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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Welcome to a special edition of Gender: A Wider Lens podcast! Recorded live from Genspect’s The Bigger Picture Conference in November 2023 from Denver, CO, USA with special guest in-person appearance from the delightful detransitioner, Chloe Cole. Hear Chloe share candidly about her journey through gender transition and detransition. From the challenges of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to gender norms, to the emotional impact of undergoing hormone therapy and a double mastect...
Sasha and Stella continue the conversation with Coach Linda Blade and talk about non-binary athletes, “medical exemptions” for testosterone, self ID in sports and how does Coach Linda talk about these issues in her every day life. Article referenced: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/10/06/trans-nonbinary-runner-testosterone-exemption/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com...
Coach Linda Blade joins Sasha & Stella for an incredible conversation about the critical issues surrounding fairness and inclusivity in women's sports. They explore the challenges and biases faced by female athletes in the wake of transgender athletes competing in women's categories, particularly the profound psychological impact. The conversation also sheds light on the rich historical context of fairness in competition. Dr. Linda Blade is a former Canadian Champion (1986) and a full schola...
This episode addresses a mother's struggle with her son's transgender identity, which she believes stems from a traumatic incident where he was falsely accused. Experts advise focusing on the emotional wound rather than directly challenging his identity, suggesting indirect methods like watching films about wrongful accusations. They also emphasize unconditional family love and careful boundary setting, especially regarding medical transition, to prevent alienation.
Join Sasha & Stella for this candid conversation delving into the intricate realm of parenting children who identify as transgender. They discuss the fear, confusion, and complex emotions parents face when dealing with their child's gender identity. The conversation touches on the challenges of communicating with their children and the potential risks and benefits of transitioning, emphasizing the importance of making the process more nuanced and less black-and-white, helping young people un...
In this additional conversation with Wilfred Reilly, we delve deeper into the realm of gender medicine as Wilfred raises his apprehensions about the excessive diagnosis of mental health issues and the potential adverse effects of various extreme body modifications. We go to some pretty interesting places, you definitely want to listen to this! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com...
Stella & Sasha welcome Wilfred Reilly to the program for an intriguing conversation touching on gender and medicalization, political affiliations and extremism, violence and discrimination, societal myths and data analysis, and the impact of the internet on niche interests and mental health. Wilfred Reilly is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University, a historically Black institution. His research interests include International Relations, contemporary American...
We ask Maggie for advice on how to talk about these issues out in the “real world.” She shares some great advice about how to meet people where they are and plant some seeds. Dr. Maggie mentions that she shares certain episodes of this podcast with people who are looking for more information. When she says the “5 Top” she is referring to the top 5 episodes from our first two seasons (Ep 93 with Wesley Yang, Ep 69 Pioneers Series Analysis, Ep 71 with Jesse Singal, Ep 88 with Leor Sapir, and Ep 66...
In this episode, Maggie Goldsmith joins Sasha and Stella for a conversation about the psychodynamic approach in understanding gender identity issues, particularly in children and adolescents. Maggie shares her personal journey, shedding light on how rapid onset gender dysphoria (ROGD) can signal a need for change within the family dynamic. She puts an emphasis on the importance of delving into unconscious processes that shape identity and behavior. The discussion covers theories about how key de...
Sasha and Stella continue the conversation with Aaron Kimberly by asking Aaron “how do you talk about gender in real life?” This is always a hard question to answer but Aaron takes us in very interesting places sharing what it’s like for people in “small town rural Canada” to be confronted with this ideology, and how it makes life much more difficult and isolating for people like Aaron. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis...
Join Sasha, Stella, and Aaron Kimberly for a conversation exploring gender identity, queer theory, and intersex experiences. In this candid conversation, Aaron shares about his journey through adolescence and the challenges of growing up in a rural farming community with early onset gender dysphoria. He touches on categorization error and its impact on identity development, as well as the discovery of his intersex condition. The discussion explores the complexities of social transitioning within...
Join Stella and Sasha as they discuss the exciting lineup of speakers and topics at the upcoming conference in Denver. From brain sex to the opioid epidemic, gender ideology to detransition stories, this event promises to be intellectually stimulating, heartwarming, and inspiring. Don't miss the chance to meet these influential voices in person and engage in important conversations. Explore Genspect’s The Bigger Picture Conference in Denver this November! Be there for enlightening discussions on...
"I have the kind of child who will do the opposite if I ask her to do something. How do I soften her defense and so she'll open her mind to ideas different than hers? One example is I want to watch the No Way Back film in the family movie night but also worry she'll simply push back, or worse, shut herself tight on this topic." Sasha & Stella reference a few documentary's in their response: Trans Kids: It's Time to Talk http://www.stellaomalley.com/trans-kids-time-to-talk The Trans Train : P...
Sasha and Stella discuss the current cultural impulse that suggests affirming “trans” identity is the same as affirming gay sexual orientation in young people - are these two declarations really as parallel as the social justice narrative claims them to be? Sasha and Stella emphasize the importance of not conflating the two and explore how society's response to a child's gender identity should differ from declarations about sexual orientation. This discussion provides valuable perspectives on th...
Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley, joined by Peter Boghossian, present a bonus conversation including a role-play scenario where a parent navigates a child's urgent request for puberty blockers. The discussion moves into an in-depth analysis of effective communication techniques, like avoiding defensiveness and "ultracasting." Peter offers "tough love" advice for parents to prioritize their own physical and mental well-being, emphasizing personal responsibility, strong relationships, and the need for radical, sometimes unconventional, decisions in a rapidly changing cultural environment.
In this thought-provoking episode, Peter Boghossian delves into the devastating personal and societal costs of the culture war, highlighting how ideologies often insulate themselves from criticism. He explains the Socratic method of 'Street Epistemology' and its application to contentious topics like gender, demonstrating how to lower defensiveness and foster understanding. The episode culminates in a powerful role-play where Boghossian, acting as a parent, navigates a challenging conversation with a child requesting puberty blockers, providing an inspiring example of empathetic and evidence-based dialogue.
Sasha and Stella continue the conversation with Corinna Cohn talking about Corinna’s writing, political advocacy, pronouns, free speech, female spaces and lots of other things. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com
Fellow podcaster Corinna Cohn joins Sasha and Stella to share her profound reflections on gender identity. Corinna recounts her path from early transition, including surgical intervention, to the realization that one cannot actually change sex, finding meaning in acknowledging this futility. She also delves into her activism, critiquing the current medical model and the shifting landscape of transgender politics, advocating for legislative changes to protect minors while emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and living a full life despite past choices.
Sasha and Stella continue the conversation with Katie Herzog by asking “how do you talk about gender issues in real life?” Katie’s core advice is “read the room” but she has a lot of other insights and experiences to share, from her own life, as well! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com
In this episode, Sasha and Stella eagerly welcome journalist Katie Herzog, who is also co-host with Jesse Singal on the popular podcast Blocked & Reported (aka BARPod). This dynamic discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Katie’s experiences and observations over the past two decades as a lesbian in the queer / LGBTQ+ community, especially pertaining to trans identities. They also explore Katie’s reflections from her influential 2017 article on detransitioners, The Detransitioner...
Sasha and Stella discuss the "Oedipus Trap" concept, applying it to the complexities of gender-affirming care and the difficulty for involved parties to confront errors or accountability. They explore why clinicians and parents might rationalize past actions, drawing parallels to historical medical misjudgments like lobotomies. The hosts emphasize the importance of true informed consent and exploring all alternatives, arguing that a perceived lack of choice contributes to potential regret and a "cognitive itch" for understanding among those who have transitioned.
Website referenced: https://www.campuspride.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com
“We are making strong recommendations based on weak evidence,” a statement from practicing pediatrician, Dr. Julia Mason, about the basis of gender affirming care, which is the model of care currently backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In this episode, Dr. Mason sits down with Sasha & Stella to discuss her relentless efforts towards charging the AAP to pursue a systematic review of the evidence behind gender affirming care. They discuss the series of events leading up to the...
Adolescence is a natural time for identity exploration. In this episode, Sasha and Stella address the challenges schools face when dealing with students questioning their gender identities. They focus on strategies for finding a balanced approach, honoring students' self-expression, preserving opportunities for further developmental progress and discovery, and respecting family dynamics. They highlight the pressure on schools to quickly respond and adopt policies, often without sufficient eviden...
Check out Genspect's Brief Guidance For Friends And Family This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com
Sasha and Stella take time together to dig deeper in reflection and analysis from some of their recent episodes. They also chat a little bit about a few of their latest projects and endeavors including their upcoming book release: When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents . Visit whenkidssaytheyretrans.com to pre-order your copy of the book before Aug 25th and request an invite to their free webinar: When Kids Say They’re Trans: Do’s, Don’ts and Damage Control . This episode al...
Sasha and Stella continue the conversation with Sara Stockton by introducing our new series called “Dinner Party Conversations.” Sara shares how she attempts to open the door to communication on issues of gender with honesty, but also with great sensitivity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com...
In this episode, Sasha and Stella sit down with Sara Stockton, MA, LMFT. Sara is a licensed marriage and family therapist who initially worked with affirmative clinicians, fully embracing gender identity theory. Initially, Sara earnestly believed in her work and its potential to help transgender youth. Over time, she began to doubt the field's effectiveness, the emerging adoption of queer theory bias within the field, and grew concerned with the poor treatment outcomes she began encountering wit...
