Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).
Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.
The Best Care You Can Provide - with Dr. Diana Sorrentino
Today we hear how affirmed woman Dr. Diana Sorrentino works to ensure safe and fair affirmation for all adolescents today. Dr. Diana is a psychologist, author, and educator for gender diversity. Her latest book Adolescent Gender-Affirming Medical and Behavioral Healthcare published last week, so pick up your copy with the link below. Diana and I consider topics as far afield as how you know your gender, why the tide of anti-Queer discrimination is turning, and why a little bit of fashion is appropriate in a podcast about science.
REFERENCES:
Dr. Diana Sorrentino’s Website: https://paradoxesofgender.com/ (https://paradoxesofgender.com/)
Follow Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-diana-sorrentino-ph-d-1b64781a4/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-diana-sorrentino-ph-d-1b64781a4/)
Buy Diana's recent book: https://a.co/d/0gJ8zj7H (https://a.co/d/0gJ8zj7H)
(00:00) - Opening credits
(00:37) - Show opening
(01:03) - Introducing Dr. Diana Sorrentino
(01:53) - A search for self-understanding
(05:33) - Gender identity happens in utero
(15:17) - Socialization and how you know
(27:14) - Importance of adolescent gender-affirming care
(35:47) - Why discontinuing puberty blockers is a success
(39:56) - The tide is turning because of education
(45:12) - Transgender women in sports
(55:40) - How to find Dr. Diana Sorrentino on the internet
(58:36) - Show closing
(59:58) - Closing credits
★ Support this podcast ★ (https://purpl.pw/support)
28 Aug 2026
Taking Time to Listen to Who You Are - with Spencer West
Today's episode features Spencer West's journey through disability to self-discovery. Spencer is a content creator, motivational speaker, advocate, and author. His newest book Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself teaches how to listen to your inner voice and stop accepting other people's expectations. Spencer and I muse over topics as far afield as personal agency, interdependence, and marveling at method actors.
REFERENCES:
Spencer West’s Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.com/ (https://www.spencer2thewest.com/)
Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest/?hl=en (https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest/?hl=en)
Follow Spencer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/Spencer2thewest (http://www.youtube.com/Spencer2thewest)
Follow Spencer on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Spencer2thewest (http://facebook.com/Spencer2thewest)
Follow Spencer on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewest (http://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewest)
(00:00) - Opening credits
(00:37) - Show opening
(01:32) - Introducing Spencer West
(02:22) - Unbecoming what doesn't belong to us
(08:04) - Becoming who you are requires knowledge to choose
(12:50) - Finding his joy led to other people's empowerment
(19:22) - Noticing comfort and discomfort
(26:25) - You already know what you want
(31:05) - Take the parts that work; leave the parts that don't fit
(35:07) - Putting purpose to your passion
(40:07) - Sometimes it has to get worse
(45:24) - Boundaries as staying true to our purpose
(49:56) - You are allowed to say NO
(58:34) - How to find Spencer West on the internet
(59:16) - Show closing
(01:00:36) - Closing credits
★ Support this podcast ★ (https://purpl.pw/support)
7 Aug 2026
Representing the Future of Humanity - with Kobey Layne
Today's episode features the indefatigable Kobey Layne hearing the call and becoming what she must. Kobey is a Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for Governor of Minnesota. She and I muse over topics as wide as owning our past, youth in American politics, and why you should vote for someone who cares about you.
REFERENCES:
Kobey Layne’s Website: https://www.kobey4governor.com/ (https://www.kobey4governor.com/)
Follow Kobey on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kobey4governor.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/kobey4governor.bsky.social)
Follow Kobey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobey4governor (https://www.instagram.com/kobey4governor)
Follow Kobey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194661289324772 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1194661289324772)
Follow Kobey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kobey4Governor (https://www.youtube.com/@Kobey4Governor)
Follow Kobey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kobey4governor (https://www.tiktok.com/@kobey4governor)
(00:00) - Opening credits
(00:37) - Show opening
(01:28) - Introducing Kobey Layne
(02:32) - Connecting life with policy
(08:38) - Reclaiming our shame as lessons learned
(19:21) - Who is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party?
(22:18) - Does being young disqualify a candidate?
(29:49) - The DFL State Convention
(35:12) - Does being young make you a better candidate?
(43:37) - Holding politicians accountable
(48:44) - Holding business accountable
(53:42) - Representation requires someone who cares
(58:35) - How to find Kobey on the internet
(01:02:32) - Show closing
(01:03:05) - Closing credits
★ Support this podcast ★ (https://purpl.pw/support)
Who has been a guest on Gender Identity Weekly
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Bobbi Barrington
Storm Faerywolf
Louise
Maevius Lynn
Paul Cram
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
219,015
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 76 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
95
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
Contact Gender Identity Weekly
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Gender Identity Weekly
Who hosts Gender Identity Weekly?
host host the show. Published by Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D..
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Gender Identity Weekly take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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