Bottoming

That's Your Lot

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 05:00:15 GMT

In the words of Nina Bo'nina Brown... well, it's over. It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the end of Bottoming.

It's been an incredible four years, but as things change and our personal focuses have shifted, we have to take a little step back to review and reset. We use this final episode to reflect on the decision, what it means for us, and how we feel being able to have produced such a fulfilling and special podcast.

Whether you've been with us from the start, or joined us just last week, we want to say an enormous thank you for going on this journey with us, and want to remind you that you're always doing amazing sweeties.

You can still follow us @bottomingpod for all of our archive content, and we're sure the odd share or story will crop up.

All our love,

Brendan and Matthew

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Trans Healthcare with Marianne Oakes

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:30:05 GMT

Hello! This episode we speak to Marianne Oakes, a therapist who works on supporting trans people and their families. We discuss her own journey transitioning via the NHS, how healthcare looks for trans people in the UK at the moment and lots, lots more. If you'd like to find our more about supporting the trans community whether you're an individual or business, check out TransMission PR.

Be sure to check out our next episode too - as we're sharing quite a big update... *gulp*

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com. You can now rate and review us on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts - we'd love you even more if you did!

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Stories with BAYLI

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 04:30:33 GMT

This week, we're chatting to Brooklyn artist and songwriter, BAYLI. We chat about her debut as an independent artist, how she’s navigated the past couple of years as a performer, and why she’s determined to sew a deeper message into every song she writes. There's also chat about being a queer musician and the responsibility that holds, our interactions and place within the various Pride Movements... and SUSHI!

Before we deep-dive with BAYLI, we catchup about the weeks since our last episode, talking about University, big-city moves and LGBTQI+ music festival, Body Movements.

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Live: Pride 50

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 04:30:59 GMT

Friday 1st July marked 50 years since the UK's first Pride march, led by the Gay Liberation Front through London. To mark this, thousands of people took to the streets to retrace the exact same route and to protest the current state of the world for LGBTQ+ people, with the parade being led by some of the original GLF members.

We marched the route, and recorded some live interviews with people to find out why they'd wanted to take to the streets today, including Philip, who was one of the original marchers 50 years ago (and a member of LGBT+ Choice, The Pink Singers!). It's a special one.

Be sure to check out some of our other speakers: Lesbians and Gays Support The Migrants, Quamar Leather, Schools Out and LGBT+ Traveller Pride. If you can, donate to the kickstarter for Don't Say Gay, the new film about the impact of Section 28, and buy The King Is Dead, by Benjamin Dean.

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Pleasure Pain with Josef Salvat

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:00:40 GMT

This week we’re chatting to the incredible Josef Salvat - about his approach to making music (including his beautiful albums Modern Anxiety and most recently, Islands), about dealing with the pressures of social media and churning out content, and bringing a difficult few years to a close.

We also catch up about our medication and how we’ve been feeling recently, after both experiencing similar moods.

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Inside Stonewall with Nancy Kelley

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 04:00:32 GMT

It's Pride Month, and we're so pleased to share this episode with the powerhouse that is Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall. She opens up about the gravity of being CEO in the current climate, the impact of abusive trolls on her and the rest of the Stonewall team, and sheds light on the positive work they continue to do despite it all. Stonewall have been a game-changer and leader in LGBTQ+ rights in the UK and that remains true today - including their staunch support of trans rights.

Check out Stonewall online, email your MP to ask them to support a full ban on conversion therapy, and read more about some of the amazing projects they're working now. You'll find more links about topics we've covered on our website at bottomingpodcast.com.

We're also so proud to share that our project with the Museum of Liverpool has now LAUNCHED! Read more here, and visit the LGBTQ+ Audio Trail next time you're in town!

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com. You can now rate and review us on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts - we'd love you even more if you did!

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Big Boys with Jack Rooke

Wed, 25 May 2022 04:00:22 GMT

We're baaaaaack! To kick off our brand spanking new season, we're speaking to Jack Rooke, comedian, writer and creator of new Channel 4 series, Big Boys!

In a Bottoming first, we cover death and grief, and Jack's personal experiences with them both of which led him to writing his book, Cheer The F**k Up. Jack was a perfect guest for us, and we gab away about finding ways to use humour to get through the darker times, as well as very essential topics, like Charli XCX and our personal favourite, Broad City.

Big Boys is out on Channel 4, Thursday 26th May at 10pm BST, followed by the boxset on All4 afterwards. You'll find more links about topics we've covered on our website at bottomingpodcast.com.

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MHAW: Loneliness with Will Young

Sun, 08 May 2022 23:05:59 GMT

Hello sweeties! We're back for a sneaky little bonus episode, with the one and only, gay AND pop icon, Will Young!

May 9th to 15th 2022 is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, and this year's theme is loneliness. In this special episode, we explore loneliness in relation to LGBTQ+ people, before diving into our gorgeous interview with the incredibly open Will Young.

As Will celebrates the 20th anniversary of winning Pop Idol this year, we talk about what he remembers from that historic day and his own experiences with loneliness and mental health - both of which have led him to his new book, Be Yourself and Happier: The A-Z of Wellbeing and podcast The Wellbeing Lab. Plus plenty more about gardening, gay-shame, and cults...

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LGBTQ+ Research: We're looking for participants!

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:41:18 GMT

Ever considered therapy? If you’re 18+, LGBTQ+, UK-based, and have ever considered or undertaken therapy in the UK, then your time would be greatly appreciated! Follow this link to find out more about how you can be involved in this new piece of research by our very own Brendan Geoghegan.

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Anthony Nolan with Danny Keeling

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:07:16 GMT

Surprise! We've reached the final episode of season 3, and this week we have a few things on the agenda. First up, we speak to Danny Keeling about their own mental health journey, political campaigning for the Green Party**, and their experience with stem cell donation for Anthony Nolan. Anthony Nolan are a blood cancer charity in the UK - and they need more donors! There are no restrictions like blood donation, so if you're LGBTQ+ and aged 16-30, join us and sign up now and you could save a life: anthonynolan.org/bottomingpod!

As we're wrapping up the season, we take some time to reflect on our favourite moments and conversations, before announcing some very exciting news. We've been working with Museum of Liverpool to create an LGBTQ+ Audio Trail around their galleries, to help visitors learn more about the queer past and present of some of the collection. Stay tuned to their Instagram to find out more!

Thanks for joining us for season 3 sweeties!

** CORRECTION: in conversation, Danny mistakenly shares the wrong dates for the elections. The date of the elections are actually May 5th.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com. You can now rate and review us on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts - we'd love you even more if you did!

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Creating Culture with Ryan Lanji

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 00:05:01 GMT

Cultural producer, Big Flower Fight champion and all-round creative powerhouse, Ryan Lanji is with us this week to talk all things culture! We discuss his motivations behind founding queer Bollywood club night HUNGAMA and queer/QTBIPOC fitness collective NDY GLOBAL. Ryan then gives us a little background on his latest project with BBC Three, The Big Proud Party Agency, due to air this spring.

We then have our usual catch up to see how we've been the last couple of weeks - including a mention of our interview with BBC Radio 4 Extra's, Podcast Radio Hour!(!!!)

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Supporting Trans POC with Sabah Choudrey

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:50:46 GMT

It's LGBTQ+ History Month and we're back with another two-parter! For part 2, we chat to Sabah Choudrey, author of Supporting Trans People of Colour, trans youth activist and recent winner of the GAY TIMES Amplifund Future Fight Award. Hear us chat about their experience of their Tedx Talk, 'Brown, trans, queer, Muslim and proud', how their experience in psychology and counselling helps shape their work now and lots more.

If you missed it, head back to part 1, where we speak to Christine Burns MBE, author of Trans Britain, political activist and all round trans trailblazer! We hear about her part in campaign group, Press For Change, her podcast back in the 2010's, Just Plain Sense, and the many incredible stories she has to tell about fighting for trans equality in the UK.

To wrap up, we chat about our favourite things of the week!

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Trans Britain with Christine Burns MBE

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:05:34 GMT

It's LGBTQ+ History Month and we're back with another two-parter! In part one, we speak to Christine Burns MBE, author of Trans Britain, political activist and all round trans trailblazer! We hear about her part in campaign group, Press For Change, her podcast back in the 2010's, Just Plain Sense, and the many incredible stories she has to tell about fighting for trans equality in the UK.

