the ACT OUT podcast

Adam Tomlin
  • 5.0 (16)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

  1. 3D AGO

    The Legacy of Woodstock: Vibing with Creativity, Music & Community

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Duncan Rich, co-founder of MELD Community Incorporated, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, community, and the powerful role that place can play in shaping people’s lives. Duncan shares his journey from growing up in the Boston area to building a life in the Catskills near Woodstock, New York—a region famous for its deep artistic roots, cultural movements, and history of attracting musicians, writers, and creative thinkers. Adam and Duncan explore why the Woodstock and Catskills region has long been a magnet for artists, free thinkers, and spiritual seekers, tracing connections from Native American traditions and early artist colonies to the legendary music scene that helped define the area. Duncan reflects on how growing up around music—and starting his first band as a kid—helped shape his path and eventually led him toward community-building work that blends creativity, connection, and purpose. The conversation also dives into the mission behind MELD Community, an organization focused on bringing people together in meaningful ways. Duncan discusses the importance of creating spaces where people can explore creativity, authenticity, and deeper connection with others. Adam and Duncan reflect on how intentional communities, art, and shared experiences can help people reconnect with themselves and with each other in a world that often feels fragmented. Learn more about Duncan Rich and MELD Community: http://meld.community/core If you’re interested in creative communities, the cultural history of Woodstock, or the ways music, art, and intentional spaces can bring people together, this episode offers a fascinating look at how place, culture, and collaboration can shape meaningful lives. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 3m

  2. MAR 12

    The Urban vs. Rural Divide: Why Rural Voters Feel Ignored by National Politics

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with John Peace, host of the Rural Route Review podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about rural America, politics, and the growing divide between urban and rural perspectives. John shares stories from growing up on a small dairy farm in Wise County, Virginia, where agriculture, coal mining, and family traditions shaped the culture and economy of the Appalachian region. Together, Adam and John explore how industries like tobacco, coal, and manufacturing once sustained rural communities—and what happened when those industries disappeared. John also breaks down how political messaging, economic change, and government policy have influenced voting patterns across Appalachia and rural America. The conversation dives into the decline of local journalism, the rise of “news deserts,” and how social media and national media narratives have replaced local reporting in many communities. Adam and John discuss how that shift has changed political conversations—from debates about local taxes and school funding to national culture-war issues that often have little direct impact on rural towns. Learn more about John Peace and the Rural Route Review podcast: https://youtube.com/@ruralroutepodcast?si=_qloxfO60Smdiflf Listeners will also hear an honest look at how personal experiences shape political beliefs—from family traditions and union history to economic crises like the Great Recession. Adam reflects on how his own views evolved over time, while John explains why understanding rural culture is essential for anyone hoping to bridge the political divide. Together they explore why fear, identity, and storytelling often matter more in politics than policy details. If you’ve ever wondered why rural America votes the way it does, how economic changes reshaped Appalachian communities, or why conversations between urban and rural Americans sometimes feel like they’re happening in different worlds, this episode offers a deeper look at the history, culture, and perspectives behind those divides. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 28m

