
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

Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
156 - "WPATH Has No Respect for Medical Ethics" with Mia Hughes
Sasha and Stella welcome Mia Hughes to the show for a chilling conversation covering WPATH's evolution from a medical organization to an activist-driven group, societal implications of medical scandals across history, and the delicate distinctions within individual experiences of gender dysphoria.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-156Buy 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

Mar 16, 2024 • 2min
Premium: Tales of a Canceled Evolutionary Biologist
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comThis is a fun one folks!“This is so much more interesting than biological sex being real!” - SashaWhen considering personality, behavior, and social traits, there are some whom embrace the concept of ‘cognitive creationists’, implying that human behavior is solely shaped by socialization rather than biological factors, completely neglecting the profound…

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
155 - Loop de Loops and Deepities of Sex and Gender with Colin Wright
Gender, sex, intersex conditions, hormonal interventions, sexual signaling, behavioral differences…this episode covers them all. Sasha and Stella welcome evolutionary biologist, Dr. Colin Wright for a long overdue discussion going deep into the intersection of biology, psychology, and social factors in shaping our understanding of sex and gender. This is a refreshing conversation exploring insights into the evolving discourse surrounding trans identities, the distinction between sex and gender, the principles of scientific inquiry, behavioral development, sexual orientation, and societal perceptions. There is no denying that Colin's expertise and clarity of thought contribute to a nuanced discussion on these complex topics.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-155 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

Mar 13, 2024 • 3min
Premium: Bringing Androgyny Back
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comSasha and Stella ask Scarlet, “What would you have needed when you started to experiment with this idea of being transgender?”“Proper medical care would be nice”Quality therapy is essential, advocating for nuanced discussions on gender and, especially during adolescence, body image issues. A supportive environment, exposure to positive role models, and awareness around online abuse, is crucial.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Scarlet urges professionals to recognize that decisions regarding medical transition profoundly affect all aspects of life, emphasizing challenges with medical care, romantic relationships, and societal perceptions. He advocates for a holistic approach, underscoring the complexity of navigating diverse experiences with gender identity, warning against hasty medical decisions. Rather than just focusing on ‘gender’, address the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of a person's well-being recognizing the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to a person's health, considering them all in diagnosis, treatment, and support.Watch our full length episode with Scarlet:To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 35min
154 - "My Entire Childhood Was Medicalized" with Scarlet
Sasha and Stella share a profound and moving conversation with Scarlet, a young person who just wants “my story to add to the conversation around the impacts of transitioning as a youth - physically, mentally, and socially - both positives and negatives.” A crucial Detransition Awareness Day exploration of the nuances of self-discovery in a gender-affirming landscape. For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-154 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-coaching To 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

Mar 9, 2024 • 3min
Premium: Talking About Medical Ethics and the AAP Conference with Laura Becker
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comGiven the recent release of the WPATH Files, the question of medical ethics in pediatric gender healthcare is undeniable. Stories like Laura's shed light on significant gaps in processes promoted as "life-saving" care. The infiltration of activism in medical fields is increasingly evident, emerging through whistleblower accounts, anecdotal experiences, …

Mar 8, 2024 • 1h 3min
153 - Why Smart, Quirky, Artistic Girls Take Up the Transition Fantasy w/Laura Becker
With Stella on break this week, a solo Sasha welcomes guest Laura Becker who offers insightful and endearing reflections about the misdirected creativity of ROGD girls being channeled into queer theory ideas. She shares some intimate details of her personal story including the impact of chronic abuse on her mental health, her journey on testosterone, her radical double mastectomy, and her decision to detransition.For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-153 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

Mar 2, 2024 • 4min
Premium: Silencing, Shaming and Scapegoating with Kathleen Stock
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comAfter the release of her book "Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism" in 2021, while she was a Professor of Philosophy at Sussex University, Dr. Kathleen Stock found herself being targeted by a group of activists. She faced harassment and protests including placing provocative stickers and posters throughout the campus with transphobic allegations against Stock, despite her book's thoughtful exploration of trans identification. The hostility towards Stock, which gained public attention, escalated, isolating her from her colleagues and ultimately resulted with her losing her job. Stock's experiences shed light on the broader issues surrounding academic freedom, social isolation, and the challenges of navigating contentious topics in educational institutions.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Dr. Kathleen Stock reflects on her experiences, highlighting the lack of support from colleagues and the university. The conversation delves into the aftermath of her departure from Sussex, exploring its impact and how Stock coped with challenges, including the role of public support, family, and her transition to a new career in writing.Watch our full length episode with Dr. Kathleen Stock: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-152

8 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
152 - Trapped in a Language Cul-De-Sac with Kathleen Stock
Dr. Kathleen Stock discusses the complexities of language in gender discourse, including challenges with pronouns and inclusive language. The podcast explores the impact of language on concepts and reality and the balance between truth and fiction. It also addresses trust issues in gender studies, societal perceptions of trans and gay communities, and childhood gender identity challenges.

Feb 24, 2024 • 3min
Premium: Like a Daydream Out of a Science Fiction Novel
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.comThe significance of technological and scientific advancements in medicine is unquestionable. However, it prompts a critical examination of the appropriate limits when conducting experiments to uncover treatments leading to optimal outcomes. Experimentation necessarily entails risks, and achieving medical progress often involves interventions with potential dangers and unknown outcomes. Striking the right balance between advancing medical knowledge through experimental procedures and the imperative to safeguard patient health is a complex challenge. Ethical considerations must guide the pursuit of innovation to ensure that progress is achieved responsibly and with due regard for the well-being of patients.In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Dr. Eithan Haim draws a compelling distinction between the therapeutic justification underpinning effective life-saving medical treatments which may exhibit high mortality rates during their experimental phases. He cites the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) as a prime example of this. In his analysis, he contrasts these kinds of successful interventions with historical medical practices like bloodletting and lobotomies, which proved unsuccessful in addressing psychological issues through physiological solutions. He highlights parallels to in gender medicine, expressing reservations about the potential consequences of misguided medical interventions.Watch our full length episode with Dr. Eithan Haim: https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-151