Shows
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY: S1E3 with Nathan Serrato - Identity & PerfectionismEarlier this week, I had the privilege of joining my friend Nathan Serrato on his incredible Queer Conscious Podcast, where we dove deep into a topic that’s personal to me—divorce. My divorce, to be exact. The conversation stirred up reflections on authenticity and the exhausting pursuit of perfection - being the perfect son, the perfect entrepreneur, the perfect friend, perfect boyfriend, and perfect husband. That hour with Nathan was both cathartic and healing, reminding me of the power of speaking your truth in a space where your heart and soul feel safe. Nathan has a rare gift for...2025-08-0748 min
Queer Conscious PodcastGay Divorce, Heartbreak, and Healing | Eric Nicoll | Ep. 15Divorce is never easy—but for queer folks, it can come with an extra layer of grief, shame, and confusion. In this vulnerable and honest conversation, Eric Nicoll opens up about his divorce, the signs he ignored, and what it really takes to move forward when the life you planned falls apart.From the quiet unraveling of connection to the painful beauty of rebuilding, Eric shares relatable truths, hard-earned lessons, and a few much-needed laughs along the way. If you’ve ever stayed too long, questioned everything, or struggled to let go—this one’s for you.2025-08-051h 07
JUST DO YOU.S2E20 with Tanner Haney - One Song, One Dance AND A Moment Of CourageWhat does it truly mean to face your fear—and allow yourself to be fully free and seen? This week, I have the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Tanner Haney, a Los Angeles-based actor who, one morning, made a life-changing decision: to take on a 30-day challenge that would push him far beyond his comfort zone - dancing in public every single day, in front of strangers, and asking those strangers to record it.So why this challenge? After coming out, Tanner shares how he wrestled with a fear of...2025-07-241h 02
JUST DO YOU.S2E19 with Janessa Goldbeck - Serving with Pride. Leading with PurposeIn this episode, I am honored to welcome Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation - a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans in the fight for justice, equity, and lasting policy change. With over 15 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, and strategic consulting, Janessa brings a rare blend of frontline insight and legislative expertise to this powerful conversation.Raised in San Diego by spiritually centered, activist-minded parents, Janessa grew up with a deep appreciation for social justice and community. Her global perspective was further shaped by time spent living in Africa...2025-07-1759 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E18 with Christian Ray Flores - From Hit Songs to a Higher PurposeThis week on the JUST DO YOU. podcast, I’m joined by Christian Ray Flores — author, entrepreneur, high-performance coach, and a man whose life journey is as extraordinary as it is inspiring. From escaping political oppression as a child refugee, to living in exile in Africa, to becoming a pop star in Eastern Europe, Christian's life has been shaped by dramatic transformations and courageous pivots. But behind all the titles and achievements lies a deeper story — one of searching for truth, embracing identity, and choosing purpose.Christian’s path to just doing hi...2025-07-1051 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E17 with Isaac Sabu - Tuning Into WellnessThis week on the JUST DO YOU. Podcast, we’re diving into a conversation that bridges science, spirit, and sound with a truly remarkable guest—Isaac Sabu. Isaac’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep purpose. An immigrant from Iran, Isaac carved out a career that most only dream of—spending over 20 years as a cutting-edge sound engineer, designing IMAX theaters and building some of the world’s most advanced automation systems. But that’s just the beginning of his remarkable story.What sets Isaac apart is his ability to fuse high-level engineering with ancient...2025-07-031h 02
JUST DO YOU.PRIDE REPLAY S1E34 with Carolina Panoff - From Fitting In To BelongingJoin me this week for a replay of a powerful and affirming conversation with Carolina Panoff, Florida-based founder of Be You Coaching and the incredibly popular Be You Disco — a movement that’s redefining what it means to show up fully and unapologetically as yourself.Carolina and I met last year at a Wellness Summit, and I had the absolute privilege of experiencing her work firsthand — a transformative blend of music, dance, and radical human connection. What she’s created with Be You Disco isn’t just an event — it’s a sanctuary fo...2025-06-2659 min
JUST DO YOU.PRIDE REPLAY - S1E38 with Sara Cunningham - The Hug That Started A Movement🌈 PRIDE Month REPLAY 🌈In celebration of PRIDE, we're revisiting one of our most powerful and heart-warming episodes — my unforgettable conversation with Sara Cunningham, founder of FREE MOM HUGS, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Last year, I attended the local Oceanside Pride festival where I stumbled upon a group of incredible women wearing shirts that read FREE MOM HUGS. Not only did I receive one of the most affirming hugs of my life, I also knew instantly that I had to learn more about this beautiful movement — and the woman who starte...2025-06-1951 min
JUST DO YOU.PRIDE REPLAY - S1E24 with Johnnie Ghiglia - A Father's Love & Acceptance🌈 Pride Episode ReplayThis week, I’m honored to sit down with Johnnie Ghiglia, a retired law enforcement officer from Arizona whose life took a profound and beautiful turn when his son, Chase, came out as gay. What followed wasn’t rejection or resistance — but an outpouring of unconditional love that has since grown into a powerful movement of acceptance, advocacy, and support.Together, Johnnie and Chase co-founded OUT IS THE NEW IN, a nonprofit organization committed to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community — with a focus on suici...2025-06-1259 min
