A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with David

David Begor
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Real conversations. Meaningful connections. Join me, David Begor, each week as I sit down with a friend to explore love, identity, growth, and the messy beauty of being human. davidbegor.substack.com

  1. 12/21/2025

    Randy Dunbar: The Art of Making Mistakes — Double Exposure

    Randy and I met in 1989 while doing laundry at the Chateau des Fleurs in Los Angeles. I had just moved to LA to work at Bullocks Wilshire in visual merchandising. Randy was working as a graphic designer at Exposure Magazine—the same publication where a young Ryan Murphy was working as an editor. Through Randy, I discovered the world of graphic design, typography, and the creative possibilities that would shape my career. In this episode, Randy and I reconnect again to talk about creativity, loss, and what it means to sustain an artistic life across time. His career spans art direction roles at The Advocate, Genre, Hero, Home Magazine, and YM, plus 18 years teaching graphic design at FIDM. But more than credentials, Randy brings wisdom about the creative process—particularly his mantra that mistakes aren’t just acceptable, they’re essential. Our conversation moves through the excitement of 1980s New York, where Randy worked alongside brilliant designers and editors, many of whom were lost to AIDS. We discuss his philosophy, and obsession, on typography (he once took type specimen books to lunch), his experiments with AI in music creation, the invisible burden of aging as a creative person, and why he wishes he’d gotten a business degree instead of relying solely on talent. Randy is candid about regret, honest about ego, and generous with the lessons he’s learned. He talks about being fired for arrogance, the magazines that died around him, and why he still believes in doing things differently, even when it’s uncomfortable. This is a conversation about craft, survival, and what it takes to keep creating. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Randy. -David RandyDunbar.com #AQueerPOV #RandyDunbar #GraphicDesign #QueerPodcast #Typography #AIDSCrisis #CreativeLife #LGBTQHistory #DesignPodcast #QueerCreatives A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    1h 16m
  2. Sean McCormick: on Growing Older as a Gay Man

    12/04/2025

    Sean McCormick: on Growing Older as a Gay Man

    We don’t talk about aging in the gay community nearly enough. We’re great at celebrating youth and reinvention and whatever’s shiny and new, but we don’t slow down enough to actually listen to the people who lived through the experiences that made our community possible in the first place. This week I’m talking with 81-year-old Sean McCormick. He’s funny, he’s honest, and he’s got this huge heart that comes through in everything he says. I met Sean about three years ago, and we’ve become friends. When I started thinking about doing an episode on aging in the gay community, he felt like the perfect person to talk to. Sean came out in the 1950s and 60s, way before being gay was something you could just say out loud. He remembers the coded looks, the piano bars like Kitty Sheehan’s in Chicago where he’d sing after a couple gin and tonics, the police raids, and the constant need to stay careful: to protect yourself and the people around you. He navigated being gay in the military during Vietnam, built a career as a deputy clerk in the appellate court, and found community in spaces that existed mostly in the margins. He and his late husband Kent were together for 35 years: a relationship full of loyalty, adventure, travel, and deep companionship. After Kent died in 2019, Sean didn’t think he’d find that again. But then he met Arturo, and here he is at 81, still pursuing love. Still showing up. Still trying. We talk about what it actually feels like to get older in a community that worships youth. Sean doesn’t sugarcoat it. He talks about feeling invisible at mixers, about the “cheerleader tables” that form even among older gay men, about how hard it is to put yourself out there when you’ve been rejected. But he also talks about the stuff that surprised him about aging: the confidence that comes with it, the clarity, the freedom of finally just being comfortable as yourself. “I’ve never felt so comfortable with myself,” he tells me. “Be me. Very simple. Be me.” At the end, I ask Sean what he’d tell his younger self: that kid in the Army, or the guy just figuring out who he was. His answer comes fast: “It only gets better.” This conversation reminded me that we’re strongest when we actually see each other across generations. When we listen. When we make room. Sean’s story is about perseverance and joy and the fact that becoming yourself doesn’t stop at any particular age. It just keeps going. I’m really glad I got to share this one with you. -David #GayAging, #LGBTQElders, #QueerPOV #QueerStories #AgingWithPride A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    1h 9m
  3. 🏳️‍🌈 The Rainbow Flag: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Colors That Unite Us

    11/06/2025

    🏳️‍🌈 The Rainbow Flag: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Colors That Unite Us

    In this episode of A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I trace the journey of the rainbow flag, from a small sewing studio in 1978 San Francisco to a global symbol of pride, protest, and belonging. We meet Gilbert Baker, the artist and activist who stitched color into our collective soul, and explore how his friendship with Harvey Milk turned a simple idea into a lasting emblem of queer identity. Along the way, I share stories of AIDS-era activism, the meaning of visibility, and what the flag has come to represent in my own life, especially as a gay parent raising a child in today’s world. This isn’t just queer history. It is a reminder that Pride began as protest, and that our strength has always come from showing up together. 🎧 Listen now and rediscover the beauty, defiance, and hope sewn into every color of the rainbow. Hope to see you out in the streets this weekend at Palm Springs Pride! -David Resources: Clip 1 - soundcloud.com/brainpickerClip 2 - cbc.ca/radioClip 3 - Outcast MediaClip 4 - cbc.ca/radio ArtPalm Springs Pride Monument, Created by jimisermann.comArenas District Landmark Flagpole Mentioned at the top of show:Out of the Blue by Robert TregoningFletcher’s Ice Cream and CafeHailey Bieber Unbothered This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    22 min
  4. Dann Foley: Creativity, Confidence, and the Joy of Living Beautifully.

    10/17/2025

    Dann Foley: Creativity, Confidence, and the Joy of Living Beautifully.

    Today, I’m talking with someone whose name you might already know if you love beautiful spaces, Dann Foley. Dann’s been designing for almost four decades, and his work has this incredible mix of style, warmth, and personality. He’s an award-winning interior designer, a TV personality you might’ve seen on NBC’s American Dream Builders or Showtime’s The Real L Word, and the author of It’s All in the Mix: Designs for Living Well — which, honestly, sums up his whole approach to life. From his early days surrounded by travel and creativity to now leading major design brands and creating hundreds of products, Dann has stayed grounded in one simple belief: that great design should feel personal, welcoming, and accessible, not intimidating. He’s been named to Designers Today’s Power List and recently stepped into a new role as president of Harp & Finial, all while continuing to grow his own lifestyle brand. But what I love most about Dann is his energy, he just loves what he does, and that passion shows in everything he touches. So today, we’re diving into his journey, how it all started, what keeps him inspired, and why “living well” is something we can all design for ourselves. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dann Foley. -David dannfoleylifestyle.com Book: It’s All in the Mix: Designs for Living Well •••••••••• #DesignInspiration, #LivingWell, #DannFoley, #InteriorDesign, #LGBTQCreatives •••••••••• A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with David You can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky @davidbegor PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the ETSY shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    1 hr

  5. 10/10/2025

    Coming Out With Pride on National Coming Out Day

    Coming out isn’t just one moment. It’s a lifetime of learning to live honestly, of choosing truth again and again, even when it’s hard, even when the world doesn’t make it easy. As October 11th, National Coming Out Day, approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what coming out really means, not only for those of us who’ve done it, but for those who are still waiting for the right time, or the right safety, or the right words. In this episode, I look back on conversations I’ve had through Friends, Loves, & Life and revisit stories from people who opened their hearts and trusted me with their truth, people like Gregg, Alex, Mike, Rich, Stephen, and James. Each one reminds me that while coming out can be scary, it’s also powerful. It builds bridges. It saves lives. It connects us to our chosen family, the people who see us, love us, and remind us that we belong. For some, family is where the story begins. For others, it’s what we build along the way. Either way, the act of coming out, whether whispered, shouted, or simply lived, is a kind of rebirth. I share a bit of my own story, too, and the relief that came when my father hugged me and told me he loved me after I said the words, “Yes, I’m gay.” That moment changed everything. Because when we live as ourselves, we not only free our own hearts, we light the way for others to do the same. -David •••••••••• #comingOut #ComingOutDay, #NationalComingOutDay, #LoveIsLove, and #Pride •••••••••• A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors | taylorstreetfavors.etsy.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    26 min
  6. Deb Levine: Breaking Barriers in Health, Sexuality & Technology

    10/03/2025

    Deb Levine: Breaking Barriers in Health, Sexuality & Technology

    This week on A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with someone who has had a remarkable influence on how we think and talk about health, sexuality, and technology: Deb Levine. Back in the early 1990s, while working as a health educator at Columbia University, Deb co-created Go Ask Alice, one of the very first online spaces where young people could ask their most personal questions about sex, drugs, and relationships, and get real, thoughtful answers. Long before the rest of the world caught up, Deb understood that people needed safe, honest, and judgment-free access to information. Her work didn’t stop there. She went on to found ISIS (Internet Sexuality Information Services), later known as YTH—Youth Tech Health—an organization that broke new ground by connecting technology, public health, and community voices. Deb has always seen that sexuality and health don’t exist in isolation, they’re deeply tied to our relationships, mental health, and the way we care for one another. What I admire most about Deb is her humanity. She has always approached her work with courage, humor, and compassion. She’s been a fierce ally to the LGBTQ community, helping to create spaces where our stories and health truly matter. And I’m lucky enough to call her not only a mentor, but also a friend. In our conversation, Deb shares stories about her early days as a Deadhead, her nonlinear way of thinking, the battles she fought to get institutions to listen, and her commitment to making sure people have the knowledge they need to live healthier, freer lives. Deb has such a unique way of looking at the world, and I can’t wait for you to hear her perspective. 🎙️ I hope you enjoy my conversation with Deb Levine. -David Deb Levine, MA. www.linkedin.com/in/deblevine/ A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    1h 6m

  7. 09/04/2025

    I ask Derek Lenington: Should I Take Social Security at 62?

    As I approach my 62nd birthday, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about retirement. Not the kind where you buy an RV and start glamping in national parks (though I’ll admit, that does sound tempting). No, I mean the kind where you sit down with your Social Security statement and suddenly feel overwhelmed, anxious, and a little exhausted from all the questions swirling around in your head. Should I take it at 62? Wait until full retirement age? Hold out until 70? The more I asked, the more overwhelming it all felt. In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Derek Lenington. You might remember Derek from my very first episode, so it feels especially fitting to have him back as the season one finale. Derek is a financial coach who recently launched his own business, and he’s the perfect person to help me untangle these questions. We talk about Social Security, Medicare, spousal benefits, working while retired, and how to think about the “break-even” point. Derek also shares why retirement planning is about so much more than numbers—it’s about identity, navigating transitions, and preparing for the future. If you’ve ever wondered about your own retirement or just felt confused by all the options, this conversation will help clear things up. Derek reminds us that retirement isn’t just about math—it’s about life, identity, and what comes next. Listen in and learn with me. —David If you would like to work with Derek you can find him here: www.dereklenington.com A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    47 min

  8. 08/28/2025

    Gregg: Love, Rituals, and the Small Things That Keep Us Together

    Some kids dream of hitting the winning home run. Gregg dreamed of getting through Little League without having to actually touch the bat. His father was the coach, which made quitting more complicated—because it’s one thing to strike out, but another to let your dad down while doing it. Still, Gregg knew early on that he belonged more in the world of spotlights and scripts than dugouts and scoreboards. Like so many of us, Gregg carried an “original hurt” from childhood—the kind of moment that lodges itself in your memory and whispers doubts into every friendship and relationship that follows. But what makes his story special is not the hurt, but how he kept showing up for joy anyway. College brought him clarity: a simple newspaper article gave him the language for what he already knew—that he was gay. From there, his life unfolded in unexpected ways, from building community in Tucson and Los Angeles to raising a son with a circle of parents who figured things out as they went. And then, of course, there’s love. Gregg talks about meeting Steven, the man who would become his husband and co-creator of daily rituals. (Five kisses before bed. Not four. Not six. Exactly five. Non-negotiable.) It’s the small things—cuddle alarms, grocery store trips, quiet moments on the couch—that became the glue of their 25 years together. Listening to Gregg is like being reminded that life doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. It can be messy, funny, and sometimes awkward, but the best parts sneak in through little rituals, trusted friends, and the courage to keep choosing love—even when your brain still plays the old tapes of doubt. As Gregg puts it, we’re here to experience life—fully, freely, and yes, even joyfully. And maybe that’s the point: you don’t have to hit the home run. You just have to keep stepping up to the plate. -David #LGBTQPodcast #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #PrideEveryday #LGBTQAllies #QueerStories A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. Connect with me on BlueSky PS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

    52 min
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Real conversations. Meaningful connections. Join me, David Begor, each week as I sit down with a friend to explore love, identity, growth, and the messy beauty of being human. davidbegor.substack.com

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