-year celebration?

In this special on-location episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie step outside the studio and head to the Utah Pride Center in downtown Salt Lake City for an eye-opening conversation with Executive Director Chad Call. Together, they explore what it means to build authentic LGBTQ+ community in a...

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What does it mean to feel invisible in a community that’s supposed to be yours?

In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry respond to the strong reactions sparked by their recent “Kindness” episode—and follow the ripple to something even bigger: why so many gay and queer men feel disillusioned with gay culture, and why it can be so hard to actually show up for the kind of connection we say we want.

Jerry shares what he’s seeing in his therapy office again and again...

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What does it mean to feel invisible in a community that’s supposed to be yours?

In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry respond to the strong reactions sparked by their recent “Kindness” episode—and follow the ripple to something even bigger: why so many gay and queer men feel disillusioned with gay culture, and why it can be so hard to actually show up for the kind of connection we say we want.

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In this powerful and timely episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie take on one of the most talked-about queer TV series of the year—Heated Rivalry—and use it as a mirror to explore how gay men are portrayed in media, how those portrayals shape our self-image, and what it means to feel truly seen.

While Heated Rivalry has been praised for its steamy chemistry and bold storytelling, John and Jerry go beyond the hype to examine what the show really says about gay love, inti...

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In this powerful and timely episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie take on one of the most talked-about queer TV series of the year—Heated Rivalry—and use it as a mirror to explore how gay men are portrayed in media, how those portrayals shape our self-image, and what it means to feel truly seen.

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What would your life feel like if you stopped performing—and started living from your truth?

In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie return to a conversation that sparked major interest in the community: reclaiming authenticity. This time, they take it further—introducing their upcoming men’s retreat centered on Radical Self-Acceptance and exploring what it actually means to come home to yourself.

John shares a powerful image: many of us walk through life wearing too many layers—masks, roles, people-pleasing habits, old prot...

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What would your life feel like if you stopped performing—and started living from your truth?

In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie return to a conversation that sparked major interest in the community: reclaiming authenticity. This time, they take it further—introducing their upcoming men’s retreat centered on Radical Self-Acceptance and exploring what it actually means to come home to yourself.

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"The Episodes That Hit a Nerve: A Year in Review"

The Mindfully Gay Podcast with Jerry Buie & John Cottrell

Airs: February 13

In this bold and reflective Year in Review episode, John and Jerry revisit the conversations that stirred the strongest reactions, sparked the most dialogue, and left a lasting imprint on listeners. The Episodes That Hit a Nerve looks back on a year of courageous topics, unexpected resonance, and meaningful growth--both for the podcast and the community that's grown around it.

Recorded just before the...

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In this bold and reflective Year in Review episode, John and Jerry revisit the conversations that stirred the strongest reactions, sparked the most dialogue, and left a lasting imprint on listeners. The Episodes That Hit a Nerve looks back on a year of courageous topics, unexpected resonance, and meaningful growth--both for the podcast and the community that's grown around it.

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What happens when leather, kink, and queer mental health sit at the same table?

In this powerful episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry welcome "Mr. X," the current Mr. Leather Salt Lake, for a candid conversation about leather culture, BDSM, and why these communities are about so much more than just sex. Together, they explore how leather spaces can become powerful hubs for community, healing, and radical self-expression--especially for queer folks who have never felt like they truly fit in.

Mr. X shares the story of...

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What happens when leather, kink, and queer mental health sit at the same table?

In this powerful episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry welcome "Mr. X," the current Mr. Leather Salt Lake, for a candid conversation about leather culture, BDSM, and why these communities are about so much more than just sex. Together, they explore how leather spaces can become powerful hubs for community, healing, and radical self-expression--especially for queer folks who have never felt like they truly fit in.

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Why is it so hard to just say "hi"? In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry take a thoughtful, honest look at kindness in queer male spaces--from the gym locker room to the neighborhood sidewalk to dating and hookup apps. They talk about those all-too-familiar moments when someone you've chatted with online pretends not to know you in person, when neighbors avoid eye contact, or when a simple "good morning" feels radical.

Drawing on their work as therapists and community builders, John and Jerry explore how social...

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Why is it so hard to just say "hi"? In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry take a thoughtful, honest look at kindness in queer male spaces--from the gym locker room to the neighborhood sidewalk to dating and hookup apps. They talk about those all-too-familiar moments when someone you've chatted with online pretends not to know you in person, when neighbors avoid eye contact, or when a simple "good morning" feels radical.

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What does it really mean to have a bromance in today's world? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie take an honest look at how men--gay, straight, and everything in between--create friendship, affection, and emotional connection without shame or fear.

From hugs at the lodge to playful "bro pats," John and Jerry share personal stories about how men navigate closeness, masculinity, and comfort in different settings. They explore why gay men often adjust their behavior around straight friends, how internalized homophobia...

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What does it really mean to have a bromance in today's world? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie take an honest look at how men--gay, straight, and everything in between--create friendship, affection, and emotional connection without shame or fear.

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How do we stay grounded when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control? In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore what it means to live — and thrive — as queer people during times of global unrest, political turmoil, and collective anxiety.

Recorded in the shadow of what Jerry calls “the reign of terror,” this honest conversation moves from the therapy room to the yoga mat, from personal stories to historical reflection. John and Jerry connect today’s fears to major cul...

