Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast

In this week's "This Is Everything" segment, Zach digs into the history of the Boy Scouts of America — now rebranded as Scouting America — tracing it from its 1910 founding through a devastating sexual abuse scandal that led to a $2.46 billion settlement and 2020 bankruptcy filing. He covers the organization's slow evolution on LGBTQ+ inclusion (gay youth in 2013, gay leaders in 2015, transgender youth in 2017) and girls joining Cub Scouts and the flagship program. The episode culminates in a breakdown of a 2026 controversy: pressure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the quiet elimination of dedicated spaces for girls, scouts of color, LGBTQ+ scouts, and scouts with disabilities at the National Jamboree. Along the way, Zach shares his own short-lived, badge-stealing Boy Scout career, a failed camping trip in his front yard with the family dog, a brief run in 4-H, and memories of elementary school classmates and his first girlfriend, Brooksie. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with his friend of 27 years, Justin Schiefner, a ten-time Burning Man attendee, to unpack everything the HBO Max documentary doesn't fully capture. Justin walks through his evolution from a broke first-timer in a canvas tent to a seasoned burner with a full RV setup, breaking down the real costs, the gifting economy, and the radical inclusion that defines the Black Rock City experience. The conversation covers lighter territory — meeting his partner Will at a Burning Man-adjacent party, bringing his dad to the Temple, and the infamous 2:2:2 Tuesday tradition — alongside more candid topics like the Orgy Dome, drug safety, and the surprising presence of Elon Musk's brother on the event's board. Justin closes with the biggest lesson the desert has taught him: that self-acceptance he finds at Burning Man is something he's working to carry into his everyday life. Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinschiefner/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guests: Nicholas Molencupp (writer, co-director, star) and Cameron Moir (actor, producer) of the upcoming film In Between Episode Overview: Zach sits down with Nicholas Molencupp and Cameron Moir ahead of the world premiere of their film In Between at the Out on Film festival (an Oscar-qualifying festival) on September 26th. They dig into how the two met — Cameron cold-emailing Nicholas after seeing his Indiegogo campaign — and how a two-year writing process, a $20,000 crowdfunding push, and a scrappy four-month sprint to production turned into a finished feature. What they discuss: How Cameron discovered Nicholas's project through an Indiegogo campaign and talked his way into acting in and producing the film The reality of indie film fundraising: flyering at Atlanta Pride, DMing everyone they know, and going from campaign launch to first day of filming in four months Why In Between evolved from a romantic comedy into a "rom-com dramedy" during production Nicholas's two years of writing and therapy while developing the deeply personal script, including its handling of suicidal ideation Building a diverse 26-person ensemble cast of local Atlanta talent, and the "core four" friend group at the film's center Cameron on playing Bo, the "hot gay" love interest who isn't what he seems Why they wanted to tell a queer story centered on thriving and self-acceptance rather than trauma and tragedy Cameron's path from Jersey (Channel Islands) to London, Cambridge, Stella Adler, and New York nightlife Nicholas on missing California culture after five years building a life — and a 19-month relationship — in Atlanta Favorite LGBTQ+ icons, dream collaborators (Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Keke Palmer, Tom Holland, Pedro Pascal), and rapid-fire favorites (Laverne Cox, Pose , Trick ) What's next: a festival run through the end of the year, hopes for a theatrical distribution deal, Cameron's role in the NCIS: New York pilot, and their plans to keep working together Where to follow the film: Website: https://inbetweenthemovie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inbetweenthemovie/ https://www.instagram.com/cameronmoir/ https://www.instagram.com/nicholasmolencupp/ Sign up for the newsletter for premiere and distribution updates Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this week's Gay Bit, Zach finally unpacks a story he's been sitting on since 2004: the time his husband Andrew talked him and their friend Tony into a week at "Camp Camp," an adult LGBTQ+ sleepaway camp in rural Maine. What followed was less "magical queer retreat" and more survival horror — rusty sink water, a shower shared with granddaddy long-legs spiders, a toilet that wasn't bolted to the floor, zero cell service, and a