Best Apolitical Podcasts (2025)

1
America’s Gay Restaurants with Erik Piepenburg 45:55

4d ago45:55

45:55

This week, Christina Cauterucci is joined by Erik Piepenburg, author of Dining Out, a new book that explores the history of gay restaurants in the United States. Piepenburg traces how restaurants have long served as essential spaces for queer people as places to gather, connect, and express themselves at a time when most public spaces were hostile …

1
218: Bucks interview Curtis Weber, a retiree now teaching English to immigrants 40:03

16d ago40:03

40:03

Send us a text Maybe retirement is a time to kick back and relax and that's fine. But it wasn't enough for Curtis Weber, a retired educator who relocated to Sarasota and now teaches English to non-English-speaking immigrants who have also found a new life in the area. Curtis teaches advanced English classes at the Sarasota Technical College where h…

1
Queer Travel Writing with Alden Jones 41:28

25d ago41:28

41:28

Outward’s Bryan Lowder and Christina Cauterucci talk to Alden Jones, editor of the new anthology, Edge of the World. With essays from Alexander Chee, Daisy Hernández, Edmund White, and more, the collection makes clear that queer travel writing isn’t just overdue—it’s transformative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Iowa’s Civil Rights Crisis with Hope Giselle and Dr. David Johns 44:49

1M ago44:49

44:49

This week, Bryan Lowder is joined by Hope Giselle and Dr. David Johns to discuss Iowa’s recent decision to strip trans people of key legal protections, making it legal to discriminate based on gender identity. They explore the broader implications of this rollback, drawing parallels to the historical dismantling of rights during Reconstruction and …

1
217: The Lottery by S. Jackson, Tornado !, Del Flips his Lid, Tom's First Kiss 51:27

1M ago51:27

51:27

Send us a text Dave has an unexpected and unforgettable trip to a tornado shelter. Yikes! Del proves once again he has too much time on his hands as he sands and drills plastic lids. Tom recounts songs that carry a signifigant meaning for him, especially the one that was playing when he got his first kiss. What a memory! The Bucks read and discuss …

1
How The Gay Rights Movement Became Trans- Exclusionary 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

In this episode, Christina Cauterucci speaks with Zein Murib, Fordham professor and author of Terms of Exclusion: Rightful Citizenship Claims and the Construction of LGBT Political Identity, about the historical roots of the marginalization of trans and bi people in the gay rights movement. Zein, who recently wrote the Slate piece "Why Are Trans Pe…

1
Planning San Francisco Pride in a Shifting Political Landscape with Suzanne Ford 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

Christina Cauterucci speaks with Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride, about the goals and challenges of organizing Pride this year amid the corporate retreat from LGBTQ+ issues. They discuss the current political climate, how corporate sponsorship shapes the event, and how to maintain visibility and safety without losing politic…

1
The New Lavender Scare with Christina Cauterucci 48:52

2M ago48:52

48:52

In this episode, Christina Cauterucci and Jules Gill-Peterson discuss Christina’s latest Slate article, The New Lavender Scare, which highlights the experiences of queer and trans federal employees grappling with the threat of retaliation, job loss, and a chilling political climate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
216: Caregiving, Yo Yo Ma, Black Bag, Three More Love Questions 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

Send us a text Here's a 5-min. video clip. Del deals with caregiving for an elderly friend. Dave wraps up his San Diego visit. Del reviews the movie, Black Bag, and gives it a not so great rating. What do you think? Dave saw Yo Yo Ma. Highly recommended. Here's the Van Wezel. Bucks discuss three more questions that lead to love, or maybe friendship…

1
Renaissance Trans Theologies and History with Colby Gordon 42:06

2M ago42:06

42:06

In this episode of Outward, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with Colby Gordon to talk about his new book, Glorious Bodies: Trans Theology and Renaissance Literature. Gordon digs into early modern religious texts that, instead of rejecting trans existence, actually provided ways to think about gender transformation—socially, surgically, and theologica…

1
Should We Get Guns? 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

A gun won’t make you safer, but it will pull you into America’s deep-seated obsession with armed individualism. This week, Bryan, Christina, and Jules dig into The Washington Post’s “The Trans Americans Turning to Guns for Protection” and Defector’s “Don't Buy a Gun, Even If It Comes in Rainbow” to unpack the recent interest around queer gun owners…

