Aging Out Loud: Midlife, Self-Acceptance, and Gay Wisdom with – John Patrick

In this raw and heartfelt episode, New York designer, storyteller and former drag performer, John Patrick (JP) for a powerful conversation about growing older, wiser, and freer as gay men. Together, JP and Rick unpack decades of experience — from coming out in different eras to surviving the AIDS crisis, finding confidence through drag and other careers, to redefining what self-acceptance really looks like after 40. It’s not nostalgia. It’s truth-telling — about how far we’ve come, what still needs to change, and the beauty of learning to love yourself without apology.

3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

1. Self-acceptance is a practice, not a destination. You grow into it, daily.
2. Kindness over judgment. Age brings perspective — and the grace to stop proving yourself.
3. Perfection is overrated. Excellence, authenticity, and joy are the new goals

About JP

John Patrick - JP - is passionate about transforming spaces and lives through interior design. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Changing Overwhelmed into Overjoyed.”

As the creative force behind John Patrick Designs, he combines color, texture, lighting, and thoughtful furniture placement to craft environments that elevate how people live and work. From luxury residences to commercial spaces, John’s approach blends sophistication with comfort, ensuring every design feels both beautiful and deeply personal.

A South Carolina native now based in New York City, John has been reimagining spaces since childhood—mentally rearranging every room he entered long before doing so professionally. Today, his portfolio spans projects from $500,000 to $10 million, each handled with the same dedication, creativity, and attention to detail.

John’s work extends throughout the New York Metro and Tri-State area, including Fairfield, Westchester, Rockland, Bergen, and Hudson counties, as well as national and international relocations. Whether designing a Manhattan penthouse, a suburban family home, or a commercial property, he brings vision, expertise, and heart to every project.

John Patrick Designs isn’t just about creating stunning interiors—it’s about designing joy, comfort, and possibility.

Connect With JP

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