On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Kevin meet Augustine Lorrie, a queer and transfemme singer, writer, and performer making their Cleveland Play House debut in The Christine Jorgensen Show, a musical cabaret inspired by the life of America’s first transgender celebrity.
Together, they explore Augustine’s journey from a rural upbringing in Northern California to the international stage, tracing a path through UC Santa Barbara, the Yale School of Drama, and performances across Europe. Augustine shares how their identity as a transfeminine artist shapes their craft, how mentorship and method ground their approach to character, and what it means to embody Christine Jorgensen—a figure whose courage redefined gender and media visibility in the 1950s.
This conversation bridges art, activism, and ancestry, examining how storytelling can reclaim trans history and transform public consciousness. Through humor, empathy, and rigorous artistry, Augustine brings Jorgensen’s voice back to life for a new generation, reminding us that liberation begins in truth-telling, and that performance itself can be an act of historical repair.
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Augustine Lorrie is a queer and transfemme singer, writer, and performer making their Cleveland Play House debut in The Christine Jorgensen Show. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara and the Yale School of Drama, Augustine has appeared in productions such as Julius Caesar, Next to Normal, and original solo works performed internationally in Prague and Sicily. Their artistic practice integrates theatre, music, and storytelling to explore trans identity, legacy, and liberation through performance.
TICKETS CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experience. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence
Powered by Spotify for Creators
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Tess sit with Osmany Villa, a multifaceted creative, activist, and community leader from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Known for her historic achievement as the first transgender prom queen in Oklahoma, Osmany has become a visible advocate for trans youth and LGBTQ+ representation across the South.
Together, we explore Osmany’s journey of visibility, resilience, and leadership, from her Mennonite upbringing and early transition to her work as Social Media Director for OKC Pride Inc. and Parade Coordinator for The Gayly. Through storytelling, media, and grassroots organizing, Osmany bridges art and activism to uplift her community and redefine what pride looks like in the heart of the Midwest.
This conversation dives deep into representation, identity, and systemic change, illuminating how trans leaders like Osmany are reshaping the cultural landscape through creativity, education, and collective care.
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Osmany Villa is a creative, activist, and community organizer based in Oklahoma City. She made history as Oklahoma’s first transgender prom queen and now serves as Social Media Director for OKC Pride Inc. and Parade Coordinator for The Gayly. Through her activism, storytelling, and digital leadership, she fosters visibility, education, and empowerment for the trans and queer community across Oklahoma and beyond. Outside of her advocacy, Osmany prioritizes wellness, creativity, and time with loved ones—embodying the balance between self-care and social impact.
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experience. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creators
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode of The Trans Narrative Podcast, Caroline is joined by trans artists and creatives Foxx Cant and Ryan Klinghammer for a conversation exploring art, identity, and creative resilience. Together, they reflect on what it means to create from lived experiences, how transness informs artistic practice, and how storytelling, visual art, and performance become acts of reclamation and community building.
In this episode, the three discuss navigating visibility and vulnerability as artists, the role of authenticity in creative work, and the tension between artistic freedom and societal expectation. They also explore the emotional labor of trans creativity, how art can hold both pain and joy, serving as a site of transformation, resistance, and belonging.
Through honest conversation and shared insight, Foxx and Ryan remind us that art is more than expression, it’s survival, connection, and the radical act of imagining ourselves whole.
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Foxx Cant is a non-binary trans femme filmmaker based in Vancouver, on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. She is the founder of Anomalous Transmissions Media, creator of the YouTube channel Foxxtales, and a manager of two queer small businesses while volunteering for a queer nonprofit.
“Ryan Klinghammer is a transmasc drag king, advocate, and community builder based in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently holds the title of Mr. Trans Midwest 2025 and performs under the name Mars. His work spans the stage and the streets, from leading drag king showcases and workshops, to organizing queer proms, disability marches, and fashion shows that center trans joy. A former theater kid turned cultural worker, Ryan uses pageantry and performance as platforms for visibility, mentorship, and systemic change. His mission is to create sustainable, affirming spaces for trans people to thrive, connect, and reclaim their power.”
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode Athena, Caroline, and Kevin are joined by artist and educator Ray Sunshine, whose story of survival and self-discovery invites us into a conversation about creativity, healing, and identity.
Together, we explore how Ray’s journey through cancer, queerness, and faith reshaped their understanding of purpose. They share how art became both a coping mechanism and a form of spiritual expression, how community sustained them through illness, and how living authentically later in life opened new dimensions of joy and belonging.
This dialogue moves through themes of transformation, resilience, and creative reclamation, asking what it means to make beauty out of survival and to live truthfully after profound change.
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“Ray Sunshine (they/them) is a passionate advocate, artist, educator, and cancer survivor. Born and raised in California, Ray was a dedicated LGBTQIA+ ally before coming out later in life as nonbinary, trans, and queer. They are a fierce champion for inclusivity and diversity, both personally and professionally. Ray’s life took a transformative turn when they were diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021. After undergoing extensive chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, they are now in remission, embodying resilience and hope. With over 11 years of experience in education, Ray has worked to foster empathy, understanding, and unwavering support for all students. In addition to their work as an educator and advocate, Ray is also an artist who creates unique watercolor papercuts. Their art focuses on themes of LGBTQIA+ identity, feminism, and mental health, using their creativity as a powerful tool for self-expression and activism. Now living near Seattle, Washington, they share their life with their partner, son, and dog.”
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creators.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode, Alicia, Caroline, and Laurie sit with Jennifer Marie, founder of Jennspire and author of Ask Me Anything. Jennifer shares her journey of growing up in a Christian home, finding faith, and embracing her true identity as a trans woman—while navigating privilege, community, and resilience.
We discuss her career transition from sports marketing and financial services into coaching, where she now empowers trans people and their families to navigate their journeys with confidence and authenticity.
Together, we explore how Jennifer’s work—through Jennspire and her writing—creates space for compassion, understanding, and meaningful relationships, while offering real tools for those questioning gender identity or seeking to better understand trans experiences.
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Jennifer Marie grew up in a Christian home, became a Christian herself, and clung to her faith as she embraced her true identity. Unlike many in the LGBTQIA+ community, Jennifer was fortunate to receive tremendous support from her family and community—a privilege that many others don’t experience. She spent years struggling with her gender identity, but ultimately found peace in embracing her authentic self.
With over a decade of success in sports marketing and financial services, Jennifer transitioned to coaching and launched Jennspire in 2024. Through Jennspire, she empowers trans individuals and their families, helping them navigate their journeys with confidence and build meaningful, fulfilling relationships.
Jennifer is also the author of Ask Me Anything, a book that offers insights into gender identity, shares her own experiences, and encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves. Through her work, Jennifer aims to create a more understanding and compassionate world for those questioning their gender or seeking to understand trans experiences.
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Jenna are joined by Elena J. Nova (Ru$ted Electra) the reigning Mx Trans Oklahoma 2025. A former ballerina and musical theatre performer, they now merge ballet-inspired movement with androgynous fashion to create drag that is raw, emotional, and boundary-pushing.
Together, they explore Ru$ted’s path from the discipline of ballet to the fluidity of drag, and how their work as a performer, producer, and poet (Not an Apology and The Last Man on Earth) intersects with activism. From queer joy to chronic illness awareness to domestic violence prevention, their artistry becomes both personal expression and public platform.
This conversation is about embodiment, resilience, and reclaiming space. Ru$ted Electra invites us to consider how movement, creativity, and lived experience converge to shape identity, fuel connection, and spark collective liberation.
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Ru$ted Electra Bio
Elena J. Nova, also known as Ru$ted Electra is non binary, an author, poet, and activist from Memphis, TN, and the reigning Mx Trans Oklahoma 2025. A former ballerina and musical theatre performer, Elena now channels their artistry into writing and drag performance, blending ballet-inspired movement with androgynous fashion to create work that is visceral, emotive, and transformative. They are the author of two poetry collections, Not an Apology and The Last Man on Earth, and use their platform to advocate for queer joy, chronic illness awareness, and inclusive creative spaces. Through poetry, performance, and activism, Elena uplifts LGBTQ+ people, disabled individuals, and fellow artists, inviting audiences to explore identity, resilience, and authentic expression.
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Essence, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode, Athena, Caroline, and Rosie are joined by Ashley Wiggs, a science educator, former food scientist, mom, roller derby skater, and lifelong gamer. Polyamorous and married for 25 years, Ashley brings honesty and curiosity to everything she does, from the classroom to streaming to navigating identity in today’s climate.
Together, they explore Ashley’s journey as a transgender teacher in Florida, her shift from chemistry to education, and how fandoms, roller derby, and gaming fuel her sense of connection and joy. She opens up about navigating restrictive school policies, supporting LGBTQ+ students, and balancing resilience with authenticity in both career and relationships.
This conversation is about living authentically, embracing complexity, and holding onto passion in the face of adversity. Ashley highlights the intersections of science, identity, and community, reminding us that curiosity, creativity, and courage are powerful tools for growth, teaching, and navigating life.
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Ashley Wiggs Bio
Ashley Wiggs is a science educator and former food scientist whose career reflects a lifelong passion for discovery and learning. Polyamorous and married for 25 years, she embraces relationships built on honesty and authenticity while pursuing her work in education and streaming. A proud transgender woman, Ashley considers her identity an important but not defining aspect of her life. Raised in the Midwest in a family that ultimately accepted her as LGBT, she has carried that grounding into a career and personal life dedicated to curiosity, growth, and living fully.
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 75 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus
Created and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for Creator’s.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Trevor Project: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends): 1-800-DONT-CUT
Family Violence Prevention Center: 1-800-313-1310
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline and Athena sit down with Mateo Briscoe, aka Local Slothboi, a Sacramento-based musician whose songs explore self-discovery, transition, and lived experience. Mateo takes listeners through his journey from early music experiences to finding his voice as a trans artist, and how creativity became a lifeline for self-expression.
Together, they dive into the role of music in fostering connection, understanding, and empowerment. Mateo shares the inspiration behind his acoustic EP, personal songs like “Little Guy” and “Insane,” and the ways performance and community help him navigate identity, anxiety, and self-love.
This conversation is about courage, authenticity, and the power of art to create community. Mateo highlights the importance of supporting trans artists, maintaining vulnerability in content creation, and showing up as oneself, on stage, online, and in life.
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Mateo Briscoe Bio
Inspired by Amy Winehouse and Tracy Chapman, Mateo Briscoe, aka Local Slothboi, is a trans musician and songwriter from Sacramento, California. Beginning with open mic nights and expanding to performances at venues such as Ace of Spades, Holy Diver, and The Boardwalk, Mateo’s music channels vulnerability, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression. Through songs like “Talk My Ear Off,” “Little Guy,” and “Insane,” Mateo explores themes of identity, self-discovery, transition, and the challenges of navigating life with ADHD and anxiety. His work emphasizes community, connection, and using music as a platform to uplift trans voices and create spaces for understanding and authenticity.
https://www.tiktok.com/@local_slothboi?_t=ZP-8zXmE0XyLPC&_r=1
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for Podcasters.
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT
American Foundation for Low Vision 212-502-7633
Trevor Project (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Cynthia, and Jordan sit down with Nia Chiaramonte, author of I Hardly Knew Me, co-founder of Love in the Face, and featured voice in the Hulu documentary We Live Here. Nia takes us through her profound journey, from growing up in an evangelical Christian family in Iowa, to embracing her truth as a transgender woman, wife, mother of five, and advocate for queer families.
Together, we explore the intersections of faith, family, and identity along with what it means to deconstruct deeply rooted religious beliefs while building a life grounded in authenticity, love, and resilience. Nia shares the power of writing as both survival and testimony, and how she and her wife Katie have transformed personal struggle into a model of community care and advocacy.
