
Gender: A Wider Lens
In this podcast, now in its fourth year, therapists Stella O'Malley and Sasha Ayad take a deep dive into the psychological and cultural forces impacting the social changes around "gender." Through interviews with researchers, doctors, therapists, parents, detransitioners, and others, Sasha and Stella's podcast is a "must listen" for anyone trying to navigate the current gender landscape. With their sharp analytical minds and deep compassionate hearts, Stella and Sasha have also become known throughout many parent networks as lighthouses in the midst of some very stormy seas. Previous guests include Helen Joyce, Jesse Singal, Leor Sapir, Kathleen Stock, Jamie Reed, Peter Boghossian and more. www.widerlenspod.com
Latest episodes

Dec 8, 2023 • 55sec
Premium: Is gender a framework which limits people’s ability to express themselves fully?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comMaterials referenced: Check out Kathleen Stock's book: Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism

Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 3min
145 - Things ROGD Parents Need to Hear (even if they don’t want to)
Therapists discuss supporting gender-diverse children and navigating conflicting goals. They caution against oversimplified narratives and stress the importance of broadening perspectives. Emphasizing the need for warmth and connection, they explore the challenges of dealing with ROGD. The podcast also discusses resources for parents, the importance of loyalty in gender therapy, and the need for self-reflection and authenticity in parenting.

Dec 1, 2023 • 52sec
Premium: Graham Linehan shares how he talks about gender ideology IRL?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comIn this extra bonus content with Graham Linehan we ask him "how do you talk about gender in your every day life?" To listen to our entire original conversation with Graham, check out episode 144, here on Substack. To watch the episode visit this link on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/uJHyJ15mJ-A?si=pkQYS7rLGuSZNOur

Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 11min
144 - "Glinner is a TERF" with Graham Linehan
Graham Lanahan, commonly known as Glinner, joins Sasha & Stella for an insightful exploration of comedy, societal shifts, and the personal journey of how a prominent comedy writer landed himself in the thick of identity politics. The episode serves as a testament to the ongoing struggle for open dialogue in the evolving conversation around gender. Graham Lanahan, born in Dublin, is the mastermind behind the beloved sitcoms Father Ted, The IT Crowd, Black Boots, and Motherland. His Substack, The Glinner Update, is dedicated to monitoring the extremes of gender identity ideology, and he also co-hosts the highly successful “The Mess We're In” on YouTube, which has garnered a remarkable 1.5 million views in just three years.In this conversation, Sasha, Stella, and Glinner explore the intersection of his comedic roots, evolving perceptions, and activism in the face of isolation and confrontation. Linehan shares his concerns about the transgender movement and its impact on children. And he reflects on the challenges of using humor in addressing the topic and the complexities of navigating cancel culture. Linehan also touches on his foray into online activism during the Gamergate controversy. Initially driven by a desire to protect women from online harassment, Linehan admitted later to realizing the complexities of the situation and the influence of authoritarian voices within woke culture. Things get very personal when he candidly shares about his evolution from staunch anti-abortion beliefs to becoming an advocate, driven by personal experiences. His, is a vivacious voice navigating the complexities of modern activism, advocating against misinformation, and speaking up against the prevailing narratives in the gender debates. Linehan's story serves as a fascinating exploration of an artist's evolution in response to the ever-changing landscapes of politics and culture.The Glinner Update (Substack)https://grahamlinehan.substack.com/ Tough Crowd: How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedyhttps://www.amazon.com/Tough-Crowd-Made-Career-Comedy-ebook/dp/B0CJ3YLYWF/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1699560605&refinements=p_27%3AGraham+Linehan&s=books&sr=1-1 The Mess We’re Inhttps://www.youtube.com/@GrahamLinehanMagdalen Berns on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@MagdalenBerns Order Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parentshttps://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ Support the Show & Access Exclusive Contenthttps://www.patreon.com/WiderLensPodJoin the conversation on YouTubewww.youtube.com/@widerlenspodIf you liked this episode, more episodes you might find interesting:Episode 132 - How To Have Impossible Conversations About Gender with Peter Boghossian This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.widerlenspod.com/subscribe

Nov 24, 2023 • 59sec
Premium: Sarah Holmes shares how she talks about "gender" in day to day life
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comStella and Sarah continue the conversation by discussing how to talk about gender issues “in real life.”

Nov 24, 2023 • 1h 22min
143 - The Battle Over the Word Woman with Sarah Holmes
Sarah Holmes, an ordinary working mother turned unexpected activist, discusses the battle over the word 'woman' in health literature. She shares her awakening to gender ideology contradictions, concerns about fluid gender identities, and the impact on children. The podcast explores challenges defending single-sex spaces and the speaker's journey of filing a complaint and seeking justice against discrimination.

Nov 21, 2023 • 57min
142 - When Gender Hits the Holidays Part 2
This podcast episode explores navigating family dynamics during the holidays for families with trans identified children or young adults. Topics include handling relationships with trans-identified partners, managing emotions, setting boundaries, fostering open conversations within the family, and self-care when coping with holiday stress. It also discusses the challenges faced by siblings of trans-identified individuals and the importance of truthful conversations and self-forgiveness during the holiday season.

Nov 17, 2023 • 2min
Premium: Bonus Conversation with Dr. Jillian Spencer
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comThe conversation with Dr. Jillian Spencer continues with Dr. Spencer talking about what it’s been like to speak out publicly on these issues.

Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 16min
141 - Silenced for Asking Questions About Gender Medicine with Dr. Jillian Spencer
In this episode, Sasha & Stella interview Dr. Jillian Spencer, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Queensland, Australia. They discuss the challenges of assessing and treating gender dysphoria in young individuals, the impact of fast-tracking into gender clinics, and the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health. Dr. Spencer shares her journey of raising awareness about concerns surrounding gender interventions for children and the backlash she faced for seeking to do so.

Nov 10, 2023 • 1min
Premium: Can you suggest questions and/or topics to help us vet our child’s therapist? (Q+A)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com