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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Sasha and Stella host Mia Hughes, author of the WPATH files report, for a deep dive into the organization's evolution and its questionable medical ethics. They explore how WPATH transitioned from a scientific body to an activist-led group, advocating for experimental gender-affirming care and extreme non-binary surgeries without proper scientific rigor or ethical debate. Mia also draws parallels to historical medical scandals and discusses the impact of "client-led" care on the field.
This is a fun one folks! “This is so much more interesting than biological sex being real!” - Sasha When considering personality, behavior, and social traits, there are some whom embrace the concept of ‘cognitive creationists’, implying that human behavior is solely shaped by socialization rather than biological factors, completely neglecting the profound impact of our mammalian heritage on our cognitive functions and behaviors. But…as evolutionary biology reveals, behavioral trends among mammal...
Gender, sex, intersex conditions, hormonal interventions, sexual signaling, behavioral differences…this episode covers them all. Sasha and Stella welcome evolutionary biologist, Dr. Colin Wright for a long overdue discussion going deep into the intersection of biology, psychology, and social factors in shaping our understanding of sex and gender. This is a refreshing conversation exploring insights into the evolving discourse surrounding trans identities, the distinction between sex and gender, ...
Sasha and Stella ask Scarlet, “What would you have needed when you started to experiment with this idea of being transgender?” “Proper medical care would be nice” Quality therapy is essential, advocating for nuanced discussions on gender and, especially during adolescence, body image issues. A supportive environment, exposure to positive role models, and awareness around online abuse, is crucial. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Scarlet urges professionals to recognize that decisio...
Sasha and Stella share a profound and moving conversation with Scarlet, a young person who just wants “my story to add to the conversation around the impacts of transitioning as a youth - physically, mentally, and socially - both positives and negatives.” A crucial Detransition Awareness Day exploration of the nuances of self-discovery in a gender-affirming landscape. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-154 Buy Ou...
Given the recent release of the WPATH Files, the question of medical ethics in pediatric gender healthcare is undeniable. Stories like Laura's shed light on significant gaps in processes promoted as "life-saving" care. The infiltration of activism in medical fields is increasingly evident, emerging through whistleblower accounts, anecdotal experiences, growing numbers of detransitioners, legal actions, and systematic reviews exposing withheld adverse outcomes. In this bonus episode for premium s...
With Stella on break this week, a solo Sasha welcomes guest Laura Becker who offers insightful and endearing reflections about the misdirected creativity of ROGD girls being channeled into queer theory ideas. She shares some intimate details of her personal story including the impact of chronic abuse on her mental health, her journey on testosterone, her radical double mastectomy, and her decision to detransition. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at ht...
After the release of her book "Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism" in 2021, while she was a Professor of Philosophy at Sussex University, Dr. Kathleen Stock found herself being targeted by a group of activists. She faced harassment and protests including placing provocative stickers and posters throughout the campus with transphobic allegations against Stock, despite her book's thoughtful exploration of trans identification. The hostility towards Stock, which gained public attentio...
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 Dr. Kathleen Stock. Explore the complexities of identity, the nuances of “inclusive” language, societal expectations, and the balance between fiction and truth. Uncover the implicit importance honest, empathetic discussions rooted in truthf...
The significance of technological and scientific advancements in medicine is unquestionable. However, it prompts a critical examination of the appropriate limits when conducting experiments to uncover treatments leading to optimal outcomes. Experimentation necessarily entails risks, and achieving medical progress often involves interventions with potential dangers and unknown outcomes. Striking the right balance between advancing medical knowledge through experimental procedures and the imperati...
Dr. Eithan Haim shares his journey as a whistleblower who exposed Texas Children's Hospital for covertly expanding its gender-affirming care program on minors, despite publicly claiming a shutdown. His revelations include misleading claims about puberty blockers and the use of fraudulent studies, leading to a federal criminal investigation against him. Dr. Haim reflects on the moral responsibility of doctors to uphold their oath, emphasizing the importance of fighting back against ideological capture in medicine to preserve its integrity for future generations.
Exploring the parallels between the fervor surrounding gender medicine and the hysteria of recovered memory syndrome from the 1990s, both phenomena share a common anchor in the likely resistance of influential figures, like clinicians, therapists and even stake-holders like parents, to change their stance due to personal, reputational, or legal consequences. Read more from Leor about this in his City Journal article linked here: The New Onodas : As evidence mounts against their position, how lon...
Leor Sapir joins the hosts to delve into the New York Times article by Pamela Paul concerning youth gender medicine and detransition. They explore the policy and ethical implications, including the shift towards consumer-driven care, the problem of professionals dodging responsibility, and upcoming discussions on state bans in the US. The conversation highlights the complexities of autonomy in medical decisions, especially for young patients.
Desistance is a gradual process, unlike the initial identification, and parents may not receive any clear announcement from their child about moving away from a trans-identified phase. A child’s trans identity can often serve as a security blanket, saving them from the hardships and pain of their ‘old-life’. It is so important to honor that perception, but also empower positive experiences beyond the identity as well. Garner creative outlets, new activities giving them the opportunity to discove...
Join January Littlejohn in this powerful episode as she shares the impact of her daughter's school facilitating social transition without parental consent. Uncover the challenges, strategies, and emotional turmoil of navigating desistance while fighting against a prevailing ideology. Learn about repairing parent-child relationships, setting boundaries, and embracing a radical reset. January's story sheds light on the urgent need for awareness and critical thinking in the face of a misguided ideo...
Some kids may resist healing their gender dysphoria because they cling to it as proof of their transgender identity. They see their dysphoria as essential to their trans identity, and seem to resist letting go of it because it provides them a sense of authenticity and belonging. They can often become fixated on the promise of transformation through social and medical transition, believing it’s the key to happiness, rejecting any other alternatives. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, ...
In this episode, Sasha and Stella explore the complexities facing therapists curious about supporting gender dysphoric patients. Join us for a well-rounded take on investing in the process, embracing client-therapist dynamics, managing differing worldviews, and leaning into the fundamental therapeutic value of asking questions. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-148 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A G...
Happy 3-year anniversary to Gender: A Wider Lens! This episode marks the celebration of Sasha & Stella’s third year together sharing insightful conversations contemplating gender from a depth perspective. From engaging listener comments, to memorable guests, to unforgettable aha moments, this episode is packed full. Sasha and Stella share their big takeaways from 2023 and reflect on the incredible journey since their first episode was released in 2020. They highlight some of the fan-favorite...
This is a question we received from one of our listeners. 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 the world of gender, myths and misconceptions often overshadow the complex realities at play. This episode is dedicated to debunking myths from both sides of the debates. This conversation emphasizes the need to break down myths surrounding gender, acknowledging the overblown ideas that contribute to a lack of nuance and understanding, and sheds light on exaggerated points used as rhetorical strategies by different sides of the gender discourse. Sasha and Stella highlight the danger of blanke...
Materials referenced: Check out Kathleen Stock's book: Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism 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
Order Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ Support the Show & Access Exclusive Content https://www.patreon.com/WiderLensPod Join the conversation on YouTube www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod As therapists working almost exclusively with gender-questioning youth, Sasha and Stella share a little bit about the challenging experience of straddling between understanding the child's experiences and supporting parents who often grapp...
In this extra bonus content with Graham Linehan we ask him "how do you talk about gender in your every day life?" To listen to our entire original conversation with Graham, check out episode 144, here on Substack. To watch the episode visit this link on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/uJHyJ15mJ-A?si=pkQYS7rLGuSZNOur 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...
Graham Lanahan, commonly known as Glinner, joins Sasha & Stella for an insightful exploration of comedy, societal shifts, and the personal journey of how a prominent comedy writer landed himself in the thick of identity politics. The episode serves as a testament to the ongoing struggle for open dialogue in the evolving conversation around gender. Graham Lanahan, born in Dublin, is the mastermind behind the beloved sitcoms Father Ted, The IT Crowd, Black Boots, and Motherland. His Substack, ...
Stella and Sarah continue the conversation by discussing how to talk about gender issues “in real life.” 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
With Sasha on break this week, Stella plays host to fellow Irish woman, Sarah Holmes, an ordinary working mother turned unexpected activist. The story shared in this conversation is one that resonates with the widespread societal shift in interest toward sex and gender. As the summer of 2020 unfolded, Sarah's life took an unexpected turn when a casual conversation brought to light a seemingly innocuous change in health literature – the disappearance of the word 'woman' from cervical screening ma...
Sasha and Stella join forces for a “Part 2” episode about navigating family dynamics during the holidays for families with trans identified children or young adults. This conversation touches on the complexities of estrangement, handling relationships with trans-identified partners, the delicate balance between intervention and bonding, with a focus on managing emotions, setting boundaries, and fostering open conversations within the family. Sasha and Stella carefully remind parents that conflic...
The conversation with Dr. Jillian Spencer continues with Dr. Spencer talking about what it’s been like to speak out publicly on these issues. 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
Dr. Jillian Spencer recounts her experiences as a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Australia, where she faced professional repercussions for raising critical questions about gender-affirming care for youth. She details her growing doubts about the "trans dar" and the fast-tracking of suicidal adolescents into gender clinics, alongside her attempts to introduce alternative perspectives to colleagues and challenge hospital policies regarding pride flags and pronoun use. Her narrative highlights the emotional and professional isolation encountered by clinicians who question the prevailing narrative on gender dysphoria, culminating in her suspension for public advocacy.
Parents inquire about vetting their adult child's therapist after a year of sessions where the child gets severely upset and the mother is a frequent topic of blame. The hosts discuss the signs of ineffective therapy and challenge therapeutic approaches that attribute all problems to a single cause, like parental fault. They also critically examine the unhealthy dynamic created when parents pay for an adult child's therapy, suggesting it can hinder independence and perpetuate a problematic parent-child dynamic, recommending termination and exploring self-funded options.
