Today I’m talking with Rich Burns, the creator of the new web series, "The Disappointments." In addition to writing the 11 part series, Burns also acts as co-director, co-executive producer and one of the four stars of the show. 

"The Disappointments" follows three middle-aged gay best friends trying to figure out how to live their best lives.

Burns describes the show as a “darkly comic series featuring gay people in their 50s, who suddenly find themselves standing in a room, looking at their their belongings, their careers, their unhappy personal lives, their reflection in the mirror and asking, ‘How did this get to be my life?’ Disillusioned. Disappointed. And the clock is ticking…”

In addition to Burns, the series features Gedde Watanabe, James Campbell and Trevor LaPaglia. Steve Cubine and Burns share directing duties.

The first episodes of The Disappointments premiered on YouTube on November 8 and each Monday two new installments are released for a total of 11 chapters. The two-part finale will be released December 6.

Link to watch "The Disappointments" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Desfwm8o5iMFXcHXEMjKw

(photo: Ramon Christian)

Interview: Rich Burns, creator of the darkly comic web series, The Disappointments

In this episode, I chat with the oh-so-charming Trevor LaPaglia about his terrific web series, “The Disappointments.”

“The Disappointments” is a darkly comic series that follows 3 gay best friends in their 50s dealing with the fallout of faltering careers and empty bank accounts as they figure out how to set themselves up to survive in the decades yet to come.

Metaphorically speaking, these guys suddenly find themselves standing in a room, looking at their their belongings, their careers, their unhappy personal lives, their reflection in the mirror and asking, ‘How did this get to be my life?’

Trevor LaPaglia plays “Dwight,” the very good looking younger boyfriend of “Ray."

“Dwight” is such a breath of fresh air in that he doesn’t over-think life. He knows how to pay his bills on time, he’s buying houses & renovating them, and is pretty much in control of his early 30s life. He’s like a big, furry puppy who isn’t afraid to ask for what he wants. And he’s totally charming in doing so.

Hit the play button as I chat with Trevor LaPaglia of "The Disappointments."

You can watch Season One of "The Disappointments" on YouTube.

Note: I recorded this interview with Trevor via Instagram Live, so some of the sound levels may sound a bit funky. I cleaned up what I could. Thanks in advance for understanding.

Interview: Out actor Trevor LaPaglia of 'The Disappointments'

In this week’s headlines:

• 'Bridgerton' star Jonathan Bailey joins the cast of the upcoming film adaptations of the Broadway musical 'Wicked'

• A Michigan man pleaded guilty to murder in a Grindr hookup gone terribly wrong

• An Emmy nominated TV weatherman was fired after someone sent his boss leaked naked webcam photos

• The reboot of "Queer As Folk' has been cancelled after just one season

• Angelica Ross (of 'POSE' fame) made history with her Broadway debut in 'Chicago the Musical'

• And new music from award-winning out singer/songwriter Zola Simone

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Jonathan Bailey, Weatherman ousted over naked pics, Angelica Ross on Broadway & more

In this week's headlines:

• Target became the target of anti-LGBTQ ire for its annual Pride Month merchandise

• The CDC reports new HIV infections are declining

• Netflix gave us a first look at the upcoming Season 2 of “Heartstopper” ahead of its premiere this August

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Target became the target of anti-LGBTQ haters, Netflix's "Heartstopper" and more

In this week's LGBTQ headlines:

• Gallup Polling reports support for same-sex relations has dropped by 7 percent in one year

• RuPaul was honored on the floor of the House of Representatives for Pride Month

• LGBTQ history was made at this year's Tony Awards as not one but two nonbinary actors (Alex Newell, J. Harrison Ghee) took home trophies for the very first time

• And Hollywood icon Rock Hudson is the subject of a new documentary from HBO Max

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: RuPaul honored in Congress, new Rock Hudson documentary, gay/lesbian acceptance + more

In this week’s headlines:

• Michigan lawmakers have passed legislation banning so-called conversion therapy

• A federal judge has blocked Florida’s new discriminatory anti-drag show law

• Fans of pop mega-star and longtime LGBTQ ally Madonna were stunned to hear she was rushed to the hospital over the weekend after being found unresponsive

• Drag/singing reality competition "Queen of the Universe" ends Season 2 in surprise cancellation

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Madonna in the hospital, Florida anti-drag bill blocked + more

In this episode, I’m chatting with America’s favorite gay comic - Matteo Lane. 

