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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Journalist Lisa Selin Davis uncovers a significant scandal involving WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), Johns Hopkins, and federal agencies. She reveals that WPATH suppressed evidence-based reviews from Johns Hopkins which found no strong scientific basis for youth gender-affirming care. Additionally, Rachel Levine and the American Academy of Pediatrics exerted political pressure to remove age limits from WPATH's guidelines, ignoring scientific data. The episode critiques mainstream media's failure to adequately cover these revelations, highlighting biased reporting practices, the use of loaded language, and the influence of "own voices" activism, which collectively prevent public understanding and perpetuate a misleading narrative around youth gender transitions.
Vernadette Broyles discusses how parental authority is being eroded and children manipulated by gender identity ideology. She outlines a comprehensive "Code of Children's Basic Human Rights," emphasizing truth in biology, bodily integrity, protection from experimental treatments, and the right to natural development. The conversation highlights the critical difference between children's short-term desires and their long-term best interests, urging parents and policymakers to prioritize genuine child welfare over adult agendas.
Stella and Sasha welcome distinguished attorney Vernadette Broyles to the show offering a rich and informative discussion for anyone interested in the evolving dynamics between schools, families, and the legal system around issues of gender identity and parental rights; valuable resources for parents and concerned adults; and practical recommendations on how parents can be proactive and better equipped to protect their children, empowering them to navigate these challenging situations with confi...
There has been an emerging trend of families where multiple members identify as transgender. It often begins with one person transitioning, followed by the partner adopting a non-binary identity or similar. In some cases, this trajectory extends to their children, with multiple kids identifying as transgender. Videos circulating online depict adults posing leading questions to very young children, as young as four or five years old, which appear to steer the child towards identifying as transgen...
Sasha and Stella warmly welcome Emma Thomas to the show highlighting her significant role as an advocate for children of transitioners. Emma talks about growing up with an AGP dad, the importance of safeguarding children, the misinformation around chestfeeding, and her hope that autogynephilia is treatable or preventable. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-169 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide f...
Trauma therapy culture promotes the prevailing view that trauma inevitably leads to PTSD and every negative feeling or experience is ultimately some kind of “trauma response”. Trigger warnings are everywhere. And Western society is obsessed with protecting everyone’s feelings. But, the human condition encompasses a wide array of emotions and feelings, and overcoming hardship is a natural developmental pathway for growth. Human beings are naturally inclined to survive, most people’s default respo...
Author Abigail Shrier joins Sasha and Stella to delve into the themes of her book, "Bad Therapy," explaining how the pervasive mental health culture often does more harm than good for young people and families. The conversation explores how therapeutic language and "gentle parenting" models can inadvertently make children more fragile and disempower parents, leading to an over-pathologization of normal childhood experiences. Shrier advocates for cultivating resilience, trusting parental instincts, and emphasizing task orientation over an excessive focus on feelings.
Are other legal precedents related to issues like abortion, euthanasia, lobotomies, or cosmetically oriented body modifications that can shed light on current legal challenges involving gender medicine? In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Josh Payne explains how legal strategies often involve comparing new cases to similar past ones where patients experienced harm due to misinformation or non-disclosure. He cites examples of medical harm cases, emphasizing the importance of proving in...
In this episode, Sasha and Stella welcome lawyer, Josh Payne , co-founder of Campbell Miller Payne , a law firm dedicated to representing individuals who were misled and abused – many as children – into psychological and physical harm through a false promise of “gender-affirming care.” Campbell Miller Payne is committed to its mission to speak up for these victims, assert their rights, and pursue justice. This is a conversation about various legal challenges faced by detransitioners, such as iss...
Is there a "prodigal son" element to the phenomenon of estranged children returning to their families? (Thanks to one of our founding members for submitting this question). While estrangement is a complex and new issue for many, there are some (if not common) instances where estranged children do find their way back to their families, however sometimes uneasily. But, this observation ties into themes discussed in Abigail Shrier's book "Irreversible Damage" , which mentions that while "glitter fa...
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. In this episode, Sasha and Stella delve into the intricate world of family estrangement with psychologist and author, Dr. Joshua Coleman. Coleman's insights highlight the complexity and emotional strain of estrangement, emphasizing empathy, responsibility, and stra...
In today's internet age, so many are encountering the complex effects of cancel culture affording its victims a wide spectrum of implications, from severe career-ending scenarios to minor social ostracism and even family tensions and divisions. The digital revolution is not only exacerbating the dynamics between parents and their activist-minded children, but is also dramatically shifting generational dynamics as well. This is further complicated by societal reverence for youth and intellect, of...
Sasha and Stella sit down with the multifaceted Meghan Daum, distinguished author, cultural commentator, and fellow podcast host, for a compelling exploration of societal change, the complexities of modern life, and coping through humor. Known for her incisive commentary and fearless exploration of complex topics, Meghan shares her personal reflections on identity and the central and contentious nature of gender in modern culture. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full...
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Freya India highlights the complex interplay between mental health treatment, marketing psychology, medication side effects, and sexual identity. "If you strip back some of this, marketing and look at actually what it is…what they're saying is women can't handle life without constant intervention and solutions and medication and products. And it's so patronizing." SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are a class of antidepressant medic...
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 and Sasha welcome writer and columnist Freya India to the show this week, offering deep insights about the impact of screens and technology on young people and practical advice for balanced living in the digital age. They explore Gen Z's relationship with In...
“Chestfeeding”. A controversial term recently adopted from inside the critical social justice movement as inclusive language for discussing breastfeeding. But is it biologically plausible for men to induce lactation? Is it even milk? Is it safe? Natural mammalian lactation possesses evolutionary significance beyond basic sustenance and often provides broader biological functions in human development. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Heather Heying offers up an evolutionary perspect...
