Courage to Be Courageous
This show is about any individual who has struggled with coming out, with secrets, and isolation. It will lend itself to the gay community but also to the heterosexual community who are struggling with fear. Not living there true authentic self and needing the courage to make a change in their life. I was a successful businessman who used religion and workaholism to bury who I was. I came out as gay at 70 years old. Through our podcasts they will hear stories of my guests who have come out and how they were able to embrace who they are. Some of the guests may still be struggling as well. It will be an open, vulnerable podcast, that my listeners should be able to identify with in their own lives. Courage To Be Courageous....follow us now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.
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EP. 72 - Mike Triggs: Political War on LGBTQ Rights
10/16/2025
EP. 72 - Mike Triggs: Political War on LGBTQ Rights
Former Republican leader Mike Triggs discussed being outed as gay, leaving the GOP, and warning about growing attacks on LGBTQ rights. He urged people to stay engaged, vote, and speak out to protect equality and democracy.
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EP. 71 - John Preston: Aging Gracefully | Dealing With Stress
10/07/2025
EP. 71 - John Preston: Aging Gracefully | Dealing With Stress
In this episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen welcomes his partner John Preston, who holds a master’s degree in exercise science and wellness from Arizona State University, for a timely and inspiring conversation about the power of exercise in managing stress and maintaining emotional balance. Together, they discuss how physical movement not only strengthens the body but also helps reduce anxiety, improve resilience, and foster community. John also introduces the True Turn Pro, a unique tool designed to enhance mobility, flexibility, and core strength. The episode is a reminder that staying active is an act of courage and self-care in an increasingly stressful world.
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EP. 70 - Andrew James: Growing Up Gay | Facing Terminal Cancer
10/06/2025
EP. 70 - Andrew James: Growing Up Gay | Facing Terminal Cancer
In this inspiring episode, Andrew James shares his journey of growing up as a gay man in the Jehovah's Witness faith. He discusses the challenges of his childhood, his eventual departure from the religion, and how he built a successful career as an interior designer. James also opens up about his current battle with stage four cancer, offering a message of hope, resilience, and the power of positive thinking.
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EP. 69 - Barbara P. Ciffin: To Love My Gay Brother
05/15/2025
EP. 69 - Barbara P. Ciffin: To Love My Gay Brother
Barbara shares the story of embracing her gay brother after he came out later in life, highlighting her family's unconditional love. In this heartfelt interview, she reflects on why being gay should never be a reason to disown a loved one.
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EP. 68 - Susan Montag: Unlearning Hate, Embracing Love: One Woman’s Path to Advocacy
03/27/2025
EP. 68 - Susan Montag: Unlearning Hate, Embracing Love: One Woman’s Path to Advocacy
In this powerful episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen welcomes writer and ally Susan Montag for an open conversation about fear, growth, and standing up for marginalized communities. Susan shares her journey from a conservative upbringing in Iowa to becoming a strong LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. She reflects on the deep cultural biases she had to unlearn, how raising a gay son and having a trans son-in-law shaped her activism, and the importance of community, truth, and courage in today’s divisive climate. Together, Dan and Susan explore how writing, connection, and speaking out can be tools for resistance and healing in a world that often feels chaotic and unsafe.
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EP. 67 - Isiah Bell: Failed Conversion Therapy
03/21/2025
EP. 67 - Isiah Bell: Failed Conversion Therapy
In this powerful episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen speaks with Isaiah Bell, a biracial gay man who endured years of conversion therapy as a teenager. Isaiah shares the painful reality of trying to change who he was to please his family and church, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. Together, Dan and Isaiah explore the lingering impact of conversion therapy, the political and social challenges still facing the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of using our voices to create lasting change. This is a moving conversation about truth, healing, and the courage to be yourself.
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EP. 66 - Zachary Cohen: How the Ali Forney Center Changes Lives
12/22/2024
EP. 66 - Zachary Cohen: How the Ali Forney Center Changes Lives
In this episode, we welcome Zach Cohen, who shines a light on the incredible work of the Ali Forney Center, a lifeline for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Born from the legacy of Ali Forney, a young advocate who sought safety and justice for his peers and was tragically murdered in the streets of New York, the center provides housing, meals, medical care, and life skills to thousands of vulnerable youth every year. With a mission to protect and empower, the Ali Forney Center continues to grow, offering hope and a fresh start to those rejected by their families. Discover the impact of their work and how you can support this vital cause.
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EP. 65 - John Kazanjian: A Story of Love, Loss, and Reinvention
12/06/2024
EP. 65 - John Kazanjian: A Story of Love, Loss, and Reinvention
In this episode, John Kazanjian, recounts the profound impact of his mother’s death during his college years and how he honored her dreams by excelling academically and professionally, even achieving acceptance into Harvard. He reflects on navigating life as a closeted gay man during a conservative era, his 35-year relationship with his partner Jack, and the devastation of Jack’s passing. Through personal reinvention, entrepreneurial ventures, and the development of the Soul Intelligence System with a close friend, John found solace and purpose. His story is a powerful testament to the courage required to embrace life's challenges and live authentically.
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EP. 64 - Raymond Macon: Finding Peace After Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses
10/14/2024
EP. 64 - Raymond Macon: Finding Peace After Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses
In this podcast episode, Dan Bolen welcomes Raymond Macon, both former Jehovah's Witnesses, to discuss their personal experiences of being disfellowshipped from the church for being gay and acting on it. They reflect on the impact of organized religion, the challenges they faced with guilt and shame, and how they ultimately found freedom in embracing their true selves. Their conversation sheds light on the restrictive nature of certain religious doctrines while emphasizing the importance of personal authenticity, acceptance, and love.
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Ep. 63 - Mike Krupit comes out as gay late in life
07/23/2024
Ep. 63 - Mike Krupit comes out as gay late in life
Mike Krupit has a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from Queens College in New York graduating in 1985. He started as a software engineer and worked his way up to Chief Technical Officer, and then the Chief Operations Officer and finally CEO of a company called CD Now which sold music on the internet. Mike is now the owner of his own company called Trejectify which is in leadership development, organizational development and business growth coaching. Mike was married for 36 years and has a son who is a teacher in Florida and a daughter that is 29 years old. Mike knew he had same sex attraction during his younger years. However, he was raised during the AIDS crisis and was fearful of coming out for many years. He realized the greatest fear of denying or fooling himself. It’s quite a story of how he came out to his wife and son and daughter late in life and also his professional clients and peers at the age of 60 years old. This is fascinating story of the courage that Mike used to be his authentic self with his beautiful wife and his two children. The outcome is courageous and inspiring! Mike can be reached at [email protected]
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Ep. 62 - Matt Christofaro: A licensed Thrive Coach gives insight and an option for mental health
07/16/2024
Ep. 62 - Matt Christofaro: A licensed Thrive Coach gives insight and an option for mental health
Matt Christofaro has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from University of Rhode Island in 2010 and a MBA in Global Business Leadership & Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in 2012. Also he is a Licensed Thrive Programme Coach . Matt suffered for over 22 years with panic attacks . He had tried all types of therapy and help which was not working. However, he stumbled on a company called Thrive company and thought he would “give it a chance”.Matt was totally surprised that it worked for him even though he was skeptical. This has had such an impact on his life that he wanted to share it with others and became a Thrive Programme Coach. This company is very popular in the UK. The founder of the company who treated patients came up with three reasons that would make people feel better ,do better and thrive in their life. 1.Feel more control of your life 2. Build high self esteem. 3. Develop high social confidence . Surprisingly this program would be completed in six to eight weeks. The Thrive Programme has helped over 60,000 people mostly in the UK and Europe and is being introduced more fully in the United States. It has helped many people, whether their heterosexual or part of the LGBTQ community . Several of the licensed coaches at Thrive are part of the LGBTQ community. I want to encourage my listeners to listen to this podcast.and see if it is an option for positive mental health for you. Matt can be reached at and Instagram: thrive.with.matt
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Ep. 61 - Travit Kazanjian Part 2
06/11/2024
Ep. 61 - Travit Kazanjian Part 2
This is for audiences 18 years and older. Viewer discretion advised. Part two will show how Travit continued to be violently and sexually abused by his aunt Annie and finally how Travit was able to use courage to overcome his fear and leave. This is the end to a tragic story and yet a story of courage and faith that Travit had . May all my listeners get the lesson in this always protect our children.
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Ep. 60 - Tavit Kazanjian
06/04/2024
Ep. 60 - Tavit Kazanjian
This is for audiences 18 years and older. Viewer discretion advised. Tavit Kazanjian was born in the United States. His mother was Arabic and Greek and his father was Armenian. They were both born in Syria but married in New Jersey. Tavit has two older sisters. His entire family moved to Arizona because his father‘s cousin wanted to get a large lot of land where everyone could live. Travit Ladidn’t realize he was different until about 10 years old .Tavit was overcome with severe shame and trying to do everything he could to be more masculine and not so effeminate.Tavit was from a large extended family, His mother being the oldest of seven children and an aunt , Annie the youngest of the seven. Since Tavit was in Arizona he flew back to visit his extended family in New Jersey. Even though he did not know his aunt Annie well only had seen her one time before ;he ended up staying at her house. Annie was a violent person physically ,mentally and emotionally .When Travit Was 11 years old Annie started sexually abusing him until he was 18 years old. None of his his family, except one of his sister and cousin gave him any help. This is an emotionally told tragic story. It’s a pwereful amount of courage that Tavit had to break this cycle of abuse. This is the first time he has told his story publicly. Our listeners will see the tragedy of not helping our young children out when they are physically and sexually abused . You will have feelings of outrage, anger, and frustration when our children are not protected.
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Ep. 59 - Cameron Call
05/30/2024
Ep. 59 - Cameron Call
Cameron Call has a Bachelor Science Degree in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah ,and a Doctor Degree in Chiropractic (DC) in 2015 from Parker University in Dallas, Texas . Cameron grew up as the “perfect Mormon boy“. He served as a missionary in Nashville, Tennessee, did high-level work with the bishop in the church , was married to his wife in the Mormon Temple in Mesa Arizona. He had so much shame and so much internal homophobia of being a gay man. Cameron produced three beautiful children .He also is an excellent pianist started playing when he was seven years old . Even though he loves to play the piano, he continued to use this as one of the ways to hide himself authentically. What makes Cameron story so incredible is his internal homophobia which went on for years and his denial of his authentic self and the tremendous shame he had to overcome by using courage. You will see the tremendous amount of courage that Cameron displayed. You will also be impressed with the peace he has with being his authentic self. Another thing that’s incredible in this story it has a happy ending and you’ll have to listen to the podcast find out what that happy ending is . .
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Ep. 57 - Faythe Huston
05/14/2024
Ep. 57 - Faythe Huston
Faythe Huston was a 70 year virgin , how in the hell did this happen? Faythe has a Masters Degree in Counseling and also a Masters Degree in Spiritual Direction. She grew up in a conservative, religious family, never married or had children. Faythe believed in the Hero Journey which had a “called to adventure “which brought her so much energy she could not ignore it. She will talk about the well-known Hero Journey and the different stages involved in the Hero Journey .Faythe did not want to die without having the experience of sex and intimacy and began to explore the area of sexuality and sex in her life. Faythe is a seeker by nature and discovered a program called” Surrogate Partner Therapy “ (SPT). A client meets with a surrogate partner weekly as well as talking afterward with a sex therapist. This program is for those who have had little or no sexual history, those who have had sexual abuse or trauma, and those who experience pain with sex or have other sexual issues .As a heterosexual woman she had concerns and fear . However she used courage to overcome her fear. Faythe will describe her own journey . She says “ This last year and a half with SPT has been the most incredible journey I have been on in my whole life “. This is a fascinating podcast which will appeal to both male and female heterosexual allies, LGBTQ and even those that are Transgender. Over half of the clients of SPT are men . You must hear this podcast. It is eye-opening, vulnerable, and powerful.
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Ep. 56 - Stonewall
05/07/2024
Ep. 56 - Stonewall
Stonewall Rebellion /Riot took place , June 28th 1969 early in the morning. The Stonewall Inn was a LGBTQ bar located in Greenwich Village in lower Manhattan, New York. This was a safe place where LGBTQ people could come and spend time together . During this period of time in New York it was illegal to be gay as well as the majority of other states in the United States . Early in the morning on June 28 the police came to raid the patrons at the bar. Raids were common by the police at Stonewall but this one got violently out of hand .The police use extreme force and the 200 patrons back . The riot went on for almost 5 days. Sonewall riots are widely considered the watershed event that transformed the gay liberation movement and the 20th century fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States. One year later on June 28, 1970 the first pride events were held in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Many of the rights that LGBTQ people have today i.e. the freedom to get same sex married , freedom in the military to be gay or lesbian came from the basis of what happened at Stonewall This is truly our history, and we must not forget the courageous people who fought back and led others be proactive in fighting for the gay rights .You will find my commentary enlightening and show all of us why we must have a voice and to be proactive for fighting for LGBTQ rights.
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Ep. 56 - Daily Blast Live Interview
04/30/2024
Ep. 56 - Daily Blast Live Interview
Dan Bolen was privileged and honored to be interviewed by the nationally syndicated daytime talk show “Daily Blast Live”. “Daily Blast Live” is sent out to over 100 TV stations across the United States. I met the host Sam Schacher two years ago when I was in Telluride, Colorado. I sent her a copy of my memoir “the Courage to Be Courageous“. The memoir was so powerful for her she wanted to interview me on “Daily Blast Live”. It is a great opportunity for me to get my voice out nationally for our community. If you want to listen to my interview which was done on April 18, 2024 you could go to YouTube and search for the “Daily Blast Live” Dan Bolen. You will be able to listen to the video/audio portion. What you’ll be listening to on my website/podcast is the audio portion. I think you will find this interview, inspiring to the LGTBQ community and also to the heterosexual allies. YouTube link:
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Ep. 55 - Kirkus Review
04/23/2024
Ep. 55 - Kirkus Review
Dan Bolen was interviewed by Chelsea Ennen out of Brooklyn, New York for the Kirkus Review. Kirkus is the number one in the world who rates authors and their books. Chelsea did an excellent interview with me and Kirkus was supportive and honest about my memoir “the Courage to Be Courageous”. So on this podcast, I read the interview word for word in hopes of inspiring others to read my memoir regarding overcoming fear and using courage to get through it. Kirkus reviewed it on their website digitally April 8 and I was featured in their March 1 and March 15 magazine publication that goes to bookstores and all libraries. I also wanted my listeners to know that I will be doing a live interview with a national syndicated TV program, “The Daily Blast”. I will be doing this podcast on April 18, 2024. Because “The Daily Blast is a national syndicated program I invite my listeners to listen to it locally. You all should have it on your local TV stations .Here we get it on NBC. it’s my opportunity to have a national voice for our community and I am humbled and appreciative that “The Daily Blast “ have offered me this opportunity. On this podcast I also read a portion of Steve Petersons “Bursting Through knowledge and power” about an article he did regarding the Love of Hate . What is the love of hate? “The love of hate is best described as someone looking at someone and simultaneously seeing hate in their eyes and a smile on their lips”. Steve goes onto show the love of hate is gaining power and momentum. For example: He mentions in 2020 these groups took over $110, million and their revenue continues to grow. We all in our community and our heterosexual allies must have a voice about this. Do not remain silent. I encourage all of you to read this entire review ONLINE knowledge and power. The entire article can be found on Steve'swebsite.
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Ep. 54 - Sage Jaurequi
04/16/2024
Ep. 54 - Sage Jaurequi
Sage Jaurequi of Hispanic descent received his BA at Arizona State University in Family Studies and Human Development and Masters Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant University in San Diego. Sage knew he was different and was ashamed of being different because he was met with so much disapproval. He had no interest in sports loved to play with dolls and received emotional and physical abuse from his older brother. Sage’s mother decided to put him into therapy. This was the first time he admitted to the therapist or to anyone that he was gay. It took so much courage for him to do this but for the first time he felt he had owned who he was. Sage also later came out to his mother when he was 14 years old and she struggled with it, but came to accept it. When Sage finally got into high school he was able to find an accepting community of others who were gay. Because of the Hispanic community, it is harder to come out and Sage realized the importance of having a community; all races who accept you for who you are. When Sage became a flight attendant, he was able to meet others from the gay community who supported him. Sage found out that he need to find out the history of his hispanic ancestors because this is part of who you are. He encourages all individuals to find out the history of their ancestors. You will find out in this podcast the history of “marginalized “individuals and how they can have the strength and courage to get through it.
