This week, we sit down with Michael Pezzullo—a licensed therapist and mental health advocate specializing in LGBTQ+ affirming care.

Born and raised in NYC, now living in West Hollywood, Michael opens up about growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, why he still feels like a New Yorker, and the long road (literally—he failed his driving test six times) to becoming a therapist.

We talk masculinity, internalized homophobia, and the personas gay men build to survive—only to end up feeling alone. Michael unpacks the myth of perfection, the power of boundaries, and how to recognize when you're just building walls.

Also: Who are the mean gays of WeHo? Who’s the king and queen? And is masculinity always toxic?

This episode is raw, insightful, and full of heart—for anyone exploring identity, community, and healing.