Life Uncloseted With Rick Clemons

Diversity and inclusion isn't just a once a year endeavor to be brought out of the closet and then shoved back into the closet. It is a daily practice of learning to stand in other peoples stories. Taking us into the diversity zone, Don Reed - master storyteller and entertainer - guides us to step into other peoples world so we can be better humans for all. About Don Don Reed (NPR Storyteller/Tonight Show with Jay Leno/Co-Headed NBC Advertising & Promotion Voice Over/Radio Division) is a multi-hyphenate with a career that spans television, stage, and network advertising & promotion. But the fundamental building block of all his successes is that Don… tells stories. With over 20 years of experience in the world of storytelling – tales of diversity and inclusion have been the overarching thread throughout Don Reed’s multi-faceted career. From public speaking to stand-up comedy to advertising for film and television to his solo shows – Stories of cultural diversity and gender inclusivity are at the hear

From South Africa to New York City, you never know when you are going on your journey or where you will find yourself to finally be yourself. Speaking straight from a very purposeful heart, Yumna Aysen - aka Yumi - helps people find themselves so they can be the best version of themselves. Funny, insightful and full of energy, Yumi joins us today with tips on how to be you regardless of where you land on the planet. About Yumna Yumna Aysen is a success coach & a motivational speaker who has a passion for helping people find purpose, clarity, happiness and success. She ultimately aims to help people become the best version of themselves and to create a life that they can’t wait to wake up to and live every day. Yumna has been featured in Medium and interviewed on national television and on local radio in South Africa including eNCA, The Afternoon Express Show and Cape Talk Radio. She has also been featured in the Weekend Argus and on Bizcommunity. Connect With https://www.ohyesitsyumi.com/ (Website) https

You need to make more space. Get a storage unit for the crap in your life so you can make space for more PEACE in your life. Why? Without PEACE, it's a pretty miserable existence here on the good old planet earth. To help us get there, I've found an awesome guest - Diana Cutaia -  who is witty, funny, and GASP a lesbian who coaches people and team to bring more PEACE into their lives and work places. About Diana Diana Cutaia founded Coaching Peace in 2012, a company focused on using the power of play and connection to empower organizations and teams to create cultures of care, belonging, and peace. However, the work started for Diana 25 years earlier when she first began to explore the meaning of peace. In that time, she hasn’t just defined it; she has built a brand bringing the principles of Coaching Peace to her vast clientele.  Today her clients range from school districts to national organizations and global companies. Diana takes pride in discussing how employers, sports teams, and organizations alike

Imagine, growing up in a cult, being married to a female-to-male transgender individual for 10 years, and through all of that, plus life's other twists and turns, you find your calling to help others come out of their subconscious closets to live their fullest life! Today, Dr. Frances Yahia, tells her story and guides us to uncover the one impure thought we have about ourselves that '"we closet" repeatedly in our lives that gets threaded into every single problem or story we tell (or don't) about ourselves. About Dr. Frances Dr. Frances Yahia is an archetypal astrologer, shaman, akashic records' reader, and spiritual counselor based in South Florida. She earned her Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling and Educational Leadership from Barry University and has studied and taught metaphysics for over two decades. Dr. Yahia's main interests are Jungian analysis with an emphasis on depth psychology, patterns, shadow work, and the use of symbols and archetypes to assist clients with their deepest subconscious patterns

Religious trauma. Seems to be the norm for a majority of LGBTQ people that you encoutner. “You’re damned to hell!” or “You’re a sinner!” Of course most those people hurling those words for get that they’re divorced (a sin), have committed adultery (a sin), have eaten pig (a sin), worn woven fabrics (a sin), but all of that is forgivable, but you just can’t be a man and lay with another man, or a woman and lay with another woman – well women that’s ok because men find that pleasing to their naughty little minds. Well listen up you LGBTQ sinners (which you're not), there’s a new minister in town and his name is Eric Feltes and he is sashaying his way into your world on Instagram and TikTok show you a new light for accepting yourself and moving past your religious trauma. About Eric Through creativity, authenticity, and courage, Eric Feltes cultivates connection and tells stories in order to inspire others to love themselves and the world around them. In his professional life, he does this through acting and li

