When parents bring their kids to see us at Wildheart Society, sometimes they show up scared. Scared of what this means for their kid, of what it means for their relationship, and underneath it, really they’re afraid of change.Most people have a hard time with change; so I get it. But what I like to remind parents is that their child has chosen to invite them in as they are living as their most authentic self. They didn’t have to share this with their parents because they are their own autonomous humans, which sometimes we forget as parents.And I also want parents to know that gender affirming care can not only radically change their child’s life in all the best ways, but it can bring parents and families closer.My guests today are parents Jennifer and Jeff, and their story is an amazing illustration of how supporting their son, Ben, in being his authentic self became a bonding experience for their whole family.Check out the full episode to hear about:* What surprised Jennifer and Jeff as expectations met reality after their son came out as trans* Why it was key that they held onto a holistic view of their trans, neurodivergent teenager* How having a trans child forced Jennifer and Jeff to confront their privilege and navigate new fears for Ben’s safety and wellbeing* How parenting Ben has made Jennifer and Jess more patient, more curious, and better communicators* Why not having access to gender affirming care would not only have harmed Ben, but taken a toll on their marriage and their whole family* How gender affirming care gave Ben the confidence to join the rowing team, and what all kids can gain from being able to participate in sports* Why parents of trans kids need safe spaces of their own to ask questionsFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Wild Heart Society Merch! (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/shop)* Donate to the Queer Community Network (https://www.queerpnw.org/)

In today’s episode, we have a parent story from mom, Shannon. Shannon comes from conservative roots and is mom to three boys and a trans daughter. Our conversation follows her journey of doing her own healing work so that she could be the kind of mom she really wanted and needed to be for her daughter.I’m so grateful she agreed to share her story with us about how important it is to be brave and how critical your work as parents is to supporting your kids.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How Shannon’s daughter challenged her identity as a “boy mom” from an early age* How accepting that she didn’t need to understand why her daughter was trans, just that she is, changed the game* How Shannon’s trauma around what it means to be a girl impacted her daughter as she transitioned* The difficult choices Shannon made to give herself space to heal and how they affected her relationship with her daughter* Why Shannon needed to learn self-compassion and generosity in order to repair her relationship with her kidFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Wild Heart Society Merch! (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/shop)* Donate to the Queer Community Network (https://www.queerpnw.org/)

So many of us are trying so hard to protect our kids from failure of any kind.Getting it wrong and having regrets is scary! Of course we want to protect our kids from that. But really, when we hover over their homework or swoop in with a plan to fix it when they're struggling, we're protecting ourselves from our anxieties about being a good enough parent.There's kind of no better time to fail than when you're a kid. The stakes are still pretty low. When kids learn how to struggle and get it wrong and fail, it strengthens their ability to move through hard things and builds resilience.To talk more about how we can support our kids through failure, I reached out to Jessica Lahey, who wrote a book that I often refer to in my work called The Gift of Failure. Her book has really shaped the way I view failure and how I encourage others to view failure and Jessica also happens to be the parent of a trans kid, so we'll talk about that experience as well.Check out the full episode to hear about:* Why we need to allow kids to get frustrated with tasks* Why adults need to model trying new things and making mistakes* How to give kids opportunities to learn life skills, even when it would be easier for you to just do it* How Jessica’s natural openness has been challenged around her much more private daughter’s transition* How Jessica and her family are leaning on their supports and doing work that matters to them in the face of our current climate* How Jessica weighs sharing her pride of her daughter with concerns for her privacy and safetyFind out more about Jessica Lahey:* Website* Newsletter (https://jesslahey.substack.com/)* The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can SucceedFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Register for Camp (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/camp)* Donate to the Queer Community Network (https://www.queerpnw.org/)*

Recently, a friend invited me to a comedy show and as we watched the set, I was delighted to find that the performer and I had a bunch of similarities.Camp-themed show? Check. Preacher’s kid? Check. Raising money for queer youth? Check. We even look kind of similar, if you don’t count that she’s a foot taller than I am.I had to take a shot at the merch table. Lucky for me, along with being tremendously funny, she’s also incredibly supportive and generous and agreed to come on the show.So today, I’m talking with the one and only Kristin Key. And while Kristin isn’t trans or nonbinary, she does share the all-too-common experience of religious trauma in the queer community and she shares how her family’s faith impacted her coming out and her relationship with them. We also chat about neurodivergent quirks, swap some of our favorite camp memories, and the wild connection between me, Kristin, and Brandi Carlisle.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How being turned away from church camp and her community there compounded Kristin’s traumatic coming out* How being around visibly queer adults helped Kristin see what might be possible in her future* Why every kid deserves to experience the magic of camp where they get to be their whole self* What Kristin would want her younger self to know about coming out and surviving* Kristin’s advice for parents of queer kids Find out more about Kristin Key:* Website (https://www.kristinkey.com/)* Instagram: @thekristinkey (https://www.instagram.com/thekristinkey)* TikTok: @kristinkeycomedy (https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinkeycomedy)* Facebook: @kristinkeycomedy (https://www.facebook.com/kristinkeycomedy)* YouTube: @kristinkeycomedy (https://www.youtube.com/kristinkeycomedy)* Kristin Knows Blank Podcast (https://pod.link/1535565944)Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)* Mack on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@realgendertherapist)Resources:* Register for Camp (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/camp)* Donate to the Queer Community Network (https://www.queerpnw.org/)* Wild Heart Society Merch (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/shop)*

You may be aware that there is a significant overlap between neurodivergence and transness. So today, I’m talking with a guest who is both an expert in neurodivergence–and he’s autistic himself–and a parent of queer and trans children.Sol Smith is a social media creator and author of the book The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult. Much of his work focuses on neurodivergent adults who may have received a diagnosis or self-realized later in life and helping them figure out what it means to be neurodivergent and understand why their lives may have been a lot different than what they were told they should be.Today we’ll be chatting about the overlap of neurodivergence and transness in our kids, and also how–because neurodivergence is genetic–when I tell a parent that I think their kid might be neurodivergent, I might also be telling them, hey, you might be too. So if you’ve got a trans kid and you’ve ever had an inkling that maybe you don’t experience the world the way other people do, this episode might be for you.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How pandemic shutdowns created space for Sol and his family to make big realizations about their identities* Why unpacking his history through an autistic lens helped make sense of his past, but not without grief* How the social environment impacts individual expressions of autism and who gets diagnosed in childhood versus adulthood* How strong family inheritance of autistic traits can lead to denial and second-guessing* How neurodivergence, transness, and strength of socialization overlap* Breaking down some key ways that autistic people differ from their neurotypical peersFind out more about Sol Smith:* Neurospicy Community (https://neurospicycommunity.com/)* Instagram: @theprofessorsol (https://www.instagram.com/theprofessorsol)* TikTok: @better_sol (https://www.tiktok.com/@better_sol)* The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent AdultFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Register for Camp (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/camp)* Donate to the Queer Community Network (https://www.queerpnw.org/)

There is so much misinformation about trans people out there, and a lot of the kids and families I work with have people in their lives who simply do not understand what these kids are going through.But I don't think anyone is a lost cause. Almost everyone is capable of learning and growing.I reached out to today's guests because I wanted to discuss the experience of having a transgender kid while being in a conservative family. I met Amanda and Tom, and their daughter Ella, in 2021 when Amanda contacted me after listening to the podcast. They are upper-class, white, and live in conservative rural Oregon.They have wholeheartedly committed to educating themselves and supporting their daughter through her transition, strengthening their family in the process. They circled the wagons and did the work so that their kid could thrive.Content note: brief, non-detailed mention of suicidal ideation.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How Amanda and Tom realized they were at a point where they needed to learn and evolve to support Ella* How Tom’s relationship with Ella got a new beginning as a result of her transition* How Amanda and Tom drew a hard line in the sand on family acceptance* How having a trans child has impacted their politics* Why it’s so important to show up visibly and publicly supporting trans peopleFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Register for Camp (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/camp)* Donate to the Queer Community Network (https://www.queerpnw.org/)* Disclosure