JUST DO YOU.PRIDE REPLAY: S1E21 with Daniel Blevins - Stepping Up To Stand In🏳️🌈 As Pride Month begins, our community continues to find itself under attack — facing a rising tide of anti-LGBTQ+ hate, harmful legislation, and a wave of fear designed to silence and erase us. But we will not be erased. Pride is not just a celebration — it is a protest, a declaration of existence, and a refusal to go back into the shadows.That’s why I felt it was not just timely, but essential, to replay one of the most powerful episodes from our 2024 Pride series — a conversation that reminds us what allyship, love, and chosen family truly look like.P...2025-06-0550 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E16 with Nubia Younge - Chasing Peace, Not PaychecksToday’s guest is the embodiment of bold moves and beautiful journeys. Nubia Younge is a dynamic entrepreneur, travel advocate, and the visionary founder of Black in Travel and Black In Tulum—the premier community for melanated travelers. After more than a decade in corporate America, Nubia made the courageous decision to walk away and rewrite the script on her own terms, choosing a life filled with purpose, freedom, and global connection.After an unexpected layoff, and a desire for something greater, Nubia’s journey quickly evolved into something far more powerful—a movement. From living in multiple...2025-05-291h 05
JUST DO YOU.S2E15 with Alex Hinand - Resilient by DesignWelcome to this week's episode of JUST DO YOU., the safe space where authenticity meets inspiration. Today’s guest, Alex Hinand, affectionately known as The Bareback Contessa, is a radiant force in the world of design and fashion, known for his unique style, creative brilliance, and heart-centered approach to living. Like all of us, behind the confidence is a powerful story—one that began with being bullied for simply being different. His journey from exclusion to empowerment is a testament to the strength found in embracing who you truly are.Alex shares his journey as a gay man...2025-05-2248 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E14 with Peter Godard - Riding the Wave of JoyMeet Peter Godard - a transformational coach, equity strategist, and joyful co-conspirator for personal and collective liberation. As founder of Great Bear Coaching, Peter offers a warm, intuitive approach and supports his clients in exploring identity, power, and possibility. His coaching is rooted in compassion and celebration, helping people feel grounded as they grow into new versions of themselves.In our conversation, Peter shares his powerful journey, shaped by his identity as a GenX queer man and the descendant of French Canadian and Irish American farmers and teachers from a rural town in Vermont. Now...2025-05-0853 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E13 with Jon Fischer - Bears of a FeatherMeet Jon Fischer—affectionately known as Coach Cub — the heart and paws behind the ever popular Camp Bear Hug, NYC’s beloved group Belly Club, AND multiple cuddle piles and bear yoga sessions that have brought connection and comfort to queer spaces across New York City.In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the world of the Bear community — a rich, diverse, and often misunderstood corner of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Whether you’re a seasoned Bear, a curious Cub, an admirer, or just exploring beyond the mainstream, this one’s for you. Together, Jon and I challeng...2025-05-011h 06
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY: Episode 4 with Yanina Scolnic - Let's Get Grounded!Lately, I’ve been moving through a wave of anxiety I haven’t felt since 2020. With so much noise and toxicity in the world right now, I’ve found myself feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and at times, deeply resigned. Once again, I recently lost touch with my own mental wellness, and this past week, it really caught up with me.In searching for a way back to center, I revisited a conversation from early last season that helped me reconnect and breathe again. It reminded me of the power of pause, and how essential it is to offer oursel...2025-04-2544 min
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY: S1E12 with Nathan Serrato - Navigating Your Love LanguageMeet Nathan Serrato.Nathan is a Trauma Informed Mindset Coach PCC, based in San Diego, California—and more importantly, a remarkable human devoted to transforming lives through connection, compassion, and deep insight.Over this past year, the complexities of dating and long term relationships have been swirling through my mind—as they have for many of my closest friends—while we attempt to navigate the ever-evolving journey of discovering not only our own truths, but also what it means to find a truly compatible partner.In today’s episode, we revisit a fun and thou...2025-04-1739 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E12 with Dr. Josh Mirmelli, PSY.D - Flipping the Script On Imposter SyndromeMeet Dr. Josh Mirmelli, PSY.DDr. Mirmelli is a Licensed Psychologist based in Los Angeles, committed to helping individuals navigate deep emotional challenges such as trauma, discrimination, and self-abandonment through a powerful yet holistic approach.On today’s episode, we’re diving into a feeling so many of us wrestle with, but rarely talk about out loud—imposter syndrome. That nagging voice in your head that says you don’t belong, that you’ve fooled everyone, and that it’s only a matter of time before you’re “found out.” Whether you’re a student, a crea...2025-04-1049 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E11 with Melody & Roman Velaruz - When Being Your True Self Leads You To Your True LoveMeet Melody & Roman Velaruz. In today’s episode, we dive into a love story that’s as beautiful as it is unexpected. What happens when a trans man and a queer girl cross paths in a world that too often tries to define love by rigid expectations? Through laughter, vulnerability, and a few unexpected twists & turns, their journey to finding each other is a testament to the power of authenticity and resilience. From the first spark of connection to the journey they faced navigating identity, self-discovery, and societal pressures, this is a story that will inspire anyone who h...2025-04-031h 03