In 2014 when my friend Leah Jantzen approached me to take over her radio show - I scoffed and said, "Not my thing!" Well, it's very much my thing and here we are at the 500th Episode of Life (UN)Closeted. What started as an Internet radio show known as The Coming Out Lounge, has now become one of my greatest joys. A place where guiding and inspiring people to come out of the closets of their lives, fills my soul with joy. Today, I want to celebrate by taking you on a journey, of how you, yes you, can dump your excuses, face your fears, and live your unapologetic life. Today, I celebrate you and the 500th Episode and from the bottom of my heart I think you for being a listener. Hope this episode gives you inspiration to step out, step up, and step into living your uncloseted and unapologetic life. You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.i

Imagine, being told by your Commander In Chief - "You don't matter, you don't count, and you're a danger to our military!" The reality is, he got fired and she's still there, serving the US Space Force and living her best transgender life. Bree Fram, a woman of courage and perseverance, continues to pass the test with honor and integrity. Today we explore her story and her book aptly entitled, With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops In Their Own Words. About Bree https://www.amazon.com/Honor-Integrity-Transgender-Troops-Politics/dp/1479801038 ()BREE FRAM is a lieutenant colonel in the US Space Force who has held command at the squadron level, led Air Force security cooperation with Iraq, and led space acquisition programs. She is the President of SPARTA, a transgender military advocacy organization, and is currently the second highest ranking out transgender officer in the US military. Connect with Bree https://sites.google.com/hamline.edu/withhonorbookcom/home (Website) https://www.facebook.com/bree.fr

Whether you're stripping your clothes off or coming out of the closet, it's all about the big reveal. But, what happens when you are terrified to let people see the real you, the you that you're meant to be? Do you freeze, and get scared of exposing your true self to the world? It's time to be confident and stop concerning yourself with what others think and unleash your inner vixen on the world. Actor, award-winning International Burlesque performer, and Speaker Cat LaCohie helps us strip down to our truth so the world can see us for who were truly are - our most authentic selves. About Cat Cat LaCohie is a multi-talented LA based British actress, Speaker and award-winning International Variety Burlesque Performer, ‘Vixen DeVille’.​ In addition to multiple appearances on TV’s, “Masters Of Illusion”, her solo stage show “Vixen DeVille Revealed” toured the US in 2019 picking up multiple awards and is currently being produced as a TV special. With a BA(hons) in Theatre Creation and Solo Performance, plus 15 yea

It's really easy to get uptight, and lost in the holiday shuffle. Especially when you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, and you may not have fond experiences surrounding the holiday. Yet, in the words of RuPaul - "If you can't love yourself, then how the hell you going to learn to love anyone elses!" To that I say, if you can't give yourself some gifts this season to make you appreciate you, then your Schrooged! Give yourself the gift of a listen to this pre-Christmas holiday episode, because if you do, YULE (pun intended) still find time to put a little something under the tree for YOU. Happy Holidays! You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rick-clemons/the-coming-out-lounge ()   http://tun.in/pjtKR ()https://bit.ly/30kT4kL ()   https://bit.ly/2FVH55j ()  

You're parents are aging, you're settled in your gay life, and all of that gives you plenty of material to come out of the closet as a comedian...until you do. Then life throws you curve balls, and then the comedy comes to you not on stage, but through the words of your book, addressing the challenges of funerals, caring for parents, and managing your gay relationship. So let's dive in and explore - Four Funerals, No Marriage with gay author Mike Keren. About Mike https://www.amazon.com/Four-Funerals-No-Marriage-Memoir/dp/1949116670/ ()Mike Keren is a clinical psychologist with advanced training in psychoanalysis and family therapy. He currently maintains a private practice with adults and couples in central New Jersey, although in the past he has worked in a variety of community and correctional facilities. Although he has a general practice he has a particular interest in working with caregivers as well as helping families talk about end of life issues. Mike enjoys a challenge in his free time and has expl

