Relationsh!t Podcast
The weekly podcast, hosted by Marko and Steve is a vibrant and insightful exploration of dating and relationships through the lens of Black queer experiences. In each episode, they dive deep into the nuances of love, attraction, and intimacy while tackling the challenges and joys unique to the queer community. Marko and Steve bring their personal stories and lived experiences to the conversation, creating a safe, open space where listeners can relate, learn, laugh, and feel seen.
Dating with Intention pt. 2
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Thought we covered everything there is to say about dating with intention? Well, not so fast. Marko and Steve are revisiting the topic, and this time they're bringing in Dr. Matthew Brinkley (@dr.brinkley) to help unpack the deeper layers of what it really means to date intentionally, communicate what you want, and make sure you and the person you're dating are actually on the same page.
Because dating with intention isn't about having your entire romantic future mapped out. It's about knowing yourself, being honest with...
Go-Go Boyzzz
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For a lot of gay men, gogo dancers are just… part of the scenery. They're at the bars, the clubs, Pride parties, circuit events—and we watch, we flirt, we tip, and sometimes we do a whole lot more. But when you're in a relationship, does that change the rules? And if you're single and LOVE a gogo boy, does that make you a pervert—or just a gay man with eyes?
Marko and Steve get into the complicated relationship between gay culture, sex, attraction, and nightlife. Why have we nor...
Rejection
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Nobody likes being rejected. Whether it’s getting ghosted after what you thought was a great date, being told “you’re just not my type,” getting turned down for sex, or realizing the person you really like just doesn’t feel the same way — rejection can hit your ego, your confidence, and sometimes your entire sense of self.
In this episode, Marko and Steve get into the complicated world of giving and receiving rejection, especially within gay dating. How do you tell someone you’re just not interested without being cruel? I...
Superficial Much?
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Let’s be honest… looks matter. We can all say we’re looking for someone who’s funny, kind, emotionally available, and has a good heart—but somebody still has to make you want to swipe right or approach them. Before getting fully into this week’s topic, the guys review all the looks from this week’s Emmy’s. They use a Vanity Fair article to rate and review their faves and flops.
Marko and Steve get into the complicated world of superficiality in dating—what it means, when it’s perfectly...
Dating with Intention
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What does it actually mean to date with intention? Do you need to know exactly what you want before you start dating, or is “let’s just see where it goes” a perfectly reasonable approach? Marko and Steve get into the messy middle of dating, expectations, communication, and the very real consequences of two people thinking they're having two completely different experiences.
Steve also opens up about his experience being on a dating show and what that experience taught him about dating, expectations, and being intentional about what you want f...
Summertime Sadness
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After a much-needed summer break, Marko and Steve are back for Season 14 of the Relationsh!t Podcast — and, apparently, the world decided not to wait for them to return before getting messy.
For the first episode of the new season, the guys aren't coming in with a carefully planned topic or a guest. They're just sitting down to catch up. Because after being away for the summer, there’s a LOT to talk about.
The guys take a moment to reflect on the people we've lost and the...
ENCORE: Pet Names
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into the quirky world of relationship pet names, debating whether they're adorably affectionate or cringingly clichĂ©. From "snuggle muffin" to "baby bear," they explore the emotional reactions these nicknames provoke—both positive and negative.Â
The duo also examines whether using pet names actually deepens emotional intimacy or creates a barrier of artificial closeness. With humor and insight, they share personal stories and listener anecdotes, ultimately asking: Do pet names bring couples closer or just make others gag?
ENCORE: M@sturbation
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into the often-taboo topic of masturbation within committed relationships. They explore how self-pleasure can be a healthy, personal form of sexual expression, even when one has an available and willing partner.Â
The conversation navigates questions like: Should your partner fulfill all your sexual needs? Or is it reasonable—and even beneficial—for individuals to maintain a solo sexual practice? They address common misconceptions, emotional impacts, and how open communication plays a key role in balancing intimacy with personal autonomy.Â
To wra...
ENCORE: Cheating
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Marko and Steve dive into the complex world of cheating and explore how different people—and relationships—define it, in this ENCORE episode. Is following someone on social media a betrayal? What about innocent (or not-so-innocent) flirting at the bar? And where does kissing fall on the cheating spectrum? The guys unpack it all, sharing personal insights and challenging listeners to reflect on their own boundaries, expectations, and definitions of fidelity.Â
There are no Listener Sh!tuations this week, but continue to send them for next season's episodes!
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ENCORE: Flirting
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Marko and Steve dive into the flirty side of life in this ENCORE episode, exploring what flirting looks like for them and how their personal styles may come across to others. They ask the big questions: Is flirting something that comes naturally, or is it always a little awkward? And when you're in a relationship—or even married—is flirting harmless fun or crossing a line? Tune in as they break it all down with humor, honesty, and just the right amount of side-eye.Â
To wrap things up, they tackl...
ENCORE: Head First
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Marko and Steve talk about diving headfirst into dating — and even marriage — without knowing what lies ahead. Is it bold and freeing, or just reckless? They explore the thrill (and risk) of saying "yes" to love without all the facts. Then, they’re joined by special guest Stefano Reginato Rivelli (chechoreginato.travel) of Josh and Stefano on Instagram and TikTok (@joshandstefano), who went viral for marrying a stranger on social media. He gives the guys behind-the-scenes insight into what it was really like to say "I do" before ever saying "hello." Would...
ENCORE: Thr33somes
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Marko and Steve dive into the topic of threesomes and explore the gay community’s fascination with group sex in this ENCORE episode. They ask the question: when did one sexual partner stop being enough?Â
The conversation covers the rise of throuples, casual threesomes, and the cultural and emotional implications of inviting a third into the bedroom. Is it simply about fun and exploration, or could it be a gateway to something more—like polyamory or emotional detachment? The guys keep it honest, messy, and real as always.Â
To w...
ENCORE: Doing the Work
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Marko and Steve kick off this ENCORE episode still buzzing from their Cowboy Carter Tour experience, sharing stories and reactions from seeing BeyoncĂ© live. The excitement and emotion of the concert set the tone before they welcome back returning guest, Ted Smith (@tedsmith.life).Â
Since his last appearance and book launch, Ted has taken meaningful time to focus on personal healing. Together, the trio dives into what it really means to "do the work" after a challenging relationship. They share honest insights, hard-learned lessons, and practical advice on moving fo...
ENCORE: Traveling While Gay
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve reflect on their recent trip to Spain, sharing highlights from their time in Madrid and Barcelona. They humorously question why they even came back to the U.S., clearly missing the energy and vibe of their travels.Â
The conversation then shifts to a deeper topic: traveling while gay. They discuss the unique considerations LGBTQ+ individuals must make when journeying around the world—especially when it comes to safety. From navigating unfamiliar cultures to choosing destinations mindfully, they emphasize the importance of being awa...
ENCORE: Same Argument Over & Over Again
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into the all-too-common experience of having the same argument repeatedly with your partner. They explore how these recurring conflicts can lead to frustration and emotional fatigue, especially when the core issue remains unresolved.Â
The conversation highlights the importance of genuine listening and emotional presence in relationships, emphasizing that without true understanding and communication, couples can find themselves stuck in a cycle of repetition. Marko and Steve also offer insights into why these patterns form and suggest strategies for breaking the loop a...
Dating is a Drag
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To close out Pride Month and the 13th season of Relationsh!t, this week Marko and Steve are joined by the chaos demon herself, drag performer Skye Walker (@itsskyewalker), for an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about dating, drag, and self-worth.
What happens when your art, your identity, and your love life all collide? Skye opens up about the unique challenges of dating as a drag queen—from navigating people's assumptions and insecurities to figuring out who is interested in the performer versus the person behind the ma...
Stay Ready
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Pride Month is here, and for many gay men that means parades, parties, travel, hookups, and plenty of opportunities for some unforgettable memories. But while everyone is focused on what they're wearing (or not wearing), Marko and Steve are asking a different question: Are you physically ready for all the sex shenanigans that Pride Week can bring?
This week, the guys sit down with anal health expert Dr. Evan Goldstein (@drevangoldstein)of Bespoke Surgical (@bespokesurgical)to discuss what it really means to stay ready. From preparing for receptive anal...
Gay While Black
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This week, Marko and Steve are joined by Jerrell Owens-Robinson to tackle a topic that doesn't get enough honest conversation in queer spaces: what it's like being Black in predominantly white gay spaces, and how race can shape dating, relationships, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Drawing from their own experiences and observations, the guys discuss everything from desirability politics and racial "preferences" to fetishization, microaggressions, and the challenges of navigating both the white gay community and the Black community as queer men.
To wrap things up...
Love Me, Love My Interests
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Do couples need to share the same interests to have a successful relationship? In this episode of the Relationsh!t Podcast, Marko and Steve, joined by retired podcast host Tony Critelli (@thecritellis), tackle the reality that even the strongest couples won't agree on everything. From hobbies and entertainment to travel preferences and social activities, they discuss how partners can navigate their differences without losing connection.
The guys explore the importance of supporting your partner's passions, the difference between participation and appreciation, and why maintaining individual interests can actually make...
No Fats, No Fems
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This week on Relationsh!t, Marko and Steve dive into one of the most uncomfortable—and important—conversations happening in LGBTQ+ spaces today: the prejudice, judgment, and exclusion that can exist within our own community. Inspired by the release of No Fats, No Fems by Max Hovey (@max_hovey), the guys sit with Max to unpack the meaning behind one of the most infamous phrases in gay dating culture and explore the larger questions it raises about attraction, body image, masculinity, race, validation, and belonging.
Whether you've experienced judgment, felt...
Cuddle Bug
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This week, Marko and Steve are getting cuddly as they dive into the surprisingly important role cuddling plays in our dating lives and relationships. From casual hookups to long-term partnerships, physical affection can communicate comfort, safety, attraction, and connection in ways words often can't.
The guys discuss why cuddling matters so much to our emotional and physical well-being, what science says happens in our brains when we cuddle, and why some people crave constant physical touch while others need their personal space after five minutes. They also break down...
Just Checking In pt. 2
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This week on Relationsh!t, Marko and Steve are skipping the research, ditching the structured topic, and just sitting down for a real conversation. No deep dives. No hot takes. No agenda. Just two friends checking in with each other about life as it’s happening right now.
From dating and relationships to stress, routines, burnout, the state of the world, and the weird emotional weight everyone seems to be carrying lately, Marko and Steve talk candidly about what’s been on their minds — and how important it is to som...
Lavender Marriages
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This week, Marko and Steve dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood world of lavender marriages — relationships historically formed to conceal someone’s sexuality in order to protect careers, reputations, family expectations, or personal safety. From Old Hollywood to everyday life decades ago, lavender marriages were often less about romance and more about survival in a society that left little room for LGBTQ+ people to live openly.
The guys unpack why these arrangements became so prevalent, the emotional complexity behind them, and whether they were always as transactional as peop...
Please and Thank You's
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Somewhere between the first date and settling into a routine, “please” and “thank you” tend to fall off. This week, Marko and Steve dig into the quiet shift from intentional politeness to comfortable carelessness—and whether that shift is harmless… or actually harmful.
They unpack why basic manners aren’t just surface-level niceties, but signals of respect, appreciation, and effort. From early dating, where kindness can sometimes feel performative, to long-term relationships where familiarity can breed complacency, the guys explore how politeness evolves—and what it says about your connection.
<...Switching Up Positions
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This week, Marko and Steve are getting real about the quiet pressure many people feel in the bedroom—specifically, the idea that “good sex” means constantly switching things up. Blame it on porn, hookup culture, or just plain insecurity, but somewhere along the line, a lot of us started believing we’re supposed to cycle through multiple positions during any session.
But is that actually true?
The guys unpack where these expectations come from, especially in the dating and hookup phase, where sex can sometimes feel more like an...
Value-based Dating
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This week, Marko and Steve are diving into the real foundation of modern relationships: values. Because let’s be honest—chemistry might get you through the first few dates, but alignment is what determines whether something actually lasts.
The guys unpack what value-based dating really means and why it’s becoming non-negotiable for so many people. From political beliefs to social awareness, they explore how shared values shape not just attraction—but long-term compatibility, communication, and emotional safety. Marko and Steve also get into the nuance: Can relationships survive fundamen...
EMDR Therapy
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This week, Marko and Steve sit down with Dr. Thomas Whitfield (@drthomaswhitfield) to unpack one of the most talked-about trauma therapies right now: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Dr. Whitfield breaks down what EMDR actually is, how it works in real time, and why it’s especially impactful for LGBTQ+ patients navigating everything from identity-based trauma to rejection, internalized shame, and the long tail of growing up feeling unsafe to be fully themselves. The conversation demystifies the process—what a session feels like, whether you have to relive painful memories, and...
Work Spouses
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This week, Marko and Steve dive into the world of work spouses—the coworker you vent to, laugh with, and probably talk to more than your actual partner during the day. They break down why these relationships feel so essential at work, and why they can make even the worst jobs bearable… but also question when that closeness starts to look a little too close.
Because let’s be real—what happens when your real partner isn’t exactly a fan? The guys get into the discomfort, jealousy, and side-eyes...
Breadcrumbing
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In this episode, Marko and Steve dive into one of the most frustrating modern dating behaviors: breadcrumbing. You know the type—just enough attention to keep you interested, but never enough to actually go anywhere. The guys break down what breadcrumbing really looks like in action, why people do it (and yes, they call themselves out too), and how to spot the signs before you get too invested.
They get into the psychology behind why breadcrumbing is so hard to walk away from, and debate whether it might actually be...
