Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley

Gender: A Wider Lens

Society EN ↓ 353 episodes

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 in...

Author

Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley

Category

Society

Podcast website

www.widerlenspod.com

Latest episode

Feb 25, 2025

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

151 - "These Doctors Have Forgotten the Meaning of Medicine" with Dr. Eithan Haim 23.02.2024

With such a scarcity of voices from the surgical community chiming in on about their insights and reflections on gender-affirming care, Sasha and Stella eagerly welcome Dr. Eithan Haim to share his compelling perspective on his experiences and observations at a leading pediatric hospital in the United States. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://w...

Premium: The Weaponization of Female Empathy with Dr. Leor Sapir 17.02.2024

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 C...

150 - The Consumerism of Gender-Affirming Care with Leor Sapir 16.02.2024

Join Sasha and Stella in welcoming Leor Sapir back to the show. In addition to hearing his analysis of the recent New York Times piece by Pamela Paul on youth gender medicine and detransition, listen as they explore comparisons between gender medicine and consumer-driven cosmetic practices, bans on gender-affirming care in the United States, the fostering of narcissism, and parallels with the reco...

Premium: Letting Go of the False Promise 10.02.2024

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...

149: Walking My ROGD Daughter Through Desistance with January Littlejohn 09.02.2024

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 stor...

Premium: What to do When Kids Cling to their Dysphoria 03.02.2024

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...

148 - Identity Indoctrination & the Black Hole of Gender 02.02.2024

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...

147 - Can We Win the Gender Culture War in 2024? 22.12.2023

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 incred...

Premium: How can I address my 9-year-old daughter's growing belief in non-binary gender identities? 15.12.2023

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

146 - Myths, Misconceptions, and Exaggerations about Gender 15.12.2023

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 st...

Premium: Is gender a framework which limits people’s ability to express themselves fully? 08.12.2023

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

145 - Things ROGD Parents Need to Hear (even if they don’t want to) 08.12.2023

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 experie...

Premium: Graham Linehan shares how he talks about gender ideology IRL? 01.12.2023

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 subsc...

144 - "Glinner is a TERF" with Graham Linehan 01.12.2023

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 master...

Premium: Sarah Holmes shares how she talks about "gender" in day to day life 24.11.2023

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

143 - The Battle Over the Word Woman with Sarah Holmes 24.11.2023

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 inno...

142 - When Gender Hits the Holidays Part 2 21.11.2023

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 fo...

Premium: Bonus Conversation with Dr. Jillian Spencer 17.11.2023

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

141 - Silenced for Asking Questions About Gender Medicine with Dr. Jillian Spencer 17.11.2023

Join Sasha & Stella for their interview with Dr. Jillian Spencer, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Queensland, Australia. This episode delves into Dr. Spencer's experiences with the gender clinic in her hospital, highlighting the challenges and concerns she faced in encountering adolescents identifying as transgender. The episode explores the complexities of assessing and treating gend...

Premium: Can you suggest questions and/or topics to help us vet our child’s therapist? (Q+A) 10.11.2023

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com

140 - Gender: A Wider Lens Live from Denver with Chloe Cole 10.11.2023

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...

Premium: Bonus Conversation with Coach Linda Blade 03.11.2023

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 disc...

139 - Sex, Politics, and Double-Standards in Women's Sports with Coach Linda Blade 03.11.2023

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 contex...

Premium: How can I help my son realize he can never actually become a women? (Q+A) 27.10.2023

Must-See Wrongful Conviction Films and TV Shows   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

138 - The Emotional Lives of Parents Caught in the Gender Maelstrom 27.10.2023

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...

Listen to the Gender: A Wider Lens podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.