Shows
Chaps OutComing Out at 26: Alex | CHAPS OUTContent note: This conversation includes experiences of homophobia, cultural pressure, and mental health challengesIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Alex, who shares what it was like growing up between the UK and Nigeria in a deeply religious environment, where being gay “put the fear of God” in him and safety was never guaranteed. He opens up about the pressure to conform, the impact on his mental health, and the long, complex journey to coming out in his late twenties. From fear and isolation to self-acceptance, Alex reflects on finding the strength to live open...
2026-04-2821 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Shaun Coram unboxes 'Hedwig & The Angry Inch'In this episode of Chaps Out Culture- the companion podcast to #ChapsOut- host Grant Philpott is joined again by guest Shaun Coram to share his LGBTQ+ recommendation: 2001 FILM, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. From its gritty Berlin origins to its rise as a cult rock musical, Shaun explores the film’s unique blend of raw emotion and high-energy glam rock, highlighting standout moments and songs like “Wig in a Box” and “The Angry Inch.” He talks about how the soundtrack hits just as hard outside the film, and why this underrated classic continues to resonate so deeply- especially...
2026-04-2404 min
Chaps OutComing Out Later: Shaun CoramIn this episode of Chaps Out, Grant Philpott speaks with Shaun Coram who shares his story of coming out later in life and opens up about navigating married life, fatherhood, identity, and the emotional journey that led him to finally live authentically. From early signs he didn’t fully understand, to the realities of coming out in midlife during his marriage, Shaun reflects with honesty, humour, and hard-earned perspective on what it truly means to start again.Chaps Out is a UK-based podcast giving voice to perspectives you don’t often hear. We provide relatable, uplifting, and posi...
2026-04-2120 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Elliot Juby's recommendationsIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture- the companion podcast to #ChapsOut- host Grant Philpott is joined again by guest Elliot Juby who highlights some important TV and films that influenced his life and helped him make sense of his journey.From the emotional impact of ‘All of Us Strangers’ to the camp joy of ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ and the depth of ‘Bad Education’, Elliot reflects on how queer storytelling gave him the conversations and emotional connections he didn’t always have in real life. Elliot also recommends the films Y Tu Mamá También a...
2026-04-1706 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 31: Disowned, I made a family- Elliot Juby | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, Grant Philpott speaks with Elliot Juby who shares his journey growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness family, leaving the religion at 19, and coming out multiple times across different stages of his life.Elliot discusses the profound impact of being rejected by his family due to his sexuality and how he rebuilt his life from scratch. He demonstrates his resilience and the importance of having the support of his friends. The conversation explores the emotional reality of living authentically, when it comes at a cost and touches on loss, mental health, an...
2026-04-1441 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Grant Philpott on Midnight CowboyIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, regular host, Grant Philpott is joined once again by guest ‘takeover’ host, Jonathan Welford, who returns to turn the spotlight on Grant’s personal queer cultural recommendation. Their conversation explores the classic 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, which Grant describes as his all-time favourite for its emotional depth, complex relationship between its male lead characters, and iconic soundtrack featuring artists like Harry Nilsson and Elephant’s Memory. They reflect on how the film captures themes of loneliness, connection, and survival, while also discussing how queer stories were historically portrayed on screen. Jonathan also sha...
2026-04-1008 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 53: Grant Philpott | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, guest host Jonathan Welford takes over the mic to turn the tables and interview regular host Grant Philpott about coming out as bisexual later in life and what inspired Grant to start the #ChapsOut podcast. In this conversation, Grant reflects on growing up in the 70s and 80s, a time marked by limited sex education, a lack of gay role models in his immediate circle, and the shadow of the AIDS crisis, all of which shaped his understanding of identity and sexuality. He shares his journey of self-discovery, from navigating a...
2026-04-0748 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Steve Freeman recommendsIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture host Grant Philpott is joined again by his Chaps Out guest, Steve Freeman who shares three powerful LGBTQ+ screen recommendations that shaped his perspective at different stages of life: Queer as Folk, It's a Sin, and God's Own Country. From secretly watching Queer as Folk in the late ’90s and discovering a whole new world of gay life, to reflecting on the devastating yet important portrayal of the HIV/AIDS crisis in It’s a Sin, Steve explores how representation has evolved over time. He also highlights the raw, heartfelt storytelling of God’...
2026-04-0330 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 38: Steve Freeman | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott speaks with Steve Freeman who shares his story. From a happy childhood growing up in rural Suffolk to a 30-year career in the police, and ultimately coming out as a gay man later in life. In this candid episode, Steve opens up about navigating marriage, fatherhood, the challenges of coming out in a traditionally macho profession, and the unexpected way his truth was revealed at work. He reflects on resilience after a life-changing accident, the impact on his family, and how honesty reshaped his life for the better.
