"The Episodes That Hit a Nerve: A Year in Review"

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"The Episodes That Hit a Nerve: A Year in Review"

The Mindfully Gay Podcast with Jerry Buie & John Cottrell

Airs: February 13

In this bold and reflective Year in Review episode, John and Jerry revisit the conversations that stirred the strongest reactions, sparked the most dialogue, and left a lasting imprint on listeners. The Episodes That Hit a Nerve looks back on a year of courageous topics, unexpected resonance, and meaningful growth--both for the podcast and the community that's grown around it.

Recorded just before the holidays and released in the new year, this episode reflects on nearly 30 episodes recorded in 2025, the milestone 50th episode, and the podcast's expanding reach across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. John and Jerry share heartfelt gratitude for listeners around the world--including a powerful message from a listener in South Africa--affirming that these conversations are landing far beyond their immediate community.

At its heart, this episode explores why certain topics struck a nerve. From sex, intimacy, and performance anxiety to shame, self-doubt, identity, and belonging, John and Jerry unpack what made these episodes resonate--and sometimes provoke. They reflect on how the podcast has become a form of collective group therapy, offering space for curiosity, vulnerability, and real-life experience rather than polished answers or authority.

Listeners will hear reflections on:

- Conversations around sexual expression, kink, touch, and sexual health that normalized experiences many gay men struggle to name

- Episodes exploring shame, fear, comparison, and the inner critic, alongside the question of how we move through--not around--these experiences

- The growing desire for community, brotherhood, and being witnessed, especially in a culture dominated by soundbites and surface-level connection

- The idea of rewriting inherited narratives--or "casting new spells"--to challenge stories of limitation and reclaim personal power

- Guests described as modern-day "wizards," whose voices help shift cultural conversations around queerness, healing, pleasure, and authenticity

The episode also looks forward--teasing ideas for 2026, including town-hall style conversations, intergenerational dialogues, Pride and "on-the-street" interviews, and new ways of bringing more voices into the circle.

This is more than a recap. It's an invitation to reflect on what moved you, what challenged you, and what conversations you're ready to keep having.

@mindfully_gay (Instagram)