The co-authors of "Letters in Black and White" found common ground in their frustration with America's polarized racial discourse. Our conversation explored provocative ideas like "Blackness as oppression"—a concept that shook Wink's foundational beliefs about identity—and Jen's jarring return to an America where diversity training often stifled genuine dialogue.

We challenged simplistic narratives of "privilege," examined the controversial topic of reparations (with Wink offering a compelling case for Black agency over victimhood), and questioned how society's racial scripts influence our thinking. Throughout our discussion, we highlighted the power of curiosity and personal storytelling to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides—inviting listeners to reconsider their own perspectives on race and identity in America.

Winkfield Twyman and Jennifer Richmond are co-authors of Letters in Black and White: A New Correspondence on Race in America.

A former law professor and current author, Winkfield (Wink) Franklin Twyman, Jr. is a southern writer from a small-town suburb outside of Richmond, Virginia. Wink lived on Twyman Road until the age of eight. Everyone on Twyman Road was a Twyman. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Harvard Law School, Wink has penned articles and essays in the South Carolina Law Review, the Virginia Tax Review, the National Black Law Journal, the St. Croix Review, the Pennsylvania Law Review, the Intellectual Conservative, The Civil War in Pennsylvania: The African American Experience, the Richmond Times Dispatch, the Chicago Tribune, and the New York Post. Wink identifies as an American Native to Virginia. Follow him on Substack or his personal or professional Facebook page.

A former professor at Trinity University on Chinese Politics and Vice President of International Projects for Stratford, Jennifer Richmond now serves as the Executive Director and Co-founder of the Institute for Liberal Values. In this role, she takes her academic acumen and knowledge of authoritarian governments, turning her attention and skills towards the most polarizing issues within the United States.

Instagram: @jsrichmond @ilvalues

X: @truth_inbetween @ilvalues

LinkedIn

YouTube: @ilvalues

00:00 Start

[00:02:09] Polarization in race discourse.

[00:03:55] Diversity training experiences and reflections.

[00:10:11] Language and cultural privilege.

[00:12:59] Individuality vs. Stereotypes in Society.

[00:19:20] Black identity and entrepreneurship.

[00:20:58] Fatherlessness and its impact.

[00:25:35] Racial solidarity and misalignment.

[00:29:54] Individuality in racial narratives.

[00:32:48] Kafka traps in wokeness.

[00:37:27] Opposition to reparations for slavery.

[00:40:14] Reparations and black agency.

[00:45:43] Post-traumatic growth syndrome.

[00:49:04] Family personality and resilience.

[00:52:49] Curiosity and cognitive ability.

[00:58:23] Slavery in Family Genealogy.

[01:00:49] Ancestry and racial identity.

[01:04:32] Ghost slaves and modern comforts.

[01:09:05] Perspective taking and arrogance.

[01:11:56] Lack of empathy in communication.

[01:16:22] Racial consciousness in family dynamics.

[01:20:44] Fragmented identity and cultural expression.

[01:25:50] Racial identity and cultural upbringing.

[01:27:11] Choosing cultural identity wisely.

[01:32:34] Potential vs. Environment in Families.

[01:38:15] Human interaction and identity politics.

[01:40:41] Individual dignity and creative expression.

[01:42:15] Beautiful world amidst challenges.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas ...

Levi Hayes is an artist and writer eight months into his deeply personal journey of detransitioning who recently decided to file a complaint against the therapist who “affirmed” his “gender identity” rather than treating his trauma. We delve into the often-overlooked trauma that accompanies both the transition process and the aftermath of living a transitioned life. Levi opens up about the emotional toll of navigating societal expectations, the pressure to maintain an illusion, and the regret that can follow such significant life changes.

We explore the complexities of Levi's experiences, from his childhood in a rural Midwest town where he faced bullying and rejection, to his adult life marked by impulsive decisions and a search for validation through transition. Levi candidly discusses his encounters with therapists who failed to address the underlying trauma and internalized homophobia that influenced his choices. 

We also touch on the challenges he faced when filing a complaint against a therapist who affirmed his transition, highlighting the systemic issues within mental health care. My template that Levi used can be found here.

Throughout our conversation, we aim to uncover the nuances of identity, the impact of societal pressures, and the importance of addressing trauma in therapeutic settings. Levi's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in discussions about gender identity and mental health.

Levi is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist and designer with a passion for creative expression. Based in Missouri, he is also a writer and blogger who has transformed his journaling and Written Exposure Therapy practice into a powerful storytelling platform. As a detransitioner, Levi shares his journey with authenticity, inspiring others to reclaim their own paths.

Levi’s blog post about his board complaint

The subsequent update & response from the board

Blog: Living for Levi

Levi's Art Portfolio

 00:00 Start

[00:00:00] Trauma of living a transitioned life.

[00:08:00] Statute of limitations challenges.

[00:14:09] Sharing stories for change.

[00:15:08] Childhood trauma and identity struggles.

[00:20:35] Trauma and escapism in identity.

[00:31:29] Understanding trauma in therapy.

[00:35:57] Therapy for detransitioners.

[00:42:26] Escaping homosexuality through transition.

[00:43:32] Masculinity and male acceptance.

[00:51:11] Fantasy of acceptance and validation.

[00:56:09] Detransitioning and personal awakening.

[01:02:03] Trauma of transition experience.

[01:10:17] Shapeshifter as a hero.

[01:12:20] Detransitioning and self-discovery journey.

[01:16:28] Self-care in detransition journey.

[01:22:01] Impact of gender craze on families.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD.

If you have a son, you need to be aware of the information in today’s episode.

When he was in sixth grade, Shane Cole discovered sissy hypnosis pornography. A secretive and shameful addiction to this disturbing sexual content impacted his formative years, and ultimately led him to identify as transgender and experiment with cross-sex hormones. But today, he is a health-conscious, detransitioned young man who leads trauma-informed Breathwork workshops and studies Tibetan Buddhism. How did he get here?

Shane shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming an addiction to sissy hypnosis pornography — and an alarming message to parents about the prevalence and accessibility of this brainwashing online material. We delve into the emotional turmoil that this type of content can inflict, particularly on young boys, and how it intertwines shame, trauma, and pleasure in a way that can lead to destructive patterns of behavior. Shane explains how this genre of pornography exploits male insecurities and can lead to a distorted sense of identity, including a brief period where he believed he was transgender.

We explore the alarming rise of sissy hypnosis content online, particularly among young men, and discuss the implications of this trend for parents and society at large. Shane highlights the importance of understanding the psychological impact of such material, including the cognitive dissonance it creates in sensitive young men who are trying to navigate their identities in a world filled with conflicting messages about masculinity and femininity.

Surprisingly, like other detransitioners I’ve spoken with here, Shane credits his awakening in part to psychedelics. He speaks about how trauma-informed Breathwork, meditation, and other mind-body practices have helped ground him in a new, healthy sense of self.

Throughout our discussion, we aim to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to these issues, including societal pressures, the influence of social media, and the lack of open conversations about male sexuality. This episode serves as a wake-up call for parents and listeners to recognize the potential dangers lurking online and the urgent need for dialogue around these topics.

Shane Cole is a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator and founder of Inspiratus Breathwork. After studying psychology at the University of Southern California and completing a nine-month, trauma-informed breathwork facilitator training program, he travels the country to musical festivals and retreats teaching breathwork. With Inspiratus, he creates sacred spaces for humans to cultivate purpose, positivity, and presence through his research-backed approach to breathwork. Throughout his life, he struggled with gender dysphoria and an addiction to sissy hypnosis pornography. After traditional talk therapy did not assist or even want to address the issues he faced, he turned to alternative solutions. Using breathwork, meditation, IFS therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and men's work, he was able to free himself from his addiction, come back to his masculinity, and reclaim his innocence. He is now on a mission to bring breathwork practices to clients struggling with gender dysphoria and pornography addiction. 

Website: https://www.inspiratusbreathwork.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathingwithshane/

 00:00 Start

[00:01:12] Sissy hypnosis pornography addiction.

[00:05:16] Sissy hypno porn and its effects.

[00:12:46] Epigenetics and inherited trauma.

[00:16:27] The devil frequency in hypnosis.

[00:21:24] Male-dominated trans-identified community.

[00:28:11] Shame and gender dysphoria.

[00:29:08] Addiction to dark pornography.

[00:34:03] CIA and mind control theories.

[00:38:19] Forced feminization in hypnosis porn.

[00:44:32] Cognitive dissonance in masculinity.

[00:49:59] Feminization as perceived safety.

[00:52:27] Validation and gender dysphoria.

[00:56:32] The impact of pornography addiction.

[01:00:51] Detransitioning and psychedelics insights.

[01:07:35] Breathwork training and meditation.

[01:08:27] Spiritual practices and self-acceptance.

[01:15:09] Breathwork as emotional catharsis.

[01:16:55] Emotional catharsis and healing.

[01:21:31] Male sexual shadow and healing.

[01:25:12] Masculine rites of passage.

[01:31:06] Breathwork in music venues.

[01:34:08] Breathwork for purpose and healing.

[01:38:31] Custom camping breathwork retreat.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics docume...

I met with Glenna Goldis, a New York-based lawyer with experience in government, fraud investigations, and domestic violence advocacy, to discuss the recent executive orders related to gender ideology. Glenna, who publishes a Substack newsletter called "Bad Facts" about the so-called transgender rights movement, provided her legal expertise on what these orders mean for American families.

We covered five key executive orders recently implemented by the Trump administration:

1. The day-one order defining biological sex and restoring single-sex spaces

2. The order ending gender ideology indoctrination in K-12 schools

3. The order protecting children from chemical and surgical procedures

4. The military order prioritizing readiness over ideology

5. The most recent order protecting women's sports

Glenna and I explored the practical implications of these orders, discussing everything from school bathrooms to military readiness. We delved into important nuances around funding mechanisms, enforcement challenges, and potential loopholes. While Glenna expressed optimism about the orders' potential impact, she helped clarify their actual scope and limitations.

A significant portion of our conversation focused on how these orders might affect healthcare providers, insurance coverage, and mental health professionals. As a therapist myself, I took the opportunity to advocate for addressing how "conversion therapy" bans have been weaponized against ethical mental health care. We also discussed the concerning trend of insurance fraud in gender medicine and the potential for increased federal investigations.

Glenna shared her work with the Gender Critical Law Society, organizing lawyers to defend professionals who face challenges for maintaining biological reality in their practice. This led to an important discussion about the need for legal support for mental health professionals who want to provide ethical care without fear of losing their licenses.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the importance of understanding what these orders actually do versus what they're often claimed to do in media coverage. While they represent significant policy changes, their implementation will take time and face various challenges through the court system.

This episode provides crucial information for parents, healthcare providers, educators, and anyone concerned about how these executive orders might impact their families and communities.

For help learning how to discuss these executive orders and other contentious topics with your trans-identified adolescent or young adult, check out my course and community for concerned parents, ROGD Repair. I’ve added a follow-up lesson on the executive orders, which teaches ROGD Repair students how they might apply the program’s 120+ communication skill enhancing lessons to this particularly fraught topic. Listeners of this podcast can take 50% off their first month with code SOMETHERAPIST2025.

Glenna Goldis is a lawyer in New York with experience in government, fraud investigations, and domestic violence advocacy. She publishes Bad Facts, a newsletter about the movement for trans rights. Lawyers and law students can sign up for her Gender-Critical Law Society here. Follow Glenna on X @GlennaGoldis.

00:00 Introduction to Executive Orders on Gender Ideology
02:45 Overview of Gender-Related Executive Orders
05:52 Defining Sex and Gender in Law
08:50 Implications for Schools and Parental Rights
12:08 Investigating Social Transitions in Education
15:09 Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schools
17:47 The Role of Federal Funding in Education
20:55 Legal Recourse for Parents
24:05 The Impact of Licensed Professionals in Schools
26:48 Cultural Backlash and Investigations
30:09 Protecting Children from Medical Interventions
36:10 Federal Funding and Control
44:02 Implications of Executive Orders on Families
56:53 Insurance Fraud and Gender-Affirming Care
01:09:02 Military Readiness and Gender Policies
01:09:31 Military Policies and Trans Rights
01:22:39 Protecting Women's Sports
01:27:40 Mental Health and "Conversion Therapy"
01:39:25 Legal Perspectives on Gender Issues

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looki...

Having previously run a support group for the wives and girlfriends of men with autogynephilia (AGP), Wildfire Whispers brings a unique perspective on the intersection of AGP and relationships. Are all such men hopelessly self-centered narcissistic fetishists women should run from — or are there ever legitimate reasons a self-respecting woman might stay? Is full recovery from the addictive cycle of autogynephilic fetishism possible for any man, and if so, what needs to change?

We explore the cultural taboos surrounding AGP and how their erosion in recent years has led to a surge in openly expressed paraphilic behaviors. We discuss the psychological underpinnings of AGP, including the concept of Peter Pan syndrome and how it manifests in men seeking nurturing and validation from their partners.

Wildfire shares her insights on the four stages of AGP, from initial fascination to full transition, and the critical moment when men often name their female alter egos, leading to a split in their identities. This naming process creates a dynamic where the wife feels in competition with an idealized, unattainable version of femininity.

Throughout our conversation, we aim to answer pressing questions: What are the implications of AGP for the partners involved? How can women set boundaries and navigate these challenging relationships? And what role does addiction play in the behaviors associated with AGP? Join us as we unpack these themes and offer support for those grappling with similar experiences.

Wildfire is a writer who is passionate about women’s rights advocacy, empowerment, and protection. Her journey into gender-critical discourse began after she ran an online support group for the wives and partners of AGP men for several years. Initially, she joined the group as a member seeking the same support. Her experiences there deeply moved her to advocate for this often-overlooked group, who frequently struggle to share their stories. Her activism is also shaped by her personal experience of surviving a suicide cluster during her senior year of high school, which tragically claimed the lives of five teenagers. She recognizes the “suicide narrative” as one of the most perilous aspects of gender ideology. Wildfire has found a platform to express her thoughts on X, where she often shares her strong and lengthy opinions. Her words have resonated with many readers, amplifying her voice in the public sphere. Follow her on X @WildfireWhisper

Books mentioned in this episode:
18 Months: A Memoir of a Marriage Lost to Gender Identity, by Shannon Thrace

00:00 Start
[00:00:12] Cultural taboo and AGP dynamics.
[00:06:49] Healing from AGP relationships.
[00:11:21] Psychological impact of cross-dressing.
[00:14:43] Cultural taboo and paraphilias.
[00:19:52] AGP men and nurturing dynamics.
[00:26:05] Narcissism and insatiability in relationships.
[00:29:37] Recovery potential for narcissism.
[00:35:06] Reality versus pleasure principle.
[00:38:31] Stages of sexualization and craving.
[00:46:24] The power of naming.
[00:52:03] Spiritual attachments and addictions.
[00:52:26] Frequency and spiritual connection.
[00:58:30] Influence of psychological technology.
[01:02:53] Toxic envy and admiration.
[01:10:03] Healing from sexual addiction.
[01:12:01] Helping others with gender issues.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD.

Many parents today are disillusioned with the options they see for their adolescents. College often appears to be little more than an expensive four-year summer camp that churns out indoctrinated radicals without any practical skills. But most job options available to uneducated young adults can rightly be considered “dead end.” So what can bright, intellectually driven and motivated young people do to cultivate character and marketable skills that will set them up for a lifetime of success and fulfillment?

Enter: The Preparation, an experimental four year program of self-development in which young men choose from a broad range of activities, occupations, and games designed to do just that. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Maxim Smith, an impressive and accomplished young man who is acting as a guinea pig for this program. Designed by Doug Casey in collaboration with Maxim’s father, Matthew, the Preparation is intended to be a replacement for the only three routes advertised to young men today - go to college, the military, or a dead-end job.

We delve into the shortcomings of traditional college education, discussing how many students find themselves in debt without the skills or job opportunities they anticipated. Maxim shares his journey of exploring alternative paths, emphasizing the importance of gaining practical skills and real-life experiences over the conventional college route.

We explore the concept of becoming a "Renaissance man" and how The Preparation encourages young men to develop a diverse skill set through hands-on activities, such as EMT training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and even working as a wildland firefighter. Maxim highlights the value of adaptability, character, and social skills that come from engaging in various experiences, contrasting this with the often disconnected and theoretical nature of college education.

Throughout our conversation, we address critical questions: What skills will be valuable in an uncertain job market? How can young people channel their energy into meaningful pursuits? And what does it truly mean to prepare for the future in a rapidly changing world? Join us as we unpack these vital topics and consider a more holistic approach to education and personal development.

Maxim Smith is acting as a guinea pig for a program which is meant to prepare young men for the future. This program is designed to be a replacement for the only three routes advertised to young men today - go to college, the military, or a dead-end job.

All of these typical routes of life are designed to shape us into cogs for a wheel that doesn’t serve us. Wasted time, debt, lack of skills, and a soul crushing job define many who follow the traditional route.

This program, called “The Preparation”, is meant to guide young men on a path where they properly utilize their time to gain skills, build relationships, and reach a state of being truly educated. The Preparation is meant to set young men up for success.

https://www.thepreparation.com/

 00:00 Start

[00:02:29] The Preparation program for young men.

[00:07:14] Alternative paths for young men.

[00:09:44] Holistic preparation and skill development.

[00:15:38] Blend of mental and physical skills.

[00:19:24] Uncertainty and skill development.

[00:24:28] Agility in skill development.

[00:29:14] College experience and identity crisis.

[00:32:00] Education system indoctrination issues.

[00:35:16] Middle school accusations of harassment.

[00:40:43] Educational systems and boys' energy.

[00:44:34] Physical activity and motivation.

[00:49:49] Skills for self-directed learning.

[00:54:38] Language acquisition as a skill.

[00:59:29] Wilderness skill schools recommendations.

[01:05:24] Female version of preparation.

[01:08:05] Book completion timeline.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming gues...

In today's episode, I spoke with Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, a global movement defending children's right to their mother and father. She's also the author of three books: "Them Before Us," "Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City," and "Pro-Child Politics."

I began by sharing my personal perspective as a stepparent, acknowledging that while my own family structure isn't ideal from the perspective of children's rights, it's important that we can discuss what's best for children without adults becoming defensive. I expressed how Katy's work resonates with me despite sometimes being difficult to hear, as it challenges us to put children's needs before adult desires.

We explored Katy's concept of natural rights, which she explained through three key criteria: they must exist pre-government, nobody has to provide them, and they're distributed equally. She made a compelling case for how conservative values address the root causes of issues that liberals care about, demonstrating how family breakdown underlies many social problems like teen homelessness, incarceration rates, and suicide.

A significant portion of our conversation focused on Katy's approach to raising children with strong values in challenging environments. She outlined three developmental phases - grammar, logic, and rhetoric - and explained how parents should adjust their approach during each phase. The grammar phase (elementary school) focuses on exposing children to truth and beauty while filtering out harmful content. The logic phase (middle school) involves purposefully introducing and discussing societal distortions. The rhetoric phase (high school) emphasizes emotional connection over teaching.

We discussed practical strategies for parents who may have missed earlier opportunities to lay foundational worldview groundwork with their children. Katy stressed the importance of maximizing emotional connection through physical proximity and becoming knowledgeable about issues their children care about, rather than trying to force ideological discussions.

The conversation concluded with insights about how parents can handle their fears about raising children with conservative values in progressive environments, and the importance of what Katy calls the "slow worldview handoff" - a four-step process of teaching children that moves from "I do, you watch" to "you do, I watch.”

Katy Faust is Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global movement defending children’s right to their mother and father, and author of the book by the same name. She publishes, speaks and testifies widely on why marriage and family are matters of justice for children. Her articles have appeared in Newsweek, USA Today, The Federalist, Public Discourse, WORLD Magazine, The Daily Signal, the Washington Examiner, the American Mind, and the American Conservative. She is on the advisory board for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Katy helped design the teen edition of CanaVox which studies sex, marriage and relationships from a natural law perspective. Katy and co-author Stacy Manning detailed their philosophy of worldview transmission in their second book, Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City. Her third book, Pro-Child Politics was published September 2024. She and her husband are raising their four children in Seattle.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD.

I had a fascinating conversation with Nina Paley, an animator, director, artist, and co-host of Heterodorx podcast. While some may know her award-winning animated films like "Sita Sings the Blues" and "Seder Masochism," our conversation delved deeper into her personal journey through cancel culture and her insights on scapegoating dynamics.

Nina shared how her life changed dramatically in 2017 when she spoke up about gender identity issues after a year of careful research and consideration. The backlash was swift and severe – she was banned from festivals, speaking engagements dried up, and her career as a celebrated artist effectively came to an end. What struck me most was her evolution in processing this experience, particularly how she's come to view it through a spiritual lens, despite not being traditionally religious.

We explored the ancient biblical concept of scapegoating, and Nina offered a compelling analysis of the difference between sacrifice and scapegoating. Through her research on Jesus Christ, she had a profound realization that helped her reframe her own experience – she could choose to see herself as a sacrifice rather than just a scapegoat, finding agency in a situation where she previously felt powerless.

Our conversation touched on the psychological dynamics of cancel culture, the nature of tribal behavior, and the powerful energies that get activated when communities unite against a perceived internal threat. Nina's insights about how people often only "punch up" at those they perceive as powerful gave her a new perspective on her own cancellation.

We also discussed her thoughts on artificial intelligence and its impact on artistic communion with audiences, leading to a poignant reflection on how the media landscape is rapidly changing. Nina shared vulnerably about the grief of losing her career and the ongoing process of accepting that the past cannot be recreated.

What I appreciate most about Nina is her ability to maintain perspective while acknowledging pain. Despite everything she's been through, she hasn't lost her capacity for nuanced thinking or her recognition of human complexity. As she put it, "Life is suffering, but it's not only suffering."

This conversation reminded me that sometimes our deepest wounds can become sources of wisdom, and that there's always more than one way to understand our most painful experiences.

Nina Paley is the creator of the award-winning animated musical feature films Sita Sings the Blues and Seder-Masochism. A 2006 Guggenheim Fellow  and Free Culture advocate, she recently published the unexpectedly controversial comic book Agents of H.A.G. and the popular GENDER WARS Playing Cards. She regularly draws requests for Hundred-and-fifty Dollar Drawings. Her experimental digital projects include Apocalypse Animated and MysticSymbolic. A staunch proponent of Free Speech, Nina co-hosts the Heterodorx podcast with Corinna Cohn.

0:00 - Introduction to Nina Paley: animator, director, artist 

3:12 - Early career success with "Sita Sings the Blues" 

7:45 - The 2017 cancellation: speaking up about gender identity 

15:30 - Copyright vs. copyleft: Nina's unconventional views 

23:18 - Understanding scapegoating dynamics 

31:45 - The biblical origins: sacrifice vs. scapegoat 

39:20 - Family dynamics and patterns of scapegoating 

45:30 - Finding agency in victimhood 

52:15 - The power dynamics of cancel culture 

58:40 - Grieving and healing processes 

1:05:23 - AI and the changing media landscape 

1:12:45 - Reflections on life and suffering 

1:16:30 - Where to find Nina's work

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Are you concerned about an adolescent or young adult with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria? Join at ROGDrepair.com and get instant access to over 100 lessons designed to equip you with the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a meeting.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

 ALL OTHER LINKS HERE.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X

When Harrison was 26 years old, he found out he was going to be a father. Although he hadn’t known his girlfriend for very long, the news filled him with joy, and the expectant parents began enthusiastically preparing for the family life of their dreams. But things took an unexpected turn when the mother-to-be asked him: what if our child is nonbinary or trans? This marked the beginning of a harrowing series of events involving parental alienation, gender lunacy being projected onto a baby, and a prolonged court battle that was ultimately only won because of altogether different factors.

In this touching conversation, a young father shares the challenging path that led him to ultimately win full custody of his son — and the right to affirm him as the boy he was born as. Harrison’s story offers an honest look at navigating the family court system and standing up for his parental rights, even when facing seemingly impossible odds. 

Harrison speaks candidly about his relationship with Sawyer's mother, how their differing views on parenting and gender identity created growing tension, and the difficult decisions he faced as their conflict deepened. He offers unique insights into the family court experience, speaking to both its frustrations and the hope that persistence and dedication can prevail. Harrison's experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of encouragement for parents facing similar challenges.

