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Today we hear how affirmed woman Dr. Diana Sorrentino works to ensure safe and fair affirmation for all adolescents today.  Dr. Diana is a psychologist, author, and educator for gender diversity.  Her latest book Adolescent Gender-Affirming Medical and Behavioral Healthcare published last week, so pick up your copy with the link below.  Diana and I consider topics as far afield as how you know your gender, why the tide of anti-Queer discrimination is turning, and why a little bit of fashion is appropriate in a podcast about science. REFERENCES:Dr. Diana Sorrentino’s Website: https://paradoxesofgender.com/ Follow Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-diana-sorrentino-ph-d-1b64781a4/ Buy Diana's recent book: https://a.co/d/0gJ8zj7H (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:03) - Introducing Dr. Diana Sorrentino (01:53) - A search for self-understanding (05:33) - Gender identity happens in utero (15:17) - Socialization and how you know (27:14) - Importance of adolescent gender-affirming care (35:47) - Why discontinuing puberty blockers is a success (39:56) - The tide is turning because of education (45:12) - Transgender women in sports (55:40) - How to find Dr. Diana Sorrentino on the internet (58:36) - Show closing (59:58) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features Spencer West's journey through disability to self-discovery.  Spencer is a content creator, motivational speaker, advocate, and author.  His newest book Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself teaches how to listen to your inner voice and stop accepting other people's expectations.  Spencer and I muse over topics as far afield as personal agency, interdependence, and marveling at method actors. REFERENCES:Spencer West’s Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.com/ Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest/?hl=en Follow Spencer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/Spencer2thewest Follow Spencer on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Spencer2thewest Follow Spencer on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewest (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:32) - Introducing Spencer West (02:22) - Unbecoming what doesn't belong to us (08:04) - Becoming who you are requires knowledge to choose (12:50) - Finding his joy led to other people's empowerment (19:22) - Noticing comfort and discomfort (26:25) - You already know what you want (31:05) - Take the parts that work; leave the parts that don't fit (35:07) - Putting purpose to your passion (40:07) - Sometimes it has to get worse (45:24) - Boundaries as staying true to our purpose (49:56) - You are allowed to say NO (58:34) - How to find Spencer West on the internet (59:16) - Show closing (01:00:36) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features the indefatigable Kobey Layne hearing the call and becoming what she must.  Kobey is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Governor of Minnesota.  She and I muse over topics as wide as owning our past, youth in American politics, and why you should vote for someone who cares about you.  REFERENCES:Kobey Layne’s Website: https://www.kobey4governor.com/ Follow Kobey on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kobey4governor.bsky.social Follow Kobey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobey4governor Follow Kobey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194661289324772 Follow Kobey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kobey4Governor Follow Kobey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kobey4governor (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:28) - Introducing Kobey Layne (02:32) - Connecting life with policy (08:38) - Reclaiming our shame as lessons learned (19:21) - Who is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party? (22:18) - Does being young disqualify a candidate? (29:49) - The DFL State Convention (35:12) - Does being young make you a better candidate? (43:37) - Holding politicians accountable (48:44) - Holding business accountable (53:42) - Representation requires someone who cares (58:35) - How to find Kobey on the internet (01:02:32) - Show closing (01:03:05) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we hear Shannon Donohoe-Simpson's story of healing and renewal.  Shannon is a Joybringer, Spaceholder, speaker, and storyteller who survived breast cancer and turned her journey into a TEDx Talk.  