Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast

A Friend of Dorothy
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Welcome to Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast — the weekly show where hosts Oliver and Azamat, founders of the Friend of Dorothy brand, sit down with voices from across the LGBTQ+ community for open, honest, and inspiring conversations. Each week, we bring you a new queer story — from faith to fitness, love to loss, activism to art. You’ll hear from gay men, queer creatives, health experts, and community leaders sharing real experiences, advice, and insights about what it means to live openly, authentically, and confidently.

  1. Chris Founder of No Sex Gay Weekend | Connection | Gay Friendships, Romance Expectations & Healthy Interaction

    3D AGO

    Chris Founder of No Sex Gay Weekend | Connection | Gay Friendships, Romance Expectations & Healthy Interaction

    The No Sex Gay Weekend: How Meaningful Connections Can Be Made Without Pressure In this episode, hosts Azamat and Oliver from Friend of Dorothy discuss with Chris, a digital content creator and founder of No Sex Gay Weekend, a unique initiative designed to allow gay men to connect without the pressure of sexual expectations. The conversation touches on the challenges gay men face in making genuine connections when sex is often the starting point. Chris shares insights from his events, which include activities like tours, dinners, and social gatherings, all aimed at fostering meaningful friendships. The episode also delves into the broader implications of hookup culture, the role of apps like Grindr, and the importance of creating spaces where people can connect on a deeper level. Join us to understand why Chris believes these events help participants form lasting bonds and how this movement could reshape social interactions within the gay community. Chapter List: 00:00 Intro 02:02 Introducing the Founders and Guest 02:52 Details of the No Sex Gay Weekend Events 05:47 Personal Experiences and Feedback 08:43 Chris's Background and Event Hosting 12:02 The Impact of Digital and In-Person Interactions 24:20 Comparing Gay Social Scenes in Different Cities 25:35 Navigating Social Interactions in Madrid 26:18 The Rise of In-Person Gay Events 27:26 The Impact of Grindr on Gay Culture 28:16 The Importance of Emotional Intimacy 31:41 Challenges of Dating Apps 36:20 Approaching People in Bars 44:52 Creating Safe Spaces for Gay Connections 47:24 Conclusion and Future Plans

    49 min
  2. Couples Therapy | Emotional Needs, Relationship Dynamics & Loneliness | Chris Tompkins

    FEB 3

    Couples Therapy | Emotional Needs, Relationship Dynamics & Loneliness | Chris Tompkins

    Gay Couples Therapy, Intimacy & Connection | Friend of Dorothy Podcast In this episode of Friend of Dorothy, hosts Azamat and Oliver sit down with Chris, a therapist specialising in LGBTQ+ and gay couples therapy, to explore the emotional, relational, and sexual challenges many gay men face in relationships. Together, they unpack what makes gay relationships unique in therapy, how to find the right therapist as a queer person, and how Imago therapy can help heal past wounds and strengthen emotional connection. The conversation covers common but rarely discussed topics such as libido differences, casual sex, open relationships, and the psychological impact of dating apps like Grindr on gay men’s mental health. Chris also shares expert insight into: When couples (or individuals) should seek therapy How unresolved trauma and attachment styles affect intimacy Navigating loneliness within the gay community Whether AI could play a future role in mental health support ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Personal Background 00:10 Challenges in LGBTQ+ Couples Therapy 04:09 Imago Therapy Explained 09:27 Therapist Impartiality &Relationship Dynamics 12:09 How to Find the Right Therapist 17:22 When to Start Couples Therapy 19:21 Common Issues in Gay Relationships 23:13 Libido Differences & Casual Sex 27:20 Astrology, Numerology & Compatibility 34:39 Loneliness in the Gay Community 37:42 Grindr and Its Impact 41:03 Final Thoughts

    42 min
  3. Michael Pezzullo | Navigating Gay Therapy: Self-Worth, Relationships, and Addiction

    12/09/2025

    Michael Pezzullo | Navigating Gay Therapy: Self-Worth, Relationships, and Addiction

