5 • Rich Hajjar

In this episode of Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with my dear friend Rich Hajjar for a conversation that’s as vulnerable as it is hilarious. Rich and I go way back—to the early 2000s when we were launching Sex4HotMen, dreaming big, and laughing even bigger. But beyond the shared memories, our friendship has weathered some of life’s most defining chapters. From the wild days of marketing parties in LA to the moment I adopted my son Leo—with Rich riding shotgun—our bond has always run deep.

Please note: this episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse and suicide. Please skip ahead if needed.

In this conversation, Rich opens up in a way that’s rare and powerful. He shares the story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, and the complicated path of healing that followed. From confronting his abuser to supporting his nieces and nephews through loss, Rich brings honesty, compassion, and his signature sharp wit to a subject too often shrouded in silence.

We talk about what it means to age as gay men in a world that often overlooks our stories. Rich reflects on living with HIV, facing multiple health challenges, and the strange blessing of getting older when so many of our generation didn’t get the chance. He also talks about the life he’s built with his husband Mike—the laughter, the bickering, and the deep, unwavering love that’s carried them through.

And yes, we laugh—a lot. About pool parties in the desert, about being “daddies” in Palm Springs, and about the strange freedom that comes with turning 60 and realizing you no longer need to prove anything to anyone.

This conversation is raw, real, and full of heart. Rich reminds us that healing is never linear, that joy and pain often live side by side, and that showing up fully—as messy and imperfect as we are—is the most powerful thing we can do.

If this conversation brings anything up for you, please take care. You are not alone. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, resources like:

* The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) 24/7 – thetrevorproject.org

* RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE) - Rainn.org

* 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988 - 988lifeline.org

Watch the full episode now, and if it resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Until next time, Be Bold, Be Free, Be You!

– David

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com