Hey, Cis!

Cyn and Isaac
Hey, Cis! Podcast

A beyond binary journey to being a better human. Join our head-on conversation about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting transgender and non-binary youth, students, and adults within Canada. Hosts Cyn (she/her) and Isaac (he/they) give arts, culture, doers & dreamers a beyond binary twist in this Atlantic Canadian conversational talk show; breaking down cis-normative bias, smashing stigma, and fostering a greater connection between cisgender and trans, and non-binary communities.

  1. S3: E42: Pitchforks and Tiki Torches with Fae Johnstone

    10/07/2023

    S3: E42: Pitchforks and Tiki Torches with Fae Johnstone

    "Once you get in the room, it is actually a hell of a lot harder for them to kick you out of it."In our final episode of season three, we are finishing off with a powerhouse of a guest. Fae Johnstone (They/She) is Executive Director and Co-Owner of Wisdom2Action (W2A). She is an experienced community engagement expert, diversity and inclusion consultant, and project manager. Over her past two years working with W2A, Fae has led local, provincial, and national initiatives focused on 2SLGBTQ+ community health and wellness, youth mental health, meaningful community engagement, and gender-based violence. Also, she's been on a chocolate bar.  "We are having to wake up to how precarious our progress is."After having her likeness depicted Hershey's chocolate bars a part of their International Women's Day promotion, Fae became the focal point of an international boycott targeting Hershey's. The homophobic and transphobic vitriol exploded from the far-right ecosystem online, only 72 hours after sharing a post to her Twitter. In the following days and weeks, Fae's face, name, and entire life story was published online and being picked apart by the likes of Rebel News and Tucker Carlson. In today's conversation, we hear all about this tumultuous time in Fae's life, reflecting on what her experience says about anti-trans conspiracies fomenting in far-right circles here in Canada. Even in the face of unbelievable adversity, Fae continues her essential work as a key voice for Queer and Trans rights in Canada today.  Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Moment - Thriveworks:This summer, Thriveworks will be connecting with rural communities across Atlantic Canada to talk about 2SLGBTQIA+ career opportunities. We want to hear from you what it is that you need to achieve your career goals, so reach out to us on our social media to share your thoughts! Find us on:  Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)Twitter (@simplygoodform)Instagram (@simplygoodform)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/)Links: Wisdom2Action: https://www.wisdom2action.org/Thrive Queer Careers & Resiliency: https://www.simplygoodform.com/THRIVEHershey Canada News Release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hershey-canada-releases-limited-edition-her-for-she-bars-to-celebrate-canadian-women-building-a-better-future-844318857.htmlMusic:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP Website: http://www.Craymo.com This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm  Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    36 min
  2. S3: E41: Queer Summer Reading with Abbey Campbell