    Join Azamat and Oliver from Friend of Dorothy as they welcome Michael Pezzullo, a gay psychotherapist from West Hollywood, in this insightful episode. Michael shares his journey into therapy, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by gay men and how therapy can address those specific needs. The conversation dives deep into issues of self-worth, body image, relationships, and addiction within the gay community. Michael also discusses the impact of social media and dating apps, offering practical advice on overcoming these modern-day challenges. Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion that sheds light on the importance of understanding and navigating the complexities of gay mental health. 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Realities 00:09 Understanding Gay Relationships 00:55 Meet Michael: Gay Psychotherapist 01:44 Therapy for Gay Men: Unique Challenges 07:00 The Persona and Authenticity in Gay Culture 17:01 Porn Addiction and Its Impact 21:44 Navigating Gay Dating Apps and Hookup Culture 32:01 Open Relationships in Gay Culture 33:38 Michael's Insights and Future Plans 36:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    37 min
  4. Yatin Mistry - Insights on Gay Identity, Dating Chemistry & Healthy Relationships

    12/02/2025

    Yatin Mistry - Insights on Gay Identity, Dating Chemistry & Healthy Relationships

    In this powerful episode of Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast, Oliver and Azamat sit down with gay mindset coach Yatin for an honest, deeply insightful conversation on authenticity, chemistry, confidence, and queer identity. Yatin shares wisdom from his personal journey and coaching experience, exploring: ✨ Why chemistry matters more than logic in dating ✨ How to navigate the coming-out journey with confidence and care ✨ Building a strong relationship with yourself before seeking one with someone else ✨ How to communicate openly, lovingly, and without judgment ✨ Balancing independence and openness in the world of digital dating ✨ Why “mini coming-outs” can ease difficult conversations with family He also opens up about the importance of self-contentment, the pitfalls of desperation in dating, and how his relationship rituals with his partner have helped them stay connected as they grow and evolve. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with identity, dating confidence, or relationship clarity — and a beautiful reminder that living authentically is the foundation of every meaningful connection. 👉 Connect with Yatin on Instagram, LinkedIn, or through his website to learn more about his coaching work. 01:34 Introduction to the Guest 02:37 Growing Up in a Challenging Environment 04:47 Realizing and Accepting Sexuality 08:25 Coming Out to Family 10:42 The Importance of Mindset 16:26 Advice for Coming Out 20:11 Navigating the Coming Out Process 20:38 Supporting Parents Through Acceptance 21:28 Building Healthy Relationships 21:47 The Importance of Self-Contentment 22:55 Open and Honest Communication 23:45 Rituals for Relationship Maintenance 25:15 Dealing with Changes in Relationships 27:17 Balancing Confidence and Loneliness 31:44 Tips for Online Dating 37:44 Seeing Past the Facade in Dating 39:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

    40 min
  5. Aaron Goldenberg | Surviving Conversion Therapy, Viral Comedy & Life as a Queer Creator

    11/18/2025

    Aaron Goldenberg | Surviving Conversion Therapy, Viral Comedy & Life as a Queer Creator

    Actor, comedian, and viral TikTok creator Aaron Goldenberg joins us to share his powerful journey from religious trauma and conversion therapy to sobriety, queer joy, and online fame. In this episode, Aaron opens up about growing up in a strict religious community, navigating identity as one of 11 children, and the inner conflict that shaped his early life. He reveals how comedy helped him heal, how TikTok transformed his career, and what fame feels like when you’ve lived through shame, fear, and self-suppression. We also explore: 🌈 Overcoming religious trauma & finding queer self-acceptance 🎭 Going viral on TikTok & building a comedy career 💛 Life in sobriety and staying grounded 👥 Navigating fame, boundaries & relationships ✍️ His upcoming book, acting projects & creative evolution Honest, funny, emotional, and deeply inspiring — this is a must-listen for anyone interested in queer storytelling, healing, creativity, and resilience.

    40 min
  6. Zachary Zane - Bisexuality, Shame & Sexual Liberation

    11/03/2025

    Zachary Zane - Bisexuality, Shame & Sexual Liberation

    This week on Queer Conversations, Oliver and Azamat get cheeky with Zachary Zane — author, sex columnist, and unapologetic bisexual icon. From his book Boyslut to the realities of bar culture, Grindr, kinks, and queer shame, Zachary opens up about what it really means to embrace bisexuality, pleasure, and pride in today’s world. Come for the laughs, stay for the liberation — this is the candid, sex-positive chat every queer person should hear. 👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, and discover why Zachary Zane is redefining what it means to be boyslut proud. Chapters First - Meet Zachary Zane: Bisexual Author & Sex-Positive Advocate 00:00:00 Second - Dating Apps & Bisexual Visibility 00:08:51 Third - Bisexual: Stigma & Identity Struggles 00:11:20 Fourth - Exploring the Fluidity of Bisexuality & Gender 00:13:38 Fifth - Believing Bisexuals: Pride & Acceptance 00:19:31 Sixth - Grindr, Dating Dynamics & Gender Roles 00:25:03 Seventh - Gay Bars, Gym Culture & Finding Connection 00:30:04 Eighth - Overcoming Kink Shame 00:38:20

    43 min
  7. Father Ethan Jewitt | Faith, Coming Out & Finding Belonging as a Gay Priest

    10/27/2025

    Father Ethan Jewitt | Faith, Coming Out & Finding Belonging as a Gay Priest

    In this episode of Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast, hosts Oliver and Azamat sit down with Father Ethan Jewitt — an openly gay Episcopal priest and social-media voice redefining what it means to live with faith and authenticity. Father Ethan opens up about his journey from a Jewish upbringing to priesthood, and how he reconciled religion and sexuality in a world that often pits them against each other. He shares honest insights on the Episcopal Church’s evolving LGBTQ+ stance, the realities of dating as a gay priest, and the daily balance between spiritual calling and self-acceptance. Together, they unpack misconceptions about homosexuality and faith, explore how churches are changing, and highlight why love, inclusion, and ethical living matter more than labels. Chapter list First - Exploring Faith, Freedom & Authentic Queer Living 00:00:00 Second - The Jacked Priest’s Journey to Priesthood & Coming Out 00:02:19 Third - From Judaism to the Episcopal Church: A Spiritual Transformation 00:06:30 Fourth - Balancing Gay Identity in Ministry & Everyday Life 00:13:15 Fifth - The Realities of Dating as an Openly Gay Priest 00:15:58 Sixth - Queer Relationships vs. Traditional Clergy Expectations 00:18:41 Seventh - Redefining Sin: Seeing Morality Beyond Black & White 00:23:11 Eighth - How the Episcopal Church Embraces LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Growth 00:26:47 Ninth - Faith, Morality & Perspective from an Atheist Husband 00:31:40 Tenth - Responding to Online Hate & The ‘Adam and Eve’ Debate 00:41:29

    51 min
  8. Daniel O'Shaughnessy - LGBTQ+ Nutrition and Overcoming Body Dysmorphia

    10/18/2025

    Daniel O'Shaughnessy - LGBTQ+ Nutrition and Overcoming Body Dysmorphia

    In this episode of Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast, Azamat and Oliver chat with Daniel O’Shaughnessy — LGBTQ+ nutritionist, mindset coach, and author — to explore the powerful connection between nutrition, body image, and queer identity. Daniel opens up about his own journey with body dysmorphia, growing up gay, and how his experiences in fitness and bodybuilding culture shaped his approach to holistic gay wellness. Together, they unpack the unique nutritional challenges within the LGBTQ+ community, including the pressure to look a certain way, the impact of diet culture, and how to build a sustainable, healthy relationship with food and self-image. You’ll also hear practical nutrition tips for LGBTQ+ listeners, advice on balancing fitness goals with mental health, and ways to cultivate confidence from the inside out. Chapter list First - Meet Daniel O’Shaughnessy: LGBTQ+ Nutrition & Mindset Coaching 00:00:00 Second - Growing Up Gay: Bullying, Shame & the Diet Culture Trap 00:03:34 Third - Queer as Folk & Early Identity: Navigating Gay Shame 00:13:12 Fourth - From Functional Medicine to Queer-Focused Nutrition & Wellness 00:18:09 Fifth - Grindr Anxiety & the Realities of Gay Dating Culture 00:24:12 Sixth - Healing Trauma Through Breathwork, Psychedelics & Nervous System Work 00:34:39 Seventh- Practical Nutrition Tips for Everyday LGBTQ+ Health 00:40:25 Eighth - Healing Body Dysmorphia: Signs, Triggers & How to Recover 00:53:48

    59 min
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About

Welcome to Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast — the weekly show where hosts Oliver and Azamat, founders of the Friend of Dorothy brand, sit down with voices from across the LGBTQ+ community for open, honest, and inspiring conversations. Each week, we bring you a new queer story — from faith to fitness, love to loss, activism to art. You’ll hear from gay men, queer creatives, health experts, and community leaders sharing real experiences, advice, and insights about what it means to live openly, authentically, and confidently.

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