Be The One With Dr. Tony Ortega

In the season premiere of season 3, I discuss the reasons why I wrote my latest book, #AreYouHereYet : How to STFU and Show Up for Yourself and give you a basic overview of what to expect. 

n today’s episode, Dr. Tony is joined by Charmaine Houck. The major emphasis in this discussion was on guru mentality. It’s unfortunate that the current state of the spiritual and self-help world builds a need to hold speakers to a high standard of guru, while decreasing independence on one’s own power. They also chatted about some of the pitfalls in the yoga community. 

In this episode, Dr. Tony sits with actor and multidimensional channel, Michael Billy. Michael and Dr. Tony discuss all aspects of channeling and how the current spiritual community has it pretty wrong. They also chatted on how not to impose limits on your spiritual path because spirit is in all of us. 

In this episode, things got quite witchy. Dr. Tony, along with special guest star Michael Herkes aka The Glam Witch, got very real about the problems with the current state of things in the spiritual world. Issues related to gate-keeping, fast food spirituality and dogmatic approaches were discussed. The main message of owning yourself as you are right here right now. 

In this episode, things got a little geeky and that's okay. The main message in this discussion between Josh and Dr. Tony is that spirituality should not only be a personal thing but should also be fun. Know yourself was a big theme so have a listen. 

In this episode, things got super earthy, which was quite the education for Dr. Tony. It took on a very strong tone of being grounded in your daily life. They also discussed how to process negative emotions and how we are not broken for feeling the fire inside. Great conversation in this episode. 

In this episode, Dr. Tony chats with Colin Bedell of Queer Cosmos. While the love affair between the two is quite evident, the conversation does shift to astrology and the spiritual community. Colin confronts the idea of "certainty ads validity which is then sold and peddled to the masses" because scarcity sells. Colin is not a believer of deficit based astrology and discusses other issues that really don't work for the spiritual community, including working on your shadow self. He also gives Dr. Tony a firm education and history lesson on astrology. 

In this episode, Dr. Tony is joined by yet another Canadian male, Matt from Mattarot. The conversation got real very quick. Since Matt is a creative therapist, he discusses the notion of how psychology and spirituality aren't that far removed from each other. Being in the spiritual/healing arts is definitely a calling and not something "don't erase your humanity with spirituality." And since Matt is a tantra healer, the conversation turned to using sex to manifest your goals. You don't want to miss this one for sure. 

In this FROM THE VAULT episode, check out this very thought provoking discussion on spirituality and sex with guest star, Andrew Barker. Most Judeo-Christian faiths will tell you sex is only meant for one purpose or teach their followers that sex outside of marriage is a bad thing, damning you to eternal hellfire. Dr. Tony and Andrew discuss how sex can be one of the most spiritual things you can do and how to use your spirituality to enhance your sex life. 

In this episode, Dr. Tony is joined by the indelible Hex Activist. The discussion on the state of current spirituality/personal development and self-help was quite eye opening. Putting the proper context on healing as it pertains to trauma and the shadow self. Hex also proposes that spirituality and politics are one in the same. Lastly, Hex stated, "I don't want to be your teacher. I want to be your guide to be your own teacher." Very powerful episode folks. 

Dr. Tony Ortega is joined by his Instagram friend, Keegan Lesic who hails from Canada. They discuss issues related to the interconnectedness of healing, trauma, minority voices and body positivity. A very different perspective on self-help/spirituality/personal development. 

In this episode, Dr. Tony sits down with gal pal Pia Colado to discuss issues pertaining to current self-help and spirituality trends. A critical analysis of how things are currently being disseminated occurs and a real discussion on toxic positivity and law of attraction occurs. Pia emphasizes the need to know yourself to take responsibility for your life. 

In the season premiere of the second season, formatting of the show has changed to feature guest speakers who have thoughts about the spiritual/self-help/personal development world than what we see in current speakers so that it is accessible to all and not just some. This episode, Amy and I get real raw discuss topics surrounding what spirituality really needs to look like and get dirty about discipline, purpose and not just parroting what you hear. Amy spills the tea like no one else. 