1
Why Love Isn’t Apolitical: Liberation and Rethinking Relationships 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

This week, Bryan Lowder sits down with activist and author Dean Spade to discuss his latest book, Love in a F*cked Up World. Together, they unpack how capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy shape our desires, the pitfalls of the “relationship escalator,” and why collective care might be the most radical love of all. From breaking free of toxic…

1
215: Persia, San Diego, A Question or Four of Love 37:56

3M ago37:56

37:56

Send us a text Dave's wife makes a new friend on their coast-to-coast flight while he sits next to the perfect passenger-an empty seat. The new Persian friend makes some San Diego recommendations, including the Lafayette Hotel. Just dazzling! Dave enjoys the cool, perfect weather in San Diego, again visiting Balboa Park. Highly recommended. The Buc…

1
Slapping Leather: The Untamed History of the Gay Rodeo 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

This week on Outward, host Christina Cauterucci talks to historian Rebecca Scofield about the new book, Slapping Leather: Queer Cowfolx at the Gay Rodeo. From rhinestone-studded chaps to the hard-won battles for inclusion, they explore how queer cowboys and cowgirls carved out space in the rodeo circuit, the gender politics at play in this communit…

1
The “Protect the Children” Trap: How Trump Targets Trans Rights 39:52

3M ago39:52

39:52

Bryan Lowder sits down with journalist Nico Lang to discuss their recent article for Slate It Was Never About Protecting Kids on Trump’s Executive Order restricting gender-affirming care for minors. They examine how the administration is using “child protection” rhetoric as a cover for anti-trans policies, the real-world impact on trans youth and t…

1
214: Feedback on Mahesh, The Brutalist, Sitting on a Plane, Unbeer 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

Send us a text Got lots of great feedback on 213 with Mahesh Patel. If you haven't listened yet, please do and tell us what you think. There are links to two short video clips in the show notes. C'mon back, Mahesh. Del gives two thumbs down to The Brutalist. Dave hasn't seen it. What's your vote? Dave gave 3.5 stars to The Chestnut Man, a series st…

1
Chase Strangio on Trump’s Anti-Trans Policies 49:43

3M ago49:43

49:43

In this episode, Bryan Lowder and Christina Cauterucci sit down with ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio to unpack the strategy behind the latest legal fights over trans healthcare, passports, and military service. They explore how the language of Trump’s executive orders are more overtly cruel than his last administration, what this progression signals pol…

1
A Trans Military Member Speaks Out 34:56

4M ago34:56

34:56

In this episode, Christina Cauterucci speaks with Sasha Buchert, Counsel and Nonbinary and Transgender Rights Project Director at Lambda Legal, and Geirid Morgan, a trans lieutenant commander in the Navy, about the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military. Sasha walks us through Lambda Legal’s case challenging the ba…

1
213: We interview Mahesh Patel, author of RELOCATE ADJUST REPEAT 1:15:17

4M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Send us a text Video clip of Mahesh on writing his memoir. Video clip of 18-year old Mahesh on the Hippie Trail The Bucks interview author Mahesh Patel, author of RELOCATE ADJUST REPEAT: AN INTERNATIONAL LIFE. Joining us is Old Buck Tom, who will be sharing the load with us from time to time down the road. Mahesh has led a fascinating life and our …

1
Creating A Home for Trans Surgery Recovery 45:45

4M ago45:45

45:45

This week, Jules Gill-Peterson sits down with Owen Dempsey, the founder of Quest Healing House, a post-op recovery home providing safe, affordable lodging and wraparound support for transmasculine people. They discuss how Quest House, began, the urgent need for trans-led recovery spaces, and how the project has grown to meet community needs. Dempse…

1
212: Road Trip, Bikes and Books,AI Blues, No Mahesh Yet 35:05

4M ago35:05

35:05

Send us a text We had to postpone our interview with Mahesh Patel, author of Relocate Adjust Repeat. Mahesh will be with us next time. In the meantime, buy his book on Amazon. You'll love it. The Bucks do a road trip looking for another bike for Dave and find a self-taught artist and all-around sweet guy. Dave builds the courage to actually sell a …

