Hot Mic with Dan Savage

Love is patient, love is kind, love is giving up your rent controlled apartment, screaming alone on a beach, and everything in-between. This episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features two stories where someone drops the “I love you” bomb  – including a studio story from master teller Kevin Allison, and comic Jackie Kashian speaking of love at Romantic Encounters. Dan also offers some tips on dealing with heartbreak, should said "I love you" bomb happen to explode upon impact. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Secret identities don't just cause problems for superheroes - they make trouble for normal people too. In this episode of Hot Mic, two storytellers  - one of them is Dan Savage himself - describe what it's like to hide, and then reveal, sexual or gender orientation. This episode features the stories "Trans on Ice" by Elana Lancaster for The Story Collider, and "Watch and Learn" by your host Dan Savage for Bawdy Storytelling. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Don’t hesitate! Take the plunge! Put yourself out there!” Well…what’s out there? You may find an open minded sexual unicorn capable of pleasuring you beyond humankind’s feeble imagination, or limp home bruised and black-eyed with little more than your dignity and a story; maybe not even that much. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, two storytellers put themselves pretty far out there, to vastly different results. First up is Rachel Bitney Wecht's “A Little Geological Time and Pressure,” which she told for the Story Collider. Then, comedian and writer Marina Franklin shares a studio story about a time she got put out there. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The most hopeless of crushes are often the most powerful. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage we'll hear a studio story from Samm Levine, the actor whose breakout role was in the cult TV favorite Freaks And Geeks. Samm shares a story about a pre and post-fame crush on a girl with an intoxicating name. We'll also hear a RISK! live story from David Montgomery, who once nurtured a rather expensive crush on a very unavailable man. Plus, Dan shares a memory of his very first unrequited crush and the residual effect it had on the future. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When applied appropriately, a little shame can be hot. But all too often when shame enters a sexy situation, it's not the fun kind. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage we'll hear two stories that deal with shame head on. First, writer Elna Baker attempts to get laid while ignoring the Mormon voice in her head in "New York Virgin," told live at RISK! Then we'll hear from comedian Jessica Kirson, who shares a studio story about the time a raucous hookup left her filled with shame. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When love ends and your lover leaves, they also leave things behind—that t-shirt that smells like them, or that mix CD they made you, or...their sex toys. In this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, we present to you an elegiac dildo variety show of sorts. We have a live story called "Up in Flames" by Henry Bear from The Mystery Box Show, all about sex toys' brilliant final moments. We have a specially-produced piece about an unusual graveyard in San Francisco. And we have the saddest country love song ever, from the musical duo Reformed Whores. Plus, Dan discusses a possible new national holiday for those starting over. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Online dating is the grandest gamble - the reward might be a great time, but the opportunity for disappointment and deception is no joke. On this episode of Hot Mic, Dan Savage features two hilarious stories about online hookups that went in different directions than the storytellers imagined. First up, comedian and writer Guy Branum shares a story with us in studio about a hookup gone rogue. Then, journalist Tod Kelly shares "When You Give Something a Name," a story he told live at the Mystery Box Show about his adventures on the notorious website Ashley Madison. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to sex, nothing is harder than talking about sexually transmitted infections. Get it?! And STIs are even more difficult to make funny - look how hard we just tried! But on this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, a bunch of brave souls break the stigma with hilarious STI stories and scenarios. Rob Penty shares a story from RISK! about genital warts, and members of the famous improv troupe The Groundlings conjure up ridiculous STI-ridden, fully-improvised scenes. For contrast, Dan Savage offers up a bit of actually practical STI advice. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a tiny minority of America's population, most members of the LGBT community spend most of their time in heterosexual spaces. But the "Gay Area" episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage is...well, just what it sounds like. You'll hear a story from Don't Tell My Mother about what happened when straight comedian and actor Barry Rothbart got hired to film a promo video for a huge gay nudist retreat. And then Joel Kim Booster, a NYC-based standup comedian, shares a story about the time he and a few dudes claimed a room of their own.  In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone loves a good creepy story, and this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features two particularly great ones - including a creeper story with a twist by Janelle James from RISK!, and a studio story from Sean Patton about what happens when you become the creep. Plus, Dan has some advice for those who hang out with creepy people. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Having a comfort zone to retreat to is important. But just like a city gets rezoned in order to accommodate development, we have to rezone what we're comfortable with in order to grow. Especially when it comes to sex. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, two storytellers decide to try to make their comfort zones a little larger. This episode features "Can I Pick This Up," which David Crabb told at RISK!, and "Afterparty," which Caitlin Gill told at Don't Tell My Mother. Plus, Dan discusses the future of coming out and more. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, singer and songwriter Rachel Lark joins Dan to talk (and sing) about heartbreak, love lost, hope found. Featured stories include "Searching for the Rainbow" by Michael Zhuang for Story District, and "Janine Gets Her Groove Back" by Janine Brito for RISK! In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every romance begins differently, but for the ones that last, there's always a moment when you decide to commit - we call it your commit-moment. In this episode, two storytellers share the tale of their own commit-moments, and prove that real love can come from the strangest of places. This episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features "Wet Feet" by Emma Weisfeld for The Narrators, and "How Nick's Mind Works" by Lesley Jones for Bawdy Storytelling. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Prostitution, phone sex, porn, stripping, pro-domination. Sex work is a diverse range of professions united by sex, money, and stigma. And as a consequence of the stigma, we hear a lot about sex work but we rarely hear from sex workers themselves. But in this episode of Hot Mic hosted by Dan Savage, two sex workers show their work. "Humiliatrix" Ceara Lynch shares the story, originally performed at the Mystery Box Show, of how she got started in her line of work and how she managed to tell her dad. We also feature a funny, revealing interview between Dan Savage and porn star, writer, and activist Conner Habib. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special, single-story episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, Lily Be tells the tale of how her parents' marriage ended—a mystery she had to wait more than a decade to uncover. Plus, Dan Savage shares his thoughts on monogamy, secrets, and more. This episode features the story "Conversion Van Stowaway", which Lily Be told for RISK! in Chicago. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let's get it on, with a little help from our friends. In these two stories, middle school friends clue each other in to the world of sex and romance—from new uses for internet connections to first kisses to Ryan Phillippe to lesbian smut. Hosted by your guide Dan Savage, this episode features "Sarah and Christina" by Daniel, from True Story, and "Awkward Intentions" by Isaac Oliver, from The Soundtrack Series. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes you have to escape the nest in order to learn how to flap your wings, if you know what I mean. In this episode, Margot Leitman escapes her parents' gaze—they'd rather focus on each other—to Puerto Rico, where a handsome man in a lavender shirt awaits her. Storyteller Mike O'Connell, on the other hand, completely fails to escape the nest. Plus, Dan tells the story of the time he tried to escape to San Francisco but, unfortunately, couldn't get off (the bus). This episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features "The Not So Virgin Islands" by Margot Leitman told live at Don't Tell My Mother and "Anti Custody" by Mike O'Connell for Dirty Birdie Story Hour. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to live storytelling shows, stories that end in bad sex are much more common than those that end well. Which makes sense—it's hard to come off looking good with a story about how great you are in the sack. But on this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage we’ll hear two good sex stories where everyone leaves happy and maybe even a little better off. Our first storyteller, Waverly Jane, moves from her conservative upbringing to a place that is both very sexy and very cold. Then poet Derrick Brown joins Dan Savage in the studio to discuss his poem "Chrome Hotel," about a surreal encounter with a woman he had just met. This episode of Hot Mic features “Guiltless Pleasure” by Waverly Jane from RISK! and "Chrome Hotel" by Derrick Brown performed live from Preservation Hall in New Orleans. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does dressing up in drag help you disappear? Why is being feminine like being a poodle...and what does that mean for the wolves? These and other questions are explored on this Halloween episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, wherein Dan shares his own story, from RISK!, about judging a Halloween costume contest on acid and performing femininity as an escape technique. Afterwards, Dan interviews You'll Grow Out of It author and Inside Amy Schumer executive producer Jessi Klein about her experiences turning into a not-very-feminine adult. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming out is a huge step—but what about all the small steps afterwards? In this episode, two gay people try to navigate their romantic lives after coming out, and learn that finding love isn't quite as easy as just walking into a gay bar. This episode features "Sunset at Noon" from Holly Lorka for The Soundtrack Series, and "How to Be" from R. Eric Thomas for RISK! In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Since Hot Mic with Dan Savage is a show about sex and relationships, we figured maybe in at least one episode we’d talk about the part that involves baby making. We'll also talk about what happens when you want a baby, but don't wanna sex it into existence. Plus, a surprising revelation: babies eventually turn into teenagers. Get ready for two hilarious live stories about baby makery, curated by Dan Savage: “Pregnant Pause” by K. Thompson for RISK! and “Ice Ice Baby” by Nikki Levy for Don’t Tell My Mother. Then, comedian Chad Daniels sits down to talk to Dan about raising a teenager. And finally, we've got a special musical PSA by Reformed Whores. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two storytellers with very intense but very different body issues take some action, get some action, and discover the unexpected powers and pleasures of their own bodies. This episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features "I Have a Vagina" by Buck Angel for Trantastic at Bawdy Storytelling, and "Power in It" by Carrie Wade for RISK! Plus, Dan explains the power of three simple words: "I believe you." In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Jen Kirkman's mother had a sign in her kitchen that said "Kissin' don't last, cookin' do." Hear how that sign and all it represented affected Jen's romantic life, in a funny and touching story she told on Don't Tell My Mother in Los Angeles. Plus, Jen is our special guest in studio! She and Dan Savage talk about love, lust (particularly for that hot 1970's look), and what it's like to grow up horny in a religious household. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the utterly unexpected goes down while you’re trying to get it on? In these two live stories, brave heroes—one at a base in Iraq, one...well, in a car—face unimaginable interruptions during the act of lovemaking, and still manage to come to satisfying conclusions. Plus, Dan Savage has some thoughts on how to deal with surprises in the sack. This episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features the stories, "Don't Ask, Do Tell" by Geoff Millard for RISK! at Bawdy Storytelling, and "Peak Experience" by Hutch Harris for The Mystery Box Show. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fantasy can be so powerful that sometimes we forget reality is headed in a totally different direction. In this special episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, comedian and actress Rachel Bloom chats with Dan about her CW musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, where her character Rebecca Bunch takes fantasy a bit far (you'll also hear some snippets of songs from the show). Plus, Eric Mack shares a live story from RISK! about a fantasy that had to be checked before it became a nightmare. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your heart is racing, your knees are wobbly, and you’re suddenly feeling light-headed. Are you head over heels in love, or is fear creeping down your spine…or both? In this spooky show, two storytellers find themselves in hair-raising situations that unexpectedly raise other things as well. This episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage features the stories, "When Things Go Bump in the Night" by Robert Ben Garant for RISK!, and "Jack Skellington and Friends" by Baltazar Barnabas for Bawdy Storytelling. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the effort to find a perfect partner, we end up falling for people who fall short. Some of these shortcomings are, of course, inevitable, but on this episode of Hot Mic, your host Dan Savage features two storytellers who reach their breaking points. First up is comedian Michelle Buteau with her story "Fly Girl," told live for RISK! in San Francisco. Then, Sandi Marx shares the perks and drawbacks of being nice when a relationship isn't so great in her story “It's Not You It's Me,” from Never Shut Up in Los Angeles. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The saying, "Beauty is as beauty does" is misleading. It's supposed to mean that one's beauty is defined by their actions, not their appearance. But as anyone who's ever consumed any type of visual media knows, beautiful people are exalted—and most people in the public eye have to DO a lot to be beautiful. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage we'll hear how two public figures deal with the pressure to be pretty for the camera. First we'll hear the live story "Vogue Makes Everyone Beautiful" from the Portland-based live storytelling show Back Fence PDX told by Cheryl Strayed, the best-selling author of the memoir-turned-Hollywood film, Wild. Then we have an in-studio interview with comedian and pop culture correspondent Michael Yo who talks to Dan about what men have to do to keep up appearances. Hint: it involves bro-tox and fungus-eating fish.  In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Losing your virginity is usually just as terrifying as it is exciting - which is why most of the time, would-be virginity losers make a plan. Who? Where? What to wear (or take off)? Whether the plan works out, however, is a different story. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, two storytellers describe hatching their first time plans and the hilarious hitches that befell them. Hannah Friedman tries to skirt the watchful gaze of a nefarious sister in a story from Don't Tell My Mother, and Dana Owens embarks on a bold trip to a certain town in Nevada, in a story from the Mystery Box Show. Plus, Dan dissects the dangers of sexy netting. You've been warned!  In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

High school sucks for a lot of people, especially young queer kids trying to survive the blinding storm of pubescent hormones while getting bullied or beat up for things they’re just learning to like. Things like musical theater, or in Dan Bucatinsky's case, the leader of his high school's marching band. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, guest Dan Bucatinsky, the producer and actor who stars in 24: Legacy, talks with Dan Savage about his not-so-glorious days as an awkward, closeted clarinet player. We'll also hear Dan Bucatinsky's story "Boys in the Band,” which he told live at Don't Tell My Mother, followed by a conversation with Dan Savage about the ways in which things eventually do get better. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ghost stories aren't just for campfires and sleepovers anymore. They're also for those of us still doing the dating slog, especially those of us who think everything is going great with a new partner, when whoosh! They disappear like mist. On this episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, Nikki DeVaughn shares a very sexy ghost story from BedPost Confessions, and musical duo Reformed Whores honors us with a song. Plus, Dan explains why ghosting isn't great for the ghost, and comedian Josh Gondelman explains why ghosting is a stupid term. In each episode of Hot Mic with Dan Savage, relationship expert and columnist Dan Savage showcases and provides commentary on the best true stories about sex and relationships from live storytelling shows across the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who doesn’t love an unexpected wedding proposal? Let's be honest - especially one that careens suddenly off the rails? On this episode of Hot Mic we're talking about times the question gets popped and, surprise, not all goes swimmingly. Plus, Dan shares the deep satisfaction of telling your lover off in public. This episode of Hot Mic features “Strange Engagement” by Bianca Casusol for RISK! and “A Good Plan” by Greg Behrendt, recorded here at our studios in San Francisco.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.