Being YOU!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In this video I share some statistics, information, and potential preventative measures people can take to prevent skin cancer. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #skincancerawareness #cancer #cancersucks#prevention #selfcare #cancerprevention

My entire life I experienced moments where others were trying to get me to "tone it down" in one way or another. Sometimes, it's a look. Others, there were comments like "you talk to much" or "can we take it down to a 7?". For much of my life, it would really affect me. I'd be embarrassed. And since I was such a people pleaser who HATED conflict, I'd often try to change my behaviors. But then it dawned on me...I was just being ME! Authentically ME! I also realized that in many of those scenarios, it wasn't about ME at all. It was the person who made the comment or gave the look that had an issue. Perhaps THEY felt what I was doing or saying was inappropriate...based on THEIR views, beliefs, upbringing, or insecurities. In some cases, it may have even been that they were envious because I was doing something they felt THEY couldn't or were NOT ALLOWED to do. Either way...I'm gonna pass on "toning it down"! I'm going to continue to be my loud, outspoken, curious, ADHD, silly, childlike, self with my dark/twisted/inappropriate (at times) sense of humor. I am FULLY aware I am not everyone's cup of tea. And I'm ok with that. Thank you, as always, for your support. Be yourselves, and have a great day everyone!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #immabeme#loud #outspoken #adhd #childlike #humor #curious #toneitdown

In this video I talk about Autism Acceptance Month and various symptoms and criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorder. A lot of assumptions are made about individuals on the Autism spectrum. And there are a lot of misconceptions. The goal of Autism Acceptance Month is to expand the understanding, awareness, and acceptance of those with Autism. I challenge you to further educate yourself about it in an effort to minimize any misconceptions and/or a lack of understanding you may have.Thanks for watching! Be yourselves!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #autism #autismawareness #autismacceptance #mentalhealth #autismsociety

In this video I talk about music and the ways in which it can affect a person. I've always loved music and realized from a young age how impactful it can be. Whether it's a song from your favorite movie, a commercial jingle living rent-free in your head, or a song that reminds you of someone special...music can completely change your mood. So blast your favorite song, get up and dance, sing in your car, and/or reminisce about whatever the music reminds you of. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #music #song #dance

This is the third episode of Season 4. I had a great conversation with 80s rock sensation, Stan Bush. His music, which spans SIX DECADES, has been featured in several movies, A video game, an animated series, a soap opera, AND the Olympics. It's also won him an Emmy Award. With thirteen solo albums and nearly twenty singles as a solo artist, it's obvious he keeps himself busy. During our time together, we discussed his decades-long, ongoing career in the music industry. He shared personal stories, talked about family and spirituality, and shared what it's been like being closely associated with the Transformers movie franchise over the past five decades.  THANK YOU Stan for joining the show and sharing your life with us! It was great meeting you and I look forward to what comes next for you. This Season's Authenticity Ambassador is the Transgender Center of the Rockies.Check them out at transgendercenteroftherockies.orgA big thank you to ALL our sponsors this season! We greatly appreciate your support!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions#stanbush#music#guitar#transformers#the80s#olympics#GuidingLight#soapopera#DonHenley#JimmyPage#singer#songwriter#EmmyAwards

In this video I touch on various aspects of coming out...including the privilege of NOT having to do so! I knew I was gay at 10 years old. But I didn't come out until I was 23! Prior to that, I didn't feel I COULD come out! And my coming out process lasted 2-3 years. As a therapist, I've had many discussions with clients about their own coming out experiences. It's sad to me that it's something people still have to go through. I'm hoping this video brings some things into perspective and challenges people to think about what people go through as part of their coming out experience. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #comingout #lgbtq #queer #fear #rejection #youarenotalone

Here is our second episode of Season 4, where I speak with Cody Moore...award-winning go-go dancer, performer, and former adult film star.We talked about his decade-long career as a go-go dancer, his accolades, his time as an adult film performer, and what's coming next. He also shared his thoughts on being sex positive, safe sex, and sex vs. intimacy. It was a great conversation!THANK YOU Cody for being part of our lineup this season! Always fun to chat and catch up!This Season's Authenticity Ambassador is the Transgender Center of the Rockies.Check them out at transgendercenteroftherockies.orgThis episode's Authenticity Advocate is James Gaumer with Incite to Massage. Check them out at incitetomassage.clinicsense.com.A big THANK YOU to all our sponsors this season! We appreciate your support!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions#codymoore#gogo#dancing#sex#sexpositive#safesex#intimacy#massage

