The Trans Narrative Podcast

On this episode, Dr. Kriya Gishen joins Caroline and Lusi.

Together, they explore the complexities of facial reconstruction, Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS), expanding access to specialized care, and the profound life-changing benefits of gender-affirming procedures. The discussion delves into how surgical precision intersects with artistic expression to help trans individuals feel aligned and confident in their identity.

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About the Guest

Dr. Kriya Gishen is a renowned specialist in facial aesthetics and reconstruction. Her formal background bridges the biological sciences and fine arts at Brown University, followed by a surgical fellowship in Craniofacial Reconstruction and Facial Aesthetics at UCLA—one of the world's premier craniofacial programs. Today, she serves as voluntary faculty at UCLA training surgical residents and operates a private practice focused on FFS, facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and body contouring, bringing her sculptor's precision to every procedure.

🔗 Learn More: drkriya.com

📲 Special Offer: Text "Trans Narrative Consult" to (310) 890-7262

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

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Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode, Derek Davis joins Ariya, Caroline, and Rachel.

Together, they explore personal transition journeys, political advocacy for transgender rights, and the work being done to build supportive infrastructure for the LGBTQIA+ community. The conversation balances vital discussions on trans resilience with a light-hearted dive into favorite media, pop culture, books, and anime—underlining the core importance of standing together in community.

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About the Guest

Derek Davis (he/him) is a proud gay, trans masculine advocate and the reigning Mr. Trans Michigan 2024. Having embarked on his transition nearly a decade ago, Derek uses his title and platform to amplify trans voices, promote inclusivity, and foster community connection. As a support group facilitator for Stand with Trans, he works dedicatedly to ensure trans individuals have access to safe, affirming spaces and vital resources.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode, Ariya, Athena, and Caroline meet Lucas as they discuss his personal journey of self-discovery and authenticity. They dive into his experience coming out to his family, his passion for marketing, and his thoughts on gender identity and expression. They explore how he's built an authentic connection with his online audience through content creation and online marketing. They also discuss the impact of societal policing of gender on individuals and communities, and how important it is to create safe spaces for self-expression."Meet Lucas McCarson, a creative and ambitious 21-year-old senior in college, pursuing a degree in media marketing. With a strong online presence, Lucas has established himself as a talented content creator, showcasing his skills and personality on TikTok and YouTube, where he has gained a significant following under the username lucass502. With a passion for storytelling and marketing, Lucas is set to make his mark in the industry."** “Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy BowserThe Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for podcastersIf you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmoreFind us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcastsThank you for your support Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Sonja Young and Claudia Alick join Caroline

Together, they explore personal experiences with gender identity, representation, and activism, with a focus on the intersections of marginalized identities and the role of the internet in shaping digital spaces. The conversation examines algorithmic erasure, the power of art and writing in navigating the world, online mutual aid, digital encampments, and the vital role of community care and self-care in building an inclusive society. 

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About the Guests

Sonja Young (they/them) is a Gen Z theorist, poet, and philosophy scholar. A mixed Black, disabled genderfluid, asexual lesbian, Sonja’s activism centers on online mutual aid, advocacy, and writing dedicated to producing justice for survivors of oppression and genocide. 

Claudia Alick (they/them) is a multifaceted artist, inclusion expert, curator, access doula, producer, and performer. They are the founder of Calling Up Justice, a social justice network producing projects like Producing in Pandemic and Justice Producers, and currently work with The CripTech Incubator and GrayArea Metaverse. 

🔗 Learn More: Calling Up Justice

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite. 

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen. 

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode Ari, Athena, Caroline, and Jessie join to discuss Jessie's most recent video "how anti trans hate fuels fascism, when our favorite content creators are pro Israel, and envisioning a world post capitalism “Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy BowserThe Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for podcastersIf you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at “[email protected]” Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmoreFind us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcastsThank you for your support Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUTAmerican Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVORFamily Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFEDrug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Dr. Avgi Saketopoulou and Dr. Ann Pellegrini join Ari and Caroline.

Together, they engage in a comprehensive discussion on gender identity, expression, and the evolution of psychoanalysis, focusing on the challenges of researching and publishing on these subjects. The conversation explores the intersections of trauma, gender development, mythology, and the power of self-narration—emphasizing the importance of respecting lived experiences, challenging pathologization, and expanding education within clinical and cultural spaces.

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About the Guests

Dr. Avgi Saketopoulou (she/her) is a psychoanalyst in private practice in New York City and a faculty member at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis.

Dr. Ann Pellegrini (they/them) is a Professor of Performance Studies and Social and Cultural Analysis at New York University, as well as a practicing psychoanalyst in NYC. They are the author of Performance Anxieties and co-author of the Lambda Literary finalist “You Can Tell Just by Looking” and 20 Other Myths About LGBT Life and People.

Together, Dr. Saketopoulou and Dr. Pellegrini are co-authors of the groundbreaking work Gender Without Identity.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode, Van Ethan Levy joins Caroline and Jason.

Together, they explore the upcoming Do Something: Identity(ies) Conference, combating identity erasure within marginalized communities, and building genuine trust to foster a truly inclusive, affirming society. The conversation highlights breaking down barriers in mental healthcare, neurodiversity, and organizing trans-led restorative spaces.

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About the Guest

Van Ethan Levy (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, trans, Egyptian, Jewish, Latinx, autistic clinician with dynamic disabilities. Dually licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Van serves as Director of Behavioral Health at Transgender Health. They are the author of Exploring My Identity(ies), creator of the Do Something: Trans & Non Binary Identities documentary, and founder of the No More Gatekeeping initiative and app, which helps providers eliminate healthcare gatekeeping for trans individuals. Van also organizes the international Do Something: Identity(ies) Virtual Conference, centering and celebrating the most erased realities across the LGBTQPIA2S+ community.

🔗 Learn More & Register: vanethanlevy.com/dsi2024

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode, Sasha Buchert joins Caroline, Jason, and Mar.

Together, they discuss Sasha’s military background, her impactful civil rights work at Lambda Legal, and the systemic challenges facing trans and non-binary communities across the U.S. The conversation covers ongoing grassroots protests, landmark legal battles, the critical importance of voting, trans rights protections, and the corrupting influence of money in politics.

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About the Guest

Sasha Buchert is a Senior Attorney and Director of the Non-Binary and Transgender Rights Project at Lambda Legal’s Washington, D.C. office. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she has led extensive legislative, policy, and litigation efforts to expand LGBTQ+ civil rights—serving as counsel in major federal cases such as Karnoski v. Trump (challenging the military ban on transgender service members) and Gore v. Lee (challenging state birth certificate restrictions). Prior to Lambda Legal, Sasha was Staff Attorney and Policy Counsel at the Transgender Law Center and became the first openly transgender person appointed to an Oregon state board. 

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode, Ben Greene joins Caroline, Jason, and Mar.

Together, they explore the impact of social media on mental health, advocating for trans youth, and key insights from Ben’s book, My Child Is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support. The conversation highlights educating others from a place of compassion, empowering families of newly out transgender loved ones, and fostering joy-centered allyship.

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About the Guest

Ben Greene is a trans man, transgender advocate, and international educator dedicated to trans inclusion. After coming out at 15 in small-town Connecticut and giving a popular TEDx talk at Brandeis University, Ben has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience. He frequently speaks for corporate, healthcare, educational, and governmental organizations, serves as a fierce advocate for trans youth at the Missouri State Capitol, and delivers free presentations to parent support groups nationwide. He operates by the catchphrase, “the only question I won’t answer is the question you don’t ask.”

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310

On this episode, Jason Lee joins Caroline and Lusi.

Together, they explore gender-inclusive healthcare, Jason’s transition journey in the UK, navigating Alzheimer's awareness, and what it means to remain visibly and unapologetically trans in a dangerous world. This special episode also features an archival throwback clip from the very first episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast.

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About the Guest

Jason Lee is a pioneer, advocate, and trans man from the UK who began his transition in 2001 after realizing his male identity at age five. Overcoming decades of transphobia and hate crimes, Jason made UK history in 2005 as the first trans person to legally marry under the Gender Recognition Act. A passionate public speaker and advocate, he has led youth leadership initiatives, hosted The T-Boys Show, and shared his journey across platforms like Pride Radio. Today, he continues to inspire others through his resilience, advocacy, and personal life as a proud partner and father to his daughter, Dakota.

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About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is an international storytelling and archival platform dedicated to preserving trans and gender-diverse lives through long-form narrative. With over 150 episodes across five seasons and listeners in more than 80 countries, each episode captures lived experience from beginning to end, treating every story as historical record rather than soundbite.

🎙️ Trans or gender-diverse? Share your story at [email protected] 🏳️‍⚧️

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus

Featuring: Talk my Ear Off by Mateo Briscoe and Cameron Love, with the local Slothbois

Powered by Spotify for Creators

📧 [email protected]

💵 Support via PayPal: CarolineREssence

Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.

⸻

Resources

Suicide Hotline: 1 800 784 2433

Trevor Project: 1 866 488 7386

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 800 799 7233

Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1 800 662 4357

S A F E Self Abuse Finally Ends: 1 800 366 8288

Family Violence Prevention Center: 1 800 313 1310