The United Outsiders: Recent Episodes
Kevin Moran
A podcast for queer & allied folx to find empowerment & connection in one another through mental wellness. Here, we have meaningful, inspirational discussions for those of us who’ve always felt on the “outside.”
In this episode, I introduce what grounding techniques are and discuss how they can benefit your mental wellness in regard to coping with stress, anxiety, and depression.
In this episode, I discuss the foundational components of coping skills and how they can assist with empowering your mental health and well-being.
In this episode, I share how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs can be utilized effectively to help with anxiety and stress management.
In this episode, I discuss the concept of congruence and identify how we each can focus on the implementation of this framework to allow our authentic internal selves to be seen, known, and loved. In addition, I also share a personal example of how I am currently practicing this concept in my daily life.
In this episode, I share with you a new creative arts resource I wrote to uplift your mental health — a collection of inspirational poetry called The Things I Need You to Know.
In this episode, I’m joined by a dear mental health role model of mine, Nyx Melody, LMHC.
Nyx (they/them/fae/faer) is a queer, non-binary, and trans femme licensed psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, professor, and anti-oppression consultant. Nyx is a trailblazer in the mental health and wellness fields, fighting for justice and equity for all persons, particularly folx who have been marginalized and oppressed, and is an expert in working with diverse populations.
During this conversation, Nyx and I begin to scratch the surface of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) and polyamory. Here, we talk about what CNM is and discuss tools and tips folx can begin to investigate within themselves and their relationships when it comes to exploring the world of polyamory and consensual non-monogamy.
This is a very big and beautiful topic. Our conversation here serves as a great jumping off point for learning about CNM and polyamory. If you are interested in exploring further, it is recommended that you seek out additional resources for personal education. The Practicing Polyamory Podcast is a remarkable tool to seek out.
To learn more about Nyx and their powerful work, click here to visit their website and/or follow them on Instagram (@nicholas.moran.lmhc).
Time to introduce you to my new podcast 1000 Ways to be Mindful!
Beginning January 1, 2022, 1000 Ways to be Mindful will serve as another resource for you and your wellness journey. Here, we will discuss practical, realistic, and doable mindfulness techniques that you can incorporate into your daily lives.
Listen here to learn more about 1000 Ways to be Mindful and to get ready for the new show!
If you’d like to submit your mindfulness tips to be considered for an upcoming episode of 1000 Ways to be Mindful, please email Kevin at info@kevincmoran.com.
In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Vance Hedman, queer Somatic Sex and Relationship Coach, Yoga Teacher, and Performer.
Here, Vance and I dive into the topic of somatic sex coaching and how it can empower, transform, and propel your personal growth, healing from trauma, and interpersonal connections. Plus, we talk about the power of sex work for personal and interpersonal development. Even more, Vance and I explore how our sexuality can be utilized as a liberating tool to increase our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
To learn more about Vance and his work, check out his Instagram profile here (@vancehdmn). To support Vance's sex work by subscribing to his OnlyFans and/or JustForFans accounts, click here.
In this episode, I share one of my favorite tools and coping strategies for managing feelings of anxiety and depression: The Survival Kit.
Listen to learn how to apply this coping strategy to assist with empowering your immediate and future mental health.
In this episode, I explore the book Rebel Love: Break The Rules, Destroy Toxic Habits and Have the Best Sex of Your Life by Dr. Chris Donaghue. This book changed the way I see myself, my sexuality, my sexual expression, my relationships with others, and the ways in which I interact with the world. This is one of my most recommended books for clients who are seeking to establish a new, empowered relationship with themselves and their sexual health.
Learn more about the book here. To learn more about Dr. Chris and to follow him on Instagram, check out his profile here.
In this episode, I discuss the important topic of boundaries.
Boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves to ensure we are living a life reflective of our established beliefs and values. We have personal and interpersonal boundaries; boundaries that we set for ourselves to empower our relationship with ourself and boundaries that we set for our relationships with others.
Here, I dive into all aspects of boundaries and learn the differences between rigid, porous, and healthy boundaries. I guide you through an opportunity to assess your boundaries to assist with your overall well-being.
In this episode, I’m joined by drag icon Brita Filter!
Brita Filter is a legendary NYC drag queen who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12.
Here in this conversation, we talk about her healing journey through sobriety, her current work and advocacy, and how the season of Pride can best amplify the voices and needs of marginalized communities, particularly trans and non-binary folx within the queer umbrella.
In this episode, I am joined by special guests and husbands David and John — the Debt Free Guys — to talk about the connections between mental wellness and financial health.
Here, we investigate how social expectations of the queer community impact LGBTQIA+ individual’s financial health and overall well-being. This is a fascinating discussion and I can’t wait for you to listen and enjoy!
In this episode, I am joined by Christine Cariño, transformation coach of Conscious Thrive.
Here, Christine and I unpack the concepts of ”self-leadership” and “self-sinning” to identify personal growth opportunities and barriers that each of us can individually investigate to empower our continued relationships with ourselves.
In this episode, I speak with Jennifer and Stephanie PageWise of Enchanted Awakenings to discuss the connections between spirituality and relationships.
Jennifer and Stephanie are Quantum Relationship Coaches and their practice, Enchanted Awakenings, seeks to help LGBTQIA+ clients and allies find love and bliss in all of their relationships.