I wanted to be vulnerable and honest and let others know that it's ok to not be ok. I learned from a very young age how to play the part of the happy, outgoing, funny guy who's always laughing and in a good mood. But the truth of the matter is, I've struggled quite a bit the past year and a half, despite what my socials or outward demeaner may indicate. So, I wanted to put this out there to let anyone who is struggling know they are not alone! Life can be hard and overwhelming and sometimes just downright shitty! Please do whatever you can to take care of yourselves. Lean on a friend, seek out a therapist, take a trip, take a nap...whatever it is that works for you. Be yourselves and have the best day you can! #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #notokay #struggle #lifeishard #notalone #mentalhealth #overwhelmed #selfcare

In this video, Licensed Professional Counselor, Eve Boyd from Inspirational Eve, LLC shares her thoughts on being authentic. She notes there is no better you than the you you already are. She also talks about the importance of boundaries. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #inspirationaleve #boundaries #beingyou

In the first episode of Season 4, I speak with Anthony Rapp...brilliant actor from Broadway, television, and the big screen. He shared his decades-long career as an actor and the amazing roles he's brought to life over the years. Well-known for his roles in Rent (stage AND screen), Star Trek, Dazed & Confused, Adventures In Babysitting, and SO many more, Anthony talked about the differences between stage and screen, his love of theater from a very young age, and family life. It was a truly memorable experience for me as I have been a big fan of Rent since I first saw it on Broadway.  THANK YOU Anthony for a wonderful conversation. It really was a pleasure meeting you!This Season's Authenticity Ambassador is the Transgender Center of the Rockies.Check them out at transgendercenteroftherockies.orgThis episode's Authenticity Advocates are Justin Bacon & Tazz Roberts with Partners & Passports. Check them out on Facebook @partnersandpassportsA big THANK YOU to all our sponsors this season! We appreciate your support!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions#anthonyrapp#broadway#actor#television#movies#dazedandconfused#adventuresinbabysitting#startrek#rent

This comes from Mondo Guerra...Fashion Designer, Runner Up on Season 8 of Project Runway, and Winner of Season 1 of Project Runway Allstars. His advice is about honoring your foundation and the power of creativity. Thank you Mondo for being a guest on my show. I have always been impressed with your presence and authenticity to self. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #mondoguerra#fashion #projectrunway #creativity

Season 4 of my Being YOU! series is right around the corner. Please like and subscribe to my channel so you don't miss a single episode. We have some big names and I can't wait for you to hear what they have to say. Thank you for your continued support. I really appreciate it.Be yourselves and have a great day everyone!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #beingyou #season4

April Fool's Day!! :o)~#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #aprilfools #gotcha

Fashion and style have always been something that intrigued me and I've enjoyed playing with various styles myself. Sometimes it's about getting dressed up, others it's about comfort. I say, do what makes you feel happy, sexy, confident, comfortable, and authentic! Have fun with it and do YOU!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #fashion #style #sexy#comfortable #confidence #happy

This is the fourth of 4 videos on suicide and self-harm. I am sharing information and my opinions based on 16 years' experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am hoping to leave viewers with a greater level of insight, understanding, and awareness on the topic. Suicide and self-harm are VERY serious issues and are not discussed as openly as I feel they need to be. This lack of communication/discussion can lead to worsening mental health challenges and/or increased suicidality and self-harming behaviors in those who are struggling. Please challenge yourself to become more comfortable discussing these topics with friends, family, and those you care about. You never know who may be struggling but keeping it to themselves because they feel they can't or shouldn't talk about it. Keep in mind...talking about it may just save a life!PLEASE NOTE: If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please speak to someone and/or reach out to a mental health professional for support and resources. You can also go to The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org to get help, and for additional information, support, and resources.YOU MATTER!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #suicide#selfharm #youmatter #trevorproject #mentalhealth #counseling #therapy

