Gender: A Wider Lens

Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley
Gender: A Wider Lens

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 include Helen Joyce, Jesse Singal, Leor Sapir, Kathleen Stock, Jamie Reed, Peter Boghossian and more. www.widerlenspod.com

  1. 19 HR AGO

    "Mercilessly Attacked" for Not Wanting to Transition Children, with Rep. Shawn Thierry

    In this episode, former Democratic State Representative Shawn Thierry reflects on her role in advocating for Texas Senate Bill 14 (TX SB14), which raised the minimum age for gender transition procedures to 18. Despite sharing concerns about the medicalization of minors with her fellow Democratic colleagues, Shawn was warned that her seat would be at stake for going on the record with her position and voting in favor of the bill. Her steadfast commitment to integrity led her to take a stand, even though it ultimately cost her re-election. Shawn discusses the two-year research process that shaped her decision, the personal risks she faced, and the pressures she encountered from within her own party. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of principled leadership, unwavering dedication to doing what is right, and standing firm in the face of political and social pressures. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-201  Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/    Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/    Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show    Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod   For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit: Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching    Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching   To learn more about our sponsors, visit: Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/   Genspect at https://genspect.org/   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

    1h 5m
  2. Premium: Saving the Relationship Without Losing Yourself

    6 DAYS AGO

    Premium: Saving the Relationship Without Losing Yourself

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com The emotional and mental toll of navigating a child’s struggles with gender dysphoria can be profound. Parents often confront feelings of helplessness, confusion, and even grief as they face the rapid progression of medical interventions or societal pressures that seem at odds with their instincts or values. This journey is undeniably challenging, but it’s crucial for parents to prioritize their own emotional well-being in order to provide the steady, loving support their children need. Self-care is not a selfish act; it is a necessary foundation for maintaining the strength and clarity required to guide and advocate for a child in such a complex, personal struggle. Amid overwhelming challenges, it’s easy to feel isolated. However, it’s important to remember that no parent is alone. Building a network of like-minded individuals, seeking professional support, and tapping into community resources offers not only practical advice but also emotional sustenance, providing the reassurance and solidarity needed to persevere. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Lydia emphasizes the need for a balance of compassion and boundaries, encouraging parents to listen attentively to their child's experiences and feelings while maintaining a clear sense of their role as guides and advocates. She highlights the importance of hope and connection and underscores the value of fostering open communication within the family. Watch our full length episode with Lydia: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-200 For instructions on setting up a private feed to listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app, visit https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/how-to-listen-to-our-full-premium.

    3 min

  3. 10 JAN

    200 - ROGD Boys Exist! with Lydia

    Sasha and Stella welcome mother and advocate, Lydia, to the show for an insightful discussion about the emotional and relational dynamics impacting boys experiencing gender dysphoria. They reflect on the critical work of ROGDBoys.org, a website dedicated to raising awareness and providing vital information about the impact of medical interventions on boys and men with gender identity confusion. Many families face distinct challenges rooted in the intersection of social expectations, emotional needs, and emerging gender identity beliefs. Boys, unlike their female counterparts, often struggle with expressing vulnerability or gentleness, leading some to seek alternative paths to connection, such as through gender identity beliefs. For many deeply sensitive boys, adopting a female identity offers them access to intimacy and belonging, particularly within female friend groups, where tenderness and acceptance are more easily found. In this episode, Lydia reflects on her family’s experiences around her son’s ROGD and how her own upbringing in a high-control religious environment shaped her understanding of the complex control tactics at play. She shares insights into the profile of boys drawn to gender identity beliefs, often marked by intelligence, black-and-white thinking, and an affinity for structured systems. Lydia emphasizes the dissonance between scientific reasoning and oversimplified views of gender transformation, revealing how cultural narratives amplify this confusion. She also highlights the nuanced complexities of sexuality and identity, and cautions against reducing AGP to a simplistic conclusion, framing it instead as a complex experience rooted in integration and shame. Finally, she stresses the importance of recognizing the diversity of families affected by gender dysphoria and challenges the misconception that parenting style alone dictates a child’s experiences and outcomes. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-200  Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/    Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/    Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show    Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod   For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit: Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching    Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching   To learn more about our sponsors, visit: Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/   Genspect at https://genspect.org/   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

    1h 17m

  4. 4 JAN

    Premium: Is Trans Ideology a Surrogate Religion? with Winston Marshall

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com Over the last few decades, the rapid rise of secularism, alongside the dissolution of traditional institutions, has left many feeling disconnected from deeper sources of meaning and purpose. This void has led to the emergence of new ideologies and movements that seek to provide meaning where religious traditions once did. From the rise of trans activism to the increasing influence of secular humanism, these new belief systems are born from the intellectual vacuum left behind by the decline of faith in established religious structures. At the heart of this cultural shift lies the struggle to reconcile the material world with the deeper, intangible needs of the human soul. The material world, with its focus on immediate gratification, wealth, and success, offers little in the way of lasting fulfillment. In a society that increasingly values individualism and material success, questions of spiritual fulfillment and moral discernment often go unaddressed, contributing to a growing sense of confusion, anxiety, and fragmentation. In a society where secular ideologies promise individual empowerment but often fail to address the complexities of human existence, faith-based frameworks may provide a meaningful path to address the deeper, non-material needs of spiritual well-being, which contemporary ideological frameworks tend to neglect. Religious practice can serve as an anchor, helping people navigate the uncertainties of modern life with greater resilience, compassion, and a deeper connection to universal truths such as justice, kindness, and community—principles that have sustained human civilization and fostered cohesion across cultures for millennia. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Winston Marshall explores the transformative power of faith in overcoming personal struggles, noting a cultural revival of Christianity in intellectual circles as a response to the void left by atheism and the rise of ideologies like trans activism. He advocates for the enduring relevance of Christian principles (such as truth, resilience, and faith) along with values shared across mainstream religions emphasizing that there is something greater than the material world, especially in a society increasingly divided on social, cultural, and political issues. Watch our full length episode with Winston Marshall: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-199 For instructions on setting up a private feed to listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app, visit https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/how-to-listen-to-our-full-premium.

    3 min

  5. 3 JAN

    199 - Life After Mumford & Sons with Winston Marshall

    This conversation was recorded prior to the U.S. presidential election. Any references to the election or its potential outcomes reflect the perspectives and context at the time of recording. Stella and Sasha welcome Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford & Sons, to discuss the personal and professional fallout following his tweet about Andy Ngo's book Unmasked. He opens up about navigating censorship, conformity, and the immense power of social media in shaping public discourse. Winston reflects on the pressure artists face when balancing personal beliefs with industry expectations, and how political events influence cultural movements. In this conversation, Winston shares his experience being thrust into an online firestorm and the deeply personal decision to step away from the band he cherished for over a decade. His choice emerges as an act of integrity, demonstrating the courage it takes to embrace authenticity and stand against the tide of groupthink. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-199  Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/    Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/    Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show    Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod   For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit: Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching    Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching   To learn more about our sponsors, visit: Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/   Genspect at https://genspect.org/   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

    1h 10m

  6. 20/12/2024

    198 - The Trans Inclusion Controversy That Took Over La Leche League with Helen Joyce & Marian Tompson

    In this special episode, Sasha and Stella pass the mic to honorary guest host, journalist, author, and feminist campaigner, Helen Joyce, who interviews Marian Tompson, in connection with Joyce’s recent article about Marian in The Times, "Why I Quit the Breastfeeding Charity I Founded Over Trans Ideology". Marian Tompson, along with six other mothers, founded the global breastfeeding support network, La Leche League, in 1956. In November 2024, Tompson resigned from both the organization and its Board of Directors, believing it had strayed from its original mission to support biological mothers in breastfeeding. Helen’s conversation with Marian touches on the physiological intricacies of breastfeeding, the historical challenges women faced to maintain breastfeeding practices, and the broader implications of integrating transgender individuals into traditionally female-centered spaces like La Leche League. Together, they share a candid discussion exploring how biological realities, societal shifts, and ideological debates converge in today’s discourse on gender, motherhood, and breastfeeding. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-198  Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/    Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/    Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show    Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod   For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit: Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching    Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching   To learn more about our sponsors, visit: Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/   Genspect at https://genspect.org/   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

    1h 15m

  7. 13/12/2024

    197 - We Have a BIG Announcement!

    Nearing the podcast’s 200th episode just around the corner, Stella and Sasha mark the 4-year milestone of Gender: A Wider Lens! Together, they reflect on the show’s remarkable evolution and its impact on their respective journeys. With a vast catalog of episodes filled with profound insights, transformative stories, intriguing interviews, and relentless curiosity, the show has progressed alongside the ever-shifting landscape of gender and the ripple effects of the medicalization of youth. In this episode, they share insights into both the psychological and societal shifts surrounding gender identity and reveal a BIG announcement for what listeners can expect in 2025. Looking back on the development of the podcast, they express gratitude for their listeners and the incredible community that has grown around them. Don’t miss this exclusive preview of what’s to come from Sasha & Stella in 2025! We’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and feedback — your input is invaluable as we shape all that’s ahead. Share your insights by leaving a comment on Substack, YouTube, or Spotify, reach out directly via X @widerlenspod, or email hello@widerlenspod.com. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-197  Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/    Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/    Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show    Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod   For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit: Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching    Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching   To learn more about our sponsors, visit: Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/   Genspect at https://genspect.org/   This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe  This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

    55 min
  8. Premium: Why Are Therapists Transing Away the Gay?

    07/12/2024

    Premium: Why Are Therapists Transing Away the Gay?

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com The relationship between homophobia and gender medicine is deeply intertwined, with historical and contemporary practices shedding light on troubling patterns. Historically, gender-nonconforming individuals were often pathologized and subjected to medical interventions under the guise of correcting deviance. Today, these practices persist, albeit under new narratives that often frame gender nonconformity as a medical issue requiring intervention, such as transitioning. Emerging trends reveal the influence of social contagion, with cultural narratives and social media amplifying gender identity struggles among vulnerable populations, particularly youth. This surge raises critical questions about the lack of scientific rigor in therapeutic practices, the ethics of irreversible medical procedures, and the neglect of alternative psychological or social supports. These patterns reflect a broader societal discomfort with nonconformity and a tendency to medicalize identities rather than embrace diversity. In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Glenna Goldis argues that modern gender medicine perpetuates homophobia by medicalizing gender nonconformity, effectively pathologizing same-sex attraction in a way that parallels past efforts to suppress homosexuality. She references the 2015 APA guidelines, which shifted the framework for addressing gender dysphoria, emphasizing affirmation and, often, medical intervention, suggesting that these guidelines reframe homosexuality as something to be corrected if it appears intertwined with gender nonconformity. She advocates for a more critical examination of these practices, urging evidence-based approaches that prioritize genuine understanding and acceptance over medicalization. To deepen your understanding of Glenna's perspective, we encourage you to explore her Substack, particularly the two pieces linked below (referenced during the conversation). Both provide valuable insight into her critique of current gender medicine practices and their broader social implications. Why Therapists Trans Away the Gay The Assessment Sham Watch our full length episode with Glenna Goldis: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-196 For instructions on setting up a private feed to listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app, visit https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/how-to-listen-to-our-full-premium.

    4 min
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About

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 include Helen Joyce, Jesse Singal, Leor Sapir, Kathleen Stock, Jamie Reed, Peter Boghossian and more. www.widerlenspod.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sasha Ayad and Stella O'Malley
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stella O'Malley & Sasha Ayad
  • Show Website
    Gender: A Wider Lens

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