camera-happy stranger who wouldn't stop photographing Zach and Tony. Add in mandatory "rainbow group" sharing circles, a camper who burst into tears on day one, a total power outage on the last night, and Tony vanishing into the woods with the camp director — and Zach's week goes from awkward to unforgettable. Between forced square dancing, a chaotic last-minute drag show, a near-fainting incident in a pitch-black hot tub, and Andrew's sudden leather-daddy era, Zach details exactly why this was not his scene — while still giving credit to the people for whom Camp Camp is a beloved yearly tradition. It's chaotic, it's messy, it's very gay, and it's finally off Zach's chest. In this episode: The backstory: moving from Brooklyn to Miami with husband Andrew Getting talked into "Camp Camp," an adult LGBTQ+ sleepaway camp in Maine Cabin conditions: rusty water, no shower on-site, a toilet that isn't bolted down The spider-shower incident A mysterious camera guy who won't stop taking photos "Rainbow groups," a crying camper, and forced daily sharing circles Tony disappears into the woods with camp director Jan Day trips that were actually fun: Mount Washington, kayaking, pottery The last-night drag show and Andrew's new leather band A total power outage and a very dark hot tub scare Why Camp Camp works for some people — just not for Zach Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach continues his real-talk series on surviving a 28-year relationship — from moving in together and fighting over furniture to the terrifying night his husband said "I'm not happy." Honest, funny, and unfiltered relationship talk. Picking up from Part 1's origin story, Zach recaps the whirlwind first year and a half before he and Andrew moved in together The awkward apartment-hunting saga on the Upper East Side, including who really controlled the decor decisions Learning to live with someone — messiness, shared closets, and merging two lives into one bedroom Zach's parents' disastrous "housewarming gift" dish-shopping trip (and why his dad swore off shopping with them forever) Living through 9/11 in their Upper East Side apartment and the walk home that changed how Zach felt about Manhattan The move to Park Slope, Brooklyn — their first two-bedroom, and why it didn't last Relocating to Miami: apartment hunting, no broker fees, and buying their first house in Miami Shores A hilarious tangent on how differently Zach and Andrew approach buying a car (spoiler: Zach just wants to buy it today ) The kitchen renovation that went way over budget — and is still intact 20+ years later (according to Zillow) The emotionally raw turning point: the night, seven years in, when Andrew said he wasn't happy — and what happened five minutes later Zach closes out year seven of twenty-eight, with more chapters still to come Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Matt Freeman — theater educator, arts administrator, and founder of Change Arts Growing up in the On Tour Company magnet theater program in Belmore/Merrick, NY Being closeted alongside other gay classmates in the '90s vs. kids coming out today Coming out to his parents the same night his father later came out too — on Fire Island, at nearly 70 How Matt found Fire Island through his husband Adam, and their move from weekly rentals to homeownership in Cherry Grove Fire Island's queer theatrical history: 1930s Broadway "theater people," the 1938 hurricane, and how lesbians preserved Cherry Grove's queer identity during the AIDS crisis The difference between Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines Founding Change Arts and rethinking arts education around conversation, not just performance findyourart.org, a tool helping teachers match the right art form to their students The new Fire Island Theatre Festival (Fitfest) , September 23–27: Wed 9/23 — local playwrights' works performed by Fire Island actors Thu 9/24 — National Queer Theater performances Fri 9/25 — Songs of the Sand, featuring three Fire Island-based composers honoring Jerry Herman Sat–Sun 9/26–27 — Marathon Theater Weekend with walking tours and more Adopting his 15-year-old daughter, with finalization expected in January Where to learn more: changearts.org and findyourart.org (tickets) Attend Fitfest: https://www.changearts.org/fit-fest Follow Change Arts on IG: https://www.instagram.com/changeartsorg/ https://www.changearts.org/ https://findyourart.org/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with writer, fashion industry veteran, and unlikely viral sensation Brenda Cullerton — a woman who spent decades writing for major publications and working alongside Anna Wintour before reinventing herself as an internet personality in her seventies. They cover Brenda's accidental path to virality through TikTok's "subway takes" and her Instagram