Hey guys, I wanted to go through a little bit of what happened this week, and I am still pissed at this experience. It’s one of those things that from the beginning, your inner voice says, ” Don’t do this, but you don’t listen. This is the second time I have tried to migrate UNB/Brief Talk to a new, cheaper server, and it’s turned out worse than when I started.

A little backstory: I was trying to cut costs and make things easier for me in the long run. I have been with my current host for 15 years, and they are getting expensive, more so than other hosting companies out there. When I tried to migrate before, it was a nightmare, but now it seems much easier.

Things sent alarm bells from the beginning.

1. Due to some issues signing in, I used “Log in with Apple” because I was in a hurry and wanted to get this process started. I had 2 weeks to get it done without paying my current host on the 1st of the month. Each time I hit a delay, I tried to log back in, and I kept getting an error.
2. I called into support, and the email that logs in with Apple, and they had no easy solution. I had to fill out a form and submit my ID and other information to prove my identity to change my email. The email Apple submitted wasn’t forwarding emails. This took another day or so for them to change my email and allow me access to my account.
3. I also tried to migrate using their migration tool. After a few minutes, it failed and said I needed to contact support and have them migrate it for me. So, I went in and paid the $150 to have a “professional migration.” I did this last Friday.
4. I heard nothing until Monday and had to send in information and logins so they could access all the files for migration. I got an email saying I needed to submit more information to log in on Tuesday.
5. Thursday was supposed to be the day the migration was scheduled to happen. I got a notification at 9:50 or so that the site was offline, then back up. At 10:21, I received a message that it was down, and when I tried to log in, I got a 403 Error.
6. I had to work both jobs, so I didn’t get to investigate the issue until after 6 PM. But before this, I tried to log in to my FTP server and couldn’t. Upon logging in from my CPanel (control panel). Everything was gone. All the WordPress files, podcasts, images, and everything. This caused me to be upset. But they sent me an email saying the migration failed and that they needed more or different access to complete it. However, there were no files to move at this point. They tried to complain and restore from a backup, but at that time, the backup was inaccessible. I said, “Everything is gone, and no one seemed to care,” at the new host. I was told that I can’t talk to the migration team, but I don’t know why. Then I said the migration did something that caused my entire site to be deleted. I was told by the “new host” that it could have been a bot or a hacker, not them. There was no “oh let’s investigate.” It took me over about 40 mins to get a supervisor. Who I complained to, and yes, both these conversations were loud.  The part that sticks out is that at no time did either say, “Hey, let’s see what happened. It’s possible that something happened in the process; let’s figure out what.” Instead, it was up to me to investigate and get back to them.
7. After I got off the phone, I called my current host to find the server logs to see who or what had deleted the files. Upon talUpon talking, I found out the log we needed had been deleted, and there is no way to tell unless we do some investigation, which would start at $100 and go up. port guy said, “You can do that, but what is the point, unless you do legal action?”
8. Today I called and got a refund of the migration fee and hosting I never used. It was much easier. So I am stuck with my current host for the time being. Who has been good outside of the price?

A thing about me, when I get super pissed, I get quiet and calm. I listen, and when I respond, I want answers to my questions. I am not asking frivolous questions; these are things I need to know. And when you dance around them, don’t answer them, or deflect, that is not good. Because UNB has been a part of my life for almost 18 years. It’s a very big part of me, and when I found the site was completely gone, I feared it might not be recovered. I was going to walk away. Had the site not been able to be restored from my backup, there would be no more UNB, Brief talk, or anything. It was devastating to me. And to have the person on the other end of the phone not give a fuck, made it worse to me. It felt like a malicious act, not a big deal. And when I say I was done, I was 100% done. This year has been extremely rough, and to have the one big positive thing in my life gone was devastating. The next step is, I don’t know. I’m sticking with the higher-priced hosting.

I’m planning to host some live shows on Riverside, where you’ll be able to ask questions about the podcast. I think this interactive format will make connecting with you much more fun, and any challenges should be easy to handle. This post is short because I’m still waiting to find out when the site will be migrated.

Community Building

Live shows would be a great way for everyone to connect and interact. It’s not just about me getting to know you better, but also about you meeting other listeners. I’ve found it tough to figure out the best way to build our community. Discord has its issues, and Reddit works, but isn’t very user-friendly. Doing live shows feels like a good step forward.

Only Available on Riverside

One great thing about Riverside is that anyone can listen and join in, no matter how many people show up. If you want to call in, you’ll need to use a desktop with Chrome. You can still listen on the app, but calling in isn’t possible there. The group text chat is always open, both in the app and on the website.

Missing the show

I’ll repost the show on Patreon, but it won’t go out on the public feed. I’ll also write a blog post covering the main points we discussed, so more people can see what was talked about. I want to offer more for Patreon members, and this feels like a natural next step.

I’d love to hear from more of you, so please reach out. Let me know what you think about the campaign and share any ideas you have.

UNB is moving, well, not really, it will still be at the same address, and the podcasts will be where they always have been, but I am moving hosting. I have had the same host for 17 years of the 18 years of UNB. I have been debating moving in the past and have had some major issues, but I ran out of space and had to upgrade to a $ 84-a-month plan, which is a lot. While researching, I found a better dedicated WordPress hosting provider that fits my needs. 

I won’t go into the details of how this process started off, ugh, but I have officially paid and started the process to move the site. You may be asking why I hired someone. Well, that’s because the site has grown massively over almost 18 years. The database is larger than most services will import, and the files are in the 100,000’s. It’s just easier to do this than cause me frustration. When I tried to move a few months ago, none of the migration plug-ins worked, and it caused more issues than they solved. 

Here’s what to expect during the hosting migration: 

1. The site may be offline for a short period of time. This could be for the DNS to update. 
2. Podcasts may not be available; again, this should be for a short time. 
3. I may post frustrating messages on Bluesky. Which will be the case. 
4. Hosting will drop from $84 to $34 per month—a huge savings. 

So if you notice anything wonky, just hang on, it should take a few days to do and get updated!!!!

Thanks, guys. 

For those of you who have been around for a while, you know Underwear News Briefs has always been a passion project. What started as my love for underwear and the community around it turned into a blog, a store, and eventually podcasts like Brief Talk, Brief Talk After Dark, and Stretching the Truth.

This space exists because of the community.

You guys read the blog, listen to the podcasts, send messages, share your stories, and support the work I do. And honestly, that means the world to me.

Right now I’m working on upgrading a few key things behind the scenes so I can keep creating better content and keep everything running smoothly.

What I’m Raising Support For

1. Migrating UNB to a new host – $150

The site needs to move to a better hosting environment so it runs faster, more reliably, and can handle future growth.

This will help keep Underwear News Briefs running smoothly for everyone.

2. Audio Upgrade for the Podcasts

Better equipment means better sound and easier recording for interviews and discussions.

iZotope Elements Suite 11

Audio tools to clean up recordings and improve podcast sound quality.

https://www.izotope.com/en/shop/elements-suite-11

ZOOM PodTrak P4next Recorder — $179

A dedicated podcast recorder that will make recording interviews and episodes much easier.

https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/podtrak-recorders/podcast-recorders/podtrak-p4next

ZDM-1 Podcast Mic Packs — $99 each (often $69.99 on Amazon)

I’m hoping to add 2–4 microphones so I can record guests and group discussions more easily.

https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/microphones/microphones/zdm-1-podcast-mic-pack

How You Can Help

If you’ve ever enjoyed:

• The blog

• The podcasts

• The conversations about underwear, spandex, and confidence

• The community we’ve built

There are two ways you can support.

Join the Patreon

Patreon helps support the ongoing work behind the scenes and helps keep everything running long-term.

Join here:

https://patreon.com/unbblog

Even the free membership helps you stay connected with what we’re building.

Make a One-Time Donation

If Patreon isn’t your thing but you still want to help, one-time donations are incredibly appreciated.

Every bit goes directly back into improving the blog, podcast, and community.

Donate here:

Why This Matters

UNB has always been about more than just underwear.

It’s about confidence, community, and celebrating the gear we love.

With your help, I can keep growing the blog, improving the podcasts, and creating more content for the community we’ve built together.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

— UNB Tim

One of the things I love most about Stretching the Truth is getting to talk with guys who truly understand the appeal of spandex gear. In this episode, I welcome back Scott from Fourway333, and we dive into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention — short suits.

Our last conversation focused on long suits, and the response from listeners was amazing. A lot of you told me you loved hearing two guys really get into the details of gear — the fabrics, the fit, the brands, and why we love wearing it. So we decided it was time to flip things around and talk about the other side of the spectrum.

This episode is all about short suits, singlets, leotards, bodysuits, and athletic gear.

The Appeal of Short Suits

Short suits are one of those pieces of gear that sit right at the intersection of sport, style, and self-expression. They show off the body in a way that’s sleek and athletic, but they’re also incredibly comfortable when you find the right fabric and fit.

Scott and I talk about tri suits, which are often one of the easiest entry points into the world of short suits. These suits are designed for triathlon athletes, so they’re made with high-performance fabrics that stretch, breathe, and move with the body.

But beyond performance, they just look great.

The cuts are clean, the fabrics feel amazing, and many of them create that streamlined look that spandex fans love.

Wrestling Singlets and Athletic Gear

Of course, we couldn’t talk about short suits without getting into wrestling singlets.

Singlets have always had a strong following among gear guys, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re athletic, they’re bold, and they create a silhouette that really highlights the body.

We talk about some of the classic brands like Cliff Keen, ASICS, and Adidas, along with some newer options and custom pieces that are showing up in the gear world.

Singlets have this great mix of sport authenticity and gear culture, and that’s a big reason they’ve remained so popular.

Dancewear, Leotards, and Bodysuits

Another big part of the conversation focuses on dancewear and leotards, which are becoming more popular among guys who love spandex.

For years, these pieces were marketed almost exclusively toward dancers or gymnasts. But if you look at the fabrics, cuts, and designs, it’s easy to see why more guys are discovering them.

Some of these pieces are incredibly well made, with fabrics that stretch beautifully and designs that highlight the body in ways most traditional gear doesn’t.

Scott shares some great recommendations for brands to try, especially for guys who are curious but not sure where to start.

Gear Is Only Part of the Story

While we definitely geek out over gear in this episode, the conversation also turns toward something bigger — community.

One of the things both Scott and I believe strongly is that the spandex and gear world should be about more than just posting photos or collecting gear. It should be about connecting with other guys who share the same interests.

There’s something powerful about realizing you’re not the only one who loves this stuff.

When guys start talking openly about it, it creates a space where people can feel comfortable being themselves.

And honestly, that’s a big part of what Stretching the Truth is about.

Building the Spandex Community

One of the themes that came up during the episode is the idea that we need a stronger spandex community here in the U.S.

There are incredible groups and events around the world where gear guys can meet, connect, and share their interests. We’d love to see more of that happening here.

Whether it’s online conversations, gear trades, meetups, or just connecting with new friends, building those relationships makes the community stronger.

And who knows — maybe someday we’ll even get that spandex resort Scott joked about.

Listen to the Episode

If you love spandex, singlets, leotards, bodysuits, or just hearing two gear guys talk about what makes great gear, you’ll definitely enjoy this episode.

Listen now and join the conversation.

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Body Positivity, Speedos & Content Creation with Zac Goes Places

In this episode of the Brief Talk Podcast, UNB Tim sits down with Zac (Zac Goes Places) — a travel-loving content creator based in Orlando who mixes body positivity, swimwear confidence, and a little thirst-trap fun into his social media presence.  