    06/06/2023

    S3: E41: Queer Summer Reading with Abbey Campbell

    "I don't care how folks read, I care that you read."In this episode, Cyn and Isaac kick off summer with their book reviewer friend, Abbey Campbell (she/her), who shares some of the most exciting new publications to hit the world of Queer literature. Looking for a good novel to take on vacation, or something to read with your morning coffee? Then tune in, because Abbey and the team at Hey, Cis! have you covered! Did one of the books we talk about in this episode catch your interest?  Featured Texts (with appropriate content warnings): The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox OstertagThe Girl from the Sea is a sapphic coming-of-age story about a young rural Nova Scotian girl named Morgan, who kisses a selkie one night after being saved from drowning in the sea.Content warning(s): Outing, near drowning, divorce (mention)Find the author on these socials:Twitter: @MollyOstertagInstagram: @molly_ostertagWebsite: www.mollyostertag.com This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max GladstoneTwo time-traveling agents from warring futures, working their way through the past, begin to exchange letters—and fall in love.Content warning(s): Self-harm, descriptions of dead bodies and body parts, blood-drinking, murder & attempted murder, gun violence, poisoning, torture, imprisonment, animal death, warFind the authors on these socials:Twitter: @tithenai & @maxgladstoneInstagram: @amalelmohtar & @max.gladstoneWebsite: www.amalelmohtar.com & www.maxgladstone.com  Us by Sara Soler (out July 25th, 2023)Originally written in Spanish, Us by Sara Soler tells the true love story of Sara and her girlfriend, Diana. Sara illustrates their shared past as a heteronormative couple and guides the reader through the ups and downs of coming out and accepting yourself. For Sara, it was finding out that she was bi. For Diana, it was finding out she was trans.Content warning(s): Gender dysphoria, transphobia, homophobia, biphobiaFind the author on these socials:Twitter: @Hammer_moonInstagram: @sarasoler_art A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha ShannonStandalone prequel to The Priory of the Orange Tree. It’s set just shy of five centuries before Priory and covers the period known as the Great Sorrow.Content warning(s): Cancer (implied), childbirth, child loss, child marriage, mass death, mind control, miscarriage (mention), pandemic, parental death, postnatal depression, pregnancy, reproductive coercion, violence, vomitingFind the author on these socials:Twitter: @say_shannonInstagram: @say_shannon Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza VillaAristotle and Dante meets The Hate U Give meets The Sun Is Also A Star. A stunning YA contemporary love story about a Mexican-American non-binary teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican bisexual boy.Content warning(s): racism, xenophobia, ICE, deportation of a character, death of a family member, underage drinking, use of drugs, sex (mention off-page), vomitingFind the author on these socials:Twitter: @JONNYescribeInstagram: @jonnyinstasWebsite: www.jonnygarzavilla.com  Hey, Cis! Connected Communities Summer Reading Give-Away: We’ve shared a few of our picks, now let’s hear from you! What Queer reads are on your list for summer 2023? Have a recommendation for Hey, Cis! Listeners? Share it here for your chance to WIN a gift voucher for $25.00 CAD to one of our favourite Queer bookstores, Venus Envy. To Enter: Share one of your Queer Summer Reading recommendations, along with your name, address and contact details on the entry form below between now and June 30, 2023 at 12pm. Winner will be randomly drawn and contacted within 24 hours of the draw to receive their virtual gift voucher.  No purchase necessary. No cash value and not redeemable for cash.Check out the contest page for more information. Contest runs 12 a.m. June 7, 2023 to 12 p.m. on June 30, 2023. Entry Form Link: https://forms.gle/qxLc9YikFn7kzSc29 Music:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself

    43 min
  3. S3: E40: Allyship Is For Everyone with Authors Kate Lum-Potvin and Dr. Frank Sileo

    01/05/2023

    S3: E40: Allyship Is For Everyone with Authors Kate Lum-Potvin and Dr. Frank Sileo

    "Allyship is a way of loving and taking care of other people."Today, Cyn and Isaac are joined by Kate Lum-Potvin (she/her) and Dr. Frank Sileo (he/his), co-authors of the new children's book, Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally. In this conversation, Kate and Dr. Sileo explain the reasons why they decided to write a book on allyship from the perspective of a young child, and their hopes for the impact it may have. The story follows a young Joy who, after witnessing an act of homophobia targeted at her older brother Noah, is compelled to help in any way she can. The book introduces young readers to the concept of allyship gently, with resources for teachers and parents to help facilitate further learning and discussion. Pride and Joy will be available on May 18, 2023 at major book retailers, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Show links: - Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Enter for a chance to win a Hey, Cis! Prize Pack by leaving a message on SpeakPipe - Preorder or purchase Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming a LGBTQIA+ Ally Music:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP Website: http://www.Craymo.com This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm  Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    31 min
  4. S3: E39: How to THRIVE, not just Survive with Emma Stanley

    27/03/2023

    S3: E39: How to THRIVE, not just Survive with Emma Stanley

    “The best that we can do is continue to be visible, continue to organize, and continue to take action to secure our own space within our own culture.”Just in time for the Trans Day of Visibility, Isaac (They/He) sits down with Simply Good Form Director of Program Development Emma Stanley (She/Her), to talk about the challenges surrounding and importance of living visibly. Given the recent rise of anti-Trans legislation and sentiment, Isaac and Emma discuss the increased importance of this year's TDoV. The two discuss the barriers people face when trying to live visibly and the reasons why it is so important to see members of the Trans community succeeding in the more mundane aspects of life, drawing from their own lived experiences for context. Also in this episode, Emma shares an upcoming skills program called Thrive, which aims to help Trans and gender-diverse community members find careers that will encourage and support them to live authentically. This program includes resume building, a mock interview, and tips on how to determine if a prospective employer is serious about inclusion. Show links: - Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Simply Good Form's Name and Gender Marker Change Pathway & Clinics- Check out THRIVE: Careers and Resiliency for registration and more info.  - Da'Shaun (They/Them) on Twitter: "To be visibly Queer is to choose your happiness over your safety." Music:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP Website: http://www.Craymo.com This podcast is created by Simply Good Form, with production assistance and editing from Podstarter.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm  Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Sampson (He/Him) podstarter.io For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    45 min
  5. S3: E38: Transversing the Rhodes Scholarship with Canadian Chemist, Julia Levy