series "I Don't Know," her solo show "Jay-Z and Me" (born from a concert injury and staged at the Edinburgh Fringe), her stand-up comedy bombing stories, and her decades of friendships in gay fashion circles. The conversation turns candid on New York's gentrification, the generational divide in hope and opportunity, and a startling family DNA-test revelation. It closes with Brenda reflecting on the joy of reinvention at 75 and a preview of her upcoming feature film role alongside Chloë Sevigny. Follow Brenda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendasidioms/ Other links about Brenda: https://endlesssea.nyc/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brenda_Cullerton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATPZo0Pc1dI&t=54s Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Everything & Anything…and a Bit Gay , Zach sits down with Juan Gallen — a digital nomad, spiritual mentor, and coach who helps gay men break cycles of compulsive hookups and anxious attachment by getting to the root of their trauma. 00:00 — Intro: welcoming Juan Galan 00:42 — What being a digital nomad actually looks like (Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Colombia, Peru) 01:51 — Why the nomad lifestyle is harder than it looks, and how Juan builds routine on the road 03:23 — Meeting strangers while traveling solo, and how it healed his rejection wounds 04:32 — Bridging spiritual awakening with everyday life; the difference between his general spiritual work and his coaching for gay men 07:06 — Growing up gay in a religious, machista Colombian household 07:49 — Getting bullied for being "soft," suppressing his feminine side, and his parents' divorce at age 7 10:07 — How the wound of "needing to be chosen" turned into compulsive Grindr use and anxious attachment 11:26 — Zach relates the pattern to a friend going through the same cycle 12:22 — Coming out to his sister, mom, dad, and grandmother — and his grandfather's homophobia 15:05 — Where Juan stands with religion today vs. his personal relationship with spirituality 15:30 — Becoming a Christian in Bali, his connection to Jesus and Mary Magdalene, and why he doesn't follow one "path to the divine" 17:49 — Reinterpreting heaven and hell as states of consciousness, not the afterlife 19:11 — What Juan believes happens when we die; reincarnation and completing life "cycles" 20:44 — Past-life regression experiences — a 1400s past life, being a father, and financial patterns carried across lifetimes 22:48 — Zach shares his own past-life regression story (a Kansas farm in the 1940s) 28:46 — Helping gay men (and others) process religious trauma 29:31 — Studying the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek biblical texts 30:37 — Reinterpreting "repent" (Greek metanoia — a shift in perception) 31:02 — Reinterpreting "sin" (Greek amartia — to miss the mark, not morality) 31:38 — Reinterpreting "salvation" as restoration, not an afterlife reward 32:50 — How Christianity became an institution under Constantine 34:29 — Spain being ranked the best country for LGBTQ+ people, and Juan's take on lingering machismo 35:30 — The rollback of LGBTQ+ and transgender rights in the U.S. 36:00 — Theory that the most homophobic people are hiding something themselves 37:06 — The "quantum leap" concept — why chaos precedes transformation 38:44 — The rise of collective consciousness and spirituality going mainstream (even on shows like Joe Rogan's) 40:02 — The law of polarity: why chaos and awakening happen simultaneously 40:38 — Juan's advice for anyone just starting to explore their own spirituality 42:06 — Inside Juan's mystery school, Inner Sanctum, and his private 90-day coaching program for gay men 44:04 — Where to find Juan: Instagram and his website 46:22 — Closing thoughts Follow Juan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/healingwithjuan/ Meet with Juan: https://juangalan.co/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Gay Bit, Zach recaps the final days of his Provincetown getaway with his friend Greg. The centerpiece is Ryan Landry's Showgirls — a raunchy, hilarious variety show Zach has been attending for 25 years — featuring co-host Dina Martina and a surprise performance from Latrice Royale of RuPaul's Drag Race fame. Zach also details a guerrilla sticker campaign promoting his podcast, Greg's LGBTQ event-finder app Gathery, and his own friend-finding app Gay BFF, plus a comically disastrous overpacking situation and a mercifully smooth ferry ride home. It's a lighthearted, personal wrap-up to a joyful trip. Dinner at the Provincetown beer garden — chicken parm and cocktails before the show A rundown of Showgirls, Ryan Landry's long-running Provincetown variety show at the Provincetown Inn (final 2026 season show: September 14th; VIP+ tickets $100) Backstory