He was a workaholic political copywriter writing clickbait fundraising emails for people he didn't agree with. Then a moment in Central Park changed everything. Josh Banfield, the creator behind Josh the Ronnie Stan, shares how he vision boarded his way out of politics and into the queer digital space within a year.

Josh is a pop culture savant and the unofficial historian of Bravo. In late 2023, a year and ten months into his job, he realized he wanted out. He left politics full time and became his own boss. Along the way, he found the Bravo tagline that sums up his life, and it comes from either Carole Radziwill's "politics of friendship" or Lisa Vanderpump's "throw me to the wolves and I shall return leading the pack." Listen to find out which one fits. We learn…

• His real-life Bravo run-ins, including a bad Jill Zarin meeting at BravoCon 2022 and the time he yelled "be nice to Bronwyn" at Heather Gay, then diplomatically told her he'd read her book
• His takes on the new Vanderpump Rules cast, Teresa Giudice, Lisa Barlow, smart vs dumb housewives, Margaret, and Heather Dubrow
• Why the Sur watch parties felt sad, even though he liked the cast as people
• His Ultimate Girls Trip ideas, including a couples-therapy getaway for former housewife friends who had falling outs (Kyle Richards and Lisa Vanderpump, Candiace and Monique, Monica Garcia with an OG Salt Lake woman), plus a non-housewives trip and a one-season wonders trip
• Then comes a round of This or That, Josh's Bravo and Beyond edition. RHONY classic or reboot? Bluestone Manor or Villa Rosa? Beach house or rooftop bar? Chest or butt? Some of the answers are about Bravo. Others are much more personal.
• Josh doesn't plan to start a podcast. He wants to write books and TV shows. He also wants to get in a "housewives fight" with other creators, reads every comment, and hopes to be remembered for his heart, though he admits he's "bitchy and wholesome at the same time."
• Perfect for Bravo obsessives, anyone eyeing a career leap, and fans who want to hear how a lifelong love of pop culture became a job. You can find Josh on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook as Josh the Ronnie Stan, and on TikTok for vlog-style content as Josh's Inner Monologue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Josh Banfield and his background

02:25 The light bulb moment: from political copywriter to TikTok star

05:19 Authenticity and returning to pop culture roots

06:16 Goals and future plans in content creation

07:41 Memorable interactions with Bravo cast members

11:04 Thoughts on the new Vanderpump Rules cast

13:06 Ideas for a Bravo-inspired reality show

16:29 The chaos of TV and creator culture

20:59 Quick fire Bravo and pop culture questions

27:16 Balancing wit and heart in content and personality

Bravo, Bravo podcast, Josh Banfield, Josh the Ronnie Stan, pop culture, Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, BravoCon, queer creators, career change

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

He was in millions of living rooms for eight years as Jonathan Bauer on Who's the Boss. Now Danny Pintauro is auditioning in a industry that doesn't know what to do with someone this open. Hosts Jon and Bryan sit down with him for a warm, funny, and honest conversation.

When the National Inquirer outed Danny in 1997 while he was at Stanford, it took the moment out of his hands. He shares how he took the wheel back: the letters from people who say his coming out kept them alive, the family and friends he had already told, and the parents who worried most about his career. He also reveals where the harshest criticism came from, and it wasn't who you'd expect. We learn…

• Why Rocky Horror Picture Show was his secret signal into the queer world
• What happened when he went public about HIV, including an article titled "What to Do with the Problem of Danny Pintaro"
• Why he believes gay people can be so hard on each other in public
• The reality of acting at 50 who looks younger: one acting job in four years and 56-plus auditions, and the small win that came with feedback
• The little joys that carry him and his husband through busy schedules and rising costs
• Then it's a round of "This or That," Danny's the Boss edition. Hear him pick a side on 80s sitcoms, scruff, chest or butt, speedo or board shorts, handcrafted miniatures or vintage, and why he'd rather be the umpire than pitch or catch. He also shares a candid take on Heated Rivalry and casting straight actors in gay roles.
• Out Loud and Laughing: Chosen Family is hosted by Jon and Bryan, who bring plenty of laughs and shared nostalgia for growing up queer in the 80s and 90s.
• Essential listening if you grew up watching Danny, if you are tired of hiding parts of yourself, or if you need a reminder that perseverance is the whole game.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniel Pintauro's Life and Career

01:59 Growing Up in Hollywood and Early Influences

03:57 Experiences of Outing and Public Scrutiny

05:58 The Power of Community Support and Letters of Hope

07:59 Challenges of Acting at 50 and Staying Relevant

10:00 Living with Intention and Embracing Authenticity

12:03 Balancing Personal Life, Advocacy, and Career

13:55 Humor, Joy, and Simple Pleasures in Life

16:01 The Importance of Perseverance and Self-Compassion

18:09 Fun Rapid-Fire Questions: This or That

19:59 Final Thoughts and Words of Inspiration

Danny Pintauro, Who's the Boss, Jonathan Bauer, queer podcast, coming out, HIV advocacy, Hollywood actor, 80s nostalgia, LGBTQ interview, chosen family

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1:

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Comedian and actor Arden Myrin joins us for a funny, candid conversation about finding success without shrinking who you are. After decades in comedy, Arden shares what it felt like to see herself on a Times Square billboard—and why staying true to her quirky, authentic self helped her get there.Arden takes us behind the scenes of Christmas at the Kringles, the horror-comedy she made with Tom Lennon, including the improvisation and on-set moments that had the cast laughing.

Learn more at https://www.kringlesmovie.com/ and purchase tickets today!

She also talks about her work on Mad TV and Chelsea Lately, her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the time she and Lance Bass tried to get on The Amazing Race as Team Razzle Dazzle.The conversation turns personal as Arden reflects on growing up feeling different, embracing the parts of herself she once tried to hide, and finding belonging through chosen family. It’s a joyful reminder that the qualities we think make us “too much” can be exactly what makes us memorable.If you love comedy, entertainment stories, reality TV, and conversations about authenticity and belonging, this episode is for you.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Arden Myrin’s career milestones and Times Square billboard

05:04 Protecting your magic in a business that wants you to fit in

09:41 The Amazing Race plan with Lance Bass

13:11 Making Christmas at the Kringles with Tom Lennon

16:47 On-set improvisation, Rachel Bilson, and holiday chaos

19:35 RuPaul’s Drag Race and being embraced by queer fans

21:24 Feeling different, showing up authentically, and chosen family

24:14 Christmas songs, reality-TV loyalties, and playful hot-seat questions

30:49 Looking ahead with pride, resilience, and hope

32:11 The 18-day, low-budget making of Christmas at the Kringles

Arden Myrin, Arden Myrin interview, Episode 180 Arden Myrin, comedian interview, actress interview, Christmas at the Kringles, Christmas horror comedy, Tom Lennon, Mad TV, Chelsea Lately, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Amazing Race, Lance Bass, comedy podcast, LGBTQ+ podcast, chosen family, being authentic, Hollywood career, behind the scenes comedy

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Broadway performer and The Gilded Age actor Claybourne Elder joins Out Loud and Laughing for a warm, candid conversation about queer artistry, creative independence, and the stories we choose to tell.Claybourne shares the inspiration behind his solo album, If the Stars Were Mine—a personal project shaped by the lullaby he sings to his son. He talks about reimagining classic songs through a gay jazz lens, producing the album himself, and learning to trust his creative instincts when support fell through.

The conversation also explores his role as John Adams in The Gilded Age and why he wanted to move beyond familiar stereotypes of queer characters. Claybourne discusses his acting process, his love of playing villains, his Broadway work, and how he encourages people to take practical steps to support the causes they believe in.Expect heartfelt stories, theater talk, laughs, and a reminder that the legacy that matters most may be the way we show up for the people we love.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clay Elder and his career

02:38 Clay's pivotal moment from violin to acting

04:27 Growing up in Utah and early influences

06:16 Creating 'If the Stars Were Mine' and its themes

08:11 Overcoming self-doubt in the creative process

11:18 The grassroots journey of producing his album

14:25 Portrayal of LGBTQ characters in historical context

15:42 The importance of character development and imagination

20:02 Standing up for community and social issues

22:01 Fun rapid-fire: Broadway, music, and personal preferences

27:35 Reflections on legacy: voice vs. heart

Claybourne Elder, Claybourne Elder interview, Claybourne Elder podcast, Out Loud and Laughing, The Gilded Age actor, John Adams The Gilded Age, Broadway actor interview, Little Shop of Horrors Broadway, If the Stars Were Mine album, gay jazz album, LGBTQ+ representation in television, queer actors, queer storytelling, Broadway and television, creative independence, producing a solo album, actor creative process, global human rights advocacy

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Pumpkin spice at the wrong time, giga yachts, Ozempic, and Christmas trees in October - this one is pure chaotic gay energy in the best possible way. Ben McDonnell joins Bryan and Jon for a brutally funny catch-up that starts with The Traitors and somehow ends with elite-level holiday planning, reality TV fantasies, and a conversation about what we’re actually putting in our bodies.

