The Queer Stuff Pod
Adolescence sucks for everyone, but especially for queer kids. In a world that is openly hostile to queer people, The Queer Stuff Pod hosted by Max Emerson is here to help. From questioning, to coming out, to navigating the perils of sex/drugs/emoji filled texts, this survival guide promises to be a crucial resource and wellspring of joy for anyone currently going through it. Although curated from a gay man’s perspective, this project aims to include resources for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. NEW EPISODES EVERY MONDAY!
Episodes
April 7, 2025 • 22 mins
In this Q&A-style episode, I answer your questions about the wild start to my 2025—from losing my home in a fire to unexpectedly moving to Switzerland and starting a new chapter as head of media at an aid organization.
I’m covering everything: how I ended up here, what life near Lake Lucerne is really like, and the ups and downs of adjusting to a new country and culture, and what’s next for me and the podcast.
Timestamps:
00:0...
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March 31, 2025 • 50 mins
On this episode of Queer Stuff Pod, I’m joined by the brilliant Brandon Kyle Goodman—actor, writer, and all-around icon—who never shies away from life’s messiest moments. Brandon talks about identity, career ups and downs, and what it means to embrace every part of yourself, even the chaotic ones.
From making it in Hollywood to cutting off toxic people, Brandon gets into the highs and lows of life with humor and honesty. Nothing i...
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March 24, 2025 • 46 mins
26: Comedian and fitness pro Raneir Pollard joins the show to share his journey from college friend to Guinness World Record holder. He talks about breaking a burpee record while wearing stilettos, his work as a celebrity trainer, and his unique approach to fitness with humor.
We explore his worst performances, balancing comedy and fitness, and his thoughts on body positivity and the fitness influencer culture. Raneir also discusse...
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March 17, 2025 • 49 mins
TV presenter, style expert, and entrepreneur Darren Kennedy joins me to share his journey from radio to television, his most disastrous interviews, and how he found his place in the fashion industry. We also explore the inspiration behind his podcast The Number, his approach to personal style, and his documentary Gay Daddy.
Topics Discussed:
Darren Kennedy’s journey from radio to TV and fashion
His most memorable and disastrous...
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March 10, 2025 • 50 mins
24: I sit down with Alex Hall, co-founder and host of The Bottom’s Digest, to talk all things bottoming. As a sexual health educator and body autonomy activist, Alex is on a mission to make sex education accessible, no matter where you’re from or what you’re into.
We get into the biggest bottoming barriers, from physical challenges to common myths. Alex shares expert tips on safe douching, trigger foods, and his signature "butt ...
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March 3, 2025 • 50 mins
23: What does it take to build some of the most talked-about hotels in the world — and do it while proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community at the top levels of corporate leadership? Blake Danner, COO of aka Hotels and Hotel Residences, joins us to share his journey from nightclub-loving hotel rookie to the executive suite, shaping brands like NoMad, The Line, and Freehand along the way.
Blake opens up about the risks that shaped...
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February 24, 2025 • 54 mins
22: Chris Colfer is a Golden Globe-winning actor, bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer, known for his role as Kurt Hummel on Glee, for which he earned numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations. He is the author of the Land of Stories series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. In 2024, he launched a new middle grade series,...
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February 17, 2025 • 41 mins
21: Today, I’m joined by none other than Joey Graceffa. With over 2.9 billion views and a career spanning back to 2007, Joey has built an empire of engaging content, from gaming and vlogs to his hit web series Escape the Night. Joey shares his experience coming out online, his creative inspirations, and his journey as a writer.
Episode Highlights:
Joey’s rise to YouTube fame & Escape the Night
Coming out online & the “Are You...
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February 10, 2025 • 51 mins
20: In today’s episode, I'm joined by Roberto, a Tampa native and fellow Florida man. Roberto’s journey is nothing short of incredible—he's a West Point grad, a former Army Officer, and a leader in counterintelligence. After his time in the military, he dove into the fitness world, even launching his own app to help others get in shape. These days, he works as an IT Services Client Executive for a global tech company (and yes, he’s...
