A podcast by soft women in a hard world. Soft for Us explores the friendship of three aspiring comics in Vancouver, Canada. In a world that can be tough and unforgiving, Amy, Danielle and Niki embrace their softness with laughter, curiosity, and let's be honest, some confusion. Each episode, they nominate someone as the ultimate softie, exploring what makes a person the epitome of softness. They'll also dive into absurd Reddit threads, put their taste buds to the test, and engage in friendsh ...
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Danielle Florence Podcasts
A podcast where we talk about our book of the week. Read along with us!
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Where Do Gays Retire is a podcast where we help you in the LGBTQ+ community find a safe and affordable retirement destination. Join Mark Goldstein as he interviews others who live in gay-friendly places around the globe. Learn about the climate, cost of living, the LGBTQ + community, healthcare, crime and safety, and more.
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I Make Envy On Your Disco with Eric Schnall
39:26
39:26
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39:26A special episode: Anna chats with author and Tony-award winning Broadway producer Eric Schnall about his debut novel I MAKE ENVY ON YOUR DISCO. Sam Singer flies to Berlin for an art gallery opening, needing a break from his partner in New York. He meets enigmatic hotel receptionist Magda and ex-pat Jeremy, goes clubbing, and discovers the 2000s no…
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Living the Dream: Inside Friendship Village's LGBTQ-Friendly Community With Joe Connelly and Terry Pochert
1:40:22
1:40:22
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1:40:22We're diving into the cozy world of retirement in this episode, where we chat with Joe Connolly and Terry Pochert, a fabulous couple living it up at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona. They've got a sweet setup in a community that’s not just welcoming but also filled with activities and amenities that make retirement feel like a never-ending vaca…
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Anna and Annie discuss the settlement offer by Anthropic to pay $1.5bn to settle a book piracy lawsuit and the 2025 National Book Awards fiction longlist. Our book of the week is ENDLING by Maria Reva. Yeva is a snail conservationist in Ukraine who becomes caught up in Nastia and Sol's scheme to disrupt the romance tour industry. A heist ensues but…
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A Woman Talks to Her Tongue with Alison Gorman
22:18
22:18
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22:18A special episode: Anna chats with award-winning poet Alison Gorman about her debut poetry collection A WOMAN TALKS TO HER TONGUE. These poems examine family secrets, silences and women’s voices. Beautiful and assured, we loved this book. Alison joins us fresh from her sold-out launch in Sydney to discuss the moving themes from the collection and o…
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Cost, Culture, and Community: Daniel Lobato's Experience in Vigo, Spain
1:23:43
1:23:43
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1:23:43This week, we're diving into the sunny vibes of Vigo, Spain, where our guest, Daniel Louis Loboto, is living it up under a digital nomad visa. He’s all about redefining community after coming out later in life, and he's got some fantastic insights on why Spain is the place to be for retirement. From the affordable cost of living to the lush, green …
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Anna and Geoff discuss Sally Rooney pledging royalties to Palestine Action and the Library of South Australia being second on the list of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Our book of the week is FLESH, the new novel by David Szalay which has been long-listed for the 2025 Booker Prize. It tells the story of Istvan, a Hungarian British man, in a…
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From the Heart of Gran Canaria-Raquel Rojas on LGBTQ+ Life and Island Living
1:26:25
1:26:25
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1:26:25Join me as we dive into the sun-soaked paradise of Gran Canaria, where the LGBTQ community is not just accepted but celebrated! This episode features the fabulous Raquel Rojas, an award-winning media exec who spills the tea on life in this vibrant island. We'll explore everything from the dreamy beaches and delicious local cuisine to the surprising…
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Anna and Annie discuss the 2025 Booker Prize Longlist. We have many comfort reading recommendations! Here are some of the books discussed: DEAD GIRL GONE by Gareth and Louise Ward THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB series and WE SOLVE MURDERS by Richard Osman IN SPITE OF YOU by Patrick Lenton CONSIDER YOURSELF KISSED by Jessica Stanley THE WEDDING FORECAST b…
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Weather, Wine, and Wonder: Retirement Life in Madeira With Paul Corning and Kevin McKay
1:40:56
1:40:56
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1:40:56Today, we're diving into the sun-soaked paradise of Madeira, Portugal, where Paul and Kevin share their epic journey from Seattle to this dreamy island. They've been living it up on Madeira for over four years now, and let me tell you, they have no plans of ever leaving! We’re chatting about everything from the cost of living, which is basically a …
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Perfection by Vincent Latronico translated by Sophie Hughes
21:36
21:36
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21:36Anna and Geoff discuss PERFECTION by Vincent Latronico translated by Sophie Hughes. PERFECTION is a short novel about Tom and Anna, digital nomads living in Berlin. A re-telling of the cult classic 1960s novel The Things by Georges Perec, it examines a couple who have built a stylish life but find themselves disilusioned. Perfection was shortlisted…
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Nerja, Spain: A Mediterranean Hideaway with Richard Carnaby
1:17:35
1:17:35
