Out Loud & Laughing

About Out Loud & Laughing

Presented by Out.com (http://Out.com) / Out Magazine Out Loud & Laughing is a hilarious, heartfelt, and unapologetic podcast hosted by queer cousins Bryan Ruiz and Jon Ruiz. Bringing their distinct comedic chemistry and shared family history to the mic, Bryan and Jon offer a fresh, unfiltered look at life, love, relationships, and everything in between. Through a sharp comedic lens, they dive headfirst into today's hot topics, essential life lessons, and the messy, beautiful highs and lows of growing up queer. Hosted by two proud queer cousins, our show uses laughter as a compass to navigate navigating identity, culture, and the unique challenges of the LGBTQ+ experience. Together with equalpride—the ultimate home for LGBTQ+ media—we are on a mission to build a community where identity and humor intersect. We’re here to inspire bold self-expression, deep connection, and plenty of side-splitting laughs. With laughter as their guide, Bryan and Jon create a welcoming space that fosters connection, self-expression, and pure, unapologetic joy. Whether you are tuning in for the wild stories, the sharp humor, the deep relatability, or a mix of all three, this is the show that celebrates living life as your truest, most authentic self—out loud and laughing.

Publisher

Bryan Ruiz and Jon Ruiz

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Feb 2025

Latest episode

27 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

183 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Claybourne Elder | The Heart, the Gay Jazz Album, and the Villain He Wants to Play

   Broadway performer and The Gilded Age actor Claybourne Elder joins Out Loud and Laughing for a warm, candid conversation about queer artistry, creative independence, and the stories we choose to tell.Claybourne shares the inspiration behind his solo album, If the Stars Were Mine—a personal project shaped by the lullaby he sings to his son. He talks about reimagining classic songs through a gay jazz lens, producing the album himself, and learning to trust his creative instincts when support fell through. The conversation also explores his role as John Adams in The Gilded Age and why he wanted to move beyond familiar stereotypes of queer characters. Claybourne discusses his acting process, his love of playing villains, his Broadway work, and how he encourages people to take practical steps to support the causes they believe in.Expect heartfelt stories, theater talk, laughs, and a reminder that the legacy that matters most may be the way we show up for the people we love. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1 (https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Clay Elder and his career 02:38 Clay's pivotal moment from violin to acting 04:27 Growing up in Utah and early influences 06:16 Creating 'If the Stars Were Mine' and its themes 08:11 Overcoming self-doubt in the creative process 11:18 The grassroots journey of producing his album 14:25 Portrayal of LGBTQ characters in historical context 15:42 The importance of character development and imagination 20:02 Standing up for community and social issues 22:01 Fun rapid-fire: Broadway, music, and personal preferences 27:35 Reflections on legacy: voice vs. heart Claybourne Elder, Claybourne Elder interview, Claybourne Elder podcast, Out Loud and Laughing, The Gilded Age actor, John Adams The Gilded Age, Broadway actor interview, Little Shop of Horrors Broadway, If the Stars Were Mine album, gay jazz album, LGBTQ+ representation in television, queer actors, queer storytelling, Broadway and television, creative independence, producing a solo album, actor creative process, global human rights advocacy —-- Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com (http://www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com) Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM (https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM) Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9 (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9)

2. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Ben McDonnell | The Gay Cowboy from Traitors Spills Everything from Fat Shots, Giga Yachts – to “Identifying as Petite.”

