Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast

Zach Randles-Friedman
  • 4.8 (42)
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Join your host, Zach Randles-Friedman, for engaging conversations that delves into a myriad of topics, offering heartfelt stories from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Tune in for an inclusive blend of personal anecdotes, thought-provoking insights, and empowering narratives that embrace the richness of diversity and allyship with many laughs.

  1. Ep. 169: Healing Through the Body: Somatic Intimacy, Desire, and Connection with Court Vox

    6H AGO

    Ep. 169: Healing Through the Body: Somatic Intimacy, Desire, and Connection with Court Vox

    Show Notes What somatic sex and intimacy coaching actually is How Court Vox discovered this work and why he continues it The difference between traditional therapy and somatic approaches Inside intimacy retreats and the community created through them Rebuilding somatic trust in long-term relationships Communication tips for couples navigating desire and boundaries Conversations about open relationships in LGBTQ+ and straight communities Addressing porn use and developing a healthier relationship with sexuality Exploring practices like breathwork, meditation, rope work, and mindfulness Why embodied experiences can lead to deeper emotional and relational healing Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min
  2. Ep. 168: The Red Flags We Miss: Dating Apps, Catfishing & The App Helping People Avoid Toxic Relationships

    1D AGO

    Ep. 168: The Red Flags We Miss: Dating Apps, Catfishing & The App Helping People Avoid Toxic Relationships

    Guest: Justin SmithApp: https://cray.app/ In this episode, Zach and Justin dive into the realities of modern dating and how technology has changed relationships—sometimes for the worse. Justin shares his deeply personal story about a marriage that turned out to be built on manipulation and deception. After a traumatic breakup and time in treatment to recover from the emotional toll, he decided to build a tool that could help others recognize the red flags he missed. The result is Cray, an app designed to help people evaluate relationships through structured questions, behavior analysis, and verification tools. Zach and Justin discuss: The dark side of modern dating apps Catfishing, scams, and blackmail attempts online The emotional toll of toxic relationships How red flags often go unnoticed until it’s too late The importance of self-love and healthy boundaries Why friends struggle to warn people about bad partners How Justin’s app helps identify manipulation and deception The concept behind the “Cray Score” and “Schemer Score” Why Justin hopes the app becomes a tool used by college students and young adults Justin’s goal is simple: help people protect themselves before getting deeply involved with the wrong person. Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min
  3. Ep. 167: From Bullying to Self-Love: Stef Vachon’s Journey of Healing, Skating, and Giving Back

    2D AGO

    Ep. 167: From Bullying to Self-Love: Stef Vachon’s Journey of Healing, Skating, and Giving Back

    In this episode, Zach talks with Stef Vachon about his remarkable life story and the healing journey that transformed everything. They discuss: Stef’s childhood in a small French-speaking town near Quebec City How figure skating became both his passion and the reason he was bullied The trauma of being called slurs and feeling forced to hide who he was Spending much of high school isolated and afraid How years of shame and self-hatred followed him into adulthood His experience touring with Ice Capades and trying to outrun his pain Coming out and still struggling to feel fully accepted Reaching a breaking point and finding a therapist who changed his life Learning to process trauma, rebuild self-worth, and choose life Returning to skating as part of his healing journey Meeting his husband and building a loving family together Becoming a father through adoption and how that deepened his healing Why he launched the Together Moving Forward podcast His mission to help LGBTQ+ people learn self-love, self-respect, and resilience This is a deeply moving conversation about survival, self-acceptance, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Listen to Stef's Podcast: https://togethermovingforwardpodcast.com/ Follow Stef on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/togethermovingforwardpodcast/   Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  4. Ep. 166: Love More, Fear Less: How the Pink Socks Movement Is Spreading Kindness Worldwide

    3D AGO

    Ep. 166: Love More, Fear Less: How the Pink Socks Movement Is Spreading Kindness Worldwide

    In this inspiring episode, Zach talks with Nick about the powerful mission behind the Pink Socks Movement and how a simple pair of bright pink socks became a symbol of kindness, empathy, and connection around the world. They discuss how the movement began, why people are craving deeper connection in a world filled with fear and division, and how Pink Socks has grown from healthcare into schools and communities across the country. Nick also shares emotional stories about the impact the movement has had on children, educators, patients, and everyday people. This episode is a reminder that kindness matters, connection heals, and even the smallest act of love can change someone’s life. In this episode, they discuss: What the Pink Socks Movement is and how it started The message behind “love more, fear less” Why human connection matters more than ever How over 300,000 pairs of pink socks have been gifted worldwide The movement’s impact in schools and kindness-based curriculum How Pink Socks helps create belonging, empathy, and anti-bullying culture The emotional stories that shaped Nick’s mission Why small acts of kindness can create a massive ripple effect How listeners can support the Pink Socks Movement Learn more: Visit https://pinksocks.life/ Follow @pinksockslife on Instagram Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min
  5. Ep. 165: Healing Childhood Trauma and Finding Inner Truth with Phyllis Leavitt

    MAR 6

    Ep. 165: Healing Childhood Trauma and Finding Inner Truth with Phyllis Leavitt

    • Phyllis Leavitt’s childhood experiences and trauma • How early pain shaped her life and identity • Spiritual exploration in the 1960s • The power of journaling and therapy in uncovering buried memories • Turning personal healing into a mission to help others   Buy Phyllis' books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Phyllis-E.-Leavitt/author/B0124UQUCA?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=ec172fd1-6f18-4dcb-8a9a-f36ff187347c Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  6. Ep. 164: Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol, and Chosen Family: Jeff Copeland Tells the Story

    MAR 5

    Ep. 164: Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol, and Chosen Family: Jeff Copeland Tells the Story

    Jeff arriving in LA with $1,200 and realizing… no one rents to you without credit or a job “Hollywood was gritty, not glamorous”—the real vibe of the era How Jeff first spotted Holly and was instantly captivated by her presence The very pre-internet way he found her: calling 411 and getting her listed number The bold dinner invite and the start of a friendship that became chosen family Making art while broke: scripts, hustle, and the wild pivot from film idea to book reality Working on Holly’s memoir Low Life and High Heels Jeff’s honesty about the ugly questions people asked about Holly—and why it mattered Holly’s resistance to labels and objectification, and how she navigated gender on her terms Jeff’s TV career journey: PBS, Discovery, science docs, and climbing the ladder The “pinch me” era: Gary Shandling, Carol Burnett, and iconic guest-star orbit moments Returning to Missouri, caregiving, COVID, and the drive to finish a book after 20 drafts Jeff’s takeaway: risk, resilience, and never living with the regret of not trying Get the book: Love You Madly, Holly Woodlawn ✅ Signed copies available at https://feralhouse.com Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    54 min
  7. Ep. 163: The QT Library: Building Boston’s Queer & Trans Community Living Room

    MAR 4

    Ep. 163: The QT Library: Building Boston’s Queer & Trans Community Living Room

    In this episode: What The QT Library is: a queer/trans-authored and curated collection + a welcoming, physical community space in Boston The mission: no book bans, more belonging—and a library that feels like warmth, whimsy, and joy Why libraries matter: “you already know what a library is” — and that familiarity makes access easier A Boston reality check: expensive city, limited space… and the need for free, shared community infrastructure Intergenerational magic: creating a space where queer youth and queer elders connect naturally Virtual programming stays: the QT Library’s online events are thriving—and they’ll continue even after a physical opening Community-built from scratch: the surprising range of ways people have contributed (from marketing plans to plastic book covers) What Jake’s learned about community: you will mess up—values + repair matter everyone’s interesting if you ask better questions gratitude is a culture-builder (the Monday Meeting gratitude tradition) Why “substance-free” matters: expanding access beyond bars/clubs—especially for youth, families, and anyone who wants community without alcohol Boston’s volunteer spirit: how the city’s service culture could help power the library forward Reality check: this is not “a few books on a shelf”—it’s a growing, organized, legit operation The goal: Jake’s dream to open a physical space in summer 2026 How you can help: donate, volunteer, share the project, spread the word Learn more / Donate / Volunteer: https://www.qtlibrary.org/   Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    54 min
  8. Ep. 162: 90 Days to Live: Ray Crist, the Jaguar Path, and the Science of Survival

    MAR 2

    Ep. 162: 90 Days to Live: Ray Crist, the Jaguar Path, and the Science of Survival

    In this episode, you’ll hear: Ray’s origin story: born in the U.S., raised largely in Greece, and living a high-level photography career before everything changed The moment he was told he had terminal cancer and only 90 days to live—and what that does to your brain, values, and identity Why Ray credits Western medicine (including major hospitals and surgery) as essential to his survival What pushed him to travel into Peru—and how desperation became the doorway to transformation The pivotal teachings from Don Francisco Flores: “I can’t save you—but I can train you to save yourself.” How Ray describes the internal shift from fear-driven thinking to personal power The concept of the “committee in your head” vs. the deeper voice Ray calls reverence, wisdom, or the “inner shaman” Reference vs. Reverence: why comparison culture keeps us anxious—and what it looks like to live fully in the moment A real talk moment about modern life: distraction, doom-scrolling, and why it’s hard to be present even during rest Ray’s second major mentor, Maestro Panduro, and the hard lesson: emotions are valid—but they can’t drive the car How Ray tracked progress through continued medical follow-ups—and the doctors’ reaction as scans improved The birth of The Jaguar Path and why Ray built it as a modern, structured system (not mysticism) Why he integrates shamanic tools, yoga, Tai Chi, and elements of Chinese medicine Ray’s view on emotions and the body—how physiology influences mood, fear, and reactivity A powerful takeaway: healing isn’t only personal—it becomes real when it’s shared and used to help others Guest & links: Ray Crist — Founder, The Jaguar Path Website mentioned in the episode: jaguarpath.com    Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 18m
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4.8
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Join your host, Zach Randles-Friedman, for engaging conversations that delves into a myriad of topics, offering heartfelt stories from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Tune in for an inclusive blend of personal anecdotes, thought-provoking insights, and empowering narratives that embrace the richness of diversity and allyship with many laughs.

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