Episodes
Matthew and Paul discuss the 8th and final episode of the gay Netflix series Heartstopper. Matthew describes the feeling of “disappearing” as a gay man in certain settings, while Paul relates to the experience of making up with a close friend (after a fight). Matthew and Paul get excited about the final scene with Olivia Coleman (as Nick’s Mom). On the extended episode, Paul describes a coming out story that mirrors Nick’s. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/73101233
Published 10/10/22
Matthew and Paul discuss the penultimate episode of Heartstopper, the gay coming of age series currently streaming on Netflix. Paul shares details about his own bullying experiences in public school, while Matthew shares stories inspired by the movie theater setting of this episode.  On the extended episode Matthew describes a bonus story about sex in a movie theater. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/72806814
Published 10/03/22
Matthew and Paul discuss the history of changing surnames after marriage. Paul talks about different customs around the world, while Matthew describes what modern gay couples choose to do. Finally, Matthew and Paul reveal what they decided to do about their own last names. On the extended episode Matthew and Paul describe specific situations that made them want to share the same last name. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/72497836
Published 09/26/22
Matthew and Paul are taking the week off as they travel to San Diego for the next stage of Paul’s gene therapy clinical trial. Paul will be walking through a human maze in order to assess his pre-surgery mobility. Stay tuned for more updates! Support this podcast on Patreon.com/hisandhis
Published 09/19/22
“Are you criticized for meeting on Grindr?”, “How do you plan to have kids?”, and “Do you pull pranks on each other?” Matthew and Paul answer these and other listener-submitted questions on this episode of His and His.  On the extended episode, Paul opens up about the ways in which his vision loss affects his marriage. Paul also shares a few of the things he wishes he could do (but can’t). Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/71845115
Published 09/12/22
Matthew and Paul discuss episode 6 of the gay Netflix series Heartstopper. This recap inspires conversations about coming out,  toxic allies, and showing affection in public.  On the extended episode Paul shares a personal story about matchmaking gone wrong. Listen here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/71571418
Published 09/06/22
On this Bonus episode of His and His, Matthew and Paul discuss a treatment for Paul’s blindness, the difference between Type A and Type B personalities, and whether they buy each other gifts on birthdays and special occasions.  Listen to the entire episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/71180745
Published 08/29/22
I am excited to announce the Kickstarter campaign for my new children’s book, “The Secret Ingredient”, a story that celebrates LGBTQ families.  You can learn more about the project and pre-order your own copy right now by tapping this link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pengrooms/the-pengrooms-book-2
Published 08/24/22
Matthew talks to Paul about his brand new children’s book project, “The Secret Ingredient”, a whimsical story that celebrates LGBTQ families through the eyes of two adorable penguins….who just happen to be gay!  Find out how you can “be part of something special” and help Paul bring this book to life by backing his Kickstarter campaign (and getting an early copy of the book!) Tap the link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pengrooms/the-pengrooms-book-2 On the extended episode Matthew...
Published 08/22/22
Matthew and Paul continue their episode-by-episode discussion of the gay Netflix series, Heartstopper. This episode of the series, titled “Friend”, inspires conversations about gay PDA, breaking up with girls, and the very important question of, “What was your favorite Monopoly piece?” On the extended episode Matthew and Paul discuss one of the most powerful scenes in the entire series. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/70521950
Published 08/15/22
Matthew and Paul are talking about their lives as an interabled couples. Paul explains how his visual impairment affected his dating experience, while Matthew explains his initial thoughts and concerns upon meeting Paul. Matthew and Paul also describe ways in which being disabled both hinders and helps their relationship in unique ways. On the extended episode, Matthew and Paul reflect on some of the more humor moments born out of being interabled. Listen here...
Published 08/08/22
Paul interviews his husband, Matthew, about his experience in Gay Conversion Therapy. Matthew explains why he was sent to the Ex-Gay conference and how he felt walking into the room for the first time.  On the extended episode, Matthew describes an encounter with one of the attendees, Jeremiah: https://www.patreon.com/posts/69772137
Published 08/01/22
Matthew and Paul are discussing episode 4 of Heartstopper, the LGBTQ+ series currently streaming on Netflix. This episodes inspires conversations about kissing in the rain, gay awakenings, and…legos?  On the extended episode Paul describes the time he fell in love with a British boy who gave him a bloody nose. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/69553809
Published 07/25/22
Matthew and Paul discuss episode 3 of Heartstopper, the gay coming-of-age series currently streaming on Netflix. Matthew relates to Nick’s Google searching antics, while Paul likens his first same-sex kiss (at age 15) to that of Nick and Charlie’s. 