on Ryan Landry — in Provincetown since 1972, has written 79 shows Co-host Dina Martina and the show's mix of drag, variety acts, and local performers ("the bed bugs") A surprise guest appearance and performance from Latrice Royale (RuPaul's Drag Race) Reactions from friends Greg and Kevin, both first-timers at Showgirls A sticker marketing campaign around town for Zach's podcast, Greg's app Gathery, and Zach's own app Gay BFF What Gathery does (LGBTQ event/community finder app, live in 26 U.S. cities) and a plug for Zach's earlier episode with Greg What Gay BFF does (verified, bot-free LGBTQ friend-finding app) The saga of wildly overpacking a 3-night trip, and the ferry ride home Reflections on the trip and whether Zach will return for Spooky Bear in the fall Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with Karen Kendra Holmes — U.S. military veteran, TEDx speaker, author, and longtime transgender advocate — for a wide-ranging conversation about her decades-long path to living authentically. Karen shares that she began privately exploring her gender identity at age 13 but didn't transition until 53, describing the internal and religious struggles that shaped those "40 years of wandering." She discusses her 24-year military career (including roles with the Maryland Defense Force and U.S. Veterans Reserve Corps), the carefully planned rollout of her transition across a 47-office federal agency, and her work bridging the transgender community and law enforcement through the Department of Justice. The conversation also covers current political attacks on transgender rights, the science behind hormone levels and trans athletes in sports, the challenges of dating later in life, and the writing of her memoir, 40 Years and Wandering No More: Loving My Life Being Transgender . Karen closes with a message to anyone struggling: build a platform, believe in yourself, and know that dreams are made to be lived. Links & Resources: Book: 40 Years and Wandering No More: Loving My Life Being Transgender — available on Amazon Website: kkholmes.com Email: kkholmes1956@gmail.com If this episode touches on suicide for anyone listening personally, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) is worth including in your notes or an on-screen resource, given Karen mentions it directly toward the end. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach sits down with Mike Wood — COO of a $100M company and founder of a 10-week anxiety and depression recovery program — for a raw conversation about what it actually takes to quiet a mind that won't stop running. Mike traces his anxiety back to a single moment at age five: struggling to spell his name in front of his kindergarten class due to undiagnosed dyslexia. That moment programmed a core belief — "I'm not as smart as everyone else" — that ran in the background for the next 35 years, even as he built outward success: a thriving marriage, seven kids, and an executive career. At 45, sitting on top of everything he thought would bring peace, he realized none of it had. That's when he turned inward. The conversation moves through the mechanics of how the subconscious mind actually works — why it can't distinguish real from imagined events, how elevated emotion plus intention creates lasting programs, and how those same programs can be consciously rewritten. Mike shares the exercise he uses to revisit painful childhood moments and offer his younger self compassion and forgiveness, and explains why forgiving others (and eventually himself) was the turning point in breaking the cycle. They also dig into: The science of cortisol vs. oxytocin, and why stress can cut brain function by up to 60% A moving story about calming his 8-year-old son's nighttime fears using a simple gratitude game Why Mike had to strip away identities — husband, dad, "Titans fan," Democrat — to stop reacting defensively in daily life The difference between believing something and knowing it through direct experience A guided breathing technique Mike uses to move through anxiety in real time What it actually looks like when someone breaks free — and why environment and the people around you matter more than most people realize Mike closes with a simple starting point for anyone feeling stuck: stop, get quiet, and start noticing your own thoughts without running from them. Connect with Mike Wood: Free gift: mwoodmindset.com/everything Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach sits down with antique dealer, picker, and bestselling author Duane Scott Cerny ( Selling Dead People's Things ) for a conversation that swings from delightful to deeply human. Duane recounts his most treasured find — a photo of three-legged circus performer Frank Lentini, discovered by chance in a pile of picture frames — and opens up about his love of John Waters and Divine memorabilia. The conversation turns thoughtful as Duane and Zach discuss the overlooked history of gay antique dealers, what belongings reveal about the people who owned them, and the harder side of the business: hoarding, home shopping addiction, and the toll dementia can take on a person's relationship with their possessions. It's a episode that's equal parts fascinating, funny, and unexpectedly moving. Duane's origin story: hunting for wooden picture frames at a rural Wisconsin farm sale The incredible find: an 1880s cabinet card photo of circus performer Frank "The Great" Lentini, bought for $5 Duane's connection to John Waters and his extensive Divine memorabilia collection How his book Selling Dead People's Things hit #1 on Amazon three times in the antiques/collectibles category — and why resold copies now go for a premium on eBay What personal belongings reveal about the people who owned them (with privacy always protected) The history of gay antique dealers, from Christopher Street and Bleecker Street to today's Instagram shops Surprising items the gay community collects (hint: it's not what you'd expect) Real hoarding stories: garbage in backpacks, dryer lint collections, and homes torn down due to mold and neglect The connection between hoarding, home shopping networks, and cognitive decline Where to find Duane: sellingdeadpeoplesthings.com and his Substack, plus his monthly column in the Village View Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special, more serious episode of Everything & Anything...and a Bit Gay, Zach steps away from the usual campy interviews to talk directly about the 2026 midterm elections — and why he believes this is one of the most consequential votes of our lifetime. Topics covered: Trump's approval rating sitting in the low-to-mid 30s, trailing his 2018 numbers, with independents souring fast Why the midterms could determine impeachment prospects and the fate of the Trump family's business dealings The $300–400 million White House ballroom and demolition of the East Wing and Rose Garden The proposed $250 million "arc" near the Lincoln Memorial and other vanity construction projects The reflecting pool renovation that ballooned from $1.8M to $14M — and turned green with algae Marjorie Taylor Greene's public break with Trump ahead of November The stalled Epstein files release and redactions Affordability complaints, cost of living, and broken campaign promises The Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, and unresolved questions about nuclear weapons Renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and escalating tariffs with Canada LGBTQ+ perspectives on safety and travel to the U.S. right now Natalie Harp, dubbed the "human printer," and how curated news reaches the president The $400 million Air Force One gift from Qatar A direct call to action: register, show up, and vote in every state — red, blue, or purple Zach closes with a personal appeal: no matter where you live, your vote is part of the message the country needs to send this November. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Gay Bit: Zach kicks things off with a slightly chaotic morning — a physical, low blood pressure, a failed Starbucks latte experiment, and a reaffirmed loyalty to homemade Cuban coffee. Then it's straight into the real topic: his friend's very active dating life. Zach plays relationship detective on three guys currently in rotation — Benji (a non-texter who's fading out), Kevin (mysteriously gone quiet), and Rob (four dates in and cooking dinner together next). Zach interrogates the details the way he always does with his friends' new prospects, admitting he can be "a lot" but insists it's coming from a good place. That leads into a bigger riff: Zach and Andrew are just days from their 28th anniversary, and Zach uses that milestone to make his case against modern dating rules — the "don't text more than once a week," "don't call too soon," "wait until the sixth date" mentality he thinks is holding people back. His advice: skip the rulebook, read the room, and go with your gut. He also touches on body confidence, why Botox and self-assurance go a long way, and teases a future episode about the "real fucking losers" he dated back in South Beach before meeting Andrew. Topics covered: Morning routine and coffee opinions (RIP Dunkin' loyalty) Playing detective in a friend's dating life 28 years with Andrew and what makes it work Why Zach thinks dating rules are killing romance Body confidence and self-acceptance in dating A teaser for a future "worst dates of my single life" episode Content note: Adult language and frank sexual references throughout. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Ricky — painter, sewist, DJ, and host of the podcast Eager to Know Find Rick: RickyArtist.com In this episode, Zach sits down with Ricky, a self-described "combination of right brain and left brain" who's built an entire creative second act after a first career in global chemical sales and internet technology consulting. They cover: Ricky's career path: 10 years in global chemical company sales, then a pivot into internet technology as a front-end developer and project manager working with major consulting firms in New York Zach's own surprisingly parallel origin story: working for a Miranda Priestley-esque boss at Chase Manhattan Bank who insisted he learn web design at NYU rather than move into HR Why Rick left a 20-year run in Boston's South End for a 400-person village in southern Vermont, and what "living in the past" had to do with the decision How Ricky got serious about painting, including a six-week immersive program at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy Ricky's deep dive into sewing since January 2026 — he's since made an entire men's wardrobe from scratch, including the quilted jacket he wears on the episode Zach's own aborted attempt at learning to sew, and his post-9/11 knitting era How Ricky taught himself DJing on YouTube after buying a $20 mixer at a yard sale, and now runs a weekly tea dance at the site of a former gay bar in Bellows Falls, VT The surprisingly rich queer history and community of rural Vermont What hosting a podcast has taught both of them about people — and about themselves Zach opens up about becoming a stronger transgender ally through his interviews, and about a past-life regression session that changed how he thinks about reincarnation Where to find Rick's art, sewing projects, and his own podcast, Eager to Know Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: AL, independent singer, songwriter, and dancer In this episode: How AL first realized music was more than a hobby — and how obsessively dissecting songs as a kid set him apart from his friends Describing his sound: a "dance industrial" mix inspired by 80s Freddie Mercury and Madonna, layered over dark, story-driven lyricism Writing lyrics solo while collaborating closely with producers on sound Staging two DIY concerts (200+ people) in a barn on his family farm The full story behind filming the "CUMMON" video in an Indianapolis hotel — recruiting 11 dancers from Paragon Indie, not telling hotel staff, an unplanned elevator encounter with a guest, and closing out the shoot with an all-in party scene Growing up on a farm two hours from Indianapolis in a strict, country-music-only household — and finding an escape in Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Elvis The backlash he faced after releasing his short film "Dirty Horror" and how he handled the fallout His complicated relationship with social media, confidence, and what actually makes his content connect Moving to Chicago to study music performance and business at a private art school His five-year vision: touring, headlining, and building a bigger audience on his own terms Connect with AL: https://www.instagram.com/almusique666/ https://www.tiktok.com/@almusique666 https://www.youtube.com/@almusique666 AL's Music on Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/al/1800697508 https://open.spotify.com/artist/2kLKaSHmIHGJaOjPvMxDcv Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach sits down with Ditte Young — a Copenhagen-based telepath, animal communicator, licensed therapist, TEDx speaker, and author of four books, including What the Horse Whispers . Ditte opens up about hearing animals speak to her as a four-year-old, the harrowing premonition of her ex-boyfriend's suicide that made her want to shut her gift off entirely, and how three decades of professional readings taught her to master and control her abilities. She and Zach dig into what a telepathic reading actually feels like, how she communicates with her neurodivergent son Philip, and why she believes her gift and his needs were never a coincidence. The conversation also covers science's growing overlap with telepathy (including The Telepathy Tapes and scientist Rupert Sheldrake), how she handles skeptics, what she believes happens when we die, and Zach's own experience with past-life regression. Ditte closes by teasing her forthcoming book on dog communication, out this fall. Connect with Ditte: https://www.instagram.com/ditteyoung.international/ https://ditteyoung.com/ Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Zach sits down with Delilah, founder of Emergence Pathways, who shares the deeply personal story of realizing she was a lesbian at 25 — after years in a loving relationship with her fiancé — and how that discovery led her to the love of her life. Delilah opens up about: The moment of realization that upended her engagement, and how she and her ex ended up staying close friends Learning to separate different types of attraction (sexual, romantic, aesthetic, platonic, sensual) — now a core part of her work Meeting her wife at a lesbian bar in New Hampshire on New Year's Eve, and knowing instantly Her wife's own transition journey, and what she wants people to understand about falling in love with a transgender person Navigating family reactions — from initial shock to full support on both sides The couple's decision to leave the U.S. for The Hague, Netherlands, driven by fears for her wife's safety amid rising anti-trans legislation What she'll miss most, and how she's processing the loss of leaving friends, family, and community behind Building Emergence Pathways — an organization offering queer identity education, corporate training, and (soon) EU-based CSRD sustainability reporting on LGBTQ inclusion, plus identity discovery retreats Her advice for anyone standing at the edge of a scary but necessary change Delilah is also documenting her move to the Netherlands on TikTok at Delilah Goes Dutch . Website: emergencepathways.org Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn: @emergencepathways Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special 300th episode, Zach steps away from the usual format to pay tribute to a true icon: Dolly Parton. This is a personal, heartfelt reflection on what Dolly meant not just to the LGBTQ+ community, but to the world at large. Zach shares a personal story from a family trip to Dollywood, which led to discovering the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary — one of the first signs of just how much quiet charity Dolly built into her life's work. From there, the episode traces decades of generosity most people never knew about: the Buddy Program that helped cut her home county's high school dropout rate from 35% to 6%, the Imagination Library that has given away over 305 million free books to children worldwide, million-dollar gifts to Vanderbilt for COVID-19 and pediatric infectious disease research, and major donations to the Boys & Girls Club and the Nashville Public Library. The episode also digs into Dolly's decades-long, unflashy support of the LGBTQ+ community — from backing marriage equality and speaking out during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, to defending a fan's marriage-equality shirt at Dollywood, to her 40-year working relationship with her transgender chauffeur and later personal assistant, Jason Piero. Zach revisits some of her most quoted lines on acceptance, alongside personal memories: growing up with her music on his parents' record player, quoting Nine to Five line-for-line with friends, and the childhood memory of asking his dad to take him to see The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas . The episode closes with reflections on loss, legacy, and what it means when someone who gave so consistently — and so quietly — is no longer here to give. In this episode: Zach's personal connection to Dolly Parton, from childhood records to Dollywood The Eagle Mountain Sanctuary and how Zach discovered Dolly's charity work The Buddy Program and its dramatic effect on her home county's dropout rate Dolly Parton's Imagination Library — 305 million books and counting Major recent gifts: Vanderbilt COVID-19 and pediatric research, Boys & Girls Club, Nashville Public Library Dolly's decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy, from the AIDS crisis to marriage equality Her 40-year relationship with transgender chauffeur and assistant Jason Piero Favorite Dolly quotes on acceptance and equality Memories of Nine to Five , The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas , and growing up on her music Reflections on grief, legacy, and what Dolly leaves behind Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zach kicks off this week's Gay Bit with a full confessional recap of a Thursday night in Boston that started innocently (Mediterranean food with friends Mark, Sam, and new pal Nick) and spiraled into a seven-plus-drink evening across multiple bars. Highlights include meeting a future pansexual podcast guest at dinner, a karaoke bingo night at Cathedral Station, an awkward-but-harmless flirtation with a female Uber driver, a birthday shot for his friend Patrick, a run-in with a guy from a past Provincetown story, and a full blackout Uber ride home. The back half of the episode covers the brutal two-day hangover aftermath — throwing up, McDonald's that didn't stay down, Gatorade from his husband Andrew, and a slow climb back to feeling human by Saturday evening. Zach closes with his takeaway: no more blackout nights in his 50s, plus a shoutout to a few people from that night and a reminder to subscribe and leave a review. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.