Podcast
Becoming Wilkinson
Hosted by WILKINSON · EN
When I started this podcast, I thought it would be the story of my journey from married man with three sons, involved in ministry in the NW, to my current life as a gay man in Palm Springs, CA. I'd weave in interesting interviews with amazing people whom I've met along the way. But as the podcast has evolved, I realized that interacting and hearing other people's stories has changed me. The Universe always sends me just the right person at just the right time to guide me along my own journey of "Becoming". Join me as I have conversations with these fascinating people and share this journey with you.
18episodes
Episodes
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Eisenhower Health Medical Center in Rancho mirage, CA: Two Personal Accounts of Rights Violated and Patient Care Lapses
2w ago00:20:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this podcast episode, I will share my personal journey through a series of unsettling experiences at Eisenhower Health Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of patient rights and the need for healthcare providers to adhere to established procedures. My story highlights significant lapses in communication, respect for patient privacy, and the overall quality of care that can drastically affect a patient's experience.As patients, we enter medical facilities with the understanding that our rights are respected and upheld. When I checked in at Eisenhower Health Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA, I was presented with the usual patient rights documentation, which promises a level of care and respect. However, my experience revealed a troubling disconnect between these promises and the reality of medical practice at the facility. On January 17, 2025, I visited the office of Dr. Jorge Almodovar, for a hernia evaluation. I was ushered into an exam room by a young female staff member who requested to see my hernia, which I found uncomfortable, due to the location of the hernia. Additionally, it was totally unnecessary, as I have never had an initial staff member request to examine me. They typically just take vitals, etc.When Dr. Almodovar entered the room, I made it clear to him that I had specific concerns regarding my privacy due to my past experiences as a survivor of sexual abuse, and my need for male staff only during examinations. Sadly, my concerns seemed to fall on deaf ears, and I felt dismissed rather than heard.After a series of miscommunications regarding my pre-operative appointment and surgery schedule, I found myself at Eisenhower Health Medical Center on March 3, 2025, ready for what I thought would be a routine hernia procedure. Instead, I was subjected to a deeply invasive and triggering experience. A female staff member entered my pre-surgery area and without proper communication, yanked the sheet down, (which covered my private area) and grabbed my privates without my consent, touching me inappropriately. This violation of my rights and boundaries was not only shocking but also re-traumatizing. I had explicitly stated my past trauma to Dr. Almodovar, yet the lapses in communication led to this unacceptable encounter.In the weeks following my surgery, I faced additional challenges. During my follow-up appointments with Dr. Almodovar, I attempted to address my concerns regarding the incident and the lack of support I received during my treatment. His responses were dismissive and he failed to provide adequate guidance on my recovery. Further, he subjected me to another triggering experience by asking me to drop my shorts in front of yet another female staff member, leaving me feeling vulnerable and unsupported during a critical time. I went off on him, stunned that he would make such a request after everything that had happened to me at Eisenhower. Reflecting on my experiences, I contrasted my time at Eisenhower with visits to other medical facilities where I felt respected and cared for. At Desert Regional Medical Center, UCSD in San Diego, and at Valor Radiology in Palm Desert, literally every staff member demonstrated a profound understanding of patient needs, showing sensitivity to my past trauma. Their professionalism stood in stark contrast to the experiences I faced at Eisenhower, emphasizing that not all medical facilities uphold the same standard of care.My journey through Eisenhower Health Medical Center serves as a reminder of the vital importance of patient rights, effective communication, and respect in healthcare settings. It is crucial for medical professionals to recognize and honor the unique needs of each patient, especially those with traumatic histories. As patients, we must advocate for ourselves and hold healthcare facilities accountable for their practices.
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Some thoughts about my unfortunate experience with Danny Morel & his Awaken Conferences last year. Sometimes things are not always what they appear to be.
