Getting Close

Getting Close is an intimate exploration of how we connect, love, and build relationships in the modern world. Each week, host Aidan Wharton sits down with culture-shaping voices to give you practical insights from honest conversations about relationships, Queerness, sex, connection, and community. gettingclosepod.substack.com

PRIDE SHOW with Ben Greene - on How to Make New Friends, Finding Joy & Whimsy, & What Pride Means in 2026 06/23/2026

PRIDE SHOW with Ben Greene - on How to Make New Friends, Finding Joy & Whimsy, & What Pride Means in 2026 HAPPY PRIDE! This is the last episode before we take our summer break, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this one with you. It’s perfect for Pride, perfect for summer, perfect for friendship, and perfect for you! In this episode, Ben and I talk about how happiness is different from joy, but joy is what keeps us going, why you should fight in a British accent, whimsy, new friendship, Pride as a mile marker, and how we’re navigating our budding new friendship. After coming out at 15 in a small town, Ben Greene has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience. Whether it's for NASA, Johnson & Johnson, or over 200 PFLAG chapters, Ben leads with joy. He is the author of the Substack "Good Queer News", as well as the book "My Child is Trans, Now What? A Joy Centered Approach to Support". He has been nominated for a GLAAD media award and is passionate about leading with joy and educating others from a place of compassion—no matter where they’re starting from. In this episode, we get curious about: How pride is a mile marker that we have the honor of passing by Why you should fight in a British accent Concrete ways to bring more whimsy into your life How he and I are navigating our own new friendship Ben’s brilliant two similarities tip on where to find new friends Why you may not always be able to choose happiness, but you can always choose joy And how we stay hopeful in these trying times Links Good Queer News: Ben on IG: Aidan on IG: Getting Close on IG: Chapters (00:00) Celebrating Pride and Connection (02:49) The Meaning of Pride (06:00) Joy vs. Happiness (08:48) Joy as a Tool for Resistance (11:58) Building Connections and Community (14:46) Navigating Vulnerability and Earnestness (18:01) Creating Whimsy in Relationships (29:35) Habit Stacking with Joy (34:23) The Paradox of Choice (38:56) Finding Hope in Despair (45:55) Embracing Discomfort for Growth (52:50) The Power of Community and Change /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41511385

Gay Shame Researcher - on the Male Gaze, Sex with Your Friends, and how Compulsive Dating is Actually a Shame Response 06/16/2026

Love & Connection Expert - on Why Gay Dating Feels so Hard, Modern Relations & Hinge's 2026 LGBTQ DATE Report 06/09/2026

Love & Connection Expert - on Why Gay Dating Feels so Hard, Modern Relations & Hinge's 2026 LGBTQ DATE Report If you’re fed up with modern dating, this episode is for you. In it you and I sit down with Hinge’s Love & Connection Expert Moe Ari Brown to bring you actionable data from Hinge’s 2026 LGBTQ+ D.A.T.E. Report! We talk about what dating looks like in 2026, why dating feels so hard for so many gay men, what the data can tell us to make dating easier, what people are actually looking for in relationships these days, and so much more. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience helping people build genuine, lasting relationships. Moe has worked with people across all identities on their journey to love themselves and establish meaningful connections. He also serve as a Diversity & Equity Consultant. Moe graduated from Northwestern University with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy. His insights have been featured in publications including , , , and . We Get Curious About The biggest trends in LGBTQ dating in 2026 Why daters are looking for clarity above all else in dating What it means to date by showing, not telling The surprising ways uncertainty about the world is affecting all of our relationships Why reliability is the #1 thing gay men look for in dating and how to ask for it The ideal amount of time you should spend on the apps before you ask to meet up IRL What your digital body language says about you to prospective dates What long term and open relationships can glean from this data, too Links Hinge’s 2026 LGBTQ+ Date Report: Moe on IG: Moe on Substack: Aidan on IG: Getting Close on IG: The Sexual Health Alliance: Chapters (00:00) Navigating Relationship Strain in Uncertain Times (02:50) Understanding the Role of Clarity in Relationships (05:49) The Impact of Emotional Safety on Connections (09:02) Insights from Hinge's LGBTQ+ Dating Report (11:52) The Shift Towards 'Show, Don't Tell' Dating (15:03) Embracing Vulnerability in Dating (18:11) Whimsy and Fun in Modern Dating (20:54) Building Connections Beyond the First Date (24:12) The Importance of Consistency in Relationships (28:19) Understanding PDA Preferences in LGBTQ+ Relationships (30:03) Navigating Reliability in Modern Dating (31:56) Optimizing Dating Profiles for Success (34:06) Rekindling Laughter in Long-Term Relationships (36:25) The Importance of Clarity in Relationships (39:41) Emotional Safety and Relationship Dynamics (41:50) Communication in Open Relationships (44:31) The Role of Early Relationships in Shaping Love (46:17) Seeking Emotional Safety in Uncertain Times (53:22) Building Community and Connection /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41511225

Steven Rowley - on Gay Aging, Reinvention, and Aliens! 06/02/2026

Steven Rowley - on Gay Aging, Reinvention, and Aliens! If you’ve ever felt behind in life, like you aren’t quite measuring up to your peers, or perhaps you have no clue what you’re doing. If that’s the case, this is the episode for you. In this episode, Steven Rowley and I sit down to discuss his incredible career and how he became a bestselling author after he turned 45. We unpack what it felt like to take that leap of faith and why it’s never too late to reorient your life and start chasing your dreams. We also get vulnerable about the challenges of long-term relationships, our relationships to aging, and what it really means to be a role model in a post-AIDS world. Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, The Editor, The Guncle, The Celebrants, The Guncle Abroad, The Dogs of Venice, and Take Me With You. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College and currently resides in Palm Springs with his husband, the writer Byron Lane, and three rescue dogs. Links Steven’s Books: Steven on IG: Aidan on IG: Getting Close on IG: Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Reinvention and Second Chances (02:49) The Journey of Coming Out and Embracing Identity (06:09) The Path to Becoming a Writer (09:00) Navigating Relationships and Loneliness (11:54) The Challenges of Long-Term Relationships (15:08) The Leap of Faith into Writing (18:00) Aging and Its Perception in Society (20:51) Exploring Themes of Grief and Relationships in Writing (28:45) The Role of Humor in Grief and Reinvention (30:07) Navigating Grief and Creative Validation (32:19) The Importance of Intergenerational Friendships (34:11) Crushes and Their Significance in Relationships (36:03) The Intersection of Personal Life and Creative Work (37:56) Evolving Perspectives on Marriage and Relationships (40:14) The Impact of Online Discourse on Relationships (42:09) The Artist’s Relationship with Their Work (45:24) Advice for Aspiring Authors (47:15) Being a Role Model Through Visibility (49:24) The Power of Storytelling in Building Empathy (49:54) Community and Connection in the Digital Age /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41503200

Gay Money Expert — How the Gays Afford Their Trips, Surprising Side Hustles, and Shame Spending 05/26/2026

Gay Money Expert — How the Gays Afford Their Trips, Surprising Side Hustles, and Shame Spending If you're constantly worrying about money and wondering how you're going to make it through the summer without maxing out your cards, this episode's for you. In it, I sit down with finance guru Nick Wolny, author of Money Proud, as he teaches you and me his seven words to generate wealth. We also explore how shame makes us spend beyond our means, why Grindr is designed to make you so miserable, the unique ways LGBTQ folks interact with money, why you need to stop shopping on Instagram, and why investing is the key to building wealth. NICK WOLNY is a finance author and editor. He writes about money, behavior, queer culture, and how they intertwine, usually via his email newsletter Financialicious. Nick is the finance columnist for Out magazine and has provided on-air commentary for CNN, Good Morning America, and others. His first book, Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your Future, was published with HarperCollins and recommended by The New York Times. We Get Curious About: How consumerism was invented to make you feel like sh*t about yourself How LGBT folks are much more likely to overspend Why gig work isn't the long-term side hustle we hope it is Nick's number one tip to start turning your money around How the gays afford all their lavish trips How Grindr's bugs are all part of their plan to make you miserable Links Money Proud by Nick Wolney: Nick on IG: Aidan on IG: Getting Close on IG: Wealthfront Investing App - https://www.wealthfront.com Acorns Investment App - https://www.acorns.com Weapon-Free Funds - Prison-Free Funds - Chapters (00:00) Introduction and Gratitude (02:53) Understanding Money Stress in the LGBTQ+ Community (05:48) The Emotional Side of Spending (09:06) Thought Patterns and Financial Literacy (12:09) The Seven Word Plan for Wealth (14:53) Budgeting and Intentional Spending (17:43) Consumerism and Identity (20:59) The Impact of Advertising on Spending Behavior (26:16) The Economics of Dating Apps (28:04) Exploring Income Opportunities (32:25) The Importance of Multiple Income Streams (33:20) Investing for the Future (39:41) Navigating Ethical Investing (41:58) Community and Connection in Finances /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41425680

