The Queer Stuff Pod

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Latest Episodes:

Life Update: Fire, Breakup, Switzerland? | Q & A Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this Q&A-style episode, I answer your questions about the wild start to my 2025—from losing my home in a fire to unexpectedly moving to Switzerland and starting a new chapter as head of media at an aid organization.

I’m covering everything: how I ended up here, what life near Lake Lucerne is really like, and the ups and downs of adjusting to a new country and culture, and what’s next for me and the podcast.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:09 - Podcast break
00:03:13 - Switzerland job
00:04:04 - Permanent move
00:04:39 - Swiss men & relationships
00:05:55 - Swiss visa & yodeling
00:06:51 - Sarge
00:08:03 - Favorite country
00:09:02 - Finding a job in europe
00:10:40 - Haircut
00:11:20 - Swiss living expenses
00:12:09 - Andrés update
00:12:25 - Swiss language barrier
00:13:41 - Adoption update
00:14:42 - Favorite food
00:15:40 - Culture shock
00:17:16 - Learning German
00:17:40 - What’s next?

Sponsored By:

Manscaped | Visit http://Manscaped.com and use code MAXEMERSON to get 20% off plus free shipping. Or if you need it today, you can find MANSCAPED® at a store near you. Stay fresh this season—for everyone's sake. Level up your grooming game today!

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Nate Heffel, Tobin Schiller ,James M, Christopher Neefus, Heskel, Michael Carpentiere, Timothy Cardoso, Shane Ouyang, Brian Joaquin, Carabalda, Brendan Saunders, Jeff Jay, James LEE, Andy, 正 , George Acosta, Michael Rice, Nathan Filip, Linda Johnson, Stephen Weathers, Kean Phan, James Powell, Landy Manderson

Identity, Hollywood, + Embracing the Mess | Brandon Kyle Goodman Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Queer Stuff Pod, I’m joined by the brilliant Brandon Kyle Goodman—actor, writer, and all-around icon—who never shies away from life’s messiest moments. Brandon talks about identity, career ups and downs, and what it means to embrace every part of yourself, even the chaotic ones.

From making it in Hollywood to cutting off toxic people, Brandon gets into the highs and lows of life with humor and honesty. Nothing is off-limits in this conversation about identity, boundaries, and finding joy in the mess.

Topics Discussed:

How do you set boundaries and go no-contact with toxic people?
How do humor and vulnerability help in discussing serious topics?
What’s the messiest story Brandon has ever heard
What advice does Brandon have for folks entering the entertainment industry

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:08 - Who The Hell Are You!
00:04:27 - Tell Me Something Messy
00:06:18 - Sex positivity
00:08:33 - Most memorable interview
00:09:43 - We contain multitudes
00:10:52 - Navigating challenges with humor
00:13:51 - Messiest story
00:14:46 - Going no contact
00:19:51 - Identifying with suffering
00:22:57 - You can do hard things
00:24:51 - Making time for yourself
00:28:49 - From Queens to Georgia
00:31:20 - Max’s expulsion
00:32:34 - NYU Tisch
00:35:30 - DEI
00:38:11 - Recession core & stand up
00:40:01 - Sketch vs standup comedy
00:42:05 - Job security
00:43:01 - Message for marginalized folks
00:46:17 - Fight Me! Clone f*cking

Sponsored By:

Manscaped | Visit Manscaped.com and use code MAXEMERSON to get 20% off plus free shipping. Or if you need it today, you can find MANSCAPED® at a store near you. Stay fresh this season—for everyone's sake. Level up your grooming game today!

Check Out Brandon:

Check Out Max:

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers!

The Funny Side of Fitness | Raneir Pollard Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

26: Comedian and fitness pro Raneir Pollard joins the show to share his journey from college friend to Guinness World Record holder. He talks about breaking a burpee record while wearing stilettos, his work as a celebrity trainer, and his unique approach to fitness with humor.

We explore his worst performances, balancing comedy and fitness, and his thoughts on body positivity and the fitness influencer culture. Raneir also discusses how virtual reality is revolutionizing workouts and the importance of staying motivated in both comedy and fitness.