Named one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch, stand up comedian Matteo has performed to sold out crowds all over the world and he’s about to do it again.

Matteo can be seen in Netflix’s queer stand up special STAND OUT as well as THE COMEDY LINEUP.  

He has over 1 million followers on Instagram, and he recently debuted his latest comedy special “Hairplugs & Heartache” on his YouTube channel which quickly garnered over 1.2 million views.

In addition to his super-hero comedy skills, Matteo is an artist who painted a mural for the Obamas' headquarters in Chicago, a classically trained opera singer, and an admitted pasta aficionado.

Matteo recently announced his new comedy tour “The Al Dente Tour”  beginning in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he'll headline at the gorgeous Wynn Hotel on July 29. From there he goes to 40+ more dates in the U.S. and around the world.

You can find more info at https://www.matteolanecomedy.com/

Interview: Matteo Lane - America's Favorite Gay Comic

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• Two stories from Italy as government officials have begun removing the names of non-biological gay mothers from their children’s birth certificates, AND transgender men are signing up for the Miss Italy pageant after the organization banned trans women

• A singing drag queen named Flamy Grant has hit the top of the iTunes Christian music charts 

• A rave review for the Broadway musical "Some Like It Hot" - Link: https://somelikeithotmusical.com/

• And we’re just days away from the premiere of Season 2 of the acclaimed coming-out, coming-of-age series "Heartstopper"

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Drag queen hits #1 on Christian music charts, Broadway's "Some Like It Hot," and more

I’m going to take a slight pivot from LGBTQ news this episode. As some listeners - or readers of The Randy Report blog - may know, my husband Michael is a world class entertainment publicist. And for nearly 25 years, he worked closely with 4-time Grammy Award winner, international pop star and actress, Olivia Newton-John. 

Over the years, Olivia became a very dear part of our family. In fact, in 2019, she officiated the renewal of our wedding vows on our 25th anniversary.

As we all know, sadly, Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022.  In the months since, Michael and I haven’t said much publicly about our time with Olivia because in part - as Michael taught me years ago - the publicist never “becomes” the story. 

As we reach the anniversary of her passing, Michael and I wanted to take a moment to answer some questions we’ve received over the years from the fans about our time with Olivia. 

And so, with that…say hello Michael.

To sponsor Michael’s steps at Olivia’s Walk for Wellness: https://www.walkforwellness.com.au/michael-caprio

Remembering Olivia Newton-John

In this week’s episode:

• LGBTQ military veterans are suing the Defense Department for denying them honorable discharges during the years of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

• Chilean gymnast Tomas Gonzalez comes out as gay in his new autobiography

• Amazon Prime Video’s new gay romantic comedy "Red, White & Royal Blue" hit #1 worldwide on the streaming platform

• New out country music artist Dixon Dallas is getting lots of attention for his sassy, saucy hit “Good Lookin”

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Prime Video's rom-com 'Red, White & Royal Blue,' gay country artist Dixon Dallas + more

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• The Hungarian edition of ELLE Magazine features two gay dads on the cover celebrating rainbow families in an increasingly anti-LGBTQ country

• A Florida county has banned a children’s book about a "hugging lion" as part of the state's Don't Say Gay law

• The latest from out recording artist Milahroy "Sounds On The Stereo"

• And my review of the new coming-of-age film “Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe”

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

LGBTQ News: Gay coming-of-age film 'Aristotle and Dante,' new music from Milahroy + more

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• California's Gov. Gavin Newsom signs 9 pro-LGBTQ bills into law

• HIV transmissions are higher among straight people in Scotland than gay men for the first time in years

