A podcast about gender, identity, orientation, and all the life that happens around them! George is an FtM transgender man, Jess is his pansexual genderqueer wife; they talk parenting, work, and such.
Episodes
May 14, 2016
May 14, 2016
28 min
As we prepare to visit Jess' family, some of whom are rather conservative, we have a discussion about conversational frameworks in which he would prefer Jess discuss or answer questions regarding his transition. He has also felt increased social and physical dysphoria lately, comparing his own physical presence to that of other (presumably cisgender) males.
We are here to share our entire intersectional experience with anyone who finds it beneficial, but we want to know what you connect with the most. You can let us know by clicking to a one-question anonymous survey at vote.pollcode.com/32371374. If you have a request/suggestion that isn't listed, comment!
We can be found online at TransPanTastic.net, you can email us at TransPanTastic@gmail.com, and "TransPanTastic" is searchable on most social networks. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think or what you want to hear about!
May 7, 2016
May 7, 2016
27 min
We have a funeral to attend halfway across the country, mostly to see Jess' family but also because there's a dead guy. Which means making arrangements for our responsibilities to be managed in our absence. But when Kid#2 just had his meds changed, Jess is staring teacher-transfer season in the face, and our pre-arranged childcare falls through, it's never easy. Ever.
We are here to share our entire intersectional experience with anyone who finds it beneficial, but we want to know what you connect with the most. You can let us know by clicking to a one-question anonymous survey at vote.pollcode.com/32371374. If you have a request/suggestion that isn't listed, comment!
We can be found online at TransPanTastic.net, you can email us at TransPanTastic@gmail.com, and "TransPanTastic" is searchable on most social networks. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think or what you want to hear about!
Apr 30, 2016
Apr 30, 2016
34 min
Spring break happened. Child#2's teachers wanted to schedule a meeting ASAP before it did, and we were mildly concerned that it might be a problem, but it turned out to be mostly mundane. Which is good, because things are rarely, if ever, mundane with this kid. George took him on a vacation to visit family while Jess caught up on school work, and hijinks followed as usual.
We are here to share our entire intersectional experience with anyone who finds it beneficial, but we want to know what you connect with the most. You can let us know by clicking to a one-question anonymous survey at vote.pollcode.com/32371374. If you have a request/suggestion that isn't listed, comment!
We can be found online at TransPanTastic.net, you can email us at TransPanTastic@gmail.com, and "TransPanTastic" is searchable on most social networks. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think or what you want to hear about!
Apr 23, 2016
Apr 23, 2016
50 min
Last week we heard the beginning of a really difficult story, about how our friend became a homeless transgender spoonie. This week we discuss her continuing struggles, and how to maintain hope in the midst of a struggle for rights, for support, and often even for survival.
We are here to share our entire intersectional experience with anyone who finds it beneficial, but we want to know what you connect with the most. You can let us know by clicking to a one-question anonymous survey at vote.pollcode.com/32371374. If you have a request/suggestion that isn't listed, comment!
We can be found online at TransPanTastic.net, you can email us at TransPanTastic@gmail.com, and "TransPanTastic" is searchable on most social networks. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think or what you want to hear about!
Apr 16, 2016
Apr 16, 2016
46 min
We've mentioned our tall friend a few times over the run of this show. We finally got to sit down and talk with her at a microphone, which we've been trying to schedule for a while. But scheduling is tough when you're homeless, which is often a result of transitioning. Not only is she homeless, she also struggles with chronic pain resulting from a hit-and-run. This week we'll hear the start of her narrative, and you'll have to tune in next week to hear the rest of the homeless transgender spoonie story.
We can be found online at TransPanTastic.net, you can email us at TransPanTastic@gmail.com, and "TransPanTastic" is searchable on most social networks. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think or what you want to hear about!
Apr 9, 2016
Apr 9, 2016
34 min
"What should we talk about?"
"I don't know, what haven't we talked about in a while?"
"Religion?"
"Okay."
We are here to share our entire intersectional experience with anyone who finds it beneficial, but we want to know what you connect with the most. You can let us know by clicking to a one-question anonymous survey at vote.pollcode.com/32371374. If you have a request/suggestion that isn't listed, comment!
We can be found online at TransPanTastic.net, you can email us at TransPanTastic@gmail.com, and "TransPanTastic" is searchable on most social networks. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think or what you want to hear about!
Apr 2, 2016
Apr 2, 2016
36 min
You sent in questions, we answered to the microphone. The pitch of our voices, romantic relationships, social interactions, healthcare and insurance, and feminism, all found their way to our brains and your ears this week!
