Advertise on podcast: Queer Conversations: A Friend of Dorothy Podcast

Mason Andrews joins Friend of Dorothy founders Azamat and Oliver for a candid conversation about loneliness, friendship, queer community and the realities of building a life as a gay man. Mason shares his journey from foster care and homelessness in Australia to becoming a content creator in London, and explains how queer spaces, social media and community helped shape his life. The conversation explores dating apps, making friends as an adult, social anxiety, moving countries, queer identity and the growing loneliness many gay men experience today. They also tackle some of the biggest conversations happening in gay wellness right now, including Ozempic, GLP-1 medications, Botox, filler, hair loss treatments, peptides and digital healthcare. A funny, honest and surprisingly emotional conversation about finding connection in a disconnected world. 01:51 Meet Mason Creator 03:28 Why London Move 05:06 Making Friends Again 06:41 Events Beyond Hookups 10:44 Queer Spaces Then Now 13:36 Lonely City Lessons 16:56 Grindr for Friendship 20:27 Botox and Viral Hate 21:17 Wellness Tools Not Cheating 22:35 Personal Ozempic Journey 28:01 Pride In Queer Products 31:32 Content Saved My Life 33:54 Making Friends Online 35:22 DM Etiquette And Boundaries

Chemsex, Meth & Recovery: The Truth Gay Men Aren't Being Told One in three gay men will encounter chemsex. Most won't know where to turn. In this raw, no-filter conversation, Friend of Dorothy founders Azamat and Oliver sit down with chemsex recovery coach Dallas Bragg and leading therapist David Fawcett — fresh from the European Chemsex Conference in Antwerp — to talk about everything the mainstream wellness world ignores. Why does chemsex hook gay men so deeply? What's driving younger guys into injecting before they've even had sober sex? And what does recovery actually look like when 12-step programmes aren't enough? They don't hold back. Neither should you. What we cover: → The three core psychological drivers behind chemsex addiction → How Grindr became both a lifeline and a trap → Why younger gay men are now at greater risk than ever → The hard truth about harm reduction vs. full abstinence → Practical steps to stop — including what to do right now if you're struggling → How to support a friend or partner going through it → What returning to sober sex actually feels like This episode is for you if: You're curious. You're concerned. You're in it. Or you love someone who is. ⚠️ This episode contains frank discussion of drug use, sexual behaviour, and mental health. 🎙️ Guests: Dallas Bragg — Chemsex Recovery Coach David Fawcett — Therapist & Author 📖 Mentioned in this episode: David Fawcett's book on sexualised drug use European Chemsex Conference, Antwerp 1:23 Meet Dallas Bragg and David Fawcett 1:43 The European Chemsex Conference 3:08 How chemsex has changed in 2024 4:17 Where it started: the 90s origins 4:57 Dallas's own recovery story 6:58 Finding support when you don't know where to look 7:50 The three core drivers of chemsex addiction 10:02 Why connection is the real antidote 11:02 Young men at risk — a generation being failed 12:55 What is sober sex, really? 14:38 Apps, accountability and breaking the cycle 18:24 The Zoom room danger nobody talks about 19:25 How to actually get help — every pathway explained22:25 Where NA and CMA fall short 24:14 What a recovery coaching programme looks like 26:47 Practical steps to stop — starting today 29:14 Planning your life after treatment 30:06 Spotting your patterns and triggers before they hit 31:32Replacing apps with real community 34:57 How to help a friend or partner — without losing yourself 38:58 The one action you can take right now: tell someone 42:17 Alcohol and harm reduction — where's the line? 43:56 Chemsex as a global crisis 46:31 Can it ever be recreational? 49:31 Returning to sober sex — the process nobody prepares you for52:57 Grindr, FOMO and the stigma that keeps people silent 54:06 Resources, support and where to go from here

Azamat, founder of Friend of Dorothy, sits down with psychotherapist Sergio Rebelo — BDSM/kink therapist and host of The Erotic Life podcast — for a deep conversation about intimacy, desire, identity and modern queer sexuality. Together they explore where kinks come from, the psychology behind attraction and fantasy, chemsex culture, porn myths, performance anxiety, power dynamics and how gay men can build healthier relationships with sex and desire. A thoughtful, funny and surprisingly emotional conversation about the complexities of queer intimacy and what really shapes what turns us on. 01:37 Meet Sergio Rebelo 04:36 Where Kinks Come From 05:05 Feet Fetish Explained 08:40 Power Dynamics and Balance 09:59 Fetishizing Straight Men 13:45 Why More Subs Than Doms 14:56 Bullying and Reclaiming Power 22:08 Do We Really Have Types 23:36 Rough vs Vanilla Play 26:39 Fantasy vs Reality 34:07 Porn Addiction Debate 36:41 Porn and Erectile Dysfunction 38:59 Finding Your Own Sex

Joe Adorno is a social worker, founder of YOLO Mentoring, and the first single gay man to adopt in Florida following the overturn of the state’s adoption ban. In this episode, he shares the story behind that moment, from working with foster youth to being asked to adopt, and the challenges he faced along the way. We discuss raising three adopted sons, dating as a single parent, and the importance of community, as well as his work supporting vulnerable young people and his involvement in One Magical Weekend in Orlando. A powerful conversation about family, resilience, and connection.