2026-03-3141 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Introducing Mike Nash WhitmoreIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott chats with #chapsout guest Mike Nash Whitmore who shares the inspiring story behind his creative journey, from publishing his debut LGBTQ+ inspired novel Shadow of the Moor to releasing his first album Last Train Home. He talks about writing authentic gay stories later in life, creating characters that reflect his own experiences, and why representation beyond youth matters. Mike also opens up about his path to love, coming out later in life, and how that journey shaped both his music and storytelling. A heartfelt and uplifting conversation...
2026-03-2721 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 57: Mike Nash Whitmore | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott speaks with Mike Nash Whitmore about coming out later in life, navigating faith, family expectations, and the long journey toward living authentically. Mike grew up in Manchester, spent most of his career as a computer programmer, and for many years struggled to reconcile his sexuality with his involvement in the evangelical church. In this honest and reflective conversation, he shares the moment he first realised he might be gay while at university, the quiet decades that followed, and how the internet eventually helped him connect with other gay men and...
2026-03-2426 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Tyrone Richardson Best recommends 'Prayers for Bobby'In this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott is joined again by #ChapsOut guest Tyrone Richardson Best to discuss the impact that the 2009 film Prayers for Bobby had on his own journey of coming out.After coming out at the age of 35, Tyrone experienced rejection from both his family and the church community he had been part of for nearly two decades. Watching this film, which tells a tragic true story about faith, sexuality, and acceptance, helped him process feelings of shame, loss, and the search for closure.The story at the heart...
2026-03-2006 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 35: Tyrone Richardson Best | CHAPS OUTContent warning: this episode includes discussion of religious rejection, conversion therapy, family estrangement, and mental health struggles including suicidal thoughts. If these topics are difficult for you, please listen with care.In this powerful episode of Chaps Out, Grant speaks with Tyrone Richardson Best, who shares his story publicly for the very first time. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and deeply embedded in a strict evangelical church community, Tyrone spent years suppressing his sexuality- including a 10 and a half year marriage and undergoing so-called “conversion therapy” in an attempt to change who he was.
2026-03-1759 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 55: Rob E | CHAPS OUTThis podcast for men explores coming out later in life, midlife sexuality, and men’s mental health. If you're questioning your sexuality or navigating a major life transition, this conversation is for you.In this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Rob, a 66-year-old Bristol resident who came out later in life and speaks with warmth, honesty and humour about what it really means to finally live as yourself.Born and bred in Preston and raised in a very different era, Rob reflects on decades of repression, fear and invisibility before deciding at 55 th...
2026-03-1547 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Martin Walker recommends...In this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott is joined again by #ChapsOut guest Martin Walker. Martin shares the queer films that hit him hardest- especially watching Angels in America while still deep in the closet. He talks about how it felt to see AIDS, fear, love and identity play out on screen before he was ready to face his own truth. From the dark intensity of Cruising to the joy and chaos of The Birdcage, this is an honest conversation about being drawn to stories you don’t fully understand yet. Sometimes art figures you out be...
2026-03-1310 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 33: Martin Walker | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of the Chaps Out podcast, host Grant Philpott is joined by guest Martin Walker who shares his Coming Out story- from his career at the Department for Work and Pensions to reinventing himself in his thirties as a film and TV location manager, briefly touching on his recent work including the BBC hit Amandaland. At the heart of the conversation, though, is Martin’s deeply personal story of coming out at 33- a decision that cost him his relationship with his mum for a time, but ultimately led to a stronger, more honest bond. He...
2026-03-1037 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Adrian Smoothy recommends...Dating Amber and moreIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, the companion podcast to Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined again by guest Adrian Smoothy to explore queer stories and sounds that resonate. Adrian recommends the Irish coming-of-age film Dating Amber, a funny and heartfelt story about a gay teen and a lesbian teen who fake a relationship to survive the pressures of small-town expectations, capturing the raw fear of choosing between fitting in and being yourself. He also dives into the unexpected global impact of the hockey romance series Heated Rivalry, by celebrating the standout version of “All th...
2026-03-0609 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 27: Adrian Smoothy | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, Grant Philpott speaks with Adrian Smoothy, a 57-year-old software consultant from Kent, about coming out later in life and the long road to living authentically. Growing up with no language or visible role models for being gay- and shaped by the fear-driven messaging of the 80s and 90s- Adrian stayed closeted into his late twenties, only coming out after moving to the United States and finally saying the words out loud to his boss following the sudden death of his father. He reflects on family expectations, internalised shame, briefly joining the...
2026-03-0339 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Peter Roberts recommends...In this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott is joined by #ChapsOut guest Peter Roberts to discuss LGBTQIA+ TV, film and literature.Peter shares his thoughts on Heartstopper, Maurice, Beautiful Thing and Were the World Mine. The conversation also covers the French film Juste une question d'amour (Just a Question of Love). He emphasises the draw of romance, emotional connection, and representation in queer storytelling, as well as the publishing work of Pop'n'Olly who provide inclusive books to schools. www.popnolly.comThis episode centres on one idea: it’s just a question of love....
2026-02-2712 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 38: Peter Roberts | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Peter Roberts, former primary school teacher, father of two, and husband, to talk about education, faith, family and coming out later in life.Peter reflects on 25 years in the classroom, the impact teachers can have, growing up under Section 28, coping with negative reactions within the Church, navigating sexuality within marriage, and building relationships after coming out. He also shares honest advice for anyone struggling with identity. A thoughtful conversation about regret, resilience and choosing to live truthfully.Chaps Out is a UK-based podcast...
2026-02-2448 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Norman Goodman recommends Bi Community NewsIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott is joined again by #chapsout guest Norman Goodman who recommends Bi Community News, a quarterly magazine dedicated to bisexual people across the UK and beyond.Norman describes the publication as essential reading for anyone who is bisexual, especially those who are just coming out. With community listings, advice, personal stories, legal guidance, health awareness, adoption information, and features on bisexual lives, Bi Community News plays a vital role in increasing bisexual visibility and representation in a world where bi voices are often overlooked.The episode explores why...
2026-02-2009 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 69: Norman Goodman | CHAPS OUTIn this episode, host Grant Philpott speaks with guest Norman Goodman who shares his inspiring story of coming out as bisexual at the age of 69. From decades of marriage to widowhood, Norman talks candidly about his struggles, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to live authentically.Hear how Norman found love with his partner Tony, navigated societal expectations, and became a voice for older LGBT+ adults. He discusses the importance of bisexual visibility, mental health, and reaching out for support, offering guidance to anyone exploring their own coming out journey.This episode is a must-listen for those...
2026-02-1740 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: guest Dave Kenealy recommends 3 Gay True StoriesIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott is joined by #ChapsOut guest Dave Kenealy who reflects on three powerful films based on true stories: Milk, The Matthew Shepard Story, and Boy Erased.Each film tells the story of a gay man whose life ended tragically- through violence, prejudice, or systemic harm- yet whose stories continue to matter. Dave explores why these lives should not be forgotten, what their stories reveal about intolerance, and how tragedy can still lead to awareness, change, and progress.This is a thoughtful conversation about legacy, injustice, parental...
2026-02-1313 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 55: Dave Kenealy | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Dave Kenealy, who shares his story of coming out as a gay man at 55 after marriage, fatherhood, and a career in. Dave Police work. He reflects on growing up in a time when being gay was not socially acceptable, the pressure to live the life he thought was expected of him, and the emotional weight of carrying that secret for so long. He speaks candidly about his marriage, the difficult but compassionate conversations that followed his coming out, and the relief of finally being able to live a...
2026-02-1045 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Rob E on Cucumber & Love Is StrangeIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott is joined once again by previous Chaps Out guest, Rob E, to talk about two pieces of queer culture that deeply resonated with him at a very specific moment in his life.Rob reflects on discovering LGBTQ+ film and television later in life, and how certain stories finally felt relatable in a way others never had.Rob discusses Love Is Strange, a moving film about an older gay couple played by Alfred Molina and John Lithgow, whose long-term relationship is tested by circumstance. He explains why seeing...
2026-02-0607 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 55: Rob E | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Rob E, a 66-year-old Bristol resident who came out later in life and speaks with warmth, honesty and humour about what it really means to finally live as yourself.Born and bred in Preston and raised in a very different era, Rob reflects on decades of repression, fear and invisibility before deciding at 55 that “life is short” and it was time to stop hiding. The conversation covers later-life coming out, men’s mental wellbeing, relationships, sexual confidence and learning to be bold without shame.Rob...
2026-02-0347 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Joel Briant on My Beautiful LaunderetteIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, we’re joined once again by Joel Briant, who shares a deeply personal and heartfelt reflection on the 1985 classic My Beautiful Laundrette.Joel talks about rediscovering the film years after its release, the impact of seeing a tender love story between two men at a time when representation was rare, and why Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance left such a lasting impression. From cultural and family pressures to the quiet joy the characters bring to each other, this conversation explores how the film resonated with Joel as a young gay...
2026-01-3006 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 50: Joel Briant | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of the Chaps Out Podcast, host Grant Philpott talks with Joel Briant, who shares his powerful and deeply honest story of coming out as gay at 50 and why that moment was only the beginning of discovering who he really is.Joel talks about growing up feeling different, living a heterosexual life through marriage and fatherhood, and finally admitting the truth to himself later in life. He reflects on coming out and then realising, nine years on, that he is still growing stronger and becoming more fully himself.This is a conversation about Coming Out later in...