What started as a personal journey toward confidence turned into a powerful message that every body deserves to feel good in what they wear — including Speedos.

Zac shares how he went from never posting a shirtless photo to becoming a content creator encouraging others to embrace their bodies and take risks in life.

This conversation covers everything from Andrew Christian being a gateway brand, to the realities of content creation, social media algorithms, and body image in the gay community.

And yes… there are plenty of Speedo stories.

⸻

In This Episode

Zac’s Background

• Orlando-based content creator focused on travel, LGBTQ life, and social media content

• Shares adventures around Florida, theme parks, cruise ships, and nightlife

• Mixes travel content with underwear and swimwear confidence

The First Pair of “Gay Underwear”

Zac talks about discovering Andrew Christian underwear as a closeted teen and how the brand served as a gateway into the world of sexy underwear for many gay men.

Because let’s be honest…

A lot of us had that moment discovering underwear that made us feel confident.

⸻

The Reality of Content Creation

Zac breaks down what many people don’t see:

• Editing photos and videos

• Constant posting to feed the algorithm

• Managing multiple social platforms

• The time and financial investment behind content

Content creation may look simple, but there’s a lot of work behind every post.

⸻

From Self-Doubt to Body Positivity

One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Zac’s body positivity journey.

After quitting a toxic corporate job and hitting a personal low point, Zac decided to take control of his health and confidence.

He set a goal to lose weight and eventually wear a Speedo publicly — something he had never done before.

When he finally posted his first Speedo photo online, the response was overwhelming.

Thousands of views and messages from people saying:

“You inspired me to post my Speedo photo too.”

That moment helped Zac realize something powerful:

Every body is a Speedo body.

⸻

Swim Briefs & Confidence

Zac and Tim talk about:

• The comfort of swim briefs

• Wearing Speedos beyond the pool

• Finding brands that balance comfort and style

• Why more men should try them

Because once you find the right pair…

You may never go back.

⸻

Living Life Without Waiting

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:

Stop waiting.

Whether it’s wearing Speedos, traveling, creating content, or chasing your goals — life is too short to hold yourself back.

As Zac says:

“We only get one life. If it’s not hurting anyone, just do it.”

⸻

Follow Zac

You can find Zac across social media at:

@ZacGoesPlaces

Instagram

Twitter / X

BlueSky

Patreon

Snapchat

JustForFans

All of Zac’s links can be found through his social media bio.

⸻

Final Thoughts

This episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t about hitting some imaginary “perfect body.”

It’s about owning who you are right now.

Whether you’re rocking boxers, briefs, thongs, or Speedos…

Wear what makes you feel good.

⸻

Support UNB

If you enjoy the podcast, please support the platforms that make it possible.

Follow UNB

Instagram

https://instagram.com/unbblog

BlueSky

https://bsky.app/profile/unbtim

Twitter/X

Reddit

https://reddit.com/r/unbstoreandblog

⸻

Visit the UNB Store

Shop great brands and support the podcast:

https://unbstore.com

⸻

UNB Affiliate Links

Ergowear

International Jock

BodyAware

Candyman

Xtremen

⸻

Listen to More Brief Talk Podcast

You can find the Brief Talk Podcast on:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Amazon Music

• YouTube

• and everywhere you listen to podcasts

⸻

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and leave a review.

And remember:

Confidence looks good on everyone.

I came up with an idea for a movement, campaign, or initiative—I’m still working on the best term for it. My goal is to encourage men to feel more confident and open, especially around issues society tells us to hide. The podcast became the catalyst for what I now call the “Free the Bulge” movement, focused on normalizing male body confidence and breaking taboos. After thinking it over for two years, I decided it was time to take action. I have many posts drafted and realized, “We need to take this further, and I need to take some risks.” 

In 2025, I experienced some of my lowest points—wrestling with self-doubt, poor body image, and mental health struggles. The podcast became my outlet. Hearing from guys who feel inspired and less alone means a lot to me, especially on tough days. These feelings have lingered, and I’ve often felt lost. While I’ve shared these experiences with close friends, I’m working on being more open with the podcast audience, even when it feels uncomfortable. I know real friends care, even if society says not to burden others. 

