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Out Late With David

Out Late With David

Written by: David Cotton
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About this listen

 I'm a life coach who came out later in life as gay. Join me as I talk with others who’ve made this LGBTQ+ coming out journey later in their lives to become who they really are.

Reach out to me for a complimentary coaching consultation if you have challenges in your life you'd like to explore.

https://calendly.com/davidcotton/complimentary-coaching-consultation-zoom-phone

David Cotton
https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com
https://www.OutLateWithDavid.comOut Late With David: Coming Out Later in Life LGBTQ+ Hygiene & Healthy Living Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Greg R. Baird: When Your Story Saves a Life

    Greg R. Baird: When Your Story Saves a Life
    Jan 9 2026
    In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate and global lecturer Greg R. Baird sits down with David in Palm Springs to share his journey from growing up closeted in a small Michigan town to becoming a respected educator, storyteller, and champion for allyship. Greg opens up about coming out at 31, navigating painful family rejection, and the moments that shaped his calling—including a life-changing encounter with a student who credits his story with saving her life. Together, David and Greg explore the transformative power of storytelling, finding community after coming out, and learning to live with courage, connection, and authenticity at any age. This episode offers wisdom, warmth, and hope for anyone on their journey of self-acceptance and belonging. Takeaways & Sound Bites Growing up in a small, religious town made coming out feel impossible, but college provided Greg the first space where he could blossom and explore who he truly was. Early advocacy began unintentionally, as Greg and his first boyfriend spoke to college classes about being gay—long before he saw himself as an activist. Family responses to coming out were painful and complicated, but over time, Greg found peace through patience, education, and accepting what could not be changed. Parents’ understanding is shaped by what they know, and sometimes by those influencing them; change, when it comes, can be slow and surprising. You can’t change your parents—only yourself. Greg emphasizes honoring your truth, your energy, and your value, regardless of others’ acceptance. Storytelling is a transformative tool that can change hearts, minds, and even policy by revealing the humanity behind the issues. A life-changing moment with a suicidal student affirmed Greg’s calling to become a global lecturer—proof that sharing your story can save lives. Coming out may not happen overnight, and each person must move at their own pace and readiness. There is no “right” timeline. Finding community after coming out takes intention, whether through shared activities, meetups, support groups, hobbies, or interest-based circles. Real connection requires stepping beyond apps and screens, leaning into face-to-face interactions that build genuine friendships. Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between can find their place—community can look like wine groups, sports leagues, sober spaces, Disney meetups, or coffee chats. Self-acceptance is foundational; be patient with yourself and trust that your personality, confidence, and comfort in community will grow over time. We need connection now more than ever, especially in a challenging social climate—putting yourself out there, even gently, opens emotional doors you never expected. Letting people in, rather than “coming out,” can be a more compassionate and empowering way to frame revealing your authentic self. You are not alone, and hearing stories like Greg’s or those on Out Late With David can provide life-saving hope, community, and belonging. Greg R. Baird: https://linktr.ee/gregrbaird and www.GregRBaird.com. Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com YouTube Edition: https://youtu.be/eEBC-_5dYY8 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg CertifiedProfessional Life Coach, David Cotton: https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com Contact me: mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.comhttps://www.OutLateWithDavid.com https://linktr.ee/davidacotton © 2026 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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    39 mins
  • Charlie Vollmar - From Outed to Reborn: Chef Charlie’s New Chapter

    Charlie Vollmar - From Outed to Reborn: Chef Charlie’s New Chapter
    Nov 30 2025
    SummaryIn this powerful follow-up conversation, David talks with Chef Charlie Vollmar on his return to Out Late With David to share how his life has transformed since his first interview 18 months ago. Speaking from Palm Springs, Charlie updates listeners on his reinvention in San Miguel de Allende—rebuilding his life after being outed, creating a new chosen family, relaunching his culinary school, and deepening his work in cultural exchange and philanthropy. With his signature radical vulnerability, he reflects on personal growth, identity, male connection, creativity, and purpose, all while offering honest guidance for others navigating late-in-life coming out journeys. This uplifting episode highlights resilience, authenticity, and the joy of discovering life on the other side of trauma. Keywords#ComingOutLater #GayMen #LGBTQStories #AuthenticLiving #ChosenFamily #ChefCharlieVollmar #SanMiguelDeAllende #PalmSpringsLGBTQ #CulinaryJourneys #GayExpatLife #Self-discovery #AuthenticityTakeaways• Reinvention at any age is possible.• Authenticity transforms everything.• Mexico sparked Charlie’s creative and personal rebirth.• Chosen family brings deep healing and joy.• Radical vulnerability can save lives—your own and others’.• Letting go is often the first step to moving forward.• There is hope and purpose on the other side of trauma.• Male connection—emotional, social, spiritual—can be profoundly healing.Sound Bites1. “I didn’t just come out—I became someone I never knew I was allowed to be.”2. “Mexico didn’t just give me a new home. It gave me a new mind, a new heart, and a new life.”3. “Radical vulnerability wasn’t a choice—it was the door that saved me.”4. “At 60, I thought my story was over. It turns out it was only just beginning.”5. “I left with two carry-ons, a red backpack, a laptop, and a cup of coffee—and rebuilt everything from nothing.”6. “My chosen family filled a space in my heart I didn’t even know was empty.”7. “I wake up every day now with one thought: I can’t wait to see who I become today.”8. “Authenticity isn’t a destination—it changes every hour with the people you meet and the life you live.”9. “There is so much life waiting for us on the other side of trauma. Hold on. There’s always another side.”10. “Teaching isn’t my job—it’s my purpose. It’s the gift I get to give away every day.”The Classic Cocktail Anthony Bourdain Called The 'Perfect Mixed Drink': https://www.tastingtable.com/1360085/classic-cocktail-anthony-bourdain-perfect-drink-negroni/Boeuf Bourguignon | The French Chef Season 7 | Julia Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uruT8FPpeKcConnecting with Chef CharlieChef Charles VollmarEpicurean Exchange Culinary EducationAparicio 25, #5, Zona CentroSan Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, MéxicoWhatsApp: +1 925-369-4181Email: charlie@epicureanexchange.comWebsites:Education: www.epicureanexchange.comTravel: www.epexculinarytravel.comBlog: www.epicureanglobalexchange.comSocial media:Facebook:Charles VollmarEpicurean Exchange Culinary TravelThreads: @charlesvollmarInstagram: @charlesvollmar & @epexculinarytravelBluesky: @carlitosv.bsky.socialJanuary Cover of GoNaked Magazine 😉 https://gonakedmagazine.comPodcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com YouTube Edition: https://youtu.be/BISaHg0YRQs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton: https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com Contact me: mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.comhttps://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com https://linktr.ee/davidacotton© 2025 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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    41 mins
  • Kevin O'Connor - out at 55 after two marriages

    Kevin O'Connor - out at 55 after two marriages
    Oct 1 2025
    Summary Kevin O'Connor shares his profound journey of self-discovery, coming out at 55 after two marriages and raising children. He reflects on his childhood experiences, the struggles of acceptance, and the complexities of navigating relationships. Through candid discussions, he reveals the challenges of living authentically and the joy of finding love with his husband after years of hiding his true self. Kevin emphasizes the importance of embracing one's identity and the lessons learned throughout his life. Keywords coming out, LGBTQ, self-acceptance, relationships, marriage, personal journey, authenticity, love, family, memoir Takeaways Kevin came out at 55 after two marriages.He struggled with acceptance from a young age.His childhood experiences shaped his understanding of identity.Navigating relationships was complex due to his hidden sexuality.He found love with his husband after years of self-discovery.Kevin emphasizes the importance of authenticity in life.He reflects on the challenges of being a gay educator.His journey highlights the significance of family support.Kevin's story serves as an inspiration for others in similar situations.He believes in the power of sharing one's story to help others.Chapters 00:00 Kevin O'Connor's Journey of Self-Discovery02:56 Navigating Early Life and Identity05:34 College Experiences and Hidden Truths08:02 Marriage and the Struggle with Identity10:19 The Complexity of Relationships11:29 Fatherhood and Compartmentalization14:11 The Breaking Point of Authenticity20:41 Embracing Authenticity: The Journey of Coming Out24:11 Finding Love: The Role of Timing and Connection29:40 Family Dynamics: Coming Out to Loved Ones32:46 Reflections on Life: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward37:05 Closing Book Recommendation: Journey Out: Memoirs of men coming to grips with their orientation, by Gene Probascohttps://a.co/d/b2y78BtPodcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com YouTube Edition: https://youtu.be/IYLGA_lLYGs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton: https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com Contact me: mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.comhttps://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com https://www.OutLateWithDavid.comhttps://linktr.ee/davidacotton © 2025 David Cotton Coaching, LLC. All rights reserved. The "Out Late With David" podcast and its content are the property of David Cotton Coaching, LLC. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from David Cotton Coaching, LLC is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to "Out Late With David" and David Cotton Coaching, LLC with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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    38 mins
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