There is nothing better than this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals Bryan and Peter Simmons-Scie (@simmonsscieguys). These Harlem-based husbands are the definition of (black) love and we are here for it! Their adventures (and painted nails) are perfect and we know you are going to love them just as much as we do. Then, Marko and Tony gather to talk about friendships and how theirs have affected their relationship. Is it tough to maintain friendships while in a relationship? And what do you do if your friends don’t like your partner (or vice versa)? The Critellis sit down to discuss this very common problem. Then, friends of the podcast, Erika and Steve, join Marko and Tony at the Virtual Critable for the September edition of ‘We Ain’t Sh!t’. Laugh with this foursome as they share their views on friendships while in relationships.

Articles:

Psychology Today: Why Friendships Are Vital to the Health of Your Relationship

HuffPost: 7 Signs Your Relationship is Messing With Your Friendships

This week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals introduces us to the adorable relationship of wives, Alex (@alxmorgn) and Whitney Morgan (@thewhitneymorgan). These nurses from Utah are beyond adorable and insanely sweet on one another, which is why we are inspired by them. Check them out on IG and fall in love with them the way we did! Then, Marko and Tony are joined by the creator of the future animated feature film, Maxxie La Wow, Anthony Hand (@anthonyhand). Anthony joins the guys at the Virtual Critable to talk about his modest upbringing, coming to terms with his queer identity, and the inception of Maxxie La Wow. The Critellis take an entire hour to speak with Anthony about the upcoming film and what Maxxie La Wow will mean for super (s)heroes and queer culture as a whole.

Support Maxxie La Wow:

Website: maxxie.com

Instagram: @maxxielawow

Facebook: Maxxie La Wow Official Fan Group

A trip to España introduces us to this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, Nel and Lluis (@islandgaycouple). With sunshine, fresh air, and the beach as the backdrop to their love story, it’s no wonder Nel an Lluis’ romance is flourishing! Check them out on IG and join us in wishing for this kind of love and tan lines. Then, Marko and Tony update us all on what is going on in the world with a rare edition of In Queer News. Join the guys as they talk about Afghanistan, Jojo Siwa, and the Catholic church, as it relates to queer culture. And finally, the guys gather at the Critable - just the two of them - to revisit the topic that birthed this podcast: monogamy. Hear how their views have evolved and what monogamy means to them after 12 years together.

Articles:

1. Them. : 30% of Gay Men Are In Open Relationships, According to Study

2. NewNowNext : Dear Gay Men: Stop It With Your Monogamy-Shaming

We celebrate black love by recognizing this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, Stevie (@steviet_fitness), and Patrick (@patrickparrish). What do you get when you couple two insanely attractive, accomplished, and genuine people together? A romance meant to be highlighted - and we thank Stevie and Patrick for making that possible. Check them out and show them some love! You’ll be glad you did. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about the baggage they’ve brought to their relationship and the choice (as a partner) to accept said baggage. If you truly love someone, is it fair to be asked to deal with someone’s relationship, family, or financial baggage? Finally, Marko and Tony are joined at the Virtual Critable by ex-military San Diego father of two, Jansen Schamp (@jansen_schamp). He has an amazing and complex history that he freely shares with the guys. You won’t want to miss his light and personality: definitely a unique individual who was so enthralling that we completely lost track of time!

Articles:

Bustle: The “Baggage” You Shouldn’t Hide From Your Partner

This week starts off with entrepreneurs and husbands Martin and Ari (@martin_and_ari) as our #QueerRelationshipGoals! These world travelers have taken some of the best pictures we have ever seen on the podcast. Their love and laughter comes through in every transcontinental shot. Go see for yourselves: you’ll be glad that you did. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about the weird world of nicknames. Is it a sign of a healthy relationship to have odd, unique names that you call each other? Is it appropriate to use those names in mixed company? Listen in to find out what the guys think. Finally, join Marko and Tony for the August edition of Listener Sh!tuations.

Articles:

1. Scientific American: Why Do We Use Pet Names in Relationships?

2. Insider: Introducing Pet Names to Your Relationship Could Make it Stronger, According to Science

Gaia (@gaiasynaesthesia) & Valen (@valenmess) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals. These Italian goddesses love Earth, love plants, and love each other in such a powerful and artistic way, we know their romance will inspire novels and movies. Check them out on IG, and fall in love with them! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to work out their thoughts about the gym without stepping foot into one. Queer people (especially gay men) have a unique relationship to the gym and the guys want to better understand what that is and why they can’t commit to getting to one. This is an episode sure to get your heart rate up! Finally, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by healthcare advocate and host of the Queer Late Night Podcast, Ell McCullars (@ell.mccullars). They talk about growing up in Maryland, serving in the military, serving on the streets of NYC, and why dating is rough. Tune in and let us know what you think!

Articles:

1. Gay Times: It’s Complicated: Exploring Why Gay Men Have Such a Unique Relationship With the Gym

2. Pride Source: Lifting the Gay Gym Stereotype

Las Vegas residents and husbands Wade (@waderamsamooj) and Garren Ramsamooj (@itsgarrenteed) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals and we are so happy to highlight them! With so much love and even more passion between them, these guys (@wearedoublewade) give us all reason to LOVE love. Check them out on IG and let them know the Critellis sent you! Then, with 12-years out of the game, Marko and Tony get together to talk about dating and the correct way to do it in 2021. Setting standards and putting yourself out there is the best way to get a date, but how does one get exactly what they’re looking for in a potential partner? Tune in to find out. And finally, the gay dating coach and matchmaker, Lamont White (@thegaydatingcoach) joins Marko and Tony at the Virtual Critable to talk about becoming a matchmaker, helping gay men find love, and the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of dating. If you’re looking for love, this is the perfect episode for you!

Articles:

1. Healthline: 17 Pieces of Dating Advice for Gay, Bi, and Pansexual Men

When it comes to relatability and accessibility, this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals couple is the embodiment of both those words. Toby and Michael (@tobyandmichael) are an incredible couple living in Maine. They are always smiling, always smooching, and always outdoors! Check out their enthralling, joy-producing profile and double-tap some love for them Next, the Critellis talk about the fetishization of marginalized groups and how they have experienced the issue. Is filtering by race on an app really a preference or is it just another example of racism? Finally, Marko and Tony sit down at the VIrtual Critable with the three hosts of the Minoritea Report podcast (@minoriteareport) to talk about their continent-spanning friendship, their current relationships, and their amazing podcast giving voice to the Black, queer experience.

Articles:

1. Gay Times: I Spoke to 25 Men About Race-Based Sexual ‘Preference’ and Here’s What Happened...

2. Level: Do You Have a ‘Dating Preference’ or Am I a Fetish?

Love, love, love, love … precious love. Who are we talking about? This week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, Toby Riseborough (@tdriseborough) and his partner, Aaron Petrella (@apetrella15). Such a lovely couple - so much love between the two of them and we just can’t get enough. Check them out on IG and return the love! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to play another rousing game on the show. This round? Tonight’s Conversation: After Dark. Light some candles, press play on your “Sex Mixtape”, and listen to the guys answer some hot and steamy questions from their favorite card game. Finally, the Critellis sit down to answer your questions on the July edition of Listener Sh!tuations.

The Game:

1. Tonight’s Conversation: After Dark Edition

The podcast has featured some amazing couples for our #QueerRelationshipGoals but we can honestly say that we have never seen magic like this before. Briannah and Shaun (@brieandshaun) light up our screens and our hearts with their authenticity and tenacity. The pictures from their wedding are warm and classic. The two immediately made us smile and we are certain they will do the same for you! Next, the guys talk about this Hot Girl Summer we are experiencing. With many of us vaccinated and ready to make up for lost time, this season is going simmer! How does an old married couple like the Critellis feel about all of this? Listen and find out! Finally, Marko and Tony are joined at the Critable with newfound friend (and downstairs neighbor!) Micah Peterson (@micahhasthefloor), who tells us all about becoming so incredibly fabulous. Tune in for sass and laughs!

Articles:

1. Mel Magazine: Let’s Extinguish ‘Hot Boy Summer’ Already

2. BuzzFeed News: Experts Predict A Slutty Summer - And An STI Spike

What do you get when you combine a Canadian-born Asian digital creator with a Black singer/songwriter and model? The amazing, New York-based relationship of Barry (@asianmapleleaf) and Teraj (@teraj08). This sexy duo are traveling the world in style, laughing and loving each other all the way around the globe. They are a fantastic inspiration to return us to our #QueerRelationshipGoals. Next, the guys talk about the gay male community’s obsession with underwear. They cover the basics of what’s out there and explore how each feels about the various types of underwear. Can you guess which husband has a bit of an underwear fetish? (Spoiler alert: it is exactly who you think!) Finally, Marko and Tony are joined at the VIrtual Critable by friend, singer, and producer, DJ Sinfonia (@djsinfonia), who shares the unexpected break-up that inspired his newest song, “It’s Only In My Mind.” You won’t want to miss this story: it will completely change how you listen to the music!

Article:

1. LooksGud: 9 Types of Underwear for Men We Bet You Don’t Know

We round out our Pride Month focus on #QueerHistory by highlighting right-hand-man to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bayard Rustin. Rustin was an African-American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights, and is responsible for organizing the March on Washington and teaching MLK about Gandhi and nonviolence. A behind-the-scenes inspiration and an unsung hero - we stan Bayard Rustin. Then, Marko and Tony are joined by author and life coach, Ted Smith, to talk about his life and early days in Illinois, finding relationships as a teen, and getting out of an abusive 15-year relationship to find his voice as a writer. This is a Healthy Me, Happy We podcast takeover - you’re going to love it!

Support Ted Smith:

The Book: Healthy Me, Happy We

Instagram: @tedsmith.life

Facebook: @tedsmith.life

Our #QueerHistory takes us out of the stratosphere, as we highlight LGBTQ+ astronaut, Sally Ride, this week. As the very first American woman in outer space, and third woman (ever) in space - and also the youngest American to travel the cosmos, Ride was both groundbreaking and inspirational - couple her accomplishments with her relationship with Tam O'Shaughnessy, and you’ll see why she is an icon for the queer community. Then, Marko and Tony are joined with gameshow host-in-training, Erika, as they play the Ace Metaphor card game, Tonight’s Conversation - Date Night Edition. Erika asks the guys questions to help spark relationship nostalgia. Finally, the Critellis answer your relationship questions on the June edition of Listener Sh!tuations.

Ace Metaphor Card Games:

1. Tonight’s Conversation - Date Night Edition

2. Tonight’s Conversation - Couple’s Edition

The story of Barbara Jordan is this week’s #QueerHistory. As a Democrat, Jordan was the first African American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction. She was a lawyer, educator, and leader for the Civil Rights Movement - and she was a lesbian! Her partner, Nancy Earl was a behind the scenes partner, but in the forefront of Jordan’s care when she was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and leukemia. She was a pioneer and inspiration - so learn more about her on the episode! Top, Bottom, Vers, Vers-Top, Vers-Bottom, Side … what does it all mean?? This week, Marko and Tony talk about what position you play in the bedroom and what the social ramifications are of that. We get to the bottom of bottoming! And finally, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by The Spiritual Gayz themselves, Brandon and Angel (@thespiritualgayz). The guys talk about meeting one another in a yoga class, getting sick from the encounter, and later building a life together and becoming homeowners! This is a story you won’t want to miss.

Articles:

Psychology Today: Side Guys: Thinking Beyond Gay Male “Tops” and “Bottoms”

It’s the second week of Pride month and we are highlighting the Compton’s Cafeteria riot of 1966 as part of our #QueerHistory. Before Stonewall, drag queens and trans people in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco experienced constant police harassment and in August of 1966, fought back in one of the first LGBT-related riots, marking the beginning of transgender activism. Happy Pride! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about a phenomenon that is affecting gay culture (and most things): whitewashing. Pride was started by trans women of color but has morphed into something entirely different these days. Scantily clad, white, gay, cis-gendered, men occupy the floats and theme of Pride altogether. How do we feel about all of this? Then, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by the hosts of the Homo Homie Podcast, Erick Velasco (@thehomohomie) and José Resendez (@thejoseresendez). The guys sit down to talk about their early years, what dating in LA, and why they started the podcast.