Exploring AI has ignited new inspiration for me. I now use it as a creative tool to make images and videos and to organize my romance novel. As someone with dyslexia and other challenges, getting thoughts on paper is tough. Creating fun, positive underwear and Speedo content with Sora has been a recent highlight. When ‘bikini club’ came up, it resonated as the movement I wanted to launch but had held back. 

Bikini Club began with a line from a random video, which I expanded into a space where ‘bros’ and regular guys come together—all are welcome to wear swim briefs. (No thongs yet, as Sora doesn’t allow them.) It’s basically what if swim briefs were the norm and everyone wore them.  I’ve created a lot of Bikini Club content, some of which I’ll share here, with a full post to come. My goal is to grow Bikini Club into an inclusive space for underwear/swim/spandex/gear enthusiasts. AI helps me bring these ideas to life, and I’m embracing my unique approach, focusing on what works for me. 

I’ve noticed that whenever we share personal stories on the blog or podcast, they resonate deeply. Honest conversations—beyond simple preferences—show men they aren’t alone. Feeling sexy is a right every man should have. Too often, LGBTQ+ individuals are pressured to hide this or are dismissed as trivial by partners. Underwear is more than clothing; it’s about identity and confidence. It helps us take risks and present ourselves authentically, despite societal messages saying men shouldn’t. I no longer worry about others’ opinions—my underwear is a vital part of who I am. 

Looking back, I’ve never been the most confident person. As an introvert and former people-pleaser in my 20s, I often struggled to see my own worth. A quote from my favorite movie, Muriel’s Wedding, asks: “Do you ever think you’re nothing? Sometimes I think I’m nothing. Useless.” This line struck a chord with me in the theater, as I knew what it felt like. My learning disabilities made me question my value. I never want anyone to feel as I did, which is one of the subconscious reasons I started UNB and Brief Talk—to put myself out there, to hear guys say, “OMG, I feel that too,” and to invite guests who share similar paths. 

Now we enter Phase 1 of “Free the Bulge.” The main message: I need your support for this movement to transform men’s lives by building a more open, supportive, and honest community. Your engagement is key to this change. Here’s how you can help: 

• Reach out—share feedback and what inspires you on the podcast. Send in ideas or guest suggestions. Your feedback truly matters, and I want to hear from more of you. There’s a new contact form to reach me! 
• Share our content—this really matters. When we post a show or a “Free the Bulge” update, please share it on your social media. Every share makes a difference. Social media is fickle, so your support has a real impact. 
• Support us—First, with moral and emotional encouragement as listed above. Second, with monetary help. We have a Patreon I’m working to grow by over 100% this year. Running a podcast carries costs—last year, I worried about hosting, but made it work. I’m looking to expand and get more equipment. I’m not aiming for anything fancy—the travel and in-person gear I want is under $400 (on sale). 
• Be vocal—I encourage guys to share their stories. You don’t have to come on the podcast; write it, and I’ll post it on UNB. I want more stories from people of color, straight/bi guys, and bigger/beefier guys; everyone is welcome. You may think your story isn’t special, but you will inspire others. That’s an amazing feeling. 

This movement is heartfelt —not just words—it’s about fostering a supportive community where all men can be authentic and confident. Let’s commit, together, to honesty and openness as we redefine what underwear means for us. 

Do you remember when Colt, the porn studio had swim briefs? This takes you back to 2015!! I remember this vividly, and even reached out to them to have them talk about the swim wear. I wish I would have scored that interview. But, we are on to bigger and better things.

Last week, I introduced the “Free the Bulge” campaign. This movement is here to help guys feel confident in themselves and what they wear. It’s not just a one-time thing; it’s ongoing. Some of you have asked what’s next, so I’ve outlined the different phases of the movement.

Community Participation 

I’m sharing my plans for “Free the Bulge” and what’s coming up. Some parts of the movement are already underway.

• Every Monday, I’ll post a “Free the Bulge” update to talk about the movement, what I’m working on, and what we hope you’ll join in too.
• We’ll host live shows on Riverside, where we can have real conversations and regular guys can call in to talk about different topics.
• Brief Tales will feature men sharing their stories to inspire others to feel confident in their favorite gear. You can share your story in writing or on the podcast.
• First Time Experiences: Share about the first time you wore a Speedo, tried spandex without shorts, or wore fun underwear to the gym, doctor, or anywhere else.
• Body Image and Acceptance: Guys can talk about their struggles and successes with how they see their bodies. It’s not always easy, but the more we share, the more we can normalize these experiences.

To make this work, I need your help! We need more guys to step up and share their stories. I already have a great group of regulars, but I hope many more of you will join in, be brave, and open up. If you’re thinking, “I don’t think I can share this,” remember how you feel when you hear someone else’s story and how it inspires you. Your story can do the same for others. Even if it feels ordinary or unremarkable, I promise it will inspire someone out there.

Books and more. 

I’ve wanted to write a book about underwear for a long time. It started as a photo book idea, then became a book about underwear from our perspective. After seeing how great the Thong book was, I thought we could do something similar for other styles or for underwear in general. Here are some ideas I’ve had:

• Underwear 101: The basics every guy should know about underwear.
• History of Men’s Underwear: How styles have changed over time and what they say about our culture.
• Collections of short essays: Personal stories from guys about body confidence, how underwear has changed their lives (yes, it happens), and more.

I’ve already announced it, but I’m writing a romance novel centered around underwear. There’s a lot of myself in the story. I don’t have a title yet, and progress is slow because of work and school, but I keep working on the outline and timeline. The story is more about what could have been than what actually happened. I also have two more romance book ideas in mind, and I’m outlining one of them now. I hope you’ll enjoy them.

Real Life Meet Ups

I’ve been planning meetups and trips for a while now. I want to start a travel club so we can go places together, feel safe in a group, and wear Speedos or thongs at the pool or beach, even if it’s not always the most welcoming environment. Here are some of my ideas: Atlanta, where I live

• Live Podcasting – At events and when we travel
• Domestic Trips – Planned trips to San Diego, Palm Springs, Vegas, Puerto Rico, Porta Viarta, Miami, and more 
• International Travel – Trips to attend Grip in London, Tight Storm in Austria, Australia (many things to mention), Tokyo, and more. 

Real-life meetups are essential for moving this forward. It can’t just be an online community. We need to spend time together and really get to know each other in person. Meeting face-to-face makes our connections much stronger. There are so many people I want to meet, and I know there are many I haven’t met yet.

A big goal would be an event that UNB could host and enjoy, similar to a public Magic convention. For those who don’t know, Magic is a trade show in Vegas where brands used to showcase their new collections. This would be tough to organize since we’d need brands and guys to join and have fun activities. It’s probably for a later phase, but I like the idea of a yearly event like this. It may not happen, but it’s fun to plan!

Want to share your story or get involved fill out the form below.

Documentaries 

I want to take the books a step further and create documentaries from our point of view. One idea I’ve had for a long time is a documentary about N2N Bodywear—their history, how the brand influenced the underwear and gear community, super fans sharing their thoughts, and models talking about working with N2N Bodywear. I have a full outline for this and have even talked to Andrew about doing it as a podcast. Why not take it to the next level?

Other documentary options include: 

• Brands – how they affected the community
• Body issues and how underwear/gear helped. 

This is a long-term journey, and I’ll need your support along the way. I hope you’ll share your stories and, if you can, help out financially. I plan to expand my Patreon to help cover these projects. Most of all, I’d love to hear your feedback and ideas. I don’t get much feedback now, but I know you’re up for it, and I’m excited to make more friends who love undies and gear.