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Supplimental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/kevinmartin

In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Coach Kevin Martin, a sexual empowerment coach based in Hawaii who specializes in helping gay men overcome sexual shame. Martin shares his personal journey from growing up in rural, conservative Ohio where his early same-sex attractions led to deep internalized shame and self-hatred. He explains how discovering the language to understand shame became liberating, allowing him to begin the healing process through therapy, coaching, and personal growth work that eventually led to his current role helping others with similar struggles.

The conversation provides a comprehensive exploration of sexual shame, distinguishing between shame ("I am bad") and guilt ("I did something bad"), and identifying three layers of sexual shame: identity-based shame about sexual orientation, shame about sexual actions and preferences, and performance/body image shame. Martin emphasizes practical strategies for healing, including identifying inner shame messages, respecting these beliefs while understanding their origins, and gradually replacing them with more helpful perspectives. He stresses the importance of mindful engagement with dating apps, finding supportive communities, and developing a clear sense of personal values as protection against shame-inducing experiences. The episode concludes with information about Martin's upcoming retreats focused on transforming shame into self-love.

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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/couples

In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Joey Monahan, a certified coach and former meth user, about navigating relationships where one partner uses methamphetamine and the other doesn't. Joey shares his personal journey from first encountering meth in college through a cycle of use every three months, into his marriage with his husband Rolando, who was unaware of Joey's substance use history. The conversation addresses the critical lack of support resources for both users and their non-using partners, with Dr. Bragg noting how many gay men are surprised to discover their partners involved in the "Tina scene" and chemsex culture.

The episode focuses heavily on Joey's experience of relapsing after opening his relationship with Rolando, leading to a pivotal moment when his husband was about to leave. Joey's disclosure of his meth use became the catalyst for implementing what he calls "five commandments" for relationship recovery: closing the relationship immediately, enabling location tracking, removing apps and access to cruising spots, complete honesty, and entering a drug treatment program. Both men emphasize the importance of clear accountability and consequences rather than enabling behavior, while Joey credits Dr. Bragg's coaching program with helping him understand his "user persona" as a protective mechanism rather than something to hate. The conversation concludes with Joey discussing his new coaching venture, Gay Coach Joey, where he helps other gay men navigate shame and life transitions, demonstrating how the recovery process strengthened rather than destroyed his marriage.

Contact Coach Joey:

TT: @gaycoachjoey

IG: @gaycoachjoey

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Dr. Dallas Bragg

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Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout

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Supplimental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/lovingyourself

In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews therapist Brian Spitulnik, who has gained significant attention on social media for his work with gay men. Brian, a psychotherapist who works primarily within a psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems framework, discusses his therapeutic approach to understanding addiction and mental health. He explains how different "parts" of ourselves, including the part that reaches for substances like crystal meth, actually have positive intentions and are trying to protect or help us in some way. Rather than viewing addiction as a disease to be fought, Brian advocates for understanding and having compassion for these parts, eventually giving them new roles rather than trying to eliminate them.

The conversation explores broader issues affecting the gay male community, including the loneliness epidemic, the impact of hookup apps like Grindr and Sniffies on addiction patterns, and how historical trauma from the AIDS crisis continues to affect gay men today. Brian draws parallels between the current crystal meth crisis and the AIDS epidemic, noting how both have been shrouded in stigma and silence within the community. The discussion emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about chemsex and methamphetamine use, while highlighting the need for both therapy and spiritual connection in recovery. Brian also shares his upcoming mental health app called "Gayfully," designed to help gay men connect authentically and work on their mental health together.

Contact Brian here: Instagram: @Spitulnik Tiktok: @Spitulnik

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Dr. Dallas Bragg

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YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast

X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg

Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout