Episodes
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The USOPEN just wrapped up and we have the perfect recap with host of The Gay Sports Podcast Tony Hagen!
This hilarious and informative episode brings together the hosts of the two hottest queer sports podcasts as they unpack an incredible few weeks of tennis: Sinner sinned, Sabalenka flexed, the shirts were flying off, and the shorts were SHORTING.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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Founder of the United States Gay Sports Network Tyler Foerster joins us this week on Out of The Closet Sports. USGSN is a national database of LQBTQIA+ sports leagues and tournaments sorted by state.
Tyler is a ferocious competitor and it was his obsession with stats that led him to launch this valuable website. He walks us through his journey and accomplishments (he remembers every one) and talks a little trash along the way. Then it's GameTime and I try to guess the acronyms for all of the queer sports leagues.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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Missing episodes?
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This week Out of The Closet Sports we welcome award winning playwright and screenwriter Christopher Shinn to the show. Some of our first gay thoughts were inspired by the sports films of our youth and we look back on our favorites.
Also, Chris has a crush! It's Jared McCain and who could blame him. We take a break from drooling to examine the not so veiled homophobia he faces for his TikTok fame and penchant for painting his nails. And then this week on game time we cast the future gay sports films of our dreams.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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It's GAY CHRISTMAS IN JULY and Out of The Closet Sports has dropped another bonus episode under your tree. We venture out in the wild again, this time for the Wimbledon Men's Final presented on the The Lawn in NYC. Super special guest and First Gentleman of the podcast Jacob Yates (@jdytwister) is here! Along with our new Wimbledon Bestie Dani Feneridis ( @danifeneridis). Join us as we follow along with the match and serve up some spin on this sweltering hot episode of Out of The Closet Sports.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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Out of The Closet Sports welcomes Broadcasting and Media Relations Manager of the Fredericksburg Nationals, Eric Bach, to the show. Loyal listeners will remember we highlighted Eric's story in season 1 and now we've brought the sultry sounds of his play by play voice directly to you.
We dive into Eric's life before the New York Times profile and after. We get his professional opinion on the MLB season and what's to come. Eric is a proud Spartan (no one is perfect)and we have some healthy trash talk to round out our game time.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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In a first for Out Of The Closet Sports we move out of the studio and into Citi Field. It's Friday night of pride weekend in New York City and the New York Mets are hosting a Pride Night.
It's my first time attending and I have NO IDEA what to expect.
Complete with in game updates and interviews with members of Big Apple Softball, this episode is not to be missed.
We'll get back to our regular format next week but for now, enjoy the technological marvel that is Out Of The Closet Sports from Citi Field.
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Out of The Closet Sports: Season 2 explodes out of the gate with a real live olympian! We are honored to welcome Anastacia Bucsis (@anastasure) on the podcast to make our little gay sports dreams come true.
This exclusive interview is not to be missed. From crying closeted tears after qualifying for her first Olympics, to taking part in the groundbreaking documentary "To Russia With Love" at her second in Sochi, Anastasia takes us step by step through her journey to becoming the absolute legend that she is today.
PLUS: Female Sports Bars are on popping up around the country, The NCAA Women's tournament marched in the madness.
And no episode is complete without our favorite segment, Gametime. This week we quiz Anastacia to help her prep for her next gig hosting the CBC's RBC Olympic Morning for the upcoming Paris Games.
Out of The Closet Sports is BACK and truly BETTER THAN EVER.
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It's our final episode of the wildly successful first season of Out of The Closet Sports. In the spirit of the holidays, we unwrap the gift that is Reed Campbell (@iamreedcampbell): Actor, Singer, Comedian, Sports Nerd, and Straight Ally.
Reed helps us wade through some massive signings and trades in the MLB. Money can buy you Shohei Ohtani, but can it buy you happiness? Is Juan Soto the difference maker that the Yankees?
Then, Is it business as usual for Alabama in the CFP or does Michigan finally have a chance?