JUST DO YOU.S2E10 with Marc Winski - Embracing your SuperpowerMeet Marc Winski.Marc is a dynamic professional actor, singer, dancer and speaker based in NYC who uses his artistry and platform to champion inclusivity. As a person who stutters, he understands firsthand the challenges of navigating a world where fluency is often expected, and voices like his have historically been overlooked. Determined to change that narrative, Marc has made it his mission to advocate for people who stutter across theatre, film, television ... and equally important, in their everyday lives.With his million dollar smile, sharp wit, boundless creativity, and a deep passion for authentic...2025-03-271h 02
JUST DO YOU.S2E09 with Dr. Natasha Weems - Creating A Generational LegacyMeet Dr. Natasha Weems.Dr. Natasha always felt a higher calling - to inspire and uplift others through her own journey and life experiences. As she faced and conquered challenges early on in life growing up in Detroit, she found strength in every season, turning adversity into resilience. During our conversation, she powerfully shares her remarkable journey. Dr. Natasha is a celebrated Nurse Practitioner and began her career at a Detroit clinic serving the homeless. Propelled by this humbling experience, she later became a professor, teaching courses and serving as a clinical instructor for NP stu...2025-03-2047 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E08 with Archer Gray - Unmasked and UnapologeticMeet Archer Gray, a beautiful, compassionate, and inspiring trans man who first joined me on the podcast in June 2024. In that episode, Archer courageously shared his transition journey—from female to male—for the first time, opening up about the challenges and triumphs of the life-changing experience that began for him in 2021.With the ongoing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly against trans individuals, I knew it was time to bring Archer back to share where his journey has taken him since. His unapologetic authenticity is magnetic, and for those who truly take the time to see him...2025-03-1343 min
JUST DO YOU.SPECIAL REPLAY! S1E27 Rebecca Minor, LICSW - The Complexity of Gender🎧 Special Replay: A Conversation with Rebecca Minor, LICSW 🎧This week, I'm revisiting my powerful conversation with Rebecca Minor, a queer, Jewish clinician, consultant, educator, and author specializing in trauma, gender, and sexuality. Given the rising threats to our beautiful LGBTQ+ community, this episode feels more important than ever.🌈 Rebecca shares her journey to becoming a Gender Specialist and her work with trans and gender nonconforming youth and their families. Her trauma-informed and resilience-oriented approach is a true gift, especially in a time when support and understanding are so needed.📚 Rebecca is a...2025-03-0651 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E07 with The Honorable Daniel Sohn - Even An Advocate Needs An AdvocateMeet The Honorable Daniel H. Sohn—a unwavering business advocate, human rights and DEI consultant, and former lawmaker with a groundbreaking career in chamber of commerce leadership, economic development, and workforce advocacy. Renowned for his high-energy presentation and visionary leadership, Daniel has made a lasting impact by empowering businesses, expanding economic opportunities, and championing inclusivity.Based in Sonoma County, CA, Daniel shares his life with his husband and their five beloved dogs—Sammy, GG, Lukas, Gillian, and Gracie. A passionate hockey fan and dedicated collector of dog figurines, he is also known for his unique blen...2025-02-2755 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E06.2 with Bamby Salcedo - Finding Light In The Darkness - Part TwoJoin me today as I continue my conversation with the extraordinary Bamby Salcedo, a globally acclaimed transgender Latina activist whose advocacy for social, political, and economic justice has spanned over 30 years. As the President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, she leads transformative efforts to uplift and empower transgender Latinas across the U.S. She is also the visionary founder of the Center for Violence Prevention & Transgender Wellness, a multimillion-dollar resource hub in Los Angeles.During this episode, Bamby continues to share her extraordinary journey, one that began with immense challenges at a very young age. Despite...2025-02-2047 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E06 with Bamby Salcedo - Finding Light In The Darkness - Part OneMeet Bamby Salcedo, a globally recognized transgender Latina activist, known for her powerful advocacy that spans over 30 YEARS in social, political, and economic justice. As President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, she leads efforts to uplift and support transgender Latinas across the U.S. She also founded the Center for Violence Prevention & Transgender Wellness, a multimillion-dollar resource hub in Los Angeles.On this powerful episode, Bamby shares her remarkable journey that began with extraordinarily difficult circumstances at a very young age. Despite these seemingly insurmountable circumstances and through her own strong will, perseverance and t...2025-02-1350 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E05 with Zoe Moore - Disrupting the Approach to DE&IMeet Zoe Moore, a bold and thought-provoking leader committed to transforming organizations through data-driven strategies that inspire real, lasting equity and inclusion. As a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) and a U.S. Army veteran with 12 years of honorable service, she brings a distinctive perspective on fostering sustainable and measurable change.I first met Zoe in Tulum, Mexico, a few months ago—and I haven't been the same since. Our conversations ran deep, challenging me to reexamine everything: my life, my business, and how to navigate the tumultuous times we’re living in here in the U.S. Her...2025-02-061h 08
