• YA Novels, Coming Out, and Letting Go of Shame
    Jan 7 2025

    Darren Main sits down with author Paul Michael Winters and special guest Cameron Carter, a young musician, YouTuber, and High School Student, to discuss Paul’s latest young adult novel, The Haunting Between Us. This queer-themed YA story explores love, self-discovery, and the challenges of being a gay teen while blending the intrigue of a haunted house. Paul reflects on his work's inspiration, including his coming out journey and the importance of representation in LGBTQ+ literature.

    Cameron brings a fresh perspective as an out-and-proud gay teen, sharing his experiences with coming out and how stories like Paul’s resonate with young readers. Together, the trio delves into themes of queer identity, wellness, spirituality, and the universal struggle to let go of shame and guilt.

    This heartfelt conversation also touches on Paul’s debut novel, Together in a Broken World, the role of YA fiction in normalizing queer experiences, and the power of storytelling to heal and inspire. Tune in to explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ literature, young adult fiction, and personal growth.


    • Explore the Gay Wellness Community
    • Cameron Carter’s YouTube Channel
    • Connect with Paul Michael Winters
    • READ: Together in a Broken World
    • READ: The Haunting Between Us


    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    • Follow Darren
    • Darren’s Books
    • FREE Meditation Course
    • FREE Yoga Class


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    42 mins
  • Mind-Body Sexuality: Breaking Free from Shame
    Nov 4 2024

    In this powerful episode of Q-MindBody, Darren Main sits down with intimacy coach Don Shine to dive deep into the complex relationship between mind, body, and sexuality, with a special focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by gay men. Together, they explore how healing through intimacy can lead to greater self-acceptance, enhance pleasure, and foster deeper connections.

    __________________________

    Explore the Gay Wellness Community


    CONNECT WITH DON SHINE

    Don’s Website


    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    Follow Darren

    Darren’s Books

    FREE Meditation Course

    FREE Yoga Class


    JOIN THE COMMUNITY

    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast

    Q-MindBody on YouTube

    Join the Q-MindBody Facebook Group

    Q-MindBody Meetup Group

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    37 mins
  • Healing from Religious Trauma: A Journey to Self-Acceptance
    Sep 28 2024

    In this conversation, Darren Main and James Guay, LMFT, explore the damaging impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ individuals, examining its discredited nature and continued presence. They discuss the path to healing for those affected, the generational shifts in acceptance, and the challenges of balancing spirituality with LGBTQ identity. The discussion highlights the power of self-compassion, authenticity, and rebuilding relationships with family and community.


    CONNECT WITH JAMES GUAY, LMFT

    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    Follow Darren

    Darren’s Books

    FREE Meditation Course

    FREE Yoga Class


    JOIN THE COMMUNITY

    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-podcast

    Q-MindBody on YouTube: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-youtube

    Join the Q-MindBody Facebook Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-facebook

    Q-MindBody Meetup Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-meetup

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    32 mins
  • Sacred Journeys: Ayahuasca and Gay Men's Healing
    Sep 21 2024

    In this episode of Q-MindBody, Darren Main is joined by Anu Peter Brandt for a profound discussion on the transformative power of ayahuasca. Together, they explore the origins and significance of this sacred plant medicine, emphasizing the importance of its ceremonial context. Anu shares personal reflections on his own ayahuasca experiences, offering deep insights into how this ancient practice can help heal internalized homophobia and foster self-acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. The conversation also highlights the essential distinction between plant medicines and synthetic drugs, underscoring the meaningful connections and lessons that can emerge from these sacred journeys.


    Explore the Gay Wellness Community


    CONNECT WITH ANU PETER BRANDT


    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    Follow Darren

    Darren’s Books

    FREE Meditation Course

    FREE Yoga Class


    JOIN THE COMMUNITY

    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-podcast

    Q-MindBody on YouTube: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-youtube

    Join the Q-MindBody Facebook Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-facebook

    Q-MindBody Meetup Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-meetup

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    36 mins
  • Finding Healing in Queer Stories
    Sep 5 2024

    In this episode of the Q-MindBody podcast, host Darren Main sits down with author Paul Michael Winters to explore his book “Together in a Broken World”. They dive into the significance of representation in gay stories, the uplifting power of queer joy, and moving beyond narratives centered on tragedy. The conversation touches on the impact of viral apocalypses on the gay community and how stories can heal by filling the gaps in our lived experiences. Winters also offers a glimpse into his writing process and teases his upcoming release, “The Haunting Between Us”.


    __________________________

    Explore the Gay Wellness Community


    CONNECT WITH PAUL MICHAEL WINTERS

    READ: Together in a Broken World


    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    Follow Darren

    Darren’s Books

    FREE Meditation Course

    FREE Yoga Class


    JOIN THE COMMUNITY

    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast

    Q-MindBody on YouTube

    Join the Q-MindBody Facebook Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-facebook

    Q-MindBody Meetup Group

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    30 mins
  • Letting Go: Forgiveness as a Tool for Gay Men's Wellness
    Aug 23 2024

    In this episode of Q-MindBody, Darren Main and Mark Anthony Lord delve into the transformative power of forgiveness, particularly within the lives of gay men. They discuss forgiveness from a spiritual angle, highlighting its role in healing old wounds and paving the way for a future filled with freedom and wholeness. Mark shares his personal story of forgiveness, revealing how it profoundly changed his life. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges gay men face, such as internalized homophobia and shame, and how these obstacles can make forgiveness more difficult. Mark provides practical advice on how to cultivate forgiveness and release harmful behaviors. This episode underscores the essential role forgiveness plays in achieving self-acceptance and living a more fulfilling life.


    __________________________

    Explore the Gay Wellness Community


    CONNECT WITH MARK ANTHONY LORD



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    Follow Darren

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    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-podcast

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    Q-MindBody Meetup Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-meetup

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    33 mins
  • Designing a Happy Life
    Aug 8 2024

    Join Darren Main as he chats with Daniel Hamilton Jones about discovering inner happiness and living authentically as a gay man. Daniel's inspiring journey of self-discovery, gratitude, and adventure highlights the importance of breaking societal norms and challenging beliefs. Discover how art and design can create positive experiences and inspire others to live their truth and find true happiness.


    Explore the Gay Wellness Community


    CONNECT WITH DANIEL HAMILTON JONES


    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    Follow Darren

    Darren’s Books

    FREE Meditation Course

    FREE Yoga Class


    JOIN THE COMMUNITY

    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-podcast

    Q-MindBody on YouTube: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-youtube

    Join the Q-MindBody Facebook Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-facebook

    Q-MindBody Meetup Group: https://darrenmain.net/qmb-meetup

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    24 mins
  • Unlocking the Power of the Enneagram: Self-Awareness and Growth for Gay Men
    Jul 23 2024

    In this episode of Q-MindBody, Darren Main talks with R. Karl Hebenstreit about the Enneagram, a tool for understanding personality traits and improving relationships. They explore self-awareness, empathy, and the connection between sexual orientation and personality types. Discover how shame and authenticity affect online dating, and learn about the Enneagram's three groups—thinking, feeling, and action styles. Gain insights on using the Enneagram for personal growth and emotional intelligence, and hear about the potential for a book tailored for gay men.

    __________________________

    Explore the Gay Wellness Community


    CONNECT WITH R. KARL HEBENSTREIT

    Karl’s Website

    Karl’s Books


    CONNECT WITH DARREN

    Follow Darren

    Darren’s Books

    FREE Meditation Course

    FREE Yoga Class


    JOIN THE COMMUNITY

    Subscribe to the Q-MindBody Podcast

    Q-MindBody on YouTube

    Join the Q-MindBody Facebook Group

    Q-MindBody Meetup Group


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    37 mins