We absolutely love, love … but more than that, we LOVE the relationship of Christen (@chrisssiee_)and Heather (@hlfazz), our #QueerRelationshipGoals for the week. This mother duo is all the best parts of support, kindness, devotion, and connection wrapped up in one fantastic relationship. We are such fans of them and their family and know you will be too. Check them out on IG and make sure you let them know the Critellis sent you. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about the concept of ‘love at first sight’, and whether or not they actually believe it's possible or just gas. Can you actually look at someone and know that you’re in love with them? Or does it actually take conversation and drinks to come to that conclusion? Listen in on the conversation and see how the guys feel about it all. Then, @thecritellis bring you the September edition of Listener Sh!tuations.

This week’s amazing and inspiring couple for #QueerRelationshipGoals are Frank (@vignolagram) and Troy (@instablackmon). World travelers, person motivators, heart resuscitators, and all-around excellent human beings, these guys are sure to make you smile and (dare we say it) set a great example for the rest of us. Be sure to tell them that the Critellis sent you because they are so adored that they may need you to guide them to the source of the referral! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about how your relationship past can affect your relationship present. Are you still traumatized by your ex? Is your current partner paying the price? Take your time to listen to this week’s episode. Then, revisit the Critable with Tim McLemore (@essentiallytim), who you may remember from a previous episode…but this time, Tim tells us that things weren’t as great with his boyfriend as we thought. In fact, Tim shares his experience with domestic violence and how he has turned what he went through into a safe space so that others can process what they are going through. We discuss his non-profit endeavor that was birthed from the fire and ash of his abuse: a beautiful phoenix that now marks our country. Buckle in because this guy is amazing!

Cute and quaint Tennessee couple, Brandon and Sam (@brandon.and.sam) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals. When they’re not busy traveling and loving on their two dogs, they’re busy loving on one another and inspiring us. Follow them on IG, double-tap their photos, and show them just how great they are. Then, Marko and Tony sit down at the Critable with an important update about their lives and what has been going on with Tony’s health. August was a challenging month for the couple and they want to take a moment to inform listeners about the best way to handle an emergency, should it happen to you and your partner.

Season 6 opens with highlighting Kelvin and Reginald’s (@uncomplicatedtruestory) relationship as our #QueerRelationshipGoals. This gorgeous, Atlanta-based couple, is everything we love about love - sweet on each other and amazing together! Check them out on IG and let them know @thecritellis sent you. Then, after much anticipation (wink), Marko and Tony gather to talk about the most talked about album of 2022 … Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’. Of course Marko is a fan, but how does the album measure up to other Beyoncé albums for Tony? Tune in to find out as the guys go track by track to give their review of the entire album.

This week, we are highlighting the godfather of voguing, Willi Ninja as our #QueerHistory. After catching the attention of director Jennie Livingston and being the subject of the critically-acclaimed documentary Paris is Burning, Willi Ninja and voguing became a mainstay of ballroom and popular culture. His contribution to queer people as a whole is unparalleled, and the reason we are so excited to tell his story on this week’s episode. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about the decision to get married, why it made sense for them, and what their union means to themselves and each other. Is Marko a good husband? Was marriage the right decision for Tony? All these questions were answered during this week’s conversation. Then, for the season 5 finale, the guys bring you the June edition of Listener Sh!tuations, where they answer your relationship questions and give you guidance, Critelli-style.

LGBTQ+ rights activist and DOMA fighter, Edith Windsor is this week’s #QueerHistory. After meeting and falling in love with Thea Spyer, the two married in Canada at a time when gay marriage was not legal in the United States. When Spyer passed and Windsor was left as the executor and sole beneficiary to Spyer’s estate, the US government tried to tax Windsor for her earnings, not acknowledging a federal spousal deduction extended to opposite-sex couples. Windsor took this to the Supreme Court and won, which was a landmark start to same-sex rights that we all experience today. Then, the guys sit down to talk about our chosen family as queer people, and what it’s like to surround yourself with those that are not related to you by blood. Who is part of your chosen family and do the relationships intersect or run parallel with your biological family?

Trans socialite and chef, Lucy Hicks Anderson is this week’s #QueerHistory. In 1945, Lucy was arrested and tried for perjury after authorities discovered she was assigned male at birth but lived life as a married woman. The Ventura County district attorney argued that Lucy lied about her sex when applying for a marriage license, therefore perjuring herself and her husband at a time when trans visibility did not exist. Join us in celebrating a true queer icon and learn more about the aftermath of this interesting court case. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about what it means to get old(er) within the gay community and how aging out feels to those over thirty. What is our obsession with youth and why do we fear getting old? This question and more during the conversation. And finally, the guys sit down to talk about the new movie “Fire Island” along with other queer documentaries and shows and whether or not they are impacting the queer movement the way we want them to.

To celebrate Pride Month, Marko and Tony are highlighting Leonard Matlovich, the very first military servicemember to publicly come out. In 1975, Matlovich came out to his superiors which led to his military discharge and immediate media spotlight, including a TIME Magazine cover proclaiming, “I Am a Homosexual”. Matlovich died at the age of 44 due to AIDS-related complications, but his contribution to the LGBTQ+ community is why he is this week’s #QueerHistory icon. Then, to kick off Pride Month, the guys sit down to talk about what “pride” means to them and how this year’s Pride celebration differs from others. Then, drag queen performer and wallet snatcher, Catrina Lovelace (@catrinalovelace) joins Marko and Tony at the Virtual Critable to report on her heaux tales, dating void, and her next big show and where you can see her perform!

Fabulous, fashionable fiances Victoria (@vickto_willy) and Lindsay (@benniebaby_) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals. These ladies leave us wanting for nothing: there is romance, inspiration, sexiness, laughter: they’ve got it all! Check them out on Instagram and make sure you let them know the Critellis sent you! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about the long-lost art of making out. Are there specific techniques that you should employ (or avoid)? Should you keep making out, long into your relationship? These questions and more are answered during this tongue-in-cheek conversation. Finally, the Critellis are once again joined by bestie and friend of the podcast, Steve Lowe (@steeeeevn). Hear about the Greece trip and Steve’s escapades ...

Long-distance lovers, Alberto and Jordan (@albertoandjordan) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals. The guys have managed to keep their relationship thriving between Mexico and France, and they are better for it. Their love for one another is so inspiring and we love to see it! Check them out on Instagram and make sure you let them know the Critellis sent you! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about everybody’s favorite topic: blowjobs - or more specifically, giving and receiving oral sex after being in a long-term relationship. Should oral sex always be on the menu? And, what should you do if the oral sex dwindles in your relationship? Then, join the Critellis as they read about your relationship issues in the May edition of Listener Sh!utations.

Brooklyn-based mama’s Nyesha and Samantha (@twomommiesandababy) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, and we could not be more excited to highlight them! These HBIC’s are not only winning in the relationship department, but they are killing it in the monetary department as well. Join them on their parenting and financial journey and make sure you let them know the Critellis sent you! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about PORN! Is porn a part of your day-to-day life and if so … how does it affect your relationship? This is part of the Derek and Romaine live show takeover recorded last week, so tune in and let us know what you think! Thank you, Ajay and JB for your contribution to the conversation!

Articles:

1. Healthline: Watching Porn Isn’t the Same as Cheating - But it May Cross a Boundary

Miami’s finest is on display with this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals. Kerry and Pierre (@kerryandpierre). Take a quick peek at this incredible, fit, happy, black-gay-magic couple, and see what all the fuss is about!. Give them a few double taps and let them know the Critellis sent you. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about criticism within a relationship and whether it is helpful or hurtful to couples. Where is the line between constructive criticism and blunt rudeness? Then, the guys finish up the discussion by counting down the seven things you should NEVER criticize your partner on. We think a few are missing, but wonder what you think should have made the list. Touch base with us in the comments and let us know your thoughts on how productive criticism is to relationships.

This week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals is a first for us: we highlight a couple living in Israel! This Tel Aviv-based couple has everything we love about love and they are totally worth the follow! Go check out Itzik (@itzik_tlv) and his husband Eli (@eliraz27) on IG and let them know the Critellis sent you. Then, Marko and Tony enter the virtual church for a difficult conversation about what the tabernacle of trauma has meant to them (and to a lot of other queer people). We review some interesting statistics about how many queer people still hold the faith. You might be surprised by the facts! Finally, we talk with pastor Jordan Floro (@jordanfloro), neighbor, good guy, and modern church leader. Listen while he acknowledges the less-than-inclusive queer experience with church and what he thinks about the issue. Laugh, heal, and perhaps feel a little spirituality as we talk further about this difficult issue.

Tucson husbands, Blake and Matthew (@blakeandmatthew) are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, and for very good reason. Not only are these two incredibly adorable together, but we also enjoy following them through their adoption journey and know they will be wonderful parents. Support them by checking out their website (HERE). Then, Marko and Tony get together ahead of their trip to Greece to talk about how they plan a vacation and who is more high-maintenance when it comes to packing. Are you an over-packer? Finally, @thecritellis are the week’s guests as they talk about the top ten items they must bring with them while traveling. Make a guess what Marko and Tony’s #1 item is.

