
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

14 snips
May 31, 2024 • 1h 10min
166 - Dr. Joshua Coleman and How Parents Can Heal or Prevent Estrangement
Dr. Joshua Coleman, a psychologist specializing in family dynamics, discusses the complexities of family estrangement, emphasizing empathy, responsibility, and communication for parents. The podcast explores societal norms, individualistic culture's impact, reconciliation challenges, and the healing power of familial bonds. It addresses identity conflicts, therapy obstacles, and the rise of estrangement in modern families. Recommendations include diverse resources and insights on TV shows, history, and subscriber exclusives.

May 25, 2024 • 4min
Premium: I'm Glad I Was a Girl in the 70s | Meghan Daum
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comIn today's internet age, so many are encountering the complex effects of cancel culture affording its victims a wide spectrum of implications, from severe career-ending scenarios to minor social ostracism and even family tensions and divisions.The digital revolution is not only exacerbating the dynamics between parents and their activist-minded children, but is also dramatically shifting generational dynamics as well. This is further complicated by societal reverence for youth and intellect, often overshadowing the value of life experience and the idea that “with age comes wisdom”.The profound influence of the internet becomes evident as we witness the ever-evolving impact of digital tech, transforming the way people engage with each other and the world around them, reshaping not only societal norms but also personal relationships, and fundamentally altering how individuals interact and connect.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Meghan Daum reflects with a nostalgia for the freedom and authenticity of past decades. The discussion explores the profound changes shaping our social landscape in contrast with historical contexts of youth culture, the erosion of respect for older generations' experiences, and the adverse effects of prioritizing youthful perspectives over seasoned wisdom.Watch our full length episode with Meghan Daum: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-165 To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed. (https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4519588148244-How-do-I-listen-to-episodes-on-my-podcast-app)

May 24, 2024 • 1h 10min
165 - Meghan Daum Wants Women To Stop Silencing Themselves
Sasha and Stella sit down with the multifaceted Meghan Daum, distinguished author, cultural commentator, and fellow podcast host, for a compelling exploration of societal change, the complexities of modern life, and coping through humor. Known for her incisive commentary and fearless exploration of complex topics, Meghan shares her personal reflections on identity and the central and contentious nature of gender in modern culture.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-165 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/ Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching To learn more about our sponsors, visit:Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/ Genspect at https://genspect.org/ 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 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

May 18, 2024 • 4min
Premium: Is It Asexuality, or Is It Anti-Depressants? with Freya India
Freya India discusses the link between anti-depressants, asexuality, and marketing tactics. She explores the impact of SSRIs on libido, romantic feelings, and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. Are individuals adequately warned about long-term side-effects?

May 17, 2024 • 1h 8min
164 - Gen Z and the Agony of a Screen-based Life with Freya India
Looking for support as a parent of a gender-questioning youth or young adult? Attend a Wider Lens Parent Retreat in 2025! Registration is now open. Visit https://widerlens.events/parent-retreat-2025 to learn more and secure your spot.Stella and Sasha welcome writer and columnist Freya India to the show this week, offering deep insights about the impact of screens and technology on young people and practical advice for balanced living in the digital age. They explore Gen Z's relationship with Instagram and dating apps, the fixation on mental illness and identity, and the misleading notion that you can buy your authentic self.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-164 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/ Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspod For more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coaching To learn more about our sponsors, visit:Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/ Genspect at https://genspect.org/ 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 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

May 11, 2024 • 6min
Premium: "Men Should Not Be Induced to Produce Something from Their Nipples, That Some People Want to Call Milk"
Discussing the controversial term 'chestfeeding' and the biological plausibility of men inducing lactation. Exploring the evolutionary significance and broader functions of breast milk. Contrasting parenting practices in hunter-gatherer cultures with modern American households.

May 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
163 - Trans Ideology is a Restriction of Freedom, Not an Expansion of It, with Heather Heying
Evolutionary biology, gender dynamics, societal norms, chemicals, technology…there is no denying the intricate interplay between biological, psychological, technological and cultural factors in shaping human behavior and identity. Sasha and Stella welcome guest, Heather Heying to the show for a grounding conversation exploring the complexity of human behavior, the inevitability of making mistakes, the anxieties and fears prevalent among the younger generation, and the importance of understanding risk thresholds in navigating life's uncertainties.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-163 Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ Join Our Listener Community to Access Exclusive Content at https://www.widerlenspod.com/ Support the Show at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/support-the-show Join the conversation on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@widerlenspodFor more information about Sasha’s & Stella’s parent coaching membership groups, visit:Sasha Ayad: https://sashaayad.com/parenting-coaching Stella O’Malley: http://www.stellaomalley.com/parent-coachingTo learn more about our sponsors, visit:Therapy First at https://www.therapyfirst.org/ (formerly GETA)Genspect at https://genspect.org/ 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

May 4, 2024 • 3min
Premium: Are Teens Replacing Friends with Therapists?
Teens are turning to therapy instead of friends for support, raising questions about the balance between professional help and friendship. The focus on mental health may be causing more distress and loneliness among young people, leading to less resilience and strength.

May 3, 2024 • 1h 4min
162 - The Over-treatment of Young People
The podcast explores therapy complexities, challenges over-treatment of young people, societal influences on parenting decisions, erosion of parental authority, and critique of youth mental health interventions. It delves into the importance of authentic relationships, vulnerability, and connection in a lighthearted and informative manner.

Apr 27, 2024 • 2min
Premium: I Was Not Looking to Be An Activist with Tamara Pietzke
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comIn many regions, institutional mandates and professional standards that prioritize affirming a child's gender identity without considering alternative approaches or potential risks, are requiring therapists to adhere to gender-affirming care protocols, regardless of any personal reservations and/or evidence based recommendations for anything other than …