    13/03/2023

    S3: E38: Transversing the Rhodes Scholarship with Canadian Chemist, Julia Levy

    “This is a commitment to being trans. Being trans is now a fundamental part of who I am.” In this episode, Isaac (He/They) and Cyn (She/Her) have an energy-packed conversation with the first openly transgender Canadian woman to win the Rhodes Scholarship. Julia Levy (She/Her), joins us from British Columbia and shares with us her thoughts on a scholarship that is not without its historical controversy, and not originally intended for someone like her. As Julia comes to terms with the award, before heading to Oxford University and putting it to good use; she dives deep into the intersections of being trans in a science-based leadership role. From harm-reduction and trans care, to accessible chemistry educational software, Julia's a Chemist with intention on making an impact in her community. Show links: - Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: Celebrating scholarships, if you’re a soon-to-be High School Graduate and involved with Pflag Canada, be sure to connect with your local Chapter before March 20th to have your name put forward for the Ted Rogers Scholarship. - https://about.rogers.com/our-impact/ted-rogers-scholarships/ - Pflag Canada Chapters - https://pflagcanada.ca/  - TD Scholarship opportunities: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians Produced and edited in-house. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm  Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group. MUSIC:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP Website: http://www.Craymo.com For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    31 min
  6. S3: E37: The Intersections of Identity and Financial Security with Mariat Jibril

    25/02/2023

    S3: E37: The Intersections of Identity and Financial Security with Mariat Jibril

    Mariat Jibril leads with love and her leadership is infectious.  In this latest episode of Hey, Cis! Isaac (he/they) and Cyn (she/her) join Mariat Jibril (she/her) in Vancouver, British Columbia and have a coast-to-coast conversation about being a Black, queer advocate and financial professional working in equity, diversity and inclusion. "I think we can love and we can lead with love and we can lead with love. You just like being a leader in any organization. You've got to have empathy. If you can live with empathy, then you can never be a leader." MariatAs interest rates hike upwards with unrelenting stamina, we’re thinking about how our identities impacts our ability to access financial stability.  “Human rights are a part of financial rights,’ says Mariat Jibril, who joins Isaac and Cyn to explore financial stability and how connecting with community is impacting LGBTQ2+, Black, Indigenous, People of colour, Youths, Women, Non-Binary and Persons with disabilities in Canada. Mariat is the Regional Manager of LGBTQ2+ Business Development at TD Bank Group. She divides her time between British Columbia and Yukon Territory and is a CGLCC LGBT+ Business Advocate finalist 2022; where Cyn had the pleasure of first connecting with her. Mariat advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion. As a black, queer influencer, Mariat has a passion for creating success for business owners, and the community at large.Perspectives, insights and resources we loved talking about in this episode.Show links: Hosts: Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (They/He)Producer: Connor Samson (He/Him) podstarter.ioHeyCis.comThe Bridge Blog at Simply Good Form Inc.: TD Connected Communities Moment and Black History Month through a Queer lensPflag CanadaConnect with Mariat Jibril on Twitter, LinkedIn LinkedIn Linktree Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group. MUSIC:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP  For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    46 min
  7. S3: E36: Creating Visibility in C-Suite with Terri McDowell