JUST DO YOU.S2E04 with Steve Yacovelli - Becoming a Conscious LeaderDr. Steve Yacovelli has dedicated over 25 years to leadership, change management, and diversity and inclusion consulting. Throughout his career, he has witnessed individuals thrive through strong leadership skills while others struggle due to a lack of effective development. Steve's true passion lies in helping all leaders grow, through his powerful one on one coaching, training, and ongoing support.On this episode, Steve shares how early on in his career, he recognized a gap in structured leadership development specifically for LGBTQ+ professionals. He often experienced that existing efforts were severely fragmented. Although sporadic conference sessions, webinars, and university pr...2025-01-3058 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E03 with David Stevens - Same Same ... But DifferentAs Co-Founder of Olympian Meetings, a wellness consulting firm for events, meetings, and conferences, David Stevens helps clients create impactful experiences that drive engagement, raise awareness, and boost revenue—all while prioritizing the well-being of attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff.On this week’s episode, David shares his journey as a fitness enthusiast and award-winning speaker with a passion for experiential marketing, networking events, public speaking, and sustainable, wellness-focused event design. Through his podcast RETURN ON WELLNESS, he highlights the science and benefits of integrating wellness into events and daily life, showing how small mindset shifts can tran...2025-01-231h 08
JUST DO YOU.S2E02 with Jay Bradley - You've Got To Feel It To Heal ItStart the new year with simple practices to release stress, focus your mind, and create a life you love! This week I sit down with Jay Bradley, a certified Breathwork practitioner, who shares his powerful journey from childhood struggles in the small town of Thunder Bay, Canada, to becoming a transformational healer here in the US and abroad.Growing up as an extremely sensitive child, Jay faced relentless bullying, which led him to hide his identity, especially as he grappled with being gay. Numbing the pain through overspending, perfectionism, and other coping mechanisms, he eventually embarked on...2025-01-0952 min
JUST DO YOU.S2E01 with Darrin Johnson - Accepting The DareTaking on a dare can be intimidating—but not when it comes from Darrin Johnson, host of the inspiring I DARE YOU Podcast. Based near Idaho Falls, Idaho, Darrin shares his life with his incredible wife, Michelle, their wonder dog, Westley, and their three grown children.With over 20 years of leadership experience, Darrin serves as Senior Vice President of Sales for a billion-dollar U.S.-based company and is renowned for building world-class sales teams. He’s a gifted coach, mentor, and friend who has positively influenced countless lives around the world ... including mine.In our c...2025-01-0253 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E42 Eric Nicoll - Conversations That Ignite ChangeReal change often begins with honest, meaningful conversations. Whether it’s about challenging societal norms, fostering a deeper understanding about diversity, or uncovering a new way of looking at the world around us, conversations hold the power to shift perspectives, inspire action, and transform lives.The most impactful conversations are rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a genuine desire to listen and learn. They create space for diverse voices, the celebration of our differences, and building bridges where there is often great divide.Every conversation has the potential to impact change, but it starts with the co...2024-12-2618 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E41 Charles Chan Massey - The Art of StorytellingJoin me this week as I sit down with Charles Chan Massey, a distinguished leader in the Meetings & Events industry, who splits his time with his husband Joseph between Palm Springs, CA, and Victoria, BC.Charles takes us through his inspiring journey—from growing up in the South as a gay youth to building a successful and award-winning career as a global meeting planner. Eventually, guided by a series of meaningful "signs," Charles shifted gears to launch The Personal Stories Project, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to transforming hearts and minds through the powerful stories of LGBTQ individuals an...2024-12-1952 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E40 Don Pietranczyk - Walking the Runway to Diversity, Equity & InclusionJoin me this week as I sit down with Don Pietranczyk, a visionary leader in merging innovation, education, and inclusivity with over 25 years in the Fashion Industry. As the creative force behind bespoke onsite experiences and educational programming for MAGIC, Don leverages his extensive industry expertise, educational certifications, and fashion insight to craft transformative experiences for diverse audiences within the fashion world.In addition to his professional contributions, Don is the U.S. lead for Informa’s LGBTQIA+ colleague network, Rainbow, and plays a pivotal role in Informa Markets’ sustainability initiatives. As a founding member of Informa Mark...2024-12-121h 03
JUST DO YOU.S1E39 Bryan Stanton - Teacher of the Year ... While QueerJoin me this week as I sit down with Bryan Stanton, an award winning visionary in theatre education based in the Bronx, New York, who is dedicated to creating dynamic and impactful learning experiences for educators and students alike.During our time together he shares about his own personal journey to finding his authenticity AND voice, and how he is committed to living a powerful, out and proud life as an educator, singer, actor, Queer Theorist ... AND an amazing dad to his 4 children. Given the current climate in our country with teachers and students alike under attack, Br...2024-12-0551 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E38 Sara Cunningham - The Hug That Created A National MovementJoin me this week as I sit down with Sara Cunningham, founder of FREE MOM HUGS based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Earlier this year, I attended a local pride festival and came upon a group of women wearing a t-shirt with FREE MOM HUGS emblazoned across the front. In addition to receiving the most amazing hug from one of the moms, I instantly fell in love with these women and needed to learn more about this incredible organization and their founder! During our time together, Sara shares her journey which included many years rejecting her son Parker's sexu...2024-11-2153 min
JUST DO YOU.SPECIAL REPLAY! S1E18 Archer Gray - When Your Reflection Says It AllSo November is Trans Awareness Month with today, the 20th purposefully marked as Transgender Day of Remembrance. This important day, which began in 1999 honors Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in Massachusetts. Given the current climate post election and the relentless attack on our beautiful community, I felt it important to replay a very special episode that was first heard back in June. The hour I spent with Archer not only changed my life forever, his episode remains the highest number of downloads by far from Season 1 and based off of the many supportive comments we...2024-11-2058 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E37 Nathan Serrato - So What Do We Do Now?Join me this week as I welcome back Nathan Serrato, a Trauma-Informed Mindset Coach, PCC, based in San Diego, California. It has only been ONE week since the 2024 election and so many of us are struggling to process the outcome and find some sort of peace. I felt it important to have a conversation to let people know first and foremost, you are not alone, but equally important, your mental health and wellbeing must be a priority. Although painful, we need to learn to deal with our emotions, especially during a time of crisis. It is a crit...2024-11-1453 min
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY: S1E16 Darryl Tucci - Being A Change Agent In Today's WorldIt has been quite a difficult week for so many of us and I find myself desperate for some inspiration and motivation in order to process my thoughts and emotions over what happened with this year's election. I looked back through the extraordinary conversations I have had over the past year and after listening to my chat with Darry Tucci, my best friend and someone who consistently manages to get himself up off the sofa and out into the community with a fierce commitment to make an impact on the lives of others no matter the circumstances, I kn...2024-11-0747 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E36 Mallory Combemale - Taking A Conscious BreathJoin me this week as I sit down with Mallory Combemale, founder of Breath Connection and Co-Founder & Chief Energy Officer at The Inheritance Project. Mallory, a Chinese-Singaporean-French-American change maker, is fascinated by identity and cross-cultural understanding. With 10+ years experience consulting incredibly diverse groups from non-profits, to Fortune 100 executives, to government officials and entrepreneurs, this brilliant and gifted human being is committed to bring peace, balance AND understanding to the world, one conscious breath at a time. Mallory shares her incredible life's journey which began with a rather traumatic birth and an incredibly stressful childhood that even incl...2024-10-3157 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E35 Shay Franco-Clausen - Turning Pain Into Power and InfluenceJoin me this week as I sit down with Shay Franco-Clausen, a self-proclaimed mover, shaker, doer and unapologetic political operative based in Northern California. With less than two weeks until what could be one of the most important and consequential elections of our lifetime, Shay graciously took some time out of her intense campaign schedule to share her remarkable journey and the importance of using our voice, and vote for change. Shay is currently serving as the acting Northern California Organizational Director for the Kamala Harris campaign, on loan from Equality California where she sits as their Pol...2024-10-2455 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E34 Carolina Panoff - From Fitting In To BelongingJoin me this week as I sit down with Florida based Carolina Panoff, founder of Be You Coaching AND the incredibly popular Be You Disco. Carolina and I recently met at a Wellness Summit and I had the privilege of experiencing first hand the power of cultivating and inspiring engagement, authenticity, and a deep state of well-being through music, dance, and true human connection, the foundation of her Be You Disco platform. It truly was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had and can't wait to join her again! Carolina shares her journey from chi...2024-10-171h 01
JUST DO YOU.S1E33 John Gruber - Living in a World Strengthened by DiversityJoin me this week as I sit down with John Gruber, Director of National Campaigns for HRC. The Human Rights Campaign is the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization that drives impact by inspiring, engaging and mobilizing 75+ million pro-equality voters across the country to elect pro-equality leaders and to demand equity-based policies and legislation. John shares his advocacy journey that has deep roots in gun violence prevention which ultimately leads him to his current role at HRC. John is a passionate, caring and dedicated advocate out fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and those that are mu...2024-10-091h 00
