Out Late With David

Charlie Vollmar - From Outed to Reborn: Chef Charlie’s New Chapter

Summary In this powerful follow-up conversation, David talks with Chef Charlie Vollmar on his return to Out Late With David to share how his life has transformed since his first interview 18 months ago. Speaking from Palm Springs, Charlie updates listeners on his reinvention in San Miguel de Allende—rebuilding his life after being outed, creating a new chosen family, relaunching his culinary school, and deepening his work in cultural exchange and philanthropy. With his signature radical vulnerability, he reflects on personal growth, identity, male connection, creativity, and purpose, all while offering honest guidance for others navigating late-in-life coming out journeys. This uplifting episode highlights resilience, authenticity, and the joy of discovering life on the other side of trauma.  Keywords #ComingOutLater #GayMen #LGBTQStories #AuthenticLiving #ChosenFamily #ChefCharlieVollmar #SanMiguelDeAllende #PalmSpringsLGBTQ #CulinaryJourneys #GayExpatLife #Self-discovery #Authenticity Takeaways • Reinvention at any age is possible. • Authenticity transforms everything. • Mexico sparked Charlie’s creative and personal rebirth. • Chosen family brings deep healing and joy. • Radical vulnerability can save lives—your own and others’. • Letting go is often the first step to moving forward. • There is hope and purpose on the other side of trauma. • Male connection—emotional, social, spiritual—can be profoundly healing. Sound Bites 1.  “I didn’t just come out—I became someone I never knew I was allowed to be.” 2.  “Mexico didn’t just give me a new home. It gave me a new mind, a new heart, and a new life.” 3.  “Radical vulnerability wasn’t a choice—it was the door that saved me.” 4.  “At 60, I thought my story was over. It turns out it was only just beginning.” 5.  “I left with two carry-ons, a red backpack, a laptop, and a cup of coffee—and rebuilt everything from nothing.” 6.  “My chosen family filled a space in my heart I didn’t even know was empty.” 7.  “I wake up every day now with one thought: I can’t wait to see who I become today.” 8.  “Authenticity isn’t a destination—it changes every hour with the people you meet and the life you live.” 9.  “There is so much life waiting for us on the other side of trauma. Hold on. There’s always another side.” 10.  “Teaching isn’t my job—it’s my purpose. It’s the gift I get to give away every day.” The Classic Cocktail Anthony Bourdain Called The 'Perfect Mixed Drink': https://www.tastingtable.com/1360085/classic-cocktail-anthony-bourdain-perfect-drink-negroni/ [https://www.tastingtable.com/1360085/classic-cocktail-anthony-bourdain-perfect-drink-negroni/] Boeuf Bourguignon | The French Chef Season 7 | Julia Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uruT8FPpeKc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uruT8FPpeKc] Connecting with Chef Charlie Chef Charles Vollmar Epicurean Exchange Culinary Education Aparicio 25, #5, Zona Centro San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, México WhatsApp: +1 925-369-4181 Email: charlie@epicureanexchange.com Websites: Education: www.epicureanexchange.com [https://www.epicureanexchange.com] Travel: www.epexculinarytravel.com [https://www.epexculinarytravel.com] Blog: www.epicureanglobalexchange.com [https://www.epicureanglobalexchange.com] Social media: Facebook: * Charles Vollmar * Epicurean Exchange Culinary Travel Threads: @charlesvollmar Instagram: @charlesvollmar & @epexculinarytravel Bluesky: @carlitosv.bsky.social January Cover of GoNaked Magazine 😉 https://gonakedmagazine.com [https://gonakedmagazine.com] Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com]   YouTube Edition:  https://youtu.be/BISaHg0YRQs [https://youtu.be/BISaHg0YRQs]   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.DavidCottonCoaching.com] https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com  [https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com] https://linktr.ee/davidacotton [https://linktr.ee/davidacotton] © 2025 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.

Kevin O'Connor - out at 55 after two marriages

Summary   Kevin O'Connor shares his profound journey of self-discovery, coming out at 55 after two marriages and raising children. He reflects on his childhood experiences, the struggles of acceptance, and the complexities of navigating relationships. Through candid discussions, he reveals the challenges of living authentically and the joy of finding love with his husband after years of hiding his true self. Kevin emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity and the lessons learned throughout his life.   Keywords   coming out, LGBTQ, self-acceptance, relationships, marriage, personal journey, authenticity, love, family, memoir   Takeaways   * Kevin came out at 55 after two marriages. * He struggled with acceptance from a young age. * His childhood experiences shaped his understanding of identity. * Navigating relationships was complex due to his hidden sexuality. * He found love with his husband after years of self-discovery. * Kevin emphasizes the importance of authenticity in life. * He reflects on the challenges of being a gay educator. * His journey highlights the significance of family support. * Kevin's story serves as an inspiration for others in similar situations. * He believes in the power of sharing one's story to help others. Chapters   00:00 Kevin O'Connor's Journey of Self-Discovery 02:56 Navigating Early Life and Identity 05:34 College Experiences and Hidden Truths 08:02 Marriage and the Struggle with Identity 10:19 The Complexity of Relationships 11:29 Fatherhood and Compartmentalization 14:11 The Breaking Point of Authenticity 20:41 Embracing Authenticity: The Journey of Coming Out 24:11 Finding Love: The Role of Timing and Connection 29:40 Family Dynamics: Coming Out to Loved Ones 32:46 Reflections on Life: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 37:05 Closing   Book Recommendation:  Journey Out: Memoirs of men coming to grips with their orientation, by Gene Probasco * https://a.co/d/b2y78Bt [https://a.co/d/b2y78Bt] Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:  https://youtu.be/IYLGA_lLYGs [https://youtu.be/IYLGA_lLYGs]   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]   © 2025 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.