The Swipe Life pt. 2
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Part two is here, and Marko and Steve are back with Eduardo to continue unpacking the occasionally hopeful world of dating apps.Â
This week, the trio dives deeper into the psychology of swiping—why we make snap decisions in milliseconds, what we’re really looking for (or avoiding), and how the apps might be shaping our standards more than we realize.Â
But it’s not all just swiping and overanalyzing. The guys tackle a major sticking point in app dating: the endless messaging phase. When is it time to...
The Swipe Life pt. 1
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This week, Marko and Steve are joined by their bestie Eduardo to dive headfirst into the wild world of dating on the apps: the good, the bad, and the deeply confusing. From matches that go nowhere to conversations that mysteriously die mid-sentence, the guys unpack the ongoing struggle of trying to keep someone engaged long enough to actually meet in real life.
They question users' intentions for being on the apps, swap frustrations, mixed signals, and the decision to take an app hiatus . But Marko throws a wrench into...
Y'all Were Busy
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Marko and Steve are back, baby! After a two-month winter break following the end of Season 12, your favorite hosts are dusting off the microphones and catching up on everything that’s happened while they were away.
In this episode, the guys share what they’ve been up to during the break—how they spent the holidays, what life looked like off-mic, and what it feels like to be back for a brand new season of Relationsh!t. But of course, the world didn’t stop spinning while they were gone … y...
Did You Miss Us?
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Season 13 drops on Wednesday, March 11th. See you there!
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Sh!t | Leave us a voicemail with your relationship sh!tuation at (903) POD- SHIT. That’s (903) 763-7448. You can also fill out a Listener Sh!tuation on our website, podrelationshit.com, or email us at relationshitquestions@gmail.com.
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ENCORE: Are You Annoying?
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In this week’s ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into a painfully universal truth: we’re all annoying to someone. The guys ask the question none of us really want to answer — “Are you annoying?” — and break down the everyday habits, quirks, and patterns that might be driving your partner (or that new situationship) a little bit up the wall. To wrap things up, they tackle the week's Listener Sh!tuation, offering their thoughts and guidance on a real life dilemma from the audience.
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ENCORE: Or@l Sex
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This week, Marko and Steve dive mouth-first (yes, we said it) into a topic that’s as fun as it is foundational: the importance of or@l sex in your relationship or situationship. In the ENCORE episode, they unpack why good oral chemistry can make or break intimacy, how to communicate what you like, and why enthusiasm matters just as much as technique. To wrap things up, they tackle the week's Listener Sh!tuation, offering their thoughts and guidance on a real life dilemma from the audience.
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ENCORE: Exes
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into the tricky world of exes — and how they can impact your current relationship. Should you stay in touch with an ex, or is that automatically disrespectful? Does your new partner get a say in whether you keep that connection? And what about when it’s literally impossible to avoid an ex altogether? The guys unpack the gray areas, the boundaries, and the real talk behind keeping (or cutting) ties. To wrap things up, they tackle the week's Listener Sh!tuation, offering their thou...
ENCORE: Making Out
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into the art of making out — why kissing can make or break a connection, and just how much a good (or bad) makeout session can tell you. They’re joined by their best friend and honorary third co-host, Eduardo (@val_u_ed), to swap stories, share opinions, and figure out what makes a kiss work. Can you really tell if there’s chemistry from a single makeout? Let’s find out 💋. To wrap things up, Eduardo joins the guys to tackle the week's Listener Sh!t...
ENCORE: Size Queens
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve are tackling one of gay culture’s longest-standing debates — literally. This week, it’s all about penis size and the ever-fascinating world of size queens. Why are we so obsessed with measurements, and does it actually matter when the lights go out? The guys go deep (pun intended) asking the hard questions: length or girth? And is it really about the motion of the ocean — or just having a bigger boat? To wrap things up, they tackle the week's Listener Sh!tuation, offering their thoughts...
ENCORE: S3xuality
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After catching up on new music and the latest gay news in this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve welcome Travelle Barksdale (@bigboynerd) to the show for a powerful conversation about embracing your queer identity when the world reads you as straight. Together, they explore what it means to step into your truth, asking questions like: What changes in your life once you fully embrace your identity? And, What kind of support system is essential when navigating your realized sexuality? To wrap things up, Travelle joins the guys to tackle the week's...
ENCORE: Moving for Love
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In this ENCORE episode, Marko and Steve dive into the big leap of moving for love. Is love alone enough to justify packing up your life? What should your future together actually look like once you make the move? And—maybe the most important question—should you get your own place first or move straight in with your partner? The guys unpack the challenges, the risks, and the heart-driven rewards of chasing love across zip codes. To wrap things up, they tackle the week's Listener Sh!tuation, offering their thoughts and guid...