Nothing anyone did caused them to know they were different. But, they felt it and began exploring it and realized they were on the right path for them. Beyond addiction and into full recovery they found that their music, digital artistry and desire to explore more of who they are, led them to create “Knock Knock,” a psychedelic folk-rock sound recently launched by Baroque-pop singer-songwriter and LGBTQ+ advocate (Eli)zabeth Owens. Join us as we explore the dark side of their ego, confronting and overcoming their alcohol/drug use to achieve sobriety and showcase their individuality in their own unique LGBTQ+ way of being in the world. About Eli(zabeth) Baroque-pop singer-songwriter (Eli)zabeth Owens bravely displays their vulnerabilities in their full-length album Knock Knock, released August 13. Knock Knock, the second heavily visual album by (Eli)zabeth Owens, is an ambitious and exhilarating departure from the psychedelic folk-rock sounds they’ve come to be known for. Showcasing an eclectic mix of electron

We all have our story. We live our story daily. And, some of us take our stories, and the stories in our heads and turn them into our passion purpose...as a an author, with thousands of pages of articles and books. Gregory L. Norris is that person, a gay author who writes the stories that brings his life to life, even if many of those stories are fiction...because that is what brings him alive. Today we're exploring his new book, https://www.amazon.com/Ex-Marks-Spot-Gregory-Norris/dp/1949116514/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Gregory+L+Norris+Ex+Marks+The+Spot&qid=1631230966&s=books&sr=1-1 (Ex Marks The Spot), and how the joy of coming out to be who he is has shaped his life. About Gregory Raised on a healthy diet of creature double features and classic SF TV, Gregory L. Norris writes regularly for numerous short story anthologies, national magazines, novels, and the occasional episode for TV or film. Gregory novelized the NBC Made-for-TV classic by Gerry Anderson, The Day After Tomorrow: Into In

You had a plan. Marriage - check. Children - check. Your own flesh and blood family - no check. But that didn’t stop you and you went full-in to become a parent - despite the odds, and challenges. Giving full gratitude this Thanksgiving Eve, my friend Liz Grubb and I uncover her route to non-traditional parenthood and why her forever children are just the right fit for her and her hubby.  About Liz Liz Grubb is a higher education professional juggling serving students full time and parenting two adoptive special needs children. She and her husband have been foster parents and made two trips overseas to Poland and then to China for intercountry adoption. Her faith, an amazing network of support, and a regular chai latte in hand have helped this mama of two navigate countless therapy sessions, specialist appointments, and a variety of medical procedures. She is currently working at a local private college, co-hosting the podcast 2 Adoptive Mama, and being a wife and a mom. Liz is committed to helping other adop

"This transgender walked into the bar..." Cringe. Or, "You can tell he's a man by the apple logged in his throat, no matter what dress he wears!" Cruel, cruel, cruel. These are the types of off-handed, transphobic remarks that can have a painful impact on the person in your office, in the cubicle right next to you that causes us to have to honor, those who are no longer with us on Transgender Day of Remembrance. To help us better understand how to be more accepting and supportive of our transgender brothers and sisters, Trevor Boylston, an expert in LGBTQ+ empowerment, and man who happens to be trans, joins us as we honor Transgender Remembrance Day, November 20th. About Trevor Trevor Boylston is the guy in the cube next to you who brings the ‘everyman’ perspective to working in a corporate environment as a transgender individual. Trevor’s decision to be open regarding his identity as a transgender man allowed him to develop an open communication path, welcoming questions from colleagues and creating space fo

You're a man, with a penis, but you enjoy dressing up as a woman. OMG, you must want to be transgender! Not exactly. Ok, so you want to do strange things to children in bathrooms by dressing up as a woman..HELL NO. Truth is, you are simply a man who likes men and women, and who one day you like presenting as a man, and the next day presenting as a woman, and you enjoy sex with both...Welcome to being gender fluid. Kat LaMar shares his, hers, their story on the life of being a genderfluid individual which actually has nothing to do with their sexual orientation, until it does. Let's go explore gender fluidity. About Kat I'm an AMAB (assigned male at birth) who identifies as genderfluid/non-binary.  Before I knew those words, I described myself as a "cross dresser."  That term is now antiquated and does not reflect my gender identity.  I knew I was "different" at around 4 years old.  From then until my 20s, I struggled with all of the typical shame and self-hatred associated with feeling different.  I told no o

