In this podcast, now in its fourth year, therapists Stella O'Malley and Sasha Ayad take a deep dive into the psychological and cultural forces impacting the social changes around "gender." Through interviews with researchers, doctors, therapists, parents, detransitioners, and others, Sasha and Stella's podcast is a "must listen" for anyone trying to navigate the current gender landscape. With their sharp analytical minds and deep compassionate hearts, Stella and Sasha have also become known throughout many parent networks as lighthouses in the midst of some very stormy seas. Previous guests include Helen Joyce, Jesse Singal, Leor Sapir, Kathleen Stock, Jamie Reed, Peter Boghossian and more.
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Stella O’Malley and Sasha Ayad are two therapists interested in how the concept of gender is impacting our culture and shaping our society. For nearly a decade, we've been exploring sex and gender and helping patients and families impacted by gender issues. As we've dug into the shifting concepts of identity, gender, and transition, we felt unsatisfied by clichés, mental health platitudes, and modern gender jargon. Have you ever thought there's got to be more to all this trans stuff than politic...
Sasha and Stella come together for the finale episode of Gender: a Wider Lens , reflecting on four years of sharing conversations, psychological analysis, and interviews centered around the exploration of gender identity, the evolving cultural landscape, and the trans discourse. Together, they have produced over 200 episodes providing informative insights and practical approaches for listeners, whether they have loved ones questioning their gender, are professionals encountering or supporting ge...
In this bonus episode, Clementine reflects on her detransition journey, emphasizing the crucial support of her partner who saw her as a person beyond identity labels. She critiques the politicization of gender medicine, arguing against irreversible procedures for minors and discussing the profound positive impact of stopping testosterone on her mental health, including the resolution of psychosis. Clementine also shares her family's challenges with societal stigma, revealing how the fear of attack prevents many parents from questioning child transition. Her story underscores the ethical concerns in gender care and the need for thorough, individualized assessment.
Looking for support as a parent of a gender-questioning youth or young adult? Attend a Wider Lens Parent Retreat in 2025! Registration is now open. Visit https://widerlens.events/parent-retreat-2025 to learn more and secure your spot. Sasha and Stella welcome Clementine Breen , a 20-year-old young woman who detransitioned after undergoing rapid medicalization as a child. Clementine was a patient of Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy , one of the most prominent advocates for pediatric gender medicine. Beg...
Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley, with Dr. Marieke den Ouden, dissect the DSM's diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria, arguing they are rooted in outdated sex-based stereotypes and are easily met. They highlight how the shift from "sex" to "gender" has introduced ambiguity, leading to the medicalization of normal gender nonconformity and causing legal and policy ramifications. The discussion calls for greater clarity and scientific integrity, advocating for criteria based on objective factors and a return to using "sex" in legal and medical contexts.
Sasha and Stella welcome Dr. Marieke den Ouden, a medical biologist and psychologist, about pediatric gender medicine in the Netherlands. While the Dutch Protocol is believed to ensure thorough mental health evaluations, Marieke reveals inconsistencies in its application. She discusses a new survey gathering input from extended family on a child’s mental health and gender identity, raising questions about bias in reporting. The conversation also explores the clinical foundations of gender medici...
As societal perceptions of gender identity continue to evolve, the conversation around gender dysphoria has grown increasingly complex and polarized, particularly in recent years. This has sparked critical questions about the underlying causes of gender identity confusion, the role of medical interventions, and the broader cultural implications. Exploring these topics requires a careful balance of scientific inquiry, ethical considerations, and an openness to the diverse experiences of those aff...
Sasha and Stella welcome Jessi, a 69-year-old detransitioned butch lesbian, who shares her extraordinary life story. Jessi’s journey challenges misconceptions about detransitioners, confronting the common assumption that they are predominantly young people who transitioned in adolescence. Instead, her experiences shine a light on older individuals who made these life-altering decisions in vastly different cultural and social contexts. Her life as a gay rights advocate, shaped by threats and hard...
In this episode, former Democratic State Representative Shawn Thierry reflects on her role in advocating for Texas Senate Bill 14 (TX SB14), which raised the minimum age for gender transition procedures to 18. Despite sharing concerns about the medicalization of minors with her fellow Democratic colleagues, Shawn was warned that her seat would be at stake for going on the record with her position and voting in favor of the bill. Her steadfast commitment to integrity led her to take a stand, even...
The emotional and mental toll of navigating a child’s struggles with gender dysphoria can be profound. Parents often confront feelings of helplessness, confusion, and even grief as they face the rapid progression of medical interventions or societal pressures that seem at odds with their instincts or values. This journey is undeniably challenging, but it’s crucial for parents to prioritize their own emotional well-being in order to provide the steady, loving support their children need. Self-car...
Looking for support as a parent of a gender-questioning youth or young adult? Attend a Wider Lens Parent Retreat in 2025! Registration is now open. Visit https://widerlens.events/parent-retreat-2025 to learn more and secure your spot. Sasha and Stella welcome mother and advocate, Lydia, to the show for an insightful discussion about the emotional and relational dynamics impacting boys experiencing gender dysphoria. They reflect on the critical work of ROGDBoys.org , a website dedicated to raisin...
Over the last few decades, the rapid rise of secularism, alongside the dissolution of traditional institutions, has left many feeling disconnected from deeper sources of meaning and purpose. This void has led to the emergence of new ideologies and movements that seek to provide meaning where religious traditions once did. From the rise of trans activism to the increasing influence of secular humanism, these new belief systems are born from the intellectual vacuum left behind by the decline of fa...
This conversation was recorded prior to the U.S. presidential election. Any references to the election or its potential outcomes reflect the perspectives and context at the time of recording. Stella and Sasha welcome Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford & Sons, to discuss the personal and professional fallout following his tweet about Andy Ngo's book Unmasked. He opens up about navigating censorship, conformity, and the immense power of social media in shaping public discourse. Wins...
In this special episode, Sasha and Stella pass the mic to honorary guest host, journalist, author, and feminist campaigner, Helen Joyce, who interviews Marian Tompson, in connection with Joyce’s recent article about Marian in The Times, "Why I Quit the Breastfeeding Charity I Founded Over Trans Ideology". Marian Tompson, along with six other mothers, founded the global breastfeeding support network, La Leche League, in 1956. In November 2024, Tompson resigned from both the organization and its B...
Nearing the podcast’s 200th episode just around the corner, Stella and Sasha mark the 4-year milestone of Gender: A Wider Lens! Together, they reflect on the show’s remarkable evolution and its impact on their respective journeys. With a vast catalog of episodes filled with profound insights, transformative stories, intriguing interviews, and relentless curiosity, the show has progressed alongside the ever-shifting landscape of gender and the ripple effects of the medicalization of youth. In thi...
The relationship between homophobia and gender medicine is deeply intertwined, with historical and contemporary practices shedding light on troubling patterns. Historically, gender-nonconforming individuals were often pathologized and subjected to medical interventions under the guise of correcting deviance. Today, these practices persist, albeit under new narratives that often frame gender nonconformity as a medical issue requiring intervention, such as transitioning. Emerging trends reveal the...
Sasha & Stella welcome seasoned attorney Glenna Goldis to the show, offering invaluable perspectives into the legal developments in gender medicine. With extensive knowledge of gender medicine and consumer fraud, Glenna provides a comprehensive analysis of pivotal legal cases and controversies in the U.S., breaking down complex legal language into accessible insights. She brings her expertise and unique perspective on the evolution of gender medicine. She also examines consumer fraud allegat...
Stella and Sasha welcome author and podcaster, Phil Illy, to the show for a thought-provoking conversation on sexuality, identity, and self-understanding. They engage with Phil’s concept of auto-heterosexuality, explore his interpretation of "erotic target identity inversion," and examine how these theories relate to broader discussions around sexuality and identity. As the discussion evolves, Stella and Sasha offer their critiques and challenge Phil's framework, pushing for a deeper understandi...
The relationship between education systems, families, and communities must be one of cooperation and respect, resisting ideological control and ensuring that diverse perspectives are welcomed. In this framework, the role of government is to support, protect, and enable individuals to pursue their own paths, while maintaining the necessary checks and balances to safeguard the rights of all citizens. This ideal society fosters transparency in governance, allowing citizens to understand and influen...
Stella and Sasha welcome freelance writer, free-thinker, and current chairman of the Lesbian and Gay Alliance in Iceland, Eldur Smári Kristinsson, offering a revealing overview of Iceland’s rapid societal transformation into what he describes as a "gender-crazed dystopia”. In this episode, Eldur describes how over the last 25 years, Iceland has transitioned from a nation advancing progressive gay rights to one where gender ideology has infiltrated institutions, including government, education, a...
Dr. Az Hakeem discusses strategies for parents to approach children exploring gender identity, emphasizing understanding over confrontation and challenging the notion of gender as merely a "feeling state." The conversation also delves into using logical frameworks to help adolescents critically examine their beliefs and highlights systemic issues within gender care, including the UK's post-CAS review landscape and the importance of authenticity in these discussions.
Looking for support as a parent of a gender-questioning youth or young adult? Attend a Wider Lens Parent Retreat in 2025! Registration is now open. Visit https://widerlens.events/parent-retreat-2025 to learn more and secure your spot. Stella & Sasha welcome author, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist Dr. Az Hakeem to the show, sharing his experience and insights from his extensive career spanning over two decades in the field of gender dysphoria. He reflects how he initially recognized the gro...
Erin Kimberly shares her journey of re-identifying as a female butch lesbian, finding comfort in her masculine appearance, and distinguishing between dysphoria and incongruence. The conversation highlights the societal pressures faced by gender non-conforming individuals and the importance of allowing space for diverse expressions of womanhood without immediate medicalization. It also delves into clinical approaches for young people struggling with identity, emphasizing curiosity and challenging limiting gender norms, and addresses the unique challenges and need for support for medicalized lesbians.
Sasha and Stella welcome Aaron Kimberly back to the show, nearly a year after her first appearance on the podcast . Aaron has undergone a remarkable transformation, returning to her female identity and embracing a new understanding and acceptance of herself. This episode delves into Aaron’s complex journey of self-discovery, shaped by her unique experiences with a rare ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD), her longstanding identity as a butch lesbian, and the medical, professional, an...
Encouraging workplace policies that support anti-discrimination without imposing specific beliefs allows employees from all backgrounds—whether critical social justice advocates, feminists, conservatives, minorities, LGBTQ individuals, or those who are religious or agnostic—to align with an organization’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity. This approach empowers individuals to clarify their own philosophical beliefs regarding race, gender, and identity, enabling them to advocate for anti-di...
Sasha and Stella welcome writers Carrie Clark and Helen Pluckrose to the show for thoughtful and provocative dialogue, critically examining the intersections of identity, sex-based rights, mental health, and societal influences. Drawing from both personal experiences and professional insights, they explore complex and sensitive ideas around self-expression, feminism, and gender, encouraging a nuanced and reflective perspective. The conversation also delves into the controversy following Genspect...
Incorporating regular strength training can be profoundly beneficial, especially for women. Beyond the physical gains, such as improved bone density, hormonal balance, and overall health, strength training cultivates a unique sense of mental resilience and personal empowerment. Unlike purely aerobic exercise, lifting weights offers stability, balance, and structural protection that can prevent injury and promote functional longevity well into older age. Strength training doesn’t require lifting ...
Sasha & Stella welcome April Hutchinson — former team Canada powerlifter, North American deadlift record holder, fairness for women in sports advocate and grateful recovering alcoholic — to discuss her incredible journey from battling alcohol addiction to becoming a world-class powerlifter. During COVID, she turned to powerlifting as part of her recovery, and within a short period, she achieved record-breaking lifts, catapulting her to elite status in the sport holding national records, an e...
In this episode, Sasha and Stella reflect on the Bigger Picture Conference in Lisbon , discussing notable takeaways from various speakers. A key theme explored is how the gender debate has expanded into a multidisciplinary conversation, no longer just confined to therapists or concerned parents but drawing in academics, sociologists, and political thinkers worldwide. Their discussion covers a range of topics, including institutional capture, mass formation theory, societal movements, the roles o...
The idea of doubling down despite evidence to the contrary being so prevalent, not only in individuals but in institutions as well, is a defense mechanism, rooted in fear. The fear is often tied to high stakes, like personal identity, reputation, physical/mental health, or even financial performance and career stakes. There is a self-deception and rigidity in beliefs to protect oneself from the fear. There is an enormous emotional and psychological toll that comes with realizing one may have bee...