Wives Erika & Meghan (@twolesbiansinlove), are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals. We are obsessed with these grounded, honest, unashamed, beautiful beings. They are so lovely together and we could not be happier to share them with you. Check them out on IG and let them know the Critellis sent you. Then, Marko and Tony get together to talk about flirtation. Listen in to find out whether we think we know how to flirt. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll groan at the cheesy pick-up lines. It is equal parts scientific research and tomfoolery. Finally, tune in for the April edition of the Listener Shituations, where the guys sit down to solve your relationship issues, Critelli-style.

This week, we are celebrating Brian Mazelin and Alec Tomlin (@meetthemazelins), and recognizing them as our #QueerReltaionshipGoals for the week, because … DUH. Look at them! This example of black love is the truest form of companionship and we just love to see it. Check them out on IG and make sure you let them know the Critellis sent you! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about playing music during sex - and more specifically; creating a sex mixtape. Have you ever created a sex mixtape, and if so … what songs are on the playlist? And finally, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by friend of the podcast, Benjy Bradshaw (@benjybradshaw) to talk about his new song “Like It”, featuring TooMfknGucci (@toomfkngucci). Benjy and Gucci talk about creating the song together, what the inspiration was for the song, and when we can expect the next collaboration (wink wink). Check out this week’s episode and tell us how much you LIKE Benjy and Gucci’s new song and video.

This week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals are an amazing married couple, Ash and Jess (@lez_be_in_love_). These ladies are all smiles and sunshine. We fell in love with them instantly and we are sure you will too. Check them out on IG and let them know the Critellis sent you. Then, Marko and Tony talk about a touchy topic (pun intended): differing levels of libido in a long-term relationship. How do you manage when one of you wants to throw down constantly while the other is fine with less frequent fornication? Finally, the guys chat with Dr. Evan Goldstein (@drevangoldstein): surgeon, founder, and CEO of Bespoke Surgical, co-founder of The Future Care sex care products, one of Crain’s 2020 New York City’s top LGBTQ+ business leaders, and all-around hilarious and informative human being. You are sure you will enjoy this educational but accessible discussion with a queer health thought leader. The conversation is frank, humorous, and so important.

Fiancées, Kurt Moore (@the_kurt_moore) and Emmitt Jackson (@emmitt.jackson), are this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, and we absolutely love this couple. Not only are they easy on the eyes, but they are incredibly adorable together - there is nothing like two attractive, muscular men in love. We are inspired by their romance and think you will be too. Check them out on IG and let them know the Critellis sent you. Then, Marko and Tony get together to talk about the effect your exes may have on your current relationship. Is it possible to be friends with an ex? How do you get over your ex to make room for your new partner? Listen in as the guys try to navigate this challenging issue. Finally, tune in for the March edition of the Listener Shituations, where the guys sit down to solve your relationship issues, Critelli-style.

We love this week’s #QueerRelationshipGoals, Shyheim and Sean (@theseanandshyshow), and know you will too. This gorgeous, east coast-based, #BlackLove couple, could not be more adorable together. From sharing hairstyles to sharing adventures, these guys are everything we love about love. Follow them on IG and find out why we are obsessed. Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about supporting one another, and what that looks like in their own relationship. What does support mean to you and are you supporting your partner the way they need you to? Finally, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by longtime friends, and fiancees, Mike (@saintdotclair) and Dave. The gents tell their relationship origin story, ways they’ve influenced one another, and what the proposal was like for both of them. They keep Marko and Tony laughing and we’re sure they’ll do the same for you!

This week, we are highlighting Stanley and Jackson Alvey (@stanleyandjackson) as our #QueerRelationshipGoals. These guys are just too adorable to pass up! We didn’t bring our tape measure but we are pretty sure there is less than two inches between them in every picture: they are just so darn affectionate! Give them a follow on IG - you’ll be glad you did! Then, Marko and Tony sit down to talk about boredom. Do you feel less than thrilled in your relationship? Are you finding yourself immersed in the mundane? Join us as we explore a challenging aspect of relationships: how to identify when you are bored and what you can do about it! Then, the guys are joined at the Virtual Critable by Mike Iamele (mikeiamele) to talk about his journey of discovery that resulted in the development of his technique, Mapping Sensitivities. Schedule your own mapping session with Mike, here. If you are a DNR Studios subscriber, you’ll also get exclusive access to a brief mapping session with Marko!