3w ago00:53:42Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailI first became aware of Danny Morel via his YouTube channel. I watched dozens and dozens of his podcast episodes and I liked what I saw and heard. So I signed up for one of his Awaken conferences. I eventually went to two of the conferences in 2025. Of course I experienced good things. I came home and posted positive online stories of my experience and I encouraged my friends and followers to check him out. And I met some great people at the conferences who are still friends to this day. When you get 500-600+ "truth searchers" together in one space, things start to happen in the energetic realm! But then the red flags started to pop up. I became more and more uneasy with what I was seeing. It's been nearly a year since I went to my last conference, and I feel that I now see things more clearly.This is a discussion of my experience of spending a total of six days with Danny and his team. I'm joined by my friend Patrick Prohaska in this discussion. My experience in attending the conferences is not necessarily everyone's experience. I attended these conferences in a very vulnerable state as I was dealing with cancer that was spreading. And I was in a place where I wanted any hope or encouragement that I could get...I caution anyone following this type of charismatic leader to keep their eyes and ears open, and to not ignore the red flags that your own "knowing" is showing you. We each have the truth within us, and we do not need a leader/conference speaker/guru to show us the way. I see that now... My hope is that Danny doesn't end up in a situation similar to that of speaker and podcaster Aubrey Marcus and the controversy surrounding him and what he was passing off as "new truth".
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Bryce Bailey on coming out as gay, healing through art therapy and how "Heated Rivalry" has hit us.
4w ago00:41:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailBryce Bailey, MA, ATR. Registered Art Therapist from Seattle, WA currently living in Palm Springs, CA. He launched his own creativity/ design consulting practice “EmpowerART Studio” and offers Per Diem Art Therapy at a local physical rehabilitation hospital. He leads art therapy groups and facilitates creativity workshops in community. Bryce is passionate about utilizing the creative process to facilitate personal growth, transformation, healing and connection through artmaking. He has worked with most populations but specializes in LGBTQ, at-risk adolescents, addiction recovery, and identity empowerment. Bryce has remained active in giving back to the recovery community for over 22 years, sober since 9/24/99. He enjoys his own artmaking through collage, mixed media, oil pastels, and visual journaling. Graduating from Antioch University Seattle's Masters in Psychology/Art Therapy program (2006), he interned at Seattle Counseling Service (LGBTQ), worked as art therapist and mental health clinician at Community Psychiatric Clinic and Michael’s House Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Center, facilitated creative recovery & visual journaling workshops in Miami, San Jose, San Diego, Palm Springs, and Seattle, and volunteered with homeless and LGBT youth in Seattle. His research project "Artmaking as a Component and Facilitator of Resiliency with Homeless Youth" was published in the Art Therapy Journal (2008). Bryce served on the Board of Evergreen Art Therapy Association chapter in Seattle from 2005-2015, presented at several national Art Therapy Association conferences, and became Local Chair for the 2013 American Art Therapy Association conference in Seattle. Bryce can be reached at: empowerartstudio@gmail.com; Instagram: @bryce_empowerartstudioPhoto: Copyright Wilkinson/2026.To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com
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Scott Hunter's courage in the show "Heated Rivalry" gave me the push I needed to speak my own truth regarding from own spiritual journey from Christian ministry, through divorce and coming out.
Jun 2100:53:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailI've recently been consuming episodes of the popular TV show "Heated Rivalry" which has taken the world by storm. I've watched and re-watched all six episodes, listened to podcasts about the show and I've consumed many, many podcasts where people have reviewed the show, commented (and cried and cheered) in real time. The tenderness, realness and flat-out courage of the characters portrayed in these gay love stories has opened the floodgates of my tears many times.Years ago, when I lived in Seattle, I told myself that someday I wanted to be "fully me" and to not be compartmentalized with different people regarding who I am and my current truth. I came out as gay in late 1999. Because of my former background in the Christian church, I found myself in the position of not being my true self in multiple scenarios in my life- notably in my relationships in my family and with folks who knew me in my "former church life". Many of these people thought they knew me and what I believed in leaving the church- even though the majority of what they came up with was far, far from my truth. They choose to live in their own worlds and belief systems, extrapolating their own beliefs and their own truth onto me and my experience.I've been thinking about doing a podcast like this for quite awhile now. Watching "Heated Rivalry" and observing the various fictional characters grow and evolve has given me the extra push I needed to do this podcast. A podcast that in some ways, is my own "second coming out" in sharing my own truth at this point in my life.My hope is that by my sharing this, others will also now be able to speak their truth and to "Pay It Forward" to many others who are desperate to hear their truth.Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe, "like" and leave a comment and share your own thoughts and experiences!Contact Wilkinson at: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com
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What is the love language in "HEATED RIVALRY" and why has it taken the world by storm?