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Ep. 53 - Monish Modi
04/09/2024
Ep. 53 - Monish Modi
Monish Modi grew up in India and was on cricket as his whole family played it. In India, the marriages are arranged by their parents, because there is so much respect and dignity for the parents who they consider their their elders. Monish knew he was different than the other boys however because they're so much pressure against being gay in India, his fear of coming out crippled him. On the request of his mother who had had a stroke and she wanted him to get married before she died he married someone he only knew for four days. It produced a beautiful daughter, Monish decided to move to the UK, where he felt it would be better for his wife and daughter. However, his wife did not want to move to the UK and went back to India, which led to a separation and a divorce because Monish love to play cricket, he got connected to an LGBTQ team called Graces where he eventually became the captain of the cricket team. First time in his life, he was able to feel he was accepted, and they gave him courage and strength. He was interviewed by Sky Sports News and CNN, who totally supported the LGBTQ network. You're going to learn how things have changed in India. However, there are still many who have a fear of coming out because there's society pressure in India. Monish decided to come out to his dad when he came to the UK and the outcome you will see in the podcast. This is an intriguing and powerful story. Monish we'll talk about what his story can help others to be their authentic self. He continues to do a lot of work for the LGBTQ community and he has a voice for our community.
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Ep. 52 - Kevin O’Connor
04/02/2024
Ep. 52 - Kevin O’Connor
Kevin O’Connor grew up in a different lifestyle than most of us. He was a son of a Funeral Director and lived in the house where the whole funeral took place. The caskets and embalming were in the basement. The main floor was the funeral parlor. The first floor was where his uncle and their family lived . The second floor was where Kevin, his brothers and parents lived . His dad was also a funeral director . Kevin received his Bachelor Science degree in Political Science from Loyola university in Chicago and his Masters Degree in Education at the University of California at Berkeley graduating in 1977 .Kevin published an outstanding book called “Two Floors Above Grief “ a memoir of two families in the unique place we called home. This is a combination of letters from many of his family members that Kevin compiled and put in this beautiful memoir. You’re going to learn in the memoir how Kevin came out as gay to his father and the tremendous support his father showed him in a generation where it was not safe to come out. Kirkus review called it “a warm and sincere family history“ .You are going to see the courage that Kevin displayed when he came out to both of his wives as gay and also his two beautiful sons who are now adults. You will see how he met his life partner and now his husband Leon . Kevin is living his best, authentic life. You will also see how he has done community efforts and had a voice for the LGBTQ industry and has written several programs for them and has been life coach for many of them .Kevin can be reached on his website .
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Ep. 51 - Dan's Open Heart Surgery at Cleveland Clinic
03/26/2024
Ep. 51 - Dan's Open Heart Surgery at Cleveland Clinic
I had open heart surgery February 8, 2024 at Cleveland clinic which is number one in the world for open heart surgery. What started out as a routine procedure ended up in a wild ride for me and my partner John. This was an opportunity for me to embrace my fear and use courage to get through it. I had three surgeries; they had to repair the aorta, give me a bovine valve and repair my mitral valve. It was a seven hour surgery. I recovered in ICU for seven days then was assigned to a regular hospital room. After two weeks in Cleveland we were ready to check out. However, after two days at the hotel, I develop symptoms and had to be rushed to emergency where it was determined that I had pneumonia and sepsis. This was a time I had to really embrace my fear, and use courage to get through it . My partner, John was with me every step of the way and Cleveland clinic saved my life. This is a powerful podcast for those who have fear regarding their health needs and need courage to overcome their fear. You will find in this podcast what’s really important in our lives and the importance of community. You will also see in my podcast the other programs which Cleveland clinic is developing to save lives. Telephone number for Cleveland clinic is 800-659-7822 and the heart Institute 866-320-4573. Their website is www.clevelandclinic.org Access Anytime Anywhere | Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic for those who would like to learn more about Cleveland clinic and may want to make a donation. Cleveland clinic is a 5013c organization.
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Ep. 50 - John Preston
03/05/2024
Ep. 50 - John Preston
John Preston has a BS in Kinesiology and a Masters Degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from Arizona State University. He is certified in CSCS, EP – C, CPT ( ACE) , and TPI (certified golf fitness instructor). He has over 30 years in the physical fitness industry and is presently the Director of Fitness for the Village Club in Scottsdale Arizona, where he supervises 13 trainers and eight concierges. John discusses the benefits of exercise, i.e. cardio, controlling mood, managing stress and depression. He talks about not only commitment, but more important, behavioral changes. John is very insightful of how the viewpoint toward exercises has changed after Covid. John will talk about the importance of your technique when you are working out and the importance of a personal trainer and how to find one. This podcast will be so encouraging to those that are working out and those that want to work out and give themselves the best life that they would like to have. John will talk about the need for courage to overcome the fear of working out in a gym. This is a powerful podcast.
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Ep. 49 - News From Uganda
02/27/2024
Ep. 49 - News From Uganda
Dan Bolen, our podcast host, talks about the guests we’ve had on our podcasts from episode 27 through the podcast 47. He focuses on what The Trevor project has done in the last year 2023 and also what Outright International has done in 2023. These are two organizations that Dan supports financially through his book sales of “the Courage to Be Courageous”. Dan talks about the atrocities that the Ugandan parliament and now the president has signed against LGBTQ +people and the people of Uganda taking away their rights. You will be shocked when you hear what has been done to the whole society in Uganda ie doctors, school teachers, parents, clergyman, landlords who do not report a “possible homosexual.“ They are given a six month sentence in prison, and some to the extent of 20 years. We must have a voice against this inhuman behavior. Respond to these websites to give your support: To give a donation to Uganda . To donate to The Trevor project To be a part of the heterosexual ally contact the website
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Ep. 48 - Claudia Wilson Associate Director of Development for Cleveland Clinic
02/20/2024
Ep. 48 - Claudia Wilson Associate Director of Development for Cleveland Clinic
Claudia Wilson who is the Asscciate Director of Development for Cleveland Clinic is our guest today. U.S. News & World Report ranks Cleveland Clinic number one in the world for heart surgery. Cleveland Clinic has held this position for almost 30 years in a row. You are going to learn about some incredible first time achievements in heart surgery from the 1950s 60s 70s and into 2024. In the 1970s they did their first valve replacement and repair which became the number one facility to do it and is the standard which has been set for other hospitals and facilities throughout the world. The Cleveland Clinic just finished their 2000th full heart transplant In 2021. Cleveland Clinic has the world’s largest database and research center for heart research. In the last few years Cleveland Clinic have expanded into cancer research and neurological care dealing with Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, and Dementia. Their goal is to treat it before the symptoms start. Cleveland Clinic, which is an educational center and hospital, is nonprofit. At the end of the year all the profits which are made go into their three prong mission statement: Research, Education and Patient Care. Because of this they are classified as a 501 c 3). The Cleveland clinic is very close to my heart as I will be receiving open heart surgery there very soon. I have been going to Cleveland Clinic for over three years and I really know they are the best organization in the world. They treat their patients as family. If you would like to call them for any questions their number is 866-320-4573. Anyone that would like to make a donation to them please contact their website . The Cleveland Clinic organization certainly helps anyone overcome their fear, and use courage to get through it.
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Ep. 47 - David Cotton, Part 2: David's Story
02/13/2024
Ep. 47 - David Cotton, Part 2: David's Story
David Cotton is a retired Brigadier General with the United States Air Force. He got his Masters Degree in Computer Data Management and another Masters in National Security studies. After serving over 29 years in the Air Force and doing consulting work for the Pentagon, he had to deal with who he was authentically. This sent him on a journey of reading all types of literature related to the LGBTQ community and watching podcasts to figure out who he really was. David finally realized he was a gay man. He realized the importance of providing a website/podcasts for the community. Many people come out late in life and they need a website and a community for support. David’s website is . He also has become a life coach and is certified to help others. You can find more information at David and I use our websites/podcasts to have a voice for our community. Both our websites/podcasts are free to listen to. David interviewed me last week on his website and I have the pleasure of interviewing him on my podcast this week. It is an incredible journey for both of us and how we used courage to get through our fear.
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Ep. 46 - David Cotton, Part 1: Dan's Story
02/06/2024
Ep. 46 - David Cotton, Part 1: Dan's Story
David Cotton interviewed Dan Bolen from his podcast/website . David is doing a tremendous amount of work through his podcast for the LGBTQ + community. David is a retired Brigadier General from the Air Force who also came out as gay after retirement. You will get the opportunity to hear part of my life story which will be up on my audio portion on my website , and you will also be able to listen to the video on David Cotton podcasts . You will see how I used courage to overcome a tremendous amount of fear, and come out as my authentic self and why I wrote the book “the Courage to Be Courageous“ and started doing my podcasts. My story is powerful, vulnerable, at times, riveting, and very honest. Many of you will know more about me than my own personal family knows. This will be a great podcast for not only the LGBTQ community, but also our heterosexual allies. I have the privilege to interview David on my podcast this week and it will be available after my interview podcast. Both David and I are committed to being a strong voice for our community.
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Ep. 45 - Steve Petersen
01/30/2024
Ep. 45 - Steve Petersen
Steve Petersen grew up in a farming town in Audubon, Iowa. He went on to get his BS degree in Fashion Merchandising from Iowa State University. He struggled with his sexuality and it wasn’t until after college that he had to deal with who he authentically was. He went on to several different retail organizations, and ended up at Macy’s in Manhattan, New York, in their merchandising group. Steve later move to Las Vegas, Nevada and eventually opened the heterosexual ally group called “Bursting Through“. This podcast is for our heterosexual allies who want to have a voice for our community and want to know what they can do to support LGBTQ people. Most of the population knows someone who is part of the LGTBQ community. Statistics from Steve’s website show that over 62% of the nations population know someone that identifies as part of the LGBTQ community. This podcast will give you some insight on how you can have a voice and offer real support to the LGBTQ community. Please check out the substack group at www.substack.com where you can be an active ally. Just look for the Bursting Through section. Steve Peterson’s website is www.burstingthrough.gay
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Ep. 44 - Nate Rhoton
01/23/2024
Ep. 44 - Nate Rhoton
Nate Rhoton is the CEO of an organization in Phoenix called OneNTen. This organization has 18 satellite locations and helps the LGBTQ+ community with individuals in ages 11 to 24 years and homeless people between the ages of 18 and 24 years to be a support system for them. Nate has a BS degree in Economics from Arizona State University and after spending five years with General Mills and 12 years as Human Resource Manager for a construction company he joined OneNTen as the Development Director, and later moved on to be the CEO of the organization. Nate shows the powerfulness of courage by identifying who he was authentically and coming out to his parents. He showed courageousness when his father was imprisoned, and Nate moved on with his life and accepted his dad for who he was and appreciating the good gifts that his father gave him. Nate also learned lessons from his dads behavior which taught him not to follow the path of his father. Nate shows the importance of who you are authentically and not be complacent and to follow your heart and live as your authentic self. This is a wonderful organization which has a number of programs to help the young LGBTQ+community when many of them are kicked out of their homes by their parents and have no other place to go. For those of you, that would like to donate to OneNTen or would like to volunteer, here is their website www.onenten.org.
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Ep. 43 - Harry Fox
01/16/2024
Ep. 43 - Harry Fox
Harry Fox got his B.I.D. (in industrial design) from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and his M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He spent 30 years in the IT industry and ended as a Chief Information Officer for one of the large insurance firms. Harry struggled to find who he was and spent 12 years in therapy. He’s always had an interest in the “mind“ and so took a lot of courses and studies in psychology and philosophy. Harry married a beautiful woman and was with her for over 20 years and produced a beautiful son. Harry came to the realization that he was gay which ended in a separation from his wife and yet he spent the last nine months of her life navigating her clinical care when she was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer, before she died in 2017. Harry found a community in an organization called Gamma which was founded in 1978. Gamma is an organization that started in the Washington DC area, and now has expanded in different parts of the world. It was really an organization of men who were married to women and yet have same sex attraction. Harry became the facilitator of the meetings for gay, bisexual, or questioning men since 2013 and an average of two times weekly since March 2020 when Gamma took the meeting virtual due to COVID. Currently, Harry facilitates four different types of meetings: weekly meetings, open to all gay, bisexual, and questioning men; a meeting every every 3 to 4 weeks specifically for bisexual men; a monthly couples meeting for bisexual men, and their wives; and a separate monthly meeting just for the wives. Harry also works privately with gay and bisexual men as a coach as they step through their own personal journey. The website for Gamma is and Harry’s email for those that would like to contact him personally is .
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