intimacy

How to Elevate Your Hookups

Hookups get a bad rap as shallow, transactional, or disconnected. But what if they could actually become a space for growth, awareness, and real connection? In this episode, we’re advocating for shift from default, unconscious hookups  to something more intentional, honest, and grounded. We explore how hookup culture can either reinforce negative patterns or become a powerful mirror for your patterns, desires, boundaries, and capacity for intimacy. We talk about: This isn’t about judging hookup culture or pretending it should be something it’s not. It’s about raising the standard of how you show up—so even casual encounters can feel aligned, present, and real. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Let’s Play! When Did Life Stop Being Fun?

At what point did life stop being fun? As kids, play came naturally. We were curious, spontaneous, and fully present. But for many adults, especially gay men who grew up navigating shame and self-consciousness, play slowly disappears. Responsibility takes over. Image matters more. We try to be cool. And somewhere along the way, joy gets replaced with pressure, performance, and productivity. In this episode, we explore why so many adults lose their playful side and why reconnecting with it can be one of the most powerful ways to reclaim joy, authenticity, and connection. Some of the things we cover in this conversation are: If life has started to feel heavy, serious, or overly effortful, this episode is a reminder that play is not childish. It may be one of the most important ingredients in a meaningful life. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Why Gay Men Are Talking About Heated Rivalry

Gay Men Going Deeper has never done an episode about a TV show before. There’s a reason we did this one. Heated Rivalry isn’t just popular. It landed at a very specific cultural moment for gay men, and the response to it points to something bigger than whether people liked the plot. In this off-the-cuff conversation, Michael and Matt explore why this story resonated so strongly, what emotional needs it taps into, and why certain depictions of gay love, sex, courage, and intimacy feel especially potent right now. This isn’t a recap or a review. It’s a conversation about why some stories carry more weight than others, and how paying attention to your reaction can become an opportunity to understand yourself more deeply. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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How to Thrive in the Culture of Body Perfection

How to Thrive in the Culture of Body Perfection

From the gym to social media, gay men are constantly surrounded by images of the “ideal” body. But what does all this perfection chasing actually cost us? In this episode, we explore how body perfection culture impacts gay men on a deeper level: from belonging and self-worth to intimacy and identity. We open up about our own journeys with body image— how we’ve moved from obsession to acceptance, where it still sneaks in today, and what we’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear us unpack: If you’ve ever felt like a “perfect” body will earn you love, attention, or belonging, this one’s for you. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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How to Open Your Heart to Receive Love

How to Open Your Heart to Receive Love

We all say we want love… but are we actually open to receiving it? In this episode, we’re going deeper into what it really means to open your heart. From the subtle subconscious programming that keeps love at arm’s length to the sneaky ways we self-sabotage, we’re unpacking the hidden barriers that make intimacy feel unsafe (even when we crave it most). You’ll learn: If you find yourself pushing love away, deflecting compliments, or find yourself stuck in patterns that keep intimacy just out of reach—this one’s for you. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Lone Wolf Energy

Lone Wolf Energy

Some of us didn’t choose to become lone wolves—we were shaped into them. Many gay men have learned to rely only on themselves, and while that self-sufficiency can feel empowering, it often comes at the cost of connection and intimacy. In this personal and vulnerable episode, Michael and Matt open up about their own lone wolf energy—where it comes from, how it’s served them, and the moments when it became more isolating than empowering. Together, we’re unpacking: Whether you identify as a lone wolf or love someone who does, this episode will help you navigate the delicate balance between fierce independence and meaningful connection. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Is Monogamy Dead?

Is Monogamy Dead?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the dynamics of monogamy in gay relationships. From unpacking the myths and stigmas surrounding monogamy to exploring the concept of devotion and intimacy, we’re challenging assumptions and offer fresh perspectives. Some of the things we discuss: Whether you’re in a monogamous relationship, considering one, or simply curious about the topic, tune in for a thoughtful discussion that blends personal stories, cultural observations, and practical advice for navigating gay relationships. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Friends with Intimacy

Friends with Intimacy

What happens when friendship and intimacy collide? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we’re exploring the nuanced dynamics of friends with benefits (FWB) and friends with intimacy (FWI). But what happens when emotions sneak in, boundaries blur, or feelings start to change? We’ll discuss: As always, we’ll be sharing our personal experiences—yes, even the times it didn’t go as planned. Whether you’re navigating an FWB situation or just curious about relational dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build connection structures that work for you. Today’s Hosts: Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Another “Failed” Relationship (Navigating Gay Dating)

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In this episode Matt speaks with Indie Author and Counselor, Jonathan Lee about dating as a gay man. Jonathan wrote his debut book 40 Single Gay where he over-shares his experience in the hostile gay dating world and what he learned about himself through the process. Matt and Jonathan unpack everything from hookup culture and non-monogamy, to intimacy and how to get our emotional needs met as gay men.  Here are some of the concepts they explored in this episode: If you find yourself lonely and frustrated with the gay dating scene and hook up apps, this episode may be just what you need. Don’t miss this episode!🎙️📺 Today’s Hosts: Jonathan Lee:Instagram Matt Landsiedel:InstagramWebsite Watch this ep on YouTube – Connect with us – Join the private Facebook community including access to monthly group Zoom calls Take our “Building Better Relationships” course Take our “Healing Your Shame” course Coaching Collection – Get lifetime access to 2 courses, 45 coaching videos, and 2 workshop series Follow us on Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes

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