As usual, you can hear us catch up about how we've been, including the not-so-nice experience of a hate crime, and new cats!

Join us in part 2 as we chat to Sabah Choudrey, author of Supporting Trans People of Colour, trans youth activist and recent winner of the GAY TIMES Amplifund Future Fighter Award.

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Deep Sniff with Adam Zmith

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:20:41 GMT

It's LGBTQ+ History Month and we're doing things a little differently this year, giving you TWO episodes in one week! In part two, we chat to Adam Zmith, author of Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures, and third creator of the Log Books to we discuss some interesting findings from his new book!

We round part two off with a brief note on the recent EHRC statement and the LGBTQ+ organisation statements that followed, plus our highlights of the week! Stay tuned to the end to hear who we have coming in next episode.

If you haven't already, check out part one as we speak to two of the creators of The Log Books podcast, Tash Walker and Shivani Dave.

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Oral Histories with The Log Books

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:05:59 GMT

It's LGBTQ+ History Month and we're doing things a little differently this year, giving you TWO episodes in one week! In part one, we speak to two of the creators of The Log Books podcast, Tash Walker and Shivani Dave, discussing the process in bringing Switchboard's written histories to life, some of their favourite stories and how they look after their own mental health.

You'll also get exclusive vocals from Brendan, as he sings happy birthday and shares a cake for Matthew's birthday, before catching up on how things have been going since last episode.

Join us in part 2 as we chat to Adam Zmith, author of Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures,and third creator of the Log Books as we discuss some interesting findings from his new book!

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Prioritising Pleasure with Self Esteem

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:05:19 GMT

After an extended festive break, we're back to kick off 2022 with a bang, speaking to our saviour of 2021, the incredible Self Esteem! We discuss her sell-out tour(s) and top billing on every 'Best of 2021' list, her new book, handling abuse online, her experience with therapy, plans for 2022 and more!

As usual, we also catch up on how we've been since the last episode, with Matthew discussing a recent mental break, taking time off work and starting medication while Brendan gags at the memory of a violent food poisoning incident. As well as our usual favourite things of the week, we run through a quick-fire 'highlights of 2021' too. It feels so good to be back.

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World AIDS Day (Part 2) with Positive East

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:10:39 GMT

This week we're serving up a double-episode to commemorate World AIDS Day, with three interviews plus some on-the-street chats with people, in a Bottoming first.

In part 2 we hear from Andre, Postive East's Counselling Coordinator who tells about their holistic approach to helping those needing their services. We then visit Victoria Park, the site of the annual Red Run, hosted by Positive East, to hear from runners and supporters about why they committed to raising money for such an important cause. There are clips from LGBTQ+ people, allies, first-time runners and seasoned pros, as well as staff from Mildmay Mission, a charity that has been at the forefront of specialist HIV care and service provision since 1988, The Outside Project, London’s LGBTIQ+ homeless shelter and community centre, African Equality Foundation and many more.

If you're listening to this episode first, be sure to check out part 1, where we speak to Calum from the National AIDS Trust, who tells us about the recent piece of research he authored, HIV and Mental Health and activist José Mejía Asserias, who shares his experiences with mental health services in Columbia and the UK, both before and after his diagnosis with HIV.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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World AIDS Day (Part 1) with National AIDS Trust and José Mejía

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:05:14 GMT

This week we're serving up a double-episode to commemorate World AIDS Day, with three interviews plus some on-the-street chats with people, in a Bottoming first.

Our first interview is with Calum from the National AIDS Trust, who tells us about the recent piece of research he authored, HIV and Mental Health and we discuss some of the key findings and recommendations. We also chat with activist José Mejía Asserias, who shares his experiences with mental health services in Columbia and the UK, both before and after his diagnosis of HIV. The interview is filled with important takeaways and is an essential listen for anyone wanting to understand more from somebody with lived-experience of the topic.

Tune in to part 2 to hear from Andre, Positive East's Counselling Coordinator who tells us about their holistic approach to helping those needing their services, plus we speak to runners and supporters at Positive East's Red Run, live in Victoria Park, East London.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Revisiting Educat(hun) with Just Like Us

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:05:00 GMT

Class is back in session this week, as we revisit a topic from our very first season: education! We have Dominic Arnall, CEO of LGBT+ young person's charity, Just Like Us with us, to discuss the amazing work they do with training programmes and ambassadors in schools, as well as some recent research they released: Growing Up LGBT+ .

We also catch up on the last few weeks, discuss how we've been and have a bit of a rant about the state of LGBT+ progress and trans equality in the UK, before discussing our favourite thing of the week #NotAnAd.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

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Out and About with Black Queer Travel Guide and Checking-In

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:05:06 GMT

Get your passports ready, as this week we're talking travelling! We speak to Lorraine Pinto, from Black Queer Travel Guide to hear about why it was set up, considerations when travelling as a Black queer person and their hopes for the future of the BQTG community. We then chat with Liam Rezende, co-founder of LGBTQ+ hospitality network, Checking-In who tells us about how the over-representation of LGBTQ+ people in the sector has its ups and downs, while bringing an interesting viewpoint on travelling to countries typically seen as hostile to queer people.

As usual, we catch up about how we've been the last couple of weeks, before discussing our experiences travelling and continue with the new addition of our favourite thing of the week.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

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It's Not You, It's (Monoga)Me with Låpsley

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:05:44 GMT

This week we speak to singer-songwriter and absolute angel, Låpsley! In a Bottoming first, we talk sex and relationships (!), her feelings and experience with social media alongside her creative journey, returning to university to study again, and so much more. There's also an extra-special appearance from the superstar that is Peanut, Låpsley's doggy companion.

Before that though, we catch up on how we've been recently, after both experiencing a little dip in our mental health, we talk our favourite horror films (it is Spooky Szn after all!) and our new regular item - our positive highlights of the week.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Mentally Yours x Bottoming - World Mental Health Day

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 08:15:27 GMT

We had the pleasure of being invited onto the Mentally Yours podcast by Metro.co.uk with Yvette and Ellen to talk about why we love Bottoming so much, and why LGBTQ+ people might be more prone to mental health issues. #WorldMentalHealthDay

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

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Run Boy Run with Michael Chakraverty

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:05:58 GMT

Ready, set, BAKE… this week we’re speaking with Bake Off star, Michael Chakraverty about his time in the tent dealing with anxiety and panic attacks while filming, taking up running to help his mental health, and how he processed becoming famous overnight.

We then catch up on what we've been up to since last episode, including the launch of the UK’s first LGBT+ affirming retirement community, Tonic@Bankhouse, heading back to university, and more.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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U MNEK hun?

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 23:05:03 GMT

WE'RE BACK... a little later than expected but it's happening! We're kicking off our third season with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer, and all-around SUPERSTAR, MNEK.

We gab about starting out in the music industry at an early age, how he’s learned to love his body, and his particular way of processing stress and emotion. We also share updates on what we've been up to since our last episode, Over and Burnout - including dating, covid and a new course of therapy! In the words of RuPaul, we can't wait to see how this turns out.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter to see NEW BTS video content at @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

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Trailer: Reloaded

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 23:05:53 GMT

A look ahead at S3 of Bottoming.

Upcoming guests include MNEK, Black Queer Travel Guide’s Lorraine Pinto, Michael Chakraverty, Låspley, Cheif Exec of Just Like Us Dominic Arnall, and many more!

Subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released.

Follow @bottomingpod on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and visit www.bottomingpodcast.com for more information and resources.

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Over and Burnout

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 23:05:00 GMT

Mayday, Mayday! We've rapidly approached our 20th episode since coming back in December last year, so will be rounding off Season 2, and want to take this as the chance to recap on a turbulent year, reflect on how it feels to have been Bottoming for the last 8 months (!!) and look ahead to what's next. This one is strictly family, just Brendan and Matthew.

It's important to acknowledge when it's time to take a break, so we'll be taking a few weeks to rest, reset and get planning for Season 3 (don't worry - we'll be back before you know it).

Keep an ear out for us popping up in the meantime as we'll be showing up on Mental Podcast and Podcaster in the coming weeks, so make sure you're following us @bottomingpod on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date!

Thank YOU for listening and keeping us going this year. Don't forget, you're doing amazing sweetie. See you soon x

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod, follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find more resources from this season at bottomingpodcast.com.

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The AIDS Memorial and AIDS Memory UK

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 23:05:45 GMT

This June, Bottoming is bringing you weekly episodes for their Pride Month Series! For the final episode of the month, they chat to Ron from The AIDS Memorial, to discuss the impact the digital archive has had on people around the world by sharing stories and memories to help break down HIV stigma. They then chat with Ash Kotak, founder of AIDS Memory UK, about plans to create a permanent physical memorial in London, and how it will connect communities from across the UK.

The boys then give a whistlestop fact-tour of what you should know about HIV treatment as prevention (Undetectable=Untransmittable) and HIV preventative drug PrEP, with the help of Prepster.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod to listen to our Spotify Pride Playlists and to VOTE for us in Listener's Choice at the British Podcast Awards (closes July 4th).

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find resources for this episode on bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Sharan Dhaliwal on Burnt Roti and Middlesex Pride

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:05:41 GMT

This June, Bottoming is bringing you weekly episodes for their Pride Month Series! For their penultimate episode of the month, they speak with Sharan Dhaliwal, founder of Burnt Roti, (the UK's leading South Asian magazine), Director of Middlesex Pride, and creator of Oh Queer Cupid. They chat about everything from creating an inclusive space for your community, body hair representation, Sharan's upcoming book, Burning My Roti, and Instagram's treatment of queer people of colour on their app.

Matthew also discusses the recent spike in homophobic hate crimes in Liverpool and reaffirms why being an LGBTQ+ ally is much more than sharing an infographic on Instagram. For more information and support on dealing with and reporting a hate crime, visit Galop. For mental health signposting, visit the Need Support page on our website.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod to listen to our Spotify Pride Playlists and to VOTE for us in Listener's Choice at the British Podcast Awards.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find resources for this episode on bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Cherry Valentine with LGBT+ Traveller Pride

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 23:05:46 GMT

This June, Bottoming is bringing you weekly episodes for their Pride Month Series! It's week 3, and this time they're chatting to Drag Race UK season 2 beauty and NHS nurse (hero!) Cherry Valentine about her experiences on the show, what it was like joining the frontline in the fight against Covid-19 and how she deals with her own mental health.

You can then hear them chat with Tyler Hatwell, from LGBT+ Traveller Pride about their fast-growing network, why Pride is an important meeting point for both the LGBT+ and travelling communities and the changes he hopes LGBT+ Traveller Pride can bring about.

The boys also talk more about working with Jo Malone London this Pride Month, guest-editing internal communications for their employees throughout the month, and consulting on charities for Jo Malone London to support; the third being Stonewall Housing!

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod to listen to our Spotify Pride Playlists and to VOTE for us in Listener's Choice at the British Podcast Awards.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find resources for this episode on bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Charlie Craggs with London Trans+ Pride

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 23:05:15 GMT

This June, Bottoming is bringing you weekly episodes for their Pride Month Series! For week 2, they chat to author, activist and soon-to-be presenter, founder of Nail Transphobia, Charlie Craggs. After fangirling for a moment, they chat to Charlie about her experiences with depression, loneliness and self-acceptance, in one of their most open and raw interviews to date. They also take the opportunity to discuss the state of play for trans rights in the UK and urge listeners to show solidarity for trans people under attack in our country and around the world today.

They then hear from Hannah at London Trans+ Pride, to hear a little bit more about this year's event on 26th June and how people can get involved and show their support.

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod to listen to our Spotify Pride Playlists and to VOTE for us in Listener's Choice at the British Podcast Awards.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find resources for this episode on bottomingpodcast.com.

**Please note this interview contains conversations about suicide and Grenfell Tower.**

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Black and Gay, Back in the Day with UK Black Pride

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:05:33 GMT

This Pride Month, Bottoming is bringing you weekly episodes for their Pride Month Series! First up, they chat to the minds behind Instagram community archive, Black and Gay, Back In The Day, writer Jason Okundaye and activist Marc Thompson. They discuss the positive response to the account since launching earlier this year, how it is creating a space to remember Black queer life in Britain, and the importance of intergenerational relationships in sharing experiences.

They then speak to Moud Goba, Chair of the Board of Trustees of UK Black Pride, and National Manager of Micro Rainbow about this year's UK Black Pride event and its theme, Love and Rage.

The boys also share the exciting news that they've been working with Jo Malone London for Pride Month, guest-editing internal communications for their employees throughout the month, and consulting on charities for Jo Malone London to support; the first of which is Micro Rainbow!

Check out linktr.ee/bottomingpod to listen to our Spotify Pride Playlists!

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find resources for this episode on bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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The Toll of the Troll with Sister Sister

Tue, 18 May 2021 23:05:54 GMT

Social media can be a blessing and a curse, and this week Brendan and Matthew speak to Sister Sister, star of Drag Race UK Season 2, about her time on the show and the toll of online trolling she endured. They talk ways to manage mental health online, discuss how BBC and Drag Race offered support during that time, and how having an international network of queens to call on is a godsend.

The boys also discuss research from UK Charity, Glitch, who want to make the Internet a safer place for everyone, as well as a recent report from LGBT+ anti-violence charity GALOP about online hate crime.

Be sure to listen to the end, as there's some exciting news about #PrideMonth2021...

Follow on Instagram and Twitter @bottomingpod and find resources for this episode on bottomingpodcast.com.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/bottomingpodcast.

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Hasta La Vista, Henny with Amazin LeThi

Tue, 04 May 2021 23:05:15 GMT

This episode, Brendan and Matthew speak with Amazin LeThi, a global LGBTQ advocate, keynote speaker, athlete and cultural change leader. Amazin shares her story of growing up as a child body-builder who idolised Arnold Schwarzenegger, to overcoming homelessness, to hosting events for global leaders and the likes of the UN and the White House. They also speak about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the recent #StopAsianHate movement.

You'll also hear the boys discuss Steelers, the new documentary about the world's first Gay and Inclusive rugby club, and the heartwarming stories it raises about mental health, finding purpose in something and accepting who you are with the support of others.

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Ha Ha Help with Rosie Jones

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:05:40 GMT

Welcome to the stage, the one and only... British comedy icon... Rosie Jones!

Matthew and Brendan chat to her about what it was like growing up disabled up North while coming to terms with being a lesbian, and how she's handled a non-stop couple of years; including writing for Netflix's Sex Education, winning the Attitude Comedy Award 2020, her Channel 4 shows 'Trip Hazard' and 'Mission Accessible', and writing her debut book, The Amazing Edie Eckhart.

It also gives the boys a chance to flex their (very small) comedy muscles (reviews pending) and recap their fave hilarious go-to's...

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Trailer Swift (Taylor's Version)

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 23:05:47 GMT

The old Trailer can't come to the phone right now.

A peek into Bottoming. Upcoming guests include Rosie Jones, Sister Sister, Cherry Valentine and many more! Subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released.

Follow @bottomingpod on Instagram and Twitter, and visit www.bottomingpodcast.com for more information and resources.

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The Magnificent Sons with Justin Myers

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 23:05:15 GMT

For this episode, Brendan and Matthew speak with Justin Myers (aka The Guyliner) about his book The Magnificent Sons, which is first and foremost a coming out story.

The book, which is due out on paperback later this month, is a bisexual journey of self discovery and gives space for some Bottoming conversations around internalised homophobia/biphobia, self acceptance, family bonds, and moving forward as a community to better support one another.

Topics within the book offer a chance to reflect, so Brendan and Matthew briefly discuss their teenage coming out moments, peppered with tears and Smirnoff Ice…

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The Therapist's Cher

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:05:19 GMT

Mental health doesn’t discriminate, it can and does impact anyone and everyone, and often the conversation isn’t pretty. Welcome to the stage... 'The Therapist's Cher'. Brendan and Matthew are taking it back to Bottoming basics for this episode, discussing the very heart of the podcast: their mental health journeys and experiences with therapy. It's a tough but necessary one as is a reflection of counselling itself.

They're not doing it alone though. They have drafted in support from experts: an assistant psychologist for the NHS (Will Tamblyn), Darren, the counselling coordinator for an LGBT+ charity (MindOut) and a private therapist (Jen Tomkinson). Picking their brains using feedback from listeners and questions from social media, Matthew and Brendan gain more insight into each route into therapy with the aim of showing clear options available to those interested in getting support.

**This episode comes with a content warning as there are conversations around suicide and sexual abuse which some listeners may find triggering or upsetting.

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In Their Shoes with Jamie Windust

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 00:05:48 GMT

'A love-letter to our non-binary siblings.' That's how journalist Paula Akpan describes Jamie Windust's book, In Their Shoes: Navigating Non-Binary Life and we couldn't put it better ourselves. We chat to Jamie about their recent release and pick their brain about some of the topics in the book; fashion choices, family relationships, being a queer creative and keeping on top of your mental health when life deals you a shit card or five. There's a few *clang* name drops, a few *gasp* exclusives and most importantly a ton of laughs.

Matthew also shares some exciting (and pretty historic) news, as the first LGBT+ affirming retirement community in the UK is announced.

**This episode comes with a TW (trigger warning), as there is some minor discussion around interactions with the police and sexual assault.

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Alim Kheraj with London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:05:02 GMT

For our final LGBT+ History Month episode, we're back in London to take a trip down memory lane AKA our first queer London memories - but not before a little discussion around Framing Britney.

We cover Matthew's first memorable night in Soho *cough* XXL *cough* and discuss Brendan's lucky housing find, before exploring London's LGBTQ+ scene and history, speaking to Alim Kheraj, author of upcoming book, Queer London: A Guide To The City's LGBTQ+ Past and Present. Alim share's his favourite part of researching for the book, the importance of the hot pink pages inside, and shares a reading recounting the Admiral Duncan nail bombing of 1999.

Looking to the future of London's LGBTQ+ scene, we speak to Sarah Moore, a founding member of the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, who tells us more about the progress they're making to open this much-needed venue in the city and what you can do to get involved.

** This episode comes with a content warning, with descriptions of the Admiral Duncan bombing and the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting, which some listeners may find upsetting**

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Homotopia

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 00:05:31 GMT

For our third LGBT+ History Month episode, we're headed to Euston station and taking ourselves out of London to visit our regional roots (virtually of course).

We reflect on growing up in Liverpool (for Matthew) and a small town outside of Birmingham (for Brendan), and what this was like for two young queers; recalling the first times we saw representation in media and discussing how things could be have been had society been a little different, a little sooner.

Matthew then shares some LGBT+ history he's uncovered about Liverpool before we speak to Char Binns, Festival Director at Homotopia, the UK's longest-running LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival. Char tells us about some of the amazing performers from Homotopia's past, how they held the festival virtually during Covid in 2020 and why queer arts festivals like Homotopia are vital - and not just for the LGBT+ community.

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Tommy Dickinson with Ban Conversion Therapy

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:05:31 GMT

For our second LGBT+ History Month episode, we look back at the techniques used by psychiatrists nationwide in an attempt to 'cure' LGBT+ people.

We speak to the author of 'Curing Queers', Dr Tommy Dickinson, about the use of aversion therapy between the 1930s-70s. We learn about the targeted attacks on gay men by undercover policemen, as well as the reason many gay men actually signed up for this treatment themselves, and the bravery of select nurses who attempted to avoid administering the traumatic treatments.

Reflecting on the progress we’ve made since then, we talk to the co-founder of 'Ban Conversion Therapy', Matthew Hyndman, on the damaging practices still legal in the UK and why the fight for a total ban is integral to the welfare of many LGBT+ individuals.

**Please note this episode comes with a trigger warning: there are descriptions of aversion therapy practices, suicide and conversion therapy.**

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Benjamin Dean with akt

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 00:05:44 GMT

For LGBT+ History Month, we'll be bringing you weekly episodes! In our first, we chat to children's author, Benjamin Dean, who releases his debut book 'Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow' this week. We discuss why LGBTQ+ stories are important and reflect on the shadows of section 28. We then hear from Freya at akt, the LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, who tells us a little more about the work they do.

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Does (exer)size really matter? with Fitter You Global and Natalie Armitage

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 00:05:44 GMT

When you grow up LGBT+, PE and sports aren't usually top of your list. We unpack that a little, talk about our own fitness, or lack of, and that one time we did a really, really big walk. We then speak to personal trainer Matt Boyles of Fitter You Global who guides us through his approach to improving the wellbeing of gay, bi and trans men. We also speak with Natalie Armitage*, who specialises in Pranayama, a practice which involves controlling your breath to connect the body and the mind, and the help it provided the community in 2020. Be sure to listen till the end, we have a very special Bottoming announcement...

*This interview comes with a content warning as there is talk around trauma, grief, and suicide.

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Communi-Tea with Black Out UK and We Create Space

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:00:19 GMT

For our first official episode back, we wanted to highlight the importance of community, especially during this unbelievably trying time. More specifically, we focus on the LGBTQ community and how we see ourselves within this. Rob Berkeley from BlackOut UK joins us to talk about the importance of seeing a future for yourself and connecting the older and younger generations of Black queer men. We also speak with Michael Edward Stevens and Maylis Djikalou from We Create Space who walk us through their own journeys to setting up their collective and the benefits of online connection.

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Save me from Tiers

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:00:46 GMT

Another unexpected return before Christmas. We wanted to gather a bit of info together to help ease what is expected to be a rather gloomy couple of weeks, in response to new rules from the UK Government this weekend. Hear about the fantastic daily exercise classes hosted by @fitteryouglobal, a Christmas Day club night hosted by @queerhouseparty, and listen to @willtamblyn, an assistant psychologist for the NHS, recommend ways to help yourself and others over the festive period. We're sending you lots of love.

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Older and Pfizer?

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:00:06 GMT

Bottoming is back for Season 2, coming January 2021. While we're preparing, we thought it'd be rude to not recap where we've been for the last 18+ months, discuss why we're back at the mics and the trainwreck that has been 2020.

Follow us at @bottomingpod on Instagram and Twitter, and visit bottomingpodcast.com for more information, and links to resources.

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Trailer Swift

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 07:30:23 GMT

A peek into Bottoming.

Follow us at @bottomingpod on Instagram and Twitter, and visit bottomingpodcast.com for more information, and links to resources.

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Educat(hun) with The Diana Award and Diversity Role Models

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 23:00:00 GMT

Stay in school kids…would've been the worst piece of advice to hear as a noughties teen. But it turns out that with time, the dumb bullshit you endure eventually materialises into some pretty lol anecdotes.

But in all seriousness, finding your feet in an education system that doesn’t cater for all, is pretty damn tough - Brendan and Matthew can vouch for that. In this episode they joke their way through the highs and lows of school, before hearing from two incredibly important people who are working to make schools safer and more inclusive. Alex Holmes, from the Diana Award, offers insight into the work they do to tackle bullying and Chloe Davies, of Diversity Role Models and UK Black Pride, explains the importance of educating students on the spectrum of roles available in the world, just outside the classroom walls.

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Can I get an Amen? No, seriously, can I? with Garrard Conley

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 23:00:00 GMT

Religion is a complicated topic for any LGBT+ person. This week, Brendan and Matthew skim over their own thoughts about the church, good and bad, and highlight the damaging impact of conversion therapy. They’re also joined by an incredibly special guest, author of Boy Erased, Garrard Conley, to discuss his memoir which details his own experiences with conversion therapy. It’s our longest episode yet, sorry not sorry.

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Nurture or Hurt-Yah? with Phil Samba

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 23:00:00 GMT

In this episode Brendan and Matthew discuss what it was like to grow up in their respective households and the things that have since had a long-term effect on their mental health. Also, Phil Samba, an activist and all-round angel, joins them to share his story and what it felt like to grow up in a Black African family as a gay man. It’s a heavy one, but stick with us. Please note this episode comes with a content warning.

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Flip-Flopping with Switchboard LGBT

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 22:00:00 GMT

This episode is all about outlook. It’s a new year, so Brendan and Matthew take time to reflect on where they are mentally and how they are moving past their rock bottoms. In an interview with Natasha Walker, co-chair of Switchboard - the LGBT helpline - they learn how Switchboard volunteers are able to change the outlook of those calling when in their rock bottoms and how they leave feeling more at ease about their situations. Brendan and Matthew then think about the short and long-term fixes to help improve their outlooks, ready to hit 2019 hard.

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Bottomin' Round the Christmas Tree

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 10:00:00 GMT

In this Christmas special, Brendan and Matthew answer quickfire (ish) questions about the holidays and offer a bit of advice to those who find it tricker than most to head home this time of year. Sleigh bitches.

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Just the Tip

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Bottoming (verb) - to reach the lowest point before stabilising or improving. Brendan and Matthew introduce you to the podcast and talk (and laugh) you through their own rock bottoms.

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