This conversation will fuel your emotional energy!
In this episode, I’m joined by drag legend Nina West!
Nina West is an American drag queen, actor and singer/songwriter based in Columbus, Ohio played by Andrew Levitt. She rose to national prominence in 2019 with her appearance on VH1’s Emmy winning show RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11, where she placed sixth and won Miss Congeniality.
Here, we talk about mental health within the drag community and the power of queer peer support in empowering the well-being of our LGBTQIA+ community. Further, we amplify Nina’s kind spirit as she discusses why being a role model of kindness is so impactful to her. You won’t want to miss this!
In this episode, I discuss tools, tips, and techniques for empowering the mental health of our queer and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Whether we are seeking to improve our own mental well-being or that of our loved ones, this episode offers some guidance and “food for thought” to help us do exactly that.
In this episode, I explore various LGBTQIA+ definitions, orientations, and identities to empower awareness, visibility, and understanding of our queer culture while respecting all persons in the process.
It's important to note that this conversation does not encapsulate the beauty of all queer terms, orientations, and identities; such terms are powerfully beyond the scope of this episode! To view a continuously-updated glossary of up-to-date- LGBTQIA+ orientations, check out this wonderful resource.
In this episode, we discuss how we can live bravely and courageously to empower our authentic selves into a new year, a new day day, a new week, and into any given moment.
In this episode, I'm joined by another of my mental health role models, my supervisor, Patti Hyde, MSW, LCSW.
Patti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who not only empowers at-risk youth and adolescents, but also manages a team of therapists, counselors, and case managers in Northwest Florida. We talk about colonialism, mental health systems, social justice, community trauma, and authenticity as Patti gives a clinical perspective to each of these topics.
For mental health professionals, providers, therapists, coaches, and folx interested in mental wellness, you won't want to miss this conversation!
In this episode, I discuss the topic of mindfulness.
Here, I take you through mindfulness-based exercises to recognize and acknowledge your present emotions. Then, I lead you through a guided meditation before discussing the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) cycle and how you can adjust your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to lead to ideal mental wellness.
In this episode, I'm blessed to be joined by my long-time friend and queer community powerhouse activist Ross Murray, Senior Director of Education & Training at The GLAAD Media Institute.
Here, we talk about youth ministry, politics, conversion therapy, social justice, and what LGBTQIA+ youth need right now. Regardless of your spiritual and/or religious beliefs, this conversation is one that helps to build the bridge between faith and queer identity.
You can find Ross on Instagram and Twitter with his handle @inlayterms and check out his Facebook page.
In this episode, I speak with the one and only Tamara Driskell, LMHC, therapist and coach at Arya Therapy Services.
Tamara has been one of my personal spiritual role models and soul mentors for quite some time. Tamara's work with her clients within the realms of non-conformity, gender, sexuality, and spirituality has transformed the way thousands of people learn to love and accept their true selves - and begin living with complete authenticity.
Join us as we talk about everything from open relationships to coming out, the soul, neuroscience, social connections, finding our tribes, and what Tamara (@trapezoidtales on Instagram) defines as "radical autonomy."
Show note: Tamara got married! (YAY!) Tamara’s previous last name was Powell, as heard in the episode. However, her new last name is Driskell and the title of this episode and description have respectfully been updated as of January 2022.
In this episode, I discuss how our mental health and well-being is connected to everything in the world around us. From family and friendships to social media and news to climate change and politics to sex and employment, all things have a direct connection to how we feel about ourselves and how we move about in this world.
Listen to uncover key steps that you can begin taking today to start identifying how your mental well-being is impacted by the world you engage with.
In this episode, I'm joined by financial consultant Tiehesha Taylor to discuss the intersectionalities between the LGBTQIA+ and Black communities and financial planning.
During this conversation, we review specific challenges and barriers facing minority communities when it comes to finances, including financial discrimination, and how vital financial planning is at this very moment in time given the current state of the nation.
To learn more about Tiehesha and her groundbreaking work, click here.
In this episode, I talk about the power of the LGBTQIA+ community, how we all have a home in one another, and how our lived experiences are forms of activism. Being vulnerably queer is our superpower.
In this episode, I remind you that you are loved. Living our truths is one of the scariest things we can do, but it's where we find our freedom, our power, and our community. Being authentic, brave, courageous, and vulnerable is hard, but in the process, you are never alone. Listen to this episode to find encouragement in facing your fears.
If you or someone you know is facing an immediate mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Listen here to Brené Brown's Podcast "Unlocking Us" with Glennon Doyle as mentioned in this episode.
In this episode, I discuss the facts regarding HIV/AIDS, including how the virus is spread, why gay men and the queer community are disproportionately impacted by the virus, and the impact of homophobia and queerphobia as barriers to seeking help, prevention, and treatment for HIV/AIDS.
To make a donation to Housing Works, click here.
In this episode, I open up the discussion for what culture taught me about "masculinity" and how gender-based expectations can provoke harm and neglect of an authentic human experience.
In this episode, I share a bit about my “coming out” process and how realizing my identity as a gay man shaped my perspective of being on the “outside.”
Join me as we connect and hold meaningful, inspirational discussions for those of us who feel like we’ve always been on the “outside.”
The United Outsiders Podcast is a loving podcast of resources to empower queer mental health.