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1:17:35We’re diving into the sunny vibes of Nerja, Spain, and trust me, it’s not just a pretty beach town; it’s the kind of place where you can actually picture yourself kicking back in retirement bliss! In this episode, we chat with Richard Carnaby, who’s on a mission to build his dream home on the eastern Costa del Sol. He spills the tea on why he and h…
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The Director by Daniel Kehlmann translated by Ross Benjamin
24:23
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24:23Anna and Geoff discuss THE DIRECTOR by best-selling author of MEASURING THE WORLD and TYLL Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjamin. THE DIRECTOR tells the story of cinema director G. W. Pabst, who in the 1930s fled Nazi Germany for Hollywood and then returned to make films for the German Reich. This novel explores Pabst’s moral dilemma and the…
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Airline Miles to Medellín Smiles: Tomek’s Colombia Playbook
1:24:14
1:24:14
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1:24:14In this episode of the Where Do Gays Retire podcast, Mark Goldstein speaks with Tomek Gurzynski, a 54-year-old Polish-born adventurer and longtime airline professional who lives in Medellín, Colombia. Tomek shares his journey from the United States to Colombia, discussing the climate, cost of living, healthcare, and vibrant culture of Medellín. He …
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Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire - Why the Political Climate Matters for LGBTQ+ Retirees
17:32
17:32
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17:32We're diving into a super important topic today: the political climate of your potential retirement spot. It’s not just about sun-soaked beaches and affordable rent, right? We’re here to help you figure out if that paradise you’ve been dreaming of is actually a safe haven or just a pretty facade hiding some shady politics. Trust me, understanding t…
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Anna and Annie discuss our 10 best books of 2025 so far. Books mentioned: A LITTLE TRICKERIE by Rosanna Pike THE NAMES by Florence Knapp THE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio DREAM COUNT by Chimananda Ngoze Adiche SMALL RAIN by Garth Greenwell STINKBUG by Sinéad Stubbins PATRIOT by Alexei Navalny translated by Arch Tait and Stephen Dalziel I MAKE ENVY ON …
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The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones
33:14
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33:14Anna and Geoff discuss the 2025 Women's Prize winners and the new Data Bill regulating (or not) AI and creative work. Our book of the week is THE EMPUSIUM: A HEALTH RESORT HORROR STORY by Olga Tokarczuk translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. Tokarczuk is the Nobel Prize lauereate author of FLIGHTS and DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD. Her lat…
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Inside Living Out: The LGBTQ Community That Feels Like Family-With Loren Ostrow
1:09:53
1:09:53
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1:09:53We're diving into the fabulous world of Living Out, a unique 55+ LGBTQ community that’s all about creating a vibrant and accepting space for our fabulous queer elders. In this episode, we chat with Loren Ostrow, the mastermind behind this fantastic project, and trust me, you won't want to miss his insights on how Living Out stands out in a sea of r…
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Anna and Annie discuss the 2025 Women’s Prize and try to predict the winner. Since we recorded this the winner has been announced: The Safe Keep by Yael Van Der Wouden. (Annie was right!) And Annie wraps up recent Australian book award news including the Stella Prize winner Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser and the Miles Franklin Literary …
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Why Living in Florence, Italy is a Dream Come True with Tom Leonard
1:13:14
1:13:14
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1:13:14We’re diving into the fabulous world of Florence, Italy, where our guest Tom Leonard is living his best life in a city that’s as enchanting as it is historical. Tom spills the tea on everything from the cost of living to the vibrant Italian culture, plus a sprinkle about his own journey from California to the charming hills of Florence. He’s not ju…
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Anna and Annie discuss the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, JAMES by Percival Everett. Our book of the week is SMALL RAIN by Garth Greenwell. A poet is admitted to hospital with severe pain. Bedridden, he reflects on his relationships, music and poetry and the small details of life. Winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction and longlist…
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Exploring Flagstaff, Arizona: A Retirement Haven with Nancy Sullivan
59:24
59:24
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59:24Ready to explore Flagstaff, Arizona? Today, we’re diving into why this mountain town is a fab spot for LGBTQ retirees. Our special guest, Nancy Sullivan, spills the tea on everything from the breathtaking nature to the welcoming vibe for our community. We chat about the outdoorsy lifestyle, the rising cost of living, and how the climate’s changing—…
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Anna and Annie discuss the cookbook controversy between Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats and Brooke Bellamy of Bake with Brooki and ask whether it is possible to copyright a recipe. Our book of the week is FUNDAMENTALLY by Nussaibah Younis. Shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction, this debut novel centres on Nadia, a UN worker who travels…
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From Hot Chicken to Honky Tonks: Living Your Best Life in Nashville
1:30:20
1:30:20
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1:30:20Discover why Nashville, Tennessee, is becoming a sought-after destination for LGBTQ+ retirees in this engaging discussion. Mark Goldstein interviews real estate expert Evan Thomas, who shares insights on the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, affordable living options, and rich cultural scene. With a mix of Southern charm and modern amenities, Nashvi…
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Anna and Annie discuss the 2025 Women's Prize Shortlist. Our book of the week is MEMORIAL DAYS by Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of HORSE. This is a moving and honest memoir of Brooks' time grieving her late husband Tony Horwitz and also a portrait of their marriage. Partly set on a remote island off the coast of Tasmania, it i…
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Retire in Style: Why Nice, France is the Ultimate LGBTQ Destination With Jameson Farn
1:25:34
1:25:34
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1:25:34Welcome to the Where Do Gays Retire podcast, where we explore the vibrant and welcoming community of Nice, France, a top choice for LGBTQ retirees. Jameson Farn, a long-time resident of the French Riviera, shares his insights on what makes Nice an ideal place to live, from its stunning climate and walkability to its rich cultural scene. Listeners w…
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A special episode! Anna is joined by Emily Hart and Margot Lloyd, founders of Pink Shorts Press. We discuss the exciting launch of this new publisher and the 2025 Stella Prize shortlist. Our book of the week is SEA GREEN by Barbara Hanrahan, re-issued by Pink Shorts Press this year with an introduction by Laura Elizabeth Woollett. This semi-autobio…
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Somebody Down There Likes Me by Robert Lukins
25:54
25:54
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25:54Anna and Annie discuss the 2025 Stella Prize longlist and some upcoming book-to-screen adaptations: THE LEOPARD, SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE, FOURTH WING and THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO. Our book of the week is SOMEBODY DOWN THERE LIKES ME by Robert Lukins. A dysfunctional family comes together in Connecticut when the parents announce they have l…
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Viña del Mar: Coastal Bliss and LGBTQ+ Life with Suber Corley
1:28:21
1:28:21
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1:28:21Welcome to the Where Do Gays Retire Podcast! Today, we explore the vibrant coastal city of Viña del Mar, Chile, through the eyes of our guest, Suber Corley, who shares his inspiring journey of relocating and thriving in this beautiful locale. Suber discusses the unique Mediterranean climate, the affordable cost of living, and the welcoming atmosphe…
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Anna and Annie discuss the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards Shortlist for fiction, including WOO WOO by Ella Baxter and HIGHWAY 13 by Fiona McFarlane. Our book of the week is THE SEASON by Helen Garner. This is a memoir of a year Garner spent following her grandson's club football team. It explores masculinity, the sense of community at the loca…
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The House of the Dead by Fyodor Dostoevsky
36:31
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36:31Geoff and Anna discuss THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD by Fyodor Dostoevsky translated by David McDuff. This is a fictionalised account of the four years Dostoevsky spent in a Siberian prison camp after he was arrested for taking part in a political conspiracy. Sold as a novel but with the feel of a documentary, it contains fascinating details and joins a co…
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Ajijic, Mexico: A Vibrant LGBTQ+ Haven Revisited with Steve Cross and Harold Watts
1:35:45
1:35:45
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1:35:45🌟 **Episode Summary**: Welcome to another exciting episode of the *Where Do Gays Retire* Podcast! Host Mark Goldstein catches up with Steve Cross and Harold Watts to revisit Ajijic, Mexico—a picturesque lakeside town nestled by Lake Chapala. This episode is packed with updates on Ajijic’s climate, cost of living, LGBTQ+ community, social scene, hea…
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White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky translated by Ronald Meyer
23:38
23:38
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23:38Anna and Geoff discuss WHITE NIGHTS by Fyodor Dostoevsky translated by Ronald Meyer. A man meets a woman on the street in St Petersburg and falls in love in this short story. It has become a Tik Tok sensation in recent months and Penguin has commissioned a new audiobook to be read by Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson. Dostoevsky was in his romantic, mille…
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From Blight to Bright: Detroit's Transformation for LGBTQ Retirees with Jac Blanco
1:04:50
1:04:50
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1:04:50Jac Blanco provides a compelling narrative about his life and experiences since relocating to Detroit from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The conversation between Mark Goldstein and Jac explores several aspects of life in Detroit, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community considering retirement. They begin by examining the city's climate, where Jac…
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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
33:00
33:00
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33:00A special episode: Anna chats with Kate Slotover of the Book Club Review podcast. Our book of the week is THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M. LION by Beth Brower. Recommended by our friend Shawn Mooney of Shawn Breathes Books, we enjoyed this novel set in Victorian London about a young woman returning to claim her inheritance. Light and witty, these…
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Ep 284: Patriot by Alexei Navalny with special guest John Wood
39:25
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39:25A special episode: Anna is joined by author and U-Go founder John Wood. We discuss our reactions to the 2025 Women’s Prize Longlist. Our book of the week is PATRIOT by Alexei Navalny translated by Arch Tait with Stephen Dalziel. This is Navalny’s autobiography detailing his rise to be a Russian opposition leader, but is also a prison diary followin…
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