Today, we're catching up with my friend, and friend of the podcast, Flint Del Sol.Last time Flint was here, his life looked very different than it does today. He was mid-transition, using they/them pronouns, had just started testosterone, and was still teaching. Since then, he's come out, transitioned in public on his social media profiles, survived doxxings, and received bomb threats at the school where he taught.It's been a lot.He chose to leave teaching and move to the desert with his husband for a while, and they've just recently sold their belongings and moved into an airstream with a plan to travel around the country to meet other trans people and gather stories and information to capture the trans experience in the US at this especially challenging and frightening time. And somehow in all of that, Flint also wrote a book called Teach Like an Ally that comes out on July 29, 2025. This book was written for educators who are struggling in environments where they can't openly state their allyship, can't fly rainbow flags, or can't teach or even have queer books in their classrooms. Even if you're not a teacher, this book will help you be a better ally to the queer kids in your life.Every time I talk to Flint, the conversation tends to go off in a million different directions, but it always ends up someplace super nerdy, and someplace deeply emotional. This one is no different. I hope you leave feeling as inspired and ready to do better work as I did.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How having survived blowing up his own life before has shaped Flint’s relationship to change* How genuine curiosity and judgment get confused in ourselves and others* Why it’s totally normal to be at reduced capacity right now, and some ideas to help sustain you* Why even in an unfair, unjust world, it’s worth continuing to fight for justice* How deadlines, outlines, and leaning into his unique voice got Flint to the final draft* Why kids need access to an understanding of queer existence that is not fueled by negativity and hate* How making art is an essential part of how Flint processes events and feelingsFind out more about Flint Del Sol:* Instagram: @justflintisfine* TikTok: @justflintisfine (https://www.tiktok.com/@justflintisfine)* Teach Like an Ally: An Educator's Guide to Nurturing LGBTQ+ StudentsFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)*

We’re back! To kick off this new season, I invited back the last person I had on the show before my break.Mitch joins me again to share what the last couple of years have been like as his family adjusted to their move to Washington from Texas in support of their trans daughter. We talked about the difficult transition they experienced, having left behind a strong community ties because he feared for his daughter’s safety, and we talked about what it’s been like to be an advocate for his daughter and trans youth in both Texas and now here in Washington. We also talked about the beauty of curiosity, ways we can show up for our kids, and how he’s grown as a parent and as a person through this experience.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How Mitch and his family have decompressed and settled into their new lives* Why inspiring curiosity is the first step in encouraging critical thinking* Why we all need to learn to sit with the discomfort of boredom* Why it’s so important for parents of trans kids to tell their stories, in small and large waysFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Register for Camp Wild Heart 2025 (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/camp)* Season 04 Ep 12: Joyful Resistance: One Dad's Call to Action (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/episodes/12-mitch)* Are Killer Whales Misunderstood? with Dr. Deborah Giles - Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness (https://jonathanvanness.com/podcast/getting-curious-are-killer-whales-misunderstood-with-dr-deborah-giles/)

Hello, friends. Have you missed me?After a longer than originally intended break from this podcast, I am back and I am ready.The world is scary right now and I want to show up here to support the Wild Heart community. I'm always thrilled to get to be a part of your journey in whatever way I have been.We have a great season coming up for you. You're going to hear from some old and new friends of the podcast, some listeners, and lots of families. I heard you loud and clear that what is often most helpful to you all is hearing from each other, and I think that is beautiful.We need each other more than ever. I'm so glad to be back and I'm so glad you're here.Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)

We’ve talked before about voting for your kid, and the rafts of legislation that are directed at taking away rights from trans people and trans kids. Even here in the Pacific Northwest, kids and their families are scared.As of  recording on August 15th, 2023, there were 358 active pieces of anti-trans legislation in 49 states. That doesn't include the 80 bills that were already passed, and it doesn't include the 128 bills failed. This isn't going to stop anytime soon. Today, we’ll hear from a dad, Mitch, who moved his family from Texas to Washington to escape the oppressive legislation passed there. You’ll also hear about Mitch’s activism on behalf of his trans daughter and gay son, from school board meetings to testifying at the Texas state house, and the impact it had on him, his marriage, and his kids. And he talks about being in the messy middle of transitioning to a new home while missing their friends, colleagues, and many of the things they loved about their lives in Texas.Check out the full episode to hear about:* The grief of leaving behind their lives, colleagues, friends, and community and starting over* Why Mitch chose to focus on “joyful resistance” in his approach to activism* The sometimes surprising support and affirmation Mitch’s daughter received in her Texas school* What Mitch learned from his students about affirming, loving, and supporting his daughter when she came out* The impact of Mitch’s commitment to advocacy on his mental health and his relationships* Why Mitch says it’s vital for dads of trans kids to get involved* The final straws that made it clear the family had to leave TexasFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Season 01 Ep 05: Suicide Prevention: Facing Our Fear Of The Dark (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/episodes/05-suicide-prevention)

So often when I talk to parents about their children’s decision or request to transition, parents express concern that their child will regret their decision, and that their child’s regret will come back on them as parents. In fact, I’ve worked with a number of parents who have said, “They can do whatever they want when they’re 18, but I’m not going to be responsible for any regrets that they have later.”I’ve always translated this as a fear response. And I get it. There are a lot of unknowns and a lot of uncertainty, and nobody wants to screw up their kid or make their future not what they hoped it would be.Today we're going to hear the story of a trans woman who didn't transition when they were young, even though they knew that's what they wanted and needed. She's going to share the story of the life that she has lived struggling with who she is and how to be in the world.Her name is Randi, and she's a white, middle-aged trans woman. She's married, she has kids.Randi asked me if she could share her story with you all because she wanted you to know the other side of the story for trans folks who can't transition, or choose to wait until they're adults to do so, and what regret means to her.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How Randi knew from a very young age that she was different–and that she had to hide her differences* The experience of social and emotional isolation that resulted from not being able to be herself* Why Randi turned to hypermasculine expression in the wake of realizing that she was trans* How suppressing her identity impacted Randi emotionally, in her relationships, and even economically* How Randi finally came out to her wife and her family* How Randi’s pastor and faith community have provided support as she transitions* Randi’s advice for parents of trans kidsFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward, Daniel H. Pink

Transphobia is all around us, and often inside us. As parents, we face it in everyday conversations with colleagues, family members, and friends. Our kids face it in school from peers, teachers, and friends.Over the years, the biggest concern I hear about raising a transgender child isn’t about the medical stuff, it’s fears about the way the world will treat that child. We know it’s not all going to be nice. We know that our kids will face bullies and bigots. And I've heard from some of you that you want to fight back. So much of the anti-bullying policy and training in our school systems teaches kids to ignore it or walk away and find an adult. And it doesn’t actually teach kids to extinguish bullying behavior or give parents tools to help.So what do we do?Today, I brought in an expert in communications with a specific focus on anti-bullying awareness. She’s going to share some tools that are actually effective in helping kids stop bullying and hold on to their own power through a technique of using neutral responses.We’re going to dig into what that means, why it makes sense and is effective, and how teaching kids to keep their power can spill over positively into other parts of their lives.Jamie Hamilton is a communications professor who knows that communication is the magic with which all relationships are created and destroyed. Jamie’s passion is to teach people how to communicate in ways that enhance the areas of their life that matter most.With over twenty years of experience, Jamie has garnered an academic platform of excellence in higher education and is the founder of The Comm Experts, a communications consulting and coaching firm.Check out the full episode to hear about:* The difference between one-up, one-down, and neutral responses and how they influence power dynamics with bullies* Why just ignoring it and walking away doesn’t work* How responding neutrally and factually builds confidence* Why role-playing and practicing these responses with your kids is absolutely key* Why it’s essential that kids have affirming, trustworthy adults in their lives when they’re experiencing bullying* How parents can use communications tools to respond to difficult comments from other adults* Why the block button is the most effective tool for online bullyingFind out more about Jamie Hamilton:* The Comm Experts (https://www.thecommexperts.com/)* TikTok: @the_communication_expert (https://www.tiktok.com/@the_communication_expert)Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)*

