Life in Parallel Podcast SNEAK PEEK: "Boys Aren't Nurses" (in 1980s Nebraska) with Dr. James Q. Simmons

At 28, Dr. James Q Simmons walked away from a six-figure job at PepsiCo to become a nurse. His dad's first question was about the pension.

Matt's longtime friend grew up in Omaha, survived a hate campaign in college and went viral in 2014 answering the health questions everyone Googles at 2 a.m. Now he's a nurse practitioner. We get into the one free thing that will improve your health tonight.

This episode includes discussion of homophobic harassment, suicidal thoughts in childhood, and HIV.

If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US). LGBTQ+ young people can reach The Trevor Project 24/7.

Know a do-lover? Someone building an extraordinary life just outside your social media zip code? Nominating yourself counts. Email us at hello@lifeinparallelpod.com.

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Watch on YouTube · Follow @lifeinparallelpod on Instagram and TikTok · @lifeinparallelpod.bsky.social on Bluesky · lifeinparallelpod.com

Find Dr. James: drjamesqsimmons.com · YouTube · Instagram · TikTok

Mentioned:

• Artemis II

• CDC diabetes resources

• The Onion

• Sugarland and The Chicks

• For the record: The Sound of Music and Oklahoma!

Walkout songs (he couldn't pick one):

• "Million Dollar Bill" by Whitney Houston

• "Take Your Time (Do It Right)"

• Pickleball: "Big Bad Wolf"

Breaking the algorithm:

• Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins, author of Black. Fat. Femme. ·&nb ...