Ben, who’s currently on The Traitors, opens up about life as a faithful, what he’d do on the show, and why he’s absolutely here for strategy, drama, and the wardrobe. The trio also gets candid about GLP-1 shots, body image, trainer culture, and the very gay math of time vs. money when it comes to fitness.

You'll also hear about Ben’s summer on a “giga yacht” with a helicopter, Bryan and Jon’s 10-year anniversary in Spain, their glamorous villa in the hills of Barcelona, and the not-so-glamorous reality of keeping kids believing in Santa. Along the way, they get into fake meat, chicken trauma, reality competition shows, and why Vanna White may have the easiest job in America.

This episode is equal parts hilarious, unfiltered, and weirdly wholesome. If you love pop culture, queer banter, reality TV, and conversations that bounce from nonsense to sincerity without warning, this is your sign to hit play.

Ben McDonnell is the host of It's Been a Week and a contestant on The Traitors, known for his sharp humor and effortlessly chaotic energy.

Bryan and Jon are the hosts of Out Loud and Laughing, bringing the quick wit, relationship banter, and community-centered perspective that makes this episode feel like catching up with your funniest friends.Perfect for listeners who love messy group chat energy, gay pop culture commentary, and the kind of episode that makes a Friday feel like a vacation.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:18 Ben's Reality TV Experience and Show Involvement

02:39 Favorite Shows and Watching Strategies

04:00 Ozempic and Weight Loss Stories

05:12 Medical Trends and Body Image

06:55 Farm Life and Ethical Eating

09:01 Travel Adventures in Greece and Europe

12:40 Summer Vacation and Greek Islands

14:59 Luxury Yacht Experiences and Family Connections

16:58 Wedding Anniversary and Celebrations

22:01 Upcoming Projects and Industry Events

23:30 Voting for Podcast Competition and Community Engagement

25:00 Holiday Preparations and Family Traditions

28:01 Elf on the Shelf and Holiday Magic

29:58 Favorite Game Shows and Celebrity Hosts

33:00 Legacy Hosts and TV Careers

36:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Out Loud and Laughing, Ben McDonnell, The Traitors, The Traitors contestant, LGBTQ podcast, gay podcast, queer pop culture, LGBTQ conversation, reality TV, reality competition shows, celebrity podcast interview, gay friends podcast, Ozempic conversation, GLP-1 weight loss, body image, fitness culture, giga yacht, luxury yacht vacation, Greece and Italy travel, Spain anniversary trip, holiday traditions, Elf on the Shelf, pumpkin spice season, funny podcast conversation

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Hollywood producer Dan Jinks joins us to share how he built an Oscar-winning career by championing original stories—and why he never saw being gay as a limitation in an industry full of gatekeepers.From a theater-obsessed kid dreaming of show business to producing films that made a lasting cultural impact, Dan reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his creative instincts. He takes us behind the scenes of Milk, including the challenges of getting the film made, why Sean Penn was pivotal to the project, and how the cast came together.Dan also shares a memorable moment from the set of American Beauty, what he looks for in a script today, and why originality and characters that move him still matter. We talk about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ stories in Hollywood, the audience response to Heated Rivalry, and the movie musical Dan still hopes to bring to life.Plus, Dan joins us for a playful round of “This or That: The Producer’s Cut.”

In this episode:

• Dan’s path from theater kid to Oscar-winning producer
• The story behind making Milk
• LGBTQ+ visibility and belonging in Hollywood
• What makes a script stand out
• A behind-the-scenes moment from American Beauty
• Dan’s dream of producing a big-screen musical

If you love filmmaking, queer representation, and the stories behind iconic movies, this conversation is for you. Dan also recommends checking out Down with Love.

Dan Jinks Instagram: @danjinks

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dan Jinks and his career

01:55 Dan's early passion for theater and show business

03:51 Hiding and discovering his sexuality through acting

05:37 Making Milk and the challenges of bringing LGBTQ+ stories to the screen

09:00 Navigating Hollywood as an out gay producer

11:10 Representation and casting in Hollywood

13:57 The artistry behind American Beauty and memorable scenes

16:59 What drives Dan to choose projects

19:03 Obstacles for LGBTQ+ stories in mainstream cinema

22:09 Future projects and the desire for original storytelling

23:30 Fun rapid-fire questions: preferences and personal insights

28:04 Closing thoughts and where to follow Dan Jinks

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

What does it take to build a life, a relationship, and a creative empire together? On and Dave join us for a candid conversation about queer love, entrepreneurship, and staying unapologetically themselves.The couple shares how they balance working and living together, what they’ve learned from building their apparel brand, and why patience matters when growing a business. They also talk about turning real-life experiences into music, their podcast Boys Bear Talk, and the story of how they first met.In this episode, we get into:

• How On and Dave keep their relationship strong while collaborating on multiple projects
• The evolution of their apparel brand and the customer feedback shaping its designs
• Why building a business takes patience, persistence, and confidence
• How Dave’s songwriting helps On bring personal, lived experiences to his music
• The conversations about queer masculinity, body image, and relationships behind Boys Bear Talk
• Why they hope to be remembered first for their love story

From business lessons to playful “This or That” questions, On and Dave bring honesty, humor, and plenty of chemistry to the conversation.

Boys Bare Talk: https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5aN0YxdTxz0ySjbUj5LV

David Mekahel Instagram: @davemekahel

On Mekahel Instagram:@iamonmekahel

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to On and Dave's Creative Partnership

01:11 Getting Personal: Off-Clock Life and Routines

03:11 On Growing Up Independent and Building Grit

04:30 The Secret to Working Together and Maintaining Love

05:42 Launching Mounderware and Evolving the Brand

08:12 Surprising Discoveries in Apparel Design

11:14 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Podcasting

15:21 How They Met and Their Love Story

17:44 Overcoming Boundaries as Queer Entrepreneurs

22:25 Future Plans: Fashion Shoots and Brand Vision

23:21 Legacy: Love Story or Empire?

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Jake Graf had to write his own role in life—and then turned that same determination into films, activism, and a family story the world rarely gets to see. From growing up under Section 28 in Britain to becoming a trans filmmaker, actor, and advocate, this conversation explores visibility, survival, and the courage to live authentically.

Jake joins Bryan and Jon Ruiz to talk about knowing he was a boy from an early age, searching for representation, and finding hope after meeting another trans man. He reflects on transitioning at 28, building a life and family with his wife Hannah, and why it’s never too late to start living as yourself.

Jake also shares how he made his short film XY on a tiny budget—and how hearing from trans viewers around the world showed him the power of seeing yourself represented on screen. He discusses acting in Colette alongside Keira Knightley, the ongoing need for trans male representation in film and television, and what fatherhood has taught him.The conversation balances difficult realities with joy, honesty, and laughter, including a quickfire round to close.

Jake Graf is a British director, actor, and activist. Find him on YouTube at youtube.com/user/Jakerson55 and on Instagram at @jake_graf5

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest overview

01:02 Jake's childhood in London and early signs of creativity

02:06 Growing up under Section 28 and its effects on LGBTQ+ youth

03:04 Jake's realization of being a boy and early self-expression

04:57 Reflecting on the last decade: joy, love, and challenges

07:52 The rise and regression of trans visibility in media

08:39 Advice for trans people starting their journey later in life

13:14 Creating the short film XY and its significance

19:10 Authentic trans representation in film: working on Colette

23:30 The current state of trans representation in media

23:53 Parenthood and lessons learned from raising children

31:49 Finding joy in quiet victories and hope for the future

Jake Graf, Jake Graf interview, trans visibility, transgender representation, trans filmmaker, trans director, queer cinema, LGBTQ stories, LGBTQ podcast, queer family, trans fatherhood, trans activism, trans stories, XY short film, Colette film, chosen family, Out Loud and Laughing, LGBTQ representation

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9