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How do we stay grounded when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control? In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore what it means to live — and thrive — as queer people during times of global unrest, political turmoil, and collective anxiety.

Recorded in the shadow of what Jerry calls “the reign of terror,” this honest conversation moves from the therapy room to the yoga mat, from personal stories to historical reflection. John and Jerry connect today’s fears to major cultur...

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What happens when we stop pretending everything's fine in the bedroom--and start talking about what's really going on?

In this powerful and compassionate episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts Jerry Buie and John Cottrell welcome Shay Doran, a UK-born men's performance coach now based in Brazil, who helps gay men overcome sexual performance anxiety, erection issues, and intimacy challenges through emotional awareness and mindset work.

Together, Jerry, John, and Shay explore how shame, fear, and cultural conditioning--especially around porn, hookup culture, and masculine ideals--can create stress that blocks...

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What happens when we stop pretending everything's fine in the bedroom--and start talking about what's really going on?

In this powerful and compassionate episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts Jerry Buie and John Cottrell welcome Shay Doran, a UK-born men's performance coach now based in Brazil, who helps gay men overcome sexual performance anxiety, erection issues, and intimacy challenges through emotional awareness and mindset work.

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Send us Fan Mail

What happens when queer community building gets moved to the morning--bright, intentional, and phone-free? In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie sit down with Landon and Kevin, creators of Morning Wood (@morningwoodparty), a daytime, sex-positive social gathering designed to foster real connection, body positivity, and inclusive community--without the noise, the post-midnight pressure, or the performative vibe.

You'll hear how a barber-chair idea became a fast-growing movement where men of all ages, bodies, and backgrounds meet, talk, flirt, and (if they choose) explore intimacy--with consent...

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What happens when queer community building gets moved to the morning--bright, intentional, and phone-free? In this episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie sit down with Landon and Kevin, creators of Morning Wood (@morningwoodparty), a daytime, sex-positive social gathering designed to foster real connection, body positivity, and inclusive community--without the noise, the post-midnight pressure, or the performative vibe.

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What happens when we stop assuming that every instance of male touch must be sexual? In this powerful conversation, John and Jerry sit down with Travis Matthews (WLF Massage, Salt Lake City) to explore how Thai massage, fascia release, and somatic bodywork help queer men relax, refresh, and reset. We unpack why touch between men is often stigmatized, how arousal can simply be energy moving (not a sexual invitation), and practical ways to cultivate safe, affirming touch that supports healing, intimacy, and community.

You'll learn:

- Why many queer...

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What happens when we stop assuming that every instance of male touch must be sexual? In this powerful conversation, John and Jerry sit down with Travis Matthews (WLF Massage, Salt Lake City) to explore how Thai massage, fascia release, and somatic bodywork help queer men relax, refresh, and reset. We unpack why touch between men is often stigmatized, how arousal can simply be energy moving (not a sexual invitation), and practical ways to cultivate safe, affirming touch that supports healing, intimacy, and community.

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What happens when queer generations sit down together to truly listen? In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie welcome two younger queer voices, Quinn and Andi, for a rich intergenerational conversation about identity, activism, and community

Together, they explore how queer language and labels have evolved—from the days when “gay” and “lesbian” were the only visible terms, to today’s broader spectrum of identities like non-binary, transgender, gender-fluid, and queer. The discussion highlights both the empowerment and challenges of this expanded vocabulary, and why labe...

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What happens when queer generations sit down together to truly listen? In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie welcome two younger queer voices, Quinn and Andi, for a rich intergenerational conversation about identity, activism, and community

Together, they explore how queer language and labels have evolved—from the days when “gay” and “lesbian” were the only visible terms, to today’s broader spectrum of identities like non-binary, transgender, gender-fluid, and queer. The discussion highlights both the empowerment and challenges of this expanded vocabulary, and why labe...

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore the urgent question: How can straight and cisgender allies show up for LGBTQ+ communities in today’s political climate? Drawing from personal stories, therapy room insights, and lived experiences, they offer a clear roadmap for authentic allyship that goes beyond words.

From the importance of listening without judgment to understanding the weight of privilege, John and Jerry share how allies can create safe spaces, stand in solidarity, and amplify queer voices. They tackle to...

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Mindfully Gay Podcast, hosts John Cottrell and Jerry Buie explore the urgent question: How can straight and cisgender allies show up for LGBTQ+ communities in today’s political climate? Drawing from personal stories, therapy room insights, and lived experiences, they offer a clear roadmap for authentic allyship that goes beyond words.

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In this powerful episode of the Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry sit outdoors in the warmth of late summer to explore one of the most universal and vulnerable topics in queer life: body image, comparison, and belonging.

A lunch with Kevin and Landon, founders of Salt Lake City's social group Morning Wood, sparks a candid discussion about how community spaces can unintentionally heighten body anxiety--especially in the season of speedos, gym selfies, and constant social media comparison.

Jerry shares his transformative health journey at age 60 and the hidden...

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In this powerful episode of the Mindfully Gay Podcast, John and Jerry sit outdoors in the warmth of late summer to explore one of the most universal and vulnerable topics in queer life: body image, comparison, and belonging.

@mindfully_gay (Instagram)