Voice Out Loud: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
CWByrne
Conversations with LGBTQ+ people in education, politics, books, activism and much more. We bring you frank, insightful, and, we hope, uplifting conversations about individuals who are making significant, positive contributions to LGBTQ+ communities everywhere.
When Karl Dunn decided to divorce his husband, it started him on a legal journey that was part emotional roller coaster...and part nightmare.
But it also started him on the path of spiritual discovery, and he realized that to find himself, he had to pursue his quest. The resulting book, How to Burn A Rainbow, is an engaging, inspiring story of one man's growth and discoveries...and one that has lessons for us all.
Listen in as Karl and Christopher discuss the book and Karl's deeply personal, ongoing, journey.
Buy the book here.
This episode features three insightful and engaging interviews.
Brock McGillis is encouraging kids to be "shift makers," transforming attitudes and helping them understand and accept differences among their peers and their worlds.
Jennifer Rizzotti, president of the Connecticut Sun and recipient of the Team Leadership Award at the Connecticut Voice Honors talks about building a diverse, accepting and vibrant culture on and off the court.
Darius Rose (aka Drag Star Jackie Cox) talks about his new adventure starring Off-Broadway in Make Me Gorgeous, his life, his art, and his personal journey.
In this episode, we talk with two theatrical legends. Arnie Burton has has had a distinguished career in a broad range of shows on Broadway and Off. He's got a rare comic skill that's currently on display in Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors in New York.
Theater fans need no introduction to the legendary Charles Busch, but they may not know the story behind this playwright, actor, and drag legend. In his new book Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy, he takes readers on a journey through his incredible career, and he shares a bit of it with us.
Join us for two fascinating conversations.
David Grant is the director of the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective (HGLHC) and he talks about the organization's 40-year history, all they've accomplished...and what's ahead.
Playwright Donnie and Actor Wade McCollum are the creative force behind the new Off-Broadway Hit Make Me Gorgeous. They share their insights on the show, which tells the story of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe, a gay trailblazer whose amazing life and career is brought to life in this dynamic piece.
The Voice Out Loud Podcast is sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University.
Listen in as Christopher has two intriguing conversations. David Byrd of Goodspeed talks about the theater's landmark 60th Anniversary Season, and Goodspeed's commitment to creating theater in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Author David Kennerley discuss his new book Getting In, a history of Gay New York in the 1990s seen through flyers for clubs and parties.
Both men talk about their work, their journeys and living authentically.
Tig Notaro and Andrew Keenan-Bolger are two stars living authentically and at the top of their games.
Notaro is currently touring with a new show before filming it for her next special. She shares her insights on her comedy, her life, and how she became the comedic powerhouse she is.
Andrew Keenan-Bolger is a Broadway star, blogger, filmmaker, and all-round great guy. He is currently starring off Broadway in Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. He talks about his life, career, and how he wants to help young people live authentically as well.
In this episode, CT Voice editor Christopher Byrne talks to consultant and certified health and wellness coach Meghan Crutchley about their company Habitqueer, living authentically, healing past trauma and helping clients create positive outcomes.
Then, out actor Bryan Batt talks about Pay the Writer, his latest play Off-Broadway, his career, his memories of playing a closeted gay man in 1960 on Mad Men, and his own personal journey.
In this episode, Christopher talks with Kathy Paniati, RN, of the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services in Farmington about family building, family planning, and new options available for the LGBTQ+ community.
Then, we shift gears to hear an inspiring story of Broadway star James T. Lane, and his sometimes harrowing, often joyful road with all it's bumps and redemptions. Lane talks about it all, and as a consummate storyteller, shares it all here and in his new one-man show, Triple Threat.
CT Voice Editor Christopher Byrne talked with WNBA Star, Olympian, and UCONN basketball great Sue Bird about her career and life after professional basketball. From what she learned of life from the game and her coming out to her views on trans athletes and what she's doing now, Bird shares her experience and insights with honesty and charm. She tells how she's found her own path to living authentically and what that's meant to her.
In this episode Christopher talks with John Holt, CEO of Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union about his company's commitment to social justice, equality, serving the LGBTQ+ community, and creating a positive, supportive workplace.
Then, Lynda Carter shares her new single Human and Divine and talks about her journey in making the song and in life. It's an uplifting and inspiring conversation.
The Voice Out Loud Podcast is sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University, committed to social justice and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Listen in to the stories of two amazing journeys. Actress Lesley Nicol who plays the head cook Mrs. Patmore on Downton Abbey talks about her life, her new one-woman musical, How the Hell Did I Get Here?, and the adventure of being a beloved part of a hit series and now two movies.
Then, Sharon Wheatley, one of the original stars of the hit Broadway show Come From Away talks about her new book Drive, which chronicles her cross-country RV trip with her wife Martha Donovan, all chronicled in her new book Drive. It's a touching, funny, personal and spiritual journey, and you'll love going along for the ride as Sharon and Martha tell their story.
In this episode, Christopher speaks with playwright Peter Gil-Sheridan whose new play This Space Between Us examines family drama, friends, multiple generations, and the quest for meaning in the contemporary world. Gil-Sheridan, the son of a Cuban father and Irish mother, identifies as LatinX, and in this conversation he discusses the challenges of being LGBTQ+ in these cultures, coming out and finding ways to live authentically in a conflicted and confusing world.
The play is a comedy, but it deals with serious issues, and like the playwright, the characters he created are grapplings honestly and openly with the issues the world has a way of throwing at them. Gil-Sheridan is an engaging, articulate guy, and you'll enjoy listening to what he has to say.
In this episode CT Voice contributor Dawn Ennis talks with Amy Schneider whose 39-win streak made her the second all-time Jeopardy winner. Dawn and Amy talk about the win, and how even though she had a big payday, Amy is still Amy. They discuss their mutual experiences as trans women, what's ahead for Amy, a cat named Meep, how Amy played as a child. and much more.
The Voice Out Loud Podcast is sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University, committed to social justice and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.
In this episode CT Voice editor Christopher Byrne talks with Broadway star, gay dad, home renovator and food influencer Claybourne Elder about his starring role in the smash hit revival of Company on Broadway, the random call from a high school friend that launched his online food career, restoring a house during Covid—and the joys of being a dad. He’s a charming, articulate and thoughtful man, and you’ll enjoy his stories, including how a chance encounter outside a theater changed his life.
Listen in as we talk with two fascinating men.
Dan Crowley's book, Danny, Growing Up Gay & Creative follows his journey as a young man who knew he was different to his life today as an artist and author...and the "Disney happy ending" he always wanted.
Dr. Joe Bertolino of Southern Connecticut State University talks about the school's commitment to social justice and inclusion, as well as what students who identify as LGBTQ+ should consider when looking for a college that allows them to be their authentic selves.
The Voice Out Loud Podcast is sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University, committed to social justice and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Host Christopher Byrne sits down with actor Rory O'Malley to talk about his new Netflix series, Chicago Party Aunt, his role in the Los Angeles Company of Hamilton and life with his husband and two-year-old son.
Steven Petrow discusses his new book Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old.
The Voice Out Loud Podcast is sponsored by Southern Connecticut State University, committed to social justice and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.