Living OUT Loud Podcast

michele flamer

Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer is a space for courage, truth, and belonging. The podcast celebrates Queer voices and the people in our communities who are living out loud with intention. Each episode lifts up authentic stories of self-discovery, purpose, and the moments that shaped who we become. Michele welcomes a wide range of guests who are opening doors and extending their hearts. From everyday heroes to community organizers, from artists and authors to politicians and advocates, these conversations honor the resilience and bravery found in Queer communities across the country. Together, they explore what it means to lead with vulnerability, to create connection, and to stand firmly in our truth. Through honest conversation, curiosity, and compassion, Michele invites listeners to reflect on their own stories and the power of showing up as their whole selves. Because when we live out loud, we create space for others to do the same. Thanks for listening and sharing.  Stay Loud and Stay Proud!  Michele

  1. Aug 12

    Michele's Coming OUT Story

    Gulp... here is my coming OUT story... Every once in a while, there’s a story I feel called to tell again. Because here’s the thing about putting yourself out into the world: you don’t only come out once. You evolve. You grow. You meet new people. And somehow, the audience you’re speaking to today can look completely different from the one you had a year ago. So today, I’m going back into the archives and bringing this episode back to the surface. It’s one of the most vulnerable conversations I’ve ever shared, where I opened up about my own coming out story, what it took for me to finally live honestly, and the parts of that journey that I didn’t always talk about out loud. If you’re new here, you may have never heard this story. And if you’ve been here for a while, maybe it’s worth hearing it again through the lens of who I am today. So, here it is again. A little piece of my story that still feels incredibly relevant to the work I’m doing, the conversations I’m having, and the person I’m continuing to become. Let's go back. ❤️ Love, Michele The conversation delves into the complexity of coming out and the unspoken truth behind it, revealing the emotional journey and the impact of societal expectations. Takeaways Coming out is a process that extends beyond the words spoken.The truth behind coming out is often unspoken and carries emotional weight. Chapters 00:00 The Complexity of Coming Out00:34 The Unspoken Truth

  2. Aug 5

    Dr. Liz Burke

    Some conversations are special because of the wisdom that's shared. Others are special because of the person sharing it. This episode is both. I'm thrilled to welcome my life partner, Dr. Liz Burke, to Living OUT Loud for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, thoughtful, and deeply personal. Liz is a poet, educator, writing coach, Buddhist and scholar who has spent more than two decades helping people discover the power of their own voice. Through her work, she guides students, professionals, and individuals on journeys of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, believing that writing is more than communication. It's a pathway to clarity, connection, and living authentically. In this episode, we explore the stories that shape us, the courage it takes to live as our truest selves, the role relationships play in our growth, and why compassion, curiosity, and creativity are at the heart of a meaningful life. You'll also get a glimpse into our own relationship as we share laughter, honest reflections, and the conversations we have beyond the microphone. Whether you're navigating change, seeking deeper connection, or simply looking for a conversation that leaves you feeling seen and inspired, this episode is for you. Join us as we live out loud together. Takeaways Self-compassion is essential for authentic self-expressionEmotional safety is an inner sense of peace Authentic LivingFreedom in Relationships Chapters 00:00 Discovering Authentic Voice10:01 The Journey of Self-Compassion20:03 The Impact of Recovery and Healing26:03 Emotional Safety and Inner Peace28:09 Freedom in Authentic Living29:19 The Power of Pause31:26 Maintaining Connection34:11 Heartbreak and Hope41:17 Expressing Love and Identity47:14 Living Out Loud

  3. Jul 29

    Christian de la Huerta

    What happens when the life you've built looks successful on the outside but feels empty on the inside? In this powerful episode of Living OUT Loud, Michele sits down with transformational teacher, TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and breathwork pioneer Christian de la Huerta for a deeply honest conversation about identity, spirituality, healing, and the courage to live authentically. Born in Cuba and raised in the Catholic Church after immigrating to the United States, Christian shares his personal journey of navigating the intersections of faith, sexuality, belonging, and purpose. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond fear and limiting beliefs, reclaim personal power, cultivate conscious relationships, and embrace the freedom that comes from living in alignment with your truth. Whether you're on a journey of self-discovery, healing from past conditioning, or searching for a deeper connection with yourself and others, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and practical insights to help you step into the fullest expression of who you are. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about transformation, conscious love, breathwork, and what it truly means to live OUT loud. #LivingOUTLoud #LGBTQVoices #ConsciousLove #PersonalTransformation #AuthenticLiving Takeaways Self-discovery and healing through breathworkNavigating identity and belongingThe power of spirituality and personal transformation Empowerment through self-discoveryThe importance of reclaiming personal power Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery03:00 Navigating Identity and Belonging08:00 The Power of Breathwork and Healing12:59 Spirituality and Personal Transformation22:58 Self-Worth and Authentic Living26:52 The Power Within27:13 Choosing Yourself28:52 Toxic Positivity and Spiritual Growth29:23 The Courage to Look Within30:17 Reclaiming Personal Power38:34 The Biggest Lie About Love50:30 The Thin Veil of Spirituality51:06 Living Out Loud

  4. Jul 8

    Dr. Rick Diamond

    What if the stories you've been living aren't actually your own? In this powerful conversation, Michele sits down with Dr. Rick Diamond, Story Healer, speaker, author of Wrestling with God, devoted father, and ally, to explore how the narratives we inherit shape our identities, relationships, faith, and sense of belonging. Together, they discuss the courage it takes to question long-held beliefs, the difference between healing and simply retelling our stories, and why kindness may be one of the most transformative forces available to us today. As the father of a gay daughter, Dr. Rick also shares insights on allyship, parenting, acceptance, and creating spaces where people feel truly seen, valued, and loved. The conversation explores faith, vulnerability, inherited shame, spiritual growth, and the power of embracing life's questions rather than rushing toward certainty. Whether you're navigating your own healing journey, reevaluating old beliefs, seeking deeper connection, or simply longing to live more authentically, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and hope. In This Episode: • How inherited stories shape our lives and identities • The difference between healing a story and reliving it • Why questioning can be an act of faith • Parenting, allyship, and unconditional love • Religious trauma and belonging within the LGBTQ+ community • The role of kindness, vulnerability, and courage in personal transformation • Lessons from Dr. Rick's book, Wrestling with God • What it means to truly live OUT loud Connect with Dr. Rick Diamond Website: drrickdiamond.com Book: Wrestling with God

  5. Jul 1

    Kathy Anderson

    What happens when a lifelong librarian decides it's finally time to tell her own story? In this episode of Living OUT Loud, host Michele Flamer sits down with award-winning author Kathy Anderson to explore a journey filled with reinvention, creativity, authenticity, and the courage to embrace new chapters at any stage of life. After spending more than twenty-five years connecting people with stories through public libraries, Kathy found herself stepping into a new role: storyteller. Drawing from her experiences as a librarian, her acclaimed novel The New Town Librarian captures the humor, heart, and resilience that come with starting over. Together, Michele and Kathy discuss the power of books, the importance of representation, finding your voice later in life, and what it means to live authentically as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue a dream, tell the truth about who you are, or write the next chapter of your life. In this episode, you'll discover: • How Kathy's years as a librarian shaped her work as an author • The inspiration behind The New Town Librarian • Lessons on reinvention, resilience, and second chances • The role storytelling plays in building empathy and connection • What living out loud means in today's world Whether you're a passionate reader, aspiring writer, library lover, or someone standing on the edge of your own next chapter, this episode offers wisdom, laughter, and inspiration for the journey ahead. Connect with Kathy Anderson and learn more about her books at kathyandersonwriter.com. #LivingOUTLoudPodcast #LGBTQVoices #AuthorInterview #KathyAnderson #TheNewTownLibrarian

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer is a space for courage, truth, and belonging. The podcast celebrates Queer voices and the people in our communities who are living out loud with intention. Each episode lifts up authentic stories of self-discovery, purpose, and the moments that shaped who we become. Michele welcomes a wide range of guests who are opening doors and extending their hearts. From everyday heroes to community organizers, from artists and authors to politicians and advocates, these conversations honor the resilience and bravery found in Queer communities across the country. Together, they explore what it means to lead with vulnerability, to create connection, and to stand firmly in our truth. Through honest conversation, curiosity, and compassion, Michele invites listeners to reflect on their own stories and the power of showing up as their whole selves. Because when we live out loud, we create space for others to do the same. Thanks for listening and sharing.  Stay Loud and Stay Proud!  Michele