Simply Beyond

A Simply Good Form podcast exploring transgender inclusion, gender diversity, and inclusive leadership — one bold conversation at a time. Hosted by award-winning advocate and proud mama bear Cyndi Sweeney (she/her), Simply Beyond amplifies the lived experiences of trans, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ voices across Canada and beyond. Through real stories, candid conversations, and practical insights, we go beyond the binary to build connection, foster belonging, and inspire allyship at home, at work, and in our communities. Whether you're a curious ally, a parent of a trans kid, or a leader working to create safer, more inclusive spaces — you're in the right place. Because every voice matters. And every story counts.

  1. Empowering Trans Youth: Language, Intimacy, and Support

    07/11/2025

    Empowering Trans Youth: Language, Intimacy, and Support

    Gender dysphoria impacts how young people relate to their bodies, intimacy, and care. But when stigma and misinformation get loud, affirming language and evidence-based resources matter more than ever. In this conversation, host Cyn Sweeney sits down with Hanley Smith (Heal Nova Scotia; Check Me Out) to explore safer intimacy, language experimentation, and trans-inclusive sexual health—especially for those outside major city centers. Together they discuss: Why affirming homes build lifelong resilienceLanguage tools that reduce dysphoria (and what NOT to do)Fetishization red flags and staying saferIntimacy when you’re navigating body discomfortThe rise of online misinformation—and how to fact-check yourselfWhy community knowledge is powerful but can’t replace evidence-based careHow the Check Me Out tool works (380+ possible custom responses!)Takeaways: Silence communicates shame; curiosity communicates care.Let people choose the words for their bodies—then follow their lead.Safety isn’t one perfect decision; it’s informed consent across time.Community resources survive persecution; they deserve engagement.Engagement (not just donations) keeps programs funded.Resources mentioned:  Check Me Out — Trans-inclusive sexual health tool (18+)HEAL Nova ScotiaSugar Health (NS) — Sexual health directory + warm linezine librariessexual health clinicscommunity surveysMusic Credit:Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/ and Be Myself video Connect with Simply Good Form:🌐 simplygoodform.com📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform

    49 min
  2. How to Find Joy in Your Physical Form: Gender-Affirming Physio with Heart

    25/07/2025

    How to Find Joy in Your Physical Form: Gender-Affirming Physio with Heart

    What if gender-affirming care included free access to pre- and post-op physiotherapy, holistic recovery planning, and safer binder use? In this powerful launch episode of Simply Beyond, host Cyndi Sweeney speaks with two dedicated professionals offering free, trauma-informed physio support to trans and non-binary individuals preparing for — or healing from — gender-affirming surgery. Together, they explore: What gender-affirming physiotherapy really means (and why it matters)The importance of preventative care and recovery planningCommon myths and risks around binder use — and how to reduce harmTwo things you should be doing to reconnect with your body todayWhether you're preparing for top surgery, starting hormones, or supporting someone who is, or you are just looking for gender-affirming wellness guidance, this episode will meet you with insight, care, and actionable steps. Because joy in your body isn’t just possible — it’s your right. SHOW NOTES: Guests: Alexa Starratt (she/her) BSc, MSc, PT, PCES, Physiotherapist, Brickyard Health, @brickyardhealthAmy Prescott (she/xe), Resident Physiotherapist Brickyard Health, and member of Queer Physiotherapy Collective (QPC), @affirmptResources & Links: Brickyard Health Lintree: https://linktr.ee/brickyardhealthFree Gender-Affirming and pelvic health physiotherapy at Halifax Sexual Health Centre: https://hshc.ca/gender-affirming-and-pelvic-physiotherapy/Free pelvic health physiotherapy with Alexa and a team of great specialists via North End Community Health Centre, Halifax: https://nechc.com/Free Binder Support Workshop: Subscribe to be the first to know: https://simplygoodform.com/simply-beyond/Post-Op Home Care and Self-Help for Top Surgery Resource: Link to followPre-Op Self & HomeCare for Top Surgery: Link to followMusic Credit:Show intro/outro music courtesy of: Craymo: https://www.craymo.com/  and Be Myself video Connect with Simply Good Form: 🌐 simplygoodform.com 📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | @simplygoodform About This Podcast: Simply Beyond is a Simply Good Form podcast about real stories and bold conversations that transcend the binary. Hosted by award-winning DEI strategist and proud mama bear Cynthia Sweeney (she/her).