Beyond the legal battle, this episode examines the changing landscape of modern parenting and the importance of staying true to your convictions while navigating complex family dynamics. Harrison's story reminds us that sometimes the hardest paths lead to the most meaningful victories.

Harrison Tinsley is a parental rights advocate and protector of children. Recently he won full custody of his five year old son Sawyer whom he saved from gender ideology and an unsafe environment. He speaks up against gender ideology being pushed on children, kids being given irreversible surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormones, men being in women’s sports and spaces, and says that dads rights matter. Harrison lives by the motto “Be Brave.” He can be followed on X @harrisontinz https://x.com/Harrisontinz

 00:00 Start

[00:00:20] Nature of evil in history.

[00:05:16] Parenting and transgender issues.

[00:10:25] Gender identity and custody battles.

[00:12:21] Child custody and gender confusion.

[00:15:49] Gender madness and family court.

[00:21:09] Child's psychological trauma in custody.

[00:25:57] Custody battle and child safety.

[00:29:44] CPS worker bias and politics.

[00:35:06] Parental custody and gender ideology.

[00:36:57] The nature of evil.

[00:43:02] Duty to protect children.

[00:44:45] Parenting and legal system challenges.

[00:50:40] Courage to speak out.

[00:55:10] Normalizing gender critical perspectives.

[00:58:06] Cancel culture and open dialogue.

[01:04:00] Education reform and homeschooling.

[01:05:00] Protecting kids in legal system.

ROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Are you concerned about an adolescent or young adult with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria? Join at ROGDrepair.com and get instant access to over 100 lessons designed to equip you with the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2024 to take 50% off your first month.

TALK TO ME: book a discovery call.

SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.

ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. 

SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.

MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.

PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD.

*This episode was intended to be released on Monday, December 30, 2024. While the video version was released on YouTube on that date, apparently I forgot to complete the process of scheduling it to go out on audio platforms, and only noticed the error on Friday, January 3, 2025. I apologize for the error.

In this solo episode, I close out the year by reflecting on the significant events and personal growth I experienced throughout 2024. I ask myself questions about my guiding values and decision-making processes when faced with challenges, and explore what I would like to take with me and to leave behind as we enter 2025. 

I share a bit about personal hardships I faced this past year, including a choppy start to the year as the highs of a paradisiacal vacation ended in worsening illness culminating in a new low. This experience led me to seek even more novel treatments for my symptoms, specifically a stellate ganglion block procedure, which I discuss in detail, highlighting its impact on my nervous system and overall well-being.

As I navigated my health struggles, I made the difficult decision to step back from therapy to focus on consulting, allowing me to prioritize my health while still providing support to parents of gender-confused youth, eventually resulting in developing my course, ROGD Repair. I delve into the importance of listening to our bodies and trusting the process, which ultimately led to the development of this niche program that applies my strengths in psychology and communication to the novel challenges facing families today.

Throughout the episode, I also confront the challenges of being in the public eye, including the unexpected backlash I faced in May, and how I am learning to find humor and perspective in difficult situations. As I look forward to 2025, I share my intentions for the new year, including wedding planning and the launch of continuing education courses for therapists, all while maintaining a focus on connection and community.

 00:00 Start

[00:01:18] New Year's intentions and reflections.

[00:06:49] Navigating personal health challenges.

[00:09:30] Stellate ganglion block experience.

[00:12:55] Effects of SGB medical procedure.

[00:17:10] Therapy vs. Consulting Transition.

[00:23:39] Niche consulting for parents.

[00:25:36] Friendly fire and hidden enemies.

[00:30:24] Relationships with podcast listeners.

[00:33:09] Healing through positive relationships.

[00:37:16] Nature of evil.

[00:44:09] Synchronous communication versus asynchronous.

[00:46:16] Finding ikigai and gratitude.

[00:51:32] Embracing the aging process.

[00:53:17] Non-toxic lifestyle choices.

[00:57:44] Ego-dystonic versus ego-syntonic.

[01:01:51] Healing through humor and levity.

[01:06:21] Clear-eyed compassion and eye health.

[01:09:06] Growth and perspective in life.

[01:14:00] The power of positive perception.

[01:17:01] ROGD Repair community benefits.

[01:17:56] Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.

To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!

Learn more about Do No Harm.

Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.

Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.

Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.

Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD.