Why Are You?

In this episode, we meet Morgaine (no, a different one!) whose education in Ancient Mediterranean History turns out to be some of the most fascinating conversation I've had in a while!  Morgaine and I discuss goddesses of carnal pleasure, the misogyny of translators, and better last lines than "That's All, Folks!"REFERENCES: Dreamers & Doers:  https://www.dreamersdoers.com/Sir Thomas Mallory's "Le Morte d'Arthur:"  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Morte_d'ArthurPat Barker's "The Silence of the Girls:"  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silence_of_the_GirlsEmily Wilson's "The Iliad":  https://www.emilyrcwilson.com/the-iliad-sept-2023Emily Wilson's "The Oddessy:"  https://www.emilyrcwilson.com/the-odysseyGender Identity Today:  https://genderidentitytoday.com(00:00) - Show Opening (00:34) - Introduction (01:32) - Morgaine, Why Are You? (02:37) - Hippie-Dippy College Education (05:48) - Ishtar, Astarte, and Aphrodite Walk into a War (11:31) - Does Knowledge of the Iron Age Change Our Perspective Today? (13:37) - There Were Civilizations Before the USA (15:59) - Etymology as the Basis of History (19:59) - Morgaine's Favorite Word (22:33) - Let's Play Fairies! (24:28) - If You Could Be in History, Who Would You Be? (28:29) - The Rage of Morgaine (34:42) - Go Be a Hero or Stay as a Farmer (39:25) - Ancient Greece Was an Oral Tradition (44:17) - Fave Historical Fiction Authors (45:34) - How Should Achilles Go Out? (49:30) - Emily Wilson's Translations (55:38) - Show Closing ★ Support this podcast ★

In this show, I speak with Sabene - an artist in the true sense whose love for the craft shows in everything she does.  Sabene and I discuss cadmium, the art from role-playing games, water lilies that will stop you in your tracks.REFERENCES:David Martin:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_L._MartinFrank Frazetta:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_FrazettaWilliam Whittaker:  http://williamwhitaker.com/William-Adolphe Bouguereau:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William-Adolphe_BouguereauHans Holbein - Sir Thomas More:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Sir_Thomas_MoreJohn Singer Sargent:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Singer_SargentJoshua Reynolds:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_ReynoldsTitian:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titian(00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:39) - Sabene, Why Are You? (04:45) - Early Art Influences (08:52) - Painting with Oils (10:44) - The Struggles of Life Imitates Art (15:52) - Finding Something to Say in Art (18:26) - Art That Stops You Dead in Your Tracks (22:24) - Water Lilies That Leap off the Canvas (24:31) - Sabene's Primary Influences (26:31) - Even If It Were to Fall Apart within a Year... (28:07) - It's Hard to Make a Living as an Artist (35:10) - There's Something Wrong with the Mouth (37:24) - The Most Controversial Piece of Visual Art (40:32) - Charcoal Drawings with the Outback (43:30) - Don't Forget to Drink Your Cadmium (44:50) - The Artwork "Sabene" (48:15) - Not Quite Ready to Speak Sabene's Legacy (52:05) - Goodbye #1 (57:05) - Goodbye #3? (55:20) - Show Closing ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet Anna - a musician and writer who uses both for her own healing and that of others.  Anna and remember old keyboards, blame the dog for eating pantyhose, and apologize to Kanye West.REFERENCES:AnnaB Medium Account:  https://medium.com/@AnnaBriannaAnna's' Jamz YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@annasjamz5341Anna Comes Out to Her Best Friend:  https://medium.com/prismnpen/my-trans-journal-my-best-friend-and-transgender-ally-1bbb480e125a Gender Identity Today:  https://genderidentitytoday.comAmethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io(00:00) - Intro (00:31) - Show Opening (01:36) - Anna, Why Are You? (02:28) - Music as Identity (05:00) - Reminiscing about the Casio SK-1 (06:28) - Peace in Gender Identity while Playing Music (08:17) - COVID Spawns a Medium Account (11:52) - Trying to Take a Swedish Vacation with James Bond (14:40) - Does Transgender Require Gender Dysphoria? (16:05) - Why Can't We Understand Gender-Affirming Care? (17:45) - Jame Gumb Is Not Trans Enough! (19:19) - Providing Resources for Young Transgender People (23:51) - Now We Know the Meaning of Life (25:24) - So Different, But So Similar (28:47) - The Dog Ate My Pantyhose (29:47) - Coming Out to Anna's Best Friend (33:14) - Anna Plays a Soldano SLO-100 (35:08) - What Is the Most Pure-Sounding Key? (36:06) - The Universe Vibrates in the Key of D (37:53) - This Was Not a Spinal Tap Moment (39:30) - How to Learn to Write Music (41:46) - Have You Ever Visualized Music? (43:52) - Anna and Ami Have a Good Cry (44:15) - Sorry, Kanye West (45:05) - Seeing Each Other as We Are (46:18) - Mixtapes from the Radio (47:40) - Musical Tastes Change, and Lyrics Become Important (49:06) - Why Was Annie Lennox Shocking? (51:46) - What Happed to Dead or Alive? (53:43) - What Is the Song of Anna? (56:22) - Goodbye #1 (58:04) - Goodbye #2 (55:20) - Show Closing   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this show, we meet Ari - a writer and editor whose healing energy inflames her fiction.  Ari and I talk about hate on the internet, Wicca's gender binary, and no actual jokes about squirrels.REFERENCES:Clan of the Cave Bear:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clan_of_the_Cave_BearKaikeyi:  https://www.amazon.com/Kaikeyi-Novel-Vaishnavi-Patel/dp/0759557330Ari's Medium:  https://medium.com/@arijensineinkAri's Substack "Fighting for Writing": https://fightingforwriting.substack.comAriel Jensine Web Site:  https://www.arieljensine.ink/Gender Identity Today:  https://genderidentitytoday.comAmethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io(00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:30) - Ari, Why Are You? (03:42) - Finding Ari's Authentic Voice (06:04) - Connecting to Warm Bodies and Herself (09:40) - Journaling in the Technology Age (14:55) - Let's Play Fantasy (for healing, right?) (18:22) - Working in the Metaphysical Realm (22:25) - Reading Tarot Isn't Always Helpful (24:32) - The Zone of Calm (27:12) - The Internet Is a Good Outlet for Pain (30:32) - Finding a Perfect Story (31:52) - Being a Healer without Religion (34:30) - Wicca Could Be More Inclusive (37:36) - Ari's Bittersweet Ending (43:49) - Separate the Art from the Artist (44:24) - Fiction Makes Us All More Empathic (46:44) - The Power of Story to Make Us Human (53:06) - Where to Find Ari (54:34) - That Funny Joke about Squirrels (55:20) - Show Closing   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet Morgan - a hilarious, irreverent and vibrant woman...whom I ask to picture herself in the pirate's life.  Morgan and I discuss such important topics as naming cars / boats, allowing your crew to choose for themselves, and whether we can float Florida out to sea a bit.REFERENCES:The Mandela Effect: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-mandela-effect-4589394Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io(00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:31) - Morgan, Why Are You? (01:45) - What's with the Pirate Icon? (05:15) - The Journey to Gender Transition (06:07) - The Meaning of Morgan (09:29) - The Myth of Arthur (11:14) - Morgan's Middle Name (14:14) - Captain Morgan's Sea Shanty Cabaret (15:37) - Vad Hette Båten? (16:31) - Shivering Your Timbers (18:02) - Ami Shows No Maritime Experience (20:33) - We All Fear Captain Morgan (On at Least Half the Seas) (23:35) - Rum Incense (27:24) - Plain Karen Jane (31:53) - The High Waters of Lake Washington (33:26) - Captain Morgan Sails into the Closest Bar (34:57) - Passing...the Torch (38:50) - Goodbye #1 (41:12) - Goodbye #2 (45:29) - Goodbye #3 (45:39) - Show Closing ★ Support this podcast ★

