Ashley Wiggs: Thrills of Transition | Lessons in Learning & Liberation from the Classroom and Beyond

On this episode, Athena, Caroline, and Rosie are joined by Ashley Wiggs, a science educator, former food scientist, mom, roller derby skater, and lifelong gamer. Polyamorous and married for 25 years, Ashley brings honesty and curiosity to everything she does, from the classroom to streaming to navigating identity in today’s climate.

Together, they explore Ashley’s journey as a transgender teacher in Florida, her shift from chemistry to education, and how fandoms, roller derby, and gaming fuel her sense of connection and joy. She opens up about navigating restrictive school policies, supporting LGBTQ+ students, and balancing resilience with authenticity in both career and relationships.

This conversation is about living authentically, embracing complexity, and holding onto passion in the face of adversity. Ashley highlights the intersections of science, identity, and community, reminding us that curiosity, creativity, and courage are powerful tools for growth, teaching, and navigating life.

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Ashley Wiggs Bio

Ashley Wiggs is a science educator and former food scientist whose career reflects a lifelong passion for discovery and learning. Polyamorous and married for 25 years, she embraces relationships built on honesty and authenticity while pursuing her work in education and streaming. A proud transgender woman, Ashley considers her identity an important but not defining aspect of her life. Raised in the Midwest in a family that ultimately accepted her as LGBT, she has carried that grounding into a career and personal life dedicated to curiosity, growth, and living fully.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.

📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com

💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310

National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1