• The Galileo Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is actually helping families of transgender minors

• Kennedy McDowell is a gay football player at Colorado State University, and he’s been out for years 

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

LGBTQ News: Out college footballer Kennedy McDowell, HIV in Scotland, and more

In this week’s LGBTQ news:

• Laphonza Butler has become the first out Black lesbian senator in the U.S. Senate

• Pope Francis has suggested he might be open to the Catholic Church blessing same-sex couples

• Amazon Prime Video has debuted a new superhero spinoff of THE BOYS titled GEN V

• Legendary director Pedro Almodovar has a new gay western in theaters titled STRANGE WAY OF LIFE

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Let me know what LGBTQ news stories you'd like to hear more of (politics, music, movies, TV, or other) on The Randy Report at this link: https://on.soundcloud.com/cBdeZ

(Note: for some reason, the initial version of this episode was playing without the usual music. Please refresh your player, and the music should appear. My apologies for the odd technical oops.)

LGBTQ News: 1st out Black U.S. Senator, New Gay Western in theaters + more

In this week’s headlines:

• International pop star and LGBTQ ally Janet Jackson will headline a World AIDS Day concert 

• Anti-LGBTQ hate crimes rose sharply in 2022

• The City of Orlando plans to buy the Pulse Nightclub to build a memorial to the victims of the 2016 mass shooting

• India’s top court side-stepped legalizing same-sex marriage

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

LGBTQ News: Janet Jackson World AIDS Day concert, anti-LGBTQ violence on the rise, and more

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• Truth-challenged gay Congressman George Santos survives a House vote to expel him from office.

• We have a new Speaker of the House - and I examine his positions on LGBTQ policies.

• The U.S. plans to cut economic ties with Uganda over its extreme anti-LGBTQ laws.

• Plus, the acclaimed new gay romantic film "Nuovo Olimpo" is available now on Netflix.

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: New Speaker of the House on LGBTQ policies, romantic gay film "Nuovo Olimpo" and more

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• The House Ethics Committee has issued its blistering report on truth-challenged out Rep. George Santos, and it's as bad as expected.

• A trans high school senior is told he can’t play the lead in his school’s upcoming production of "Oklahoma!"

• The father in Virginia Beach calmly explained to a school board why anti-LGBTQ policies are bad for kids. This is my favorite thing this week.

• Plus, a new Mr. Gay World has been crowned!

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Blistering House Ethics report on George Santos; new Mr. Gay World crowned, and more

Today I'm chatting with Bryan Ruby, rising out country music singer/songwriter who’s just released his new holiday single “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

He first came to national prominence in September 2021 when he became the first active professional baseball player to come out as gay. The inspirational story was featured in USA Today as well as 100+ media outlets around the world including CBS, Yahoo, Bleacher Report and Teen Vogue. 

He also founded Proud To Be In Baseball, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating, educating, and creating opportunities for the next generation of LGBTQ baseball players. 

Then we discovered that in addition to being a pro baseball player, Bryan is also a top-notch country music artist. An accomplished singer/songwriter, he has penned songs that have appeared on multiple charts including the iTunes Country Top 25. 

As an artist, Bryan released his debut single “Left Field” in June 2022 which has garnered nearly a million streams on Spotify alone. The song was featured on The TODAY Show and added to rotation on SiriusXM Country Pride, as well as the Academy of Country Music's Ultimate Pride Playlist.

This month, he’s hitting the road with Nashville songwriters Jay Bragg and Brontë Fall for a unique, holiday-themed tour, A Songwriter’s Christmas. 

Head to www.BryanRubyMusic.com for more info.

Interview: Out recording artist & professional baseball player Bryan Ruby

World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV.

During this episode of The Randy Report podcast, I take a look into the history of the day, how the world looks at the ongoing epidemic, and where we are today in terms of treatment.

Being diagnosed with HIV today means something very different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. HIV is no longer a death sentence.

World AIDS Day, launched in 1988, was the first-ever global health day. The annual event serves as a way of showing support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who passed from the virus.