Lesbian Bar Historian — on Windows as Protest, Queer Bar Gentrification, and How You Can Save Them 05/19/2026

Lesbian Bar Historian — on Windows as Protest, Queer Bar Gentrification, and How You Can Save Them If a gay bar you love has ever shut down, you must listen to this episode. In this episode, Rachel Karp and I get into her incredible road trip where she visited every lesbian bar in the country with her wife and best friend. She takes us on a tour of Queer bar history, complete with a legal fight to wear pants, how windows are actually a sign of progress, the difference between blue state bars and red, how bars are changing to keep up with the times, and four ways you can actually help your favorite queer bar today. RACHEL KARP is a writer and producer who has worked across podcasts, TV, film, theater, and digital media. The co-creator and producer of the award-winning documentary podcast Cruising, she has also supported series for LinkedIn News, Paramount+, A&E, and Oxygen. She holds a bachelor's degree in theater and English from Skidmore College. We Get Curious About: * How queer bars sometimes start the gentrification that eventually kills them * Why queer bars in Oklahoma have better communities than the ones in New York * Why queer bars with windows are a signal of radical progress * Who gets to exist in Queer bars? * How her podcast helped open a new Queer bar in Massachusetts * Four unique ways you can save the Queer bars you love! Links Pre-Order The Lesbian Bar Chronicles: Cruising Podcast: https://cruisingpod.com Rachel on IG: Cruising on IG: Aidan on IG: Getting Close on IG: Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Queer Spaces and Their Importance (03:17) The Journey of Chronicling Lesbian Bars (07:53) Experiences in Queer Bars Across the Country (12:27) The Significance of Community in Queer Spaces (14:48) Historical Impact of Queer Bars (18:55) Adapting to Modern Times: The Evolution of Queer Bars (22:55) Inclusivity in Queer Spaces: A Double Standard? (25:41) Navigating Identity and Community in Queer Bars (26:39) Exploring Queer Spaces in Red States (29:05) The Impact of Gentrification on Queer Bars (32:56) Supporting and Sustaining Queer Spaces (39:31) The Future of Queer Bars and Community (46:50) Preserving Queer History and Spaces This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364560

Gay Bulge Expert (on Performance Anxiety, Holetox, & Sexting Pitfalls) 05/12/2026

Gay Bulge Expert (on Performance Anxiety, Holetox, & Sexting Pitfalls) If you've ever avoided sex because you were scared of what might happen, this episode is for you. In this episode, nurse aesthetician and founder of Lushful Aesthetics, Chris Bustamante, and I explore all things dick-related. We get into why performance anxiety happens, what your testosterone is doing in your body, how your porn habits might be affecting sex, and why your sexting habits might need to change. CHRIS BUSTAMANTE is an aesthetic nurse practitioner and received his doctorate of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. Chris specializes in aesthetic treatments and utilizes both his knowledge of medicine and passion for aesthetics to deliver effective treatments from top to bottom that help his patients feel more confident about their appearance. Chris cares deeply about education and has built a following by sharing informative and engaging content about Lushful Aesthetics procedures, his clinic, which helps educate people on the world of aesthetic procedures and promotes a deeper understanding of the process behind these treatments. We unpack: * ✊Why you're probably gripping your 🍆 too hard when you're watching porn. * 🌶️Why you might be s*xting 'too hard' * 😫Why bottoming without preparation is making sex painful. * 💪🏼Why you can stop worrying about your testosterone levels. * 😌What your body is trying to tell you when you get soft. Links * Chris on IG: * Lushful Aesthetics: * Splash Blanket: * Aidan on IG: * Getting Close on IG: Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Vulnerability and Connection (03:18) Exploring Sexual Shame and Anxiety (05:14) Understanding Masculinity and Performance (08:25) The Role of Testosterone in Sexual Health (11:40) Differentiating Between Performance Anxiety and ED (13:33) Rewiring Experiences and Overcoming Anxiety (20:02) The Impact of Porn on Sexual Expectations (25:58) Navigating Vulnerability in Sexual Encounters (28:21) Navigating Online Communication and Expectations (31:09) Understanding Gooning Culture and Its Effects (34:55) Exploring Performance Anxiety and Alternatives (38:39) The Role of Holetox in Enhancing Comfort (41:59) Body Image and Sexual Health Insights (46:51) The Importance of Connection and Community This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41324185

