What actually makes erotic fiction work? Is it the heat, the heart, or the way a story makes you feel seen? This week on Hide and Seek, Jon and Joenas are joined by Melbourne-based queer author Dion Marc for a wide-ranging, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about writing desire, storytelling, and what happens once your work leaves the page and meets its readers.

We talk about how Dion found his way into queer erotica, why he writes unapologetically gay stories, and how personal experience, fantasy, kink, and imagination collide when crafting intimate scenes. From avoiding formulaic sex writing to embracing fantasy elements (yes, including vampires), Dion shares what keeps his work feeling genuine rather than repetitive.

The conversation also digs into the afterlife of books — reader reactions, unexpected interpretations, and the emotional impact of feedback, both good and bad. We explore representation in queer fiction, why it matters, and how stories can shape the way readers see themselves, their bodies, and their desires.

In the final part of the episode, Dion reflects on growth, staying grounded as an audience grows, and offers advice for queer writers — especially those curious about erotic fiction but unsure where to start.

Expect laughs, nerdy tangents, spicy metaphors, and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones written honestly, even when they’re horny.

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This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au

Performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) are everywhere in queer spaces — from gyms and dance floors to dating apps and dressing rooms — but honest, non-judgemental conversations about them? Not so much. In this episode of Hide and Seek, the Sexperts change that.

Jon, Craig and Joenas are joined by Henri from @sesh.ed to unpack what PIEDs actually are (and aren’t), why they’re disproportionately used in rainbow communities, and how harm reduction — not shame — needs to be at the centre of the conversation. From anabolic steroids and testosterone, to GLP-1s like Ozempic, peptides, fat burners and stimulants, this episode widens the lens on what counts as a “performance drug” and why all of them deserve the same safety thinking.

Together, the panel explores the pressures driving use: body image, desirability, masculinity, safety, confidence, belonging, gender affirmation, and the relentless visual economy of apps, porn and event marketing. We talk bigorexia, fat-shaming, trans and gender-diverse experiences, and why “just don’t do it” has never worked — for anyone.

The second half of the episode goes deep on harm reduction. Henri breaks down safer sourcing, blood tests, injecting practices, cycle planning, post-cycle considerations, fertility, mental health impacts, sexual health interactions (including PrEP and HIV meds), and why electrolyte drinks are not optional. There’s also practical advice on supporting friends who use PIEDs — without interrogating them, judging them, or turning them into your personal Google.

This is a grounded, compassionate, occasionally filthy but always informative episode that treats people like adults making complex choices about their bodies. If PIEDs have ever crossed your radar — or someone you care about is using them — this one’s essential listening.

If you’ve been affected by the issues discussed, support is available at joy.org.au/support.

Follow Tim instagram.com/beatzradio/

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Follow Craig instagram.com/white.dragon.339/

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au

Side B is where the spotlight turns to the Mr VicBears 2026 competition — and the humans brave enough to step into it.

In this half of Episode 222, Hide and Seek meets the Class of ’26: Teddy, Justin, Ray, Jake and Craig. It’s a line-up full of history, heart, camp, nerves, confidence, and wildly different journeys into the bear community.

Each competitor shares how they found the bears, what keeps them coming back, and why they’ve decided to run for the sash. We talk community advocacy, representation, confidence-building, favourite ’90s films (yes, Clueless and Serial Mom both feature), and the very real mix of excitement and terror that comes with putting yourself out there.

This isn’t just about abs, beards, or who owns the most outfits with paw prints. It’s about visibility, approachability, and what it means to represent a community built on belonging rather than perfection. From long-time committee members to returning competitors and first-time entrants, the Class of ’26 reflects the diversity and generosity of the bear scene itself.

Side B is funny, warm, occasionally awkward, and deeply sincere — a reminder that while only one person gets the sash, the real win is showing up, being seen, and strengthening the community along the way.

The competitors each highlighted a charity for their runs:

• Teddy spoke about Switchboard
• Justin threw behind the Australian Queer Archives
• Ray highlighted Transgender Victoria
• Jake talked up QLife
• and Craig covered Out of the Closet, Out of Options

Follow Tim instagram.com/beatzradio/

Follow Jon instagram.com/barbarylion/

Follow Craig instagram.com/white.dragon.339/

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au