Do You Take This Man?
By Men's Vows
Do You Take This Man?Mar 10, 2021
40: Let's Raise a Glass (of Mercury Wine) to Brad & Danny
On this episode of Do You Take This Man?, we raise a glass to veteran and vintner, Brad and his husband and chef, Danny. We learn how they are building both a marriage and a winery together. Hear how they are "rare birds" in the rare world of winemaking, both as one of the few gay couples in the industry and as winemakers who strip back the pretense of enjoying a fine glass of wine.
39: Bruno Duarte (Below Deck) on Love, Honesty, and Intimacy
When it comes to relationship advice, one might not turn to a reality-star-turned-OnlyFans-star for guidance. But our conversation with Bruno—the breakout star of Season 5 of Below Deck and one of OnlyFans biggest content creators—revealed just how much wisdom a life lived while the cameras are on can share with those of us living life in a relationship with the cameras off.
It won't come as much of a surprise that honesty and deep communication is core to a strong bond, but what we also learned from Bruno is that jealousy, sharing fetishes and cheating can fuel a healthy relationship. Keep listening to find out how and hear how Bruno and his soon-to-be Alex's relationship is a deeply connected one.
Support Bruno at https://linktr.ee/brunobelowdeck
Read more stories from Men's Vows at https://mensvows.com/
38: 3dudes1life: Learning about Throuples from Daniel, Caleb and Will
In this episode, we meet three men—Daniel, Caleb, and Will—who have been in a throuple for the past five years. They tell their story about becoming a throuple, connecting to other throuples in the community, and how they're helping evolve our understanding of relationships. We discuss communication, sex, and common misperceptions of throuples.
Follow along with Daniel, Caleb and Will on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3dudes1life/
Learn about their work with Out at the Fair: https://www.outatthefair.com/
Get access to the very best in LGBTQ programming: https://www.outat.tv/
37: Mason & Jay on Redefining Marriage
Welcome host Eduardo Braniff to the "Do You Take This Man?" podcast! In this episode, Eduardo introduces us to his dear friends Jay and Mason. They discuss their marriage, both before and after it was legally recognized, and talk about how we are challenging the institution of marriage to evolve.
Mason is also the founder of OUTWORDS, an organization that captures, preserves, and shares the stories of LGBTQ+ elders, to build community and catalyze social change.
Browse the amazing stories on OUTWORDS to learn queer history from the people who made it. Consider making a donation to preserve the LGBTQ+ community's remarkable legacy.
36: Lessons from a Marine and a Solder: Bailey & Eron
Bailey and Eron join the "Do You Take This Man?" podcast to share about their experiences as out gay active duty military service members. We talk about the stereotypes of each branch of the military (Which one has the most gays?) and get a glimpse into their lives as new dads.
35: Dad Advice from Brian and Ty
Husbands and fathers Brian and Ty tell us how it takes a village to bring a child into the world. We talk about how they knew they were ready to become dads, what was important during the surrogacy process, and how life has changed since they became parents. Hear about Brian & Ty's unique special relationship with their surrogate and about the twists and turns along the path to parenthood.
34: John & Alex: How living abroad shapes their relationship
Husbands-to-be John and Alex are Americans living in Shanghai. We talk about the little daily challenges they face as a couple while living in a foreign country and how their experience abroad shapes their relationship. They tell us about their unique perspective on weddings: they're more than just a party... planning a wedding grants us a glimpse into one another's values.
Read John & Alex's feature on Men's Vows.
33: Journey to Scotland with Coinneach the Hebridean Baker
Get your copy of The Hebridean Baker Recipe Book.
Fall in love with the Outer Hebrides in Coinneach's TikTok videos.
32: Talking about talking about sex: Matthew & Paul
You read the episode title right! We're here to talk about talking about sex with two husbands who have made a name for themselves in the podcasting world, opening up about their private life. Meet Matthew and Paul, husbands and hosts of the His and His Podcast. We discuss sexuality as a form of expression and how the ability to discuss sex removes shame and brings couples closer together.
31: The Next Evolution of the Wedding Industry: Inclusivity for Grooms
Richard Dusseau, co-founder of Men's Vows, returns to "Do You Take This Man?" to answer some frequently asked questions about the Men's Vows Wedding Directory. We talk about how weddings have changed in recent years to be more inclusive and how the industry will continue to evolve. Hear how the Men's Vows team is doing its part to support groom-friendly wedding vendors. Share this episode with engaged couples and wedding vendors who support gay grooms.
30: James Hall on the Possibilities in Parenthood
James offers a unique perspective on parenthood as he is the father to two children. His daughter was born into a heterosexual marriage in the 1990s, and his son was born in 2020 with two fathers. James opens up about the details of the surrogate process and the effects of a miscarriage. We daydream about what the next generation has to look forward to, and Sam admits who he would ask to donate eggs for him to have children.
Read more stories of gay couples at Men's Vows.
29: The Boyfriend Episode: Zack and Sam (Part Two)
In Part Two of the conversation between the host (Sam) and his boyfriend (Zack) we explore the reasons why we think we work as a couple. We address the fear of change as relationships get serious and how to shift your mindset to manage that fear. Zack’s grandma comes up on multiple occasions in this conversation, so it’s clear how much he values relationship advice from her. Zack also finds a moment to set the record straight on which Hogwarts House he truly belongs in.
28: The Boyfriend Episode: Zack & Sam (Part One)
This episode's guest is none other than the boyfriend (Zack) of the host (Sam). We find out how Zack truly feels about surprises and hear the origin story of their relationship—and the origin story of this podcast. Zack tells us what it was like meeting Sam's family for the first time. We talk about the keys to a healthy relationship and get honest with each other about the challenges in a relationship. You'll also get to hear a big announcement!
27: Deleted Scenes! Bonus Content from Previous Episodes
We were hungry for more from some of our favorite episodes of "Do You Take This Man?" These are the deleted scenes from episodes with Will & James, Chris & Clay, Marcelino & Edwin, Samuel Anthony, and Bryan & Chris. Included are questions from Sam's two favorite ways to get people talking about relationships: Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love (John M. Gottman, Doug Abrams, Rachel Carlton Abrams, Julie L Schwartz) and the New York Times 36 Questions that Lead to Love (Daniel Jones).
Wedding Expert Series: Wedding Planners on Inclusivity
Join expert wedding planners from around the United States in this panel discussion on inclusivity. Jason Mitchell Kahn, the resident Men's Vows wedding expert, hosts the discussion. He's joined by Christina and Adam of Dos Goats Plans (Minneapolis) and Julian of Julian Leaver Events (Dallas). Hear how these planners create unforgettable experiences for their grooms and what they are looking forward to the most for the weddings to come.
26: McCae & Ike Stand Up to Wedding Discrimination
We congratulate McCae and Ike on their engagement as we hear the hot tub proposal story, and we stand firm with the grooms-to-be in the face of discrimination. Listen to the couple talk about what it was like to be turned down by a local wedding venue. Hear them describe the reaction of the community and what that means for their future. Help us share stories like these so we can change the world to become more embracing.
Visit Men's Vows.
25: Australia's Real House Husbands Tim and Rod (The Amazing Race)
24: Strengthen Your Relationship through Travel ft. Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg
Whether your dream vacation involves a hike through the national parks of Moab, Utah, a surprisingly delightful river cruise through Europe, or a foray into the ancient world of Egypt, we’re regaining our ability to travel the world alongside our loved ones. Join Richard and Jennifer as they discuss all that travel has to offer and why you should invest in a professional to help make it count!
Learn about the Men's Vows + Valerie Wilson Travel partnership: https://valeriewilsontravel.com/mensvows/
Get inspired by Valerie Wilson Travel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vwt_travel/
23: In the Kitchen with Jake Cohen
Jason and Sam team up to interview Jake Cohen, a "nice Jewish boy who loves food." Jake talks about how he celebrates the diversity in what it means to be Jewish, including the way food can represent the blending of cultures. We love asking about how Jake (a trained chef) and his husband (a pianist) work together in the kitchen. The conversation gets really interesting as we talk about our relationships to food and our bodies, Jewish wedding traditions, and hospitality as a way to build community.
Get cookin' with Jake's cookbook Jew-ish: https://www.wakeandjake.com/jewish-a-cookbook
Get hungry on Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen/
22: Adventures with Will and James (The Amazing Race, America's Next Top Model)
Listen to Will and James share how they prepared as a couple to work together to win The Amazing Race. Hear how they kept the true story of the proposal a secret for over a year. They tell us what they learned about each other through the experience of a reality TV show and discuss how to have a healthy sense of competitiveness in a relationship.
Travel along with Will and James on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGowslAYoL0qcEvg8kRYWA
Follow Will and James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itswillandjames/
Become a Patron of the Do You Take This Man? podcast for bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
21: Hayden Joseph: Inclusivity in Country Music
Listen to Hayden's 2021 album "Different" on Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/3qNyZu2Mpb1Z49MebB9rlB?si=xojFyMc-SJ2_194EJB6m3Q
Follow Hayden on Instagram: www.instagram.com/haydenjoseph/
Become a Patron of Do You Take This Man? Podcast: www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
20: Chris and Clay: Flash Mobs, Palm Springs, and literal Wedding Crashers
You've seen them before on mensvows.com; now we peel back the curtain with Chris and Clay. They talk us through the behind-the-scenes of their flash mob proposal and surprise wedding choreography (spoiler alert... it was only a surprise for ONE person!). Join us as we take the scenic route to their Palm Springs destination wedding, exploring the fabulous work of their wedding photographer, Tyler (Scratch Studios).
- Follow along with Chris & Clay's article
- Get inspired by Photography by Tyler with Scratch Studios
- Watch Chris & Clay's YouTube Channel
Become a Patron of Do You Take This Man? Podcast! www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
Wedding Expert Series: Destination Weddings with a Pro Planner and Expert Travel Consultant
It's a crazy time to plan a wedding... especially when travel is involved! Have no fear, Kimberly (President & Owner, Valerie Wilson Travel) and Jason (Celebrity Wedding Planner, Men's Vows) walk us through wedding and travel planning in 2021. If you are planning a wedding, postponed a wedding, or have been invited to attend a wedding this year, then this episode is for you!
Travel with Valerie Wilson: https://valeriewilsontravel.com/mensvows/
Become a Patron of Do You Take This Man! https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
19: Wedding Party of Two with Samuel Anthony
Sam and Sam talk about living your life in a way that's right for you, rather than the way you think you're "supposed to." We talk about Samuel's intimate wedding and being true to yourself. Samuel tells us about meeting his husband in an elevator in Las Vegas and how his friends recreated the elevator story à la "Drunk History."
Follow Samuel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelanthony/
Read Samuel & Erik's Wedding Story on Men's Vows: https://mensvows.com/blog/2021/3/18/sam-amp-erik-loving-out-loud
18: Let's Make a Baby: Chris & Bryan's Surrogacy Journey
As talented as gay men are, we can't make babies without a little help from our female friends. Even if you aced your high school sex ed class, there's still something to learn about the egg donors, surrogates, and case workers that make it possible for men to have biological children. Bryan and Chris walk us step by step through their surrogacy journey.
Become a Patron of Do You Take This Man podcast! https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
Bryan & Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryan.and.chris/
Listen to our list of Best Gay Podcasts on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0t1ppEoEuRtvhoK81T0FnI?si=98436cfb944d45e1
17: Cheers to Team Valencap: Marcelino & Edwin
Husbands Marcelino & Edwin tell us about how their proposal didn't go as originally planned, but in the end was really sweet. Hear how they planned a cheer routine with their enormous wedding party. The guys tell us how they legally changed their last name by combining their family names into one. We talk about introducing your gay boyfriend to your family for the first time and do a chapter from the book Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.
- Watch their proposal and wedding cheer routine on Men's Vows: https://mensvows.com/blog/2017/9/30/in-their-own-cheers-marcelino-and-edwin
- Become a Patron of Do You Take This Man podcast! https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
- Marcelino's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmarcelino/
- Edwin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsedwinlv/
16: The Broadway Husbands: Bret & Stephen
Trailblazers and Broadway stars Bret & Stephen have been married since 2011. Sam seizes the opportunity to make a closet confession about his Broadway dreams. Hear us talk about the importance of authenticity in your relationship with yourself and your significant other. We talk about Les Mis, sobriety, and high school PE class.
Check out the Broadway Husbands Podcast & Blog: https://www.broadwayhusbands.com/podcastblog
Become a patron of the show to hear this episode's bonus content about when we realized we were--gasp!--attracted to men. https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
Check out my playlist of best gay podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0t1ppEoEuRtvhoK81T0FnI?si=02a9862b3902499b
15: The Debt Free Guys: John & David talk money
Hear about the wedding of John & David and when they realized they were in trouble with debt. Sam asks about their wedding bands and how they chose them. John & David admit what it's like to feel the pressure to act like you have more money that you do, and tell us how they help people get control of their spending. In any relationship, communication is key, so we talk about talking about money. Hear about John & David's own personal dreams that they were able to accomplish by following their own advice (living in Spain! working for themselves!).
Say hello to the Debt Free Guys: https://debtfreeguys.com/mensvows
@debtfreeguys @queermoneypodcast
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
14: The Marine and His Husband: Jordan and Zac
Zac kicks things off telling us about his creative idea for an anniversary gift. We hear how the couple met at San Diego Pride while Jordan was representing the United States Marine Corps in the Military Contingent. Sam is curious to hear how they prepared for a destination proposal. Jordan and Zac include all the messy details about the proposal, which makes it all the more special. We talk about men changing their last names after marrying and hear about what it’s like for Zac to be a military spouse.
Say "I Do!" to our podcast page on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/doyoutakethismanpodcast
Find Zac and Jordan on Instagram: @zac.r.law @jordan.law82
Read more stories of gay couples, enter the photo contest, and check out the Groom's Wedding Directory at Men's Vows: https://mensvows.com/
13: Eduardo Braniff: Editor in Chief of Men's Vows
Eduardo Braniff is the Editor in Chief and co-founder of Men’s Vows. He’s been a guest at over 150 weddings and tells us about the most memorable ones he’s experienced. Listen to him talk about ginormous Mexican weddings, the number one piece of advice for giving toasts, and what it means to have an indulgent wedding. Sam tests Eduardo’s knowledge of Men’s Vows with a series of trivia questions. We explore the deeper meaning of the mission of Men’s Vows to “support men who marry”—creating a sense of community and challenging traditional gender roles when it comes to weddings.
12: Getting Groomed with Jason Mitchell Kahn
Jason is the author of Getting Groomed: The Ultimate Wedding Planner for Gay Grooms and was named one of Brides Magazine's Best Planners. Having witnessed as many weddings as he has, he brings a unique perspective to the meaning of marriage. Listen to Jason and Sam discuss the difficult questions of when to begin—or end—a marriage. Jason tells us about some of the most touching moments he’s observed at weddings. Sam asks about the differences between gay and straight weddings and makes a plea to listeners to be invited to more gay weddings.
Get your copy of Getting Groomed: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Groomed-Ultimate-Wedding-Planner/dp/1452115273/
Read one of the New York Times articles consulting Jason's expertise: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/fashion/weddings/how-to-give-guests-an-active-role-in-your-virtual-wedding.html
11: Carson Tueller on the Story You're Telling Yourself
Carson is an advocate, coach, and public speaker in New York City. Hear how he coaches people to understand the narrative they write for themselves—and how to rewrite that narrative. Sam learns the meaning of the word ontology and wonders if he is outsourcing his self worth. Carson tells us about how he and his boyfriend didn’t allow the lack of accessibility for wheelchair users in New York City to keep them from seeing each other in the early stages of their relationship. Listen to Carson and Sam discuss self worth and body image in the era of Instagram.
10: My Gay Brother & His Boyfriend: Lawrence & Alex (Part Two)
Lawrence and Alex dive back in for Part Two. We start by hearing about the book that they read together. Listen to the couple talk about how they met each others’ families and an interesting idea about the commonalities between a man from the American South and a man from the United Kingdom. Lawrence and Alex share some of the questions they get asked at couples therapy. Lawrence opens up about why he changed his name as a young adult.
