We are proud to feature Anne-Marie Zanzal, whose podcast, “Coming Out & Beyond | LGBTQIA+ Stories,” aligns perfectly with The State of Women Institute’s mission of amplifying the voices of those whose stories deserve more attention. While she’s also a valued member of our PodcastHers community available through the SHEQONOMI app, this profile highlights her contributions and achievements that resonate with our shared goals of empowerment, inclusivity, and storytelling.
For Anne-Marie Zanzal, M.Div., the path from ordained minister to podcast host wasn’t as winding as one might think. Both roles, she says, are about listening to people’s stories and helping them find meaning in their experiences. It’s a skill she’s honed over decades, and now she’s using it to amplify voices that often go unheard.
“As a chaplain, I was trained to listen,” Zanzal says. “This skill transfers naturally to podcasting.”
Zanzal is the creator and host of “Coming Out & Beyond | LGBTQIA+ Stories,” a podcast that focuses on sharing coming out stories of the LGBTQIA+ community, with an emphasis on those who have come out later in life. It’s a subject that resonates deeply with her personal experience, as Zanzal herself is a later-in-life lesbian.
Zanzal says she “deeply believes that in the hearing of another’s story, we can often hear our own.” The belief inspired her to seek out and share stories that are, in her words, “compelling, heartbreaking, and inspirational.”
A Life of Many Chapters
Zanzal’s journey to podcasting is as multifaceted as the diverse stories she shares. A graduate of Yale Divinity School, she is an ordained minister in the progressive United Church of Christ, a chaplain, a bereavement counselor, a coming-out and divorce support expert, and more. She’s been married to both a man and a woman (she came out as a lesbian at 52 following 27 years of marriage), and has raised four children (and several fur babies).
“I have had so many different careers and experiences, I sometimes take a step back and think; ‘Wow, this sounds like I am making things up!’ But I am not,” Zanzal says.
This breadth and variety of life experiences has cultivated in Zanzal an open-mindedness she says “makes me an ideal person to host a podcast,” allowing her to empathize with and authentically share the stories of others.
The Power of Storytelling
Zanzal’s podcast, which launched in 2020, grew out of a deep-seated belief in the power of storytelling. This philosophy is evident in every episode of “Coming Out & Beyond,” where guests share their unique journeys of self-discovery and authenticity.
“Coming out stories are what connect everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community,” Zanzal explains. But the relatability and resonance of coming out as an experience doesn’t mean everyone experiences it the same. And in spite of the profound importance and emotional impact of these stories, when conventional media does cover them, they often stop at the “coming out”—missing some of the best parts.
Zanzal doesn’t stop at the coming out narrative. She’s equally interested in what comes next: the “beyond” part of her show’s title. Her guests have gone on to create lives full of creativity, joy, authenticity, and service to others. Zanzal brings these narratives to listeners in episodes that not only inform but may also, she hopes, inspire and enlighten as mirrors for many on their own journeys, reflecting shared experiences that resonate across the diverse spectrum of LGBTQIA+ lives.
The expanded focus helps the podcast showcase a wider variety of specific lived experiences, and it allows Zanzal and her guests the freedom to delve into their journeys with more detail, nuance, openness, and depth. Topics explored include pride, dealing with hate and bigotry, cultural norms, the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities and faith, guiding others on their own journeys, the reaction of family and loved ones, the ongoing nature of coming out, and much more.
Normalizing LGBTQIA+ Experiences
For Zanzal, her podcast serves multiple purposes. It’s a platform for visibility, a tool for normalization, and a source of inspiration for those who might be struggling with their own identity.
"My podcast fills this need to hear more LGBTQIA+ stories and share the experiences of this amazing community," she says. "It provides visibility to other queer folks. It also normalizes the queer experience for people who do not have community close at hand."
Zanzal is particularly passionate about showcasing stories of people who have come out later in life—believing, as her show’s writeup says, that "it is never too late to be who we were created to be.”
From Ministry to Microphone
Zanzal’s background in ministry has uniquely prepared her for her role as a podcast host. Her training as a chaplain taught her to listen deeply and empathetically, skills that are crucial in drawing out people’s stories.
Her own journey as a queer person of faith has also given her insight into the complex intersections of spirituality and sexuality. "As a minister who is queer, I have had the opportunity to talk to many folks who have deconstructed faith," she says. "As a deeply spiritual person, I find these conversations uplifting, educational, and exciting."
The Joy of Podcasting
While starting a podcast was initially challenging for Zanzal—she admits it took her a couple of years to overcome her reluctance—it has become her favorite part of her business.
Zanzal’s enthusiasm for podcasting is palpable when she speaks about her work. "All the great people I get to meet and collaborate with," she says, highlighting what she enjoys most about her role as a podcast host.
For Zanzal, the podcast is a meaningful endeavor that enables her to forge connections within her community and elevate diverse voices.
For Zanzal, her show has the potential to be a powerful tool for challenging preconceptions and expands the narrative of what it means to be LGBTQIA+. By featuring guests with diverse backgrounds and experiences, she helps paint a more complete picture of the breadth and depth of LGBTQIA+ lives, identities, and expressions.
Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
Zanzal believes genuine interest is key to creating engaging content, and her advice for those considering starting their own podcast is rooted in authenticity. "Make sure the stories you are sharing YOU are passionate about," she emphasizes. "When you’re genuinely curious and excited about your content, that authenticity shines through."
Looking to the Future
As “Coming Out & Beyond” continues to grow, Zanzal remains committed to her core mission of amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and normalizing queer experiences. Her podcast serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in building understanding and community.
Through her work, Zanzal is proving that it’s never too late to start a new chapter, whether that’s coming out, starting a podcast, or simply living authentically. As Zanzal often reminds her listeners, every day is an opportunity to embrace your true self and live with purpose.
To learn more about Anne-Marie Zanzal and "Coming Out & Beyond | LGBTQIA+ Stories," visit her website at annemariezanzal.com or follow her on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.