This is the third of 4 videos on suicide and self-harm. I am sharing information and my opinions based on 16 years' experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am hoping to leave viewers with a greater level of insight, understanding, and awareness on the topic. Suicide and self-harm are VERY serious issues and are not discussed as openly as I feel they need to be. This lack of communication/discussion can lead to worsening mental health challenges and/or increased suicidality and self-harming behaviors in those who are struggling. Please challenge yourself to become more comfortable discussing these topics with friends, family, and those you care about. You never know who may be struggling but keeping it to themselves because they feel they can't or shouldn't talk about it. Keep in mind...talking about it may just save a life!PLEASE NOTE: If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please speak to someone and/or reach out to a mental health professional for support and resources. You can also go to The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org to get help, and for additional information, support, and resources.YOU MATTER!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #suicide#selfharm #youmatter #trevorproject #mentalhealth #counseling #therapy

This is the second of 4 videos on suicide and self-harm. I am sharing information and my opinions based on 16 years' experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am hoping to leave viewers with a greater level of insight, understanding, and awareness on the topic. Suicide and self-harm are VERY serious issues and are not discussed as openly as I feel they need to be. This lack of communication/discussion can lead to worsening mental health challenges and/or increased suicidality and self-harming behaviors in those who are struggling. Please challenge yourself to become more comfortable discussing these topics with friends, family, and those you care about. You never know who may be struggling but keeping it to themselves because they feel they can't or shouldn't talk about it. Keep in mind...talking about it may just save a life!PLEASE NOTE: If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please speak to someone and/or reach out to a mental health professional for support and resources. You can also go to The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org to get help, and for additional information, support, and resources.YOU MATTER!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #suicide#selfharm #youmatter #trevorproject #mentalhealth #counseling #therapy

This is the first of 4 videos on suicide and self-harm. I am sharing information and my opinions based on 16 years' experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am hoping to leave viewers with a greater level of insight, understanding, and awareness on the topic. Suicide and self-harm are VERY serious issues and are not discussed as openly as I feel they need to be. This lack of communication/discussion can lead to worsening mental health challenges and/or increased suicidality and self-harming behaviors in those who are struggling. Please challenge yourself to become more comfortable discussing these topics with friends, family, and those you care about. You never know who may be struggling but keeping it to themselves because they feel they can't or shouldn't talk about it. Keep in mind...talking about it may just save a life!PLEASE NOTE: If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please speak to someone and/or reach out to a mental health professional for support and resources. You can also go to The Trevor Project at thetrevorproject.org to get help, and for additional information, support, and resources.YOU MATTER!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #suicide#selfharm #youmatter #trevorproject #mentalhealth #counseling #therapy

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. Welcome to longer days, warmer weather, blooming foliage. For me, spring brings an increased sense of joy movement away from seasonal affective disorder. So I am all for it! Bring it on!Happy Spring! Be yourselves! Have a great day!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #spring #warmweather #bloom #springequinox

In this video I discuss the 5 stages of grief and what can happen during each stage. Keep in mind, that everyone grieves differently. There is no one or right way to grieve. While grief can be very uncomfortable, I challenge you to allow yourself to grieve in times of loss.Take care of yourselves and have a great day!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #stagesofgrief #grief #loss

Religious trauma is something that many people have experienced...myself included.  It's the emotional, physical, and psychological harm that can be caused by oppressive, abusive, or high-control religious environments and doctrines. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, shame, and guilt, among other things.  Working through this trauma involves deconstructing harmful beliefs, validating the experience, creating new support systems, and often working with a therapist.If you have experienced religious trauma, please know...you are not alone. And If you need further assistance in processing your trauma, please reach out to a mental health professional. Take care of yourselves, be yourselves, and have a great day!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #religioustrauma #youarenotalone

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. March 17th commemorates the death of St. Patrick, a priest who is credited for spreading Christianity to Ireland. There are various traditions that go along with the celebration, such as wearing green, parades, and corn beef and hash. However you celebrate, I hope you have a great St. Patrick's Day!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #stpatricksday

While many see Friday the 13th as negative, I have always loved it. My birthday is on the 13th and I’ve always enjoyed when it happens to fall on Friday the 13th. Once, I even moved into a new apartment on Friday the 13th and I happened to be moving onto the 13th floor. And growing up, I watched several of the long-running Friday the 13th movies franchise with my mom.In this video I share information about Friday the 13th, including various theories as to how the superstition around it began. I hope you enjoy.#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #superstition #fridaythe13th #friday

