Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson

Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, have had to overcome many obstacles while on the journey to grow their family. From false starts in the adoption process to medical scares before their twins could even leave the hospital. And like so many parents, Pete and Chasten have faced a whole host of challenges in a very short period of time. Add to that, the reality of being public figures, which brings its own set of unique challenges, including criticism from former Vice President Mike Pence. In this special edition of Life Out Loud, LZ asks Secretary Buttigieg what he's learned from fatherhood thus far and how he deals with the attacks and insults that continue to come his way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raising a child and parenting aren't necessarily one and the same. The expectations we might have going into the process of parenting aren't always what the actual experience bears out. Former tennis pro, Brian Vahaly has a long list of the things he wished LZ - his chosen older brother - had coached him on before he and his husband became fathers to twin boys. Brian shares the big lessons he is learning through fatherhood and just how far off his expectations really were. Then, LZ turns to his sister-of-choice, Roxanne, to talk about what they've discovered during their 20+ years as a family raising their sons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bravery comes in many forms. It can mean carving your career in spaces where you are the "only one." It can mean maintaining your faith as you struggle to survive. It can also be raising your voice, and facing the consequences for it. Like LZ, Jemele Hill is from Detroit, Detroit. That means she sees the world a little differently than most, and she's not afraid to share that perspective. She's a writer, broadcaster and podcaster with a deep knowledge of popular culture and sports. Her memoir, "Uphill," includes stories she's never shared before, including her formative relationship with her stepfather, who separated from her mother after coming out as bisexual and later died of complications associated with AIDS. That love—and that loss—has rippled throughout Jemele's life. Yes, she's "Unbothered," but she's also funny and passionate. Jemele Hill embodies what it means to thrive. Plus, an epilogue from Keith Boykin, a former Special Assistant to President Clinton who wrote the book "Beyond the Down Low." We hope this conversation inspires you to reflect on how you show up, intersection-Ally. We see you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! This season of Life Out Loud is all about family and LZ begins by talking about his own—messy parts and all—with his son, LZed. They get real about painful moments in their relationship and how they have healed from them. LZ talks about the sacrifices he made to be a provider after his divorce, and LZed shares how some of those choices led him to feel abandoned. LZed also shares what it was like growing up with a queer dad, and LZ discusses what home means to him. It's an honest conversation with a lot of heart. Family is where love abides. Sometimes you're born into a loving family. Sometimes you grow into one. And if you're really lucky, you have both. Consider this season to be a showcase for the various ways families come together and how love shows up. We're grateful to have you in our family. All our love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pride Month is a great time to recharge our batteries and lift one another up. Despite the recent tragedies and legislative challenges, our community is stronger and bolder than ever. As we celebrate the first anniversary of Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson, we want to highlight some queer content the LGBTQ+ community can look forward to together. Summer is the season for long nights out with friends, live music and summer blockbusters. That's why we wanted to talk two filmmakers. First, LZ sits down with Andrew Ahn, the director of Fire Island, about making queer rom-coms for the big screen. Then LZ chats with former pro-soccer star turned TV and film producer Robbie Rogers. He's working on the upcoming period drama My Policeman, which stars Harry Styles as a closeted police officer caught in a love triangle. Joyful representation can show people who are struggling with their identity that a life out loud is worth living. Party safely, love greatly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who are you really? One of the toughest parts about growing up with other people's shame is that it makes the path to self-discovery extra rocky. When you come out of the closet, you're trying to tell the world who you are while also trying to figure that out for yourself. This week, LZ talks to two change-makers about what it means to put your whole self (body, spirit and mind) on the line and on display in the fight to equality. Kornbread "The Snack" Jete was the body-positive breakout star of the 14th season RuPaul's Drag Race. Arizona State Rep Daniel Hernandez Jr. saved a congresswoman's life and followed her into public service. Though they have chosen very different paths in life, they both talk about what it means to be plus size people of color in a community that holds up a white thin ideal. To know thyself is to love thyself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who is your chosen family? In this week's episode of Life Out Loud, Margaret Cho confirms all comedians really do know each other. Cho pays homage to the peers and mentors who have gotten her through and talks about how a queer hookup can lead to a lasting friendship. She also explains why being a good friend is a solid career move. That's also a theme in LZ's kiki with two of his own dear friends, CNN's Don Lemon and the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart. The three journalists talk about rising to the top of their field as black gay men, and why it's important to support younger generations unconditionally. Their life and career advice will have you group-texting your support system with heart-eye emojis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There aren't many ready-made answers when it comes to faith and sexual orientation. It takes a lot of humility to carve out a space where people can ask the big questions. This week, LZ talks to two people who have done just that: Pastor Rob Bell and Daniel Franzese. Pastor Bell is a New York Times bestselling author, friend of Oprah and LZ's former spiritual leader. Daniel Franzese is a successful actor whose podcast, Yass, Jesus!, dives into his own journey of finding a place in God's kingdom as an openly gay man. Together they talk about what it takes for LGBTQ+ folks to find spiritual community when many traditional religious institutions have not validated their existence. Regardless of your faith background, these conversations will inspire you to thank the angels in your life and challenge you to rethink what "faith" means to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're not already following the Winter Olympics, get ready to fall in love with two-time U.S. national champion, figure skater Timothy LeDuc. They're the first Olympian to qualify as a non-binary person, and they're competing in one of the most gendered sports ever—pairs figure skating. Their story is truly inspiring. Plus, a conversation with Cyd Zeigler and Jim Buzinski from OutSports about The Raiders' Carl Nassib, transgender athletes and the progress that the LGBTQ+ community is making in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's estimated that as many as 3.8 million LGBTQ+ people not only live in rural America, but for the most part, they actually prefer to live there, according the Movement Advancement Project. We're not always trying to escape. For the first episode of season 2 of Life out Loud, LZ Granderson talks to NY Times best-selling author Chasten Buttigieg and West Side Story star Ariana DeBose about the joys and struggles of building a supportive community in a small town. Plus, GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis shares what she's learned from the organization's Southern Stories Initiative and how far we still have to go to see even more representation for queers outside big cities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of National Coming Out Day, LZ sits down with D.J. "Shangela" Pierce, break out star and contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and co-host of the hit HBO series "We're Here." In an honest and raw conversation, Shangela discusses the queer journey, growing up in small town America and the power and freedom of living an authentic life. He shares some unforgettable moments from the road and talks about the unique bond he has with his favorite diva, Jennifer Lewis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does victory feel like for LGBTQ politicians? LZ talks with six political leaders paving the way with their imagination. Political veterans Keith St. John, Annise Parker, Neil Giuliano and newcomers Ritchie Torres, Sarah McBride, Brian Sims set the record straight on "the gay agenda," whatever that is... The politicians talk about first crushes, representation and the Buttigieg of it all. Plus, what Harvey Milk taught them about local ordinances and dog poop, and what we can do to hold them accountable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LZ leads a roundtable of sports figures including Jason Collins, the first active player in the NBA to come out; Super Bowl winner and ally Keyshawn Johnson; and Rick Welts, the first out and proud NBA team president. They discuss their own personal stories and look at the ways LGBTQ issues play out in the world of professional sports. There are also some big laughs over what happens when you bring a straight ally like Keyshawn into a gay vacation spot or a PRIDE parade. Spoiler Alert: there's glitter involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices