Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson

Award-winning journalist LZ Granderson draws from his own lived experience as a gay, Black father to host thought-provoking, poignant and engaging conversations with some of the most influential and inspirational people in the LGBTQ+ community.

"A Thriving Family" 03/27/2023

"A Thriving Family" Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, have had to overcome many obstacles while on the journey to grow their family. From false starts in the adoption process to medical scares before their twins could even leave the hospital. And like so many parents, Pete and Chasten have faced a whole host of challenges in a very short period of time. Add to that, the reality of being public figures, which brings its own set of unique challenges, including criticism from former Vice President Mike Pence. In /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155928

The Next Generation 02/23/2023

The Next Generation For our last episode of season 3 of Life Out Loud, we chat with legendary sports broadcaster and acclaimed documentarian Hannah Storm and her daughter, Hannah Hicks. The younger Hannah represents the fourth generation to carry the name in her family. She is also the first one to come out as queer, introducing nuanced conversation into the extended family. We talk about what Hannah IV has learned from watching her mom break glass ceilings in the sports world, and how she’s using those lessons in the music /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155933

Parenting is One Tough Sport 02/16/2023

Parenting is One Tough Sport Raising a child and parenting aren’t necessarily one and the same. The expectations we might have going into the process of parenting aren’t always what the actual experience bears out. Former tennis pro, Brian Vahaly has a long list of the things he wished LZ - his chosen older brother - had coached him on before he and his husband became fathers to twin boys. Brian shares the big lessons he is learning through fatherhood and just how far off his expectations really were. Then, LZ turns to his sister-o /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155943

"Just Eat Your Pancakes" 02/09/2023

"Just Eat Your Pancakes" The media that surrounds us is a reflection of who we are. When those reflections look like fun-house mirrors, it can impact the way we interact with society. As the SVP of Brand Strategy & Marketing for BET, Tiyale Hayes is working to help the Black network meet its business objectives while staying true to itself. For him, that means pushing for representation beyond stock characters and using storytelling to advance important cultural conversations. He talks to LZ about the longstanding trope about homop /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155953

Not an Ally, an Accomplice 02/02/2023

Not an Ally, an Accomplice Bravery comes in many forms. It can mean carving your career in spaces where you are the "only one." It can mean maintaining your faith as you struggle to survive. It can also be raising your voice, and facing the consequences for it. Like LZ, Jemele Hill is from Detroit, Detroit. That means she sees the world a little differently than most, and she's not afraid to share that perspective. She's a writer, broadcaster and podcaster with a deep knowledge of popular culture and sports. Her memoir, "Uphill," inc /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155963

"I Wanted to Make Them Proud" 01/26/2023

"I Wanted to Make Them Proud" This week on Life Out Loud, we talk to famed interior designer and Trading Spaces star Vern Yip about this journey as the son of Chinese immigrants with very high expectations. Growing up, his parents gave him two choices: you can be a doctor, or you can be a doctor. He tried that path, but his passion kept getting in the way. Vern reveals how he had to come out to his family twice, once to tell them he was going to pursue design, and another time to tell them he was gay. He talks about meeting his husban /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155983

"Love Is a Practice" 01/19/2023

"Love Is a Practice" We’re back! This season of Life Out Loud is all about family and LZ begins by talking about his own—messy parts and all—with his son, LZed. They get real about painful moments in their relationship and how they have healed from them. LZ talks about the sacrifices he made to be a provider after his divorce, and LZed shares how some of those choices led him to feel abandoned. LZed also shares what it was like growing up with a queer dad, and LZ discusses what home means to him. It’s an honest conve /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155993

PRIDE: To Be Seen 06/30/2022

PRIDE: To Be Seen It’s the resilience and love that keeps this community marching to the beat of its own drum; each generation redefining what it means to be queer and to be seen. That’s why we’re closing out Pride Month with some moving and inspiring stories featured in the ABC special, PRIDE: To Be Seen. /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31155998

PRIDE | Andrew Ahn, Robbie Rogers 06/01/2022

PRIDE | Andrew Ahn, Robbie Rogers Pride Month is a great time to recharge our batteries and lift one another up. Despite the recent tragedies and legislative challenges, our community is stronger and bolder than ever. As we celebrate the first anniversary of Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson, we want to highlight some queer content the LGBTQ+ community can look forward to together. Summer is the season for long nights out with friends, live music and summer blockbusters. That's why we wanted to talk two filmmakers. First, LZ sits down wit /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156013

Dance Party | DJ Tracy Young 03/24/2022

Dance Party | DJ Tracy Young It's a bittersweet ending to Season 2 of Life Out Loud. As we publish this episode, we are saddened by legislation around the country that tries to erase the LGBTQ+ community and the historic gains we've made in our fight to equality. But our community is more than our trauma. We are more than the attacks on our very existence. We are love! We are beauty! We are joy! We end Season 2 acknowledging the work ahead while also celebrating our resilient spirit. In this episode, LZ takes you to a dance party with /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156023

Self | Kornbread Jete, Rep. Daniel Hernandez Jr. 03/17/2022

Self | Kornbread Jete, Rep. Daniel Hernandez Jr. Who are you really? One of the toughest parts about growing up with other people's shame is that it makes the path to self-discovery extra rocky. When you come out of the closet, you're trying to tell the world who you are while also trying to figure that out for yourself. This week, LZ talks to two change-makers about what it means to put your whole self (body, spirit and mind) on the line and on display in the fight to equality. Kornbread "The Snack" Jete was the body-positive breakout star of the 14th s /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156033

Queer Aging | The Old Gays, Jesus Ramirez-Valles 03/10/2022

Queer Aging | The Old Gays, Jesus Ramirez-Valles To celebrate LZ's 50th birthday, we're exploring why it's a privilege to get to be an "Old Gay". Really! Our community is still mourning a generation of elders lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and in an era of homophobic and transphobic legislature, many of our young people still struggle to envision the fabulous futures they deserve. In this birthday episode of Life Out Loud, LZ talks to iconic TikTok foursome, the Old Gays. With more than 6.3 million followers, Robert Reeves, Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons and Je /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156043

Family of Choice | Margaret Cho, Don Lemon, Jonathan Capehart 03/03/2022

Family of Choice | Margaret Cho, Don Lemon, Jonathan Capehart Who is your chosen family? In this week's episode of Life Out Loud, Margaret Cho confirms all comedians really do know each other. Cho pays homage to the peers and mentors who have gotten her through and talks about how a queer hookup can lead to a lasting friendship. She also explains why being a good friend is a solid career move. That's also a theme in LZ's kiki with two of his own dear friends, CNN's Don Lemon and the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart. The three journalists talk about rising to the /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156053

Relationships | Dan Savage, Bob the Drag Queen 02/24/2022

Relationships | Dan Savage, Bob the Drag Queen “Do you want a relationship or a situation-ship?” On this week’s episode of Life Out Loud, we unpack some big words: heteronormativity and non-monogamy. In other words, learning to do what works for you either with or without a partner. First, LZ talks to New York Times bestselling author and legendary podcaster Dan Savage about what it’s like to evolve your thinking while in the public eye — Savage shares what he’s gotten wrong over 30 years of writing his syndicated column, Savage Love. He als /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156068

Faith | Rob Bell, Daniel Franzese 02/17/2022

Faith | Rob Bell, Daniel Franzese There aren't many ready-made answers when it comes to faith and sexual orientation. It takes a lot of humility to carve out a space where people can ask the big questions. This week, LZ talks to two people who have done just that: Pastor Rob Bell and Daniel Franzese. Pastor Bell is a New York Times bestselling author, friend of Oprah and LZ's former spiritual leader. Daniel Franzese is a successful actor whose podcast, Yass, Jesus!, dives into his own journey of finding a place in God’s kingdom as an ope /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156078