    39 min
  3. Unpacking progress: Navigating True Inclusion in Finance

    12/10/2024

    Unpacking progress: Navigating True Inclusion in Finance

    Show Notes:Guest: Laura Whiteland, CFP®, CIM - owner of Inclusive Financial PlanningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusive-financial-planning/ Here's what we're talking about: As Kenny Rogers would say, 'You got to know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold them.' Inclusion in the workplace isn't about free therapy, and this episode offers advice for cis professionals on navigating education with sensitivity and timeliness.Listen up community: Do the numbers on inclusion progress really add up? Turns out, not all letters in the LGBTQIA+ acronym are created equal.Hey cis folks: Fake it 'til you make it! How to build fluency for inclusive professionalism.How to avoid being ignorant, even when you're just trying to learn.Author Susan Striker's book, Transgender History  TD Connected Community Moment:We love connecting community and in this episode's TD Connected Community Moment we would love to hear. your pressing DEI and gender identity inclusion questions. Connect through our blog and learn more about this episode here. Read more and share your thoughts here. Get Social: Creators & Guests Cyn Sweeney - Host Emma Stanley - Host Laura Whiteland - Guest Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

    54 min
  4. AccessAbility Week and Toilet Talk with Michelle Mahoney

    28/05/2024

    AccessAbility Week and Toilet Talk with Michelle Mahoney

    Trans Canada Stories is about sharing trans stories and celebrating trans people and allies, from coast-to-coast-to-coast. In episode 7 'AccessAbility Week and Toilet Talk', we’re shaking it up a little, in the spirit of celebrating equity and inclusion. This week is National AccessAbility Week! The theme of this year's Accessibility Week is Forward Together: AccessAbility and Inclusion for All. It runs nationally from Sunday, May 26 to Saturday, June 1, 2024, to celebrate: the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canadathe work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barriersongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive CanadaPhysical accessibility is a major component of inclusion work, but we always have to consider less obvious barriers to creating welcoming environments. Today, we’ve called in an expert, and she’s unstoppable when it comes to her valuable contributions and leadership, advocating for accessibility, life and laughter. Michelle Mahoney was born with a condition that limited mobility in her arms, hands, and knees, and she was born with clubbed feet and a dislocated hip. The doctors told her parents she would probably never walk. Flash forward to 1995 … when Michelle graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with what she likes to refer to as a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Independence. After working at Dalhousie University for 23 years, Michelle now sits on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals Nova Scotia, and Easter Seals Board of Canada as the Nova Scotia representative. She is also the Accessibility Officer at University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Michelle is an avid surfer, enjoys downhill skiing, and waterskiing, and enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog, Gus and in this episode we're talking about accessibility both visible and invisible and the inequities of needing to pee. Show Notes:Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.Thank you to TD Bank Group for making stories like these possible.Red Shirt Day: https://redshirtday.org/about-us/Easter Seals Nova Scotia: https://easterseals.ns.ca/Easter Seals Canada: https://easterseals.ca/en/Today's TD Connected Community Moment: Red Shirt Day: https://www.facebook.com/share/tbhVf9YZLzRpfiEV/?mibextid=WC7FNeRed Shirt Day of Action for Access Ability and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for disabled people and their families, celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society. Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. It takes place on the Wednesday of National Access Ability Week each year. Anyone can take part in Red Shirt Day. Put on your favourite red shirt, take some photos and make a pledge to help improve accessibility and inclusion in your community. Then post your photos and your pledge on social media with the hashtags. #RedShirtDay#RedForAccessAbilityOther great Red Shirt Day Resources for kids: Kids Inclusive: Kids Corner: A resource designed to help children understand different abilities through games, stories, and activities. The Rick Hansen Foundation: School Program: Offers lesson plans, toolkits, and activities for educators and parents to promote inclusion and accessibility.PBS Kids: Disability Awareness: Tips and resources for teaching children about disabilities and promoting inclusivity.Book List: Children's Books About Disabilities: A collection of children's books that highlight different disabilities and promote empathy and understanding.Today's TD Connected Community Moment:Be a guest. Tell us who you'd like to hear on an upcoming episode. Share with us the trans-forward topics most important to you. We would love to hear from you and it's easy to engage. You will NOT be added to any emailing lists; infact, participation is anonymous!  Share with us here.#TD #AccessAbility For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/ Get Social: Creators & Guests Cyn Sweeney - Host Emma Stanley - Host Michelle Mahoney - Guest Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/

    51 min
  5. Growth Work: The Professional and Personal

    09/05/2024

    Growth Work: The Professional and Personal

    This episode we’re featuring an interview with Terri McDowell (She/Her), who has built a career working in a traditionally male dominated industry. As an award-winning trans woman, who rose to the C-Suite level on her own terms, Terri reflects on her growth both professionally and personally. Terri is a Senior Tax Partner with EY: Ernst Young. Globally, EY has a presence in 183 countries and has almost 450,000 employees based around the globe.  Firstly, we are NOT talking tax on this episode.  What can employers can do to create a professional services firm where people feel safe to show-up as their authentic self everyday? Cyn first met Terri in 2022, at the National 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce Awards, where Terri won Business Leader of the Year. Terri is Partner/Principal at EY in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and her recognition as Business Leader of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce underscores the significance of representation and visibility for marginalized communities in leadership positions, serving as a role model for others. During this interview, you’ll hear Terri's insights on transitioning while building her career and moving from surviving to thriving. Our conversation highlights several key Topics: Key principle for anchoring a corporate business inclusion strategy.Balancing Professional and Community Engagement.Inclusive Leadership: Terri's experiences as a trans woman in various professional settings and creating welcoming work environments for all employees, regardless of gender identity or expression.nuances of cultural dNA and trans inclusion.Career Development and Diversity of Experience.Building Allyships and the importance of finding common ground.Show Notes:Connect with Terri on LinkedIn.The 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of CommerceThe Tax Foundation Today's TD Connected Community Moment:Be a guest. Tell us who you'd like to hear on an upcoming episode. Share with us the trans-forward topics most important to you. We would love to hear from you and it's easy to engage. You will NOT be added to any emailing lists; infact, participation is anonymous!  Share with us here.#TD For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/ Get Social: Creators & Guests Cyn Sweeney - Host Emma Stanley - Host Terri McDowell - Guest Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

    37 min
  6. Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion

    06/03/2024

    Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion

    Join us for an exciting journey in Episode 5 of Trans Canada Stories, titled 'Equitable Horizons: Conversations on Workplace Inclusion'! In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome B Adair (he/they), a fresh addition to the SGF Inclusion team. B shares their inspiring journey from navigating the challenging anti-trans climate in Alberta to embracing new horizons on the East Coast of Canada. Get ready for an engaging discussion as we delve into topics ranging from beachcombing adventures to the vital concept of privilege, and why equity work is beneficial for everyone. Plus, we tackle burning questions about inclusive forms and the imperative to redefine professionalism in the workplace. But wait, there's more! We absolutely adore hearing from our listeners, and during our TD Connected Community Moment, we extend an invitation for you to send in your questions. Your queries might just be featured in our next episode of Trans Canada Stories! Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! 🎙️✨ TD Connected Community MomentDon't miss out—share your questions with us right here: https://forms.gle/e4mUyfaQEwWRftC77 We'll include answers in an upcoming episode!  For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/ Get Social: Creators & Guests SGF Inclusion - Producer Cyn Sweeney - Host Emma Stanley - Host Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.

    36 min
  7. Sophie Labelle - Trans Artist, Activist, and Author

    06/12/2023

    Sophie Labelle - Trans Artist, Activist, and Author

    Few Webcomics have been as prolific and long-running as Assigned Male, the brainchild of trans Québécois cartoonist Sophie Labelle. First releasing in October of 2014, Assigned Male portrays life through the eyes of a trans middle schooler named Stephie who alternately makes light of, and chafes under the realities of growing up a transgender child in a cisgender world. The webcomic series is still ongoing. In 2017, Labelle first squared off against the rising tide of anti-trans and fringe-right haters, when a book reading for her new comic, Dating Tips for Trans and Queer Weirdos, was cancelled under threats of violence. During this time, Labelle received death threats and was doxxed, which would ultimately lead to her resettling with her partner in Finland, where she lives today. In the wake of these events, however, Labelle's audience expanded rapidly across Canada and the world. Today, she has more readers and supporters than ever before. To see Sophie's work, or to purchase one of her books, visit her website at https://www.serioustransvibes.com/ TD Connected Community MomentFor a chance to win a signed copy of one of Sophie Labelle's books, follow this link and fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiXNtHEfun9GeOwTQs_vnf7ahZurKtjfkIu9VTfUxE0pIbkA/viewform?usp=sf_link Contest runs until January 6. For more information on Simply Good Form, follow this link: https://www.simplygoodform.com/ Get Social: Creators & Guests SGF Inclusion - Producer Connor Sampson - Producer Cyn Sweeney - Host Emma Stanley - Host Sophie Labelle - Guest Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimplyGoodForm/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simply-good-form/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SimplyGoodForm Trans Canada Stories is proudly partnered with TD Bank Group.Check out the gender affirming children's story, based on a true story, 'The Pink Balloon'. Available on Amazon.

    33 min

About

A Simply Good Form podcast exploring transgender inclusion, gender diversity, and inclusive leadership — one bold conversation at a time. Hosted by award-winning advocate and proud mama bear Cyndi Sweeney (she/her), Simply Beyond amplifies the lived experiences of trans, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ voices across Canada and beyond. Through real stories, candid conversations, and practical insights, we go beyond the binary to build connection, foster belonging, and inspire allyship at home, at work, and in our communities. Whether you're a curious ally, a parent of a trans kid, or a leader working to create safer, more inclusive spaces — you're in the right place. Because every voice matters. And every story counts.

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