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This week on the Transcending Humanity Podcast, I sit down with frequent co-host Erica Vogel, affectionately known as "The Trans Aunty" and a soon to be published author. We discuss a range of topics from writing and creativity to navigating the complexities of transgender issues. 

Erica shares her journey as a writer, influenced by a strong family background in writing and her early passion for art and design. She delves into her career path, from studying graphic design to working in digital marketing and product management. The discussion covers Erica's motivation for writing, driven by the many questions she received from friends and acquaintances. She emphasizes the importance of practicing writing, finding one's voice, and embracing vulnerability.

We touch on the challenges of organizing thoughts and maintaining a clear narrative in memoir writing. We highlight the importance of focusing on relevant stories, emotional honesty, and setting achievable word count goals. Erica also offers advice on the writing process, including the significance of using both visual texture and the brain's speech centers for crafting compelling narratives.

The episode also addresses critical transgender issues, such as respectfully handling medical questions and the importance of educating new friends about one's transgender journey. Erica and I discuss strategies for maintaining privacy and dignity, and the need for compassion and understanding in these conversations.

In exploring the publishing landscape, Erica provides insights into traditional publishing, sharing her experiences and the importance of aligning with a publisher that respects the author's vision. The episode concludes with a discussion on political humor, internet culture, and the unexpected moments that bring joy and connection in everyday life.

Erica's Website: https://www.ericavogel.com/
Erica's Substack: https://ericavogel.substack.com/

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Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

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In this insightful episode of the Transcending Humanity Podcast, Vanessa Joy welcomes Nikki Smith, a dedicated death doula, to discuss the profound and often challenging experiences surrounding death and grief. Nikki shares her journey to becoming a death doula during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing how she found this work rewarding and established her LLC to support families during their most vulnerable moments. The episode delves into the importance of compassion and empathy in end-of-life care, with Nikki recounting her emotionally taxing yet rewarding experiences, including working with close friends and navigating the complexities of familial relationships in her professional role.

Vanessa and Nikki explore various facets of grief and loss, touching on personal stories and the emotional impact of working with individuals facing death. Nikki sheds light on her experiences during the AIDS crisis and dealing with elderly abuse, emphasizing the critical need for empathy and understanding towards vulnerable populations. The discussion takes a poignant turn as they address the disproportionate impact of suicide on the queer community, particularly among trans youth, and the significance of acceptance and support in preventing such tragedies.

The episode also covers the practical aspects of end-of-life planning, including the importance of advance directives and accessible medical documents for queer individuals. Nikki offers valuable advice on establishing support systems for medical decision-making and finding community resources for end-of-life planning. Vanessa shares her personal strategies for dealing with online criticism and maintaining positivity amidst challenging times.

In a lighter segment, Vanessa and Nikki play a game discussing end-of-the-world scenarios, showcasing their dark humor and camaraderie. Through heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a touch of humor, this episode provides listeners with a deeper understanding of death, grief, and the importance of compassion in our lives.

More on Nikki:

IG and TT Handles: @nikkithedeathdoula

www.nikkithedeathdoula.com

Good Grief Podcast with Nikki the Death Doula: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nikkideathdoula

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Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

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In Episode 47 of the Transcending Humanity Podcast, hosts Vanessa Joy and guest Sarah Wayte delve into their personal experiences with late diagnosis of neurodiversity and the challenges they face in balancing this with high-intensity careers. Both Vanessa and Sarah share how understanding and accepting their neurodivergent identities have influenced their creative endeavors and personal growth. The conversation takes a deep dive into their career transitions from emergency services to creative fields. Sarah, who started as a dispatcher before becoming a paramedic, recounts the intense burnout and emotional toll of the job, leading her to pursue copywriting and brand photography. Vanessa also shares her journey from emergency services to real estate and wedding photography, highlighting the specific challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in these high-stress professions.

The episode isn't short on humor, as Sarah recounts a particularly memorable childbirth experience in an elevator—proof that babies have terrible timing! Vanessa and Sarah discuss their reasons for moving to Canada, driven by political shifts in their home countries. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing burnout, especially in creative and high-pressure environments. The episode also touches on the unique experiences of working with neurodiverse clients, the benefits of having others write business copy, and the validation that comes from self-diagnosis and online testing.

The conversation wraps up with actionable insights on coping strategies for ADHD, the importance of community support, and the power of creative pursuits in personal and professional growth. Through a blend of empathy, dark humor, and practical advice, Vanessa and Sarah offer a candid look at the intersection of neurodiversity and career.

For more about Sarah

Website: https://sarahwayte.com
IG: https://instagram.com/sarahwaytecreative
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwaytecreative/
Medium: https://medium.com/@sarahwayte

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

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In this hilarious yet heartfelt episode of Transcending Humanity, host Vanessa welcomes guest host Kate Bridal (Hannibal Lecter's Girlfriend) and special guest Chloe Anna Milligan for an in-depth exploration of the challenges and triumphs at the intersection of faith, identity, and queerness. Titled "Too Queer to be Christian... too Christian to be Queer," the episode dives into burnout, religion, and identity, highlighting the personal journeys of Chloe, an English professor and media studies researcher, as well as a trans leftist Christian parent navigating life, family, faith and belonging.

The Trio kick off the discussion with a look at microphone settings before moving on to the meat of the conversation: the complex interplay of religion and belief systems. Chloe shares her perspective on being a queer Christian, dealing with job insecurity, and the often fraught journey of coming out as transgender. Chloe’s story shines a light on the societal issues surrounding job security and identity, while Kate brings in her experiences as a seasoned podcast interviewer, legal expert and remarkable gift of insight. Vanessa is just Vanessa.

From funny anecdotes to poignant reflections, this episode is packed with moments that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear. Chloe’s recounting of her upbringing in a Catholic Lutheran community, her embarrassing encounters, and her journey away from fundamentalist faith all add rich layers to the conversation. Kate’s insights as a cis Ally, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and finding a truly inclusive church provide additional depth. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions, learning, and the ultimate message of love and authenticity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
12:56 Coming Out and the Impact on Faith
21:35 Navigating Fundamentalist Upbringing and Political Shifts
29:40 Family Relationships and Acceptance
36:31 Challenges with In-Laws and Support Systems
40:24 Navigating Relationships and Coming Out
49:01 The Challenges of Finding an Affirming Church
52:26 The Importance of Community in Combating Burnout
58:30 The Complexities of Being Queer and Christian
01:04:13 The Messy Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance

Follow Chloe on Instagram @camilligal

Follow Kate on Instagram and TikTok @bridalpartyof5 and @thelegalburnouts 

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

Send us Fan Mail

Join Vanessa Joy in this engaging episode of the Transcending Humanity Podcast as she dives into an insightful conversation with the brilliant copywriter Emily Aborn. This episode is packed with insights and laughs as Vanessa and Emily discuss the art of copywriting, the importance of brand blueprints, and the challenge of writing about oneself.

Discover how clear and effective copy can drive actions and why consistency in branding matters. Emily shares her journey from running a retail shop to becoming a successful copywriting professional, emphasizing the power of genuine relationships in business.

You'll also hear about the frustrations with website builders, the joys of using AI tools like Grammarly, and the importance of setting boundaries in business. Vanessa and Emily wrap up the episode with a fun game of Cards Against Humanity, proving that even serious topics can have a playful twist.

Tune in for a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a lot of laughs!

Highlights:

• The difference between copywriting and content creation
• The role of AI tools in enhancing writing
• Building genuine connections and relationships in business
• Setting boundaries with clients to align with personal values
• A fun game of Cards Against Humanity

More about Emily:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emilyaborn7203

Website: emilyaborn.com

Instagram: instagram.com/emilyaborn

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyaborn

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

Send us Fan Mail

"Bring your personality out and inject it into your products to make them more personal."

This week, Vanessa and Jenni interview Jonna Michelle, a personal brand photography expert, and an avid proponent of anti-corporate branding! In her own words:

"I’m here to shine a light on the rebellious small business owners, creatives, activists, and self-led entrepreneurs who are making a BIG impact by carving their own path. With me you’ll step out of the corporate mold and into a unique photography experience custom tailored to your needs.

Making photos is about so much more than creating pretty pictures. It’s about building trust, seeing people, and sharing their goodness with the world. That's why I view every photo session as a partnership. With me, lines of communication will always remain open to ensure that, together, we make the photos of your dreams!" - Jonna

https://www.jonnamichellephotography.com/

Jonna's Instagram

Contact Jonna - Remember to tell her one thing about yourself that you love to get 15% a Lifestyle Session!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Apology
03:51 The Importance of Brand Image for Small Businesses
04:19 Advice on Brand Imaging for Small Business Owners
06:15 Personalizing Your Business and Connecting with Your Audience
08:32 Challenges of Social Media and Sales
09:53 Treating Customers as Serious Buyers
11:20 Navigating the Fear of Marketing Yourself
13:18 Standing Up Against Evil Corporate Overlords
14:37 Incorporating Personal Photography into Branding
16:34 Creative Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
20:23 The Impact of Corporate Farming
22:13 The Walmart and Amazon Effect
25:50 Supporting Small-Scale Makers and Artists
29:37 Representation and Visibility for Marginalized Communities
30:33 Authenticity and Connection in Building a Brand
34:50 The Power of Visual Branding
36:42 Finding Local Makers and Artists
46:15 Embracing Self-Acceptance
49:26 Navigating Corporate Culture and Prioritizing Mental Well-Being

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Cecile Ferrando, a urogynecologist specializing in gender affirming surgery, discusses her journey into medicine and her focus on gender affirming surgeries. She explains the difference between vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty, the various procedures she performs, and the importance of revisions in achieving the desired outcome. Dr. Ferrando also highlights the poetic aspect of gender affirming surgery, where male structures that would have been female are repurposed to create female structures. In this conversation, Dr. Ferrando and Vanessa Joy discuss various aspects of gender-affirming surgeries. They address misconceptions about self-lubricating vaginas and the importance of managing expectations. They also talk about the significance of hair removal and the need for a supportive surgical team. Dr. Ferrando shares funny experiences with patients leaving post-it notes and giving gifts. The key takeaway is to choose a surgeon who is experienced, communicative, and supportive.

To learn more about Dr Ferrando's new practice at UCSD:

https://providers.ucsd.edu/details/1255592325/obstetrics-&-gynecology

Takeaways

Dr. Cecile Ferrando is a urogynecologist specializing in gender affirming surgery.

• Vaginoplasty and vulvoplasty are the main procedures performed for trans feminine patients.
• Revisions are common in gender affirming surgery, and it is important to ask surgeons about their revision rates and the types of revisions they perform.
• The surgery involves repurposing male structures that would have been female to create female structures.
• The poetic aspect of the surgery lies in the fact that the body's development is determined by chromosomes, and the surgery aligns the genitals with the individual's gender identity. Misconceptions about gender-affirming surgeries include the idea of having a self-lubricating vagina, which is not a reality.
• Hair removal is still necessary for certain areas, even in procedures like peritoneal vaginoplasty.
• Choosing a surgeon with experience, good communication skills, and a supportive team is crucial for a successful outcome.
• Patients should manage their expectations and understand that surgeries may have speed bumps and imperfections.
• Building a strong surgical team that works well together and prioritizes patient care is essential.
• Patients should ask questions, be choosy about their surgeon, and not settle for less than the results they desire.

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Transcending Humanity, Jess takes the lead, joined by Vanessa and our guest to Misty discuss supporting queer businesses, the definition of a taco, the background story of Euphoria Threads, marketing strategies, and the Pride collection.

They also explore the challenges of holding inventory, the importance of representation in merchandise, and the impact of stickers in spreading awareness. The conversation highlights the need for authentic representation and the significance of small businesses in the queer community. The conversation covers a range of topics, including representation, giving back to the queer community, business expansion, and podcast advertising. 

The hosts and guest discuss the importance of inclusivity, supporting regional organizations, and the challenges of growing a business. They also touch on the difficulties of podcast growth and the broader focus of the show. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including queer businesses, queer family building, polyamory, and the trans experience. It delves into the challenges and experiences of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the impact of hormone therapy and the importance of support and education.

Check out Euphoria Threads on the Socials @euphoriathreadsco and their website, https://euphoriathreads.store/ - Use discount code TRANSCENDINGHUMANITY to save 20% on your order!

Jess's company, Making Gayby, can be seen on the web at https://makinggayby.com/ and Instagram @makinggayby


Chapters

00:00 Supporting Queer Businesses: A Conversation with Euphoria Threads
01:35 The Definition of a Taco: A Lighthearted Discussion
24:31 Inclusivity and Representation in Business and Community Support
37:37 Expanding Business and Supporting Regional Organizations
47:37 Challenges of Podcast Growth and Broader Show Focus
49:48 Navigating Queer Businesses and Family Building
58:36 Understanding the Trans Experience and Hormone Therapy
01:06:16 Embracing Polyamory and LGBTQ+ Support
01:12:14 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Education in the LGBTQ+ Community

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy

Send us Fan Mail

Jess and Vanessa are joined by Jenni, co-host of the Long Term Pickles podcast!

We aimed for a lighter theme this week, as last episode was a bit... heavy.

Of course, as we're wont to do, we do get into heavier stuff at the end. Ope. Enjoy the show! We had fun doing this, and Vanessa has been itching to share her Natalie Knepp story!

Jenni's Podcast, Long Term Pickles: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/long-term-pickles/id1721838360

The Sam movie: https://youtu.be/0551Lp2I0F4?si=7d2xDZ-K8cQoSWJo

Natalie Knepp's IG (follow and support her!): https://www.instagram.com/natalieknepp

Support the show

Executive Producer and Host: Vanessa Joy: https://linktr.ee/vanesstradiol

Vanesstradiol Podcast - Copyright © 2023-2026 Vanessa Joy