Why does loneliness still exist in a hyper-connected world, especially for gay men? In this episode of Friend of Dorothy, founders Azamat and Oliver sit down with Beau Gordon, founder of the Gather app, to explore how we actually build real connection in the queer community. From growing up feeling isolated to creating a platform designed to help people meet in real life, Beau shares the truth about loneliness, chosen family, and why most “social” apps don’t actually create meaningful relationships. We cover: Why loneliness is so common in the LGBTQ+ community How communal living creates deeper connection Why hookup culture isn’t the problem but also isn’t the solution The psychology behind flakiness and why people don’t show up How Gather is redesigning connection through accountability Real-life events: board games, sober spaces, and “cuddle puddles” The balance between sexual and non-sexual community spaces How to actually turn meetups into real friendships Plus, Friend of Dorothy announces its mission to fund subsidised, inclusive IRL events to help tackle loneliness at scale. If you’ve ever felt disconnected this episode is for you.

Why does desire disappear… even in relationships you don’t want to end? In this episode, Friend of Dorothy founders Azamat and Oliver sit down with sex & relationship coach Craig Cassey to break down the real reasons passion fades in long-term gay relationships and exactly how to rebuild it. This isn’t surface-level advice. This is the stuff no one teaches you. We cover: – Why libido drops (and it’s not just “losing attraction”) – The truth about responsive desire (affects ~60% of people) – ED vs low desire — and why they’re often confused – How stress, sleep, routine & even vitamins impact your sex life – Why sex can start to feel like a chore (and how to fix it) – Creating real sexual chemistry again (not forced intimacy) – Roleplay, kink & why they reduce anxiety — not increase it – The “takeaway menu” method to bring back excitement – Why opening your relationship won’t fix your sex life – How to talk about needs without killing the mood – Scheduling desire (not sex) — and why it works Craig also shares his personal story of repeatedly losing desire in relationships — and how that led him to become a coach helping queer couples rebuild connection, confidence, and passion. If you’ve ever thought: “Why don’t I feel in the mood anymore?” “Is this just what long-term relationships are like?” “Can we actually get the spark back?” This episode is for you. — 📱 Want more honest, no-BS advice on sex, confidence & performance? Download the Friend of Dorothy app for deeper guides, treatments, and support built for gay men. — Timestamps: 00:00 Why Desire Disappears 01:55 Meet Craig 02:14 Losing Desire In Relationships 03:27 Passion After The Honeymoon Phase 04:42 What Sex Coaching Actually Is 06:20 When Couples Seek Help 07:43 Are There “Rules” In Gay Relationships? 09:13 Why Libido Drops 10:03 Responsive Desire Explained 13:54 Rebuilding Safety & Touch 15:21 Low Desire vs ED 18:36 Fixing Routine Sex 21:46 Changing Context To Boost Desire 22:48 Roleplay & Creating Space 23:39 Should You Open Your Relationship? 28:04 The High vs Low Desire Cycle 31:10 How To Talk About Needs 33:17 When Sex Feels Like A Chore 34:49 Aftercare & Feedback 38:19 Kink & Anxiety 41:17 Why You Should Schedule Desire 42:54 The 3 Keys To Desire 44:05 Where To Find Craig

In this episode of Friend of Dorothy, founders Azamat and Oliver are joined by Dr Tony Fordham to explain why they launched an online pharmacy designed specifically for gay men. The conversation explores some of the most common health concerns in the LGBTQ+ community, including hair loss, STI prevention, weight-loss medication and erectile dysfunction treatments. Dr Tony breaks down how these treatments work, the myths surrounding them, and how men can access healthcare discreetly. Topics covered include: • Hair loss myths and the treatment ladder • Minoxidil vs finasteride for male pattern baldness • Side effects and timelines for finasteride • What doxyPEP is and how it reduces STI risk • How to take doxycycline safely after exposure • GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro • Common side effects and concerns like “Ozempic face” • Erectile dysfunction treatments explained • Viagra vs Cialis (sildenafil vs tadalafil) • Why many gay men use ED medication • Accessing treatment discreetly through online pharmacies Friend of Dorothy’s pharmacy aims to make gay men’s healthcare easier, more discreet and more culturally aware, particularly for those living outside major cities. Questions answered in this episode What is doxyPEP and how does it prevent STIs? How does finasteride work for hair loss? Is minoxidil or finasteride better for male pattern baldness? What are the side effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic? What is the difference between Viagra and Cialis? Why do people take erectile dysfunction medication? How can gay men access healthcare discreetly online? Is Ozempic safe for weight loss? This episode discusses gay men’s health, hair loss treatments, finasteride, minoxidil, doxyPEP STI prevention, GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, and erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra and Cialis.

