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. 1d ago

    Ryn Rising

    The Courage to Be Yourself: Identity, Healing & Authentic Connection What does it really mean to feel at home in your own skin? And what happens when we finally give ourselves permission to stop being who the world expects us to be? In this episode of Living OUT Loud, Michele sits down with Ryn Rising (they/them), a licensed professional counselor whose work supports LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals as they navigate identity, relationships, burnout, and the journey toward authentic living. But this conversation goes beyond the therapy room. Together, Michele and Ryn explore the personal experiences that shaped Ryn's career, the unexpected turns that led them to counseling, and the lessons they've learned about vulnerability, belonging, and human connection. From the courage it takes to unmask and embrace our differences to the importance of creating emotionally safe relationships, this is a heartfelt conversation about what happens when we stop trying to fit in and start allowing ourselves to truly belong. And because it's Living OUT Loud, there's plenty of laughter, curiosity, and a little unexpected fun along the way. Because being yourself isn't something you have to earn. It's something you deserve to experience. 🎙️ Listen in, get curious, and remember: Your most authentic life begins when you give yourself permission to live it. Find Ryn's website here. Find Ryn on Instagram. #LivingOUTLoud #AuthenticLiving #LGBTQVoices #Neurodiversity #QueerJoyTakeaways Embrace your authentic selfHealing is a journey, not a fix Authenticity over social hierarchyImportance of community support Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Authenticity02:28 Curiosity and Self-Discovery05:33 Journey of Coming Out11:30 Understanding Gender Identity18:01 The Path to Counseling22:46 Journey Through Therapy and Coaching30:00 Navigating Identity and Community35:58 Living Authentically and Audaciously42:12 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection

  2. Oct 28

    The Fairness Campaign

    If you haven't heard this episode yet, I thought it was an important one coming so close to the election. The conversation features Chris Hartman, the executive director of Kentucky's Fairness Campaign, discussing his journey of coming out, the importance of LGBTQ+ advocacy, and the impact of community support in small towns. Hartman shares personal anecdotes and highlights the significance of storytelling in advancing non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation focuses on the importance of inclusivity in sports and the broader LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the challenges faced by transgender youth and the need for support and advocacy. Chris Hartman discusses the progress being made in Kentucky regarding LGBTQ+ rights and the significance of community involvement in fostering change. Website: The Fairness Campaign YouTube: The Fairness Campaign Takeaways Importance of community supportStorytelling in advocacy Inclusivity in sports is vitalCommunity support drives progress Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chris Hartman02:49 Coming Out Journey09:15 Building Community in High School12:58 The Robust LGBTQ+ Community in Louisville13:07 Moments of Affirmation in Advocacy17:20 Path to Nonprofit Leadership22:07 Humanizing LGBTQ+ Advocacy25:41 The Importance of Inclusivity in Sports27:56 The Movement for Fairness and Progress30:18 Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience32:55 Trans Rights and Community Support36:31 The Role of Advocacy and Personal Growth40:27 Living Authentically and Finding Fulfillment

  3. Oct 14

    Your Dating Life Is Not Someone Else's Entertainment

    Your Dating Life Is Not Someone Else's Entertainment | Living OUT Loud When did trying to find love become something people should be embarrassed about? We've gotten pretty comfortable sharing screenshots of dating profiles, awkward introductions, and private messages in Facebook groups and online communities. Sometimes it's about protecting one another. But other times? It's simply entertainment at someone else's expense. And I think we need to talk about that. In this week's Living OUT Loud solocast, I'm exploring something that's been weighing on my heart, especially within our lesbian and LGBTQ+ dating communities. Behind every dating profile is a real person. Someone who may be coming out later in life, dating after heartbreak, or finding the courage to put themselves out there again. There's a difference between accountability and cruelty. And kindness doesn't mean lowering your standards. We can recognize red flags, protect ourselves, establish healthy boundaries, and still treat people with dignity. So here's my question: Are we creating dating spaces where vulnerability feels safe, or are we making people afraid to show up as themselves? Because finding love is hard enough without becoming someone else's punchline. Let's have this conversation. I'd genuinely love to hear where you believe the line should be drawn. 🎙️ Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer #LivingOUTLoud #LesbianDating #QueerDating #LGBTQCommunity #DatingWithIntention #KindnessMatters

  4. Oct 7

    Scott Wells

    What do meeting a serial killer and befriending Rosa Parks have in common? For Scott Wells, they’re both chapters in one extraordinary life. On this episode of Living OUT Loud, I sit down with author Scott Wells for a conversation that went places I never expected. Scott takes us back to a chilling encounter with a man he would later believe was serial killer Robert Durst, an experience that ultimately helped inspire his novel Phantom Ranch. But then there’s another remarkable chapter of Scott’s life. Years earlier, while serving his mission, Scott met and befriended the legendary Rosa Parks. Yes, that Rosa Parks. And hearing him talk about the woman behind the history books, and the impact she had on him personally, is something I won't soon forget. But this conversation is about more than the famous people Scott has crossed paths with. We talk about being gay, faith and identity, family, belonging, the stories we carry, the wild places that call us back to ourselves, and why certain encounters can change the trajectory of our lives forever. Some people have a story. Scott Wells seems to have lived several of them. This is one of those Living OUT Loud conversations that reminds us that we never really know which person, moment, or unexpected turn will become part of the story of who we eventually become. 🎙️ Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer-Powell Guest: Scott Wells, author of Phantom Ranch Takeaways Embracing personal truthThe impact of formative experiences. Coming out is a lifelong journeyWriting can facilitate self-expressionhttps://www.scottwellsauthor.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scott Wells02:53 Scott's Early Life and Mission05:49 Life-Changing Encounters12:30 Reflections on Rosa Parks17:50 Coming to Terms with Identity24:36 Navigating Relationships and Regrets32:17 The Journey of Coming Out35:44 The Experience of Writing a Book46:08 The Grand Canyon: A Magical Place51:50 Living Out Loud: Embracing Authenticity

  5. Sep 16

    Liz Burke + Michele

    This episode, Liz is back and the conversation explores the experience of introducing a partner to one's family and friends, the dynamics of chosen family, and the impact of meeting each other's people. It delves into the significance of blending lives, the nervousness and excitement of meeting loved ones, and the evolution of relationships within different social circles. The conversation explores the theme of maintaining tenderness in a relationship and the importance of setting boundaries with family. It delves into the significance of self-care and sovereignty in nurturing a loving connection. Takeaways Chosen family dynamicsNavigating nervousness and excitementThe evolution of relationships within different social circles Tenderness within a relationship is nurtured by staying tender-hearted with oneself first.Setting boundaries with family is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship and prioritizing the couple's well-being. Find us on social media. Relationship Ready Lesbians - Jump on the waitlist TikTok Instagram LizBurke.com MicheleFlamer.com Chapters 00:00 Introducing Your Partner to Your People02:26 Blending Lives and Chosen Family Dynamics03:10 Navigating Nervousness and Excitement05:22 The Evolution of Relationships Within Different Social Circles09:49 The Impact of Meeting Each Other's People16:02 Maintaining Love Amidst the Inclusion of Family, Friends, and Histories20:34 Maintaining Tenderness in a Relationship29:18 The Importance of Setting Boundaries with Family

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

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