Articles:

1. Fumble: We Need to Stop White Washing Pride Month

2. Advocate: Can Pride Be a Little Less White This Year?

It is Pride Month and for the next four weeks, the guys will highlight a different pioneer and contributor to the queer community with their segment #QueerHistory. This week, Marko and Tony talk about American gay liberation activist, William Dorsey Swann. Born into slavery, he was the first person in the United States to lead a queer resistance group and the first known person to self-identify as a "queen of drag." Tune in to learn more about the culture! Then, the guys sit down to talk about thirst trapping on the social medias and whether or not it is ok to do it when you’re in a relationship. Are shirtless photos disrespectful if you have a partner? Let us know your thoughts. And finally, Marko and Tony are joined at the Virtual Critable by boyfriends, Brian and Tobias (@brianpatyoung), to talk about their (differing) religious upbringing, meeting each other through a mutual friend, and their future together.

Articles:

Swipe Life: Is It OK To Post Thirsty Pictures When You’re In A Relationship?

Wanna see true love? Then look no further than this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, Keema and Aleigha (@keema.aleigha). We love black love and we love these two - not only are they dangerously in love with one another but their love for life and journey through it (together) is such a treat to watch! Check them out on IG and join in on the joy. Then, Marko and Tony tackle compatibility by way of the zodiac signs, yet again. All charts say that the guys shouldn’t work, but for some reason, they seem to … so how much credence should we give to this zodiac chart crap when it comes to deciding our love life? Then, the Critellis are joined at the Virtual Critable by the Broadway Husbands (@broadwayhusbands), Stephen Hanna (@stephenrhanna) and Bret Shuford (@bretshuford) for a deep conversation regarding their Texas and Pennsylvania upbringings, how mothers are the toughest to come out to, and how patience brought them together. Tune in for some Relationsh!t magic you’re sure to enjoy!

Articles:

1. Astrology Zodiac Signs: Signs Compatibility

2. Astrology Zodiac Signs: 12 Astrology Zodiac Signs Meanings and Characteristics

Luca Andrisani (@2daddies1baby) and his husband, Jaime (@jbvnyc) make zaddy and daddy look amazing!! With an adorable family (complete with little Elena), successful careers, gym-toned bodies, and NYC-living, it’s no wonder these guys are fun to watch. Check them out on Instagram, give them a follow, and see why they’ve inspired Marko and Tony to be future daddies themselves. Then, the guys sit down to talk about what things have caused them to bicker throughout the 12-year duration of their relationship. Whether it’s toothpaste squeezed in the middle of the tube or cabinet doors left open, every couple squabbles about something. What gets to you? And finally, join the Critellis for the May edition of the Listener Shituations, and don’t forget to call in with your relationship situations for guidance from Marko and Tony during next month's episode.

Article:

Good Housekeeping: 30 Silly Fights Every Couple Has Had At Least Once

We could not be more excited about this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals and once you see them, we’re sure you’ll feel the same way. The Ash[lee + ley]’s (@ash.mb) and (@ceomaltbia) are #EVERYTHING! Successful, beautiful, in love, and beyond aspirational … their love for one another is giving us the full-on swoons! Check them out on IG and fall in love with them too! Marko had sinus surgery last week, but the Critellis didn’t want to leave you without an episode - so they put together their favorite “Sh!t Thrown at You” Patreon segments from this season, for you all to enjoy. If you love this as much as we think you will, head over to patreon.com/podrelationshit RIGHT NOW, figure out a monthly donation that works for you, and get access to content that you can only hear through Patreon … and let us know what you think!

Our hearts are full after watching the engagement of this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, Eric Vander Lee (@ejvl) and Robby Vargas (@rrvc07). Their story popped up on @upworthy and the Critelli's fell in love instantly - the proposal of a nurse and an EMT is perfect for a RomCom. Check them out on IG as we’re sure you’ll fall in love with them too! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to tackle the interracial dating topic … again. With so much going on in the world, from a social justice standpoint, it is important to talk about how current events affect an interracial relationship. Marko and Tony give their very real views on how they’re doing. Finally, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by newlyweds, Eric Orrington (@orr.is.it) and Ryan Vos-Orrington (@msp_beard). They sit down to chat about growing up in Georgia and Wisconsin, meeting one another in Minneapolis, and what the future holds for their family. We love this conversation and we’re sure you will too!

Articles:

1. HuffPost: This Is What It’s Like For Interracial Couples In America Right Now