Gender: A Wider Lens

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 nuan...

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 inj...

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 re...

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 rang...

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 fe...

This conversation connects cognitive dissonance surrounding gender identity to cultural and institutional dynamics, including developments in gender medicine and resistance to emerging evidence that challenges prevailing medical practices — illustrating how deeply held beliefs become difficult to abandon even in the face of contradictory evidence.  The core idea is that just because something cann...

Sasha and Stella speak live from the Genspect Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, with special guest Billboard Chris, a Canadian activist dedicated to challenging gender ideology through public engagement and thought-provoking messages.  In this conversation, Chris explores the psychological and cultural forces influencing social changes around gender, sharing his motivations for activism and the jour...

As debates surrounding gender medicine continue to evolve, the contrasting views within society become more evident. The polarization surrounding this issue, particularly in the U.S., often pits conservative religious beliefs against progressive advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. This dichotomy raises critical questions about the ethics of affirming identity claims, particularly in relation to minors see...

In this episode, Stella & Sasha sit down with Vanessa Sivadge, a former pediatric nurse at Texas Children's Hospital, who courageously exposed the illegal use of federally funded insurance programs to cover sex hormones and transgender treatments for minors. Initially coming forward anonymously as a whistleblower, Vanessa believed her concerns would incite meaningful change, only to face repercuss...

Sasha & Stella invite renowned feminist and author Julie Bindel to reflect on her decades-long advocacy for women and girls, in-particular her recent work investigating gender ideology. Julie shares her motivation behind her new podcast series, Julie in Genderland , which amplifies the voices of parents grappling with their children being caught in the gender identity craze. In this episode, Julie...

In today’s discourse, many issues are approached with a moral absolutist perspective. Positions are often viewed as either entirely right or wrong, with little room for nuanced understanding or compromise. This binary thinking leads to more extreme reactions and a diminished tolerance for opposing viewpoints. “If you had facts and reason on your side, you could tolerate a conversation.” The tenden...

Stella & Sasha welcome former public defender and education advocate, Maud Maron to the show for a fascinating conversation examining the intersection of education and politics. Maud reflects on the troubling shifts within schools, where merit and academic standards are being overshadowed by ideological pressures. In this episode, Maud discusses the evolving landscape of education, where tradition...

Exposing children to gender identity concepts at an early age can lead them to firmly latch onto these ideas, making it challenging to reconsider their beliefs, despite the broader context of the underlying causes of their distress. Gender identity often serves as a metaphor for broader developmental processes, such as individuation, which are typical in adolescence. However, the expansive and all...

Another special mid-week episode release! Sasha will be back for our next episode, but don’t miss this deeply moving conversation between Stella and guest, Maia Poet, who shares her powerful story of self-discovery through the lenses of gender identity, conflict, and societal expectations. Maia recounts the emotional and psychological conflict she faced living as a trans man in a religious society...

Masculinity and femininity are not purely socially constructed concepts but are grounded in evolutionary origins. Key distinctions between males and females from an evolutionary psychology perspective emphasize behavioral differences, including males' propensity for risk-taking, socio-sexuality, and aggression. These traits are deeply rooted in the evolutionary pressures faced by our ancestors. Se...

In this episode, Sasha and Stella welcome Alex Byrne, philosopher and author of Trouble with Gender , to explore the evolving concept of gender, its historical roots, and the myths that shape modern discourse. Byrne offers an erudite yet accessible analysis of the term "gender," reflections about how much the term has changed and the far-reaching implications of those changes, and insights on infl...

Some individuals experience gender dysphoria as a deep-seated issue that predates any ideological framework, profoundly affecting their self-perception, sexuality, and overall satisfaction in life. Contrary to the more superficial aspects of the popular gender-affirming model of care, it is crucial to reconcile the persistent and often distressing nature of gender dysphoria with a more holistic, s...

Tali shares her journey from an ardent activist deeply immersed in gender and identity politics to someone questioning and ultimately walking away from the dogmatic beliefs she once held. Her story is a roller coaster of conviction, self-discovery, and transformation, particularly as she navigates the complexities of having encouraged her wife towards a trans identity of her own. Listeners will ga...

There remains a lingering stigma surrounding AGP specifically, but there’s a complexity to the breadth of proclivities, fixations and traits compelling certain behaviors and beliefs around sexuality and gender identity. And like discussed in The Many Roots and Presentations of Gender Dysphoria in Males , what might have otherwise remained latent in some males, has perhaps only been amplified by to...

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUR SPONSOR:  Therapy First  is hosting a live webinar August 29th at 7pm EDT. “Moral Injury and the Call to Recovery” with therapist, author and social scientist, Amber Ault, PhD.  CLICK HERE  TO REGISTER. *Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider,ACEP No. 7505. This webinar provides 1.5 hours of CE credits. This episode is a s...

In the wake of the feminist movement's significant progress, perceptions of masculinity have evolved profoundly. This shift brings to light crucial issues related to the natural growth and developmental experiences of young men and boys coming of age in contemporary culture. The impact of perceptions and expectations surrounding modern masculinity is intricately linked to mental health and persona...

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUR SPONSOR:  Therapy First  is hosting a live webinar August 29th at 7pm EDT. “Moral Injury and the Call to Recovery” with therapist, author and social scientist, Amber Ault, PhD.  CLICK HERE  TO REGISTER (or visit therapyfirst.org/webinars for more information). *Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider,ACEP No. 7505. This web...

Explore themes of power dynamics in sports, the psychological toll of abusive coaching, and the cultural shift in how these issues are addressed today.  In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Jennifer Sey shares about her experience as a gymnast and the broader culture of abuse and silence within the sport. Her journey from athlete to whistleblower, to author, and filmmaker is compelling a...

Former big brand marketing powerhouse and national gymnastics champion, Jennifer Sey, joins Sasha and Stella to dissect trans-themed ads, corporate HR's influence, and the impacts of the adjustments to Title IX. This is a bold conversation about the evolution of corporate messaging, the rise of woke capitalism, and the growing influence of HR and DEI initiatives in shaping corporate culture. Wheth...

In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Jesper Rasmussen emphasizes a strategic approach to effecting change in public policy and societal perceptions. His comprehensive strategy balances direct political action with broader efforts to sway public opinion and leverage media influence. His efforts in Denmark involved relentless conversations about the hidden truths behind gender affirming ca...