1
Breaking Down Emilia Perez: Backlash, Awards Buzz, and Corporate Pride 43:46

4M ago43:46

43:46

Bryan, Jules, and Christina take on the troubling transphobia in Emilia Pérez, the movie that has received 13 Oscar nominations this awards season. They explore why it’s heavily nominated in this political climate. They also unpack the backlash to the film and the backlash to that backlash, exploring why some defend Emilia Pérez despite its flaws. …

1
Meta’s New Rules: Embracing Homophobic and Transphobic Hate Speech 35:26

4M ago35:26

35:26

Host Christina Cauterucci sits down with WIRED senior writer Kate Knibbs to unpack Meta’s alarming internal shifts, including its embrace of right-wing ideologies, the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and the policy changes that permit hate speech against gay and trans people. Together, they discuss why these changes …

1
211: Planetary Alignment, A Complete Unknown, Martin Luther King Day 20:28

4M ago20:28

20:28

Send us a text Happy Birthday to loyal listener Linda from Germany! Auf Wiedersehen. Tomorrow, Jan. 21, you can see six planets align. You can see it on subsequent nights, as well, but they won't be in perfect alignment. Or, you could wait until 2040. Here's the link to the article in WIRED. Tell us what you saw. Dave saw A Complete Unknown, the mo…

1
Bisexual Dads, Awkward Art, and Transphobic Families: Queer Advice 38:13

5M ago38:13

38:13

This we’re diving into the delightful chaos of queer life with an advice-packed episode! Bryan, Christina, and our guest host Outward Producer Palace Shaw, tackle the perplexing world of bisexual dads navigating dating apps, strategies for dealing with transphobic relatives during family gatherings, the dos and don’ts of art-gifting etiquette, and …

1
Conversion Therapy and Survival with Lucas Wilson 45:20

5M ago45:20

45:20

Bryan Lowder talks with writer and scholar Lucas Wilson about his new book, Shame Sex: Survivors’ Stories of Conversion Therapy. They chat about Wilson’s experience navigating same-sex attraction while on an evangelical path, experiencing conversion therapy, and the complicated relationships he experienced along the way. He also shares powerful sto…

1
210: Jimmy Carter, More Ants, Slow Sisters & Bad Horses 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

Send us a text Del runs more ant experiments, proving once again that he has too much time on his hands. Bucks pay tribute to Jimmy Carter, our 39th president. We miss him more every day. Dave recommends two series on Apple+ [where we think you can get a free 3-month trial]: SLOW HORSES, a British series about MI5 agents who have screwed up and bee…

1
Actor Jeff Hiller on Death Sex and Money 59:23

5M ago59:23

59:23

This week, we’re excited to share an episode of Death, Sex & Money with Anna Sale. In this conversation, Anna talks with Jeff Hiller, the gay actor known for his role in Somebody Somewhere. Jeff shares insights on his career, navigating faith and queerness, and finding joy in adulthood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
209: Bike Boys, Delmore, Traumas of Youth, Drones, Luigi 35:29

5M ago35:29

35:29

Send us a text Del discusses Mr. Majestyk by Elmore Leonard. He thinks they're talking about him. Dave salutes the SRQ Bike Boys, who assembled 477 bikes for Xmas presents handed out by Salvation Army. Great job, guys. Listeners recall a bad teacher and outdoor plumbing in winter. What's your bad teacher story? Dave recalls a couple stories from hi…

1
‘Queer’ on Screen: Luca Guadagnino’s Take on Desire, Loneliness, and Sex 42:35

5M ago42:35

42:35

This week, Christina Cauterucci and Bryan Lowder are joined by guest host Jeff Bloomer to discuss the new film Queer from director Luca Guadagnino based on William S. Burroughs’ groundbreaking novel of the same name. They explore the themes of desire, alienation, and the director’s approach to queer intimacy- and most importantly whether the sex sc…

1
How Lesbian Artists Turned Renaissance Ruins Into Queer Spaces with Kate Thomas 35:09

6M ago35:09

35:09

This week, Christina Cauterucci explores the intimate connections between queer identity and the natural world with Bryn Mawr professor Kate Thomas. In this episode, we journey through the lives of Florence Blood and Princess Ghika, two enigmatic lesbians who found self-expression, love, and freedom renovating their Italian Renaissance estate at th…

1
208: Britches, Banana, Brit, and Brute Banter 40:07

6M ago40:07

40:07

Send us a text Del's ordeal in getting to the mall incognito to meet Dave. Bucks salute the growing fanbase in Beaumont, Alberta. Dave watches the Spacex Falcon 9 takeoff at 5 AM. Send \us an email if you want the video. Del discusses the "golden bat" rule being considered for baseball but the Bucks vote it down. Baseball will never be as exciting …

1
Masculinity and Muscles with Michael Andor Brodeur 42:27

6M ago42:27

42:27

This week, Bryan Lowder chats with Michael Andor Brodeur, author of Swole: The Making of Men and the Meaning of Muscle, to unpack the complex intersections of fitness, masculinity, and queer identity. From the sweaty intimacy of the gym to the charged symbolism of muscle, Brodeur examines how bodies become sites of desire, power, and transformation…

1
Sarah McBride’s Win and the Rise of Anti-Trans Politics 42:42

6M ago42:42

42:42

This week, the hosts come together to unpack Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking win as the first openly transgender member of Congress. While the win is historic, Bryan, Jules, and Christina dig in to unpack the limits of representational politics and what it means for this win to exist alongside the emergence of anti-trans politics, which hit their al…

1
What Southern LGBTQ History Can Teach Us 46:36

6M ago46:36

46:36

In this episode, host Jules Gill-Peterson speaks with the co-founders of Invisible Histories about their groundbreaking work preserving the rich, often overlooked history of queer life in the American South. At a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing threats, safeguarding these stories is more urgent than ever. Together, they discuss how archiv…

1
207: Del & Amor Towles, Flamboyance, Conclaves and Republics, Scary Spoon, Hearing Doug 34:36

6M ago34:36

34:36

Send us a text Our trailer on YouTube Del meets Amor Towles at a book signing and asks him if he can be a gentleman in Moscow, too. Dave reads the best ever book opening,, and on thermodynamics, no less. Del and THE WIFE see Conclave and learn how to elect a Pope. Political intrigue ensues. Dave talks about the lifespan of republics. Can't happen h…

1
Now What Do We Do? Mark Joseph Stern Answers Our Post-Election Questions 42:14

7M ago42:14

42:14

This week, Christina Cauterucci sits down with Slate’s own Mark Joseph Stern to tackle the mounting concerns facing the LGBTQ+ community as the Trump administration takes shape. In a candid conversation, they delve into the ripple effects this shift could have on issues like abortion rights, trans healthcare, and marriage equality, reflecting on th…

1
Gays in the Woods: History and Identity with Ben Miller 39:21

7M ago39:21

39:21

In this episode, historian Ben Miller chats with Bryan Lowder about the surprising ways white gay men have romanticized the idea of the 'primitive' in their search for utopia. Ben shares stories about key figures like Harry Hay and the radical gay activism of the 70s that centered a 'back to the land' fantasy that relied on racialized fantasies of …

8M ago26:02

26:02

1
Fighting for Non-Binary Inclusivity in Athletics with Cal Calamia 44:00

8M ago44:00

44:00

In this episode, Outward hosts Jules Gill-Peterson, Bryan Lowder, and Christina Cauterucci sit down with non-binary marathoner Cal Calamia to talk about their journey into competitive racing. Cal shares how they first got into running and how their experiences as a non-binary, trans-masculine athlete have shaped their advocacy. From battling outdat…

1
203: Mountain Bears, Springfield Pets, McGyver Wipes, Ig Nobel Awards, Help Eddie 33:45

8M ago33:45

33:45

Send us a text CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO CLIP ON YOUTUBE Dave recounts his time in Black Mountain, NC, which is a bit cooler than Florida. It included two bear sightings and some challenging bike rides. He had a nice discussion with a Park Ranger about the bears causing local family pets to disappear. Speaking of pets disappearing, watch this video by Jo…

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