Authentic Resilience with Beau Gostomsky

Political Pandering, Queer Safe Spaces, and Body-Positive Comedy with Brittany Tilander (@BTfromKC)

In this episode of Unboxed with Wes & Ace, we are joined by Kansas City’s own comedian, producer, and digital creator, Brittany Tilander (widely known as @BTfromKC). True to the Unboxed mission, this conversation starts with accountability and dives straight into the heavy-hitting issues affecting our local LGBTQ+ community before shifting into comedy, culture, and bedroom boundaries. We kick off the episode with a critical, no-holds-barred look at the political landscape in Kansas City. The trio analyzes Mayor Quinton Lucas's record on LGBTQ+ issues, specifically unpacking the implications of a city council vote to repeal a conversion therapy ban. Brittany helps us break down the frustration of political pandering and what happens when elected leaders cater to centrist voters at the direct expense of their most marginalized constituents. From there, we address left-leaning political accountability, shine a light on the grassroots KC community organizations doing the actual heavy lifting, and confront systemic local issues—including the chronic lack of queer safe spaces and the impact of food deserts on Kansas City's east side. Then, we transition the energy into a space of joy, art, and entertainment. Brittany shares her comedy origins in Madison, Wisconsin, and the inspiration behind creating her body-positive burlesque and comedy showcase, Body Language. We also indulge in a bit of pop-culture obsession, breaking down our favorite reality TV shows, including The Traitors, Survivor, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. To wrap up, we get into the deeply personal and unfiltered territory Unboxed is famous for. Brittany opens up about navigating pansexuality and the communication required in open relationships, leading into a raw conversation about the queer switch community, the realities of Fist Fest, and how to book Brittany for your next event. It is a beautiful mix of Kansas City advocacy, deep laughs, and zero shame. Connect with Brittany: Instagram: @BTfromKC Support the Relaunch: Head over to unboxedkc.org to learn more about the pod, catch up on past episodes, or find out how you can get involved in our growing community.

Ropes, Rules, and Raw Conversations: Navigating Bondage, Consent, and Hookup Safety with Travis @ropes_whatknots

In this episode of Unboxed with Wes & Ace, we sit down with a longtime friend and a member of the kink community, Travis (known to many as @ropes_whatknots). This conversation embodies our mission: creating a safe, unfiltered space to discuss the "taboo" topics that society often brushes under the rug. We kick things off with a candid (and often hilarious) debate on the ambiguity of sexual boundaries—specifically navigating "Lent rules" and the gray areas of edging, pre-cum, and partner assistance. From there, the conversation shifts into the practical and often overlooked world of hookup culture safety. We discuss the logistics of using motels to avoid awkward lobbies, the speed of encounters on apps like Scruff and Grindr, and the critical importance of vetting partners in a landscape where substance use and misrepresentation are real risks. Travis opens up about his professional and personal journey within the bondage community. From launching a dedicated bondage site to his transition to OnlyFans, Travis explains the appeal of ropes and the power of control. Central to his work is a commitment to body inclusivity, challenging the narrow aesthetic standards often seen in the kink world. The episode takes a serious turn as we discuss the weight of consent. Travis shares personal experiences with consent violations within the bondage community, his time in the military, and during travel-based sessions. We explore how he and his husband, Blane, navigate the complexities of their relationship with honesty and clear communication. Finally, we zoom out to the "big picture." The trio reflects on the current state of human justice and on a political climate that often feels as if society is regressing. It’s 100% raw, 100% Unboxed. Connect with Travis: Instagram: @ropes_whatknots Support the Relaunch: Visit unboxedkc.org to learn more about our mission, shop with our community partners, or find out how you can be a guest on a future episode.

Authentic Resilience with Beau Gostomsky

In this episode, we sit down with Beau Gostomsky to celebrate a journey of personal courage. Beau takes us through his path of self-discovery, proving that taking the leap to be yourself is always worth the risk. In this episode, we discuss: * Midwest Pride & Coming Out: Why a supportive environment doesn't always make taking the leap any less daunting. * Overcoming Fear: Navigating the very real threat of being disowned and finding the strength to push forward anyway. * The Power of Persistence: How finishing a nursing degree became a symbol of survival and ultimate self-acceptance. Whether you are navigating your own coming-out journey or just need a reminder of human resilience, Beau’s story is a testament to the power of living authentically.

Colton Dowling Unboxed

After a two-year hiatus, Wes and Ace are back to unbox the taboo, the stigmatized, and the hilariously raw. Joining them for this reunion is comedian and podcaster Colton Dowling for an unfiltered deep dive into the stories we usually keep hidden. From the evolution of the Unboxed mission to a candid exploration of the fisting community and sexual health, no topic is off-limits. The trio balances humor with heavy-hitting vulnerability as they discuss navigating grief, the dissolution of creative partnerships, and the complex boundaries of open relationships. Whether it’s reclaiming mental health or discussing the logistics of kink, this episode is a reminder that every story is valid when told without shame.

Phyllis Hardwick with Show Me Change and Ellie Grace with the "=VOTE" project S1 Ep3

Join Wes and Ace as they discuss ways to be an informed voter with special guests Phyllis Hardwick with Show Me Change and Ellie Grace with the "=VOTE" project, part of The Voter Network. Show Me Change is focused on electing Democrats up & down on the Missouri ballot. The Voter Network is a nonpartisan organization focused on creating stronger communities in Kansas through voter education and engagement. https://thevoternetwork.org/ [https://thevoternetwork.org/]