Topics Discussed:

How did Raneir Pollard become a Guinness World Record holder?
What challenges did Raneir face during his worst performances?
How does Raneir balance comedy with fitness?
What is Supernatural VR Fitness, and how does it relate to fitness?
How does body positivity affect Raneir’s approach to fitness?
What are common scams in the fitness industry and how to spot them?
How does Raneir stay motivated in his comedy and fitness careers?

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:57 - Who Is Raneir Pollard?
00:05:40 - How Raneir Realized He Was Funny
00:09:13 - Raneir’s Worst Shows
00:13:12 - Pre-Show Rituals
00:14:59 - Earning a Guinness World Record
00:16:28 - Teaching 20 Fitness Classes a Week
00:19:18 - Fitness Influencers & Parasocial Relationships
00:21:33 - Supernatural VR Fitness
00:24:59 - Cardio & Comedy
00:25:36 - Fitness Instructor Challenges
00:26:47 - Body Positivity in Fitness
00:28:58 - Spotting Fitness Scams
00:31:21 - Advice for Beginners in Fitness
00:34:59 - Structuring Your Workouts
00:36:47 - Intensity of VR Workouts
00:37:58 - Staying Motivated
00:40:19 - Best Raneir Workout
00:41:32 - FIGHT ME! - Vampirism?

Show Links:

Sponsored By:

Manscaped | Visit Manscaped.com and use code MAXEMERSON to get 20% off plus free shipping. Or if you need it today, you can find MANSCAPED® at a store near you. Stay fresh this season—for everyone's sake. Level up your grooming game today!
Puori | Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson

Check Out Ranier:

Check Out Max:

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers!

TV, Fashion, and the 7-Year Life Cycle | Darren Kennedy Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

TV presenter, style expert, and entrepreneur Darren Kennedy joins me to share his journey from radio to television, his most disastrous interviews, and how he found his place in the fashion industry. We also explore the inspiration behind his podcast The Number, his approach to personal style, and his documentary Gay Daddy.

Topics Discussed:

Darren Kennedy’s journey from radio to TV and fashion
His most memorable and disastrous celebrity interviews
The inspiration behind his podcast The Number
The Gay Daddy documentary and LGBTQ+ representation in media
Tips on personal style and men’s grooming with Kennedy & Co

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:37 - Who is Darren Kennedy?
00:06:08 - The power of work ethic
00:08:40 - Breaking into radio
00:10:10 - Darren’s worst interviews
00:11:45 - Shifting from radio to TV
00:12:53 - Entering the fashion world
00:16:53 - Irish vs. American TV
00:19:14 - Creating unscripted shows
00:22:10 - The story behind The Number podcast
00:25:22 - Darren’s lucky numbers and their meaning
00:28:39 - How to make people feel comfortable
00:32:45 - Inside the Gay Daddy documentary
00:35:25 - Being a “family-friendly” gay
00:35:52 - Mastering personal style
00:37:15 - The story behind Kennedy & Co
00:40:16 - Where to find Darren
00:41:22 - What happened to Darren’s foot?
00:43:45 - FIGHT ME: Handwashing

Sponsored By:

Manscaped | Visit Manscaped.com and use code MAXEMERSON to get 20% off plus free shipping. Or if you need it today, you can find MANSCAPED® at a store near you. Stay fresh this season—for everyone's sake. Level up your grooming game today!
Puori | Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson

Check Out Darren:

Check Out Max:

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers!

All Things Bottoming | Alex Hall Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

24: I sit down with Alex Hall, co-founder and host of The Bottom’s Digest, to talk all things bottoming. As a sexual health educator and body autonomy activist, Alex is on a mission to make sex education accessible, no matter where you’re from or what you’re into.

We get into the biggest bottoming barriers, from physical challenges to common myths. Alex shares expert tips on safe douching, trigger foods, and his signature "butt clock technique."

Topics Discussed:

The origins of The Bottom’s Digest
Common bottoming myths and misconceptions
Preventing and healing from anal fissures
Diet, digestion, and trigger foods
Safe douching and timing techniques
The "butt clock technique" explained
Challenges in sex education and advocacy
Why humor is key in talking about sexual health

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:20 - Who The Hell Are You?
00:08:25 - Starting Bottom’s Digest
00:11:45 - Bottoming barriers
00:13:33 - Anyone can bottom!
00:15:17 - Sex education
00:19:49 - Anal fissures & healing from injury
00:21:39 - Staying humorous
00:26:49 - Trigger foods
00:28:32 - Douching guide
00:32:40 - Platinum/gold stars & bisexuality
00:35:01 - Douche timing
00:36:25 - The butt clock technique
00:37:48 - Don’t douche too far!!
00:42:02 - Challenges to sex education and advocacy
00:45:17 - Fight me

Further Listening:

Alex Hall Fisting Interview

Sponsored By:

Scandinavian Biolabs
Start today with 20% off the Hair Activation Routine and any other products from Scandinavian Biolabs using code MAXEMERSON. Go to ScandinavianBiolabs.com
Puori
Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson

Check Out Alex Hall:

Check Out Max:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/maxisms
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@themaxisms

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers!

Out & Proud In Corporate America | Blake Danner Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

23: What does it take to build some of the most talked-about hotels in the world — and do it while proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community at the top levels of corporate leadership? Blake Danner, COO of aka Hotels and Hotel Residences, joins us to share his journey from nightclub-loving hotel rookie to the executive suite, shaping brands like NoMad, The Line, and Freehand along the way.

Blake opens up about the risks that shaped his career, the power of mentorship, and what it means to lead authentically — even in industries not always known for diversity. Whether you’re chasing a career in hospitality or just love bold leadership stories, this episode is packed with real talk and hard-earned advice.

Topics Discussed:

Breaking into hospitality
Lessons from building iconic hotel brands
Being out in corporate America
Mentorship & diversity in leadership
Leading teams through crisis
Career advice for young professionals

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:36 - Who the Hell Are You?
00:05:57 - Why Work in Hotels?
00:08:31 - Blake’s First Job
00:11:33 - Risk-Taking & Delano Hotels
00:13:56 - Dallas vs. New York Nightlife in the 90s
00:15:59 - Coming Out in Corporate America
00:19:59 - Max & Blake’s Friendship
00:22:30 - Leading People in the Corporate World
00:25:06 - Being a Visible Queer Leader
00:29:58 - Advice for Young Professionals
00:33:37 - Biggest Mistakes in Corporate America
00:35:27 - Managing Hotels Through COVID
00:38:24 - Keeping Employees Happy and Motivated
00:40:15 - Why Blake Joined AKA Hotels
00:43:42 - Mentoring & Fostering Growth in Others
00:45:36 - Fight Me! New York vs LA

Sponsored By:

Scandinavian Bio-Labs | Start today with 20% off the Hair Activation Routine and any other products from Scandinavian Biolabs using code MAXEMERSON. Go to ScandinavianBiolab.com
Max’s Patreon |
Join today and make the internet more colorful
Puori | Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson
Sparkle Club | https://maxismsmedia.com/the-sparkle-club

Check Out Blake:

Check Out Max:

Thank you to all my patreon subscribers!

Where In The World Is Chris Colfer? Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

22: Chris Colfer is a Golden Globe-winning actor, bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer, known for his role as Kurt Hummel on Glee, for which he earned numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations. He is the author of the Land of Stories series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. In 2024, he launched a new middle grade series, Roswell Johnson Saves the World!, which became an instant bestseller. Colfer is also an award-winning audio narrator and has narrated all of his books, including the bestselling Stranger than Fanfiction. His other projects include Netflix's Ridley Jones and the upcoming animated musical feature The Potters. Based in Los Angeles, Colfer's work spans television, film, and literature, with a unique blend of humor, heart, and imagination.

Sponsored By:

CLEARSTEM
Discover the CLEARSTEM difference and experience clear, healthy skin for life. Go to CLEARSTEM.com/MAX and use code MAX at checkout for 15% off your first order.
Max’s Patreon
Join today and make the internet more colorful
Puori
Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:11 - Who The Hell Are You
00:08:24 - Being a baby gay and becoming an actor
00:10:43 - Breaking into television and booking Glee
00:16:20 - Self tapes and auditioning
00:17:32 - Glee and coming out on Chelsea Handler
00:19:53 - Getting outed in a magazine
00:21:14 - Being closeted on television
00:24:47 - Challenges that come with activism
00:28:20 - SNL and bucket list career moments
00:29:18 - Best parts of Glee
00:30:46 - Dating as an out actor
00:34:29 - Slash Fiction
00:36:33 - “The Land of Stories”
00:39:38 - How writing saved his life
00:41:00 - Creative energy and writing strategy
00:44:46 - Most challenging writing project
00:46:50 - Advice regarding social anxiety
00:48:34 - Fight Me!

Check Out Chris:

https://thelandofstories.com/

Check Out Max:

Dogs, Clout & Coming Out | Joey Graceffa Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

21: Today, I’m joined by none other than Joey Graceffa. With over 2.9 billion views and a career spanning back to 2007, Joey has built an empire of engaging content, from gaming and vlogs to his hit web series Escape the Night. Joey shares his experience coming out online, his creative inspirations, and his journey as a writer.

Episode Highlights:

Joey’s rise to YouTube fame & Escape the Night
Coming out online & the “Are You Gay” quiz
Writing In Real Life & Children of Eden
Mental health, self-care & online fame
Vlogging, breakups & digital legacy

Sponsored By:

Scandinavian Bio Labs
Start today with 20% off the Hair Activation Routine and any other products from Scandinavian Biolabs using code MAXEMERSON. Go to ScandinavianBiolabs.com.
Max’s Patreon
Join today and make the internet more colorful
Puori
Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:09 - Who The Hell Are You?
00:08:04 - Starting youtube
00:09:41 - Escape the night
00:11:59 - How to start a youtube channel
00:13:57 - Coming out on youtube
00:14:51 - Creative inspiration
00:18:57 - Joey’s memoir
00:20:43 - Children Of Eden
00:21:44 - Special Ed & Gifted classes
00:23:41 - The BIG 3 zodiac signs
00:24:16 - Mental health & self care
00:26:51 - Are you gay quiz
00:30:01 - Joey’s coming out journey
00:31:45 - Vlogging & the break up video
00:34:47 - Dream collabs & legacy
00:36:04 - Take doggie supplements
00:37:31 - Fight Me!

Check Out Joey:

Check Out Max:

Special thank you to the following:

From Army Officer to Bodybuilder | Roberto Portales Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

20: In today’s episode, I'm joined by Roberto, a Tampa native and fellow Florida man. Roberto’s journey is nothing short of incredible—he's a West Point grad, a former Army Officer, and a leader in counterintelligence. After his time in the military, he dove into the fitness world, even launching his own app to help others get in shape. These days, he works as an IT Services Client Executive for a global tech company (and yes, he’s still in incredible shape, ready to flex at any moment). When he’s not working or hitting the gym, Roberto also dabbles in acting for commercials, TV, and film.

Today, we're talking about everything from military life to body-building, and everything in between. Tune in for some great insights and a whole lot of fun!

Sponsored By:

Scandinavian Biolabs
Start today with 20% off the Hair Activation Routine and any other products from ScandinavianBiolabs.com using code MAXEMERSON..
Patreon
Join today and make the internet more colorful
Puori
Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code maxemerson

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Who the Hell Are You?!
00:06:12 - West Point Experience
00:10:55 - Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
00:12:06 - West Point vs Naval Academy
00:13:33 - Key Takeaways from Army Life
00:14:44 - Transitioning to Civilian Life
00:18:30 - Command Time vs Staff Time
00:21:03 - Corporate Speak & Military Skills Crossover
00:22:46 - Veteran Hiring Insights
00:23:22 - Struggles Finding Work After the Military
00:26:58 - Getting Into Bodybuilding
00:31:34 - The Role of Performance Enhancers
00:35:41 - Crafting Your Ideal Workout Routine
00:40:57 - Workout Splits & Gym Playlist
00:42:26 - Nutrition, Meal Prep & Staying on Track
00:43:07 - Chest Training & Building Muscle
00:46:58 - Fight Me!

Check Out Roberto:

Check Out Max:

Special thank you to the following:

Queer Travel Guide | AMA Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, I’m talking all about travel! You’ve asked about everything from the logistics of frequent flying to how I maintain some sense of stability while constantly on the go. This episode is all about practical tips and how I manage to make travel work—both for my career and my personal life.

We’ll discuss:

How I balance work and travel
The best ways to handle turbulence
My approach to booking flights
Who watches Sarge when I’m away
How I pack for long trips

Sponsored By:

CLEARSTEM
Discover the CLEARSTEM difference and experience clear, healthy skin for life. Go to CLEARSTEM.com/MAX and use code MAX at checkout for 15% off your first order.

Timestamps: