In this powerful episode of WAIT. HOLD UP...WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks sits down with Evelyn Kocher to discuss a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the courage it takes to embrace one's true identity.

Evelyn opens up about her transformative experience in 2020, a year marked by uncertainty, depression, and a search for meaning. After facing a lack of academic validation and grappling with feelings of disconnection, Evelyn realized that she couldn’t continue living a life that didn’t feel authentic to her. At 24, she came to terms with her identity as a transgender woman. This was her catalyst for change, a turning point that set her on a path to living authentically — even though it meant confronting her deepest fears.

Dawne and Evelyn dive into why change can be so frightening, especially when it forces us to face things we’ve been avoiding. The episode explores how society’s fear of the unknown often leads to resistance and how personal growth often requires us to confront discomfort head-on.

Evelyn’s journey isn’t just about gender identity; it’s about the universal experience of embracing who we truly are despite the noise and judgment of others. As Evelyn continues to wake up each day in a body that once represented her greatest shame, she now sees it as a symbol of strength. Her story is a reminder that confronting our deepest fears can unlock our greatest potential.

This episode is a moving and thought-provoking conversation about self-acceptance, personal transformation, and the courage it takes to live in your truth.