Trans Acceptance | Ts Madison, Dr. Julian Kevon Glover 02/10/2022

Trans Acceptance | Ts Madison, Dr. Julian Kevon Glover “Authenticity,” “Realness,” “Respectability.” What do these terms actually mean for trans women of color who are re-defining their identities in the public eye? In this illuminating episode of Life Out Loud, LZ Granderson goes deep with actress and entertainer Ts Madison, the first trans woman to star in and direct her own reality tv show. Plus, a conversation with scholar Dr. Julian Kevon Glover about the double-edged sword of “passing.” These juicy conversations show us it's never too late /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156088

Queer Athletes | Timothy LeDuc, Cyd Zeigler, Jim Buzinski 02/03/2022

Queer Athletes | Timothy LeDuc, Cyd Zeigler, Jim Buzinski If you're not already following the Winter Olympics, get ready to fall in love with two-time U.S. national champion, figure skater Timothy LeDuc. They’re the first Olympian to qualify as a non-binary person, and they're competing in one of the most gendered sports ever—pairs figure skating. Their story is truly inspiring. Plus, a conversation with Cyd Zeigler and Jim Buzinski from OutSports about The Raiders’ Carl Nassib, transgender athletes and the progress that the LGBTQ+ community is making in spo /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156098

Divas | Jody Watley, Stephanie Mills, Emil Wilbekin 01/27/2022

Divas | Jody Watley, Stephanie Mills, Emil Wilbekin What is it about our favorite divas that makes our souls sing? This music-packed episode of Life out Loud explores the special connection between the LGBTQ+ community and the divas who love us back. LZ interviews GRAMMY® and TONY® winner Stephanie Mills and GRAMMY® winner Jody Watley, Mother of the Imperial House of Waacking. They share why they championed the LGBTQ+ community during a time when labels pushed back. Plus, an interview with former Vibe editor and cultural critic Emil Wilbekin adds some int /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156108

Community | Chasten Buttigieg, Ariana DeBose, Sarah Kate Ellis 01/20/2022

Community | Chasten Buttigieg, Ariana DeBose, Sarah Kate Ellis It’s estimated that as many as 3.8 million LGBTQ+ people not only live in rural America, but for the most part, they actually prefer to live there, according the Movement Advancement Project. We’re not always trying to escape. For the first episode of season 2 of Life out Loud, LZ Granderson talks to NY Times best-selling author Chasten Buttigieg and West Side Story star Ariana DeBose about the joys and struggles of building a supportive community in a small town. Plus, GLAAD president Sarah Kate /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156118

We're Back! Season 2 of ‘Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson' 01/20/2022

We're Back! Season 2 of ‘Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson' Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson has received Special Recognitions honors from GLAAD and was named one of Spotify’s “Best New Podcasts of 2021.” In season two, ABC News contributor and Emmy® Award-winning journalist LZ Granderson explores timely topics that impact the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from queer friendships, body positivity, non-monogamy, religion, parenting and on-screen representation. Granderson speaks with celebrity guests who help the community celebrate and cope, including award-winnin /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156123

Shangela is 'Here' For It 10/11/2021

Shangela is 'Here' For It In honor of National Coming Out Day, LZ sits down with D.J. “Shangela” Pierce, break out star and contestant on “RuPaul's Drag Race” and co-host of the hit HBO series “We’re Here.” In an honest and raw conversation, Shangela discusses the queer journey, growing up in small town America and the power and freedom of living an authentic life. He shares some unforgettable moments from the road and talks about the unique bond he has with his favorite diva, Jennifer Lewis. /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156133

Ep. 10: #RelationshipGoals 07/22/2021

Ep. 10: #RelationshipGoals From winning Oscars to Olympic medals, British diver Tom Daley and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black embody the unstoppable. In the season one finale of "Life Out Loud," they open up about fighting against conversion therapy, coming out to their fans and how they met and decided to start a family. They also share advice for gay couples thinking about marriage, talk about the importance of visibility from gay athletes at the top of their sport, and discuss the challenges currently facing /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156143

Ep. 9: “I Didn’t Run to Be a Symbol” 07/15/2021

Ep. 9: “I Didn’t Run to Be a Symbol” What does victory feel like for LGBTQ politicians? LZ talks with six political leaders paving the way with their imagination. Political veterans Keith St. John, Annise Parker, Neil Giuliano and newcomers Ritchie Torres, Sarah McBride, Brian Sims set the record straight on “the gay agenda,” whatever that is... The politicians talk about first crushes, representation and the Buttigieg of it all. Plus, what Harvey Milk taught them about local ordinances and dog poop, and what we can do to hold them accoun /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156153

Ep. 8: Daniel Newman is Setting Thirst Traps 07/08/2021

Ep. 8: Daniel Newman is Setting Thirst Traps Actor and model Daniel Newman is known for his roles on The Walking Dead and Homeland, but to LZ he’s an Instagram crush. In this episode, Newman opens up about his body image journey and the truth behind those thirst traps. He also shares what it was like growing up in a sex-positive Christian household, and how a near-death experience gave him new perspective. /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156168

Ep. 7: Stepping OUT Onto The Field 07/01/2021

Ep. 7: Stepping OUT Onto The Field LZ leads a roundtable of sports figures including Jason Collins, the first active player in the NBA to come out; Super Bowl winner and ally Keyshawn Johnson; and Rick Welts, the first out and proud NBA team president. They discuss their own personal stories and look at the ways LGBTQ issues play out in the world of professional sports. There are also some big laughs over what happens when you bring a straight ally like Keyshawn into a gay vacation spot or a PRIDE parade. Spoiler Alert: there's glitter invol /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156178

Ep. 6: Driven To Succeed 06/24/2021

Ep. 6: Driven To Succeed Alphonso David is an LGBTQ civil rights attorney, advocate and the first person of color to serve as president of the Human Rights Campaign. He talks about his childhood in West Africa, getting disowned by his father and his quest for trans rights. Plus, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin shares how being raised by her grandparents and witnessing her mother’s struggle with addiction helped shape her policies and legislative goals. She also tells LZ which of her senate colleagues help steer her toward her cur /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156188

Ep. 5: Fries or Hash Browns? Sherry Cola Likes Both 06/17/2021

Ep. 5: Fries or Hash Browns? Sherry Cola Likes Both Sherry Cola tackles sexuality, gender norms and racial stereotypes in her standup and in life. The ‘Good Trouble’ actress looks back on when she first realized she was attracted to men and women, and pushes back against misconceptions about bisexuality even within the queer community. Plus, she gets fired up talking about her love for the Asian community that’s suffered senselessly amid a wave of hate crimes. And being the comedian that she is, we have a few good laughs, too! /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156193

Ep. 4: The Doctors Are In (and One is Also Out) 06/10/2021

Ep. 4: The Doctors Are In (and One is Also Out) Dr. Anthony Fauci is best known today for his role in the response to COVID-19, but he’s been on the frontlines of the fight against HIV/AIDS for decades. Fauci recalls how that fight led to his unusual friendship with activist Larry Kramer, who once described him as “a murderer and an incompetent idiot.” Plus, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who made history as the first openly transgender person confirmed by the Senate, shares her advice for trans youth and their parents. /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156203

Ep. 3: Rufus Wainwright is ‘Setting the Record Gay’ 06/03/2021

Ep. 3: Rufus Wainwright is ‘Setting the Record Gay’ Pioneering singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright bears his soul in his music and in this candid conversation with LZ. How his decision to come out at age 13 led to his groundbreaking decision to enter the music scene as an openly gay recording artist, and what it’s meant for his career and place in LGBTQ history. /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156208

Ep. 2: Call Her Michaela Jaé 06/01/2021

Ep. 2: Call Her Michaela Jaé Actress Mj Rodriguez opens up about how entering the ballroom scene at age 14 helped her find the confidence to express her authentic self, and about her special relationship with her house father and with her mother, who was the inspiration for her breakout performance as Blanca in ‘Pose.’ /episode/index/show/a2b05634-90c1-4251-b054-58bdc4f7300a/id/31156218

Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson

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