We talk about radical ownership, the magical connections we make with others, and making sure not to deprive the world of the opportunity to support you. REFERENCES:Shannon Donohoe-Simpson’s Website: https://shannondonohoesimpson.com/ Shannon’s story on The Collective Magazines: https://thecollectivemags.ca/healing-through-art/ Follow Shannon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.donohoesimpson Follow Shannon on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-donohoe-simpson/ Follow Shannon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannondonohoesimpson/videos Follow Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannondonohoesimpson/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:29) - Introducing Shannon Donohoe-Simpson (02:39) - Keeping something that wasn't hers to hold (08:43) - Giving emotions the opportunity to move (11:52) - Breaking the cycle by finding the mirror (18:46) - Only you can do the work to move past trauma (24:36) - Finding tools to manage the hard times (31:35) - Move through the discomfort (36:00) - What if we could slow down and be? (38:39) - What if we could be brave enough to be vulnerable? (47:29) - Don't take away an opportunity to connect (52:11) - The magic of allowing connection (55:49) - How to find Shannon Donohoe-Simpson on the internet (58:42) - Show closing (01:00:05) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today we hear Lilliana Kendra Young's pursuit of justice for all in Indiana State government.  Lilliana is a candidate for District 61 of the Indiana State House of Representatives and Founder of The Sisterhood, a support organization in Bloomington, Indiana.  She and I peruse topics as off the beaten track as: ☑️How some politicians are clearly slacking off☑️Why money makes most politicians unaware of the real problems our country faces☑️Whether transgender women are contractually obligated to play Magic: The Gathering REFERENCES:Lilliana Young’s Website: https://youngfor61.com/ Follow Lilliana on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lillianayoung.bsky.social Follow Lilliana on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LillianaKendraYoung Follow Lilliana on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Lilliana-Young-for-IN-61/61582462953972/ Follow Lilliana on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lillianakendra (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:31) - Introducing Lilliana Kendra Young (02:49) - Realizing her Queer identity (08:35) - Finding the activist within (12:37) - Committing to how government should be run (19:16) - The anger effective government needs (25:15) - An oligarchy by any other name (32:46) - The story of Lilliana's name (36:24) - The story of Lilliana's logo (39:55) - What makes being awake worthwhile (43:38) - Becoming an artist who feels (48:28) - Develop your skills and forget about talent! (53:12) - How to find Lilliana Kendra Young on the internet (54:46) - Show closing (57:37) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Terraine LeBeau breaks down how trauma begins, how it manifests, and how it can end.  Terraine is a Certified Relationship Mentor, mental health advocate, and host of the “Behind the Shades” podcast.  We talk about topics as diverse as dreams we never carried, learning to live for your mental health, and how Julie Brown predicted 1980s trauma accurately. REFERENCES:Terraine LeBeau’s Website: https://www.behindtheshades.ca/ Follow Terraine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindtheshadesfb Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terraine-lebeau/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:31) - Introducing Terraine LeBeau (02:38) - Giving voice to trauma (06:15) - ACEs, PACEs, and perception (11:58) - Perception of the traumatic experience (19:32) - It's right until it feels wrong (25:56) - The dream was never yours (38:13) - Seeing through the eyes of your tramua (43:49) - Helping means not judging the person (50:01) - Spot the signs of change (56:12) - Set both positive and negative goals (01:02:55) - Toxic productivity (01:10:16) - Finding the value inside (01:15:19) - How to find Terraine LeBeau on the internet (01:16:44) - Show closing (01:18:34) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features Serena Saint Sinclair's story of deconstructing religion to build a new magical practice.  Serena is a Chaos witch, Persephone devotee, and hostess of "The Pomegranate Path" project.  Serena and I mull over topics as fascinating as the Problem of Evil, Western health care, and why every kid deserves to have pomegranates peeled for them. REFERENCES:Serena Saint-Sinclair’s Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/serenasaintsinclair Follow Serena on Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/cw/serenasaintsinclair Follow Serena on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/serenasaintsinclair Follow Serena on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SerenaSaintSinclair (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:27) - Introducing Serena Saint Sinclair (03:04) - Finding intrinsic meaning in life (05:48) - Evil in God's Image (10:32) - Finding Chaos Magic and Persephone (20:40) - Holding multiple truths at once (24:47) - Co-creating with the Universe (30:51) - Hating on the US health care system (38:58) - Life force and balance (45:38) - Duality, pomegranates, and Persephone (52:07) - How to find Serena Saint Sinclair on the internet (55:41) - Show closing (58:27) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we hear Gloria Battini's story of overcoming real life to reclaim her spiritual gifts.  Gloria is a transformational guide, spiritual teacher, and empathic visionary whose work empowers humanity to reach its highest potential.  Gloria and I discuss fascinating topics, such as how social healing really happens, listening to your soul's messages, and Ami's stunning ability to recognize Greek letters. REFERENCES:Gloria Battini’s Website:  https://www.gloriabattini.com/ Follow Gloria on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@gloriabattini (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:27) - Introducing Gloria Battini (02:20) - From paralyzing OCD to seeing clearly (08:33) - Matching outside to inside (15:03) - Beating OCD with a great life (16:36) - Not really able to read Greek (18:23) - Healing from the bottom up (21:54) - The layers of conditioning (27:32) - Build a stronger foundation (32:43) - Healing yourself is enough (36:16) - Follow what makes you curious (39:52) - See your child for who they are (41:45) - The soul is chatty! (45:26) - The beginning of a new cycle (52:10) - How to find Gloria Battini on the internet (55:15) - Show closing (56:54) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

This week's episode was a tremendous treat for me - I got to talk to Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva, or DR Z PHD!  Natalia is a clinical psychologist specializing in gender identity and author of the book “On Your Terms: Gender Transition Redefined for Adults.”  Natalia and I discussed topics as widely diverse as the origin of gender identity, the only person able to define your identity, and why we should all learn not to give a shit. REFERENCES:Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva’s website:  https://drzphd.com/ Follow Dr. Z on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DRZPHD Follow Dr. Z on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzphd/ Follow Dr. Z on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DRZPHDpractice/ Follow Dr. Z on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drz.phd/ Follow Dr. Z on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/thedrzphd/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:26) - Introducing Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva (03:27) - Doing what comes naturally (08:47) - Why is gender only important now? (14:42) - The underlying cause of gender dysphoria (20:50) - Failure to sit in the unknown (26:38) - Nature vs Nurture (32:37) - Let gender evolve (37:42) - Anchor yourself in what feels like you (41:15) - How biology relates to gender (43:56) - Health insurance is for healing pain (50:59) - How to find Dr. Z on the internet (55:04) - Show closing (55:32) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we hear about identity made manifest through boudoir photography with Gregory James Thelian.  Gregory is an award-winning photographer and speaker on self-perception whose work focuses on helping clients see themselves as the rest of the world does.  Gregory and I muse through topics as diverse as seeing yourself through self-worth, how Photoshop isn't evil in the right hands, and why Kim Kardashian should be BFFs with Gregory and Ami. REFERENCES:Gregory James Thelian’s Website:  https://www.gregoryjamesphotography.com/ Gregory's "Reframing the Top 12 Self-limiting Beliefs" Guide:  https://gjp.myflodesk.com/reframing-self-limiting-beliefsFollow Gregory on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gregoryjames.photo/ Follow Gregory on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gregory.james.photography.nyc Follow Gregory on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@gregoryjames.photo Follow Gregory on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@gregoryjamesphotography (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:29) - Introducing Gregory James Thelian (03:10) - Discarding outside perceptions (09:45) - Finding the soul in photography (15:30) - How the people who love you see you (22:16) - Photoshop is not necessarily evil (27:27) - Connecting the dots of who you are (35:22) - Feeling heard and being seen (40:58) - Life changes when you are worthy (48:13) - Other people's small thinking inhibits your full thinking (53:35) - How to find Gregory James Thelian on the internet (54:54) - Show closing (59:23) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

This week's episode is a story of science, politics, and ignorance with Dr. Richard Kaczynski.  Richard is a psychologist, Thelemite, and author of the book "Mind Over Magick."  Richard and I muse over topics as far afield as the human penchant to fill in where there are no blanks, why humans choose ignorance over science, and what "Ghostbusters" can teach about statistics. REFERENCES:Richard Kaczynski’s Website:  https://richard-kaczynski.com/ Follow Richard on Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/richardkaczynski.bsky.social Learn more about Richard’s book “Mind Over Magick”:  https://www.innertraditions.com/mind-over-magick (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:28) - Introducing Richard Kaczynski (02:42) - Just a typical magical childhood (08:44) - Awkward pop culture references (10:26) - Filling in where there are no blanks (15:41) - Open or closed to magick, it still happens (22:41) - We have no idea (27:17) - Throwing out what we don't understand (31:01) - Why do we choose ignorance? (36:19) - Lost confidence from b******t answers (41:58) - Challenging what we already know (47:19) - The disenchantment of the world (52:58) - Applying science to magick (57:12) - How to find Richard Kaczynski on the internet (59:06) - Show closing (01:01:21) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features a raw discussion with Derek Crager about the value of AI in human society.  Derek Crager is a tech founder, an AI thought leader, and author of the upcoming book "Human First AI."  Derek and I consider what AI excels at doing for humans, how humans can co-create with AI effectively, and why a printer telling you about its broken parts would be creepy. REFERENCES:Derek Crager’s Website:  https://www.practicalai.app Follow Derek on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/ Learn about Derek’s book:  https://www.humanfirstai.net/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:28) - Introducing Derek Crager (02:22) - How to create the Universe (05:40) - How humans can use AI best (08:54) - AI is great at answering questions it already knows (12:37) - But AI struggles to understand context (16:03) - Mentorship, not copying and pasting (22:02) - Conversing with yourself on any topic you choose (28:37) - Co-creation or co-opting? (37:41) - Specialized training just for you! (44:25) - AI could actually prevent failure (47:42) - Trust the human (51:11) - Replacing humans while avoiding catastrophe (55:25) - How to find Derek Crager on the internet (56:38) - Show closing (57:07) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

This week's episode features a candid conversation about sex with my dear friend Eve Hall.  Eve is a physical therapist for sexual wellness and an award-winning hostess of the Please Me! Podcast.  Together, Eve and I consider topics as diverse as pelvic floor health, the patriarchy, and awkward ways to describe what humans do naturally. REFERENCES:Eve Hall’s Website:  https://pleaseme.online/ Follow Eve on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094393249379 Follow Eve on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEo1qdyY9pXicqeXYeyca9Q Follow Eve on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/please.me.by.eve.creations/ Follow Eve on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@please_me__?lang=en (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:29) - Introducing Eve Hall (04:20) - Reclaiming sexual liberation (08:10) - Pelvic floor health and sexual health (14:28) - Vaginoplasty and the pelvic floor (19:19) - Awkward conversation about the prostate (23:02) - Sex, shame, and the patriarchy (30:28) - Perpetuating the human species (33:07) - Blood flow and sexual health (38:10) - Self-exploration on a daily basis (43:53) - Gender-affirming surgery made better sex! (48:37) - A bit about furries (52:08) - Communicating with your partner (57:57) - How to find Eve Hall on the internet (01:01:00) - Show closing (01:02:33) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features a story of old-school New Jersey coming-of-age with Mary Kathleen Mehuron.  Mary Kathleen is an author, educator, and artist whose most recent novel "Down on the South Beach Drag” explores Queer self-discovery.  Mary Kathleen and I discuss the New Jersey art and music scene, The Boss, and giving children the space to grow up to be just who they are. REFERENCES:Mary Kathleen Mehuron’s Website:  https://www.marykathleenmehuron.com/Follow Mary Kathleen on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mary.mehuronFollow Mary Kathleen on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marykathleenmehuron ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features the new Mayor of Downingtown, PA, Dr. Erica Deuso.  Erica is a scientist, advocate for the marginalized...oh, and the first openly transgender Mayor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Erica and I discuss topics as weighty as the dirty business inherent in politics, how education is the best form of activism, and how long a buffalo would need to be in electrolysis before a vaginoplasty. REFERENCES:Erica Deuso’s Website:  https://www.ericadeuso.com/ Follow Erica on Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/ericadeuso.bsky.social Follow Erica on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/Erica_Deuso/ Follow Erica on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EricaForPA/ Follow Erica on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@EricaforPA Follow Erica on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@erica_deusoEmerge Pennsylvania:  https://pa.emergeamerica.org/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:31) - Introducing Erica Deuso (04:34) - More worried about empty storefronts than gender (09:45) - Just qualified for the job (14:43) - The dirty business of politics (19:15) - A quick jaunt into global finance (25:32) - Dealing with hate on the campaign trail (31:58) - Fighting hate with critical thinking (37:50) - Activism means constantly learning more (44:30) - Humanity is all about respect (49:47) - The Good Neighbor Mayor (53:45) - Deuso Herrick 2028! (58:13) - How to find Erica Deuso on the internet (01:03:36) - Show closing (01:04:00) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★