JUST DO YOU.S1E32 - Ashley Brooke James - Mindfulness in ActionThis week I sit down with Ashley Brooke James, co-founder of Triluna, a Nashville based experiential wellness agency that helps corporations and organizations across the country build deep meaningful connections in an effort to increase well-being and engagement at their events, meetings and retreats. Ashley is a bright light whose smile immediately fills your heart with joy, love and and an overwhelming sense of peace. During our time together, Ashley shares about her upbringing in the south, with a strong set of family values and support that played a huge role in her success. Her journey is li...2024-10-031h 04
JUST DO YOU.S1E31 - Matthew Skallerud - Cultivating a Message of PrideJoin me this week as I sit down with Matthew Skallerud, President of New York based Pink Media. Matt and his agency specialize in helping businesses not only create, but roll out powerful and strategic online marketing plans that specifically target the LGBTQ+ community. A community known for its buying power and a long history of consumer influence. Matthew shares how he began his online career back in May 1995 with the launch of GayWired.com. This cutting edge platform was not only the FIRST LGBTQ+ website to be launched, but one that would quickly claim a spo...2024-09-2647 min
Borders Talk: Dots, Dashes & the Stories They TellBorder Art with guest David StirrupSend us a MessageDavid mentioned "pretendians," a term used to refer to individuals who falsely claim Indigenous heritage.David mentioned work by Eric Gansworth (Onondaga). Read more about Gansworth’s work here.Find a map of Anishinaabe territory here.Find a map of Mohawk territory here.The Jay Treaty (1794), a treaty between the United States and Great Britain (and now Canada) signed after the Revolutionary War, guarantees the rights of Indigenous people to cross the border "without hindrance." Read the Treaty here.Find a map of To...2024-09-2643 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E30 - Andrew Betancourt - A Masterclass in DatingJoin me this week as I welcome back Andrew Betancourt, Founder of Conscious Dating for Queer Men and a Certified Relationship Coach. After a successful and sought after episode back in March, I was excited to sit down once again to take a deeper dive into Andrew's perspective on dating successfully ... at any age! I have been religiously following Andrew via his on line coaching platform and spending time in his masterclass over the past few months and not only have I learned A LOT about myself, I was able to identify several former dating habits that pr...2024-09-1956 min
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY: S1E15 Dan Smithman - A Long, Beautiful Road To Marriage EqualityOver the past few months, the consistent threat around the potential loss of our human rights have been occupying my daily thoughts and wearing heavily on my soul. So much so that I started to head back down a dark path that I work diligently to avoid. I needed a "feel good" moment and a jolt of positivity coupled with a space of love and laughter. Enter my conversation from earlier this year with Dan Smithman, formerly titled "Looking for the Beauty in Things." I decided it was the perfect conversation for a REPLAY this week, especially give...2024-09-121h 00
JUST DO YOU.S1E29 Brooke Paulin - An Advocate for a Healthier You!Join me this week as I sit down with Brooke Paulin, a fierce advocate for the health & wellness of not only our youth, but for each and every one of us! Take it from first hand experience, if you want to change your health, you need to listen to this episode! During our time together, Brooke shares candidly about her upbringing and her eating disorder coupled with bouts of depression and anxiety which she suffered from for many years, well into her adult life. Through her own journey, Brooke has been off all medications since 2004 and is tr...2024-09-0547 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E28 Yinka Freeman - Cross-Cultural ConnectionsJoin me this week as I sit down with Yinka Freeman, the creative force behind the wildly successful award winning event firm, Triple Pocket Events. Yinka is truly one of a kind with a deep passion for making a difference, a work ethic that will run circles around most and a smile that will greet you with a palpable expression of love and acceptance. Her intentions in life and in her work are a critical part of her success and a constant thread within her personal and professional relationships. Yinka shares her incredible childhood journey that took he...2024-08-2956 min
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY S1E14 Kaitlin Johnstone - Teaching Kindness, One Book at a TimeREPLAY - In light of recent events where HUNDREDS of books from a Gender & Diversity program that was shut down last year were tossed in a dumpster, I wanted to replay a really important conversation I had with Kind Cotton founder, Kaitlin Johnstone. Kaitlin shares her amazing journey as an elementary school teacher that ultimately led her to launch a small clothing company dedicated to putting inclusive books BACK into the hands of children across the country. Kind Cotton's inspirational clothing and accessories not only exude kindness, they evoke a powerful conversation centered on the im...2024-08-2247 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E27 Rebecca Minor, LICSW - The Complexity of GenderJoin me this week as I sit down with Rebecca Minor, LICSW, a queer, Jewish clinician, consultant, educator and author specializing in the intersection of trauma, gender, and sexuality. She is the founder of Prism Therapy Collective, where her approach is always trauma-informed and resilience-oriented.During our time together, Rebecca shares her personal journey to becoming a Gender