9: My Gay Brother & His Boyfriend: Lawrence & Alex (Part One)
The conversation is off to a rocky start as Sam’s younger brother Lawrence tries taking over the hosting of the show. While the brothers catch a case of the giggles, Lawrence’s boyfriend Alex tells us about how they met. Hear Alex’s advice for first dates and why he reminded Lawrence of Indiana Jones. Sam and Lawrence talk about growing up together, dealing with gay stereotypes as kids, and their coming out experiences.
8: Jack & Greg on Gay Marriage in the Church
Husbands Jack & Greg recently celebrated their 36th anniversary as a couple, but were together for 30 years before they married. They were the first couple to be married in the state of Colorado using the Episcopalian wedding ceremony written for same-sex couples—a ceremony that Jack helped to write. Hear how they organized forums for LGBTQ people to tell their stories, and how it felt listening to people opposed to same-sex marriage. Find out why their own wedding ceremony almost ended early.
7: Jonathan and Thomas: Daddy and Papa
For questions on parenting, you can text Jonathan and Thomas (802) 278-0214
Read the Daddy and Papa Journal daddyandpapa.co/journal
6: TikTok's Sweethearts Chris and Ian
You know Chris and Ian. They’re the funniest couple on social media. They were an overnight sensation and now have literally millions of fans, called “Bloomers.” Hear how they managed a bi-coastal relationship before moving in during quarantine. They explain each other’s generational idiosyncrasies in texting, play a word association game, and discuss Ian’s unique shower curtain situation. Listen to Chris share about the importance of play and working through miscommunication. Ian talks about the complexity of being a private person in the world of social media.
Get your Chris and Ian merch:
https://stores.customink.com/chris-ian-merch
5: Andrew and Ross
Get to know fiancés Andrew and Ross, friends of Sam, as we chat over a few glasses of Aldi rosé. Hear how they managed a long distance relationship for several years before getting engaged and moving in together. Once again, another novel idea for a new dating app emerges. We learn why watching Netflix together isn’t in the cards for these two and hear how they set expectations for visiting one another. Andrew helps us understand how to view the world through someone else’s eyes as he tells us about his job working in diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare. Sam embarrasses himself when he mishears the word “dog.”
4: Getting to Know Carlos Brandt
Carlos is an entrepreneur and activist in New York City, but sits with Sam during his visit Denver to explore the Rocky Mountains. We bond over mutual love of the outdoors and disconnecting from busy lifestyles. Carlos tells us what it was like growing up in a Catholic community in Spain. Sam does his best to flatter Carlos with compliments on his own podcast, Dear Queer People. We talk about non-traditional relationships like throuples and … quadrouples? Hear how Carlos and Sam were both able to overcome failed engagements.
Listen to Dear Queer People on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
3: Dating in NYC with Luke
Luke and Sam talk dating strategies, including knowing when and how to cut things off. Sam gets a tour of Luke’s New York City apartment. Luke tells us how his last relationship ended and how the new one began. We wonder if there’s such thing as “alphas” and “betas” in most relationships. Despite being in an older generation, Sam tries (and fails) to associate himself with Luke’s youth as we discuss generational perspectives of LGBTQ history.
2: Michael and Matt
Michael and Matt tell Sam he isn’t allowed to ask them about themselves, but Sam does it anyway. They tell us about sharing their lives on social media and how they met via their coming out videos on YouTube. Creativity abounds as we think of new ideas for dating apps. Sam is fooled by exceptional Photoshop skills during one of Matt and Michael’s travel stories. We find out what Frodo Baggins, Ron Swanson, and Michael and Matt all have in common. Best of all, hear about the couple’s first years of marriage and their plans for the future.
Read their story on Men's Vows: https://mensvows.com/blog/2018/6/10/a-tale-of-two-youtube-stars
Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelandmatt/
Read their blog: https://www.michaelandmatt.com/
1: Richard and Steve
Introducing the Do You Take This Man? Podcast
Ever since marriage equality was legalized in the United States, the popular blog Men's Vows has been celebrating the stories of men who marry. Now, the creative team behind Men's Vows is pulling back the curtain on what happens after you say "I do." In this series you'll hear stories of gay relationships from men who are doing their best to find—and keep—their significant other.