    31/01/2023

    S3: E36: Creating Visibility in C-Suite with Terri McDowell

    “I thought I'm pretty good at what I do. Am I prepared to sacrifice all of that? And why should I have to?“ In this episode, Terri McDowell (She/Her), a Saskatchewan-born, C-Suite business leader gets vulnerable about what is was like transitioning in and on the job, in a profession that's male, cisgender dominant; and she shows us how she is inspiring transgender people professionally, through ‘the art of the possible.’ A Partner & Principal at financial advisory firm Ernst and Young (EY), Terri vulnerably shares, as a transgender woman, challenges and triumphs of her own personal gender transition on the job in a male and cisgender dominated profession, and provides tips on being allies on-the-job and how to avoid corporate pink-washing in an historically challenging period for transgender human rights worldwide. Show links: - Hey, Cis! TD Connected Community Moment: https://www.menti.com/alkb4uo5chb8 to participate. Then click here for results. - Terri’s CGLCC Business Leader of the Year award:  - https://www.simplygoodform.ca/blog/peak-inside-the-Black-and-White-Gala  - https://www.cglcc.ca/2022/11/16/business-leadership-award-winners-2022/  - Vulnerability of transgender human rights and anti-trans legislation: https://19thnews.org/2023/01/trans-health-care-bills-2023-legislative-session-lgbtq/ https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights Produced and edited in-house. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm  Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group. MUSIC:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP Website: http://www.Craymo.com For more beyond binary conversations on being better humans, tips for being an inclusive leader in your field and connecting with trans folks from coast-to-coast, subscribe to Hey, Cis! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

    52 min
  8. S3: E35: Ending the Year, Extra Queer

    09/12/2022

    S3: E35: Ending the Year, Extra Queer

    Books, tunes and gratitude. Welcome to the final episode of 2022 as we get festive with a Hey, Cis! Year-in-Review.  This episode is hosted by Cyn Sweeney (She/Her) and Isaac Cook (He/They), with Emma Stanley (She/Her). Emma joins the show from Thailand, and we have to say we're a little envious of her 'winter attire'. In this episode we wanted to reflect back on a rollercoaster year and share some laughs, successes and our gratitude for all our followers and listeners. You'll remember Emma from our Season 2 episodes on travel this Spring: S2:E29: Traveling While Trans, The Baggage Fee for Biological Bias S2: E30: Traveling While Trans, How to Pass as a Canadian   Connected Communities Feature: In partnership with TD Bank Group...drum roll.... we are excited to add a little jingle in your nog this month, with Episode 35 and an accompanying Queer Cheer playlist, tween and teen book recommendations and more. And we need to hear from you!  What are you listening too and reading?  Add to our playlist and share your books faves BONUS! Head over to the blog post and download our Top Tunes for the Hols, AND great reads for Queer tweens and teens for the holiday season, thanks to recommendations from two local Queer-owned stores Venus Envy and Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles. Plus, who wouldn't want to see our kitschy team snowscape, cheese-ball recording photos (because, we've no shame. Why would we?)? SHOW NOTES: Simply Good Form has been named a Finalist in the upcoming Halifax Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year of Award! Check out all the amazing business finalists here.  Cyn is a cis, straight beyond binary educator and author passionate about 'beyond binary' inclusion and breaking heteronormative and gender-normative practices.  As a mother, storyteller and community writer, Cynthia is inspired by peoples stories - and listening fully. In 1998 Cynthia was told by a Supervisor that she has a 'tendency to go against the grain,' when it came to her 'drive to complete projects'. It wasn't meant as a compliment. Something her 28-year-old self couldn't realize at the time, was that this is one of her super powers. She's grateful everyday for the work she is doing. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Isaac Cook is a transgender, non-binary, queer person with a passion for making change. With a degree in Linguistics and Criminology, Isaac has more than seven years of communications, marketing and web development experience with a particular passion for STEM- focused and non-profit organizations. Outside of their work with Cyn at Simply Good Form Inc., Isaac enjoys cooking, travelling, astrology and hanging out with his dogs Aspen and Timber. Produced and edited in-house. Hey, Cis! Season 3 is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm  MUSIC:  Hey, Cis! thanks musical artist Craymo for our intro/extro song: Be Myself Written by: Craig Stephen Raymo/Brandon Jarrett/Joshua Daniel Hershfield (c) (p) 2015 Craymo Music, BMI/Moho Music, ASCAP Website: http://www.Craymo.com

    36 min

About

A beyond binary journey to being a better human. Join our head-on conversation about current affairs and gender-based issues affecting transgender and non-binary youth, students, and adults within Canada. Hosts Cyn (she/her) and Isaac (he/they) give arts, culture, doers & dreamers a beyond binary twist in this Atlantic Canadian conversational talk show; breaking down cis-normative bias, smashing stigma, and fostering a greater connection between cisgender and trans, and non-binary communities.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada