You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Sara Stockton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, lecturer, researcher, and clinical supervisor of a psychotherapy practice in New York who has done a complete 180 on the subject of youth gender transition. Ms. Stockton spent the first part of her career advocating for “gender affirming care” in the treatment of trans-identified youth. Starting in 2008, her work with this population included traveling to teach and train medical facilities, physicians, and schools on “gender affirmation.” In 2013, she co-authored one of the first mental health assessments in the US utilized to assess youth “readiness” for gender transition. She treated over 100 families, and wrote many of the first letters that were used to approve gender transition surgeries on minors, before a change of perspective shifted the focus of her work. More recently, she was featured in the documentary “What is a Woman,” where she decided to speak out about her moments of doubt and realizations, and her decision to raise awareness about the pitfalls of this approach. She has also been interviewed by Jordan Peterson and on Gender: A Wider Lens.In this episode, Sara shares her journey from being a young graduate student specializing in gender issues to her eventual shift in focus towards sex therapy. We discuss the lack of historical context and critical examination of the treatment protocols for transgender-identified youth; the pressure to conform to a specific narrative without questioning the long-term consequences; and ways in which young therapists’ naïveté, openness, and eagerness to prove themselves can all be utilized to further an agenda that might more easily be recognized as sinister by more grounded individuals.Sara opens up about the ethical dilemmas she encountered, including the issue of informed consent and the pressure to prescribe irreversible medical interventions to young people. We explore the concept of autogynephilia and its implications for understanding the motivations behind gender identity. We touch on the hyper-sexualization of youth in the context of gender issues; the links between sexual deviance and the “trans” movement; and the challenges of navigating discussions around sexuality and intimacy with young clients.Sara shares a pivotal moment in her career when she encountered a detransitioner and realized the lack of support and resources available for those who regret their medical transition. We discuss the vulnerability of individuals during times of personal struggle and the potential for manipulation and exploitation.This episode raises important questions about the need for a more nuanced and critical approach to gender issues. Join us as we delve into these complex topics and challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding trans-identified youth. Find Sara on X @MrsSaraStockton or at www.stocktonscoaching.comResources mentioned:-Eleven Lawsuits by Detransitioners in the US (article on Lisa Selin Davis' blog, Broadview)-Episode 82. Jamie Reed Confronts Gender Malpractice: on Courage, Whistleblowing, and Detrans Medical Records00:00 Start02:08 Early 20s and gender issues.05:58 The shift in public perception.10:39 The Dutch protocol.13:26 Valuing discomfort over natural processes.17:11 Squashing our instincts and intuition.20:41 Treating gender dysphoria.29:06 Sensory exploration and identity.29:39 Gender-related ideation.37:02 Informed consent and decision-making.41:20 Talking to young transgender patients.44:23 Oversexualization in LGBTQ+ youth.50:39 Detransitioning experiences.56:30 Cults and manipulation.59:28 Safeguarding and client potential.01:06:03 Challenging parental perspectives.01:06:48 Gender dysphoria and mental hospitals.01:11:00 Pornography addiction and shifting focus.01:16:26 Butchery of children.01:19:41 Backlash and public criticism.01:24:18-01:24:28 Blacklisting and Speaking Out. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, I delve into the raw and revealing journey of Austin Unbridled, a 41-year-old who has navigated the turbulent waters of gender identity and spirituality. Austin's candid recount of transitioning from male to female, and then detransitioning twice, sheds light on the complexities of trans ideology and the often unspoken struggles that accompany it. We explore the allure of transformation, the promises of gender-affirming care, and the harsh realities that followed.Austin's story is one of vulnerability, from the influence of older trans individuals and the seductive narratives of the trans community, to the entanglement with sex work and the pursuit of surgeries in hopes of finding peace. His return to a Christian faith offers a contrasting perspective to his past experiences.What drove Austin to believe that changing his gender would solve his inner turmoil? How did his spiritual upbringing clash with his gender exploration? And what led to his profound realization that the path he was on wasn't leading to the fulfillment he sought? Join us as we unpack these questions and more, offering a glimpse into the life of someone who's lived on the front lines of a deeply personal and societal debate. Tune in to hear Austin's transformative tale and the lessons he's learned about identity, faith, and the human desire for authenticity.Austin, 41, is a former male-to-female identified individual and a two-time detransitioner who has grappled with spiritual and gender identity throughout his life. Nestled in an off-grid DIY compound in Arizona's desert, Austin passionately seeks truth, enjoys journaling, and finds solace in nature and with good friends and a loyal canine companion. Documenting his detransition journey and return to faith on TikTok, Austin intertwines personal growth, reflecting on his experience between transitions with a dedication to sharing the Love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Eager to enroll in ministry school next year, and driven by a deep belief that no child is “born in the wrong body,” Austin's prodigal journey home encompasses faith, self-discovery, and at times a cautionary tale.Follow Austin on TikTok @austin.unbridled and on YouTube @austinunbridledContribute to his GoFundMe to remove his breast implantsBooks mentioned in this episode:"Invisible Monsters" by Chuck PalahniukPrevious episodes mentioned:84. Leonard Sax, MD: How Sex Differences Impact Brains, Behaviors, and Child Development[00:00:00] Trans ideology and its impact.[00:01:31] TikTok and transgender identity.[00:05:51] Gender identity and religion.[00:10:36] Faith and reasoning.[00:19:00] Romanticizing LGBTQ+ experiences.[00:19:02] A departure from Christian roots.[00:23:22] Transgender identity and stereotypes.[00:28:17] Foreshadowing psychiatric care approach.[00:32:11] Adjusting to the hormones.[00:33:27] Hormones and emotional sensitivity.[00:39:13] Getting off all the meds.[00:41:21] Nihilism and body modifications.[00:44:54] Preying on vulnerability.[00:49:26] Sex work and financial struggles.[00:52:10] Transitioning and its consequences.[00:56:01] Complications in bottom surgery.[01:00:57] Dating challenges post-surgery.[01:07:51] Suicides and body modification.[01:10:05] Finding closure and questioning trans ideology.[01:13:38] Identity and ideological differences.[01:19:53] Guilt tripping tactics.[01:19:55] Detransition and its consequences.[01:27:17] Going back on testosterone.[01:28:29] Hormonal effects on transitioning.[01:34:13] Faith and self-discovery.[01:38:34] Quiet detransitioning and lost connections.[01:41:09] Regrets about transitioning.[01:47:48] Breast implant removal fundraising. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

We’re kicking off the new year by welcoming back the guest featured on my most popular episode for a long overdue part two!Following up on our prior conversation about the impact of conversion therapy legislation, Helen Joyce, a former journalist and advocate for Sex Matters, sheds light on misconceptions surrounding gender, biology, belief, and human rights.Helen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sex in various aspects of society, from public facilities to anti-discrimination laws. Do laws attempting to protect certain groups from discrimination do so at the expense of others? How are freedom of speech and belief impacted? And what are the potential consequences of broad legislation aimed at banning conversion therapy?Delving into the UK's Tavistock GIDS clinic, we uncover the shocking practices and lack of evidence-based care for young individuals seeking gender identity services. While an interim report called for its closure, the story doesn't end there. Discover the current state of gender identity services in the UK and the challenges faced in providing safe and ethical care.We explore the evolving landscape of gender identity and the emergence of new categories within the transgender community. What underlying factors drive individuals to wish to dissociate themselves from their sexual biology? And how does the cultural shift towards embracing so-called gender diversity impact vulnerable individuals and those who position themselves as rescuers?Helen Joyce is author of “TRANS: When Ideology Meets Reality”, published in July 2021 by OneWorld and in paperback since May 2022. A Times of London and Spectator book of the year, it is a UK and Amazon top ten bestseller. It received rave reviews in publications ranging from the Telegraph to the New York Times, and endorsements from, among others, Daniel Dennett (“A sane, humane book”), Lionel Shriver (“Utterly unintimidated by extremist orthodoxy”) and Richard Dawkins (“Thoroughly researched, passionate and very brave”).Helen now works as Director of Advocacy for Sex Matters, a human-rights organization that campaigns for sex-based rights. Her journalism can be found on her website, HelenJoyce.com. Find Sex Matters at Sex-Matters.org.Books mentioned in this episode: “Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality” by Helen Joyce can be found via this Amazon affiliate link or in my bookshop. Either way your purchase helps support the show. Thank you!Previous episode mentioned: Episode 11. Helen Joyce: Debunking the Myth of Conversion Therapy Helen Joyce, Stephanie Winn00:00 Start[00:00:03] Bikini medicine and sex differences.[00:03:32] Global push to ban conversion therapy.[00:07:17] Conversion therapy and political motivations.[00:10:57] Laws against conversion therapy.[00:13:55] Misuse of UK law.[00:19:29] Gender-critical beliefs are protected by law.[00:21:05] Experimental medical practices on young vulnerable people.[00:24:01] Lack of support for gender issues.[00:30:23] Modern-day conversion therapy.[00:31:11] Gender identity in Gen Z.[00:34:49] Teenage girls and gender identity.[00:38:33] Online grooming and transitioning.[00:43:26] The blue fringe brigade.[00:45:37] LGBTQ+ representation in education.[00:49:16] Mermaids' board member controversy.[00:52:36] Controversial charity challenges UK court.[00:56:09] Ideological capture of the counseling profession.[01:00:10] Diagnostic overshadowing and gender.[01:03:08] Bullying and wrong solutions.[01:06:27] Autogynephilic men in the movement.[01:10:33] Sex differences in human bodies.[01:13:28] Default bias in medical research.[01:17:43] Why sex matters.[01:21:14] Freedom of speech and feminism.[01:24:09] Autogynephilia and its implications.[01:30:00] Ego-syntonic versus ego-dystonic.[01:31:37] Autogynephilia and gender dysphoria.[01:35:06] Cross-dressing and women's sports.[01:39:13] Gender-affirming therapy and legal considerations.[01:42:01] Co-opted institutions passing the buck.[01:45:40] Gender crisis and parenting. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on the past year and a half of podcasting and share some valuable insights and lessons I've learned along the way. With my fiancé by my side for moral support, I dive into the challenges and successes of being a public figure and the unexpected journey that podcasting has taken me on.I discuss the moderate success of my podcast and its typical listenership. I open up about the transition from being a therapist known to a small circle of people to becoming a public figure and the impact it has had on my life. I share the joys of connecting with guests and forming genuine friendships through the podcast, highlighting some of the incredible individuals I've had the privilege of interviewing.As I reflect on the past year, I also delve into the lessons I've learned from being chronically ill and the adjustments I've had to make in my personal and professional life. I discuss the importance of setting boundaries, the challenges of managing expectations, and the pet peeves that come with being a public figure. I offer advice for those who are interested in getting into podcasting on how to balance consideration for your own needs with those of your host and audience. I also share about my process of adjusting to chronic illness and opening a consulting practice.Looking ahead to the future, I share my goals and hopes for the podcast, including bringing back previous guests for follow-up episodes and exploring new formats and collaborations. I express my desire to deepen connections with colleagues and organizations, such as Do No Harm, Critical Therapy Antidote, and Open Therapy Institute. I also express my intention to expand the podcast beyond gender issues and explore a wider range of psychology topics.Books mentioned in this episode: "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman can be found in my bookshop or via this Amazon affiliate link. Either way your purchase supports the show. Thank you! New website: stephaniewinn.comJoin Critical Therapy Antidote: sometherapist.com/CTA00:00 Start[00:00:03] Introduction[00:01:30] Reflecting on the success of the podcast and the reach of the audience[00:05:12] Lessons learned from podcasting and the direction for the future[00:09:45] The origin and evolution of the podcast idea[00:14:20] The process of becoming a public figure and the challenges it brings[00:18:45] The importance of having someone who believes in you[00:22:10] The inspiration behind starting a podcast and the name "You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist"[00:26:30] The concept of therapy adjacency and the podcast's focus on psychology-oriented topics[00:30:15] Anticipated and unanticipated challenges of podcasting[00:34:40] The perks of getting to know people through the podcast and forming connections[00:39:55] Examples of guests who have made a lasting impact[00:45:20] What makes a good guest and considerations for being a considerate guest[00:50:10] Pet peeves and disappointments in guest interactions[00:55:30] Lessons learned from 2023, including adjusting to chronic illness[01:01:15] The growth and development experienced in the past year[01:05:40] Goals and hopes for the future, including deeper connections with colleagues[01:10:25] Plans for bringing back previous guests and exploring new formats[01:15:00] Expanding partnerships with organizations like Do No Harm and Critical Therapy Antidote[01:19:45] The desire to not be solely focused on gender issues and explore other psychology topics[01:24:10] Conclusion and final thoughts on the podcast journey To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Merry Christmas! No interview today. No monologue either. Just a simple, short and sweet song I wanted to give as a gift to anyone whose heart is hurting this holiday.Why I'm sharing this song with you:Since Christmas has fallen on a Monday this year, and I always release new episodes on Monday, I faced a dilemma. I thought it would be a disservice to any guest to ask them to do an episode that would air on a day that the average listener can be expected to have other priorities, and I didn't want to interrupt anyone's holiday with a silly request to listen to an interview instead of celebrating traditions with their loved ones. At the same time, I didn't want to lose the consistency of releasing one episode per week, which I've been doing since the podcast launched in May of 2022. A few weeks before Christmas, this beloved song came to me and said, "hey! Share me with your listeners for Christmas! I'm the perfect gift for your audience!" And I thought, that's perfect. So I reached out to the artist, got in touch with his licensing company, and shelled out the dollars for the rights to share this song with you as my way of saying thank you for supporting the show. As you may have noticed, one of the things I like to do on this podcast is to highlight people of exceptional character and virtue. Ryan O'Neal, who goes by the artist name Sleeping at Last, is one such individual, and I simply adore him. His thoughtfully composed, exquisite music has gotten me through hard times, inspired and soothed me. Beyond mere auditory pleasure, though, his virtuous character shines through everything he touches. For example, this series he did on the Enneagram shows the tremendous amount of effort he puts in to empathizing with the human experience, taking perspectives and telling stories through sound. As an Enneagram One myself - as I discussed with Kim O in episode 80 - it's crucial to my own mental health that I surround myself with examples of virtuous character, good deeds, exquisitely crafted art, and things just generally being done really well. It helps me feel less alone in the universe, less uniquely burdened with the impossible task of bringing out the best in everyone and everything. Ryan is one of those people who seems to be well along his path of self-actualization, who strives to manifest his character and virtue through everything he touches. It seems clear that he is a well-rounded person, a loving husband, father, and friend to many. His music is heartfelt, therapeutic, soulful, and deeply empathic. May this song touch your heart as it touches mine, and bring comfort to the darkness of the winter season. Lyrics to Snow, by Sleeping at Lastthe branches have traded their leaves for white sleeves all warm-blooded creatures make ghosts as they breathe scarves are wrapped tightly like gifts under trees christmas lights tangle in knots annuallyour families huddle closely betting warmth against the cold but our bruises seem to surface like mud beneath the snowso we sing carols softly, as sweet as we know a prayer that our burdens will lift as we go like young love still waiting under mistletoe we’ll welcome december with tireless hopelet our bells keep on ringing making angels in the snow may the melody disarm us when the cracks begin to showlike the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are unconditionally cared for by those who share our broken heartsthe table is set and our glasses are full though pieces go missing, may we still feel whole we’ll build new traditions in place of the old ‘cause life without revision will silence our soulsso let the bells keep on ringing making angels in the snow may the melody surround us when the cracks begin to showlike the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are unconditionally cared for by those who share our broken heartsas gentle as feathers, the snow piles high our world gets rewritten and retraced every time like fresh plates and clean slates, our future is white new year’s resolutions will reset tonight“Snow”Written by Ryan O’NealPublished by Asteroid B-612 (BMI) / Wine And Song Music (BMI)Performed by Sleeping At LastCourtesy of Asteroid B-612By arrangement with Music Alternatives, LLCFollow Sleeping at Last on SpotifyFollow The Sleeping at Last Podcast on SpotifyLearn about how the artist was inspired to create this song. Read what he wrote in 2011, or listen to episode 8 of The Sleeping at Last Podcast, which Ryan recorded in 2017, in which he elaborates on his songwriting process for Snow.  To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my

“Intersex” is often considered part of the “LGBTQIA+” community. But how do people with this condition feel about their inclusion that category?The more accurate and respectful term, “disorders of sexual development,” encompasses more than 40 different medical diagnoses. Today’s guest, James Linehan, has one such DSD. Undiagnosed until age 16, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism prevented James from experiencing normal puberty. James had to undergo extensive treatment, and will forever remain a lifelong medical patient, causing a cascade of impacts on his mind, body, and relationships.James’ lived experiences give him a unique perspective on today’s fraught gender wars. After decades of living with his condition, James learned that his unique form of suffering is now being needlessly inflicted on vulnerable, otherwise physically healthy youth. Puberty blockers (GnRH agonists, such as Lupron), which are now commonly prescribed off-label to gender-questioning youth, induce conditions like James’, raising major ethical concerns.Today we break down myths vs facts of DSDs and address what happens when identity politics and culture wars seek to appropriate real medical conditions faced by truly disadvantaged minorities. James expresses his frustration with the politicization of these conditions and the misrepresentation of the experiences of individuals with disorders of sexual development. We discuss the impact of his condition on fertility, relationships, and mental health.Throughout the episode, James challenges misconceptions and encourages listeners to approach these topics with empathy and a willingness to learn. James's story sheds light on the complexities of living with a disorder of sexual development and the resilience required to navigate the medical and emotional challenges associated with it.James Linehan is an IT and AI consulting professional with a background as an instructional resource specialist and an adjunct lecturer in sociology. He has a disorder of sexual development called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which he has been managing, medically, and learning about for over 40 years. James is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of diverse disorders of sexual development beyond the limited representation commonly discussed. He emphasizes the exploitation of individuals with DSDs and advocates for informed consent and ethical medical practices. He criticizes the politicization of intersex conditions and the distortion of narratives by trans activism. He wishes to share this long-term study about his condition, emphasizing that it is important to understand that Lupron causes iatrogenic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4380912/Episode mentioned:30. Surviving Gender Malpractice: Brian’s Detransition StoryArticle on Lisa Selin Davis' blog: My Body is a Puberty Blocker00:00 Start00:04 Medicalization and human rights04:28 Being politicized as a medical condition09:03 Learning disabilities and neurologic problems15:06 The good old days19:09 Medically induced puberty24:06 Infertility and treatment drawbacks26:09 Painful and messy pellet injections30:41 Puberty blockers and inadequate penile tissue38:05 Emotions during puberty41:15 Missed adolescent development43:39 Infertility and relationships49:57 Misinformation about transgender and hormones52:39 Developmental disorders in gender dysphoria56:43 Hormones and child development01:02:07 Replicating Mother Nature's cocktail01:07:23 XX males and biological sex01:10:27 Trauma of medicalization and fertility01:15:17 Ambitious doctors and unethical practices01:21:10 Endocrinologists and growth hormones01:24:38 Attempt to convert gay males To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Today’s guest is very meaningful to me and probably requires no introduction. Dr. Heather Heying is the reason I know about detransitioners and am doing half the things I’m doing. An evolutionary biologist and animal behaviorist, world traveler, podcast co-host, writer, mentor to many, mother of two, agreeable contrarian, and all-around interesting person, Dr. Heying can easily be considered one of the greatest thinkers of our time.It was tough to narrow down what to focus on in a conversation with someone so influential, so I selected a few of the recurring themes that form the foundational principles for much of her work. We discuss the concepts of culture and consciousness, and how they shape our understandings of progress and tradition, liberalism and conservatism. We delve into the metaphorical idea of Chesterton's fence, which represents the importance of understanding the purpose and value of something before discarding it. And we examine several “Chesterton’s fences” in modern life that have been impacted by what Heather often calls “hyper-novelty.” What do we lose when we stop sitting around a campfire together, telling stories and making music?Heather Heying is an evolutionary biologist who earned her PhD in Biology from the University of Michigan, has been a visiting Fellow at Princeton University, and was a tenured professor at The Evergreen State College. She has been invited to speak about science, higher ed, the evolution of sex and consciousness, and the culture wars, in venues as varied as the U.S. Department of Justice, the Krishnamurti Institute, Joe Rogan, and Oxford University. Her first book, Antipode, is based on her life in Madagascar while studying the sex lives of poison frogs. Her second book, co-authored with husband Bret Weinstein, is A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century: Evolution and the Challenges of Modern Life. A New York Times best-seller, the book provides an evolutionary toolkit for living a good and honorable life as a modern ape. She also writes Natural Selections on Substack, the Field Notes column for County Highway, and co-hosts with Bret a popular weekly livestream on the DarkHorse podcast.Natural Selections blogDarkHorse PodcastX @HeatherEHeyingHeather's books are available in my bookshop or via the embedded Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for purchases that support the show!Bands mentioned:Blanco White Dead Can Dance 00:00 Start02:10 Detransitioners04:46 Detransitioners and cognitive dissonance07:39 Losing friends, gaining friends11:10 Consciousness and culture17:38 Seeking a mix19:05 New ideas and adaptation24:39 Chesterton's fence28:13 Chesterton's breast milk32:21 The role of fire in our humanity36:40 Music around the campfire40:34 Participating in a foreign culture44:58 Cultural appreciation vs. cultural appropriation49:05 Online culture and low context communication52:19 Writing a book57:39 What is actually real01:00:23 Human interactions behind barriers01:04:29 Mentorship and its changing dynamics01:07:43 Mentorship in the trades01:11:40 Changing the culture and connection01:16:24 Cats as pets and toxoplasmosis01:22:05 The crazy cat lady trope01:24:38 Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and gender dysphoria01:30:05 Endocrine disruption in water supply01:32:21 Fixing exposures and finding answers01:37:02 Transhumanism and its subsets01:41:33 Wrap up To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Journalist Bernard Lane discusses the state of gender clinics and laws in Australia, challenges faced by journalists reporting on the topic, and the extreme nature of conversion therapy laws. They question the logic behind these laws and the lack of media coverage on their negative implications. The episode raises important questions about affirming gender identity and the harm caused by medicalization, and explores the role of media in shaping public understanding of these issues.

Psychiatrist Mark McDonald coined the term "mass delusional psychosis" to describe the fear-driven response that swept the nation during the pandemic. In this episode, I interviewed him about the events of 2020 and their impact on our society. We discuss how fear became a fuel, driving irrational and self-destructive behaviors that were not in our best interests.Dr. McDonald highlights the shift in our society towards a culture that values safety over courage, risk-taking, and personal freedom. He points out the detrimental effects of this safety culture, such as the decline in IQ points among infants born during the lockdowns and the decrease in face-to-face interactions among young people. He also raises concerns about the erosion of masculinity and the impact it has on relationships and society as a whole.The conversation delves into the importance of teaching virtue and morality, as well as the need to reaffirm the qualities of healthy masculinity. Dr. McDonald emphasizes the role of individuals in shaping the future and the need to save the younger generation from the damaging ideologies and behaviors that have taken hold. He warns that if we don't address these issues, we risk the extinction of our civilization.The episode touches on the impact of the lockdowns on brain chemistry, particularly in terms of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Dr. McDonald discusses the observed changes in behavior, such as acute onset OCD-like symptoms and the reliance on non-face-to-face interactions for dating. He expresses concern about the increasing demand for drugs to alleviate depression, anxiety, and fear, and the long-lasting consequences of these changes in brain chemistry.Dr. Mark McDonald graduated from UC Berkeley and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Trained in adult as well as child and adolescent psychiatry at UCLA, he now works primarily with children in his west Los Angeles private practice. He is co-host of the podcast Informed Dissent and the author of United States of Fear and Freedom From Fear. His opinions have been widely published in local and national news, and he has been interviewed on a variety of platforms. Links to his writings on Facebook, X, and Substack can be found at www.dissidentmd.com.Books mentioned in this episode can be found via these Amazon affiliate links or in my bookshopUnited States of Fear: How America Fell Victim to a Mass Delusional Psychosis by Dr. Mark McDonald Freedom from Fear: A 12-Step Guide to Personal and National Recovery by Dr. Mark McDonald The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt Boys Adrift by Dr. Leonard Sax (see also: my recent interview with Dr. Sax)The Way of Men by Jack Donovan 00:00 Start02:30 United States of fear06:09 Fuel of mass delusional psychosis09:54 Moral rigidity and disgust11:37 Incalculable societal damage15:24 Safetyism and its consequences19:07 Informed consent and individual freedom23:27 Impact of lockdown on brain chemistry27:13 Less sex among young adults31:09 The redefinition of masculinity36:52 Concerns about future generations39:51 Sexualizing children48:20 Lords and peasants in society51:55 Sacrifices in education and society56:13 Luxury beliefs in safe societies01:00:05 The capacity for violence01:04:05 Therapist indoctrination and patient harm01:08:55 Detoxing from media01:12:27 Fear addiction and urgency01:16:59 Social media and success To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The esteemed Dr. Leonard Sax joins us this week to share his expertise on how sex differences impact child-rearing, parenting, and education. We begin with a discussion of biological differences between male and female brains, particularly when it comes to sense perception, which can lead to misunderstandings between the sexes. Dr. Sax highlights the importance of understanding these differences in order to optimize children’s learning and home environments.The conversation then shifts to the topic of gender atypicality and how parents and educators might embrace the richness and complexity of the human experience, allowing children to explore their interests and preferences without being labeled transgender.We discuss the challenges faced by boys in today's society, including the growing gender gap in academic achievements, and how teachers can cater to the unique developmental needs of both sexes in co-ed schools.Dr. Sax provides practical advice for parents and educators on how to navigate sex differences and create a culture of respect and understanding. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of gender expression, while also respecting biological differences.Leonard Sax MD PhD is a board-certified family physician and PhD psychologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience. Over the past 22 years, he has visited more than 500 schools across the United States and worldwide, speaking to parents about many topics including social media, video games, and gender issues. He also leads workshops for teachers on gender-aware instructional strategies, on building a culture of respect, and on dealing with difficult parents. He has published four books for parents: Why Gender Matters, Boys Adrift, Girls on the Edge, and The Collapse of Parenting, which was a New York Times bestseller. Dr. Sax graduated Phi Beta Kappa at age 19 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and went on to earn both a Ph.D. in psychology and an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Sax lives with his wife and teenage daughter in Pennsylvania. Visit his website at leonardsax.com.Dr. Sax’s four books can all be found in my bookshop or via these Amazon affiliate links below. Thank you for your purchases that support the show!Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men Girls on the Edge: Why So Many Girls Are Anxious, Wired, and Obsessed--And What Parents Can Do The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups 00:00 Start[00:02:26] Hardwired sex differences in senses.[00:05:23] Sex differences in hearing.[00:08:06] Women's Peripheral Vision and Men's Magnocellular System.[00:11:23] Boys and bullying.[00:14:34] Color naming gender differences.[00:18:01] Color naming ability in children.[00:21:30] Girls value friendship above team affiliation.[00:24:57] School culture and music influence.[00:28:52] Growing gender gap in achievement.[00:32:49] Making school friendly to boys.[00:37:14] Brain development differences in genders.[00:41:05] Pervasive and troubling pornography.[00:43:10] Rise in erectile dysfunction.[00:48:28] Empowering young women's experiences.[00:52:19] Disorders of sexual development.[00:57:37] Intersex conditions and prevalence.[00:59:41] Intersex being misunderstood.[01:06:22] Intersex individuals and gender identity.[01:09:11] XY male fetus and intersex.[01:13:48] Personality traits and sex differences.[01:19:48] Trans issues and stereotypes.[01:22:15] Emotional development in girls.[01:24:49] Teaching empathy to boys.[01:28:14] Creating healthy role models.[01:34:18] Autogynephilia and transgender issues.[01:39:15] Transgender issues in current society.[01:40:56] Lawsuit against American Academy of Pediatrics.[01:43:04] Humans and grandkids.[01:47:26] Disastrous laws allowing kids. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.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.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★