Take a listen, and feel free to share this show. Together we can make a difference.

Check out these links for more information:

www.worldAIDSDay.org

www.HelpStopTheVirus.com

World AIDS Day 2023 - Where We Are Today

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• A new study reveals the “Gayest” states in the U.S.

• Thailand’s cabinet has approved an amendment to allow same-sex marriage

• A news anchor in Ohio came out on-air with just one simple word

• Holiday music from award-winning out recording artist Matt Zarley

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: The 'gayest' states in U.S.; news anchor comes out on-air; marriage equality in Thailand

As we head into 2024, I wanted to take a pause to look at some of the big news and pop culture moments of 2023 for LGBTQ folks.

I know folks like to make Top 10 lists, but one of the hallmarks of The Randy Report is brevity. You folks don’t want to listen to me drone on about the top ten news stories, the top ten movies, etc… We'd be here forever.

Plus, if I’m putting my name on a “Best of…” list I want to feel strongly about them. So I’m going to try to stick to Top 5’s in this show. 

Hit play as I share what I think are some of the best songs from out recording artists, top LGBTQ movies and TV, and important LGBTQ news stories of the year.

The Best Of 2023 - Top LGBTQ News, Movies, TV, And Music

My guest today is Broadway veteran and award-winning recording artist Matt Zarley, who released his spectacular musical web series "11 O’Clock Number."

The series features a dozen tunes by Broadway composers, all originally sung by women. Over 12 episodes, Zarley weaves those songs in between video testimonials as he copes with isolation during the pandemic lockdown. 

Each song - spectacularly imagined as a dream concert performance – becomes its own personal catharsis for our hero, Zack (played by Zarley). The result is, at times, touching, humorous, and relatable.

Zarley – who can croon a quiet heartbreak or throw down rich, full-throated showstoppers with equal ease – is in peak vocal form. 

I really enjoyed the full series because…who doesn’t love some great music theater songs? 

You can find all 12 episodes of "11 O'Clock Number" on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGx5wJAFYYwU3qw6tMdn-6X-YD80sx5Km

Interview: Musical web series from Matt Zarley "11 O'Clock Number"

In this week's LGBTQ headlines:

• We’re just a few weeks into 2024, but we’ve already seen nearly 300 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures.

• A new survey shows Gen Z adults tend to be less Republican, less religious, and more LGBTQ.

• Taking a look at the LGBTQ actors and other queer creative folks nominated for this year’s Academy Awards.

• LGBTQ highlights from the 75th Annual Emmy Awards

Oh, and guess who got a GLAAD Media Award nomination? All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: 2024 Oscar nominations; Gen Z more LGBTQ than previous generations + more news

In this week's LGBTQ headlines:

• Amber Glenn came out on top at this year’s U.S. Figure skating championship becoming the first queer woman to win the title.

• An Oklahoma lawmaker introduced a bill that would ban using state funds to acknowledge Pride Month.

• Good news in Tennessee where an anti-LGBTQ ordinance that blocked a Pride festival has been rescinded.

• Terrestrial radio station KGAY in Palm Springs is geared towards LGBTQ listeners with gay hosts broadcasting live. Link: www.LGAYPalmSprings.com

• New music from out indie pop artist Bentley Robles "We Should"

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: 1st out U.S. female figure skating champ; radio station KGAY, and more

In this week's LGBTQ news headlines:

• Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student in Oklahoma, died one day after a physical altercation in a high school restroom.

• Columbia, Missouri, has declared itself to be a safe haven for LGBTQ people.

• Russian authorities closed down a 'My Little Pony' convention because one character has a rainbow-colored mane.

• GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of this year's Dorian Film Awards with the acclaimed 'All of Us Strangers' taking top honors. Full list of winners here: https://therandyreport.com/all-of-us-strangers-takes-top-honors-in-lgbtq-critics-dorian-film-awards/

All that and new music from out recording artist Nieri in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Nonbinary teen dies after school altercation; 2024 Dorian Film Awards & more

In this week’s episode:

• More details emerge about the cause of death of Oklahoma transgender teen Nex Benedict

• Major parts of Florida’s hideous “Don’t Say Gay” law have been nullified

• The percentage of adults in the US who identify has hit a new record high

• LGBTQ icon David Mixner dies at the age of 77

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Cause of death for Nex Benedict, Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, LGBTQ icon David Mixner

In this week's LGBTQ headlines:

• International pop star and actor Ricky Martin stars in the new Apple TV+ series "Palm Royale"

• Thailand is very close to legalizing same-sex marriage

• House Republicans slipped a provision in the federal spending bill that bans Pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies - but there's a catch

• The Republic of Georgia appears poised to follow Russia's lead on anti-LGBTQ legislation

Plus, we observe the annual Transgender Day of Visibility. All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Ricky Martin's new series 'Palm Royale,' Thailand close to marriage equality, and more

In this week’s LGBTQ headlines:

• A controversial new law in Kansas could keep minors from accessing non-explicit LGBTQ websites

• The campaign for the reelection of President Biden has launched a strategic initiative reaching out to LGBTQ voters

• "Heartstopper" star Kit Connor will make his Broadway debut this fall

• What to watch this week? I recommend the acclaimed short film "Ode To Pablo" as this is National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week. Free link: https://youtu.be/nUh-LMrHJ_A?si=NcQM90r0wGIDH544

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: Kit Connor heads to Broadway, Biden/Harris launches LGBTQ outreach + more

In this week’s headlines:

• The United Methodist Church has voted to reverse its ban on gay clergy

• A federal appeals court has ruled state health care plans must cover gender-affirming surgeries

• Some good news for LGBTQ youth in the foster care system

• And Country music artist Chris Housman drops his oh-so-romantic new single and music video “Guilty As Sin”

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

LGBTQ News: United Methodist Church drops gay ban, Country music artist Chris Housman + more

Today I’m speaking with four-time Grammy Award-winner Olivia Newton-John and her daughter, singer/songwriter Chloe Lattanzi who recently released their new duet, “Window in the Wall.” 

Produced by six-time Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb, “Window in the Wall” is not the first time this mother/daughter team has hit the recording studio.  Their debut single, “You Have to Believe,” a remake of Newton-John’s #1 single “Magic” from Xanadu, with additional lyrics by Lattanzi, was released in 2015 and reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play Chart.  

“I’ve always recording duets and singing harmonies," says Olivia. "I had no plans to record at the time, but I knew from the second i heard the song I wanted to record it with Chloe."

Amid today’s current turbulence and chaos, Olivia and Chloe say they really felt connected with the song and its message of hope, love and understanding.

Join me as I chat with Olivia Newton-John and Chloe Lattanzi.

Link to "Window in the Wall" - https://lnk.to/WindowInTheWall

Link to Olivia's memoir "Don't Stop Believin" - https://amzn.to/37hYFho

Link to my interview with Olivia about her memoir: https://soundcloud.com/randyslovacek/interview-olivia-newton-john

Interview: Olivia Newton-John & Chloe Lattanzi chat on new duet "Window in the Wall"

In this week's headlines:

• A new Gallup Poll shows more people identify as LGBTQ than ever before

• Virginia has outlawed the use of the 'gay panic' and 'trans panic' legal defenses

• Houston police have arrested a man who assaulted and killed a man he met using Grindr

• The Equality Act begins its trek through Congress (again)

• The largest Protestant adoption and foster agency has announced it will open up its services to LGBTQ families

• And the creators of the acclaimed FX series POSE have announced the upcoming 3rd season will be its last

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Randy's Album

LGBTQ News: The Equality Act passes in the House, POSE will end after upcoming 3rd season

Tune in for LGBTQ news from the writer/editor of TheRandyReport.com, a daily blog reporting on the current news cycle in terms of politics, pop culture, and entertainment news of interest to the LGBT community.

The Randy Report Podcast - LGBTQ News

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