Jun 1500:13:45Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat is the love language in "Heated Rivalry" and why has it taken the world by storm? I've given a few thoughts on this topic from the standpoint of a gay man.
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“What I learned from my husband, which was wonderful and why I adore him, is that he taught me that I could be loved for who I am, versus what I did”.- Jamie Pierce/Actor
May 2400:27:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJamie Pierce is an Ovation Award-nominated actor and classically-trained dancer based in Los Angeles. He is well-known for his extensive stage credits, independent film work, and prominent television roles. Notable CreditsTelevision: Roles in BET/Netflix's The Family Business, ABC's The Con, and appearances at the 79th Annual Golden Globes. Film: Starred in the title role of the award-winning independent film Bill. Stage: Nominated for a 2019 Ovation Award for his performance in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the Celebration Theatre in Los Angeles. Other major theater credits include The Music Man, Dreamgirls, and Urinetown. Local/Recent Work: Played the dual role of the twin brothers John and James in Dezart Performs' production of Love! Valour! Compassion! in Palm Springs, CA.Jamie's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ajamiepierce/Photo credit: Leah Huebner https://www.huebnerheadshots.com/
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A LIBRARIAN WRITES A DIRTY INTERNATIONAL GAY SPY NOVEL AFTER GETTING PUSHBACK FOR AN LGBTQ DISPLAY?
Apr 1900:24:56Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMy guest Gareth surprised me with a story about turning rejection into inspiration. After facing major pushback for his LGBTQ+ library display, he channeled the negativity into writing a wild, satirical novel.Sometimes, the worst moments fuel the best stories—and even better growth.It's a reminder that even tough experiences can lead us to new creative heights. Maybe it’s time to see rejection differently?What’s one “bad” blow that pushed you to do something unexpected?Drop your stories in the comments!Drop a ❤️ if you've ever felt this way—you're not alone!#LGBTQBooks #TurnRejectionIntoArt #OwnYourStory #CreativeResilience #memorablemoments To connect with Gareth, check out his website, which includes a link for purchasing his book: http://www.GarethCarterAuthor.comCopyright Becoming Wilkinson Podcast/2026Photo credit: Wilkinson/ http://.www.MenJustMen.comTo follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jim.Wilkinson8/
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RICK McCARTHY: LIFE LESSONS HE'S LEARNED AS A GAY MAN
Oct 1300:38:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this engaging podcast episode, host Wilkinson reconnects with Rick McCarthy, who shares his journey of self-discovery as a gay man. From his childhood in Boston to navigating relationships and family dynamics, Rick discusses the challenges and triumphs of coming out. He reflects on the impact of the AIDS epidemic, his career evolution, and the importance of community involvement. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-love, personal growth, and the lessons learned throughout life's journey.TAKEAWAYSRick shares his experience of growing up in a traditional family in Boston.He discusses the process of coming out and the reactions from his family.Rick emphasizes the importance of self-love and acceptance.He reflects on the impact of the AIDS epidemic on his relationships.Rick highlights the significance of community involvement and activism.He encourages listeners to seek help and get involved in their communities.Rick believes in the power of personal growth and self-discovery.He shares insights on navigating relationships and the importance of communication.Rick discusses the idea that relationships can be successful even if they end.He concludes with a message of abundance and living life to the fullest.Image: Copyright Wilkinson 2025Contact Wilkinson: becomingwilkinson@gmail.com
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John "Murf" on Coming Out, Drag Culture, Life Lessons, Relationships, AIDS, Acting in NYC and LA's Casting Couches. Oh My!
Aug 1000:45:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCHAPTERS00:00Introduction to Murph and the Gay Men's Collective02:43Murph's Early Life and Self-Discovery05:08Coming Out and Understanding Identity07:50First Experiences and Relationships10:07Exploring Sexuality and Community12:34Uber Stories and Encounters15:00Bachelorette Parties and Observations17:29Reflections on Safe Spaces and Community Dynamics22:33Observations on Social Dynamics in Gay Bars23:43Navigating the New York City Gay Scene27:09The Transition from Acting to Retail Sales32:35Skills Transfer: From Performance to Sales Training34:43Future Aspirations and Retirement Plans43:22Life Lessons and Personal InsightsSUMMARYIn this engaging conversation, Murph shares his journey from his early life in Ireland to his experiences in the LGBTQ community, including coming out, navigating the AIDS epidemic, and his life in New York City. He discusses his time in the drag scene, memorable Uber stories, and the lessons he's learned throughout his life. The conversation highlights the importance of self-acceptance, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, and the joy of travel and personal connections.TAKEAWAYSMurph's early experiences shaped his understanding of his identity.Coming out can be a complex journey influenced by societal perceptions.The AIDS epidemic had a profound impact on the LGBTQ community during the 80s and 90s.Personal relationships can be both innocent and transformative during adolescence.Life in New York City offered Murph a vibrant LGBTQ culture and opportunities.Memorable encounters while driving Uber reveal the diversity of experiences in Palm Springs.Traveling can lead to self-discovery and deeper connections with others.Lessons learned include the importance of taking chances and being true to oneself.Respect is more important than being liked in personal relationships.Finding joy in the small moments can reset one's perspective.BIOJohn "Murf" is Irish-born, New York-based, and living proof that wanderlust, wit, and a well-curated playlist can take you far.He’s as happy glamping in the woods as he is lounging on a beach — ideally after museum-hopping and a three-course lunch. A Modigliani fan, Paris devotee, and certified foodie, he curates his life like his music: part 70s disco, part 90s nostalgia, all vibes.Gay, glam, and occasionally grounded, John believes in good shoes, great stories, and never saying no to dessert — or a flight to somewhere fabulous.To contact Wilkinson: BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com
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(Part 2) Matt Pascua: The Art of Indie Filmmaking & co-starring in Stuart Wade's 'Say Yes' and 'Baby Steps' + Some Observations as an Artist in NYC
Aug 600:18:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCHAPTERS00:00Navigating Technical Glitches and Film Discussions02:39Exploring Nuanced Acting in 'Say Yes' and 'Baby Steps'05:24The Collaborative Spirit of Indie Films08:08Intimacy and Comfort in Filming10:51Future Projects and Industry Insights13:20Reflections on Humanity and Personal GrowthSUMMARYIn this engaging conversation, Matt Pascua reflects on his experiences in the film industry, discussing his roles in 'Say Yes' and 'Baby Steps', the creative process behind 'Scrambled', and the importance of intimacy coordination in film. He shares insights on navigating current events, personal growth, and the significance of kindness in everyday life. The discussion highlights the collaborative nature of indie projects and the emotional impact of storytelling.TAKEAWAYSThe importance of emotional connection in acting.Indie projects foster a family-like atmosphere.Intimacy coordinators enhance safety in film production.The journey of filmmaking is as important as the final product.Kindness can significantly impact someone's day.Navigating the film industry requires adaptability and openness.Creative collaboration leads to better storytelling.Recognizing personal growth is essential for happiness.Current events can challenge faith in humanity.Art can reflect societal issues and provoke thought.BIOMATT PASCUA is an actor based in New York City. After studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse, he began working in commercials and on stage, including an earlier, regional production of Matthew Spangler's "The Kite Runner," an adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel of the same name. His television work includes appearances on "Grey's Anatomy," "Castle," "Rosewood," "Insecure," "Dynasty," "Fantasy Island," "Mayor of Kingstown," and "FBI: Most Wanted." Through 2024, Matt recurred as Ben Perez on "Walker," The CW's family drama-reboot of "Walker, Texas Ranger." On film, he can be seen in Jean-Marc Vallée's "Wild" and in Stewart Wade's "Say Yes" and "Baby Steps," amongst several other independent releases. In 2019, two projects he headlined, Lise Johnson's "Other Loving" and Anthony Meindl's "Where We Go From Here," screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Matt is also an alum of the ABC Discovers Talent Showcase, which takes pride in Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Gina Rodriguez, among many others, as some of its previously selected artists.Matt's IG/: https://www.instagram.com/pattmascua/Photo credit: Kristi Griffith Photography
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