   Pumpkin spice at the wrong time, giga yachts, Ozempic, and Christmas trees in October - this one is pure chaotic gay energy in the best possible way. Ben McDonnell joins Bryan and Jon for a brutally funny catch-up that starts with The Traitors and somehow ends with elite-level holiday planning, reality TV fantasies, and a conversation about what we’re actually putting in our bodies. Ben, who’s currently on The Traitors, opens up about life as a faithful, what he’d do on the show, and why he’s absolutely here for strategy, drama, and the wardrobe. The trio also gets candid about GLP-1 shots, body image, trainer culture, and the very gay math of time vs. money when it comes to fitness. You'll also hear about Ben’s summer on a “giga yacht” with a helicopter, Bryan and Jon’s 10-year anniversary in Spain, their glamorous villa in the hills of Barcelona, and the not-so-glamorous reality of keeping kids believing in Santa. Along the way, they get into fake meat, chicken trauma, reality competition shows, and why Vanna White may have the easiest job in America. This episode is equal parts hilarious, unfiltered, and weirdly wholesome. If you love pop culture, queer banter, reality TV, and conversations that bounce from nonsense to sincerity without warning, this is your sign to hit play. Ben McDonnell is the host of It's Been a Week and a contestant on The Traitors, known for his sharp humor and effortlessly chaotic energy. Bryan and Jon are the hosts of Out Loud and Laughing, bringing the quick wit, relationship banter, and community-centered perspective that makes this episode feel like catching up with your funniest friends.Perfect for listeners who love messy group chat energy, gay pop culture commentary, and the kind of episode that makes a Friday feel like a vacation. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1 (https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:18 Ben's Reality TV Experience and Show Involvement 02:39 Favorite Shows and Watching Strategies 04:00 Ozempic and Weight Loss Stories 05:12 Medical Trends and Body Image 06:55 Farm Life and Ethical Eating 09:01 Travel Adventures in Greece and Europe 12:40 Summer Vacation and Greek Islands 14:59 Luxury Yacht Experiences and Family Connections 16:58 Wedding Anniversary and Celebrations 22:01 Upcoming Projects and Industry Events 23:30 Voting for Podcast Competition and Community Engagement 25:00 Holiday Preparations and Family Traditions 28:01 Elf on the Shelf and Holiday Magic 29:58 Favorite Game Shows and Celebrity Hosts 33:00 Legacy Hosts and TV Careers 36:00 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Out Loud and Laughing, Ben McDonnell, The Traitors, The Traitors contestant, LGBTQ podcast, gay podcast, queer pop culture, LGBTQ conversation, reality TV, reality competition shows, celebrity podcast interview, gay friends podcast, Ozempic conversation, GLP-1 weight loss, body image, fitness culture, giga yacht, luxury yacht vacation, Greece and Italy travel, Spain anniversary trip, holiday traditions, Elf on the Shelf, pumpkin spice season, funny podcast conversation —-- Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com (http://www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com) Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM (https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM) Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9 (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9)

3. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Dan Jinks | Movies That Matter From American Beauty to Milk & the Man Behind the Movies

   Hollywood producer Dan Jinks joins us to share how he built an Oscar-winning career by championing original stories—and why he never saw being gay as a limitation in an industry full of gatekeepers.From a theater-obsessed kid dreaming of show business to producing films that made a lasting cultural impact, Dan reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his creative instincts. He takes us behind the scenes of Milk, including the challenges of getting the film made, why Sean Penn was pivotal to the project, and how the cast came together.Dan also shares a memorable moment from the set of American Beauty, what he looks for in a script today, and why originality and characters that move him still matter. We talk about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ stories in Hollywood, the audience response to Heated Rivalry, and the movie musical Dan still hopes to bring to life.Plus (http://life.Plus), Dan joins us for a playful round of “This or That: The Producer’s Cut.” In this episode: Dan’s path from theater kid to Oscar-winning producer The story behind making Milk LGBTQ+ visibility and belonging in Hollywood What makes a script stand out A behind-the-scenes moment from American Beauty Dan’s dream of producing a big-screen musical If you love filmmaking, queer representation, and the stories behind iconic movies, this conversation is for you. Dan also recommends checking out Down with Love. Dan Jinks Instagram: @danjinks YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1 (https://www.youtube.com/@OutLoudAndLaughing?sub_confirmation=1) Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dan Jinks and his career 01:55 Dan's early passion for theater and show business 03:51 Hiding and discovering his sexuality through acting 05:37 Making Milk and the challenges of bringing LGBTQ+ stories to the screen 09:00 Navigating Hollywood as an out gay producer 11:10 Representation and casting in Hollywood 13:57 The artistry behind American Beauty and memorable scenes 16:59 What drives Dan to choose projects 19:03 Obstacles for LGBTQ+ stories in mainstream cinema 22:09 Future projects and the desire for original storytelling 23:30 Fun rapid-fire questions: preferences and personal insights 28:04 Closing thoughts and where to follow Dan Jinks —-- Visit us at www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com (http://www.OutLoudAndLaughing.com) Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM (https://open.spotify.com/show/7obVHRF8knOr0WUMOZLJnM) Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9 (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTk63DP29cMR3QjT_xkkHygIX2MZi1c9)

Who has been a guest on Out Loud & Laughing

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jason Klein
• Daniel Peach
• David FM Vaughn
• Gavin Lodge
• Chris Salvatore

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

117,184

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

163 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

54

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

32

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