3 Lessons To Make You Happier with JP Brammer 05/05/2026

3 Lessons To Make You Happier with JP Brammer If you're tired of all the noise and want three simple tips to find a little more happiness, this is the episode for you. Today, you and I are sitting down with JP Brammer as he reveals three lessons that are making him genuinely happier right now. We learn how to ask for what you need, why you need to wash your thoughts like dishes, why you might feel lonely in a group of gays, the corrosive effects of comfort, and how to really trust what's best for you. John Paul Brammer is an award-winning writer and artist from Lawton, Oklahoma, currently based in Brooklyn. His memoir-in-essays, ¡Hola Papi!, was published in 2021, and is based on his popular advice column of the same name. His bylines include The New Yorker, The New York times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times. He is working on his second and third books. We explore: * Why hell is the Fire Island house next door * How a 1700s Swedish mystic can grant you a day pass to heaven * How Buzzfeed personality quizzes created a generation of anxiety * Why the Spotify CEO considers silence his biggest competitor and what that means for your brain * The one piece of advice every gay person needs Links * * * * * Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Connection and Happiness (03:07) Navigating Advice and Autonomy (06:02) The Journey of an Advice Giver (08:50) Lessons from Vulnerable Communities (11:59) Embracing Your Authentic Self (14:55) The Importance of Asking (18:06) The Role of Spirituality in Connection (20:57) Communities and Personal Growth (27:45) The Complexity of Community and Loneliness (28:42) The Quality of Thoughts and Mental Hygiene (30:39) Influence of Social Media on Thought Patterns (33:31) The Value of Silence and Stillness (36:25) Cruelty and Its Cost on Mental Health (38:46) Trusting Your Intuition and Recognizing Discomfort (41:32) The Illusion of Comfort and Its Consequences (43:31) Navigating Discomfort in Relationships (45:52) Advice for Future Self and Creative Projects (52:36) Community Connections and Personal Growth This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41324190

Bi Sex Columnist: How Rejection Leads to Sexual Shame 04/28/2026

Gay Political Strategist: How to Talk Politics At Brunch 04/21/2026

Gay Political Strategist: How to Talk Politics At Brunch If you've turned off the news and feel guilty about it, this episode's for you. In today's episode, you and I are getting close with Brian Derrick. We discuss the complexities of political engagement, why we're all politically burnt out, why liberals keep losing, and how to turn politics from a hobby to an actionable lifestyle. Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist, and – a civic tech platform transforming political giving. He has consulted on campaigns from city council to president – most notably for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marti Gould Cummings (NYC City Council). Derrick is also a leader in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore: * Why you need to fight with your friends * When it's okay to stop injesting the news. * Why your state senate donation matters more than your presidential one * How to tell if you've turned politics into a hobby * The real reason liberals keep losing. Before You Go * Please , , and the show! * And it with someone who you think might enjoy it. That's the best way you can help us grow! Links! Follow Brian: Check Out Oath: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: Follow on Youtube: Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Political Engagement (02:17) Understanding Political Burnout (06:03) The Role of Data in Politics (10:16) Taking Action Beyond Knowledge (14:10) Navigating News Consumption (19:54) Long-Term Political Planning (24:32) Building Coalitions Through Disagreement (27:23) Navigating Difficult Conversations (30:21) The Importance of Engaging in Disagreements (33:42) Deciding to Win: Taking Action in Politics (37:04) Leveraging Resources for Political Change (41:21) Finding Hope in Local Elections (45:36) Cultivating Positivity in Political Discourse (47:05) The Role of Voting in Civic Duty (49:24) Curiosity and Connection in Community (52:40) Empowerment and Enacting Change This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364565

Sexual Liberation Therapist (on Reconnecting with Your Body and Desire) 04/14/2026

Sexual Liberation Therapist (on Reconnecting with Your Body and Desire) If you're feeling overstimulated and disconnected, this episode's for you. In it, we connect with Keanu Jackson, a sex therapist, to explore the complexities of desire, consent, and online sexuality in our modern world. Keanu Jackson is a Brooklyn, NY-based Sex Therapist, Content Creator, & Founder of Homebody Psychotherapy, a therapy practice that centers on supporting queer folks in building more nurturing relationships with their bodies. Keanu uses his experiences as a queer, Black man, sex worker, and survivor as a bridge to support others on their healing journeys. In this episode, we explore: * How to reconnect with your body through curiosity * Why sexual liberation might mean having less sex. * What you consent to by entering gay spaces. * How race impacts sexual dynamics and what we can do about it. * Keanu's surprising recommendation for safer sex. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Connection and Self-Discovery (01:52) The Impact of Personal Loss on Relationships (06:06) Exploring Sexuality and Identity in 2026 (08:50) Understanding Consent in Modern Culture (12:08) Navigating Boundaries and Personal Safety (14:59) The Intersection of Digital Presence and Sexuality (20:59) Racism and Its Impact on Sexual Identity (26:24) Navigating Sexual Spaces: Race and Entitlement (30:12) The Importance of Acknowledging Racial Dynamics (33:54) Unspoken Assumptions in Queer Spaces (36:46) Building Self-Security and Curiosity (41:10) Exploring Sexual Compatibility and Connection (47:29) Curiosity in Black Diasporic Sexual Practices (50:40) Creating Community and Connection Before You Go! * Please subscribe, rate, and review the show! * And share it with someone who you think might enjoy it. That's the best way you can help us grow! Follow Along! Follow Keanu: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: Follow on Youtube: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364570

Poly-Kink Therapist: Have this Conversation & Forever Change How You Communicate 04/07/2026

Poly-Kink Therapist: Have this Conversation & Forever Change How You Communicate Today's episode will change how you communicate. How do I know? Because it changed how I did. In this episode, I sit down with Ruffus, affectionately known on socials as the Poly-Kink Therapist, to discuss communication, sexual agency, and the vital lessons we can learn from the kink community. If you've ever had scripts in your head that tell you what you can and can't ask for, what is and is not allowed, get ready to finally claim your power and transform the way you communicate with me and Ruffus. We explore: * How to reclaim your agency through better communication * How to create a container conversation and why it will change your relationships forever. * The three things you must ask about when opening your relationship. * How the pup community can teach us to be more accepting. * How to navigate differences in sex or libido. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Vulnerability and Connection (02:24) Navigating Difficult Conversations (06:50) Understanding Kink and Agency (10:38) Finding Community and Safety (14:55) Unlearning Expectations in Relationships (19:12) Creating a Safe Container for Conversations (27:19) Navigating Communication in Relationships (29:44) Exploring Kink and Freedom (31:39) The Journey of Self-Discovery in Kink (36:23) Understanding Consent and Expectations (40:48) Navigating Sexual Incompatibilities (44:32) The Importance of Communication in Non-Monogamy (49:59) Common Kink Misunderstandings and Mistakes (52:48) Community and Acceptance in Kink Spaces Follow Along Follow Ruffus: https://www.instagram.com/thepolykink.therapist Follow Aidan: https://www.instagram.com/aidanwharton Follow Getting Close: https://www.instagram.com/gettingclosepod Follow on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gettingclosepod This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41324200

My Husband & Broadway Star: How to Break the Patterns Holding You Back 03/31/2026

My Husband & Broadway Star: How to Break the Patterns Holding You Back If you have a little voice in the back of your mind saying, you should really break that habit, this episode is for you. We all have coping mechanisms that help us get through the day, but when do we know if those coping mechanisms have turned into unhealthy patterns, and if so, how can we break them? In this episode, my husband Casey (and y'all's most requested return guest) sits back down with me for a deeply intimate and vulnerable conversation about his last year breaking patterns of addiction. We unpack: * How to let go of the patterns that no longer serve you * The differences between habits, coping mechanisms, and unhealthy patterns * Why your journey with substances doesn't have to look like anyone else's. * How to support a partner who is dismantling their relationship with substances * How to find joy in sobriety through new rituals and experiences. * The most surprising things we've both learned as we stopped drinking. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Connection and Coping Mechanisms (02:54) Celebrating Six Months Alcohol-Free (05:40) Understanding Patterns vs. Habits (10:04) Exploring Early Coping Mechanisms (16:44) The Impact of Substances on Life (21:54) Navigating Social Drinking and Isolation (26:38) Navigating Loneliness and Community Needs (28:05) The Journey to Sobriety: A Personal Reflection (31:51) Breaking Patterns: The Role of Substances in Coping (36:01) Emotional Breakthroughs: The Impact of Isolation (39:46) Supporting Partners Through Change (43:02) Surprising Positives: Finding Joy in Sobriety (45:58) Messages of Hope: Embracing Change and Growth (50:17) Curiosity and Connection: Engaging with Community Follow Along! Follow Casey: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: Send us a comment or question at: hellogettingclose@gmail.com! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364575

Gay Ass Podcast Host: The Gay Ass Art of A Good Question 03/24/2026

Trans Thought Leader: The Complex Politics of Being a Man 03/17/2026

Gay Intimacy Researcher: The Hidden Rules of Hookup Culture 03/10/2026

Gay Intimacy Researcher: The Hidden Rules of Hookup Culture How has the internet changed gay s*x, consent, and intimacy? In this episode, Andrew Restieri joins me to discuss the complexities of digital intimacy within gay culture. We discuss how everyone has differing rules about consent, the economy of nude photos, who owns a nude once it's sent, the rise of hookup apps, and how they affect our in-person experiences. Andrew Restieri is a PhD candidate at Cornell whose research broadly centers on the use of digital technology to facilitate online communities, especially for queer people. His dissertation examines the online sexual practices of gay men and how those practices challenge conventional understandings of intimacy and consent. He also holds a master's from Johns Hopkins University and a BA from Northwestern. We unpack: 🟡 The "economy of nudes" that exists in gay culture. 🟡 Why consent online is almost impossible to define. 🟡 The uncomfortable question: who owns a nude once it's sent? 🟡 Why digital intimacy and real-life intimacy may now be the same thing. 🟡 The surprising reason some men send unsolicited nudes. 🟡 The real question behind every app interaction: what do we owe each other? If you've ever taken a nude, this episode's for you. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:40) Connection Questions and Personal Insights (04:40) Research Focus: Gay Men's Digital Practices (07:52) Understanding Consent and Privacy in Digital Spaces (10:08) The Economy of Nudes: Value and Exchange (12:56) Digital vs. In-Person Intimacy: A Blurred Line (15:45) Impact of Hookup Apps on Gay Male Intimacy (18:36) Consent and Boundaries in Digital Interactions (21:12) The Politics of Ownership and Consent (24:32) Navigating Consent in a Diverse Landscape (26:57) Class Politics and Digital Intimacy (33:15) Navigating Boundaries in Gay Digital Spaces (39:24) The Role of Digital Tools in Gay Connections (44:40) Flirting and Intimacy in the Modern Age (47:10) Curiosities and Community Connections Follow Along! Follow Andrew: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364590

Poly-Queer Therapist: How Your Discomfort is Key to Happier Relationships 03/03/2026

Poly-Queer Therapist: How Your Discomfort is Key to Happier Relationships What if I told you discomfort was the secret to better relationships? In this episode, Rachel Wright joins me to talk about the fascinating way that discomfort can help you have better relationships of any structure. We explore the nuances of modern friendship, letting people down, secret patterns running our relationships, monogamy unlearnings, and the unique way gay couples are more likely to be open vs. poly. Rachel Wright is a distinguished psychotherapist and renowned speaker with expertise in modern relationships, mental health, and sex. With a Master's Degree in clinical psychology, Rachel has worked with thousands of clients worldwide and has been featured in , Rachel currently lives in New York City with her wife and two kids. We unpack: * How to let people down healthily * What gay couples need to do to practice openness better * How ingrained patterns shape shapes the way we love * How non-monogamy can show up in our youth before we have language for it * Whether or not nonmonogamy is a orientation or a preference * And how expanding our distress tolerance can change the way we approach openness Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:28) Exploring Healthy Communication in Relationships (14:37) The Journey to Becoming a Therapist (17:53) Reflections on Non-Monogamy and Youth Experiences (22:42) Core Beliefs About Relationships and Non-Monogamy (25:00) Unlearning Monogamy and Embracing Discomfort (27:19) Navigating Discomfort in Relationships (29:42) Understanding Non-Monogamy as an Orientation (32:27) Timing and Trust in Non-Monogamous Conversations (34:22) Unpacking Emotional Scripts in Non-Monogamy (37:45) Language and Representation in Non-Monogamous Relationships (42:45) Emotional Depth in Gay Relationships (45:11) Building Distress Tolerance in Non-Monogamy (48:52) Exploring Non-Monogamous Literature (51:39) Celebrating Diverse Relationships and Community Follow Along! Follow Rachel: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364600

Queer Broadway Author: How Queer Storytelling Can Change You 02/24/2026

Gay Relationship Coach: If You're Feeling Stuck with Dating, Listen to This! 02/17/2026

Gay Relationship Coach: If You're Feeling Stuck with Dating, Listen to This! Are you fed up with modern dating? In this episode, that's not just for singles, Trevor Kuhn discusses the challenges of modern courtship, why conflict is essential for relationships, the pitfalls of AI in dating, and why expectations are keeping you single. Trevor Kuhn is a love and relationship coach and matchmaker for gay and queer men. He helps them shift old patterns and build deeper, more intentional connections through 1-on-1 coaching, group workshops, engaging social content, and live events. He explains: 🟡 Simple steps to talk to people in person again. 🟡 Why conflict is essential in any relationship. 🟡 How expectations are the #1 thing keeping folks single. 🟡 Why you should delete Grindr. 🟡 The essential work you must do before and during a relationship. P.S. The easiest way for you to get involved: If you haven't already, please take 20 seconds to rate and review us on , , and/or ! It really is the most helpful thing you can do besides listening and telling your friends! Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:25) How Trev Became A Relationship Coach (10:05) First Date Tips (11:46) Unique Challenges of Modern Gay Dating (14:38) Why Vulnerability is Essential in Dating (16:52) Practical Pick-Up Tips (21:34) How Trev Found Love Through Instagram (25:03) Why You Should Delete Grindr (28:16) AI in Dating Apps (32:07) Our Speed Dating Experience (37:29) How To Prepare for Relationships (38:27) Why You Should Ask Your Friends About Relationships (39:01) Cultivating Belonging and Personal Growth (40:49) Values and Communication in Relationships (43:11) Navigating Conflict and Communication Styles (44:28) Curiosity and Connection in Loneliness (47:10) Community and Collective Action Follow Along! Follow Trevor: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364610

My Husband: How to Build an Open Relationship That Works 02/10/2026

Top Epstein Investigator: How to Find The Truth and Build Community Through Independent Journalism! 02/03/2026

Top Epstein Investigator: How to Find The Truth and Build Community Through Independent Journalism! Top Epstein Investigator ELLIE LEONARD explains how she dissects every page of the Epstein files, how she balances being a parent amidst the chaos, and how she builds a community of like-minded truth seekers that YOU can be a part of. Ellie Leonard is an author, editor, small-business owner, and contributor for Blue Amp Media. Recently, she's made a name for herself as she pores over every document in the Epstein Files with the incredible community she's built on Substack. On this episode, we get into: * The importance of community in uncovering the truth. * How AI and social media have disrupted traditional media. * How to re-engage with the news by finding voices you trust. * How to find common ground in political discussions. * Essential Tips for Online Security. * And how hope and optimism can coexist within today's harsh reality. P.S. The easiest way for you to get involved: If you haven't already, please take 20 seconds to rate and review us on , , and/or ! It really is the most helpful thing you can do besides listening and telling your friends! Chapters (00:00) Introduction (04:52) Ellie's Unexpected Path to Epstein (08:07) Raising Politically Aware Children (10:00) Balancing Work and Family Life (14:50) Democratizing Investigative Journalism (18:23) How You Can Get Involved (20:08) What's In The New Files (21:47) Finding The Receipts & Catching Their Lies (23:51) How Epstein Connects to Minneapolis (26:19) How to Start Tuning In Again (28:27) Conversations Across Political Lines (30:25) Why Aidan Gets Scared of Asking Questions (33:40) How America Comes Together Again (35:54) Check Out These Independent Journalists (39:46) Must-Know Tips to Stay Safe Online (TikTok & Ring Cameras) (44:47) Ending with Hope & Optimism (47:26) Ellie's 3C's (48:32) The Trans Festival in Ellie's Hometown (50:55) Outro Follow Along! Follow Ellie: Follow Aidan: Follow Getting Close: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364620

Historic Tony Award Winner: How to Balance Faith and Queerness with Joy 01/27/2026

Sex & Relationships Expert: How to Connect Better in Bed & in Life 01/20/2026

Sex & Relationships Expert: How to Connect Better in Bed & in Life Hi friends, and welcome back to Getting Close! The response from y'all this whole past week has been so beautifully moving. Thank you to everyone who reached out, shared, Restacked, reviewed, etc. As I wrote , putting something like this out into the world is so vulnerable, and you all have lifted me up in the most encouraging way. I really think this project is going to do incredible things, and I can't wait to continue building it with you. The easiest way for you to get involved: If you haven't already, please take 20 seconds to rate and review us on , , and/or ! It really is the most helpful thing you can do besides listening and telling your friends! Episode 2 - Shadeen Francis I met Shadeen at a Hinge event a few months ago, and after listening to her talk, I knew instantly that I wanted her on the pod. Everything she said during the panel oozed wisdom in a way that was profound, yet accessible. So, when she agreed to come on the show, I was delighted. I had so many questions prepared, and our conversation took so many beautiful turns with so many incredible insights. We get into: * Whether or not we're in a sex recession * How folks use TherapyTalk to create distance rather than bridge it * This deeply unsettling way AI is infiltrating our relationships * Why you can get off alone, but not with other people * A surprising way porn is affecting your sex life. * Tips to revive sex in a long-term relationship * This one trait that the most successful open relationships have Bonus Content! Then, if you want even more of our talk that I had to cut for time, paid subscribers get access to bonus content questions, and the Subscriber Chat, where you can submit your own questions for future guests! Bonus content with Shadeen includes: * Which book(s) to read to better your relationships. * The surprising benefit of being a benchwarmer on a winning team. * How Aidans' concept of friendship has changed due to social media. * Shadeen's favorite small act of rebellion that she performs daily. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Background * 02:15 Who is Shadeen Francis? * 08:27 Why Each Generation Needs New Language * 10:13 Is Vulnerability Weak? * 11:07 Are We Using TherapySpeak Too Much? * 14:19 How to Navigate Loneliness * 17:06 Physical Pain Vs. Emotional Pain * 18:17 What Is Social Media Really Doing to Us? * 20:24 We're Doing A Lot of Drugs * 22:51 Where Did Our Culture Go? * 26:08 How AI Affects Our Relationships * 30:41 Why I Get Angry on the Subway * 35:11 Are We In a Sex Recession? * 37:54 Navigating Sexual Anxiety * 46:17 Reigniting Passion in Long-Term Open Relationships * 52:43 Shadeen's Curiosity, Connection, & Community ♥️ If you could, will you hit that heart right below? That boosts us in Substack's algorithm! Thanks babe! ♥️ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit /episode/index/show/0c688c2b-3fa5-4764-979c-84d993276573/id/41364630

Gay Fitness Founder: How to Make Healthy Habits Stick for Life! 01/13/2026

Introducing: Getting Close 01/07/2026

Getting Close

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