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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Josh Tolle, RN ( @josh.tolle ) is our guest this week on Out of The Closet Sports. Long before he was a Registered Nurse and a Broadway Star living his Britney Spears' musical dream, Josh was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Don't worry folks, he still owns a terrible towel.
Luke Prokop is out and proud and under a contract with an NHL team. Sean Avery is still an ally years after he came out publicly in favor of marriage equality. Is the NHL the gayest male pro league in the USA? Who better to discuss it than a Nurse and someone who played a patient on "Royal Pains"?
This week on Gametime we use more bleeps(whistles) in one segment than we've used in an entire season.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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This week on Out of The Closet Sports we planned to take a week off. . . BUT THEN THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BEAT OHIO STATE FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR. And what was this gay sports fan to do?!? I had to come and share my joy with all of you.
After my elation subsided I came crashing back to earth where I discovered that the NBA was hosting an in-season tournament . . . for no reason at all.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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"A Sporty Queen Who Likes to Rough House" Sam Rohloff (@samrohloff4) is our guest on our first Jockstraps Only episode of Out of The Closet Sports.
Sam is an accomplished actor/singer/dancer but it's his side hustle as a high school tennis coach that is our focus on this episode. We reflect on how our sexuality informed our choice in sports and the visibility of Sam's out and proud presence on the high school tennis circuit.
The Gay Games wrapped up last week and we celebrate these brave athletes whose participation is a political act in itself. From the Gay Games to GAMETIME where we ask "How Gay Is It?". . . .the answer: Sports are Gay.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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Broadway star Kimber Elayne Sprawl (@kimberelaynesprawl) joins us this week on Out of The Closet Sports. On the heels of Wicked's 20th Anniversary, Kimber discusses her groundbreaking performance as Wicked's first Black Nessarose.
Her Broadway resume is extensive but it's her love of Tennis that led to her first billboard! Kimber and Zach spent some of the early days of their friendship bonding on the tennis court. And now these two actors examine the relationship between acting and sport.
Then it's out to the woodshed with Margaret Court. And in Gametime, we test our knowledge of sports-themed Broadway shows.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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On this HISTORIC 7th Episode of Out Of The Closet Sports our special guest answers the unanswerable... "Why am I here?". We travel around the sports world to touch on stories that seem gay or at the very least gay adjacent. Speaking of gay adjacent, James Harden matches high drama with a perfectly coiffed beard. Maxx Crosby posts some soft-core on his socials. The San Diego Loyal is shutting down, does that mean the end for Collin Martin and out-gay males in professional American sports?
Our feature story this week is Dolly Parton bringing us gay Christmas in November. And she recently stepped out of her political closet to weigh in on the Tennessee anti-trans bills.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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On Episode 6 of Out of The Closet Sports, we are joined by author/illustrator/editor Jonah Newman(@jonahnewmancomics). His new book Out of Left Field arrives March 26 from Andrew McMeel Publishing and is available for preorder now! "A nerdy gay teenager jumps headfirst into the bro-y world of high school baseball in this semi-autobiographical LGBTQ+ graphic novel." We discuss Jonah's experience being gay in the sports world, our common interest in softball, and which of Jonah's many assets first drew me to him.
In the homophobic world of professional male sports in this country, Mark Canha is a beacon of inclusivity. And our focus this week is on two college baseball players whose on-field rivalry sparks an off-field romance.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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When Papa is away the Swifties will play! This week on Episode 5 of Out of The Closet Sports Papa Forge is on hiatus. Stepping in to help Zach out is actress, singer/songwriter, birth doula, vocal coach, and Cancer Melissa Rose Hirsch ( @melissarosehirsch ). The NFL has officially entered its Taylor Swift era and we needed a bonafide swiftie on board to hash it all out. From Gaylor to You Need To Calm Down, no gay stone is left unturned in this thoughtful, revealing, and hilarious discussion. Then in Gametime, we play an exciting round of Who Said It: Taylor Swift or a Kansas City Chief.
This episode also pays tribute to recently retired gay icon Megan Rapinoe AND offers up some resources on how you can get involved in a gay sports league near you.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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After a week off we are back to report on HOMOPHOBIA IN THE SUBURBS! It's Episode 4 of Out Of The Closet Sports and Papa Forge is on the receiving end of a not-so-micro aggression. No one is surprised when no one takes responsibility for a Flag Football email gone wrong. Luckily Zach is there to brighten the mood as he gives the play-by-play of his engagement.
There's so much to talk about this week so we try out our new segment: The Two Minute Drill. It's not two minutes and it's not a drill but we cover a lot of exciting topics and maybe even get a new sound effect.
Our main story of the week is the US Open celebrating 50 years of equal pay. We all owe a lot to Queen Billie Jean King. One of the founders of the WTA, Billie Jean blazed an unorthodox trail to becoming the first openly gay professional American athlete. As we celebrate this icon we uncover some hard truths about pay parity in sports.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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It's Episode 3 of Out of The Closet Sports! Zach is MVP of his softball team and Papa Forge is . . . not impressed. They find common ground as they explore how their experiences on the field today are informed by the homophobia they faced in their youth. It's trauma bonding at its finest and it's funniest.
Zach made the mistake of jumping into the comments section of ESPN's Instagram. While trying to understand the backlash against World Champion sprinter Noah Lyles, he discovers the homophobic underbelly of the NBA and some of it's biggest stars. Then, you'd think the Mike Piazza lounge at CitiField would be a safe space, but you are wrong.
Papa Forge educates Zach on the realities of fantasy sports. As with everything else, the gays have improved Fantasy Football. This conversation spills into GAMETIME where our hosts draft their fantasy football teams and lay out a new set of gay rules for the fantasy season!
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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Papa Forge and Zach Booth are back with another exciting installment of "Out Of The Closet Sports”. This episode Zach Booth goes deep . . . into the playoffs with his softball team. Our hosts dish on their experience sharing queer leagues with straight identifying players. It’s football season and Papa Forge is coaching their sons football team! How do they navigate the toxic masculinity that often permeates the sports world?
Kevin Maxen boldly came out of the closet and is the first male identifying openly gay coach in the NFL. The New York Times published a profile on openly gay MLB broadcaster Erich Bach. The headlines only last an instant but Papa Forge and Zach discuss the long journey to coming out and the long path forward.
And then its GAMETIME! This week in Rudy or Judy, Papa Forge tests Zach to see if he can identify which sports icons are allies and which are homophobes. No one is safe this week, not even Zach, as this hilarious game challenges us not to judge too harshly because change is always on the horizon.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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In this exciting episode of "Out of the Closet Sports," join Zach Booth and Papa Forge as we take you on a journey through our experiences playing gay softball in the Big Apple Sports League. We dive deep into the world of queer-friendly sports leagues, briefly touching on other sports like volleyball and dodgeball. Join us as we celebrate the power of sports to bring people together and create a sense of community.
We also delve into the increasing acceptance of gay athletes in professional sports and the involvement of major league teams in Pride Month. We're surprised and disappointed to discover that only 57% of Major League Baseball teams actively aligned themselves with the LGBTQ+ community on social media. We question why teams like Miami missed this opportunity for representation, especially considering the large gay community presence in Miami.
And that's not all! We discuss a wide range of topics, from survival skills to ranking NFL quarterbacks. We explore the perception and assumptions surrounding the sexuality of these athletes, offering our own ratings and commentary. We engage in lighthearted debates about the order and interchangeability of legendary quarterbacks like Peyton, Rogers, Brady, Marino, and Mahomes. It's a fun-filled discussion that blends humor and social commentary.
So, if you're ready for an entertaining and informative listening experience, join us on "Out of the Closet Sports." We promise to bring you engaging conversations, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on LGBTQ experiences in the world of sports. Don't miss out!
🦄 Subscribe to Out Of The Closet Sports for FREE and never miss an episode. (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Wherever you listen)
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