The Purple Pawedcast

Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.

  1. FEB 6

    Anchor Your Gender in Joy - with DR Z PHD

    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 should all learn not to give a shit. REFERENCES:Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva’s website:  https://drzphd.com/ Follow Dr. Z on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DRZPHD Follow Dr. Z on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzphd/ Follow Dr. Z on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/DRZPHDpractice/ Follow Dr. Z on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drz.phd/ Follow Dr. Z on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/thedrzphd/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:26) - Introducing Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva (03:27) - Doing what comes naturally (08:47) - Why is gender only important now? (14:42) - The underlying cause of gender dysphoria (20:50) - Failure to sit in the unknown (26:38) - Nature vs Nurture (32:37) - Let gender evolve (37:42) - Anchor yourself in what feels like you (41:15) - How biology relates to gender (43:56) - Health insurance is for healing pain (50:59) - How to find Dr. Z on the internet (55:04) - Show closing (55:32) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

    56 min

  2. JAN 23

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

    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 Kim Kardashian should be BFFs with Gregory and Ami. REFERENCES:Gregory James Thelian’s Website:  https://www.gregoryjamesphotography.com/ Gregory's "Reframing the Top 12 Self-limiting Beliefs" Guide:  https://gjp.myflodesk.com/reframing-self-limiting-beliefsFollow Gregory on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/gregoryjames.photo/ Follow Gregory on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/gregory.james.photography.nyc Follow Gregory on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@gregoryjames.photo Follow Gregory on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@gregoryjamesphotography (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:29) - Introducing Gregory James Thelian (03:10) - Discarding outside perceptions (09:45) - Finding the soul in photography (15:30) - How the people who love you see you (22:16) - Photoshop is not necessarily evil (27:27) - Connecting the dots of who you are (35:22) - Feeling heard and being seen (40:58) - Life changes when you are worthy (48:13) - Other people's small thinking inhibits your full thinking (53:35) - How to find Gregory James Thelian on the internet (54:54) - Show closing (59:23) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

    1 hr

  3. JAN 9

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

    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 Kaczynski’s Website:  https://richard-kaczynski.com/ Follow Richard on Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/richardkaczynski.bsky.social Learn more about Richard’s book “Mind Over Magick”:  https://www.innertraditions.com/mind-over-magick (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:28) - Introducing Richard Kaczynski (02:42) - Just a typical magical childhood (08:44) - Awkward pop culture references (10:26) - Filling in where there are no blanks (15:41) - Open or closed to magick, it still happens (22:41) - We have no idea (27:17) - Throwing out what we don't understand (31:01) - Why do we choose ignorance? (36:19) - Lost confidence from b******t answers (41:58) - Challenging what we already know (47:19) - The disenchantment of the world (52:58) - Applying science to magick (57:12) - How to find Richard Kaczynski on the internet (59:06) - Show closing (01:01:21) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 2m

  4. JAN 2

    Enhancing What Humans Do Better than Technology - with Derek Crager

    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 Crager’s Website:  https://www.practicalai.app Follow Derek on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/ Learn about Derek’s book:  https://www.humanfirstai.net/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:28) - Introducing Derek Crager (02:22) - How to create the Universe (05:40) - How humans can use AI best (08:54) - AI is great at answering questions it already knows (12:37) - But AI struggles to understand context (16:03) - Mentorship, not copying and pasting (22:02) - Conversing with yourself on any topic you choose (28:37) - Co-creation or co-opting? (37:41) - Specialized training just for you! (44:25) - AI could actually prevent failure (47:42) - Trust the human (51:11) - Replacing humans while avoiding catastrophe (55:25) - How to find Derek Crager on the internet (56:38) - Show closing (57:07) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

    57 min

  5. 2025-12-19

    Great Sex for Life - with Eve Hall

    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/ Follow Eve on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094393249379 Follow Eve on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEo1qdyY9pXicqeXYeyca9Q Follow Eve on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/please.me.by.eve.creations/ Follow Eve on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@please_me__?lang=en (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:29) - Introducing Eve Hall (04:20) - Reclaiming sexual liberation (08:10) - Pelvic floor health and sexual health (14:28) - Vaginoplasty and the pelvic floor (19:19) - Awkward conversation about the prostate (23:02) - Sex, shame, and the patriarchy (30:28) - Perpetuating the human species (33:07) - Blood flow and sexual health (38:10) - Self-exploration on a daily basis (43:53) - Gender-affirming surgery made better sex! (48:37) - A bit about furries (52:08) - Communicating with your partner (57:57) - How to find Eve Hall on the internet (01:01:00) - Show closing (01:02:33) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 3m

  6. 2025-12-12

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

    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 Kathleen Mehuron’s Website:  https://www.marykathleenmehuron.com/Follow Mary Kathleen on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mary.mehuronFollow Mary Kathleen on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marykathleenmehuron ★ Support this podcast ★

    59 min

  7. 2025-12-05

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

    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 a vaginoplasty. REFERENCES:Erica Deuso’s Website:  https://www.ericadeuso.com/ Follow Erica on Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/ericadeuso.bsky.social Follow Erica on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/Erica_Deuso/ Follow Erica on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EricaForPA/ Follow Erica on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@EricaforPA Follow Erica on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@erica_deusoEmerge Pennsylvania:  https://pa.emergeamerica.org/ (00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:31) - Introducing Erica Deuso (04:34) - More worried about empty storefronts than gender (09:45) - Just qualified for the job (14:43) - The dirty business of politics (19:15) - A quick jaunt into global finance (25:32) - Dealing with hate on the campaign trail (31:58) - Fighting hate with critical thinking (37:50) - Activism means constantly learning more (44:30) - Humanity is all about respect (49:47) - The Good Neighbor Mayor (53:45) - Deuso Herrick 2028! (58:13) - How to find Erica Deuso on the internet (01:03:36) - Show closing (01:04:00) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 4m

  8. 2025-11-28

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

    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 would make for better people, and why drama majors inspire less drama than academics. REFERENCES:Albert Bramante’s Website:  https://albertbramante.com/ Read “Rise Above the Script”:  https://a.co/d/b770wPb Follow Albert on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/albertbramante Follow Albert on Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/dralbramante Follow Albert on LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/albertbramante ★ Support this podcast ★

    1h 3m
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.

Information

  • Creator
    Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Purplepaw Clan, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Purple Pawedcast