EP 43 Matthew Moody – The Barracks P1
What does it take to bring a legendary leather bar back to life? And what happens when the journey becomes about so much more than opening a business?
This week on the GayPHX Podcast, we’re doing something we’ve never done before — our very first TWO-PART interview!
Bily sits down with Matthew Moody, the man working to bring the iconic Barracks from Palm Springs to Phoenix, for a conversation about community, belonging, and the experiences that shaped his vision.
From his punk rock roots and touring with bands to finding his place in the leather community, Matthew shares how legendary spaces like Chicago’s Cell Block and LA’s Faultline helped him discover something many of us spend our lives searching for — a place where we truly belong.
We also hear the remarkable story of how a chance encounter at The Barracks in Palm Springs led to an unexpected opportunity, a handshake that changed everything, and a heartbreaking loss that gave Matthew an even deeper reason to see this project through.
Along the way, we explore why Phoenix needs more spaces for connection, the challenges of supporting local nightlife, and why investing in our community means creating opportunities for the next generation.
Plus, Brian brings us his Hot 3, highlighting events happening around the Valley!
🎃 It’s Halloween week! We’re also talking about DJ Green Satyr’s new album, The Satyr Arcana, Part II, the upcoming Mickey DelRio Show at Kobalt, and our Palm Springs adventures.
🎙️ Listen to GayPHX radio weekdays from 11 AM to 5 PM at GayPHX.com.
🌈 Coming next week: Part 2 of our conversation with Matthew Moody, where we get into the obstacles, opposition, and determination behind bringing The Barracks to Phoenix — and what it really means to create a space where everyone is welcome.
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