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

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=en

Follow Spencer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/Spencer2thewest

Follow Spencer on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Spencer2thewest

Follow 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

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.social

Follow Kobey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobey4governor

Follow Kobey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194661289324772

Follow Kobey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kobey4Governor

Follow 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