In this episode, Tom Bruett (he/him) interviews Kit Morgan (he/they), a queer and trans religious trauma-informed educator, licensed clinical social worker, and therapist. Together, they explore how religious trauma continues to shape queer and trans lives long after leaving faith communities. From purity culture and internalized shame to the ways stigma around mental health keeps people stuck, Kit unpacks how belief systems can quietly influence identity, relationships, and self-worth in ways many people don’t even realize.

They dive into the difference between conflict and abuse in religious families, how “Midwest nice” can mask deeper harm, and why so many people struggle to name their experiences as trauma. The conversation also examines how these early messages show up in dating, attraction, and desire, along with what therapists and allies often get wrong when supporting queer and trans clients. If you’ve ever felt like you left religion but it didn’t fully leave you, this episode offers language, insight, and a path toward understanding what’s still lingering beneath the surface.

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About Kit:

Kit Morgan is a queer and trans religious trauma informed educator, licensed clinical social worker, and therapist, working with clients in New York, Virginia, and Indiana. Kit’s work began with advocacy and research for people at high risk of incarceration. From Kit’s background of growing up in the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist and Southern Baptist denominations during his girlhood years, Kit noticed how institutionalization, including the institution of religion, impacts the way people relate to their gender and sexuality. This inspired Kit to study Christian Counseling, the science of psychology, and social work in their time at university. Kit focuses their work on liberation from shame induced by institutionalization impacting people’s relationship to their queerness.

Connect with Kit:

Website: www.theliberatedporch.com

TikTok: @theliberatedporch

Instagram: @theliberatedporch

Connect with Tom:

website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com

Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute

Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Tom Bruett interviews David F Khalili (he/him), a queer licensed marriage and family therapist and board certified sexologist based in San Francisco and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness. They discuss David's mission of "Shame Less, Love More," his journey into sex therapy, and the unique challenges faced by queer Middle Eastern men navigating identity, family, and belonging. David shares his perspective on bi erasure, the cost of masculinity for men across the gender and sexuality spectrum, and why helping clients simply feel comfortable talking about sex is often the most powerful first step. They also explore therapist burnout, the importance of community for isolated private practice clinicians, and David's growing Rouse Academy training program for therapists.

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About David:
David F Khalili is a queer licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, and founder of Rouse Relational Wellness, a boutique couples and sex therapy center in San Francisco focused on helping queer, kinky, and poly folks have their best relationships. Offering trainings and gatherings at Rouse Academy, David brings together couples and sex therapists seeking community and continuing education. He also authored the recently published Mental Health Workbook for Men to enhance their relationships with others.

Connect with David:
Professional Websites: rousetherapy.com, davidfkhalili.com
Training for Therapists: rouseacademy.com
Instagram: @rousetherapy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rousetherapy
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rousetherapy

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Tom Bruett interviews Mickie Kennedy(he/him), a gay poet whose work reflects on his experiences living through the AIDS crisis and the complexities of intimacy and relationships. They discuss the emotional journey of writing poetry, the impact of societal issues on personal creativity, and the importance of documenting the history of the LGBTQ+ community. Kennedy shares insights on vulnerability, authenticity, and the healing power of art, while also addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the community today.

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About Mickie:
Mickie Kennedy is a gay writer who resides in Baltimore County, Maryland. His work has appeared in Prairie Schooner, POETRY, The Threepenny Review, The Southern Review, The Sun and elsewhere. His first full-length book of poetry, Worth Burning, was published by Black Lawrence Press in February 2026. Follow him on social media @MickiePoet or his website mickiekennedy.com.

Connect with Mickie:
Website: https://www.mickiekennedy.com
Instagram: @mickiepoet
New Book: https://www.mickiekennedy.com/worth-burning

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this insightful conversation, Michael Pezzullo, LMFT (he/him), explores the complex dynamics of pretty privilege, aging, and self-worth within the gay community. He discusses how external validation impacts mental health, the cultural obsession with youth, and practical ways to develop inner strength and authenticity.

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About Michael:
Michael Pezzullo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Michael runs his own private practice in West Hollywood, CA. He specializes in LGBTQ+ affirmative psychotherapy, substance use disorders and trauma. Therapeutically he practices EMDR, ketamine assisted psychotherapy and internal family systems. He offers coaching to gay men internationally.

Connect with Michael:
Website: www.michaelpezzullo.com
Instagram: @michaelpezzullolmft
YouTube: @Therapy-for-Gay-Men
TikTok: @michaelpezzullolmft

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Dr. Miguel Toribo-Mateus(he/they) shares his personal journey with ADHD and autism, discussing the importance of diagnosis and medication. He explores the intricate relationship between nutrition, gut health, and neurodivergence, emphasizing how these factors can influence ADHD symptoms. Miguel also highlights the unique experiences of queer individuals in relation to neurodivergence and offers practical advice on nutrition and self-care. The discussion touches on the significance of reframing ADHD as a natural neurotype and the challenges faced in relationships where one partner is neurodivergent.

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About Dr. Miguel:
Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a queer clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutrition researcher specializing in nutritional psychiatry and the gut–brain axis. His work is influenced by both scientific training and lived experience of navigating identity, relationships, and nervous system stress in a minority body.

With over 20 years of experience bridging laboratory research and clinical practice, his work explores how diet, the gut microbiome, stress, and emotional regulation shape behavior, relationships, and wellbeing, particularly within minorities such as neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. He is especially interested in how early experiences, shame, and chronic hypervigilance affect our body needs and desires, as well as patterns of relating.

He is the author of ADHD Body and Mind: A Compassionate Guide to Rewilding Your Nervous System with Neuroscience, Nutrition, and Gut-Brain Health, published by Jessica Kingsley in 2026. His research has appeared in journals including the BMJ and BMC Psychiatry.

An Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology and Senior Lecturer at the University of West London, Miguel is known for translating complex neuroscience into language that helps people understand their bodies, soften self-judgement, and build more sustainable relationships with food, themselves, and others. His work places self-compassion, interoception, and nervous system safety at the center of emotional and relational health.

Connect with Dr. Miguel:
Website: https://drmiguelmateas.com
Book: https://mybook.to/ADHDbodymind
Instagram: @drmiguelmateas

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Ed Bell (he/him), a gay dating and relationship coach, shares his journey from being a musician to a coach, discussing the importance of authenticity, the challenges of modern dating, and the impact of dating apps. He emphasizes the need for community and real-life connections while addressing issues like biphobia and the evolving culture of gay dating. Ed offers some practical advise for how gay men can date in this modern world more authentically.

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About Ed:
Ed Bell is an award-winning dating and relationship coach working with gay and bi men. He's the host of the Better Gay Dating Podcast and, under the pen name Max Thomas, the author of the book "Boys Who Like Boys." He works with queer men to help them build stronger and more meaningful relationships.

Connect with Ed:
Website: www.bettergaydating.com
Podcast: www.bettergaydating.com/podcast
Book: www.bettergaydating.com/bwlb
Instagram: @bettergaydating

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Dr. Roger Kuhn(he/him) discusses the themes of connection, cultural identity, and the importance of vulnerability in healing. He emphasizes the significance of understanding one's cultural background and how it shapes our experiences and relationships. The discussion also explores the concept of soma-cultural liberation, the impact of trauma on our bodies, and the necessity of pleasure in the healing process. Dr. Kuhn invites listeners to redefine their understanding of culture and identity, particularly within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to embrace the journey of liberation through connection and joy.

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About Roger:
Dr. Roger Kuhn is a Poarch Creek Two-Spirit Indigiqueer soma-cultural sex therapist, sexuality educator, writer, activist, and musician. Roger’s work explores the concepts of decolonizing and unsettling sexuality and focuses on the way culture impacts and informs our bodily experiences. He is a community organizer of the Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirit powwow, and a board member of the Two-Spirit & Native LGBTQ+ Center for Equity. His first book, Somacultural Liberation, is available in both paperback and audio. His music can be streamed on all digital platforms.

Connect with Roger:
Professional Website: www.rogerjkuhn.com
Music Website: www.rogerkuhn.com
His Book: https://www.rogerjkuhn.com/academic-and-publishing
Instagram: @rkoughenr

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5

In this conversation, Tom Bruett (he/him) speaks with Finn Deerhart (he/him), an AASECT certified sex counselor and coach, about his journey from ministry to sex counseling, the importance of writing in his life, and the complexities of navigating sexuality in urban environments. They discuss the significance of embodiment, community, and the impact of religious trauma on sexual identity. Finn shares insights from his workshops, the role of fantasy in sexuality, and the importance of ethical porn. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue about sexuality and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and healing.

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About Finn:
Finn Deerhart, is an AASECT Certified Sex Counselor, writer and group facilitator. Through his courses, workshops, retreats, and private sessions, men learn tools to confront their limitations, unravel internal narratives of shame, and spark deeper human connections—grounding themselves into a deeper experience of life. Finn also creates educational erotic content and provide on-site erotic coaching for various organizations, including Himeros TV, an online service that provides explicit educational content for queer men. He co-hosts the weekly Himeros Backstage podcast which can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Connect with Finn:
Website: www.finndeerhart.com
Substack: www.finndeerhart.substack.com
Instagram: @finndeerhart

Connect with Tom:
website: www.queerrelationshipinstitute.com
Instagram: @queerrelationshipinstitute
Get his book: https://a.co/d/0gtUEAC5