So, we've been gone for a while. It's nothing personal, except that it was. We were dealing with some health issues, but everything is slowly getting back to normal. Leah and I decided it was time to jump back in. Today's episode is not our best work, but a friendly discussion that ranges a bit, but we did touch on the SAVE act, and a book that Leah is reading about Homophobia. We'll try to get back on track next week, but remember, we're just trying to have fun and be our own best people.

Welcome back! This week, Leah and Jamie dive into some science topics that you might have missed because of the news cycle's constant barrage of negative stuff! Jamie has an online subscription to National Geographic, so some of the links in the show notes may not open up, but he did find some alternative links you can go to to read some more about the topics today! Enjoy!

Citations:

• Landau, E. (2025, September 18). This is the best evidence yet for ancient life on Mars. Science. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/mars-rock-alien-life-microbes-chemistry
• NASA. (2025, September 10). NASA says Mars Rover discovered potential biosignature last year - NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-says-mars-rover-discovered-potential-biosignature-last-year/
• Qader, S. A. (2025, September 13). Doomscrolling and the Dopamine Loop: How endless scrolling is rewiring our brains. MedReport Foundation. https://www.medreport.foundation/post/doomscrolling-and-the-dopamine-loop-how-endless-scrolling-is-rewiring-our-brains
• Rosen, M. (2025, September 19). Staying on the keto diet long term could carry health risks. Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/keto-diet-health-risk-glucose-high-fat?et_rid=1076472799&et_cid=5739009
• Wexler, J. R. (2025, September 19). The surprising way doomscrolling rewires your brain. Health. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/health/article/how-news-affects-your-brain-and-body?rid=18C5F3C8000430FA93B55AE508ED0886&cmpid=org%3Dngp%3A%3Amc%3Dcrm-email%3A%3Asrc%3Dngp%3A%3Acmp%3Deditorial%3A%3Aadd%3DDaily_NL_Tuesday_Health_20250916_US&loggedin=true&rnd=1758113813183

After a summer hiatus, Leah and Jamie are back with a discussion of Lee Wind's excellent book, "The Gender Binary is a Big Lie." While we both start talking about the book, we end up in some interesting personal stories and repartee about gender. For those listening who are not sure how to feel about those of us who are outside the gender binary, you may find this discussion interesting.

We've added some resources here for you in case you want more. Thanks for listening!

Resources:

Gender & Sexuality Resources UC Santa Barbara

Kirkus Review of Book

This is an awesome resource for anyone who has a loved one going through gender transition/questioning.

We talked about Gender Euphoria near the end. This resource is good.

Citation:

Wind, L. (2023). The Gender Binary is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities and Expressions.