Best Brett Benner Podcasts (2024)

1
Peng Shepherd (All This and More) 47:58

8h ago47:58

47:58

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Peng Shepherd (All This and More) about what it means to be real, the repercussions of the choices that we make, the many versions of our lives, and get the scoop on her very first published book. Peng Shepherd was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and has lived in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, London, Ne…

1
190. The Intersection of Grief, Growth, and Real Estate with Sean Sweeney 1:04:54

1h ago1:04:54

1:04:54

“If I die today, am I proud of what I've done? And I was like, I've got so much more inside me that I want to put out in the world beforehand.” — Sean Sweeney Today on Gravity: How Sean overcame loss, grief, and unresolved trauma Sean's pivot from law and acting to real estate development The critical role of therapy in personal and professional gr…

1
Julia Phillips (Bear) 48:07

4d ago48:07

48:07

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Julia Phillips (Bear) about different sibling dynamics, the "bear" knocking on her door, and why she's wearing a snake in her wedding photos. Julia Phillips is the bestselling author of the novel Disappearing Earth, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and one of The New York Times Book Re…

1
Upcoming/Up & Coming feat. Solomon J. Brager, Oisín McKenna, and August Thompson 56:42

11d ago56:42

56:42

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to debut authors Solomon J. Brager (Heavyweight), Oisín McKenna (Evenings & Weekends), and August Thompson (Anyone's Ghost). They explore themes like inherited trauma and family history, queer identity, and the complexities of growing up. And they talk about some favorite snacks and date stories. Solomon…

1
Catherine Newman (Sandwich) 1:00:49

17d ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Catherine Newman (Sandwich) about ailments, weighted blankets, reproductive mayhem, peanut butter, queerness, and of course… sandwiches. Catherine Newman has written numerous columns, articles, and canned-bean recipes for magazines and newspapers, and her essays have been widely anthologized. She is t…

1
Chris Whitaker (All the Colors of the Dark) 48:11

18d ago48:11

48:11

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talked to Chris Whitaker (All the Color of the Dark) about what keeps friends in your life, horror stories from his time working in a library, what it means to have faith and hope, and Danny Zuko. Chris Whitaker is the award-winning author of Tall Oaks, All the Wicked Girls, and the New York Times bestseller …

1
189. Redefining Identity: Michael Unbroken's Path from Pain to Purpose 47:44

24d ago47:44

47:44

“I believe that the most healed people in the world do not give a f*ck what other people think about them, because they have given themselves the freedom of identity. They've allowed themselves the space to be themselves.” — Michael Unbroken CONTENT WARNING: This podcast episode may contain potentially sensitive or triggering content (i.e. mental h…

1
Claire Lombardo (Same As It Ever Was) 44:50

24d ago44:50

44:50

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett are joined by Claire Lombardo (Same As It Ever Was), last month's Reese's Book Club pick for her novel, The Most Fun We Ever Had. They talk to Claire about secrets in relationships, favorite children, Boo Radleyism, and debate Joni Mitchell. What Guys & Dolls reference is Jason talking about in the intro? Lis…

1
PRIDE Upcoming/Up & Coming feat. Kimberly King Parsons, KB Brookins, and Santiago Jose Sanchez 58:15

26d ago58:15

58:15

Send us a Text Message. In the final PRIDE installment of Upcoming/Up & Coming, Jason and Brett talk to debut* authors Kimberly King Parsons (We Were the Universe), KB Brookins (Pretty), and Santiago Jose Sanchez (Hombrecito). They talk about the theatre of parenthood, queer representation in books and media, and using writing to better understand …

1
Rufi Thorpe (Margo's Got Money Troubles) 49:58

1M ago49:58

49:58

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Rufi Thorpe (Margo’s Got Money Troubles) about her obsession with wrestling (and how learning about it was like an all-cereal buffet), having a public persona and the chaos of the modern internet, falling in love with strangers, and of course, @tooturnttony. Rufi Thorpe is the author of The Knockout Q…

1
PRIDE '24 feat. Jen Silverman, David Levithan, and Emma Copley Eisenberg 1:04:15

1M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett continue PRIDE 2024 with celebrated authors. They’re joined in conversation with Jen Silverman (There’s Going to Be Trouble), David Levithan (Wide Awake Now), and Emma Copley Eisenberg (Housemates) talking about the cyclical nature of history, queer inheritance, intersectionality of arts and queerness, and mu…

1
Pride Upcoming/Up & Coming feat. Justinian Huang, KT Hoffman, and Myriam Lacroix 52:17

1M ago52:17

52:17

Send us a Text Message. In this Pride edition of Upcoming/Up & Coming, Jason and Brett talk to Justinian Huang (The Emperor and the Endless Palace) about living life romantically, KT Hoffman (The Prospects) about how anyone can play baseball, and Myriam Lacroix (How it Works Out) about a twist on autofiction. Born to immigrants in Monterey Park, Ca…

1
PRIDE '24 feat. Carvell Wallace, R.O. Kwon, and Byron Lane 1:05:19

1M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett kick off PRIDE 2024 with some incredible queer authors! They talk to Carvell Wallace (Another Word for Love) about the key to your ability to fight for what's right, R.O. Kwon (Exhibit) about art and how taking a choreography workshop got her in the body of her characters, and Byron Lane (Big Gay Wedding) abo…

1
188. Internal Healing and the Birth of a Sustainable Vision with Wes Carter 1:02:29

1M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

“I came to the realization that when it comes to spiritual and emotional healing for the modern day. It's really not about plant medicine or modern psychotherapy, It's actually the intersection of both. And that's where I really found tremendous healing, where I would have a medicine experience, and then I would go sit with a therapist for the next…

1
Upcoming/Up & Coming feat. Zoë Bossiere, Alan Murrin, and Essie Chambers 54:40

2M ago54:40

54:40

Send us a Text Message. In the fourth installment of their debut novelists series UPCOMING / UP & COMING, Jason and Brett talk to three new writers about their recently and soon-to-be released books. Zoë Bossiere (Cactus Country, May 21) talks about navigating identity growing up in a trailer park; Alan Murrin (The Coast Road, June 4) shares how sh…

1
Steven Rowley (The Guncle Abroad) 49:07

2M ago49:07

49:07

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Steven Rowley (The Guncle Abroad) about sea cave adventures in Capri, Varla Jean Merman's rendition of "Ring Them Bells," the best Wang Chung song, and obviously: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Grease 2. Steven Rowley is the bestselling author of five novels including, Lily and the Octopus, a Washing…

1
A Tribute to Ken Jordan 1:08:35

2M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

This week, I’m re-releasing a previous episode featuring my friend Ken Jordan who passed away recently. I’m saddened at the loss of Ken who was such a beautiful soul, a wonderful man and a bright light in this world. Ken was instrumental in the psychedelics movement through his advocacy and journalism as founder of Lucid News. Ken left an imprint o…

1
Kaliane Bradley (The Ministry of Time) 47:02

2M ago47:02

47:02

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Kaliane Bradley (The Ministry of Time) about transforming her once-serious novel about Cambodia and being mixed-race into the latest genre-defying Good Morning America book club pick. They learn how Kaliane was able to experience the 21st century as an adventure, gush over the only photo of a footnote…

1
Great Queer Coffee Table Books feat. Ryan Fitzgibbon, Billie Winter, & Hannah Murphy Winter 48:34

2M ago48:34

48:34

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Hannah Murphy Winter and Billie Winter, the couple behind Queer Power Couples, as they delve into the essence of queer power partnerships, offering intimate insights into documenting this untapped element of queer history. They then talk to Ryan Fitzgibbon (A Great Gay Book, on sale May 21) about his …

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187. From Adversity to Innovation: Chris Pan's Trailblazing Impact 53:46

3M ago53:46

53:46

“Part of the problem—the illness we're all suffering from—is consumerism. We've built a capitalist society that has its beautiful parts, too. But the idea of turning everyone toward consumerism equates to depression. The human spirit needs to create; it's the opposite of consumerism. And so, it doesn't matter whether you're creating a poem, a piece…

1
Rachel Khong (Real Americans) 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

Send us a Text Message. In their 50th episode, Jason and Brett talk to Rachel Khong (Real Americans) about cooking eggs, mugwort baths, growing into the person who could write this book, and how friction allows for change. Rachel Khong is the author of Goodbye, Vitamin, winner of the California Book Award for First Fiction, and named a Best Book of…

1
Upcoming / Up & Coming feat. Jiaming Tang, Melissa Mogollon, Yael van der Wouden 49:06

3M ago49:06

49:06

Send us a Text Message. In the April episode of their debut novelists series UPCOMING / UP & COMING, Jason and Brett talk to three new writers about their soon-to-be released books. Jiaming Tang (Cinema Love, May 7) talks about explaining his "accent" to people in Alabama; Melissa Mogollon (Oye, May 14) expresses her love of Rainforest Cafe; and Ya…

1
186. Breath of Transformation: Brandon Groux and the Power of Vulnerability 47:56

3M ago47:56

47:56

“Men are clearly craving for meaningful connections with other men, yet finding it challenging to make friends as adults. They struggle to identify spaces where they can feel truly open and connected with fellow men.” - Brandon Groux Today on Gravity: From Vail to Van Life: Brandon’s journey of minimalism and gratitude. Transformative breathwork: h…

1
Yulin Kuang (How to End a Love Story) 57:45

3M ago57:45

57:45

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Yulin Kuang (How to End a Love Story) about Lisa Frank fan fiction, underrated 90s rom coms, the struggles of watching cooking shows on TV, how she came to adapt two Emily Henry novels, and much more. Yulin Kuang is a screenwriter and director, whose credits include The CW’s I Ship It and Hulu’s Dollf…

1
185. The Courage to Be Real: Insights from The Angry Therapist 1:04:43

3M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

“I had this revelation: If everyone likes you, no one likes you. So, there are going to be people that you don't resonate with. But then I also thought, how can I be the most effective and potent in this world? So, here's my promise to myself: From here on out, I'm going to make decisions that feel honest to me. I'm going to do my best to live a li…

1
Holly Gramazio (The Husbands) 55:25

3M ago55:25

55:25

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Holly Gramazio (The Husbands) about how her life was changed by a misfiled library book, her strong convictions about jewelry, five finger shoes, and High School Musical 3. The Husbands is April's Read with Jenna book club pick. Holly Gramazio is a writer, game designer and curator from Adelaide, curr…

1
Douglas Westerbeke (A Short Walk Through a Wide World) 50:01

4M ago50:01

50:01

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Douglas Westerbeke (A Short Walk Through a Wide World) about the research that went into setting up his modern fairy tale, the impact of technology on storytelling, and the importance of staying curious. Douglas Westerbeke is a librarian who lives in Ohio and works at one of the largest libraries in t…

1
Garrard Conley (All the World Beside) 47:31

4M ago47:31

47:31

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talked to Garrard Conley (All the World Beside) about how we reinvent ourselves when we challenge the status quo, the pros and cons of “adulting,” and making our own rules. Garrard Conley is the New York Timesbestselling author of the memoir Boy Erased, as well as the creator and co-producer of the podcast Un…

1
184. Judy Huang's Journey Through Life's Adversity and Success 44:34

4M ago44:34

44:34

“Despite every difficulty, I believe there's learning inside. It's about not being afraid to look at it, deal with it, and move forward through that process despite challenges.” — Judy Huang Today on Gravity: Judy's journey of resilience amidst adversity Lessons from entrepreneurship successes and setbacks How Judy overcame health challenges and li…

1
Tommy Orange (Wandering Stars) 48:32

4M ago48:32

48:32

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Tommy Orange (Wandering Stars) about dreams and spirituality, learn about sound engineering and roller hockey, and how understanding your history can shape your future. Come for special insider info about a character's playlist, stay for a Moulin Rouge debate. Tommy Orange is a graduate of the MFA pro…

1
Jason & Brett Answer Listener Questions 28:34

4M ago28:34

28:34

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett take a break from talking to authors to answer your questions! Everything from choosing books and finding time to read to their experience and relationship to books as queer people. Gays Reading is sponsored by Audible. Get a FREE 30-day trial by visiting audibletrial.com/gaysreading BOOKS! Check out the list…

1
Armistead Maupin (Mona of the Manor) 41:20

5M ago41:20

41:20

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Armistead Maupin (Mona of the Manor) about living in the world of Tales of the City for 50 years, inspiration for the character of Mona, a day in his life at nearly-80, shows he's seen in the West End recently, Bernadette Peters, and more. Armistead Maupin is the author of the Tales of the City series…

1
183. Spirituality in Psychiatry with Dr. Dan Engle 1:18:32

4M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

This podcast episode may contain potentially sensitive or triggering content (i.e. mental health and suicide). Listener discretion is advised. "If you thought the universe was conspiring in your favor before, then why would this be any different? Just because you don't want this to happen and it's uncomfortable, how do you know this isn't also part…

1
Upcoming/Up & Coming feat. Lottie Hazell, Ursula Villarreal-Moura, and Alexandra Tanner 44:27

5M ago44:27

44:27

Send us a Text Message. In the second installment of their debut novelists series UPCOMING / UP & COMING, Jason and Brett talk to three new writers about their soon-to-be released books. Lottie Hazell (Piglet, Feb 27) talks about working as a board game designer; Ursula Villarreal-Moura (Like Happiness, Mar 26) shares her stories writing fan letter…

1
182. Building a Brand with Beer: Land-Grant Co-founder Adam Benner 1:01:13

5M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

“What can we do to help elevate what’s around us? We wanted to be part of this community and help build it up. Seeing what we could do to have an impact on the neighborhood, we realized that we were on the right path.” — Adam Benner Today on Gravity: Adam's approach to partnership and community Discovery and involvement in Franklinton Initiatives t…

1
Bianca Bosker (Get the Picture) 51:03

5M ago51:03

51:03

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Bianca Bosker (Get the Picture) about the immersive approach to her writing, why we need to unlearn how to behave around art, developing new tastes, and the importance of context in the context of art. Bianca Bosker is the New York Times bestselling author of Cork Dork and a contributing writer at The…

1
181. From Crippling Addiction to 36 Years of Sobriety with Mark Gerling 49:51

5M ago49:51

49:51

“I’m here for anybody out there that may have a situation where they just need to talk because that’s what got me through my tough times.” — Mark Gerling Today on Gravity: Mark’s early struggles and journey to sobriety Steadfast 36-year commitment to abstinence Managing life's challenges one day at a time Channeling passion into a fulfilling career…

1
Ijeoma Oluo (Be a Revolution) 42:35

5M ago42:35

42:35

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Ijeoma Oluo (Be a Revolution) about actionable steps for making social change, the importance of diversifying where you get your information, doing your own research, outlining a blueprint for being the catalyst of change. Ijeoma Oluo is a writer, speaker, and internet yeller. She is the author of the…

1
180. Models and Myths of Masculinity with Johnny Elsasser 45:34

5M ago45:34

45:34

“You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall to the highest level of consistent training you possess.” – Johnny Elsasser Today on Gravity: Defining the characteristics of authentic manhood Framework for personal development and growth The vital role of consistent training Being perfectly imperfect on the journey of life Life's bigger picture and unive…

1
Mark Daley (Safe) 38:45

5M ago38:45

38:45

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Mark Daley (Safe) about his new memoir chronicling a piece of his journey becoming an adoptive parent. They talk about some of the systemic issues within the adoption process, chosen family, and the impetus to telling this story. Mark Daley is a social activist, entrepreneur, and foster-turned-adoptiv…