2026-01-2742 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Tony Kaye on 'Call Me By Your Name'In this episode of Chaps Out Culture, host Grant Philpott welcomes back Tony Kaye to discuss 'Call Me By Your Name'. Set in rural Italy and starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, the film is celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of love, desire, and emotional intimacy. Tony reflects on why this beautifully shot, quietly powerful story stands out among queer cinema classics and mainstream LGBTQ+ films.The conversation explores how Call Me By Your Name compares to other iconic stories such as Queer as Folk, It’s a Sin, Brokeback Mountain, and God’s Own C...
2026-01-2305 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 63: Tony Kaye | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott speaks with Tony, a retired GP, father, and grandfather who came out as gay at the age of 63 after years of happy marriage.Tony shares his journey of growing up in a traditional Jewish family, suppressing his sexuality in a very different era, and eventually reaching a breaking point where continuing to hide was affecting his mental health. With honesty and warmth, he talks about coming out to his wife, children, family, and faith community, and the unexpected compassion he received.This episode explores coming out later-in-life, love...
2026-01-2048 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Jonathan Tibbs on 2005 book 'Adam & Steve'In this episode of Chaps Out Culture, guest Jonathan Tibbs shares a heartfelt queer book pick: 'Adam and Steve' by Craig Chester. Set between the 1980s and the present day, the novel follows two men who meet in a New York nightclub, lose each other, and unexpectedly reconnect 15 years later.Jonathan reflects on why this story feels so special- from its honest portrayal of gay love and community, to its warmth, humour, and sense of hope. He talks about how the book made him smile, feel uplifted, and see LGBTQ+ relationships represented as simply and beautifully normal.
2026-01-1607 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 46: Jonathan Tibbs | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Jonathan Tibbs, who shares his powerful and uplifting story of coming out as gay at the age of 46. From growing up in the 80s feeling unsure of where he fit in, to finding confidence, community, and joy later in life, Jonathan reflects on identity, self-acceptance, and the freedom that comes with finally being yourself.Jonathan discusses the realities of coming out later in life, the importance of LGBTQ+ support networks, and how finding chosen family can be truly life-changing. A warm, honest conversation...
2026-01-1336 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Stuart Davis recommends Almodóvar's Law Of DesireDive into the flamboyant, rebellious world of Pedro Almodóvar as guest Stuart Davis explores the director’s fearless portrayal of queer life and cinematic audacity. From the turbulent passions of The Law of Desire to the daring storytelling of Strange Way of Life, this episode unpacks why Almodóvar remains essential viewing for fans of bold, provocative cinema. Expect sex, style, and the anarchic energy that defines one of Spain’s greatest filmmakers.If you love queer cinema, LGBTQ+ history, uplifting conversations, or discovering cultural gems, this episode is for you.Subscribe, like, and share...
2026-01-0918 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 46: Stuart Davis | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of CHAPS OUT, host Grant Philpott chats with Stuart Davis, an academic and father of two. Stuart shares his journey of coming out at 46 after years of marriage, navigating conversations with his children, parents, colleagues, and wider family, and discovering that many of the reactions he feared never came. Instead, he found understanding, acceptance, and a new sense of calm.Chaps Out is a UK-based podcast giving voice to perspectives you don’t often hear. We provide relatable, uplifting, and positive conversations that offer encouragement, affirmation, and support for anyone on the journey of coming out, wh...
2026-01-0643 min
Chaps OutChaps Out Culture: Stephen McKenna on 3 essential queer filmsIn this episode of Chaps Out Culture, Stephen McKenna breaks down the significance of Victim (1961), The Naked Civil Servant (1975), and Beautiful Thing (1996)- three powerful works that transformed queer visibility on screen.From Dirk Bogarde’s ground-breaking bravery, to Quentin Crisp’s flamboyant honesty, to Jonathan Harvey’s joyful celebration of young gay love, this episode celebrates the truth, humour, resilience, and beauty found in queer storytelling.Whether you're discovering these films for the first time or revisiting them through Stephen’s warm, insightful lens, this conversation is a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community and the c...
2026-01-0418 min
Chaps OutComing Out at 40: Stephen McKenna | CHAPS OUTIn this episode of CHAPS OUT, host Grant Philpott chats with Stephen McKenna, who shares his powerful story of self-acceptance and coming out later in life after decades of silence living in the UK during the 70s, 80s, and 90s.This is not a story of regret, but one of rebirth, courage, and hope; an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to become your true self.In this heartfelt conversation, Stephen reflects on:• Embracing your identity at any age• Turning fear into freedom• Finding joy after years of hidin...
2026-01-0145 min