Today's episode comes from an article I wrote this week after seeing the movie "Barbie."  In short, I loved it, and I cried.  My article is very heartfelt, and I get pretty emotional in this reading.  So be aware.  💜There are also very minor spoilers in this reading.  If you do not want "Barbie" spoiled for you, go see it first!REFERENCES:Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:41) - Reading "I Cried for 'Barbie'"   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet Shannara, one of the wackiest - and most wonderful - women I know.  Shannara and I have a serious discussion about butterflies, the Power of Water, and the bastards whose deaths are celebrated.REFERENCES:Colorado Name Change Project:  https://www.namechangeproject.org/Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:26) - Shannara, Why Are You? (01:45) - Making a Difference (05:24) - It's Hard to Change Your Name (06:30) - Don't Be Happy When Shannara Is Dead (08:50) - Real-Life Superhero (14:00) - What Is Your Superhero Name? (16:15) - What Is Your Superpower? (24:20) - How to Carry a Million Butterflies (26:00) - What Is Your Origin Story? (34:53) - Who Is Your Supervillain? (38:30) - Superman Kinda Sucks (41:47) - How Would Your Adventures End? (45:23) - Showing Up at Denny's (47:20) - A Perfectly Normal Metal Show (49:10) - The Possessions of Shannara (55:58) - Show Closing     ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet Robin - a sincere seeker of humanity and the truth.  Robin and I discuss such scintillating topics as doing time in Timor, the best spices for cooking your leg, and saying goodbye when you know you'll never see the person again.REFERENCES:Find Robin on Medium:  https://medium.com/@robin_wildingFind Robin on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@robin_wildingAmethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:30) - Show Opening (01:23) - Robin, Why Are You? (02:22) - Why Kan't Robin Sit Still? (06:44) - East Timorese Detention Camp (14:52) - Robin's Oyster (19:44) - The Most Beautiful Language (25:06) - The Most Disturbing Pets (29:09) - Fireballs to the Face (30:10) - The Smell of Travel (31:09) - Freedom Units (31:55) - Plane Food (35:15) - Robin Stew (37:32) - How Not to Say Goodbye (44:47) - Hugs Are All Right (47:14) - Show Closing   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet a vibrant woman who found herself in the quiet of Ireland.  Nanie and I laugh about the horrors of home, bland British food, and the value of carrying a bag of dirt with you in case you need a perfume.REFERENCES:Find Nanie on Medium:  https://medium.com/@naniehurleyAmethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:23) - Nanie, Why Are You? (43:38) - Show Closing     ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet a woman with a spiritual network across the globe.  Saoirse and I discuss writing, bathtub guacamole, and mushroom fairy circles.REFERENCES:Find Saoirse on Medium:  https://medium.com/@nimue_40902Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:22) - Saoirse, Why Are You? (40:10) - Show Closing   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet a woman who heals herself through improv and setting good boundaries.  Molly and I discuss such heady topics as chocolate carrots, inappropriate hugs, and our favorite Spice Girl.REFERENCES:Find Molly on Medium:  https://medium.com/@mollygmillerAmethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:28) - Molly, Why Are You? (47:01) - Show Closing   ★ Support this podcast ★

Today on the podcast, we meet a writer who won't let oppression go without a fight.  Lilith and I talk about Christina Aguilera, conservative Christianity, and the cold comfort of fish breath.REFERENCES:Find Lilith on Medium:  https://medium.com/@lilith.helstromAmethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:25) - Lilith, Why Are You? (39:04) - Show Closing ★ Support this podcast ★

In today's show, we meet a woman with a wonderful podcast voice.  Michelle and I muse about too much coffee, saving the world, and the versatility of the avocado.REFERENCES:The MLG Collective:  https://themlgcollective.com/Find Michelle on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/michelleglogovac/Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:22) - Michelle, Why Are You? (32:38) - Show Closing          ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet one of the originals in the LGBTQ technology community.  Bianca and I talk about parenting, overtone singing, and trees.  REFERENCES:Overtone Singing:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHTF1-IhuC0Baobab Tree:  https://www.britannica.com/plant/baobab-tree-genusAmethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:38) - Bianca, Why Are You? (37:20) - Show Closing         ★ Support this podcast ★

Today we meet a woman who won't hesitate to tell you the good news or the bad.  Tori and I talk about Washington, D.C., how to determine if you're a good person, and the stereotype around marketing (SPOLIER: Tori isn't an example).REFERENCES:Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta         ★ Support this podcast ★

In today's episode, we meet an Irish woman who has more past in a year than I do in a decade.  Fiona and I discuss Irish myth, what makes a good song, and a new ice cream flavor from Ben & Jerry.REFERENCES:Follow Fiona on Medium:  https://medium.com/@fionafeng78Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:33) - Show Opening (01:50) - Fiona, Why Are You? (48:25) - Show Closing       ★ Support this podcast ★

I had a nice interview to publish, but the audio quality wasn't good, so we decided to try again.  In the meantime, enjoy this audio from a video I posted regarding Sirona Ryan.  More information below.REFERENCES:Original video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7q8N0sS-qM Seattle Voice Lab:  https://www.seattlevoicelab.com/Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:32) - Show Intro (01:30) - Sirona Ryan (06:53) - Show Outro       ★ Support this podcast ★

Today we meet an extraordinary person - one who extends beyond the borders that limit thought.  Amélie and I discuss medical user interfaces, the need to question as opposed to direct, and why I should know enough not to change the words I am given.REFERENCES:amélie's personal website:  https://amelie.isamélie's Strategy Consultancy:  https://www.userspacecraft.com/Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:38) - Show Opening (01:42) - amélie, Why Are You? (25:40) - Outro      ★ Support this podcast ★

On the show today is a woman capable of setting the boundaries that helped her achieve a high level of skill in several fields.  Jill and I talk about divorce, menopause, choreography, and being interesting.REFERENCES:Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:38) - Show Opening (01:36) - Jill, Why Are You? (46:50) - Outro     ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode is a man who has struggled with what life has to offer, which is why he chooses to change other people's lives now.  Sieran and I discuss topics as varied as mental health, gender-affirming surgery, and Pokémon!REFERENCES:Find Sieran on Medium:  https://medium.com/@sieranlaneSubscribe to Sieran's Ghost newsletter:  https://sieranlane.ghost.ioFollow Sieran on Twitter:   https://twitter.com/LaneSieran Read Anastasia the Dragon stories:  https://tapas.io/series/Anastasia-the-Enby-Dragon--Amethysta's Substack:  https://amethystadings.substack.com/Amethysta's Website:  https://amethysta.io"Why Are You Theme" composed and recorded by Amethysta  (00:00) - Intro (00:37) - Show Opening (01:30) - Sieran, Why Are You? (31:04) - Outro     ★ Support this podcast ★