This week: I talk with BIG GAY ED, an unapologetic 61-year-old gay force of nature from rural Michigan, who lives surrounded by MAGA neighbors, but still manages to shine his rainbow nails at Kroger like a superstar. We go full tilt for over an hour— just two queer atheist weirdos talking about politics, dogs, compassion, MAGA neighbors, OCD, Jesus’ abs, sobriety, and how to survive in a country that feels like the trailer for a dystopian reboot nobody asked for.

Ed shares what it’s like being openly gay in a rural area surrounded by conservatives, how he stays visible so younger LGBTQ+ kids see hope, and how we both still believe in kindness, even while we're saying “fuck them” at least every six minutes.

This episode covers:

• Coexisting with people whose politics terrify you
• Why pets are the last remaining thing everyone still agrees on
• Class, poverty, suffering, and the people falling between the cracks
• Gay joy, queer visibility, and the power of showing up
• Trump, hypocrisy, corruption, January 6, and all the things that give Daniel an aneurysm
• Recovery, sobriety, community, and chosen family

It’s honest, messy, heartfelt, profane, and—somehow—hopeful.

CALL THE SHOW:
Go to danielcartier.com → Podcast → Call the Show
Leave Daniel a 90-second voicemail. Any topic. Any opinion. All are welcome—even the people who want him to burn in hell. (He’ll probably be there with his friends anyway.)

• (00:00) - Introducing Big Gay Ed and His Name Pronunciation
• (02:44) - Personal Stories and Humor
• (06:09) - Identity and Self-Expression
• (07:30) - Life Experiences and Recovery
• (10:24) - Humor in Everyday Life
• (13:38) - Mental Health and Catastrophizing
• (16:14) - Religion and Spirituality
• (18:57) - Connection and Understanding
• (25:06) - Navigating Everyday Anxieties
• (28:04) - The Impact of Pets on Life Choices
• (30:28) - Redefining Love and Independence
• (32:17) - The Role of Money in Creative Freedom
• (34:29) - The Challenges of Touring and Financial Concerns
• (36:47) - Reflections on Fame and Recognition
• (38:20) - Coexisting with Political Differences
• (42:01) - The Struggle of Acceptance in Relationships
• (46:52) - The Corruption of Politics and Its Consequences
• (51:47) - The Madness of Political Discourse
• (56:52) - Identity and Coexistence in a Divided World
• (01:02:44) - The Challenge of Coexisting with Different Beliefs
• (01:07:54) - Finding Common Ground Amidst Division
• (01:15:13) - Reflections on Relationships and Political Polarization
• (01:21:37) - open close there is no god.mp4