The Purple Pawedcast

Today we hear how affirmed woman Dr. Diana Sorrentino works to ensure safe and fair affirmation for all adolescents today.  Dr. Diana is a psychologist, author, and educator for gender diversity.  Her latest book Adolescent Gender-Affirming Medical and Behavioral Healthcare published last week, so pick up your copy with the link below.  Diana and I consider topics as far afield as how you know your gender, why the tide of anti-Queer discrimination is turning, and why a little bit of fashion is appropriate in a podcast about science.REFERENCES:Dr. Diana Sorrentino’s Website: https://paradoxesofgender.com/Follow Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-diana-sorrentino-ph-d-1b64781a4/Buy Diana's recent book: https://a.co/d/0gJ8zj7H(00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:03) - Introducing Dr. Diana Sorrentino (01:53) - A search for self-understanding (05:33) - Gender identity happens in utero (15:17) - Socialization and how you know (27:14) - Importance of adolescent gender-affirming care (35:47) - Why discontinuing puberty blockers is a success (39:56) - The tide is turning because of education (45:12) - Transgender women in sports (55:40) - How to find Dr. Diana Sorrentino on the internet (58:36) - Show closing (59:58) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features Spencer West's journey through disability to self-discovery.  Spencer is a content creator, motivational speaker, advocate, and author.  His newest book Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself teaches how to listen to your inner voice and stop accepting other people's expectations.  Spencer and I muse over topics as far afield as personal agency, interdependence, and marveling at method actors.REFERENCES:Spencer West’s Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.com/Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest/?hl=enFollow Spencer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/Spencer2thewestFollow Spencer on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Spencer2thewestFollow Spencer on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewest(00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:32) - Introducing Spencer West (02:22) - Unbecoming what doesn't belong to us (08:04) - Becoming who you are requires knowledge to choose (12:50) - Finding his joy led to other people's empowerment (19:22) - Noticing comfort and discomfort (26:25) - You already know what you want (31:05) - Take the parts that work; leave the parts that don't fit (35:07) - Putting purpose to your passion (40:07) - Sometimes it has to get worse (45:24) - Boundaries as staying true to our purpose (49:56) - You are allowed to say NO (58:34) - How to find Spencer West on the internet (59:16) - Show closing (01:00:36) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode features the indefatigable Kobey Layne hearing the call and becoming what she must.  Kobey is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Governor of Minnesota.  She and I muse over topics as wide as owning our past, youth in American politics, and why you should vote for someone who cares about you.  REFERENCES:Kobey Layne’s Website: https://www.kobey4governor.com/Follow Kobey on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kobey4governor.bsky.socialFollow Kobey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobey4governorFollow Kobey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194661289324772Follow Kobey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kobey4GovernorFollow Kobey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kobey4governor(00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:28) - Introducing Kobey Layne (02:32) - Connecting life with policy (08:38) - Reclaiming our shame as lessons learned (19:21) - Who is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party? (22:18) - Does being young disqualify a candidate? (29:49) - The DFL State Convention (35:12) - Does being young make you a better candidate? (43:37) - Holding politicians accountable (48:44) - Holding business accountable (53:42) - Representation requires someone who cares (58:35) - How to find Kobey on the internet (01:02:32) - Show closing (01:03:05) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we hear Shannon Donohoe-Simpson's story of healing and renewal.  Shannon is a Joybringer, Spaceholder, speaker, and storyteller who survived breast cancer and turned her journey into a TEDx Talk.  We talk about radical ownership, the magical connections we make with others, and making sure not to deprive the world of the opportunity to support you.REFERENCES:Shannon Donohoe-Simpson’s Website: https://shannondonohoesimpson.com/Shannon’s story on The Collective Magazines: https://thecollectivemags.ca/healing-through-art/Follow Shannon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.donohoesimpsonFollow Shannon on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-donohoe-simpson/Follow Shannon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannondonohoesimpson/videosFollow Shannon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannondonohoesimpson/(00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:29) - Introducing Shannon Donohoe-Simpson (02:39) - Keeping something that wasn't hers to hold (08:43) - Giving emotions the opportunity to move (11:52) - Breaking the cycle by finding the mirror (18:46) - Only you can do the work to move past trauma (24:36) - Finding tools to manage the hard times (31:35) - Move through the discomfort (36:00) - What if we could slow down and be? (38:39) - What if we could be brave enough to be vulnerable? (47:29) - Don't take away an opportunity to connect (52:11) - The magic of allowing connection (55:49) - How to find Shannon Donohoe-Simpson on the internet (58:42) - Show closing (01:00:05) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Today we hear Lilliana Kendra Young's pursuit of justice for all in Indiana State government.  Lilliana is a candidate for District 61 of the Indiana State House of Representatives and Founder of The Sisterhood, a support organization in Bloomington, Indiana.  She and I peruse topics as off the beaten track as:☑️How some politicians are clearly slacking off☑️Why money makes most politicians unaware of the real problems our country faces☑️Whether transgender women are contractually obligated to play Magic: The GatheringREFERENCES:Lilliana Young’s Website: https://youngfor61.com/Follow Lilliana on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lillianayoung.bsky.socialFollow Lilliana on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LillianaKendraYoungFollow Lilliana on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Lilliana-Young-for-IN-61/61582462953972/Follow Lilliana on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lillianakendra(00:00) - Opening credits (00:37) - Show opening (01:31) - Introducing Lilliana Kendra Young (02:49) - Realizing her Queer identity (08:35) - Finding the activist within (12:37) - Committing to how government should be run (19:16) - The anger effective government needs (25:15) - An oligarchy by any other name (32:46) - The story of Lilliana's name (36:24) - The story of Lilliana's logo (39:55) - What makes being awake worthwhile (43:38) - Becoming an artist who feels (48:28) - Develop your skills and forget about talent! (53:12) - How to find Lilliana Kendra Young on the internet (54:46) - Show closing (57:37) - Closing credits ★ Support this podcast ★