personal development

The Power of No

The Power of No

Many gay men struggle with saying no, setting boundaries, or engaging in difficult conversations due to deep-seated people-pleasing tendencies and fear of conflict. But staying silent often leads to resentment, burnout, or feeling disconnected from your true self. As recovering people-pleasers themselves, Matt and Michael have plenty to share about their own journeys toward becoming more assertive in their boundaries. In this episode, we dive into: If you’ve ever found yourself saying “yes” when you really meant “no” or avoiding confrontation at the cost of your own needs, this conversation is 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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Eroticizing Shame - Turning Pain Into Pleasure

Eroticizing Shame – Turning Pain Into Pleasure

In this episode, Matt speaks with Psychotherapist, Merle Yost, about how shame may influence sexual desire and arousal by eroticizing shame as a way of coping with it. Merle shares his story about being sexually molested by his father and the impact this had on his sexual development. Join us for this interesting topic that is often not talked about but deeply impacts many of us.  The concepts and questions we explore in this episode are: Today’s Guest: Merle Yost Today’s Host: Matt Landsiedel Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Becoming a Strong Communicator

Becoming a Strong Communicator

Communication is at the heart of every relationship—whether it’s with friends, partners, colleagues, or even yourself. But what does it actually mean to be a strong communicator? In this episode, we’re diving into the key skills that make conversations more effective, engaging, and authentic. Join us as we discuss: Whether you want to deepen your connections, set clearer boundaries, or simply get your point across without second-guessing yourself, this episode will give you insights to help you communicate with more clarity and impact. Related Link: Authentic Relating and Empowerment for Gay Men 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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DIY Sex Education for Gay Men

DIY Sex Education for Gay Men

They didn’t teach us about gay sex in school… so we had to teach ourselves. From porn to awkward trial-and-error hookups, most of us pieced together our own “education”—for better or worse. In this episode, Michael is joined by porn star turned sex educator, Patrick Marano, to talk about the sex ed we should have had, how we’ve had to create it for ourselves, and why stigma and censorship still keep gay men in the dark. Some of the topics covered in this episode: 🔹 How conventional sex education fails gay men🔹 How porn, hookups, and our peers became our teachers (for better or worse)🔹 How silence and secrecy fuel sexual shame🔹 What we’re still learning today🔹 How censorship and misinformation prevent us from getting the info we need🔹 How to take control of your own sex education Plus: Our favourite resources, communities, and channels for the sex education we actually deserve. Join Michael’s Sexual Empowerment Men’s Group 🎟 Use code GMGD to get 25% off! Today’s Guest: Patrick Marano Today’s Host: Michael DiIorio Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Level Up Your Dating Profile

Level Up Your Dating Profile

Is your dating profile truly showing the best version of you? In this episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we’re diving into the do’s and don’ts of crafting a profile that is aligned with what you’re truly looking for. On the apps, your profile is the first impression that counts so whether you’re looking for love, fun, or meaningful connections, it matters.  Some topics we’ll discuss: Tune in for tips, insights, and takeaways to help you create a profile that attracts the right matches and reflects the real you. Join Michael’s FREE one-time workshop where we’ll give your dating profile a glow up: The Dating App Glow Up 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 Can't I Stay Hard

Why Can’t I Stay Hard? Diving into the Psychology of Erectile Dysfunction

In this episode, Matt speaks with men’s coach Shay Doran about the psychology and mindset of erectile dysfunction. Did you know that some research indicates that gay men experience a higher rate of erection problems compared to straight men? This episode unpacks the reasons gay men experience erection problems and how to overcome them. If you struggle with erection issues or performance anxiety and feel ashamed and alone, then this episode can help you feel less alone and see a way out of the suffering. The concepts and questions we explore in this episode are: Related Links: Shay Matt Today’s Guest: Shay Doran Today’s Host: Matt Landsiedel Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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Addiction to Hook-up and Dating Apps

Addiction to Hook-up and Dating Apps

Join us as we take a deep dive into the impact of dating apps on both our personal lives and the gay community at large. We get candid about how these apps have shaped our experience of dating and relating with other guys. From mindless swiping and ghosting to feeling used and disconnected, we explore the darker side of app culture while offering practical tips to create healthier, more positive experiences on dating apps. Tune in for discussions on: Whether you’re a fan of the apps or ready to delete them altogether, this episode will inspire you to reflect on how they fit into your love life and community connections. Mentioned in this Episode: 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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Empowered Bottoms

Empowered Bottoms

Bottoming is more than just a position. It’s time to flip the script on the old, tired narrative that bottoms are the passive or submissive partners.  In this episode we’re celebrating all things bottom and introducing the concept of the Empowered Bottom—someone who owns their pleasure, sets boundaries, and takes charge of the experience, whether they’re submissive, bossy, or anywhere in between. We’ll be talking about: Join us for an episode that challenges sexual norms and subverts stereotypes within gay culture.  Related Link: Sexual Empowerment 101 Men’s Group (starting April 3) Today’s Guest: Pepper Rojas Today’s Host: Michael DiIorio 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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Why Gay Men Struggle in Romantic Relationships

Why Gay Men Struggle in Romantic Relationships

In this episode, Matt speaks with therapist and author Tom Bruett about the struggles many gay men face with romantic relationships. Together they share decades of experience when it comes to understanding the relational challenges faced by gay men. From toxic shame to developmental trauma, they unpack what causes these challenges and how to start healing and empowering ourselves in our relationships.  If you are someone who struggles in your romantic relationships with intimacy, vulnerability or codependency, this episode was created with you in mind. This is an excellent episode if you’re seeking guidance in relationship challenges, but it will also help you feel less alone in struggling with two of the most challenging things about being human; emotions and relationships.  The questions explored in this episode: Related Link: Today’s Guest: Tom Bruett Today’s Host: Matt Landsiedel Support the Show – viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes – CONNECT WITH US – – LEARN WITH US –

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