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February 3, 2025 • 21 mins
In today’s episode, I’m talking all about travel! You’ve asked about everything from the logistics of frequent flying to how I maintain some sense of stability while constantly on the go. This episode is all about practical tips and how I manage to make travel work—both for my career and my personal life.
We’ll discuss:
How I balance work and travel
The best ways to handle turbulence
My approach to booking flights
Who watches...
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January 27, 2025 • 54 mins
In this episode, I chat with Brian Sims, a pioneering LGBTQ+ advocate and former Pennsylvania state legislator, who continues the fight for equality as the CEO of Agenda PAC. Brian shares his experiences as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and as the only NCAA football captain to come out publicly while still active.
We discuss his journey through politics, the importance of staying true to your ...
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January 20, 2025 • 53 mins
In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, the co-founders of CLEARSTEM Skincare, to talk about everything from acne myths and skincare scams to gut health and the importance of clean, effective ingredients. Danielle, a licensed clinical esthetician, and Kayleigh, an integrative health practitioner, share their expert insights on managing acne, debunking common skincare misconceptions, and why it’s so i...
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January 6, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode, stand-up comedian Zach Noe Towers opens up about his bold and unapologetic approach to comedy, podcasting, and life. Zach, co-host of Confidently Insecure, shares insights into his journey from musical theater to comedy, how sobriety has influenced his career, and his unfiltered takes on sex, relationships, and personal growth. He also talks about what it’s like to push boundaries on stage, work with big names like...
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December 17, 2024 • 55 mins
In this episode, we’re joined by Braden Summers, a commercial photographer renowned for his cinematic style and thought-provoking visual storytelling. Braden shares his journey of capturing queer relationships, particularly through his iconic All Love is Equal series, which reimagines classic romantic imagery with LGBTQ+ couples. He discusses the intersection of high-fashion aesthetics, inclusivity, and emotional resonance, and how...
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December 9, 2024 • 44 mins
In today’s episode, I’m joined by my partner, Andrés, to talk about our adoption journey. We’ll share where we are in the process, the challenges we’ve faced, and answer some of your questions about what it’s really like. From navigating agencies to dealing with the emotional ups and downs, we’re giving you an honest look at the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Sponsored By:
Puori
Go to Puori.com/maxemerson and use code...
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December 2, 2024 • 54 mins
In this episode, Matthew Dempsey, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at therapy and mental health. With years of experience, he talks about creating a safe space for clients, how to approach therapy, and why finding a supportive community matters. He also discusses the misuse of therapeutic terms, the ever-evolving nature of psychology, and beating the stigma around therapy. It’s a real, d...
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November 18, 2024 • 49 mins
Ever wondered how a young talent from Miami makes a leap to the grandeur of Broadway? Join us as we explore Dexter Carr’s remarkable journey from his early days dancing with entertainment icons like Chris Brown, Beyonce and Janet Jackson to gracing Broadway stages in "Bring it On" and "In the Heights." Dexter shares invaluable insights into the transformative shift from the exhilarating world of professional dance to the theatrical...
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November 11, 2024 • 30 mins
In this episode, I’m answering your questions about wellness and fitness. From workout routines and diet tips to those tough days when motivation is low, I’m sharing how I stay on track with my health. I’ll talk about everything from strength training and cardio to dealing with cravings and finding balance between exercise, diet, and mental well-being. Plus, get ready for some forbidden food confessions and the real talk on how I m...
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November 4, 2024 • 66 mins
Welcome to Stuff Every Queer Kid Should Know! Today, I’m super excited to chat with H. Alan Scott, a talented writer, comedian, and podcaster you might know from Newsweek's The Parting Shot and *Out on the Lanai. We’ll explore the world of podcasting, talking about how to find your voice and connect with your audience. H. Alan will share his journey from writing to comedy and how he uses humor to tackle some pretty serious stuff. S...
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October 28, 2024 • 55 mins
Welcome back to Stuff Every Queer Kid Should Know! Today we’re joined by the fabulous Betsy Volk, a model and adventurer whose journey is as inspiring as it is exciting. At just 27, Betsy has been navigating the modeling world since she was 16, moving from the Midwest to Los Angeles and traveling the globe while embracing her authentic self as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as we explore her experiences in the fashion in...
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