This conversation is about courage, truth-telling, and the necessity of unlearning shame in order to build futures of belonging. Nia reminds us that unconditional love is not a theory, it’s a daily practice of survival, joy, and resistance in a world that often denies all three.
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Nia Chiaramonte (kara-MONtae), with her wife Katie J. Chiaramonte, is the co-founder of Love in the Face and co-author of Embracing Queer Family. Together, they work to support transgender and LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families on their journeys of self-discovery. She and Katie were featured in the Hulu documentary We Live Here.
Nia is also the author of I Hardly Knew Me: Following Love, Faith, and Skittles to a Transgender Awakening, a memoir written not in hindsight but in real-time moments of transition, faith deconstruction, and self-acceptance. With humor and vulnerability, she shares the lived realities of trans experience—from family conversations and faith community fallout, to resilience, love, and the radical act of becoming visible.
From navigating her marriage and parenting five children, to building resources for queer families, Nia’s work embodies the belief that true liberation begins with telling our stories and creating spaces where love is stronger than shame.
📖 Learn more:
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About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for Podcasters.
If you’d like to reach out or be part of the show:
📧 transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
💵 Support via CashApp: $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
⸻
Resources
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT
American Foundation for Low Vision 212-502-7633
Trevor Project (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Athena, Caroline, and Foxx Cant sit down with Kit M. Caelsto (they/them), an author, spiritual mentor, and founder of Feathermane Soul. Kit takes us through their journey, from a bullied childhood in Iowa, to becoming a published author of romance and equestrian fiction, to embracing their identities as transgender, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and disabled.
Together, we explore how storytelling serves as a thread connecting Kit’s work as an author, a graduate student in Religious Studies, and a spiritual guide. Kit shares how narrative therapy, yoga, and reiki help trans and disabled people reclaim spirituality outside exclusionary frameworks, and how authentic representation in literature can create new pathways for empowerment and belonging.
This conversation is about authenticity, embodiment, and the liberatory power of reclaiming our own stories. Kit reminds us that healing and transformation are not found in conformity, but in weaving personal truth, spirituality, and creativity into fully lived, embodied lives.
“Kit M. Caelsto is an author of over two decades, publishing across multiple genres, and the creative mind behind Feathermane Soul, where they guide others in reclaiming story and spirit. Their work bridges equestrian literature, queer and disabled representation, and spiritual practices rooted in yoga, meditation, and reiki. As the Author Yogi, Kit mentors writers, while their ongoing graduate work in Religious Studies informs a deep exploration of spirituality, embodiment, and narrative. Their journey reflects resilience, self-discovery, and a dedication to helping others find authenticity and joy through storytelling.”
To learn more about Kit’s work, visit feathermanesoul.com or follow them on Instagram @feathermanesoul.
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for Podcasters.
If you’d like to reach out, or be part of the show, contact us at transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com
Support and donations can be made to Cash App tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us on Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Thank you for your support.
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT
American Foundation for Low Vision 212-502-7633
Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Kristen, and debuting as an official co-host, Dylan Dickerson, are joined by Naaz Joshi—India’s first transgender international beauty queen and three-time Miss World Diversity winner. From navigating childhood in Delhi to gracing global runways, Naaz brings a deeply personal account of how resilience, visibility, and courage can reshape not only a life but an entire cultural narrative.
The episode traces Naaz’s journey from early struggles—including societal stigma and personal loss—to becoming a fearless advocate who uses the power of pageantry and public presence to challenge patriarchy and demand recognition for trans voices. As the Director of Miss Universe Queen and Mister Universe Trans, Naaz delivers an impeccable narrative focused on how fashion has become both a livelihood and a platform, guiding us through the story of how she has embraced every chapter of her past to fuel her activism today.
Together, Naaz and the Trans Narrative team explore what it means to stand tall as a trans person in industries steeped in patriarchy, the urgent need for representation in countries with limited visibility, and the transformative potential of owning one’s story. This episode underscores the necessity of creating spaces where trans leadership flourishes, beauty is reclaimed as power, and true inclusion moves from aspiration to reality.
“Naaz Joshi is India’s first transgender international beauty queen, a trailblazing model, activist, and fearless advocate for trans rights. She made history as the first trans woman globally to win an international beauty pageant against cisgender contestants, securing the Miss World Diversity crown three years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019) the only woman in the world to achieve this. Her remarkable achievements also include Miss Transqueen India (2018), Miss Universe Diversity (2020), and the Empress Earth crown (2021), making her India’s first trans queen with multiple international titles.
From overcoming adversity in her early life to gracing magazine covers and runways, Naaz has turned personal struggle into public power. A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology with an MBA in marketing, her journey, from working in dance bars, to becoming an international figure, highlights both her resilience and her determination to redefine beauty, inclusion, and representation. Today, Naaz uses her platform to challenge patriarchy, champion visibility, and inspire a new generation to live boldly and unapologetically.”
To learn more about the international competition, the Foundation whose work it supports, and how to get involved as a competitor or supporter before the deadline, please reach out to misterusa@universetrans.org or @msuniversequeen on IG!
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT
American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.
Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline and Dr. Avgi Saketopoulou are joined by clinical psychologist Laura Scarrone Bonhomme as they meet at the intersection of psychoanalysis, gender, and liberation. This episode Dr. Laura Scarrone Bonhomme brings her perspective as a clinician working in the UK, sharing how both personal and professional experiences have shaped her approach to affirming care amidst rising political backlash.
The episode explores the limitations of diagnostic systems like the DSM and the impact of social norms on therapeutic models. Dr. Laura highlights how transnormativity, fertility access, and systemic bias affect both patients and practitioners, while Dr. Avgi stresses the importance of not collapsing gender exploration into pathology. Her book been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Book Award by The American Psychological Association’s Division 44 .
The episode emphasizes the value of radical listening, community care, and the courage to question entrenched narratives, whether in psychology, media, or public policy. Dr. Laura and Dr. Avgi underscore the urgency of creating spaces where trans and non-binary lives are affirmed, not analyzed out of existence.
“Dr. Laura Scarrone Bonhomme is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and global leader in gender-affirming mental health care. With over a decade of experience across the UK, Spain, and Chile, she’s supported hundreds of trans, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ clients through therapy, research, and clinical supervision. A chartered member of the British Psychological Society, she’s also the co-founder of Affirm, a global training platform equipping clinicians to provide inclusive, trauma-informed care. Dr. Scarrone Bonhomme is the author of Gender Affirming Therapy: A Guide to What Trans and Non-Binary Clients Can Teach Us and a regular voice in international media and conferences, challenging bias in mental health systems and advancing care rooted in dignity, self-determination, and liberation.”
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline is joined by trans artists and creatives Marla Alpert, Freja Ki Gray, and Foxx Cant for an expansive, spirited discussion on storytelling, media, and trans identity. The episode opens with a discussion on trans representation in theater, where Marla critiques the persistent casting of non-binary actors in roles that align with binary expectations. Foxx shares their experience managing a queer production company and developing stories centered on housing crises, while Freja dives into her literary worldbuilding and her trans horror fiction.
As the conversation deepens, the group unpacks the complexities of gender, monogamy, and self-expression. They reflect on the societal pressures imposed by capitalism and cisnormativity, especially within queer communities. Freja and Foxx weigh in on gender abolition, questioning whether dissolving binary structures leads to freedom or invisibility.
The episode concludes with reflections on liberation, planned obsolescence, and trans representation across industries. Each guest underscores the urgent need for professional opportunities, fair pay, and broader cultural understanding of trans experiences.
Marla Alpert (she/they) is a seasoned actor and singer with national tour credits in Jekyll and Hyde and Ragtime, and performances with the Yiddish Theater Folksbiene. She starred in A Leg Up, the first LGBTQIA+ farce, and Miss Step at Playwrights Horizons. Marla is co-host of Flop of the Heap, a podcast about Broadway flops, and a vocal TikTok advocate for trans media representation.
Freja Ki Gray (she/her) is a Canadian trans writer and performer known for her novels Neon Acid Switchblade and Demon of Want. Her short fiction appears in Rumble and Grow. Freja also works in live performance, creates visual art exploring gender and identity, and performs annually as a monster actor in a Halloween park.
Foxx Cant (she/they) is a non-binary trans femme filmmaker based in Vancouver, on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. She is the founder of Anomalous Transmissions Media, creator of the YouTube channel Foxxlales, and a manager of two queer small businesses while volunteering for a queer nonprofit.
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline and Honey sit down with Grace O’Connor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to explore her personal and professional journey as a trans woman navigating healing, identity, and mental health advocacy. Growing up in a working-class, Catholic neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago during the 1960s and 70s, Grace shares the deep sense of isolation and fear she experienced while concealing her identity.
Grace discusses how decades of internalized transphobia, trauma, and addiction eventually led her to seek therapy in 2005, a transformative step that launched both her healing and her career. She opens up about surviving clergy abuse, confronting depression and substance use, and coming out first as gay in 1999 before embracing her trans identity in 2015.
The episode also explores current challenges facing the trans community, including the rollback of healthcare access and the emotional toll of political hostility. (Recorded before SCOTUS decision in Tennessee on trans healthcare ban for youth) Grace emphasizes the importance of community-based mental health, decolonized approaches to care, and sustainable strategies for resilience.
Grace O’Connor (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with Trans and Non-binary communities. She is the Vice-President of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles and brings over three decades of experience in 12-step recovery and LGBTQ+ mental health. After struggling with internalized transphobia and growing up without cultural mirrors for her identity, Grace transitioned later in life and has emerged more grounded, joyful, and aligned than ever. Her therapeutic approach integrates somatic work, mindfulness, IFS, and a decolonized, anti-oppressive lens that deeply affirms trans and non-binary experiences. Grace earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, trained at the Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center, and is a proud member of CAMFT and WPATH. Today, she uses her lived experience as a trans woman and seasoned clinician to build deep bonds of trust and healing with her clients.
Gender Wellness of Los Angeles | Transgender & Nonbinary Therapy
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Cherice, and Jordan sit with Indiana drag star Ana Crusis as they explore the powerful intersections of performance, advocacy, and identity. Ana shares her journey from growing up in Indianapolis to discovering drag as a form of joyful self-expression, detailing how influences like Judy Garland, Dennis Rodman, and Diana Ross shaped her early creative imagination. The conversation opens with reflections on her first full drag performance—Glinda the Good Witch—and how it embodied her gender fluidity and artistic vision.
The episode deepens as Ana discusses her work beyond the stage, including her leadership in local pageants and her advocacy against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Indiana. She reflects on testifying against House Bill 1608 and how drag has served as a vehicle for civic engagement, representation, and educational outreach.
In the final segment, the conversation shifts to HIV prevention, stigma, and community health. Jordan and Cherice speak candidly about the challenges of healthcare access for Black trans individuals and rural communities, highlighting the urgency of public health equity. Through rapid-fire questions and shared resources, the panel underscores the importance of education, testing, and supporting grassroots efforts.
“In the glittering realm of Indianapolis drag, one name shines brightly—Ana Crusis. A celebrated performer, fierce advocate, and community icon, Ana has graced stages across the Midwest for over a decade with her signature high glamour, sharp wit, and powerful presence. Ana began her drag journey in 2011 in Muncie, Indiana, and quickly made her mark, earning titles such as Miss Gay Muncie (2011), Miss Glamour (2019), and Miss Gay Indiana (2019 & 2020).
Her impact extends beyond performance. In 2021, the City of Indianapolis proclaimed an official “Ana Crusis Day” to honor her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. A fearless advocate, Ana testified before the Indiana House of Representatives against House Bill 1608 (“Indiana’s Don’t Say Gay Bill”), using her platform to speak truth to power. Ana Crusis stands as a radiant force of resilience, joy, and transformation—reminding us all that true queens don’t just wear crowns; they change the world.”
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Kevin, and Foxx meet Vega, also known as Genderfluid-ACAB Solid, a transfemme, nonbinary digital artist and media critic known for their incisive and comedic takes on gender representation in film and television. The episode explores Vega’s creative journey from studying biomedical engineering to working in indie game development, and eventually becoming a rising voice on TikTok..
The conversation highlights Vega’s latest creative project: a fanfic-inspired video series set in the universe of the television show Severance. Vega shares how the story, centered on dual identities and inner transformation, became a vessel for exploring trans experience in a genre-bending format.
Toward the end, Vega speaks candidly about transitioning during the pandemic, media influences like The Matrix and Star Wars, and the freedom that comes from creating outside normative structures.
“Vega (they/she)—also known as Genderfluid-ACAB Solid on TikTok—is a transfemme, nonbinary, genderfluid digital artist, gamer, and film enthusiast. Their channel features a blend of comedy sketches, personal vlogs, and sharp, trans-centered media analysis. Whether they’re deep-diving into a cult classic or joyfully unpacking queer representation, Vega always brings curiosity, wit, and a vibrant lens of lived experience. Most recently, they’ve been exploring a trans character in the world of Severance through a fanfic miniseries that blends identity, world-building, and storytelling with heart.”
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Tess meet JAD Davis a Memphis-based artist, performer, and community force whose life and work embody the beauty of unapologetic authenticity. Together, they explore JAD’s personal and artistic evolution, from growing up neurodivergent in the South to becoming Memphis’s first hyperpop artist.
The episode highlights JAD’s experience navigating the intersections of identity, creativity, and social pressure. They reflect on their roots in the fashion world and their early performances, their transition during a time of national tension, and the support they found in Memphis’s creative community.
JAD encourages others to pursue their dreams without apology, to challenge dominant narratives, and to find healing through art and community. JAD also teases their upcoming music video release, continuing their legacy of pushing sonic and cultural boundaries through hyperpop.
“JAD Davis is a Memphis-based artist and creative force whose career spans music, fashion, and community advocacy. As the front-woman of Divergent, JAD began breaking musical boundaries in 2011 as Memphis’s first hyperpop artist, long before their transition. Their artistry has always been tied to self-expression and disruption of norms. Before stepping into music, JAD led the fashion world from 2009 to 2012 as production and operations manager with Revolutionary Runway, while also modeling, coaching, and serving as a creative director for numerous publications. In 2012, they combined music and compassion by collaborating with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to bring performances and recordings to children undergoing treatment. After a 3-year sabbatical, JAD returned to the spotlight, inspiring many by publicly embracing their transition during their 2024 Focus Magazine People’s Choice award acceptance. In a polarized world, JAD stands rooted in authenticity, committed to uplifting Memphis, pushing creative limits, and using their platform to offer hope and boldness.”
https://youtu.be/J1zXwt-uBx0?si=rybzxAjcTNxvu_B1
Instagram @Biblebeltbaddie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thatwitch901
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, AJ, Athena, and Caroline meet Rosalyn Sandri as they explore her powerful journey from high school English teacher to nationally recognized advocate for trans visibility. Rosalyn shares the roots of her story—from her early years in Philadelphia to her adolescence in Texas—highlighting the formative experiences in Catholic school, theater, and queer community that helped her understand herself in a world that often tried to define her differently.
The conversation turns toward Rosalyn’s time as an educator, her love of teaching detective fiction, and the moment she decided to live more openly and transition publicly while still in the classroom. She speaks candidly about grief, mental health, and the role that self-expression—through poetry, makeup, and online content—played in her survival. When far-right media targeted her TikTok videos, Rosalyn faced an onslaught of hate that forced her to resign.
The episode closes with a heartfelt conversation about recovery, resistance, and what it means to keep showing up in a world that punishes truth-telling. Rosalyn reflects on how AI, art, and community can all play a role in healing and visibility. With warmth and honesty, she reminds listeners that embracing who you are is not just an act of self-care, but a radical offering to others navigating similar paths.
“Rosie Sandri (she/her) is a transgender educator, content creator, and advocate for inclusive classrooms and authentic visibility. A former high school English teacher at Red Oak High School in Texas, Rosie began publicly sharing her transition journey on TikTok (@rosie.sandri), where her reflections on gender euphoria, language, and teaching resonated widely. Her honest storytelling garnered national attention, both in celebration and backlash, after far-right outlets targeted her content. In the face of harassment and threats, Rosie made the difficult decision to resign for her safety and the wellbeing of her students. Despite this, Rosie continues to lead with grace and resilience, using her platform to uplift trans joy, challenge injustice, and speak truth to power. Outside her advocacy work, Rosie is a poet at heart who finds solace under trees, thrives in the pit at punk shows, and delights in late-night horror films. Her story is a testament to courage, creativity, and the enduring power of self-definition.”
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Kevin sit with Ryan Klinghammer, reigning Mr. Trans Midwest, as they discuss gender identity, creative expression, and what it means to build community in the face of systemic adversity. Ryan walks us through his journey, from growing up in St. Louis and discovering his love of theater, to coming out as trans in high school and stepping into his power through the world of drag king performance.
Ryan speaks candidly about the challenges of navigating transmasculinity, especially as someone who didn’t see himself reflected in mainstream narratives. He describes how drag became a transformative outlet that allowed him to explore queer masculinity in liberating and joyful ways.
The episode closes with Ryan’s reflections on organizing large-scale community events, from trans prom to disability marches, and his goals as a leader within the Trans U.S.A. Pageantry system. He shares insights on balancing protest and celebration within Pride spaces, and emphasizes the importance of financial sustainability and access.
“Ryan Klinghammer is a transmasc drag king, advocate, and community builder based in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently holds the title of Mr. Trans Midwest 2025 and performs under the name Mars. His work spans the stage and the streets, from leading drag king showcases and workshops, to organizing queer proms, disability marches, and fashion shows that center trans joy. A former theater kid turned cultural worker, Ryan uses pageantry and performance as platforms for visibility, mentorship, and systemic change. His mission is to create sustainable, affirming spaces for trans people to thrive, connect, and reclaim their power.”
**
About the Podcast
The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Family Violence Prevention
Call 800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357
Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1
On this episode, Caroline, Kristin, and Lusi meet Kaz Phillips, a 22-year-old trans woman currently serving in the U.S. Army as a human intelligence professional. As the military once again attempts to roll back protections for transgender service members, Kaz faces an involuntary discharge under a policy that forces trans personnel to separate or risk losing their benefits. With courage and clarity, she walks us through what it means to serve your country while being forced to hide who you are, and what it feels like when that service is deemed expendable by the very institutions you swore to protect.
Kaz opens up about her journey of self-discovery, from growing up in a large musical family in Cincinnati to navigating gender and marriage, military intelligence training, and the complexities of transition in uniform. She shares the tensions between duty and identity, patriotism and pain, and how her lived experiences have reshaped her purpose.
Through this intimate and powerful conversation, we explore not just the challenges Kaz has faced but the heart behind her advocacy. From TikTok activism to confronting transphobia within and beyond the military, Kaz speaks to the urgency of visibility, the need for diverse trans voices, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up.
“Kaz Phillips (she/her) is a daughter, sister, wife, and proud trans woman who loves her life. She currently serves as a Human Intelligence professional in the U.S. Army, where she gathers and analyzes critical information to support national security efforts. A graduate of the Defense Language Institute in French, Kaz has also trained fellow HUMINT professionals and led volunteer initiatives across the country.
Outside of her military service, Kaz advocates for trans rights, especially for those serving in uniform, and creates content to educate and uplift others navigating similar journeys. Raised in a Christian family split between rigid and more accepting views, Kaz’s path to transition was shaped by faith, reflection, and resilience. She began her transition at age 21 and continues to speak out about the realities trans people face in the military today. When she’s off duty, she can be found crocheting or dancing to just about every song she hears.”
**
“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser
The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters
If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at
“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”
Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore
Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts
Thank you for your support
Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT
American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.
Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1