Today’s Brief Distraction is Simon Dunn. Simon tragically passed away over the weekend at the age of 35. He was an Australian Olympic Bobsledder and Rugby player. He was also gay and did a lot for the LGBTQIA+ community. The cause of death has not been released, but the authorities in Sydney have said it was not suspicious. I tried a few times over the years to get him on the podcast because he modeled underwear and swimwear. He never joined the podcast, but he was always on my “Like to get on the show list.”

I chose this pic because posting of him in underwear/swimwear I didn’t think would be respectful and this I think is the first clothed Brief Distraction. Sorry for the bad news on a Monday but I just found out this morning.

If you have had the chance to listen to the Brief Talk Podcast and wondered, “How do I get on to tell my story?” Contact us, and we can interview you and tell your story. You can reach out and DM me (UNBTim on all social) and let me know, or you can email me at info at underwearnewsbriefs dot com. Put in Brief Talk Podcast in the Subject.

Some of you may have questions before joining:

What if I don’t think my story is fascinating – First, don’t think that what you have to say is boring and no one cares. The more real guys who get on and talk about how they fell in love with underwear/gear. It makes others feel like they are not the only ones who think as you do. For many of the shows we do, we do them to share and be open, then get such fantastic feedback that we never expected.

I hate my voice; I sound (insert Gay, stupid, or other things) – Everyone hates their voice. My suggestion is doesn’t listen. Just come on and be yourself. Don’t let this small thing keep you from sharing and talking about underwear/gear.

I would be so nervous doing a podcast, and I may mess up – It’s ok to be worried about sharing about underwear. Many guys have few outlets to talk about underwear, so it invokes anxiety to get on the phone with a stranger and talk about something many guys see as very personal. We do several things to make you comfortable during a podcast. First, we send you the questions in advance so you can think about them and formulate your answers. I will gladly do a pre-interview and get on a call to chat, put you at ease, or even do a “dress rehearsal” if needed. Next, if you mess up, that’s what editing is for, making it sound like the best podcast on the market. I take out all the filler words and long pauses. If you mess up, restart or take a second, regroup, and continue, I’ll cut all that out! The final podcast will sound and flow very well!

I want to remain private and don’t want to put my name out there – We respect everyone’s privacy. Not everyone can be 100% open with their true identity and love of underwear. I appreciate that and will protect your true identity. We will use your pseudonym, which could be your social media name, or come up with a pen name. If you have a specific privacy issue you need to address, let me know, and I will work with you to make you feel comfortable and protected. BTW, we don’t share pictures or emails with anyone. I will pass along information from listeners; it’s up to you if you feel comfortable contacting the person.

If you have any other questions or concerns reach out and let’s have a conversation. I think need more guys on the show to share their stories. We welcome gay/bi/straight guys. We are all underwear/gear lovers and share so much in common.

One thing I love about men’s underwear and gear is the evolution of what’s hot at that particular time. I have seen jocks, thongs, bikinis, and more reign supreme for the underwear/gear guys’ attention. However, in the last few years, subgroups have been driving forces in what’s hot. Bodysuits have been one of those items subgroups have pushed to the mainstream gear audience. 

Not only have bodysuits taken off, but they keep growing in popularity.   You may be asking why has this one piece grown so popular. First, it’s something different in the gear world. Meaning it’s a style that men didn’t traditionally wear.   Next is the breakdown of what is considered masc and fem. Many of the rules have gone out the window. Men can wear anything now. Lastly, the suits are functional.   The cases can range from a singlet time to a thong back tank. Guys wear them to the gym, put running errands, and some even wear them under their work clothes. 

One of the first brands to enter the bodysuit market lately is BodyAware.   However, for honorable mention, Undergear did sell them back in the 90s. But I would say BodyAware put them on the radar for many guys.   Then you had others like MCE Creations, JJ Malibu, and more created bodysuits that fit their design style and aesthetic.   

I have several bodysuits that I love.   They are similar to singlets, and they prefer the ones that are spandex and stretchy.   As always, you guys need to try them and wear what you think feels excellent and looks sexy on your body. I’m curious as to which are your favorite bodysuits. Drop them in the comments or share them on social with us.  

A lot of guys have shared their underwear journey on UNB. A common theme for straight and bi guys has been the fear of being judged for their underwear preferences. I’ve experienced that. 

You might think that the biggest fear is being called gay by another guy. Maybe they see my skimpy briefs in the locker room and make a joke. Yes, that was a fear at one point, and it probably is a reason why more straight guys aren’t getting into underwear. For me these days, I don’t mind what other guys think. I’m comfortable being in a jockstrap in the locker room and have started to see more straight guys confidently wearing underwear that might have been made fun of by other guys ten years ago. 

I still worry about being judged by a woman in the bedroom. Yes, I know that if a woman is going to judge me for my underwear, they’re probably not the right woman anyway, but there is still that fear. I typically stick to trunks on a first date, so there’s no issue. But later in the relationship, they’ll inevitably find out I like thongs. I never try to hide it, but I am not always upfront about it.

The UNB community makes me optimistic that this won’t be a concern a few years from now. We know from the Reader Survey that about a third of the readers on UNB are straight, and thongs are the most popular style. That means there are a considerable number of straight guys wearing thongs. Hopefully, with more people being brave, there will be less fear of being judged.