1
Dolly Alderton (Good Material) 49:05

6M ago49:05

49:05

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Dolly Alderton (Good Material) about hetero optimism (yes, it's a thing), Geri Halliwell as a sexual awakening, Robbie Williams as... another sexual awakening, Nora Ephron (unrelated to sexual awakenings), and so much more. Grab your Zabar's mug and enjoy. Dolly Alderton is an award-winning author, sc…

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179. How to Stop Being Indecisive with Chet Scott 52:26

5M ago52:26

52:26

“I don’t believe there are enlightened ones; there are just beings that keep seeking light. We’re not designed to figure it out; we’re designed to keep figuring it out.” – Chet Scott Today on Gravity: Building a strong core and authentic opus The impact of "no" and energy management The universe conspiring in your favor Observing the influence of "…

1
Crystal Hefner (Only Say Good Things) 43:50

6M ago43:50

43:50

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Crystal Hefner (Only Say Good Things) about life following her time in the famed Playboy mansion, beauty standards and carrying the burden of how we want to be perceived in the world, and what she's discovering about herself now that she's on the other side. Crystal Hefner is a world-renowned model, a…

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178. Tucker Max on Trauma & Resilience 55:11

6M ago55:11

55:11

In today's page-turning dialogue, Brett is joined by Tucker Max, a renowned author and self-discovery advocate. Tucker opens up about his challenging youth, navigating success, and the profound impact of psychedelic therapy on his journey. They discuss their insights into the complexities of personal growth, finding purpose, and the highs and lows …

1
Kaveh Akbar (Martyr!) 1:01:31

6M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Send us a Text Message. Jason and Brett talk to Kaveh Akbar (Martyr!) about his transition from poet to novelist, listening to your dreams, how language is a sense memory, parallels with the musical Pippin, and much more. Kaveh Akbar’s poems appear in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Paris Review, The Best American Poetry, and elsewhere. He …

1
177. Opening 100 Restaurants, Mastering Work-Life Balance with Cameron Mitchell 55:23

6M ago55:23

55:23

"You don't always see the inward success. I worked just as hard at building my family as I did building our business. As I would build a business, same thing applied to my business: Failure is not an option." — Cameron Mitchell Today on Gravity: From humble beginnings to triumphant success Cameron's passion for the restaurant business Work and life…

1
Upcoming/Up & Coming feat. Christina Cooke, Daniel Lefferts, and Rebecca K Reilly 46:28

6M ago46:28

46:28

Send us a Text Message. In the first installation of their debut novelists series UPCOMING / UP & COMING, Jason and Brett talk to three new writers about their soon-to-be released books. Christina Cooke (Broughtupsy, Jan 23) talks about how it took 13 years to write and publish her book; Daniel Lefferts (Ways & Means, Feb 6) shares how his novel em…

1
2024 Anticipated Books feat. Jenny Jackson 43:51

6M ago43:51

43:51

Send us a Text Message. In the first episode of the new year, Jason and Brett discuss books they’re excited to check out in 2024. They’re joined by editor and author Jenny Jackson (who initially put The Rachel Incident on their radar—one of Jason’s Most Memorable 2023 Books!) Jenny talks about titles, some of which she served as editor, that she’s …

1
176. Turning Everyday Life into Poetry with Maggie Smith 1:18:45

6M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

"'Nothing that interesting has happened to me. I'm not a world traveler. I have a stable home life. I have no significant trauma. What on earth am I going to write about?' Well, put your phone down and go outside. What are you thinking about? What do you not understand? What are you questioning? What did things look like to you? What do you feel jo…

1
175. Gravity Year-End Highlights of 2023 38:58

7M ago38:58

38:58

Join Brett Kaufman in a special year-end episode as we celebrate three years of the Gravity podcast. This compilation features highlights from memorable conversations with nationally and internationally recognized guests, as well as Brett's local friends from Columbus. Brett expresses gratitude to listeners and extends warm wishes for the holiday s…

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