  3. MAR 5

    The Modern Man’s Toolbox: Healing, Fatherhood & Emotional Strength

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! CW: This episode contains content regarding themes of suicidal ideations. Viewer discretion advised. In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with men’s coach and founder of Dad Mode Activated, Aaron Gambel, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about men’s mental health, fatherhood, emotional awareness, and what it really takes to break generational cycles. Aaron shares his journey from spending 15 years working in the high-pressure Hollywood film industry to experiencing what he calls a “dark night of the soul.” After hitting rock bottom and facing a moment where he nearly ended his life, Aaron made the courageous decision to seek help and check himself into UCLA’s behavioral health unit. That decision—and everything that followed—became the turning point that reshaped his life and eventually led him into coaching and mentoring other men. Adam and Aaron dive into the realities many men quietly struggle with: feeling disconnected from their emotions, growing up in households where vulnerability wasn’t modeled, and learning how childhood experiences shape the way we show up in relationships, careers, and parenting. The conversation explores how trauma patterns can keep people stuck in familiar chaos, why our brains often choose a “familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven,” and how awareness, nervous system regulation, and self-reflection can help people start rewriting those patterns. The episode also explores Aaron’s work with men’s groups like The Wolf Den, where men practice stepping out of “fix-it mode” and into emotional presence. Through meditation, breathwork, and intentional conversations, Aaron helps men reconnect with their bodies, their emotions, and their sense of purpose—something many men were never taught growing up. Aaron also talks about the inspiration behind his upcoming Dad Mode Activated program, a fatherhood mentorship designed to help men navigate the emotional and psychological shift that comes with becoming a dad. From the anxiety many men experience during pregnancy to the fear of repeating generational mistakes, Aaron explains why preparing men for fatherhood isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional awareness, questioned your identity as a man or a father, or wondered how to break patterns from your past while building something healthier for your kids, this episode offers an honest and relatable look at what that journey can look like. Learn more about Aaron Gambel and Dad Mode Activated: https://www.aarongambel.com Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health crises. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local crisis support service. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits:

    1h 2m

  4. FEB 26

    Rethinking Safety and Security: How to Stop Violence Before It Happens

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions (Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention Solutions), for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about preventing targeted violence before it ever reaches the “headline” stage. Robert breaks down why we don’t actually have a reporting problem—we have a coordination problem—and what it looks like when schools, law enforcement, mental health, and community organizations work together early instead of waiting for a crisis. Robert walks listeners through the Pathway of Violence (grievance → planning → acquisition → broadcasting → attack), explains what behavioral threat assessment (BTAM) really is, and why he prefers thinking of these teams as “care teams” instead of just threat teams. Adam and Robert dig into how prevention is often less about catching “bad people” and more about noticing patterns: isolation, escalating behavior, unmet needs, and the ripple effects of housing instability, substance use, or social disconnection that can compound over time. The conversation also explores why logical arguments don’t work when someone is emotionally dysregulated, how radicalization isn’t always about ideology but about identity, community, and purpose, and why top-down interventions often backfire. Robert shares powerful real-world examples—from school bus drivers spotting early warning signs to the “Toyota vs. Mercedes” analogy for building a culture of prevention—and explains how security measures can accidentally increase fear if the emotional narrative of safety gets ignored. If you’ve ever wondered what violence prevention actually looks like in the real world—or how communities can shift from reacting after the fact to stepping in sooner with support, connection, and smarter systems—this episode will change the way you think about safety. Learn more about Robert Mahoney and TVTP Solutions: https://tvtpsolutions.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce This episode includes discussion of suicide and violent ideation in the context of prevention and behavioral threat assessment. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local crisis support service.

    1h 17m

  5. FEB 19

    Raising Resilient Kids: A Preschool Teacher on Toddlers, Tantrums and Emotional Growth

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nicole Gamboa, a preschool teacher who’s been working with young kids for decades—and has truly seen it all. What starts as a hilarious trip down memory lane (including Adam’s unforgettable attempt at coaching little kid soccer) turns into a real conversation about what it actually takes to guide children through the most intense stage of emotional and developmental growth. Nicole shares what it’s like teaching two- and three-year-olds, why her “favorite” age group is usually four and five, and how quickly kids change when you’re working with them every single day. Adam and Nicole also dig into parenting culture shifts over time—how we went from dismissing kids’ feelings completely to sometimes swinging too far into coddling—and what gentle parenting actually looks like when it includes boundaries, consistency, and real emotional skill-building. Listeners will hear a grounded, relatable take on modern motherhood and family life: balancing work, parenting, and self-care; building community as an adult; and navigating the double standards that still show up for moms and dads. They also talk about mental health, therapy, medication (from a responsible, real-world perspective), ADHD in boys vs. girls, media literacy, and why “me-search” isn’t the same thing as actual research. If you’ve ever wondered why emotional regulation is so hard for kids (and honestly, for adults too), or how early childhood experiences shape the way people handle conflict, identity, and decision-making later in life—this episode will hit home. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 15m

  6. FEB 12

    THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Creating Holiday Magic 50 Feet in the Air

    In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam climbs 50 feet into the air to talk with Ryan Palmer of Iron, Wood & Glitter Productions while taking down a massive Christmas tree in Newport News, Virginia. What starts as a conversation about lights, cables, and holiday displays quickly becomes a deeper look at what it really means to pursue happiness—and the risks, mindset shifts, and life decisions that make it possible. Ryan shares how he blended his background in commercial construction and the arts to build a career designing large-scale entertainment installations for cities, theme parks, and seasonal events across the country. From haunted houses and cruise ships to community Christmas spectacles, he explains how creativity and logistics work together—and why seeing families enjoy the displays makes the long hours worth it. 🎄 Want to see Adam 50 feet in the air on the Christmas tree? Check out the full episode video on YouTube and Spotify. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, perfectionism, and the fear that comes with starting something new. Ryan opens up about launching his company to spend more time with his family, the uncertainty of finding the next job, and the mindset shift that helped him move forward anyway. To close, Adam and Ryan zoom out to talk about THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS—why taking the first imperfect step matters, how one opportunity can change everything, and what it really means to build a life you don’t need to escape from. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, working in a creative trade, or building a career that blends passion with practicality, this episode will leave you inspired. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    23 min

  7. FEB 5

    Politics Without Performance: Senator Angelia Williams Graves on Collaboration & Being Yourself

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with State Senator Angelia Williams Graves for a real, thoughtful conversation about leadership, public service, and what it actually takes to govern when the world feels loud and divided. From growing up in Norfolk as a pastor’s daughter to serving on City Council, the House of Delegates, and now the Virginia State Senate, Senator Williams Graves walks us through the moments—and lessons—that shaped how she leads. Senator Williams Graves shares what it was like growing up in a “fishbowl,” how that experience built the thick skin politics demands, and why owning who you are matters more than trying to fit in. Adam and the Senator also dig into the behind-the-scenes reality of government: why campaigning is the easy part, why governing requires consensus, and how the Senate becomes the “chamber of reality” when big ideas meet budgets, votes, and competing priorities. Listeners will also hear an honest take on the state of politics today—what happened to civility, why fear-based messaging works, and how we get back to disagreement without dehumanizing each other. The conversation touches on equity vs. equality, opportunity gaps, women in leadership, and what it looks like to serve people with integrity even when the choices are complicated. If you’ve ever wondered what public service looks like beyond soundbites—or why doing the right thing in government is rarely as simple as people want it to be—this episode will make you think, and it might even shift how you see leadership. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 26m

  8. JAN 29

    THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Creativity as Therapy

    In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam sits down with Tara, an engineer by day and artist by heart, for an honest and refreshing conversation about creativity, identity, and what it really means to pursue happiness. Tara shares how art has been a constant thread throughout her life—from childhood drawings hanging in her mom’s bathroom to painting large-scale murals—and how creating without rules has become both therapy and self-expression. Together, they explore the balance between structure and freedom, how creativity can coexist with a technical career, and why making mistakes isn’t something to fear—on a canvas or in life. Tara reflects on the lessons art has taught her about grace, flexibility, and trusting the process, including how unexpected moments (like muddy paw prints in a mural) can turn into something beautiful when you let go of perfection. 🎨 Want to see Adam’s artwork? Check out the full episode video on YouTube and Spotify. The conversation also dives into the realities of turning passion into income, the pressure that can come with monetizing creativity, and why Tara is choosing to explore her artistic style without rushing the process. To close, Adam and Tara zoom out to talk about THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS—who gets access to it, what support really matters, and whether doing what you love is still possible in today’s world. If you’ve ever felt torn between practicality and passion, or wondered how creativity fits into a “real” career, this episode will resonate deeply. Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    14 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Tomlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 the ACT OUT podcast
  • Show Website
    the ACT OUT podcast