131. “Is JK Rowling Transphobic?” Critical Thinking and its Consequences, with Warren Smith

In this episode, I sit down with Warren Smith, a passionate educator and critical thinker, who gained viral attention for his thought-provoking dialogue in which he used Socratic dialogue to question a student’s belief that “J.K. Rowling is transphobic.” We dive deep into the importance of teaching critical thinking skills in today's educational landscape, where echo chambers and social media often stifle independent thought. How can we encourage students to think for themselves amidst a flood of content and opinions?

Warren shares his experiences as a multimedia teacher, revealing the innovative ways he helps students become comfortable on camera and articulate their thoughts. But what happens when the very framework of education is challenged by administrative pressures and societal expectations? We explore the obstacles he faced in fostering a culture of open dialogue and critical inquiry.

As we discuss the implications of his viral video, Warren reflects on the repercussions it had on his career. Did he anticipate the fallout, and how did it change his teaching environment? We also touch on the broader cultural shifts in education and the challenges of navigating a landscape that often prioritizes conformity over creativity. What does the future hold for educators who dare to challenge the status quo? 

Warren also turns the tables and interviews me, offering me an opportunity to articulate how I built my podcast, how my thoughts on gender ideology have taken shape over the past several years, and where my attitude toward the mental health profession currently stands.

Warren Smith is the founder of the Secret Scholars on YouTube. He is a volunteer firefighter, teacher and critical thinker. 

 00:00 Start

[00:01:16] Teaching critical thinking skills.

[00:05:30] Critical thinking in education.

[00:10:45] Workplace culture and leadership changes.

[00:13:40] Teaching critical thinking challenges.

[00:18:35] Movie industry critical thinking challenges.

[00:21:00] Democratization of content creation.

[00:24:31] Podcasting and audience engagement.

[00:29:17] Gender critical perspectives and challenges.

[00:30:34] Gender identity in therapy settings.

[00:35:58] Detransitioners and their experiences.

[00:40:43] ROGD Repair course for parents.

[00:42:23] Gender identity and its implications.

[00:46:39] Trans identity and cultural change.

[00:50:15] Therapy's purpose and expectations.

[00:56:39] Defining mental health challenges.

[00:58:30] Social contagion and mental health.

[01:02:20] Identity and emotional attachment.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Are you concerned about an adolescent or young adult with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria? Join at ROGDrepair.com and get instant access to over 100 lessons designed to equip you with the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2024 to take 50% off your first month.

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Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. 

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

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