A Life Lived Trans

Zero Stress Productions
  • 4.7 (14)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A Life Lived Trans is a podcast hosted by Mardi P. and Lenny Z., two trans elders who have been transitioning collectively for close to 100 years (yes, that is one whole-ass century)! Each week, they are bringing you their stories of what it was like transitioning in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. For full episodes and to support our hosts, please visit our Patreon page.

  1. 3D AGO

    S03E12 Pick me gays vs. the crows have eyes

    Season three, episode 12 of A Life Lived Trans opens with hosts Mardi P. and Lenny Z. checking in personally before diving into a packed agenda. Lenny shares that he's navigating some difficult family struggles, which leads to a warm exchange about the complexity of family relationships for trans people — estrangement, boundaries, and the particular pain of having unsupportive family members, including conservative relatives. Both hosts reflect on their own histories with chosen family, stealth living, and the hard-won community they've built over decades. The bulk of the episode takes on the Met Gala, where Mardi and Lenny call out what they see as the tokenizing of trans women — namely Hunter Schaefer and Alex Consani — at an event now bankrolled by Jeff Bezos. Mardi draws a sharp parallel to her own experience in the 1980s being the "token tranny" at wealthy Vancouver parties, and the conversation expands into a broader critique of "pick-me gays" who distance themselves from the trans community for social acceptance, at a moment when trans youth suicide rates are climbing in both the US and UK. They also touch on passport gender policy rollbacks under the current US administration, and celebrate Trans History Week with a rundown of Canadian and American trans trailblazers. The episode wraps with a joyful segment on Chris Paul Rainbows' upcoming children's book Guinea Pigs Don't Wear Pants — a gender-affirming picture book with charming self-illustrated pages, available for pre-order with a portion of sales going to the It Gets Better foundation. Mardi also gives a brief update on the memoir she's writing, describing the process as both cathartic and re-traumatizing, with a first chapter due the following week. https://www.guineapigsdontwearpants.com/

    44 min

  2. MAY 6

    ALLT: S03E11 Passports, Patriarchy & Genital Operators

    Mardi and Lenny open the episode with their signature irreverent energy, welcoming new Patreon supporters and giving a shoutout to their editor "Sparkly Fairy" for elevating the show's production quality.  They reflect on why they started the podcast — to counter the false narrative that trans people are a recent phenomenon — sharing how both men and women transitioned in the 1970s and have watched representation slowly trickle into mainstream culture, from Christine Jorgensen to the award winning series Transparent.  Mardi recalls the latest huge increase in Trans Visibility during the Pandemic and the early days of uncensored TikTok when she found a huge audience of young trans people hungry for elder representation, a pipeline that has since been algorithmically throttled. The hosts dive into a lively, frank discussion about the distinction between gender identity and gender expression. Drawing on Mardi's colorful past as a "professional gennytill operator," they discuss the world of bimbification and cross-dressing fetish culture — not to shame it, but to clearly separate it from the transgender experience. They frame both as products of a patriarchal society that punishes gender nonconformity, making compassionate space for the kink world while pushing back against conflation with trans identity. The episode wraps into a segment on Caitlyn Jenner's passport woes, a broader conversation about trans rights, legal battles, and municipal representation through the lens of New York City's new LGBTQ appointee. – This is a Life Lived Trans

    46 min

  3. APR 29

    Beyond Borders: One Trans Man's Journey to Safety, Self, and Belonging

    In this deeply moving episode, hosts MahD and Lenny Z sit down with guest Justin A. for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about life, identity, and resilience. Justin opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance — a path marked by courage, reflection, and an unwavering sense of self. The conversation takes an honest look at the realities many trans individuals face in today's political landscape, including Justin's decision to relocate to Mexico in search of safety and community. Far from a story of defeat, it's one of agency and intentional living. Throughout the episode, all three voices weave together themes of community, solidarity, and hope — reminding listeners that shared stories have the power to shift perspectives and build bridges. The hosts and Justin also reflect on how far trans rights have come, while acknowledging the very real work that remains. Thoughtful, warm, and inspiring, this episode is an invitation to listen, learn, and celebrate the strength found in living authentically. – This is a Life Lived Trans.

    1h 3m

  4. APR 22

    ALLT S03E09: Our Trans Boots On The Ground Capital Hill Report, Threads "Final Boss of Trans People" Contest and Trans Elder Babble

    Honey, pull up a chair — this one has got everything: psychiatry, policy and community celebration. Between them, Mardi and Lenny carry nearly a hundred years of a life lived trans – through the decades when there were no words for it and no roadmaps. Just persistence, instinct and an absolute refusal to disappear. This episode opens with a listener message from a mother navigating her four-year-old's emerging gender identity. Drawing on decades of personal experience, they offer guidance rooted in one simple principle — when a child expresses who they are consistently, persistently and without wavering, that is not a phase. That is self-knowledge. Dr. Terra Cody Weston ( @terra_forme on Threads & IG ) child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins from Capitol Hill where she is working on a psychiatric fellowship inside Congress. Quietly and magnificently, she is making noise in all the right places — sharing what remains very much alive in the fight for trans rights, from legal pathways and state-level protections to a psychiatric community finding its courage. And because joy is its own kind of resistance, she tells us about the Final Boss of Trans People, a bracket-style community contest running on Threads @terra_forme , now in its second year. The contest spotlights activists, pioneers, artists and icons from across trans life — building visibility, community traditions and a sense of collective pride. Honest, warm and politically engaged. This is A Life Lived Trans.

    44 min

  5. APR 15

    ALLT S03E08: "Glitter, Guts & Grey Hair: 50 Years of Not Shutting Up”

    In this provocative episode, Mardi and Lenny peel back the layers of the current political landscape, from Minnesota’s legal battles to global efforts to erase trans identities.  They share candid stories from recent activist efforts in Kelowna and reflect on their decades of experience living through transformative times in the trans community.  Discover how undercover agendas, media manipulation, and political tactics threaten our rights—and more importantly, how we can fight back with truth, humor, and resilience.We break down some jaw-dropping revelations: why controversial figures like Pink News are losing support, how mainstream platforms like Pornhub reveal the true desires of the masses, and why trans joy and visibility threaten the status quo.  You'll discover the deep connection between shame and oppression—and how genuine acceptance and self-love can dismantle it. Our hosts delve into the significance of trans athletes breaking barriers, the intersection of gender expression and societal expectations, and the importance of non-binary identities pushing for authentic representation. This isn’t just a rant—it's a call to action. If you’re tired of being misunderstood or marginalized, if you’re ready to see the bigger picture and stand up for your right to be proud, this episode is essential listening. The stakes are high: our rights, our safety, our very existence depend on it. But hope remains. Through storytelling, expert insights, and unapologetic honesty, Marty and Lenny inspire you to reclaim your narrative and challenge the system.Perfect for allies, activists, and anyone questioning the narratives fed by media and politics—this conversation will empower you to think critically, laugh loud, and act boldly.  Tune in now to hear the truth about the confluence of politics, culture, and community, and learn how to turn awareness into resistance. Guest credentials:  Mardi and Lenny are 'seasoned' trans elders, sharing insights from almost 100 years in the movement. With lived experience and activist spirit, they illuminate the path toward genuine liberation and self-acceptance.

    1h 1m

  6. APR 1

    ALLT S03E07 - Honey, We Need to Talk — And Then Transition

    In this episode of A Life Lived Trans, hosts Mardi P. and Lenny Z. welcome internet sensations Shay and Amanda Scott — a couple whose love story began in a tight-knit Mormon community, wound through decades of friendship and faith, and ultimately blossomed into something beautifully unexpected. Shay came out to Amanda as transgender about seven years ago, and the two navigated that journey together with remarkable patience, collaboration, and a commitment to keeping their relationship and their three children at the center of every decision. The conversation covers their Mormon upbringing and how Shay's transition cracked open a deep faith deconstruction for both of them, their experience raising openly queer-positive kids in a conservative Utah community, and how Shay's film production background gave them the tools — and the courage — to start sharing their story online. The episode also digs into bigger themes around palatability, representation, and who gets to be the "face" of the trans movement. Amanda reflects thoughtfully on her own evolving sense of identity and sexuality, pushing back gently on the idea that their more conventional presentation is the goal — rather, they see themselves as one voice among many in a movement that needs all kinds. Lenny and Mardi share their own parallel experiences of praying away their gender, deconstructing religion, and finding freedom in authenticity, making for a conversation that is equal parts personal testimony, philosophical musing, and warm mutual appreciation. The Scotts also reveal that a vow renewal is in the works for their 20th anniversary, and that Amanda is deep in the process of finding a publisher for her memoir. Shay Scott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayescott/ Amanda Scott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramandascott/

    47 min

  7. MAR 25

    ALLT S03E06: "Who's Afraid of the Gender Spectrum? (Spoiler: People With the Most to Lose)”

    In this episode we dive into the complexities of gender identity and the freedom that comes with embracing fluidity over binary thinking. Drawing on candid personal stories and sharp cultural commentary, we explore how fear of losing privilege drives societal backlash against inclusion — and why the push for acceptance is inseparable from the pursuit of authenticity. We talk about the recent groundbreaking runway show of fashion house Matieres Fecales titled "The One Percent” who's dark wit smashes gender stereotypes, framing creative expression as a form of resistance, mocking greed in top shelf couture. We also get into Mardi’s theory of the "privilege pyramid" — a framework for understanding how hidden trauma layers sustain inequality, and how healing requires recognizing the full spectrum of human experience. From reflections on recovery and aging as trans people to observations about global climate chaos and cultural rebellion, the episode ultimately lands as a call to action urging listeners toward greater compassion, community, and unapologetic self-expression. Moons Lane F*ck Off Spray - - The Spray Of Banishing https://www.moonslane.com.au/

    50 min

  8. MAR 18

    ALLT S03E05: Love First Not Fear First — A Conversation About What It Really Means to Support a Trans Child

    In this episode Mardi and Lenny explore the trans experience from a parental perspective with Joy and Diana from the Transparently Speaking podcast. These parents stories are filled with strength, unconditional love and the lengths we have to go through in today’s America. This generational discussion of trans childhood history is a required listen. Links: Transparently Speaking podcast: https://transparentlyspeakingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Plume Clinic: https://getplume.co/ The Trevor Project: https://thetrevorproject.org Trans LifeLine: https://translifeline.org/

    54 min
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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

A Life Lived Trans is a podcast hosted by Mardi P. and Lenny Z., two trans elders who have been transitioning collectively for close to 100 years (yes, that is one whole-ass century)! Each week, they are bringing you their stories of what it was like transitioning in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. For full episodes and to support our hosts, please visit our Patreon page.

Information

  • Creator
    Zero Stress Productions
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    A Life Lived Trans

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