The holidays are upon us along with the fun, joy, and STRESS. So how do you not let the stress drive you into your potential addiction, or ratchet up that addiction? You take the necessary steps to say, I need help. You also realize as an LGBTQ inidivual that you are up to 10x's more likely to become an addict than our heterosexual counterparts on the planet. Helping us unravel the mysteries of addiction and offering up ways to combat it, Gregory Silva, Director of Operations at Living Longer Recovery, joins us for a candid conversation about addiction and recovery...just in time for the holidays! About Gregory Gregory Silva was born and raised on a farm in Northern California. After graduating from Sonoma State University, he was employed in the media industry and various international marketing firms. This career path took him all over the world, and at one point he was even living and working in France. However, in 2012, Gregory’s best friend overdosed and passed away. Looking for answers to the addiction

Sometimes you hit a big block wall life and realize "It's My Time!" Through heartache, a wake up call or even a simple moment when you realize you do need to put yourself in the driver's seat of your life, and that's ok, no matter what anyone else says. Singer, artist, and dancer Joey Salinas, a a latin gay man, channeled all that energy into his latest pop song "My Time / Too Much Goin On" to help him come out of the closet of making others more important than himself. This is his Life (UN)Closeted story. About Joey Joey Salinas’ “My Time / Too Much Goin On” is a traditional pop song about reclaiming one’s worth, not allowing anyone to define you, and accepting that some people are around for a reason or a season and it is up to you to know when their time is up.  Joey Salinas wrote the song after a tumultuous relationship that left him feeling empty and depleted. “I had lost all motivation,” he recalls.   “I needed to reignite my spark so I left Los Angeles for a summer to get back to me.” While out on his

Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and before you know it, you find yourself in bed, and not for the funnest reasons. For many of us that would mean - THIS LIFE SUCKS! For others, it means kick yourself in the ass, even though your ass is the reason you're bedridden and transforming nearly overwhelming physical challenges and into your greatest superpowers. Inspirational is the best way to describe Andrea Mastrobattista who shares her journey out of the closet of a medical condition that bound her to bed for over three years. About Andrea Andrea Mastrobattista is an inspirational speaker, workshop facilitator and Chief Empowerment Officer at her company, Operation INSPIRATION. Born with spina bifida and recently coming off a more-than-three-year journey on strict bedrest healing a Stage IV Pressure Ulcer, Andrea is known to her audience as InspiraWoman, and she’s widely recognized for her resilient nature and her ability to take any adversity she faces and transform it into one of her superpowers. Andrea

One of 6 children. Surrounded by a family of pastors. Drawn to theater. Is it any wonder why one might be GAY? Well bless your heart. When grow up in White Settlement, Texas (yes that is a for real city deep in the heart of Texas), and you're called (he hates that term BTW) to the arts and theater, you just gotta let your gay shine and shine it has for Tyler Martin. Join us on a fun filled, spiritual, and religious romp through being gay, deep in the heart of Texas, even though he now resides in little 'ol New York, New York! About Tyler Tyler Martin is an award-winning actor, writer, comedian, singer, and podcast host. Originally from small town Texas, he now works out of NYC. He began acting professionally at a young age and has continued into adulthood, receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre with an emphasis in Acting and Directing. Since his move to NYC, he has worked in multiple Off-Broadway and Regional shows, performed as a stand-up comedian, and worked in independent film. Tyler wrote, directed and is th

It happens every October 11th, since 1988 - National Coming Out Day. The day was founded in 1988 by Richard Eichberg, a psychologist and Jean O'Leary, a gay rights activist, to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and its civil rights movement. They chose October 11th to mark the anniversary of the second major National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, which took place 1987. With estimates of half a million people participating, it was nearly five times the size of the first march in 1979. National Coming Out Day is observed throughout the U.S. and other countries around the world. Today we celebrate all those who have come out, and those who have yet to come out. It is a personal choice and one to be celebrated when the time is right. Here's support for those how need it and those who want to celebrate coming out. You can also listen to the podcast on… https://apple.co/2RBmUxZ ()https://bit.ly/2UxP9zN ()   https://spoti.fi/2JpvCfg ()https://www.s