Specialist, who now dedicates her life to working alongside trans and gender nonconforming youth through their journey of becoming as well as serving as a guide to their parents. At a time when trans hate and suicide is on th...2024-08-1551 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E26 Michelle Renee - An Essential Need for Human ConnectionJoin me this week as I sit down Michelle Renee, a Platonic Surrogate Partner and Intimacy Guide based in San Diego, California. Michelle is a beautiful soul who is committed to taking her clients from self-loathing to self-loving through her unique touch-based relational healing.In this "nothing is off limits" conversation, Michelle shares a candid look at her upbringing and how that upbringing ultimately left her with severe intimacy issues which negatively affected her personal relationships as an adult. While working through her healing she knew she had to pay it forward and help others that were su...2024-08-081h 07
JUST DO YOU.S1E25 Kayla Adreene Widdes- Leaning Into Your Sixth SenseJoin me this week as I sit down with Kayla Adreene Widdes, a clairvoyant mystic who discovered her intuitive abilities at the age of 9. Kayla shares her own amazing journey during a beautifully raw and candid conversation about her life and her important work. Kayla shares how she has dedicated herself to guiding goddesses, gays and theys and how she, through her unique practice, identifies her client's long standing toxic behavior patterns that have lead them to negative self-fulfilling prophecies. Kayla skillfully guides her clients to a clear path of manifestation in order to achieve the ideal li...2024-08-011h 06
JUST DO YOU.S1E24 Johnnie Ghiglia - A Father's Love & AcceptanceWelcome to the final installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 24. This week I sit down with Johnnie Ghiglia, a retired law enforcement officer based in Arizona. Along with his son Chase, these two remarkable men set out to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ community by creating and launching OUT IS THE NEW IN, a non-profit organization dedicated to offering support and resources, especially in the area of suicide prevention, mental health and homelessness. Johnnie shares a heartwarming journey from his early years growing up in a farming town to finding out that Chase was...2024-07-251h 01
JUST DO YOU.S1E23 Jordan Daniels - Through the Eyes of a StorytellerWelcome to the 7th installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 23!This week I sit down with Jordan Daniels, a proud Black & Jewish Queer creative force that focuses on social commentary while dealing with the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, spirituality and body liberation. It is these same components that make this amazing human being so unapologetically authentic and out to make an impact in today's world. Jordan shares his powerful story of being raised by two strong parents in a large multi-ethnic home steeped in a deep history within the Jewish and Black communities. T...2024-07-181h 00
JUST DO YOU.S1E22 Paris Quion - The Impact of an ICONWelcome to the 6th installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 22!This week I sit down with Paris Quion, San Diego's favorite drag entertainer, businesswoman, activist, and fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Paris shares her remarkable journey as a native San Diegan that begins at the age of 11 where she and her parents found support and community through the local LGBTQ+ Center. This community would not only play a critical role in her coming out, but also support her through her transition later in life. This experience would ultimately serve as a stepping stone for Paris' com...2024-07-1157 min
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY S1E11 with Kate Bishop - In Defense of the Next Generation of LGBTQ+ YouthHAPPY 4TH OF JULY and welcome to a special Pride Season REPLAY of my conversation with Kate Bishop, a fierce advocate for our LGBTQ+ youth currently serving on the Chula Vista School Board as a Trustee. Given recent events over the past few weeks, I felt compelled to replay this VERY important and timely episode! PLEASE ... take the time to listen in if you missed it! Kate is the first openly QUEER person to serve on the School Board and is an incredibly strong voice representing ALL stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, staff, ad...2024-07-0452 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E21 Daniel Blevins - Stepping Up to Stand InWelcome to the 5th installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 21! Join me as I sit down with Daniel Blevins, creator and founder of the Stand In Pride organization. Stand in Pride was founded in 2021 as a Facebook support group for the LGBTQ+ community after Daniel saw a viral TicTok video that showed the devastation of a soon to be bride learning her mom had unexpectedly decided to NOT show up to her wedding. Daniel took action and literally stepped up to stand in for her on this special day! The rest is history and Dan...2024-06-2752 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E20 Fernando Lopez - Empowering a Global CommunityWelcome to the 4th installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 20! Today I sit down with Fernando Lopez (they/them), a widely celebrated & trusted community leader, passionate activist, transformative speaker and all around amazing human being. From the first moment I heard Fernando speak in front of a group of people at a rally, I was captivated by every word they spoke and it shifted my own internal conversation about the difference one voice can truly make, even amidst our often chaotic and fractured world. Fern, as I affectionately refer to them, shares their personal journe...2024-06-2052 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E19 Brian Peters, aka Mama Tits - A Symbol of Empowerment in High Heels!Welcome to the 3rd installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 19! (btw, the minor sound issue corrects itself quickly, promise!) This week I sit down with Mama Tits and the brainchild behind her, the incredibly talented Brian Peters. Brian has been entertaining audiences since 2001 with a fierce passion to make others laugh, while empowering people around the world to find their joy and inner strength through her spoken, and more often than not, sung words.Brian shares his personal journey with us that is at times, heart-wrenching, but one that shows his own inner strength a...2024-06-131h 07
JUST DO YOU.S1E18 Archer Gray - When Your Reflection Says It AllWelcome to the 2nd installment of our 2024 PRIDE Series and Episode 18! Join me this week as I sit down with Archer Gray, a beautiful and compassionate Trans man who openly shares his personal transition story which began back in 2021. Archer authentically shares his journey for the first time publicly during this episode and I am so honored to have spent this incredible hour with him. I have been following Archer on social media for quite some time and have been moved many times from uncontrollable laughter to an undeniable ugly, but meaningful cry all within the...2024-06-0657 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E17 Eric Nicoll - A Matter of Pride!Join me this week as I kick of the 2024 LGBTQ+ PRIDE SEASON! I have had an "interesting" internal conversation around PRIDE festivities in the past, but after moving to San Diego in late 2019 and getting involved with our amazing local LGBTQ community, I quickly shifted the conversation. Now more than ever, with our community (as well as so many other marginalized communities) under direct attack, PRIDE is a critical opportunity for our community to come together, stand in unity and celebrate the impact that so many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer individuals have had (AND WILL HAVE) on h...2024-05-3026 min
JUST DO YOU.REPLAY - S1E5 Rebecca Rizzo - The Best Hugs in the WORLD! (aka Find Your Happy)Here's your chance to hear my conversation with Rebecca Rizzo if you missed it back in February! This week I needed to take a quick break to handle an unexpected personal medical issue BUT, I will be back next week with a brand new episode as we kick off my PRIDE series for June & July! I can't wait to introduce you to the amazing guests I have lined up! So, Listen in as I sat down with Rebecca Rizzo, my beautiful friend and the epitome of the JUST DO YOU. space of being. Rebecca shares her amaz...2024-05-2350 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E16 Darrell Tucci - Being a Change Agent in Today's WorldJoin me this week as I sit down with Darrell Tucci, a National Non-Profit & Political Leader in Strategy, Development & Operations based in San Diego, California. Aside from a long and successful career in development, fundraising, philanthropy and advocacy, Darrell is one of the most kind, caring and generous people I know, as well as one of my best friends. Being in his circle, makes me strive to be the best version of myself each and every day. I have learned so much from him over the past decade and that knowledge has made me so acutely aware of the pow...2024-05-1645 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E15 Dan Smithman - Looking for the Beauty in ThingsJoin me this week as I sit down with my friend of 30 years, Dan Smithman. Dan played a pivotal role in my coming out in 1994 and truly saved my life for which I will be forever grateful. We have been friends ever since and still to this day, when we connect, I walk away not only feeling heard, but empowered and maybe a little tired from all the laughter! Dan and I have fun reminiscing about our friendship, creating possibility in your life, the reality of dating in your 50s, the power in consistently looking for the beaut...2024-05-0959 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E14 Kaitlin Johnstone - Teaching Kindness, One Book at a TimeJoin me this week as I sit down with Kind Cotton founder, Kaitlin Johnstone. Kaitlin shares her amazing journey as an elementary school teacher that ultimately resulted in the launching of a small clothing company dedicated to putting inclusive books into the hands of children across the country. Kind Cotton's inspirational clothing and accessories not only exude kindness, they evoke a powerful conversation centered on the importance of being kind not only to yourself but to others. Their model ... for every Kind Cotton item purchased, they donate a book to a child. So brilliant! To date, Kind Cott...2024-05-0245 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E13 John Davidson - Follow the ThreadJoin me this week as I sit down with John Davidson, Founder & CEO of the HLP Group, an elite executive coaching firm based in Southern California. With over 25 years experience and more than 60,000 coaching sessions, John is a master at navigating his clients through their respective life & career journey. With a direct, compassionate, no-nonsense approach to identifying, setting & achieving goals, John ultimately brings the best out of his clients as they seek to find (or solidify) their true calling in life. John and I sit down for a fun, emotional and authentic conversation around those who encounter the...2024-04-2556 min
JUST DO YOU.S1E12 Nathan Serrato - Navigating Your Love LanguageJoin me this week as I sit down with Nathan Serrato, a Master Certified Life and Trauma Coach based in San Diego, California. More importantly, Nathan is a remarkable human being dedicated to enhancing the lives of those he connects with in so many ways. Nathan and I have a fun and insightful conversation around his unique take on love languages and then take a deeper dive on the concept of attachment theory as it relates to dating and within more established relationships. I learned so much from Nathan and could see myself so clearly as he gui...2024-04-1839 min