Evolutionary biology, gender dynamics, societal norms, chemicals, technology…there is no denying the intricate interplay between biological, psychological, technological and cultural factors in shaping human behavior and identity. Sasha and Stella welcome guest, Heather Heying to the show for a grounding conversation exploring the complexity of human behavior, the inevitability of making mistakes, the anxieties and fears prevalent among the younger generation, and the importance of understanding...
In the past decade, it seems a cultural shift toward individualism has created a reluctance among friend groups to share personal struggles, often reserving them for therapy instead. It is important to acknowledge that there exists a delicate paradox in promoting the value of friendships as a source of support while also recognizing that not all issues can be effectively managed solely through peer relationships and do in fact require professional intervention. However, the current climate tends...
This episode delves into the growing concern of over-treatment and over-diagnosis in young people, discussing how a pervasive culture pushes for happiness and quick fixes through therapy and medication. The hosts explore how the parenting industry and mental health culture have eroded parental confidence and authority, leading to an over-reliance on professionals. They also critique the normalization of serious issues like suicide and the impact of therapy on genuine family and peer relationships.
In this episode, Tamara Pietzke reveals the immense pressure therapists face to adhere to gender-affirming care protocols, often risking their careers for dissent. She advises parents to meticulously vet therapists to ensure their approach considers long-term outcomes for children with complex gender and mental health issues. Pietzke also reflects on her unexpected path to activism, driven by an innate moral compass and a commitment to genuine, future-oriented empathy rather than short-sighted appeasement.
Tamara Pietzke, a former mental health therapist, recounts her journey as an "unlikely whistleblower" after encountering deeply disturbing cases at a pediatric gender clinic, including a child identifying as a "wounded male dog." She describes being pressured to affirm complex identities and medicalize children, even when concerns about trauma and developmental delays were present. Her story highlights the severe professional and personal consequences of speaking out against harmful practices, including job loss, a cease and desist letter, and a state investigation into her license, while emphasizing the critical need for ethical, conventional therapeutic approaches for gender-distressed youth.
Teenagers, particularly those on the autism spectrum, encounter unique challenges in navigating social expectations, understanding their own identity, and processing information. These challenges can be compounded by the influence of social media and mainstream narratives, which often perpetuate misconceptions. Yet, the capacity of teenagers for critical analysis and insightful reflections is frequently underestimated. It is crucial to promote open dialogue and the exploration of diverse viewpoi...
This episode critically examines the recently released Cass Review, which finds a significant lack of evidence for radical gender-affirming treatments for children, challenging the prevailing affirmative model. Guest Christina Buttons shares her personal experiences with autism and a difficult adolescence, drawing parallels to the struggles of detransitioning individuals. Her investigative research highlights how gender identity often becomes a 'special interest' for autistic youth and exposes the misinformation provided by healthcare professionals, hindering truly informed consent.
As the medical establishment continues to extract valuable lessons in the aftermath of the opioid crisis, the medical use of cannabis has become legalized in many US states. But is it an appropriate substitute for opioids? With a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis compared to traditional over-the-counter pain relievers (like Motrin), do we fully understand the impact that elevated THC levels can have in patients long term? The push for medical marijuana parallels the...
Sasha and Stella welcome Dr. Carrie Mendoza back to the show for her second appearance with the Wider Lens duo. Together, they dive into crucial topics surrounding medical practice, healthcare education, ethical healthcare standards and policy implementation in healthcare administration. Carrie’s insights draw from her experience with the opioid epidemic, highlighting the lessons learned about its origin, scale, and mitigation, shedding light on how these insights can inform our understanding of...
Identity formation and development involves a multitude of factors at play. Historical events, societal norms, cultural movements, traditions, customs, language, ‘social norms’, cognitive process, emotional development, sexual development...These factors collectively influence not only an individual's personal sense of identity but also contribute to shaping broader societal perceptions of identity as well. The shaping of perceptions surrounding gender and identity is intricately linked to both ...
In this episode, Sasha and Stella welcome Malcolm Clark for a really interesting conversation exploring various facets of historical ideas and identities around gender, homosexuality, and the evolution of identity activism. This discussion navigates the intricate and contentious terrain of understanding gender non-conformity and identity expression across history. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-158 Buy Our Bo...
From bionic enhancements to extreme body modifications, the lines are blurry between identity theory and queer theory. There is a complex interplay of incentives, ideological beliefs, optimized physical and mental wellness, and functionality within society - all reliant on quality medical care and support, but at whose financial expense? And what is the purpose of medicine (particularly where it intersects with technological advancements)? Is medical care primarily about restoring health or is i...
Guest, Sascha Bailey, reflects on his journey as a model, art curator, and pioneer in the NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) art scene. A captivating account of the intersection where art, tech, and culture collide with personal identity. Sascha differentiates between emotional and functional motives for transitioning, discussing transmaxxing, incentives, and societal trends. Offering listeners a blend of unexpected insights, even challenging hosts, Sasha and Stella, to step outside their familiar gender...
This episode features Mia Hughes critiquing WPATH's ethical guidelines, particularly their classification of extreme body modifications as 'medically necessary' for insurance purposes. The discussion draws parallels with other controversial medical interventions like elective amputations, questioning the 'first do no harm' principle when applied to gender-affirming surgeries, especially for minors. Hughes details WPATH's dismissive public response to leaked files and reveals internal video discussions where clinicians acknowledge issues with patient consent and regret, yet are paradoxically celebrated as 'heroes' within the organization, highlighting a profound ethical disconnect.
