Peter Leahy | A Chance, and It Worked: The Journey to Authentic Happiness

David Anderson | Faith, Family, and Finally Choosing Himself

After spending more than three decades trying to suppress his sexuality, David Anderson reached a point where he could no longer ignore who he truly was. Raised in a conservative Southern Baptist environment, he prayed for years that being gay would simply disappear while building what appeared to be the perfect life—a 35-year marriage, four children, ministry, and a successful career.   In this deeply honest conversation, David shares the emotional cost of living behind a mask, the difficult decision to come out at 57, navigating a collaborative divorce, rebuilding relationships with his children, and discovering unexpected joy after embracing his authentic self. He also reflects on faith, family, finding love with his husband Peter, and why authenticity transformed every area of his life.   This episode is a powerful reminder that while coming out later in life is never easy, it’s never too late to live honestly—and to find happiness you never thought possible. Takeaways 1. Authenticity is worth the risk. After decades of trying to suppress who he was through faith, counseling, and sheer determination, David discovered that the freedom of living authentically transformed every area of his life—not just his relationships, but his confidence, career, and sense of self.  2. Coming out later in life affects the whole family—but healing is possible. David speaks candidly about navigating a collaborative divorce, supporting his former wife through the transition, rebuilding relationships with his children, and recognizing that everyone’s journey toward acceptance unfolds on its own timeline.  3. Fear is often bigger than reality. For years, David believed coming out would destroy everything he loved. While the journey wasn’t easy, he ultimately found deeper relationships, unexpected support, and a level of joy he never imagined possible. As he reflects, “All the fears… were not nearly as big as you thought.”  Sound Bites “I prayed harder to not be gay than I’ve ever prayed for anything else.” “I spent years making myself smaller and smaller… until I became just a shadow of me.” “The biggest thing I gained after coming out? Me.” “All the fears were real—but they were never as big as I thought.” “I thought I was committed to marriage. Today, I’m committed to Peter.” “Everything got better. Everything." “What people loved was the person I was pretending to be.” “I didn’t choose to be gay. I chose to be myself.” “I couldn’t keep that box on the shelf anymore.” “I almost feel guilty about how happy I am.” “You’re okay. You don’t have to apologize for who you are.” Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com   YouTube Edition: https://youtu.be/loV6nfT9xYs [https://youtu.be/loV6nfT9xYs]   YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg   Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton:  https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com   Contact me:  mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com]  https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com  [https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com] https://linktr.ee/davidacotton [https://linktr.ee/davidacotton] © 2026 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Peter Leahy | A Chance, and It Worked: The Journey to Authentic Happiness

In this episode of Out Late With David, David sits down with author Peter Leahy to discuss his remarkable journey of coming out at age 44 after 20 years of marriage, raising two children, and living a life that looked successful on the outside but felt deeply unfulfilled within. Peter shares how years of self-loathing, fear, and hiding his true identity gave way to courage, community, and ultimately authentic happiness. From finding support through Gay Fathers of Atlanta, navigating family relationships, and building a new life, to meeting his husband and relocating to Palm Springs, Peter reflects on the risks and rewards of embracing his true self. He also shares the powerful letter he wrote to his former closeted self—a moving reminder that sometimes the bravest decision is simply taking the first step toward the life you deserve. This conversation is about far more than sexuality; it’s about hope, reinvention, self-acceptance, and the truth that it’s never too late to become the person you were meant to be.   Guest: Peter Leahy, author of Glowing Up Gay.   Sound Bites   * “Peter, you took a chance and it worked. And I’m really proud that you did it. More than that, I’m grateful that you made our life a lot better.”   * “I was lying every single day—to other people, to people I loved, and most importantly, to myself.”   * “When I was in the closet, I wasn’t necessarily unhappy. But compared to the way I live now, I was a mile away from happiness.”   * “When you’re in the closet that long, you think you’re different. You think you’re damaged goods.”   * Peter to himself: “I love who you are now. I think you’ll love yourself even more when you come out.”   Peter's Book: Glowing Up Gay https://a.co/d/0a25qOu1 [https://a.co/d/0a25qOu1]   Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:  https://youtu.be/iuZLcVfFkCs [https://youtu.be/iuZLcVfFkCs]   YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg]   Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton:  https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.davidcottoncoaching.com/]   Contact me:  mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazY4U004NGpVT3Q1SGVhYmxZSUs2a0txdFRHUXxBQ3Jtc0ttOE51VU9CeXRxY3htejdQTHpPbWFYdGkyd2o1dklsZUxYTnhtWUd1T010T2RWSU1famo4a0ctdjdyZldYWUtZcTNRemMzT1hrd2t4OWdyRURBRmxGTlA1ZmNzVXl3Sjd2LVZRUnQ0dGhMNGdoenp3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.DavidCottonCoaching.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmhiSjNUUkxqbDFNcW80RHNWV1REeF9HdHlyUXxBQ3Jtc0tuRUFmdFhxMmV2Q2tfeThyQmxlLWJQVHdnelFoY3V4TXpXUS15SFFVRG9QRVdsank0enlNOUwzazB2dnh4TDBHTnUwaHM0X3ZoUXMtM3NIOEprektlUzRuUHBkUU1KZUNLQWtRcXVSODJqU2tkc1RBTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.OutLateWithDavid.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] https://linktr.ee/davidacotton [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFE5UmRKZHUzM0tsQ0djUW9kVk9RNkFtYWJzUXxBQ3Jtc0tramo3ZnNjSE9raEhvN01pS0xhU0VlZ2l0RnhCNE1yZlo4azJsR1h5aGNJSDllQ0lYUXRFMHpSYVVHM1RzdTlZTnlvcFZ5Q0NZb3RuNkQ3eFVGa01yWHNmaU9aQTJKN0drbjBrTWpqdGJJQkJ1WkRJQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fdavidacotton&v=HNGYxa-fGt8]   © 2026 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

David Willett: Outed and Coming Out After 30 Years of Marriage

What happens when the life you built no longer reflects who you truly are?   In this episode of Out Late With David, host David Cotton speaks with David Willett, who spent more than three decades living what appeared to be a traditional life — married, raising three children, and building a successful corporate career.    n 2009, everything changed when he was publicly outed.   David shares the emotional journey that followed — from fear and uncertainty to finding support through Gay Fathers of Greater Boston, a group that helps men navigating coming out later in life.   Through therapy, community, and self-reflection, David began to rediscover himself and ultimately found love again. Today he lives openly with his husband in Palm Springs and reflects on the unexpected gift that came from his journey: learning how to love himself.   In this episode we discuss:   * Growing up in a small rural town with no LGBTQ visibility * The pressure to live up to family and religious expectations * Marriage, fatherhood, and internal conflict * Being publicly outed by his son * Navigating difficult family conversations * The life-changing role of support groups * Rediscovering identity and emotional expression * Building a new chapter of life in Palm Springs   Key Takeaway   Finding people who understand your experience can change everything. Support groups, therapy, and community can help transform fear into self-acceptance and open the door to a more authentic life.   Memorable Quote   “The self-love piece was the gift I didn’t expect when I came out.” — David Willett Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:    https://youtu.be/epn-ecZd6j0  [https://youtu.be/epn-ecZd6j0] YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg]   Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton:  https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.davidcottoncoaching.com/]   Contact me:  * mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com * https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazY4U004NGpVT3Q1SGVhYmxZSUs2a0txdFRHUXxBQ3Jtc0ttOE51VU9CeXRxY3htejdQTHpPbWFYdGkyd2o1dklsZUxYTnhtWUd1T010T2RWSU1famo4a0ctdjdyZldYWUtZcTNRemMzT1hrd2t4OWdyRURBRmxGTlA1ZmNzVXl3Sjd2LVZRUnQ0dGhMNGdoenp3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.DavidCottonCoaching.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] * https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmhiSjNUUkxqbDFNcW80RHNWV1REeF9HdHlyUXxBQ3Jtc0tuRUFmdFhxMmV2Q2tfeThyQmxlLWJQVHdnelFoY3V4TXpXUS15SFFVRG9QRVdsank0enlNOUwzazB2dnh4TDBHTnUwaHM0X3ZoUXMtM3NIOEprektlUzRuUHBkUU1KZUNLQWtRcXVSODJqU2tkc1RBTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.OutLateWithDavid.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] * https://linktr.ee/davidacotton [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFE5UmRKZHUzM0tsQ0djUW9kVk9RNkFtYWJzUXxBQ3Jtc0tramo3ZnNjSE9raEhvN01pS0xhU0VlZ2l0RnhCNE1yZlo4azJsR1h5aGNJSDllQ0lYUXRFMHpSYVVHM1RzdTlZTnlvcFZ5Q0NZb3RuNkQ3eFVGa01yWHNmaU9aQTJKN0drbjBrTWpqdGJJQkJ1WkRJQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fdavidacotton&v=HNGYxa-fGt8]   © 2026 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

David Cotton: It’s Never Too Late. My Coming Out Story on The Better Man Podcast

In this special crossover episode of Out Late With David [https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com], David shares his personal coming out story as a guest on The Better Man Podcast [https://manflowyoga.com/podcast/]with Dean Pohlman, founder of ManFlow Yoga. Together, they explore what it means to choose authenticity later in life, the courage required to rewrite your story, and why it is never too late to live more honestly. If you’ve ever questioned parts of your identity, faced a major life transition, or wondered whether change is still possible, this conversation offers reflection, insight, and hope. The Better Man Podcast: https://manflowyoga.com/podcast/ [https://manflowyoga.com/podcast/] Man Flow Yoga: https://manflowyoga.com/ [https://manflowyoga.com/] Takeaways   * It’s never actually “too late” to come out or live authentically. * Authenticity often requires courageous change. * Many people carry questions about their identity for years before acting on them. * You don’t have to “come out” to everyone — you can simply let people into your life. * Cultural and subconscious homophobia can delay self-acceptance. * Coming out impacts more than just the person doing it. * Accepting yourself changes how you show up in the world. * Personal growth requires effort and discomfort — much like physical training. Sound Bites   * “Coming out later in life isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about finally allowing yourself to be who you’ve always been.” * “Authenticity may disrupt your life for a while, but living a lie disrupts your life forever.” * “It’s not about coming out to the world — it’s about letting people into your real life.” Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:   https://youtu.be/o96tgoKn1QU  [https://youtu.be/o96tgoKn1QU] YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg]   Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton:  https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.davidcottoncoaching.com/]   Contact me:  mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com David Cotton Coaching: https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazY4U004NGpVT3Q1SGVhYmxZSUs2a0txdFRHUXxBQ3Jtc0ttOE51VU9CeXRxY3htejdQTHpPbWFYdGkyd2o1dklsZUxYTnhtWUd1T010T2RWSU1famo4a0ctdjdyZldYWUtZcTNRemMzT1hrd2t4OWdyRURBRmxGTlA1ZmNzVXl3Sjd2LVZRUnQ0dGhMNGdoenp3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.DavidCottonCoaching.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] Out Late With David: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmhiSjNUUkxqbDFNcW80RHNWV1REeF9HdHlyUXxBQ3Jtc0tuRUFmdFhxMmV2Q2tfeThyQmxlLWJQVHdnelFoY3V4TXpXUS15SFFVRG9QRVdsank0enlNOUwzazB2dnh4TDBHTnUwaHM0X3ZoUXMtM3NIOEprektlUzRuUHBkUU1KZUNLQWtRcXVSODJqU2tkc1RBTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.OutLateWithDavid.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] My Links: https://linktr.ee/davidacotton [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFE5UmRKZHUzM0tsQ0djUW9kVk9RNkFtYWJzUXxBQ3Jtc0tramo3ZnNjSE9raEhvN01pS0xhU0VlZ2l0RnhCNE1yZlo4azJsR1h5aGNJSDllQ0lYUXRFMHpSYVVHM1RzdTlZTnlvcFZ5Q0NZb3RuNkQ3eFVGa01yWHNmaU9aQTJKN0drbjBrTWpqdGJJQkJ1WkRJQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fdavidacotton&v=HNGYxa-fGt8]   ©  2026 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Mark D’Agostino: I’m Not Starting Over, I’m Becoming

A retired Army officer and father comes out at 67, choosing authenticity, love, and a fuller life — as himself.   In this episode of Out Late With David, Mark D’Agostino, a retired U.S. Army officer and father of three, shares his powerful coming-out story at age 67. After a 43-year marriage and a military career shaped by duty and silence, Mark chose to stop surviving and start becoming. He reflects on family, love, reinvention, and the profound relief that came with finally living authentically — not starting over, but becoming fully himself. Takeaways   * It’s never too late to come out. * Living in alignment feels like a weight lifted. * Family acceptance often exceeds our fears. * Reinvention doesn’t mean erasing the past. * Choosing yourself expands your world, not shrinks it. Where to find Mark:  Join me on a culinary journey inspired by the flavors of Italy. In Nonnos Kitchen, roll up your sleeves and learn to make fresh pasta with confidence right in your own kitchen. This hands-on class ends with a four-course meal—appetizer, salad, pasta, and dessert—featuring the pasta you’ve created. Young chefs are welcome, so put down the screens and enjoy a fun evening of pasta-making. Find Mark on Instagram at @nonnos_kitchen01   Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:   https://youtu.be/6zibRI6n1TI [https://youtu.be/6zibRI6n1TI] YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg]   Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton:  https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.davidcottoncoaching.com/]   Contact me:  mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazY4U004NGpVT3Q1SGVhYmxZSUs2a0txdFRHUXxBQ3Jtc0ttOE51VU9CeXRxY3htejdQTHpPbWFYdGkyd2o1dklsZUxYTnhtWUd1T010T2RWSU1famo4a0ctdjdyZldYWUtZcTNRemMzT1hrd2t4OWdyRURBRmxGTlA1ZmNzVXl3Sjd2LVZRUnQ0dGhMNGdoenp3Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.DavidCottonCoaching.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmhiSjNUUkxqbDFNcW80RHNWV1REeF9HdHlyUXxBQ3Jtc0tuRUFmdFhxMmV2Q2tfeThyQmxlLWJQVHdnelFoY3V4TXpXUS15SFFVRG9QRVdsank0enlNOUwzazB2dnh4TDBHTnUwaHM0X3ZoUXMtM3NIOEprektlUzRuUHBkUU1KZUNLQWtRcXVSODJqU2tkc1RBTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.OutLateWithDavid.com%2F&v=HNGYxa-fGt8] https://linktr.ee/davidacotton [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFE5UmRKZHUzM0tsQ0djUW9kVk9RNkFtYWJzUXxBQ3Jtc0tramo3ZnNjSE9raEhvN01pS0xhU0VlZ2l0RnhCNE1yZlo4azJsR1h5aGNJSDllQ0lYUXRFMHpSYVVHM1RzdTlZTnlvcFZ5Q0NZb3RuNkQ3eFVGa01yWHNmaU9aQTJKN0drbjBrTWpqdGJJQkJ1WkRJQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fdavidacotton&v=HNGYxa-fGt8]   © 2026 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.