People show and receive love in many different ways...it's referred to as their "love language". Here is some information on the various types of love languages and ways in which they come to fruition. Understanding and communicating love languages with your partner can make a big difference in creating and maintaining a healthy relationship. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #lovelanguages #wordsofaffirmation #giftgiving  #physicaltouch #qualitytime #actsofservice

In this video I share some brief information about the differences between gender and sex. My hope is to give people some VERY basic information that may help them better understand aspects of gender, sex, sexuality, and attraction. I don't expect anyone to fully understand it all. That being said, I DO challenge people to make an effort to further educate themselves...on anything they may not understand and/or are ignorant to. **And PLEASE understand, when I say "ignorant" I do NOT mean stupid. MY definition of ignorant is having a lack of knowledge, understanding, exposure to something.Thanks for watching, be yourselves, and have a great day!#authenticity  #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #gender #sex#attraction #identity #presentation #beyourself #educateyourself

On International Women's Day I thought I'd take a moment to recognize some women who have impressed me. Be sure to let the women who mean a lot to you knmow how much they mean to you. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #women#internationalwomensday

In this video I discuss the benefits of healthy boundaries and share my three-prong approach to setting and maintaining those boundaries. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #boundaries #mentalhealth #safety #healthyrelationships

In this video I get into the concept of a person's moral compass...what they see as right and wrong. I share several questions from my book "It's Time to be YOU! - How to Become Your Most Authentic Self". I challenge you to think about some of the questions, your answers to those questions, and what you feel those answers say about you. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #moralcompass #values #rightandwrong

This one comes from Broadway Actress, Jacqueline B. Arnold. She shares some very wise words from her mother about being who you are and loving yourself. Thank you Jacqueline for taking the time to chat with me and sharing your thoughtful and impactful words of wisdom. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #loveyourself #beyourself #jacquelinebarnold#broadway #actress

I often hear people say they are "tired". In this video I talk about different possible meanings of being tired. I also get into things you can consider that may help change that feeling. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #tired #sleep #overit #drained #noenergy

Sometimes, you gotta try something new or different. It's easy to get stuck in our normal routine and end up in a sort of "autopilot". So I challenge you to shake things up now and then. Try new things, do something differently than you typically would, and even step outside your comfort zone from time to time. It's a great way to keep things interesting. And who knows...maybe you will find something new that you really enjoy.#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #new #different #comfortzone #trynewthings

This one comes from my interview with Yvie Oddly...friend, drag queen, and Winner of Season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race. Yvie offers up her thoughts on listening to your heart. Thank you Yvie for spending some time with me and being the wild, outspoken, awesome, authentic queen I've always known you to be. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #yvieoddly#dragqueen #rupaulsdragrace #author #artist

In this video I talk about what it was like growing up as a GenX-er. Growing up in the 80s was WILD! It was a very different time and many things that were common or "normal" back then would NOT fly today! And GenX-ers are definitely a different group of people! We are tough, resilient, adaptable, and we get shit done. I'm proud to be part of this unique group of people!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #80s #genx #feralgeneration

A lot of people have opinions on which workout routine is gonna give you the best results. But let's be honest...what works for one person, isn't necessarily gonna work for someone else. And even if two people do EXACTLY the same workout routine, the results can vary wildly. So do what works for YOU! Try different things, ask questions, and see what feels right for YOU!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #workout #exercise #fitness #training

This time I am discussing "negative" coping skills and some of the misconceptions people have about them. Despite being categorized as negative, they often help the person who's implementing them in one way or another. As always, I challenge people to consider different perceptions. Ultimately, my goal as a therapist, is to help clients find healthier and/or positive coping skills. That being said, it's important to note that their negative coping skills might be the only thing allowing them to get through the day, and in some cases...may actually be the thing that is keeping them alive!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #copingskills #negativecopingskills#mentalhealth #safety #selfharmawareness

In my 16 years as a therapist, I have come to realize that people define things differently. I also believe that having an understanding of how we define things, AND sharing that with those people we have relationships with, is a key factor in building and maintaining healthy connections. I often challenge people to consider different ways of defining things and/or to incorporate different words and phrases into their communication. Doing so can allow us to be more specific about what we want, need, and how we feel. It can also expand our knowledge and understanding of ourselves and others. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #definition #communication #meaning