Sex used to be a terrifying thing in the gay community. With the knowledge of U=U and the advancement of medical science in the form of PrEP, gay men have lost most of their fears around sex.  But have we become preoccupied with taking and/or giving loads? PrEP expert and speaker, Damon L. Jacobs, and Dr. Tony have a very frank and raw (no pun intended) discussion on all things PrEP, barebacking and loads. Definitely NSFW.  Damon is a New York State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has helped people find and maintain satisfying and joyful relationships with lovers, family members, and friends, for the past 20 years. He also travels the world speaking on the use of PrEP. He can be found at www.damonljacobs.com

When you hear the word intuition, do you think of some sort of mutant power? Do you feel that intuition is not something you have but others do? Are you scared of your intuition? Do you even know if you are intuitive? Well, Dr. Tony and Michael discuss all things intuition in this episode. They chat about what intuition is and isn't, how to access it, and how it can look like on a day to day perspective. Intuition is not something for someone on the X-Men or for some and not others. It is for everyone.  Michael Anthony is the Spiritual Life Coach and Intuitive Reader behind TheDivinerLife.com. His clients often recommend him because of his real-world approach to tarot and oracle card readings. He believes that intuition is a tool accessible by all and is dedicated to helping others grow spiritually. One way he does that is though his self-published Oracle Card decks including The Diviner Definitions Oracle and The Small Spirits Oracle. Michael is also an angel expert, crystal enthusiast and Certified American

This episode talks about all things transgender. Everything you needed to know about being transgender, navigating social interactions with transgendered individuals, specifically what not to say is discussed. Discussion also focus on the relationship between gender and sexual orientation and how to understand them both. Very important episode so give it a listen.    Gaines Parker is a medical case manager at an LGBTQ-focused Federally Qualified Health Center in NYC. He works in the teen program, empowering transgender adolescents to successfully access health services. Gaines specializes in transgender surgical literacy education, and advocacy for increased coverage of gender affirming procedures. You can find resources he has developed at www.healthytrans.com.

Sex, alcohol and drugs seem to go hand in hand for some people. In the gay community, the prevalance of "chem sex" has led to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and full-blown addictions. Empowerment Coach, Jeremy Long, and Dr. Ortega discuss these issues and how to have a healthy sex life without the need for substances. For anyone trying to get sober or newly sober, this episode is for you.  Jeremy Long is an empowerment coach, podcast host, and lifestyle designer. You can check him out at www.Journey2worthy.com  

The mere mention of the word sex immediately strikes shame in the hearts and souls of so many. This is particularly evident in the gay community. In this episode, Dr. Ortega and Jonathan have a very raw chat about sex. Jonathan talks about his travels into finding his purpose as a Sacred Intimate and how he wants to promote the healing of shame surrounding sex in the gay community. As you can imagine, the episode is filled with sex fueled discussions and probably more information that you were wanting to know.  Jonathan Winn is a Sex and Intimacy Coach for Men. With more than a decade experience in the wellness industry, he brings a depth of wisdom and experience to his work. His personal passion is to support the removal of shame from sex, especially within the queer community. He offers private sessions, personal retreats and international group retreats to explore intimacy and deeper connection. For more info, visit jonathandwinn.com

Older gay men are often relegated to one of two extremes - fetish for younger folks or cast off as undesirable and forgotten. On this episode, Dr. Tony has a very candid chat about this and what we as older gay men can do about this. Dr. Tony asks Drew very pointed questions on his journey as an erotic model for several photographers. Drew throws Dr. Tony a curveball later in the episode that causes thought provoking discussion on older folks/younger folks dynamics.    Drew Broman is a 55 yr old survivor of gay life. His passions include Teaching, through his chosen profession of Cosmetology as well as through personal life experiences. He’s been writing all his life and in the last few years has deem discovering and sharing his voice through self expression in front of the camera. He’s curated his first show, “Multiple Perspectives”, one gay man’s journey into self discovery which can be seen Thursday April 4th from 6-9pm at Mwildstudios in Chelsea nyc

Are you starting to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in your finger from swiping so much on dating apps and sending messages that don't get responded to? Join us today for an enlightening discussion on what are some other things we can do to find love in the digital age. Bill tells his experience with dating, finding his true love, and how he keeps things alive in his relationship. Many of the themes discussed can also be found in Dr. Ortega's book #IsHeHereYet : Being The Person You Want To Be With (Available on Amazon).   Bill Brooks is a singer/actor who has performed and traveled thorughout Europe and the United States. He has played in a variety of roles including Che in EVITA and has appeared on and off Broadway throughout his 31 years in NYC. He also released a CD of his live performances in 2015 entitled "Bill Brooks Live at Unity of NY."