Gender: A Wider Lens Identity Exploration from a Psychological Depth Perspective

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Teenagers, particularly those on the autism spectrum, encounter unique challenges in navigating social expectations, understanding their own identity, and processing information. These challenges can be compounded by the influence of social media and mainstream narratives, which often perpetuate misconceptions.
Yet, the capacity of teenagers for critical analysis and insightful reflections is frequently underestimated. It is crucial to promote open dialogue and the exploration of diverse viewpoints to empower teenagers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Christina Buttons emphasizes the complexities teenagers encounter, especially those who are grappling with their identity amid societal pressures. She highlights several tools and approaches that she believes young people could benefit from in fostering intellectual curiosity.
The Coddling of the American Mind is currently available for viewing exclusively on Substack.
Watch our full length episode with Christina Buttons:
To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

This episode opens with an extended introduction exploring the recent release of The Cass Review - Final Report, as this is a massive development in the world of gender medicalization. The guest feature begins at the 00:10:30 timestamp, so please feel free to skip ahead if you’d like.
Sasha and Stella welcome guest, Christina Buttons, for a special conversation covering everything from her personal experiences with autism, her troubled adolescence, and her work as an investigative journalist, to her awakening to gender issues and her extensive research efforts. 
The episode gets into the concept of stress perception and resilience, the intersection of autism and gender dysphoria, and the lack of informed consent in medical interventions for trans identified individuals.
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-160 

Buy Our Book – When Kids Say They’re Trans: A Guide for Thoughtful Parents at https://whenkidssaytheyretrans.com/ 
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For 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com

As the medical establishment continues to extract valuable lessons in the aftermath of the opioid crisis, the medical use of cannabis has become legalized in many US states. But is it an appropriate substitute for opioids? With a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of cannabis compared to traditional over-the-counter pain relievers (like Motrin), do we fully understand the impact that elevated THC levels can have in patients long term? The push for medical marijuana parallels the opioid crisis, with both instances involving the broad application of treatments without sufficient consideration of potential harms — sound familiar?
“So you've created a whole new set of adverse effects that of course they didn't think of…it just got so broadly applied that now they've caught a giant mass of young people that are exposed to interventions that aren't appropriate or they're ignoring adverse effects”
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Carrie highlights concerns about the medicalization of ‘spiritual’ problems and the over reliance on medication as a solution.
“My job isn't to practice medicine based on what message you want to hear, it's based on diagnosing your problem and treating it.”
She also discusses her shift in focus towards gender-related issues, particularly after encountering cases of young individuals undergoing drastic medical interventions.

Watch our full length episode with Dr. Carrie Mendoza:
https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-159
To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

Sasha and Stella welcome Dr. Carrie Mendoza back to the show for her second appearance with the Wider Lens duo. Together, they dive into crucial topics surrounding medical practice, healthcare education, ethical healthcare standards and policy implementation in healthcare administration. Carrie’s insights draw from her experience with the opioid epidemic, highlighting the lessons learned about its origin, scale, and mitigation, shedding light on how these insights can inform our understanding of medicalizing radical gender ideology and preventing its harm.
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-159 
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/@widerlenspod
For 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

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.widerlenspod.com

Identity formation and development involves a multitude of factors at play. Historical events, societal norms, cultural movements, traditions, customs, language, ‘social norms’, cognitive process, emotional development, sexual development...These factors collectively influence not only an individual's personal sense of identity but also contribute to shaping broader societal perceptions of identity as well.
The shaping of perceptions surrounding gender and identity is intricately linked to both the interpretations of psychological theories and the impact of societal responses. Seeking out diverse sources of information, critically evaluating that information, and being open to challenging one's own beliefs are crucial for achieving a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary issues within the LGBTQ+ community, the individual experience of identity development, and the societal responses to it.
In this bonus episode for premium subscribers, Malcolm Clark joins Sasha and Stella as they consider:
* Psychological theories, such as the desire for sacrifice and humiliation, and how they may relate to transgender experiences, particularly in the context of sissy porn and autogynephilia.
* The relationship between sexuality and gender identity, as well as the role of fantasy and desire in shaping one's understanding of their gender.
* The desire for self-mutilation, particularly in religious contexts where individuals may perceive it as a form of sacrifice or redemption.
* Societal responses to transgender individuals, including the role of activism, victimization narratives, and the influence of religious institutions like the Christian Church.
Watch our full length episode with Malcolm Clark:
To listen to our premium content in your favorite podcast app click here for Substack instructions on setting up a private feed.

In this episode, Sasha and Stella welcome Malcolm Clark for a really interesting conversation exploring various facets of historical ideas and identities around gender, homosexuality, and the evolution of identity activism. This discussion navigates the intricate and contentious terrain of understanding gender non-conformity and identity expression across history. 
For links and resources relevant to this episode, access the full show notes at https://www.widerlenspod.com/p/episode-158 

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/@widerlenspod
For 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