I've worked with children, adolescents, and families for 16 years. During that time, whenever I ask parents what they want for their children, there are some common responses. In this video, I point out ways in which I challenge parents to dive a bit deeper into their responses and the reasons behind their answers. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #parenting #talktoyourkids #communication #happy #healthy #safe

This comes from my friend and colleague, Jess Ortega. She's an amazing human being raising a 4-year-old boy. She had some great feedback on how to help HIM be his most authentic self and noted that, in big part, that comes from HER being her most authentic self. Thanks Jess! I appreciate you!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #mom #raisingkids

This time I am talking about the various stages of change and what they entail. Keep in mind this is a general outline. Change will look different for everyone. That being said, if you are struggling with something, and/or have considered changing something, ask yourself what stage you might currently be in. Remember, it's ok to acknowledge you might have a problem area. AND...it's ok to ask for help/support.#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #stagesofchange #change #support #oktonotbeok

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate affection, gratitude, connection, and love...in all it's forms. Named after an executed priest (St. Valentine), rooted in a Pagan festival of purity and fertility, and later connected to romantic love by a poet from the Middle Ages, it has become much more commercialized in recent decades. Regardless of what it means to you, or how you celebrate it, I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day and take the time and energy to give YOURSELF the love you deserve!Be yourselves and have a great day!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #valentinesday #love #affection #connection #gratitude #heart #selflove

In this video I talk about education. When we hear that word we often think of school and/or a "formal" education. But I talk a bit more about ways in which we can educate ourselves. I think it's important to acknowledge that each of us has the ability and the opportunity to do so. And there are SO many ways in which we can go about it...reading books, traveling, researching things, and communicating with others. I challenge everyone to push themselves to do so as it is an amazing and wonderful way of expanding our knowledge. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #education #educateyourself #communication #travel #reading #books

In this video, the first in my Words of Wisdom PopUps series, I hear from Miss Richfield 1981. She shares her thoughts on being her most authentic self. I felt her feedback was quite poignant...being authentic IS very specific to each individual. Miss Richfield, Thank you SOOOOOO much for taking the time to chat. It's always such a pleasure seeing you and it meant a lot to get to know a bit more about you. You are an amazing person and I appreciate your willingness to make time to connect with your fans. I find that to be an endearing (and sadly...rare) quality in performers. Be yourselves and have a great day everyone!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #missrichfield1981#wordsofwisdom #beingyou

Today's topic is Black History Month. As a white man who grew up in rural middle America in the 80s and was educated through the public education system in the 80s and 90s...I can truly say, our education on Black History is tragically limited. I challenge you to further educate yourself on the overwhelming influence and impact of Black History on our country, our society, and our culture. It's never too late to expand your knowledge and open your eyes and minds in an effort to have a fuller understanding of our world. And keep in mind...NOT doing so IS a choice! We can ALL do better!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #blackpride#educateyourself

In this video I touch on the importance of inclusion and representation and the impact their presence (or lack thereof) can have on a person. And I just so happen to use this year's Super Bowl to make my point. Think about how representation and inclusion (or a lack thereof) have impacted YOU!#authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #love #family #hope #hardwork #freedom #community #superbowl #badbunny #rickymartin #ladygaga #cocojones #charlieputh #greenday #brandicarlisle

This one is all about personal growth, self-improvement, self-care, and overall well-being. Taking care of yourself is important. You deserve it. Make yourself a priority. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #selfcare #personalgrowth #wellbeing

This time I share a bit about myself as a therapist, some of my opinions on therapy, and the importance of choosing a therapist that works for you. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #therapy #counseling #mentalhealth

In this video I talk about control and how to get in the habit of focusing on what you CAN control. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #control

My thoughts and feedback about communication...with self AND others. How we talk about ourselves matters. Be aware of how you communicate. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #communication #honesty

Some of my thoughts on body image and the challenges we face with our own bodies. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #bodyimage #loveyourself #comparison

Some feedback on the importance of making yourself a priority. #authenticity #itstimetobeyou #sphproductions #priority