What does it take to build a life, a relationship, and a creative empire together? On and Dave join us for a candid conversation about queer love, entrepreneurship, and staying unapologetically themselves.The couple shares how they balance working and living together, what they’ve learned from building their apparel brand, and why patience matters when growing a business. They also talk about turning real-life experiences into music, their podcast Boys Bear Talk, and the story of how they first met.In this episode, we get into:

• How On and Dave keep their relationship strong while collaborating on multiple projects
• The evolution of their apparel brand and the customer feedback shaping its designs
• Why building a business takes patience, persistence, and confidence
• How Dave’s songwriting helps On bring personal, lived experiences to his music
• The conversations about queer masculinity, body image, and relationships behind Boys Bear Talk
• Why they hope to be remembered first for their love story

From business lessons to playful “This or That” questions, On and Dave bring honesty, humor, and plenty of chemistry to the conversation.

Boys Bare Talk: https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5aN0YxdTxz0ySjbUj5LV

David Mekahel Instagram: @davemekahel

On Mekahel Instagram:@iamonmekahel

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to On and Dave's Creative Partnership

01:11 Getting Personal: Off-Clock Life and Routines

03:11 On Growing Up Independent and Building Grit

04:30 The Secret to Working Together and Maintaining Love

05:42 Launching Mounderware and Evolving the Brand

08:12 Surprising Discoveries in Apparel Design

11:14 Vulnerability and Authenticity in Podcasting

15:21 How They Met and Their Love Story

17:44 Overcoming Boundaries as Queer Entrepreneurs

22:25 Future Plans: Fashion Shoots and Brand Vision

23:21 Legacy: Love Story or Empire?

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Jake Graf had to write his own role in life—and then turned that same determination into films, activism, and a family story the world rarely gets to see. From growing up under Section 28 in Britain to becoming a trans filmmaker, actor, and advocate, this conversation explores visibility, survival, and the courage to live authentically.

Jake joins Bryan and Jon Ruiz to talk about knowing he was a boy from an early age, searching for representation, and finding hope after meeting another trans man. He reflects on transitioning at 28, building a life and family with his wife Hannah, and why it’s never too late to start living as yourself.

Jake also shares how he made his short film XY on a tiny budget—and how hearing from trans viewers around the world showed him the power of seeing yourself represented on screen. He discusses acting in Colette alongside Keira Knightley, the ongoing need for trans male representation in film and television, and what fatherhood has taught him.The conversation balances difficult realities with joy, honesty, and laughter, including a quickfire round to close.

Jake Graf is a British director, actor, and activist. Find him on YouTube at youtube.com/user/Jakerson55 and on Instagram at @jake_graf5

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest overview

01:02 Jake's childhood in London and early signs of creativity

02:06 Growing up under Section 28 and its effects on LGBTQ+ youth

03:04 Jake's realization of being a boy and early self-expression

04:57 Reflecting on the last decade: joy, love, and challenges

07:52 The rise and regression of trans visibility in media

08:39 Advice for trans people starting their journey later in life

13:14 Creating the short film XY and its significance

19:10 Authentic trans representation in film: working on Colette

23:30 The current state of trans representation in media

23:53 Parenthood and lessons learned from raising children

31:49 Finding joy in quiet victories and hope for the future

Jake Graf, Jake Graf interview, trans visibility, transgender representation, trans filmmaker, trans director, queer cinema, LGBTQ stories, LGBTQ podcast, queer family, trans fatherhood, trans activism, trans stories, XY short film, Colette film, chosen family, Out Loud and Laughing, LGBTQ representation

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9

Ginger Minj has upcoming appearances to put on your calendar: she’ll perform a Winifred Sanderson cabaret at Anthem in Orlando, and celebrate her Broadway EP, The Broads Way, at New York City’s 54 Below on November 10. Ginger says the 54 Below show will feature live singing, live music, and special guests, with tickets already going fast.

Join Jon and Bryan for a conversation with the drag superstar that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Ginger looks back on growing up in Leesburg, Florida, and finding a home onstage from the time she was a baby. She talks about her lifelong connection to musical theater, the creative path behind The Broads Way, and why she’s embracing her inner theater kid more fully than ever.

Ginger also shares what makes her friendship with Jujubee so meaningful: their willingness to be honest with each other, hold each other accountable, and show up when it matters. With warmth and candor, she reflects on sobriety, self-discovery, and learning to appreciate all the different parts of herself.From Broadway standards and cabaret plans to the meaning behind her “Glamour Toad” spirit, Ginger brings plenty of wit, wisdom, and heart. It’s an episode about finding your place, owning your story, and making room for others to belong, too.

Website: gingerminj.com

54 Below Tickets: 54below.org/artists/ginger-minj

Hokus Pokus Live: www.hokuspokuslive.com/

Big Gay Cabaret: eventbrite.com/e/the-big-gay-halloween-cabaret-starring-ginger-minj-tickets-2000082113442

Ginger Minj's new EP, The Broad's Way, arriving November 6.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ginger Minj and her career

02:00 Ginger Minj’s childhood in Leesburg, Florida

03:54 Growing up on stage and early influences

07:01 Her journey through sobriety and mental health

10:01 Creating her Broadway EP and musical inspirations

12:00 The importance of authenticity and self-love

14:57 Friendship with Juju B and the drag community

18:00 Reflections on drag persona and self-acceptance

21:00 Her experiences on RuPaul's Drag Race and All Stars 10

24:01 Upcoming projects and performances

28:10 This or That: The Glamour Toad Edition

34:00 Closing remarks and upcoming events

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Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9