Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.

The Purple Pawedcast

Science EN ↓ 96 episodes

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph. D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Ju...

Author

Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.

Category

Science

Podcast website

purplepawclan.com

Latest episode

May 1, 2026

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Episodes

A New Political Playbook for Indiana - with Lilliana Kendra Young 01.05.2026

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 unaw...

Undoing a Lifetime of Programming - with Terraine LeBeau 24.04.2026

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 LeBea...

Falling in Love with Life Again - with Serena Saint Sinclair 03.04.2026

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...

Know That You Deserve Better - with Gloria Battini 20.02.2026

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 Gr...

Anchor Your Gender in Joy - with DR Z PHD 06.02.2026

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 shoul...

Reality Seen Through the Eyes of Love - with Gregory James Thelian 23.01.2026

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 K...

Re-Enchanted by the Unknown - with Dr. Richard Kaczynski 09.01.2026

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 Kac...

Enhancing What Humans Do Better than Technology - with Derek Crager 02.01.2026

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 Cra...

Great Sex for Life - with Eve Hall 19.12.2025

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/ Fol...

Developing as the People We Already Are - with Mary Kathleen Mehuron 12.12.2025

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 Kathle...

Respect and Humanity on the Campaign Trail '25 - with Erica Deuso 05.12.2025

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...

End Self-Sabotage with Discomfort - with Dr. Albert Bramante 28.11.2025

Today's episode features insight into self-defeating behavior with Dr. Albert Bramante.  Albert is a psychology professor, author, talent agent, and hypnotist whose newest book is titled "Rise Above the Script: Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing Artists."  Albert and I muse over topics as diverse as how self-sabotage stems from comfort, whether more physical danger w...

The Mirror of Who We Really Are - with Dr. Stacy Friedman 14.11.2025

This week's episode features advice on having great sex by Dr. Stacy Friedman.  Dr. Stacy is a clinical sexologist, podcaster, and Certified Sex Coach.  We discuss topics as weighty as why we only learn about the negative aspects of sex, how teaching your partner what makes you happy is your gift to them, and why alliteration with P is the best there is. REFERENCES: Dr. Stacy Friedman’s Website: ...

Learning to Step into Our Power - with Tracey Napier 31.10.2025

Today's episode features Tracey Napier's story of shattering early perceptions of limitation to blossom into the Divine Plan.  Tracey is an intuitive life coach, psychic, author, and speaker.  Tracey and I consider topics as diverse as the beliefs that steal our control, how we can only delay the Divine Plan, and why we need to ask ourselves the right questions if we expect ourselves to answer. RE...

Curiosity Is Always Appropriate - with Anne Gillaspie 24.10.2025

Today's episode features Anne Gillaspie's raw story of hitting bottom, finding purpose, and reclaiming who she is.  Anne is a Brand Therapist, podcaster, and Worshiper of Why.  In our discussion, Anne and I touch on all damage caused by manipulation, trusting our children to learn from their mistakes, and how to rank the Spice Girls correctly. CONTENT WARNING: Depression and Suicide REFERENCES: An...

The Opposite of Symptoms - with Dr. Jeff Feinman 17.10.2025

Today's episode features Dr. Jeff Feinman and his Whole-istic approach to veterinary medicine.  Dr. Jeff is a veterinarian as well as a Whole-istic connector and educator.  Jeff and I muse over topics as far afield as context in science and medicine; life, death, and rebirth; and what to call the word 'laser.' REFERENCES: Jeff Feinmans’s Website:  https://www.holisticactions.com/ Follow Jeff on Fa...

Service over Self and Country over Party - with Dakarai Larriett 03.10.2025

Today's episode is an honor I won't forget - Candidate for US Senate Dakarai Larriett tells his story of police brutality turned into a run for America's future.  Dakarai is a businessperson, an advocate, a police brutality survivor, and 2026 US Senate Candidate for the state of Alabama.  Our conversation floats over topics are diverse as qualified immunity, Queer representation, and how most stat...

Mirroring Humanity with Artificial Intelligence - with Lynn Colepaugh 26.09.2025

Today's episode features Lynn Colepaugh and her conversation with Large Language Models (LLMs).  Lynn is a brand strategist, music label founder, and Founder of Cyber PR Army, a woman-led digital strategy agency.  Together, Lynn and I consider imagination as the Infinite Almost, how to keep your most important memories alive, and whether Pedro Pascal can conjugate. REFERENCES: Lynn Colepaugh’s Web...

Dyslexia and the Craft of Research - with Russell Van Brocklen 12.09.2025

Today's episode features Russell Van Brocklen's struggles with dyslexia, and how he came out the other side.  Russell is "The Dyslexia Professor" and founded the website https://dyslexiaclasses.com.  In our discussion, Russell and I consider topics as diverse as language processing, how learning requires custom application per student, and why "Wonder Woman " was such a great movie. REFERENCES: Ru...

Rejecting Consensus Reality - with Christian de la Huerta 05.09.2025

Today's episode features Christian de la Huerta and his story of reclaiming himself from other people's expectations.  Christian is an author, TedX speaker, and personal transformation coach whose latest book explores the relationship of love, choice, and power.  Christian and I discuss topics as wide as toxic masculinity, how power is not zero-sum, and the holistic nature of love. REFERENCES: Chr...

Growing by the Universe's Plan - with Kanika Vasudeva 29.08.2025

This episode features a look into the Akashic Records with Kanika Vasudeva.  Kanika is an Akashic Records reader and energy coach who founded the Art of Life Center to help parents create a better environment for their children.  Kanika and I muse over profound topics as far afield as the natural happiness of children, learning the lessons the Universe presents us, and why the Universe still seems...

Mental Health through Storytelling - with Dr. Allison Battles 22.08.2025

Today's episode features Dr. Allison Battles, a Queer and Pagan licensed clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and Certified Therapeutic Game Master.  Yes - Game Master!  Allison and I consider topics as far afield as how science can sometimes be unwieldy in healing, using Dungeons & Dragons for identity exploration, and that Dark Elf you made in WoW, but should likely be ashamed of. REFER...

The Universe Is on Your Side - with David Alan Brown 08.08.2025

Today's episode features David Alan Brown's story of transformation.  David is an author, educator, and developer of the Convergence method, which guides you through self-discovery and personal power.  David and I cover the field from developing personal leadership to trusting you know who you are to finding gratitude you get to express who you are.  REFERENCES: David Alan Brown’s Website:  https:...

Finding the Flaw in Our Narrative - with Arnold Beekes 01.08.2025

Today's show features Arnold Beekes and his story of overcoming the narratives that hold us back.  Arnold is an author, speaker, and Brain Fitness Trainer whose masterclasses help you uncondition your brain.  Arnold and I ponder topics as diverse as why it can be damaging to do as you're asked, why sporadic positive reinforcement may not overcome chronic negative reinforcement, and how technology...

Drop Your Mask and Show Up - with Gretchen Schoser 18.07.2025

Today's episode follows Gretchen Schoser's chilling story of despair and rebirth.  Gretchen is a suicide attempt survivor, award-winning podcaster, and tech-savvy entrepreneur whose work focuses on healing the mental health Western society wears down.  Gretchen and I muse over topics as far afield as the importance of community, how friends love friends no matter what, and why baby raccoons are th...

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