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

Finding Ourselves in Sexual Fantasy with Artemisia de Vine 18.10.2024

Today's episode features Artemisia de Vine's theory of sexual fantasy.  Artemisia is a sexual fantasy expert, sexologist and author who uses fantasy not as a source of shame and guilt, but as the key to unlocking our deepest motivations and desires.  Artemisia and I discuss prevailing theories of sexual fantasy, the three paradoxes we seek to rectify through sex, and the origin of airborne penetra...

Building Community through Diversity with Ailsa Blair 11.10.2024

On today's episode, I speak with Ailsa Blair about the drag community.  Ailsa is a neurodiverse, nonbinary product designer and research leader who founded Drag Me, a company whose mobile app empowers drag artists to connect with their fans.  Ailsa and I talk about topics as far afield as Tech Bros treating employees as tools, features of the Drag Me app, and invoking Rule 34 and Godwin's Law at t...

Claiming Our Identity through History with Neil Laird 04.10.2024

In this episode, I talk history with Neil Laird. Neil is an Emmy and BAFTA-nominated TV producer, novelist, and ancient history geek whose fiction retells gay stories across early human civilizations. We discuss such diverse topics as The Tomb of the Brothers, the Myth of Stonewall, and Toxic Avenger 3 or 4 - whichever was worse. REFERENCES:  Neil Laird’s website: https://www.neillaird.com/  Follo...

Choosing to Quit for Life with Duncan Bhaskaran-Brown 27.09.2024

Today we hear an inspirational story from Duncan Bhaskaran-Brown.  Duncan is a speaker, author, sober coach, and Morris dancer whose work challenges the stranglehold alcohol maintains over Western life.  Duncan and I cover topics as diverse as alcohol addiction, how drinking affects the rich more than the poor, and The Agrarian Reforms of the 16th Century. REFERENCES: Duncan Bhaskaran Brown’s webs...

Strength in Our Weakness with Eric Gee 21.09.2024

Today's episode features a story of what can go right when you don't like school. Eric Gee is an author, a writing and life coach, and founder of the Youtopia Project, which helps people discover their personality and work with the strengths and weaknesses within. Eric and I mull over topics as far-flung as holistic personality theory, how we disagree with our negative traits, and the beauty of Ab...

The Adult You’re Looking for Is You with Kyleigh Weathers 13.09.2024

Today we hear a heartbreaking story of disconnection with Kyleigh Weathers.  Kyleigh is an attachment coach, podcaster, and the founder of Queerly Attached, through which she helps others overcome feeling outside the family to become secure in themselves.  We speak about topics as diverse as how being raised Mormon demands so much, feeling and dealing with attachment wounds, and a prescient poem....

Transforming Weakness into Strength with Jhenah Telyndru 30.08.2024

Today's episode features the eminently magical Jhenah Telyndru!  Jhenah is an author, Celticist, and Priestess who founded the Sisterhood of Avalon.  In this illuminating discussion, Jhenah and I consider the role of culture in gender, promote spiritual service to all, and have a good chuckle over ancient Welsh poetry slams. REFERENCES: Jhenah Telyndru’s website:  https://ynysafallon.com/ Sisterho...

How to Be Human with Louise Boye 26.08.2024

On today's show, I speak with the wonderfully introspective Louise Boye.  Louise is a Qi Gong instructor and musician who also facilitates groups in learning Nonviolent Communication.  We cover topics that span from honoring our bodies and emotions, recovering from isolation, and how Hamlet really fits into daily conversation. REFERENCES: Louise Boye's Qi Gong website: https://www.facebook.com/QiG...

Information Is Not Transformation with Gao Motsemme 16.08.2024

Today's episode features a fascinating discussion of psychic energy with Gao Motsemme.  An African Quantum Witchdoctor and Psychic Surgeon, Gao's work teaches us how to tune into our natural energetic fields to build a better life.  Gao and I discuss topics as diverse as the power inherited through our names, the unsinkable honesty of our soul, and the social philosophy of Depeche Mode. REFERENCES...

The Liminal Spaces of Humanity with Dr. Redfern Jon Barrett 12.07.2024

In today's episode, I have a delightful chat with Dr. Redfern Jon Barrett.  Redfern is a writer, journalist, and activist who recently published "Proud Pink Sky," an alternate history of Nazi Germany and the establishment of the first gay state.  Redfern and I discuss topics as diverse as being flexible with labels, the history of homosexual relationships, and the best Pokemon there is. REFERENCES...

Speak Truth to Power with Catherine Stagg-Macey 05.07.2024

Today's episode features the amazing Catherine Stagg-Macey.  Catherine is an Executive Coach, hostess of the podcast Unsaid @ Work, and finder of lost mojo.  We discuss topics critical to improving the workplace today, including living our own dreams, being safely authentic, and wearing a purple Speedo to work. REFERENCES: Catherine Stagg-Macey’s website:  https://www.conversationsattheedge.co.uk/...

Sex and Gender in Magic with Josephine McCarthy 02.07.2024

In this episode, I have an enchanting conversation with Josephine McCarthy.  Josephine is an esoteric author and the Director of Quareia, a free, online, magical training course (that I highly recommend!).  We cover topics as diverse as goddesses beautiful and terrible, how physical changes affect our magical connection, and dangerous cows. REFERENCES: Josephine McCarthys’s website:  https://josep...

Trauma is a Gift for Growth with Sara Webb 25.06.2024

In today's episode, I speak with Sara Webb, a Resilience Coach who specializes in breakup and meditation therapy.  Sara and I talk about topics as off-the-wall as how trauma can be seen as valuable to growth, Western medicine's focus on symptoms instead of health, and the billions of bits of data that hit you every second. REFERENCES: Sara Webb’s website:  https://www.sarawebbsays.com/ Follow Sara...

Find Your Life's Meaning in Uncomfortable Experiences with Andrea Leigh 14.06.2024

In this episode, I speak with Andrea Leigh about saying "yes" to experiences.  Andrea is a high-impact coach, fashionista, and Co-Host on Thriving Women Network TV.  Topics include finding comfort in discomfort, living life to the fullest, and parents who accept gender transition as long as football isn't impacted. REFERENCES: Andrea Leigh’s website:  https://www.andrealeigh.com/ Follow Andrea on...

07 June 2024 - Kink Will Bring Us Together 07.06.2024

Today's episode features Jake Didinsky, a pansexual, nonbinary DJ and Producer.  Jake is also co-founder of the inclusive night club event "Lights Out, Barks Out."  In our discussion, we cover topics as far afield as the power of inclusivity, helping cis / het people understand the queer experience, and the Right Old White Guy. REFERENCES: Jake Didinsky’s website:  https://jakemaxwellproductions.c...

Within Madness Lies Power - 31 May 2024 31.05.2024

In today's episode, I speak with Karen Anne Coccioli.  Karen is a queer author and public speaker whose queer memoir "Paradise" is available on Amazon.  We cover topics as disparate as fleeing fascism, madness as a source of gender, and the purple light within. REFERENCES: Karen Anne Coccioli’s website:  https://www.karenannecoccioli.com/ Annie Moon’s website:  https://www.authoranniemoon.com/ Fol...

24 May 2024 - Changing the Narrative 24.05.2024

Today's episode features the effervescent Cherish Amber!  Cherish is a queer sex, love, and relationship coach who teaches we must know ourselves in order to have good sex and solid relationships.  We talk about topics as diverse as prerequisites to good sex, stigmatizing sex to maintain control, and Virgin Condoms. REFERENCES: Cherish Amber’s website:  https://www.cherishamber.com/ Follow Cherish...

17 May 2024 - Doing What It Takes Because You Must 17.05.2024

In today's episode, I speak with the incredible Jasmine Vine!  If you've been living under a rock for the past decade, Jasmine is a trans empowerment specialist with training in several modalities of mental health treatment.  Jasmine and I discuss the urgency of gender transition, being able to identify with your therapist, and West Coast Privilege. REFERENCES: Javine Coaching:  https://www.javine...

10 May 2024 - Breaking All the Rules 10.05.2024

In this episode, I am proud to feature my dear friend Kaedyn Nedopak.  Kaedyn is an Award-winning Queer Transgender Producer, Author, Podcaster, and Activist...and he really lives up to the list!  Kaedyn and I talk about such interesting topics as Hollywood's failure to break gender roles, Pagan practices with Irish goddesses, and dissin' from the 80s. REFERENCES: Follow Kaedyn on Instagram:  http...

03 May 2024 - Evolving Past Adversity 03.05.2024

This episode features Win Charles, an award-winning author, podcaster, and advocate for people with disabilities.  Win and I discuss the abuse people with disability face, the help available after abuse, and why you should have a rainbow sticker on your wheelchair. REFERENCES: Win Charles on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ButterfliesofWisdom Win Charles on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/...

26 April 2024 - The Stories That Must Be Told 26.04.2024

Today I present an amazing conversation with Lindsay Law.  Lindsay retired from a career as an executive producer and President of Fox Searchlight Pictures to become a novelist.  Lindsay and I discuss the story of "Boys Don't Cry," why we need more gay people in media, and the magic of Vermont. REFERENCES: Lindsay’s personal website:  https://www.lindsaylaw.net/ Follow Lindsay on Instagram:  https...

19 April 2024 - Reclaiming the Present Moment 19.04.2024

In this episode, I host Dr. Lino Martinez!  Dr. Lino is an author, podcaster, and Professor of Psychology who views his ability to survive not as extraordinary, only human.  Lino and I discuss existential psychology, depleting ourselves to please others, and The Meaning to Life. REFERENCES: Lino’s professional website:  https://www.alittlelessfear.com/ A Little LESS FEAR podcast:  https://www.alit...

12 April 2024 - Music, Community, and How We Become 12.04.2024

Today's episode features Mx. Crys/ta Song, a Speech Language Pathologist and vocalist who is also Board Co-Chair of Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer (QORDS).  Crys/ta and I talk about such topics as why the South should not be discounted as a political forum, how we cannot help but be part of humanity, and obscure William Makepeace Thackeray quotes. – REFERENCES: Follow Crys/ta Song on Instag...

05 April 2024 - Marketing to the Transgender Experience 05.04.2024

This week's episode features the ever-talented Danni Velasquez-Mora.  Danni is Founder and Creative Director of Womankind Creative and - because we had such a great conversation about women's representation the first time (see the link below), Danni wanted to interview me to get an angle on how the transgender community would appreciate representation in marketing.  We talk about topics as far-rea...

29 March 2024 - In Praise of the Mammal Brain 29.03.2024

In this week's episode, I speak with Professor Loretta Breuning about human behavior.  Loretta is a Professor Emerita of Management, the Founder of The Inner Mammal Institute, and author of the book "Habits of a Happy Brain."  We consider such topics as how our undesired behavior can be modified given the appropriate reward, finding forgiveness even for our parents, and why not everybody is mad at...

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