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Have you ever thought someone had your back, only to find them missing when you actually needed support? The difference between someone who says they're an ally and someone who truly shows up can be the difference between feeling safe and feeling betrayed. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community would rather deal with outright hostility than fake support because at least with hostility, you know to keep your guard up. Learning to ...

Rya marks her 10-year transition anniversary by sharing the hard-won wisdom that only comes from a decade of living authentically. These surprising discoveries reveal how to navigate the unexpected emotional challenges that no one prepares you for. How do you maintain loving relationships when everything changes? How do you find peace when letting go becomes necessary? If you're considering major life changes, supporting someo...

Does visibility truly matter when your community feels isolated? Pride Month isn't just parades in big cities—it's survival in small towns, cautious celebration in suburbs, and bold expression in urban centers. Participating in Pride activities creates ripples of change that extend far beyond June, whether by raising a flag in a town of 1,000 or showing solidarity amid opposition. Those simple acts of visibility become li...

Have you ever felt like no one else understands what you're going through? Support groups offer more than just friendly faces—they provide crucial knowledge sharing, emotional validation, and the relief of not having to explain your experiences. Finding your people doesn't have to be overwhelming.  Even if you're convinced there's no support community anywhere near you, discover five proven strategies to find or...

Have you ever feared that accepting your LGBTQ+ loved one might compromise your deeply-held values or beliefs? Many parents, relatives, and friends struggle with this exact tension, feeling forced to choose between their principles and their relationships. The truth is, you don't have to sacrifice either. Understanding the authentic, lifelong nature of LGBTQ+ identity opens a path where respect and love can flourish without re...

Mental health professional Michael Larkey joins Joe and Rya to discuss the hidden culprit behind our nagging self-criticism. Why do we feel like we're never good enough? Why do we struggle with accepting ourselves or the ones we love? Especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community, the stakes can be life-threatening. This simple but powerful approach will finally free you from the torment in your mind.

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How do we respond when politics becomes personal? Representative Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender person elected to the United States Congress. She recently gave an insightful interview with The Atlantic where she shared her thoughtful approach to navigating hostility while maintaining focus on her constituents and mission. Joe and Rya unpack her powerful message of resilience and strategic optimism - wisd...

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all. Knowing when to use silence can completely transform difficult family conversations. While silence can feel uncomfortable at first—even like surrender—it actually demonstrates remarkable strength. If you're working to keep important relationship connections despite challenging differences, the use of silence might be the relationship-saving skill you've been...

When a child comes out as LGBTQ+, parental instincts shift into "fixing" mode. We approach with good intentions, believing we know what's best. Moving from fear to freedom means releasing our vision for our children and embracing their truth. When we let go of being right and lean into being kind, both parent and child find unexpected freedom. The relationship doesn't just survive — it emerges stronger than befo...

Have you ever wondered who's truly in charge of your happiness? The real power to transform your life isn't held by external circumstances but lies within you, waiting to be reclaimed. It's time to reject conventional wisdom about where fulfillment comes from. Too many people never discover the surprising truth that our inner world determines our experience far more than our outer reality. Drawing from their unique p...

What makes a parent respond with love when their child comes out? When Rya transitioned, Joe's immediate thought wasn't about changing her—it was about preserving their relationship. His values created the foundation for unconditional acceptance. Joe shares how his faith deepened his commitment to love rather than judgment. Their strong bond didn't just survive transition—it grew stronger, offering a blueprint for pa...

Have you ever felt cornered in a conversation about LGBTQ+ issues? Too often, we find ourselves on the defensive, scrambling to respond to accusations and misconceptions. But what if you could flip the script with just four simple words? Joe and Rya reveal a powerful conversational technique that isn't about winning arguments; it's about creating space for genuine dialogue and understanding. Take control of difficult conv...

What if we could create spaces that feel so welcoming, it would get someone to drive four hours just to experience it? Martha Juillerat shares how one simple yet profound act can transform environments from merely tolerant to soul-affirming. Imagine creating a place where LGBTQ+ individuals finally feel seen, embraced, and able to breathe freely. Small gestures create those "I can be myself here" moments that change lives...

LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative religious environments often face a harrowing struggle to discern between spiritual abuse and genuine care. Recognizing the signs of toxic faith communities—such as demands for blind loyalty, prioritizing rules over people, and equating dissent with disobedience—can be life-changing for those trapped in cycles of shame and fear. Understanding how to find our "true north" amidst conflicti...

Our political climate has made it feel impossible to keep relationships with people who see the world differently than we do. But what if building bridges was easier than we think? Political differences often mask shared values underneath. But a simple refocus on our shared underlying values can transform even the most challenging conversations. Whether you're navigating difficult family dynamics or seeking to understand persp...

Transgender advocates seem to say outlandish things sometimes that seem so far outside of the realm of common sense. Do they really believe a man can become a woman? What is happening to our culture? Has woke ideology make half the population lose their minds? There must be a way for people of good faith to find our way through the conflict. In this episode, Rya presents her definition of woman to her father Joe. Together they disc...

What does it mean to be there for someone you love when you don't agree with their decision? When a child or loved one comes out as LGBTQ, it is natural to experience struggles and questions. Love doesn't mean instant agreement or abandoning your beliefs. Joe and Rya offer advice for parents seeking to preserve relationships while navigating unfamiliar territory. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance your values with you...

Internalized homophobia can feel like carrying around a weight that no one else can see. But what if you could learn to set that weight down? From grounding yourself in scientific research to mastering the "lockout" technique, Joe and Rya outline seven practical ways to cultivate your own self-acceptance. The path to authenticity opens up when we give ourselves permission to grow at our own pace. 

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What if we could worry less and live more fully? Joe and Rya explore practical strategies that help us break free from the grip of excessive worry. Most of our worries never materialize. What if we could channel that energy into activities that truly enhance our peace of mind? Create a more balanced life by mindfully choosing what to consume - from news to social media. Discover a more peaceful, positive way to live.

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