In this powerful episode of Have A Seat, Manny Rodriguez sits down with Scott Fowler, a former Broadway and film dancer whose career took him from working with the greats to losing himself to addiction — and then rebuilding a life rooted in sobriety, purpose, and mentorship. Scott shares his journey through early success, substance use, career collapse, intervention, and recovery, including the pivotal moment that ended his Broadway career and the long road back to himself. This conversation is an honest look at addiction in the performing arts, recovery in the LGBTQ+ community, and what it means to stay for the whole show.

Today, Scott travels the country mentoring young dancers, proving that creative life after sobriety is not only possible — it can be richer, deeper, and more meaningful. If you’re a gay man, part of the LGBTQ+ community, a mental health professional, or a creative questioning whether recovery means the end of your dreams, this episode offers hope, truth, and hard-earned wisdom. This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and choosing faith over fear — again and again.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLZhtH6UcCkz7zPindqs1nu2e-RLw3Hs3

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLZhtH6UcCkyCdAqpodEzlWcDhZsTNvbA

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLZhtH6UcCkxudleLuX4AcfoNCtRvqEub

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLZhtH6UcCkz7zPindqs1nu2e-RLw3Hs3

www.lafuentehollywood.com

Welcome to Have A Seat and our first conversation of the year: The Real Reset. Not the kind built on pressure, perfection, or pretending everything’s fine — but an honest reset, rooted in truth, accountability, community, and healing. In this episode, Manny Rodriguez reflects on what this space has always stood for: real conversations about addiction, mental health, and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. From naming systemic failures in LGBTQ+ treatment, to honoring resilience, survival, and joy, this is about remembering who we are and why community has always been our greatest strength.

At a time when LGBTQ+ rights, safety, and dignity are once again under threat, The Real Reset is a call to choose connection over isolation, history over fear, and the long game over quick fixes. Whether you’re a gay man, part of the LGBTQ+ community, a mental health professional, clinician, ally, or someone quietly searching for clarity, there’s space for you here. This year, we don’t erase the past — we build on it. Pull up a chair. Take a breath. Stay connected. This is Have A Seat.

What happens when religion collides with shame, addiction, and redemption? In this episode, Manny Rodriguez sits down with actor, artist and author Sean Hemeon, who grew up gay in a Mormon household and was asked by his mother if he had AIDS when he came out to her. Sean spiraled into drug addiction and federal trafficking. He shares his journey from the depths of addiction to sobriety, his unlikely role working with the feds, the powerful healing of his relationship with his mother and his thriving life. This conversation explores LGBTQ+ identity, addiction recovery, family reconciliation, and the resilience of the human spirit.

www.seanhemeon.com

Instagram: sean_hemeon

🌈 From Prison to Purpose to Pageant Winner | Have A Seat Podcast 🌈

In this episode, host Manny Rodriguez sits down with Anil Patel—better known as Chanelta—to share his remarkable journey from incarceration to being crowned as an Ms. Sobriety World. Once a promising top university graduate, Anil’s path took an unexpected turn that led him to prison. But through resilience, addiction recovery, and a commitment to serving others, he transformed his story into one of purpose and triumph.

This conversation dives into mental health, the challenges of LGBTQ+ visibility, and how finding meaning in service can turn adversity into strength.

✨ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more powerful stories on LGBTQ+ recovery, resilience, and community.

#LGBTQ #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Resilience #RedemptionStory #HaveASeatPodcast #PageantWinner

Calling on Our LGBTQ+ Allies – In this powerful episode of Have a Seat, host Manny Rodriguez delivers a direct challenge to the mental health and addiction treatment community: Where are you when LGBTQ+ lives are under attack? From the elimination of the National LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Hotline to the rising wave of anti-trans policies, Manny calls out the silence of providers who once actively sought to serve this community. He reflects on the history of “LGBTQ tracks” in treatment programs, the trainings and advocacy that built bridges, and the pressing need for allies to speak out—loudly and now. This episode is a rallying cry for ethical responsibility, solidarity, and real action in defense of LGBTQ+ lives.

The Trevor Project

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Please reach out to The Trevor Project for help and support

@ivehaditpodcast Full episode with attack on LGBTQ+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW3GdAD7mkk

We love Jennifer and Angie

www.lafuentehollywod.com

🌈 Welcome to "Have a Seat" – the podcast that dives deep into addiction, mental health, and the unique experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted by Manny Rodriguez, a veteran in LGBTQ+ advocacy, we explore topics that matter: from minority stress to family rejection, trauma, and navigating recovery.

In this episode, Manny breaks down what makes LGBTQ+ addiction different with 6 powerful insights. Learn how societal pressures, community-specific challenges, and healthcare discrimination shape addiction within our community—and how affirming, culturally competent care can make all the difference.

If you're an LGBTQ+ individual, a mental health professional, or an ally, this podcast is for you. 💡 Subscribe for expert advice, real stories, and resources to support recovery and wellness.

📞 Need help? Call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center at 323.464.2947—because you’re not alone.

🎁 6 Reasons Why Choosing an LGBTQ+ Treatment Center Matters" link: https://youtu.be/GmFAKASpRBE

#LGBTQAddiction #MentalHealth #LGBTQSupport #AddictionRecovery #GayMen #LGBTQCommunity

La Fuente Clinical Director Rory Hunter, LMFT and Manny Rodriguez discuss how sex positivity has helped many queer people feel proud of who they are and how they love. However, when this open embrace of sex mixes with drug use — especially crystal meth — that same freedom can become risky for people in recovery.

Some may trade one addiction for another, replacing drugs with compulsive sex. This podcast explores how queer communities can remain sex-positive while also creating safer, more supportive paths to healing.

View Part One of SEX METH and The Dangers of Cross Addiction: https://youtu.be/aUqyfttwW1A

Success vs Failure in LGBTQ Drug Rehab: https://youtu.be/IbkZ7GHLdME

In this episode of Have A Seat, we explore the complex intersection of chemsex, sex positivity, cross addiction, and recovery in the LGBTQ+ community. La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center Clinical Director-Rory Hunter, LMFT delves into the addictive nature of chemsex and its impact on mental health, while highlighting the importance of embracing sex positivity to reduce stigma and promote healthier relationships with intimacy. Whether you’re new to recovery, a gay man navigating this journey, a concerned parent, or a therapist seeking insights, this discussion offers actionable strategies for fostering safer and more supportive recovery environments. Join us for a conversation that balances compassion, lived experience, and data-driven advocacy.

https://youtu.be/q3dg3kSkW7s