An award-winning LGBTQ+ podcast

Allyship is a
verb, not a noun.

People want to do better, but they don’t always know how. LGBTQ+ community members share their stories, and one allyship tip at a time, with host Charlie Ocean, MSW (they/them).

Browse all 74 episodes

▶ Latest episode

The Gender Swap feat. Molly Rix
June 4, 2024 · S3 E21

Spin the wheel: a random allyship tip

Always be willing to reinvent yourself and learn from other people in areas that you may not have experience.

Molly Rix

Hear the full story →

Charlie Ocean, MSW

Your host

Charlie Ocean, MSW (they/them)

Neuroqueer LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, consultant, podcaster, and writer with a background in LGBTQ+ education, community organizing, and social work.

Meet Charlie →

Listener love

What listeners say

Charlie is an amazing human!!

I love this podcast, and I fell in love with it ever since I came across it a while ago! Charlie is an incredible host! They have the most generous heart, and they share so much useful information with and through all of the guest interviews that they share. Allyship is a verb is a must listen for everyone within, and from outside, the LGBTQIA+ communities. So if you want to be a kind, loving and respectful human being, this podcast will surely help you continue working in your allyship; Charlie's self reflection questions will tickle your brain and heart in all the right ways.
Apple Podcasts review

New to the show

Hi, I found this show a couple days ago and I just have to say, wow. I've been out for about 2 years now as nb/genderfluid and I feel like I learn more and more every day, and this podcast has just skyrocketed the idea of what I thought I knew and how much I need to learn. Zoa (she/they/he) exudes so much positivity and love without letting that be space for people to walk all over them, and this really just changed me for the better. Thank you so much for this podcast, I've already recommended it to three people just after having heard the first guest episode with Shane ❤️
Apple Podcasts review
If you have someone in your life who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community or you just want to become a better ally, this podcast is a must! Charlie holds a space where guests can share their stories and experiences. These stories reflect the complexity and nuance that are part of the full human experience. Both Charlie and their guests are generously contributing to a culture that reflects society as it is. If you want to start doing the work to create this culture, too, this podcast is a great place to start. So grateful to have found it!
Pam Uzzell

A podcast that feels like home

Allyship is a verb = my favorite podcast. Charlie does an excellent job creating space for nuanced conversations in such a friendly and warm way. Whenever I listen to an episode I feel so connected to the guests and their stories. It genuinely feels like I'm sitting in my living room listening to my best friends have a conversation. I couldn't recommend it enough, so so grateful for a space that makes me feel seen and valued as I am and wherever I go in my queer journey and as an ally to the community. 💜
Apple Podcasts review
I absolutely love this podcast. Charlie is such a wonderful host. The guests all bring their unique personalities and perspectives to their interviews, leaving me feeling both self-reflective and uplifted. I would definitely recommend this podcast to anyone looking to become a better ally to those in LGBTQ+ communities!
Canadian listener
Charlie truly is an angel. The compassion they have for their subject and the guests they bring on to share their experiences and knowledge make for a wonderful podcast. As an ally, I have learned a lot. Fantastic guests and helpful information for allies like me!
Rabiah

Amazing podcast!

This is a must listen to podcast and a must subscribe to as well. Always insight reflection questions and thoughtful interviews. If I could rate more than 5 stars I would!!
Theresa of Reimagym
Thank you Charlie for creating this podcast! Listening to these conversations has helped my allyship practice grow exponentially!!
Paige Friend
I'm a huge fan of Charlie as a creator! They take such care with their guests and the result is a super informative interview.
Arielle Nissenblatt
What a great environment for sharing tender thoughts and feelings. Charlie you have a wonderful voice for audio.
Liz Sumner
Early cover of the workbook: “Allyship is a Verb” in big white letters over pink, yellow, blue, red, and green rainbow stripes, with the subtitle “A Workbook for Supporting LGBTQ+ People, From Good Intentions to Meaningful Action” and the author name Charlie Ocean, MSW

Coming late 2026

The Allyship is a Verb workbook

Allyship tips are even better with practice. Charlie is turning three seasons of conversations into a hands-on workbook full of self-reflection questions and practical exercises to help you put allyship into action. It's really happening, and you're getting an early peek at the cover.

Cover, title, and contents subject to change.

Sign up to hear when it launches →

Newsletter

Turn listening into action

LGBTQ+ Allyship Into Action, the show's newsletter for tips and information about LGBTQ+ communities and upcoming events.

LGBTQ+ Allyship Into Action Join the newsletter ↗

Wear the verb

Official merch

Proceeds support the costs of producing episodes and keeping the podcast going.

Visit the merch store ↗

Behind the show

Credits & gear

Podcast cover by

Kit Ballum Cohen (they/them/kit), a nonbinary designer, artist, and parent. Follow and check out their work.

Audio engineering by

  • Molly Rix (she/her) S1E19 to present
  • Ian Powell S1E18
  • Sergei Sobolev S1E1 to S1E17

Transcription by

  • Veronica M.T. Benjamin (she/her) S2E2 to present
  • Destiny Clarke (she/they) S1E26 to S2E1
  • Star W. (he/him) S1E17 to S1E25
  • Charlie Ocean (they/them) S1E1 to S1E16

Charlie uses & recommends

  1. Paid Squadcast.FM + Descript plan for recording guest interviews
  2. Free GarageBand & Audacity software for editing, before sending it to the audio engineer
  3. Season 1: Samson Q2U mic (great USB budget mic!). Seasons 2-3: Shure SM58 with Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface (3rd gen)
  4. Spotify for Creators for podcast hosting and distribution (allows you to monetize and so much more)
  5. Calendly for easily scheduling and collecting guest information for pre-screen calls and episode interviews