Bill Schroeder - Living Authentically at 60

Summary   In this episode of Out Late with David, Bill Schroeder shares his transformative journey of coming out as a gay man at the age of 60 after 37 years of marriage. He reflects on the feelings of fear and authenticity that led him to finally embrace his true self. Bill discusses the emotional challenges he faced, the reactions of his family, and the importance of self-discovery. He emphasizes that it's never too late to live authentically and offers advice for others who may be struggling with their identity.   Keywords   coming out, LGBTQ, authenticity, self-discovery, family dynamics, life coaching, personal growth, emotional journey, gay men, late life coming out   Takeaways   * Turning 60 was a pivotal moment for Bill. * He felt his life was fake before coming out. * Fear of losing family and friends kept him in the closet. * Bill's camping trip was a time for deep reflection. * His ex-wife's support was crucial for his journey. * Family reactions varied, with his daughter initially upset. * Bill's son took time to accept his father's new identity. * He found a sense of belonging in the LGBTQ community. * Authenticity has brought him peace and happiness. * Bill encourages others to take baby steps in their journey.  Sound Bites   "I wanted to feel more authentic." "I could have done this 10 years ago." "Fear kept me in the closet for years."   Chapters   00:00 A Turning Point at 60 12:40 The Journey of Coming Out 19:55 Authenticity and Self-Discovery 22:09 Advice for Others in the Closet   Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:  https://youtu.be/9TEPfX13JB8 [https://youtu.be/9TEPfX13JB8]   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]   © 2025 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.

Kami Hunley-Jackson - Faith, Family & Findings: The Complex Journey of Coming Out

Summary   In this conversation with David, LGBTQ+ ally and researcher Kami Hunley-Jackson, who shares her personal journey and research on the coming out process, particularly focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The former Latter Day Saint is the mother of two LGBTQ+ children and sister to her gay brother. She discusses the challenges faced by families, the impact of religion, and the importance of communication and support systems. Kami emphasizes the need for understanding and acceptance, both for those coming out and their loved ones, and highlights the mental health implications of the coming out journey. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of religious acceptance and the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue.   Keywords   coming out, LGBTQ+, acceptance, mental health, family support, religion, communication, research, personal stories, allyship   Takeaways   * Kami's personal experiences with her children and brother shaped her understanding of the coming out process. * The decision between religious beliefs and family acceptance can be a painful conflict for parents. * Supportive communities, like Mama Dragons, provide essential resources for families of LGBTQ+ individuals. * The theater community often offers a more accepting environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. * Kami's research revealed that non-religious individuals tend to communicate better during the coming out process. * Mental health issues, including suicidal ideation, were prevalent among the study participants. * Self-acceptance is a crucial step in the coming out journey, often requiring individuals to confront their identity. * The coming out process is deeply personal and should be respected as such by family members. * Creating a safe space for communication is vital for both the individual coming out and their loved ones. * Religious institutions are evolving, with some becoming more inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals. Sound Bites   * "I realized that I needed to search my own heart." * "The love of a mother over the situation." * "I acted differently this time around."   Audio Chapters   00:00 Understanding the Importance of Coming Out 02:36 Personal Journeys: Family and Acceptance 05:25 The Role of Religion in Coming Out 08:35 Research Insights: Communication and Relationships 11:13 Mental Health and the Coming Out Process 14:05 Support Systems and Resources 16:48 Advice for Families and Individuals 19:51 Looking Ahead: Future Research Directions   Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:   https://youtu.be/jCsPAB9C2aM [https://youtu.be/jCsPAB9C2aM]  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 David:  * 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]   © 2025 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.

Wendy Cole - "Gender is Between the Ears, and Not the Legs"

Summary   At age 67, Wendy Cole transitioned from male to female after a lifetime of hiding her true identity. In this candid conversation, Wendy shares the emotional cost of repression, her turning point in 2014, and how she found joy, health, and purpose by finally embracing who she is. Now a mentor and advocate, Wendy is helping others navigate their own gender journeys and working to humanize what it means to be transgender.   Keywords   transgender, coming out, identity, support, mental health, community, authenticity, transition, LGBTQ+, personal growth   Takeaways   * Wendy transitioned male to female at age 67. * She felt a lifelong sense of not belonging. * Gender identity is formed in the brain during the second trimester. * Wendy faced significant societal and familial pressure to conform. * She repressed her identity for decades due to fear and shame. * The DSM's classification of LGBTQ+ identities has evolved over time. * Wendy found support and community later in life. * She emphasizes the importance of living authentically. * Wendy's mission is to educate others about transgender experiences. * It's never too late to pursue one's true identity. Sound Bites   * "I was punished for breaking my glasses." * "I was taken to a psychiatrist." * "I was threatened with being committed." * "I couldn't take it anymore." * "I was doing this out of survival." * "I was pretty much on my own." * "I was going to do this for me." * "It's never too late to take charge." Audio Chapters   00:00  Wendy's Journey of Self-Discovery 11:58  The Struggles of Repression and Acceptance 22:15  Transitioning and Finding Community 32:29  Living Authentically and Educating Others   More About Wendy Cole:    * http://meetwendycole.com/ [http://meetwendycole.com/] * https://wendycolegtm.net/category/podcasts/ [https://wendycolegtm.net/category/podcasts/] * Demystifying the Transgender Journey Podcast: https://wendycolegtm.net/episode-001-demystifying-this-podcast/ [https://wendycolegtm.net/episode-001-demystifying-this-podcast/] Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com [https://www.outlatewithdavid.com/]   YouTube Edition:    https://youtu.be/eU5v97dHNIs  [https://youtu.be/eU5v97dHNIs] 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 David:  * 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]   © 2025 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.