Published 07/18/22
Matthew and Paul continue their discussion about faith and religion. Matthew describes the struggle of finding an accepting church after coming out as gay, while Paul recounts attending a church with a gay pastor shortly after he came out. Matthew and Paul both talk about their slow and sometimes painful decisions to step away from organized religion. On the extended episode Matthew and Paul discuss their present-day feelings about faith and religion. Listen here:...
Published 07/11/22
Matthew and Paul discuss their exposure to church and religion during their childhood years. Matthew describes the fear instilled in him from the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, while Paul remembers how his mother taught him to rebuke the demons . Matthew and Paul both recall how homosexuality was negatively viewed in their church environments and how those views caused them to feel shame.  On the extended episode Matthew and Paul share stories about gay encounters in the church. Listen here:...
Published 07/11/22
Matthew and Paul conclude their discussion of Episode 2 of Heartstopper, the new gay romantic comedy currently streaming on Netflix.  On the extended episode, Matthew and Paul cyber-stalk their straight crushes from childhood. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/68618621
Published 07/04/22
Matthew and Paul are discussing the new gay romantic comedy “Heartstopper”, currently streaming on Netflix. Listen as Matthew and Paul talk about the show as well as personal stories inspired by scenes and characters from the LGBTQ series. On the extended episode, Matthew and Paul share stories about their mothers. Listen here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/68252606
Published 06/27/22
Matthew and Paul are celebrating Pride by recounting their first Pride Parade memories. Matthew describes how he accidentally attended Pride shortly after coming out as gay, while Paul reminisces about the friendships that defined his college years in San Francisco. Matthew and Paul also explain what Pride means to them today. On the extended episode, Matthew and Paul discuss their feelings about “Straight Pride” and whether it’s something that should ever be celebrated. Listen to the...
Published 06/21/22
Matthew and Paul conclude their discussion of Episode 1 of Heartstopper, the new gay coming of age series starring Joe Locke and Kit Connor. On the extended episode, Matthew and Paul reveal their favorite moments from the episode. Listen here https://www.patreon.com/posts/67694446
Published 06/13/22
Matthew and Paul are discussing the new gay coming-of-age romantic comedy, Heartstopper. Created by Alice Oseman, the 8-part series depicts LGBTQ teens as they navigate high school, friendships, and first love. Matthew and Paul discuss the first episode as well as personal stories inspired by scenes and characters from the show. Support this podcast on Patreon: Patreon.com/hiandhis
Published 06/06/22
On this Bonus episode of “His and His” Matthew talks about his recent live performance, while Paul describes how he and Mr. Maple worked behind-the-scenes. Matthew opens up about his cult experience alongside the famous Duggar family, and how their use of “code words” was something his family used as well. This sparks a discussion about code words used within a relationship, and the specific words Matthew and Paul use in public and in private. Tap here for the full conversation:...
Published 05/30/22
Matthew interviews Paul about his life as a visual artist…who also happens to be blind. Paul’s love of visual storytelling began as soon as he could hold a crayon. At the age of six, Paul wrote and illustrated his first children’s book, “The Sad Turtle”, by repurposing one of his older brother’s hardback books. Paul’s creativity evolved into a love of filmmaking, but at age 16 he was diagnosed with a rare form of blindness called Retinitis Pigmentosa. Despite this progressive and untreatable...
Published 05/24/22
Matthew and Paul discuss the complex human experience of grief. What are the stages of grief and what does it mean to grieve? Paul shares his still-processing grief journey in the aftermath of his brother’s death 3 months ago, including a surprising discovery he made while searching through old emails. On the extended episode, Matthew takes us through the stages of grief while recalling his coming out experience and the resulting end of family relationships. Listen here:...
Published 05/16/22
In this supersided episode of His and His, Paul interviews Matthew about the decade he and his family spent trapped in a religious cult. From boyhood until his early twenties, Matthew belonged to a fanatical group called the Advanced Training Institute. Founded by the charismatic and often eccentric leader, Bill Gothard, ATI eventually accumulated thousands of devoted followers around the world. In the first half, Matthew describes how he and his family fell into the cult and the many ways...
Published 05/09/22