self love

The Daddy Issue: Our Relationships With Our Dads

For many gay men, our relationship with our dad is one of the most defining- and least talked about. In this episode, we explore the nuances of our relationships with our fathers through three core questions: From there, we go deeper into family dynamics, cultural expectations, and the different expressions of love and acceptance between fathers and their gay sons. We get into physical affection between fathers and sons, how much access we give them into our lives, and the boundaries we set as adults. We also explore how these early relationships can shape the kinds of men we’re attracted to… and the patterns we carry into dating and relationships. This is a grounded, honest conversation about the often complex and layered relationship between fathers and sons.  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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“I Don’t Need Anyone”: Why Gay Men Struggle to Let Someone In

A lot of gay men take pride in being independent, self-sufficient and in control. But is there a shadow side? When the time comes to let someone in, ask for support, or even rely on others—it feels uncomfortable, exposing, even threatening. In this episode, we explore the spectrum between dependence, co-dependence, independence, hyper-independence, and interdependence—and why so many gay men get stuck at the far end of doing life alone. We talk about:  This isn’t about becoming dependent. It’s about learning how to find a happy middle ground where you can let someone in without losing yourself or pulling further away.  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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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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The Problem with Self-Love

The Problem With Self-Love

We all know self-love is important, but what happens when it goes too far in the wrong direction? In this episode, Michael DiIorio is joined by therapist Michael Pezzullo for an honest conversation about the shadow side of self-love. Together, they explore: You’ll learn about the Self-Love Spectrum, the signs of self-coddling and self-bulldozing, and how to practice a more empowering, growth-oriented version of self-love- without abandoning your need for care and compassion. Join us for an episode that will help you get honest about how you love yourself, and what real self-love actually looks like. Today’s Guest: Michael Pezzullo 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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How to Soften the Inner Critic

How to Soften the Inner Critic

In this episode, Matt speaks with author and love advocate, Scott Stabile. Together, they break down the psycho-spiritual aspects of the inner critic and how to best work with it from a place of love. If you are someone who is hard on yourself and has a tough time finding self-love and self-compassion, this episode will help you develop greater awareness of your inner critic, where self-judgment originates, and how you can start practicing more acceptance of yourself and others through presence, love, and compassion.  The concepts and questions we explore in this episode are: Today’s Guest: Scott Stabile 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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Hookup Culture and Self-Discovery

Hookup Culture and Self-Discovery

Whether you love it or hate it, hookup culture is a part of gay culture—and if you look a little closer, it just might be a powerful tool for self-discovery. In this episode, we’re diving into the real-life lessons our casual hookups taught us about confidence, boundaries, and self-love. We’re going beyond the benefits and drawbacks of hookup culture, and sharing how these experiences have shaped who we are This episode is for anyone curious about navigating hookup culture with more clarity and intentionality. Some of the topics we’ll be covering: Join us as we break down the skills that casual sex can build (yes, they’re easily transferable to other areas of life!) and how you can approach hookups in a way that feels empowered, intentional, and true to yourself. Reflection Questions in the Show: Michael’s 3 Questions (listen to the episode to learn when and how to use these!) 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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The Power Of Self-Compassion

The Power of Self-Compassion

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In this episode, we explore the profound power of self-compassion on our emotional well-being. As we share our own experiences and favorite lessons on this topic, you will discover what self-compassion truly means and practical ways to integrate it into your daily life. Some of the topics we cover in this episode: If you are looking for practical ways to process emotional pain, while acknowledging and overcoming barriers that hinder self-love and acceptance, this episode 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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Self-Love

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About Today’s Show Come spend the hour with Matt Landsiedel and Jerome Braggs to learn more about self-love. Jerome Braggs is a highly-gifted Intuitive Empath, Inspirational Speaker, Writer + Poet, and Psychopomp. He shares so eloquently with the listeners how he moved closer to wholeness and love for himself by healing shame. Jerome also shares his powerful story of a near-death experience that completely transformed him. He identifies this as being pivotal to learning what the essence of love is and how to access it more freely. Some of the questions we’re answering are: What is self love? What is the difference between self love and self worth? How come gay men seem to struggle so much with self love and self worth? What gets in the way of us loving ourselves? What are some things we can do to develop more self love? By the end of this episode, you’ll be feeling a little more connected to love and have new wisdom and tools to develop more self-love. Watch this ep on YouTube — – Connect with us – Join the private Facebook community Support us on Patreon Instagram GayMenGoingDeeper.com -— Join the Waitlist for the Gay Men Going Deeper Membership coaching community!

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