

Homo Sapiens
Spirit Studios & Christopher Sweeney
The world from a Queer perspective: Conversations, stories and a good old laugh with LGBTQ+ icons, allies and of course, our lovely listeners. Come and join the Homo Sapiens family with new episodes every Thursday - the more the merrier! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 6, 2023 • 30min
Trans Parent Day: How to be a supportive parent for your trans child | Part 1
How should you support your child’s transition? This weekend was Trans Parent Day- a day to honour trans parents and the parents of trans children. To celebrate, we spoke to activist and former serviceman Jaxon Feeley and his brilliant mum Sharon. Jaxon grew up in Wigan and served in both the military and prison services. Jaxon chose to transition at the age of 27 with the full support of his parents and two siblings. This episode is full of suggestions and guidance on how to be a supportive parent to your trans child- from how to tell extended family and friends, how to meet mistakes such as misgendering with love and the importance of trusting your child when it comes to their own gender identity. It’s a truly heartwarming episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2023 • 24min
254: Matt Rogers: Las Culturistas | Part 2
Is Nicole Scherzinger a British national Treasure? What’s the best pop song of all-time? This week we are thrilled to welcome cultural royalty to HS Towers. The brilliant Matt Rogers, comedian, actor and co-host of the enormously successful Las Culturistas podcast joins us to discuss all things LGBTQ+ culture. From Jessie J, to insta gays to run in’s with Mariah Carey aka the queen of christmas- it was a hoot!You can buy tickets to Matt's show 'Have You Heard of Christmas?' at the Soho Theatre this November here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2023 • 19min
254: Matt Rogers: Las Culturistas | Part 1
Is Nicole Scherzinger a British national Treasure? What’s the best pop song of all-time? This week we are thrilled to welcome cultural royalty to HS Towers. The brilliant Matt Rogers, comedian, actor and co-host of the enormously successful Las Culturistas podcast joins us to discuss all things LGBTQ+ culture. From Jessie J, to insta gays to run in’s with Mariah Carey aka the queen of christmas- it was a hoot!You can buy tickets to Matt's show 'Have You Heard of Christmas?' at the Soho Theatre this November here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 2023 • 11min
Stephen Fry: How a Psychiatrist saved my life
Stephen Fry is a figurehead for mental health reform and progress and this week he has highlighted the need for more physiatrists - stating ‘psychiatry saved my life at its lowest moment. I don’t believe I would be here today if it were not for the psychiatrist who rescued me.’ Today we speak with him about how his younger years were filled with stealing, lying and eventually prison, before he was finally given his diagnosis of bi-polar disorder. He discusses the wide-ranging effects of living with bi-polar with his characteristic wit and candour and it's a fascinating chat. You can listen to the full episode with Stephen Fry here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2023 • 21min
253: Cat Burns | Part 2
Are you a people pleaser? This episode will speak to you! We were honoured to welcome international superstar Cat Burns to HS Towers this week! She is one of THE most exciting queer singer-songwriters to date. She’s had quite the year, from supporting Ed Sheeran on tour, to collaborating and touring with Sam Smith. Plus, she counts Elton John as one of the fans. We speak about how to manage being a people pleaser, why being on Tik Tok helped her come out and grappling with compulsory heterosexuality. Plus, your Madonna reviews are IN. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2023 • 24min
253: Cat Burns | Part 1
Are you a people pleaser? This episode will speak to you! We were honoured to welcome international superstar Cat Burns to HS Towers this week! She is one of THE most exciting queer singer-songwriters to date. She’s had quite the year, from supporting Ed Sheeran on tour, to collaborating and touring with Sam Smith. Plus, she counts Elton John as one of the fans. We speak about how to manage being a people pleaser, why being on Tik Tok helped her come out and grappling with compulsory heterosexuality. Plus, your Madonna reviews are IN. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2023 • 25min
252: Arlene Phillips | Part 2
What did Whitney Houston hate about her feet? What was it like to experience a Freddie Mercury party? Arlene Phillips has choreographed some of the most iconic music videos of all time, from Whitney’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody, to Elton’s I’m Still Standing- and in her own words has worked with all of the biggest divas in history. Her formation of the dance group Hot Gossip revolutionised the dance landscape into what it is today- a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and authentic expression. Arlene is a true trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community and it was a pleasure to sit down with her and discuss everything from how the aids crisis impacted the dance community in the late 1970’s, to the genesis of the first-ever Strictly Come Dancing pilot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2023 • 39min
252: Arlene Phillips | Part 1
What did Whitney Houston hate about her feet? What was it like to experience a Freddie Mercury party? Arlene Phillips has choreographed some of the most iconic music videos of all time, from Whitney’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody to Elton’s I’m Still Standing- and in her own words has worked with all of the biggest divas in history. Her formation of the dance group Hot Gossip revolutionised the dance landscape into what it is today- a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and authentic expression. Arlene is a true trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community and it was a pleasure to sit down with her and discuss everything from how the aids crisis impacted the dance community in the late 1970’s, to the genesis of the first-ever Strictly Come Dancing pilot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 2023 • 27min
251: Coming Out Day: How to support people who are coming out | Part 2
Who supported you when you came out? Is there anything you wish people had said or done to support? Or is there anything you wish people hadn’t said? To celebrate National Coming Out Day, we have created a guide for the friends and family of LGBTQ+ people, who wish to help their loved ones on their coming out journey but don’t know how. This audio guide has been created using the stories and advice of our brilliant LGBTQ+ listeners based on their own journeys. So LGBTQ+ allies- listen up! Plus Chris has enlisted the help of pro footballer and LGBTQ+ advocate Zander Murray to guide you through x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 2023 • 18min
251: Coming Out Day: How to support people who are coming out | Part 1
Who supported you when you came out? Is there anything you wish people had said or done to support? Or is there anything you wish people hadn’t said? To celebrate National Coming Out Day, we have created a guide for the friends and family of LGBTQ+ people, who wish to help their loved ones on their coming out journey but don’t know how. This audio guide has been created using the stories and advice of our brilliant LGBTQ+ listeners based on their own journeys. So LGBTQ+ allies- listen up! Plus Chris has enlisted the help of pro footballer and LGBTQ+ advocate Zander Murray to guide you through x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.