How does internalised shame affect gay men’s intimacy, libido and relationships? In this episode, Eric Feltes, gay men’s life coach joins Friend of Dorothy founders Azamat and Oliver to explore the lasting impact of religious shame, performance anxiety and dating app burnout. Eric shares his three-step method for dismantling shame: Acknowledge it Question the belief behind it Practice compassionate curiosity Topics include: • Initiating intimacy without fear • Managing mismatched libido • Losing erections and performance pressure • Body dysmorphia • Bottom shame • Dating for data • Rebuilding confidence after app burnout This conversation offers tools for gay men who want deeper connection, resilience and self-acceptance.

Trip Richards (aka “Triple X Trans Man”) joins Oliver and Azamat of A Friend of Dorothy to discuss trans visibility, bathroom legislation, queer intimacy and life coaching for LGBTQ+ clients. Trip shares his experience growing up in a rural conservative community without language for gender identity, and how queer communities shaped his understanding of himself. The conversation explores: • The rise of trans male representation in adult content • Why visibility can normalise identity but also increase political risk • The flaws in appearance-based bathroom policies • Practical ways to be a better ally • How to navigate curiosity without crossing boundaries • The difference between fetishisation and appreciation • Communication in queer intimacy • How life coaching differs from therapy Trip’s core message: approach yourself and others with curiosity and empathy. TIMESTAMPS: 01:55 Trip Richards Intro 04:24 Growth in Trans Representation 08:01 Bathroom Laws Debate 11:31 How Allies Can Help 20:54 Intrusive Questions & Boundaries 26:25 Fetishization vs Appreciation 29:56 Life Coaching Explained 34:30 Therapy vs Coaching 39:02 Final Advice

What if the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just culturally influential but economically unstoppable? In this episode of Friend of Dorothy: Queer Conversations, Oliver and Azamat sit down with Matthew Conrado, founder of Alphabet Mafia Consultancy, to unpack the power of gay entrepreneurship, queer marketing, and the $4.7 trillion global LGBTQ+ economy. From working with major global brands to building authentic LGBTQ+ campaigns, Matthew explains why brands can’t afford to ignore gay consumers and why authenticity matters more than ever in a politically charged world. We dive into: • The true spending power of the queer community • Why 30% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+ and what that means for business • The future of LGBTQ marketing & Pride sponsorship • Gay business ownership and building influence • The evolution of queer spaces beyond bars and hookup culture • Loneliness in the gay community and new social models • The role of drag culture in mainstream media • Building a gay-centric brand in a straight-dominated world Matthew shares his journey from rejection to resilience, and how confidence, community and unapologetic authenticity became his competitive edge. If you're a gay man interested in: ✔️ Entrepreneurship ✔️ Building influence ✔️ Queer culture ✔️ Marketing & branding ✔️ Gay community spaces ✔️ LGBTQ business strategy ✔️ The future of gay media This episode is for you. Because being unashamedly gay isn’t just cultural — it’s commercial. Chapters  03:38 Early Career Experiences 08:24 Marketing to the LGBTQ Community 10:41 Navigating Political and Social Challenges 13:01 The Future of LGBTQ Marketing 22:56 Social Media and Cultural Influence 25:16 The Power of Community 27:32 Innovative Social Events 37:17 The Role of Drag Queens in Marketing 41:35 Learning from Failures 44:22 The Power of Positivity 47:09 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of Friend of Dorothy, hosts Azamat and Oliver sit down with Trevor Kuhn, also known as Love Daddy Trev, a leading love coach and matchmaker for gay men to explore the realities of dating, relationships, and connection in the modern gay community. Trevor shares his personal journey from wellness and fitness coaching into relationship and love coaching, and unpacks some of the most persistent myths gay men face around body image, desirability, and what it really takes to build meaningful relationships. Together, they discuss how emotional resilience, vulnerability, and communication play a far bigger role in attraction and long-term connection than physical appearance and why so many gay men feel stuck repeating the same dating patterns. The conversation also explores the difference between therapy and coaching, the challenges of modern dating apps like Grindr, and how tools like speed dating and matchmaking can offer alternative ways to connect when apps fall short. Trevor also shares practical, real-world insight into: The myth of the “perfect body” and desirability in gay culture Why the first-date spark is often misleading Breaking cycles of immediate intimacy that block deeper connection Coaching vs therapy and who each is for Navigating loneliness and finding community Red flags to watch out for when dating Monogamy vs open relationships and choosing what actually works for you How modern matchmaking and speed dating can support intentional dating This is an honest, grounded conversation about dating fatigue, emotional availability, and how gay men can approach relationships with more clarity, confidence, and self-awareness without shame or unrealistic expectations. Whether you’re single, dating, burned out on apps, or curious about healthier ways to connect, this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and practical advice you can actually use. ⏱ Chapters 02:01 Introduction to Love Daddy Trev 04:44 Why Emotional Connection Matters0 6:52 Breaking Repetitive Dating Patterns 07:49 Misconceptions About Love 10:02 Dating Apps & Modern Gay Dating 14:30 Why Work With a Dating Coach 16:18 Timing Intimacy in Relationships 18:52 The Myth of the First-Date Spark 20:32 Does Speed Dating Really Work? 25:52 The Role of a Modern Matchmaker 32:01 Red Flags to Watch Out For 34:20 Monogamy vs Open Relationships 37:02 Final Thoughts & What’s Next

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

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

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

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