Remember that time before you were a parent and you thought you at least had some clue what you were getting into and that you’d be good at it?I know I did. I knew it wasn’t all snuggles and giggles and that it would be a lot of hard work, but caring for others is part of my wiring.Of course, none of us are really prepared for what waits for us in parenthood. Even after you’ve had your first kid, you can get thrown for a loop on the second, third, and so on because every kid is different and you’re different too.When we sign up to be parents, we don’t get to choose the kids we’re going to raise. We don’t know what personality traits they’re going to have or what genetic anomalies will unfold. We get hit with all kinds of unexpected adventures and challenges, and nobody handed us a manual for our kids.Today’s episode is a parent story. We’ll hear from Mama Bear, Catherine, about how she and her family navigated her child’s coming out and transition, and how different her experience has been as a parent from one kiddo to the next.Check out the full episode to hear about:* The challenges of having a younger trans child who can’t fully express what they’re feeling* Why Catherine says that aiming for gender neutral parenting may have actually caused her to miss some early signals from her child* How parenting a trans child adds an extra layer of vulnerability to being a parent* How raising a trans kiddo challenged Catherine’s sense of herself as an ally* How Catherine set difficult boundaries with family members to protect her kiddoFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)

“How do we know this is about gender and not body image? Doesn’t everyone feel uncomfortable in their body at that age?”I get these questions from parents all the time. And my answer is this: body image is about being dissatisfied with how we look along with unobtainable beauty standards. Body dysphoria is about the cues their body sends to the world about how to interact with and treat them, how that doesn’t align with how they feel, and how it can make them feel invisible.It’s similar, but also very, very different.Struggles with body image and with body dysphoria can lead cis and trans kids to patterns of disordered eating and disconnection from their bodies. Eating disorders are prevalent in the trans community because they are often a coping mechanism for the stress and stigma of being trans. Which is why I wanted to talk to today’s guests, who are experts in eating disorders and whose treatment model, centered on trusting and coming home to the body, is so different from standard treatment modalities.Dana Sturtevant helps people let go of chronic patterns of dieting and disordered eating and move ​​into a more authentic, sustainable way to occupy and nurture their bodies. She advocates for food and body sovereignty as a nutrition therapist, educator, speaker, writer, and activist.Hilary Kinavey works with people to reckon with the vicious cycles of disordered eating and dieting, body shame and weight bias, and the fragmentation, oppression, and trauma that often sits at the center. As a licensed professional counselor, facilitator, educator, and coach, she sees that we have been separated from our embodied knowing of our value and wholeness.Together they founded the Center for Body Trust and co-authored the book Reclaiming Body Trust: a Path to Healing and Liberation.Check out the full episode to hear about:* Why parents need to do their own work around rebuilding body trust* How to bring awareness and choice to body checking and comparison behaviors* How our cultural beauty standards–for cis and trans people–are tied to white supremacy* Suggestions for supporting kids and framing the conversation when they’re exposed to toxic body image messages* Three phases of repairing body trust* Why gender affirmation has to be the first step in building body trustFind out more about Dana Sturtevant and Hilary Kinavey:* Center for Body Trust (https://centerforbodytrust.com/)* Reclaiming Body Trust: A Path to Healing & Liberation (https://bookshop.org/p/books/reclaiming-body-trust-a-path-to-healing-liberation-hilary-kinavey/17447970?ean=9780593418666)Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.

Every single one of us has a body.People are complex and our bodies are no different.Some of us feel at home in our bodies, while others of us do not, and it’s not always because of gender.Difficult emotions can play a significant role in this disconnect, as well as trauma and its impact on the body. And having a disability, disease, or other condition can further strain the connection with the body.But for many trans people, their transness is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what makes them and their bodies so different. Today we're diving into a crucial topic that affects the health and wellbeing of transgender individuals.It's no secret that members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique health challenges, though there’s no definitive data or research correlating any of these issues with transness. They’re simply conditions that we commonly see in the same patients.Which is why I wanted to talk to someone who has experience and expertise in treating patients with a lot of these co-occuring conditions that can make it harder for trans individuals to connect with their bodies.Today we’re digging into the relationship of neurodivergence and transness and how it impacts the body and how holding a marginalized identity or identities literally shapes the body.Dr. Sam Zoranovich is a chiropractor who specializes in providing care to the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Their own experiences with chronic pain, multiple surgeries, and feeling broken and betrayed by their body inform their practice and how they help people go from managing symptoms to thriving in their lives.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How the siloing of traditional medical specialists impacts diagnosis, treatment, and healing* Why neurodivergence and how the brain processes stimulation can have such profound physical impacts* The overlap of neurodivergence, digestive issues, hypermobility disorders, skin complaints, and more* How neurodivergence and trauma impact the body’s fight or flight response and what happens when it gets stuckFind out more about Dr. Sam Zoranovich:* Zoranovich Chiropractic (http://doctorsamz.com/)* TikTok: @doctorsamz (https://www.tiktok.com/@doctorsamz) Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:*

Toxic masculinity is more than a buzzword.Toxic masculinity is part of the gender training we receive starting in childhood, where we learn the rules about how to be a man or a lady. Man up. Boys don’t cry. And it hurts all of us.Toxic masculinity is a narrow and repressive description of manhood and frankly, I’m surprised more men aren’t pissed about it.What does that have to do with raising a transgender child?Toxic masculinity can manifest in many ways and have a profound impact on your children. It can show up in the ways we talk to our kids, the expectations we place on them, and the way parents and kids perceive gender and gender identity. And it can lead to feelings of shame and internalized transphobia.Which is why today I’m talking with Rocco Kayiatos about toxic masculinity, how it shows up and impacts our children, what we can do to reeducate ourselves and our children about what it means to be a man, and how embrace mindful masculinity.Rocco Kayiatos is a musician, poet, actor, and activist. His work centers around gender identity, queer liberation, and social justice. Rocco’s artistry and activism have gained national attention and made him a leading voice in the transgender community. He has brought his powerful message to stages across the country and uses his platform to inspire and empower others to embrace their true selves.Check out the full episode to hear about:* Rocco’s evolution as a performer, publisher, and activist and why it’s so important to create inclusive spaces and model possibility* How Rocco went about uprooting his own toxic ideas about masculinity and let go of being a “man-hating man”* Why Rocco says the goal should be to expand our definitions of gender, identity, and expression with compassion* How cultural assumptions about what it means to be a man can make trans men shy away from claiming their full identity as men* How a rejection of perceived femininity can lead to expressions of toxic masculinity in trans boys* How parents can start interrogating how toxic masculinity shows up for them and expand their ideas about genderFind out more about Rocco Kayiatos:* Instagram: @roccokatastrophe (https://www.instagram.com/roccokatastrophe/)* Connect with Rocco on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/roccokayiatos/)Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)

There are so many things about our lives that are gendered.And some of those things are a lot more important and hold more cultural significance than we realize–that is until we have kid who comes out as trans, and then all of that privilege you had and all the mental energy you didn’t have to spend on thinking about all the ways in which the world wasn’t set up for your transgender kid is gone.  Now, I should be clear, when I say “we”  I’m talking about cisgender, heterosexual, white people. People of color, which I am not, have a lot more awareness about the ways in which the white Western world was not built or designed for them. One of the most common conversations I have with white parents of trans kids, usually pretty early on and always because they bring it up, is about their awareness of exactly how much privilege they have, and also how much it sucks to lose it. Today we’re talking with Erica Courdae about culture, hair, privilege, gender and race. Erica is the host of the podcast Pause on the Play® and has built an exceptional community of listeners who are showing up and exploring ways to make their values more explicit at work and at home. She has curated connections and learning experiences that will help anyone challenge harmful norms, show up as an imperfect ally®, and live in alignment.Check out the full episode to hear about:* How Erica’s experience in the beauty industry informs how she helps people investigate cultural norms and show up as themselves* How having a trans child exposes the fragility of the norms and assumptions parents hold* Why it’s so critical for parents to do their own self-work of acceptance and questioning apart from their kids* Why parents need to be able to admit they were wrong and apologize to their children* Why neutrality is not an optionFind out more about Erica Courdae:* Pause on the Play® (https://www.pauseontheplay.com/)* The Pause on the Play® Community (https://www.pauseontheplay.com/community)* Instagram: @pauseontheplay (https://www.instagram.com/pauseontheplay/) Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)

Get ready for part two of my conversation with Flint. If you haven’t listened to part one, hit pause and give it a listen, then come back for part two.In this episode, we’re continuing our conversation about creating a safe and supportive space for trans kids, and the trans adults they need in their lives to show them that they will be fine, and that what they are experiencing is normal.Flint is an English teacher in Southern California. They are white, use they/them pronouns, are vegan, married to an artist, and are nonbinary. They are the kind of person who really goes out of their way to make sure that students, colleagues, and friends are valued and appreciated.  They play and coach roller derby, and have cultivated a large social media following on multiple platforms simply by sharing their genuine and authentic experiences as a trans teacher. Check out the full episode to hear about:* How Flint found a community of trans teachers online and grappled with coming out at school post-remote schooling* How Flint leads with questions to defuse conflict within the community, and why it’s important to know when to end the conversation* Reflecting on Flint’s gender journey and why it’s never too late to claim your identity* Why kids need to see a diversity of experiences of gender and sexuality* Why you need to create an environment where it’s safe to ask questions and talk about hard things* Why we need to untangle gender and sexualityFind out more about Flint:* Instagram: @justflintisfine (https://www.instagram.com/justflintisfine/)* TikTok: @justflintisfine (https://www.tiktok.com/@justflintisfine)* Two Trans Teachers Podcast (https://pod.link/1655974196)Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)

We have all heard and experienced how different school is now from when we were kids. It’s a whole different world. And while I could easily be referring to school policies and the way that kids are taught math - I’m not. I’m referring to the social universe and obstacle course that kids navigate day in and day out. And one of the hardest things about that change is that it doesn’t really end when the bell rings. It continues on social media and smartphones. Kids don’t really get a natural break from it. They need your help to find balance, but also to help them navigate a world that you didn’t ever really know.Today we’re talking to a teacher named Flint about what kids are really facing in schools, how to support them while they’re trying to get their education, and how to communicate with teachers to help them understand the unique needs of your student.  Flint is an English teacher in Southern California. They are white, use they/them pronouns, are vegan, married to an artist, and are nonbinary. They are the kind of person who really goes out of their way to make sure that students, colleagues, and friends are valued and appreciated.  They play and coach roller derby, and have cultivated a large social media following on multiple platforms simply by sharing their genuine and authentic experiences as a trans teacher. Check out the full episode to hear about:* Why parents need to let their kids shove them out of their boxes* Tips for keeping your kid from shutting down in conversation* How leading with curiosity improves your relationships and makes you a better advocate for your child* Why parents and teachers need to do their own work to educate themselves on LGBTQIA+ issuesFind out more about Flint:* Instagram: @justflintisfine (https://www.instagram.com/justflintisfine/)* TikTok: @justflintisfine (https://www.tiktok.com/@justflintisfine)* Two Trans Teachers Podcast (https://pod.link/1655974196)Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)

You never know how people are gonna react to your child's coming out and socially transitioning.I wish there was a clear indicator that I could give you that says, these are the ones who will support you, and these are the ones who are going to get spooked and do really ugly things. If that thing exists, I haven't discovered it yet.I've seen families who are progressive and open-minded about others get completely closed off to the idea that something like this could be happening with their child. I've also seen people who go to church every Sunday read the Bible, own a lot of guns, who absolutely get it and show up for their kids in some very beautiful ways.Everyone responds differently.Today's episode is a parent story.We'll hear from Mama Bear Kate about how she and her family went about supporting her trans child, Rachel, without a map, navigating the seas of judgment as they began to socially transition.Kate is white, middle class and married to a cisgender man. She has two children and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Kate's also a writer, and she recently shared this story in the Huffington Post.  In this episode, Kate opens up about her experience as a parent of a transgender child. She talks about the challenges she faced in accepting her child's gender and the journey toward embracing it fully. She also shares how she educated herself on trans issues and how she navigated religious and cultural barriers, and how she showed up to support her child through the ups and downs. Check out the full episode to hear about:* How a school form started the process of Rachel’s coming out as nonbinary* How Kate and the family navigated questions about Rachel’s identity being a phase, and a rough year in first grade as he began his social transition* How Kate and her husband intentionally worked to create a culture of openness to tough questions in their household* How Kate’s process of educating herself about trans issues quieted the voice in her head yelling that Rachel’s desire to transition was an emergencyFind out more about Mackenzie Dunham:* Wildheartsociety.org (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/)* wildheartsociety.org/downloads (https://www.wildheartsociety.org/downloads)* Wild Heart Society on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wildheartsociety)* Wild Heart Society on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wild.heart.society/)Resources:* Our 6-Year-Old Wanted To Use 'They/Them' Pronouns. We Had No Idea What We Were In For. (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transgender-child-nonbinary-pronouns_n_63ff8de4e4b0bdb99f498a2e)