Mar 26, 2016
Mar 26, 2016
32 min
We have pictures and documents throughout our house that point to George's transition, if you know what you're looking at. Child#2's new babysitter hasn't said anything yet, so we don't know if she's noticed. Unfortunately, though, the kid's behaviour and emotions have become more of a struggle for him, for his teachers, and for us as parents.
Mar 19, 2016
Mar 19, 2016
31 min
Male privilege often makes the things George needs to accomplish easier than they were prior to transition, but sometimes the voice of a child or a little old lady will garner more support and sympathy when trying to get them the services they need.
Mar 12, 2016
Mar 12, 2016
37 min
"We should record about that." This phrase happens in our conversations at least once a week, often more. By the time we find a free hour to sit down with a microphone, the topic has completely escaped our memory... So this time George made a list! From Canadian masculinity compared to American masculinity, to the perpetual "bathroom dilemma" and losing STP enthusiasm, to Jess' "man tact", to dealing with deaths and other awkward social events, gender is inescapable.
Mar 5, 2016
Mar 5, 2016
50 min
Going to a large-scale social event such as a convention can be a bit apprehension-inducing for queers. But the environment at Gallifrey One was supportive and encouraging, and we had an amazing time. From the pre-con setup time volunteering with a bunch of staff and other volunteers, through meeting other podcasters and tons of other queers, it was an absolutely phenomenal experience.
- Web of Queer (amazing queer panel discussions)
- Verity! (Women hosts, ran the "In Defense Of" panel we discussed)
- Radio Free Skaro (Jess has been listening to these guys for-freaking-ever)
- Laughing At Archaeologists (Co-host Riley Silverman moderated that queer panel)
Feb 28, 2016
Feb 28, 2016
26 min
We had the amazing opportunity to attend the Doctor Who convention Gallifrey One. Whether you're a fan or not, the information that the casting director is committed to diversity in casting is a great thing to hear. (See more about a diversity-in-entertainment organization he works with at act-for-change.com.) We discussed our thoughts on media representation, and want to hear your input. Was there a character you identified with when you were discovering yourself? If there was, what did seeing someone "like me" mean to you? If there weren't any, what would it have meant? What effect might it have in your world to see more diversity of gender and orientation in an upcoming Doctor Who spin-off show for young adults, titled "Class"? Tell us with the hashtag #QueerInCLASS and let's have a conversation about diversity in entertainment, Whovian or otherwise.
Feb 20, 2016
Feb 20, 2016
28 min
Children with developmental challenges aren't the only ones challenged by their unique ways of human-ing. Our Child#2 has had more difficulty controlling his behavior, as we started to discuss last week. However, it didn't end there, and now that his temper has caused other children injury, we start to look for more supportive environment for his after-school care. Which will likely mean hiring a sitter. Which means bringing strange people into our home. Additionally, while all the other stressors are starting to wind down, we are (at recording time) preparing for a temporary escape.
Feb 13, 2016
Feb 13, 2016
29 min
When George's slightly senile aunt drives across country, when his mother needs her dentures repaired, her welfare application completed, and her health insurance reviewed, when Child#2 gets suspended from the kids' club one day and his school the next, when a family friend dies, and when the dog wakes us up at ungodly hours because he's also slightly senile, there's no shortage of stress to be had. Problems have solutions, and no situation is ever hopeless, but does all this stress really have to happen in just one week?
Feb 7, 2016
Feb 7, 2016
1hr 38 min
Feb 6, 2016
Feb 6, 2016
36 min
Men are often allowed more assertiveness in social interactions, expected to behave more aggressively in competitive situations, and allowed more ownership of their self-presentation. These longstanding holdovers from centuries of patriarchy continue to affect our lives today, as exhibited in the experiences of individuals who transition. When one transitions, however, is it possible to forget what one used to have, what life had previously been like, and what privilege one has gained or lost? Does privilege become assimilated as one becomes more accustomed to one's new place in society? And why the hell do guys tell guys stuff they wouldn't tell girls, even when the information is inherently ungendered?
Jan 30, 2016
Jan 30, 2016
34 min
Western culture has certain expectations of individuals based on their gender. These can cause benefit to those who naturally fit them, and detriment to those who naturally eschew them, but how do these expectations shape our overall experience in binary society? A woman's face and body are subconsciously considered by many to be "public property" to be commented upon or directed to behave in "ladylike" ways, even by complete strangers. Men are naturally assumed to have competence in their chosen endeavours, and when they prove themselves incapable of achieving their goal then other men will often "coach" them to succeed. The cumulative effect of these and many other similar differences are what we mean when we say "Male Privilege".
Jan 23, 2016
Jan 23, 2016
35 min
We got guests again! Our Jesus Friend from Ep#111-112 and our Lawyer Friend from Ep#128-129 sat down with us to discuss male privilege. In the first of three episodes, we start with some definitions and a little intersectionality, how male privilege is enhanced by being tall or straight or white or masculine, and how privilege can be used to benefit others who lack the benefits that three of us have as perceived "straight white guys". Men aren't as heavily policed with regards to their appearance or social habits, and are given the benefit of the doubt much more often than women with regards to professional competency.
Jan 16, 2016
Jan 16, 2016
23 min
As HRT has done it's work on George's body, it has changed his libido and the way he handles physical intimacy. Some of these changes are physical and others are mental, but the experience as a whole has been one heck of a ride for both of us, regardless of who's being ridden...
Jan 9, 2016
Jan 9, 2016
26 min
Why do some people "make such a big deal" of gender? When is it okay to make gender a "big deal"? When ought it be just another mundane aspect of our existence? We discuss our relevant experiences and opinions.
Jan 2, 2016
Jan 2, 2016
34 min
We finally got around to Christmas, and the school break that surrounds it... Parenting hijinks ensue. Such is the "life around transition", but don't worry, transition is still happening and will be featured again soon.
Dec 26, 2015
Dec 26, 2015
30 min
Our Christmas preparations are underway, with all the people we care for in tow. From George's mom's house to Child#2 & Child#3's school, our world is a winter wonderland of holiday cheer. And by cheer we mean insanity.
Dec 19, 2015
Dec 19, 2015
36 min
George finally got around to calling the gynecologist, and the experience was much more pleasant than some of the horror stories we've heard. Even with an open-minded physician and a very professional office staff, he's still the guy at the gyno, which still feels a tad awkward...
Dec 12, 2015
Dec 12, 2015
29 min
The holidays have begun. They kind of began back in October with Halloween and Child#1's birthday, and the entire end-of-the-year always becomes a hectic shuffle from one event to another. Throw another happy event in on top of it (you'll have to listen to find out what) and we just don't get any rest. But our house is bright and rainbow-tastic, our family is warm and well-fed, and we have each other, so life is good.
Dec 5, 2015
Dec 5, 2015
26 min
There are actually people, functional human beings, who have never, ever, not even once, considered that their body might not fit them, that their brain might not match their body, that their gender might be something different than assigned. They just go about their lives with complete integration of their sociocultural place, their body, and their sense of self. That's kinda crazy.
Nov 28, 2015
Nov 28, 2015
20 min
Holidays can be hard. But you can help someone who's struggling with depression, frustration, alienation, or all those other unhappy things that happen too often this time of year. Tell us your happy stories of "life around transition", and we'll compile them into an uplifting episode. While we won't "ban" transition or coming-out stories, remember that for many who are still struggling to achieve their gendery goals, they may find frustration in hearing someone else gushing over achieving what they can't, so our suggestion is "life around transition", like many of our own stories are.
Nov 21, 2015
Nov 21, 2015
35 min
Sometimes our kids frustrate us, other times they make us proud. This week we finally catch up with them, but parenting while sick is no fun. George still doesn't feel much better from last week's episode, and so needed to go back to the doctor.
Nov 14, 2015
Nov 14, 2015
32 min
When one of your best friends gets married, but plans it last-minute, and life doesn't let you go, you do the second-best thing: take a vacation to Minnesota in the cold! It's a good thing we got a break, because when we got back, George got sick and our kids' other parents couldn't take their visitation. Transgender fun at the airport *and* the hospital? Just another week in the life!
Nov 7, 2015
Nov 7, 2015
27 min
Mansplaining, manspreading, manterrupting, all those tongue-in-cheek terms for stereotypically masculine habits take on a new meaning when one has transitioned to male. Having been the victim of them for decades, we both take a queer look at the way man-ness affects the way others perceive our presence and presentation.
Oct 31, 2015
Oct 31, 2015
28 min
Why does it always have to be Friday? This time around, work stress got George to a place where he wasn't able to keep dysphoria from getting to him. The oddities didn't stop, though, the bizarreness of Friday didn't end with Friday.
Oct 24, 2015
Oct 24, 2015
29 min
George got his blood tests back and the results are potentially concerning. While we manage that, he also had another revision to his top surgery.
Oct 17, 2015
Oct 17, 2015
25 min
As we continue to settle into our new house, we needed to call our handyman for some help. Our handyman who hasn't seen George since before he started transition. But he's an old hippie, fairly open-minded, a pretty cool guy... how awkward could it get?
Oct 10, 2015
Oct 10, 2015
26 min
After over two years on testosterone, George's second puberty is well underway, but have his hormones started causing him trouble? While we wait for his blood work to come back, we discuss how Jess' hormones have also caused her trouble, and especially recently. We round out our conversation of hormone stuffs with the thought of both of us preparing for our respective visits to the gynecologist.
Oct 3, 2015
Oct 3, 2015
26 min
Chair (n): A piece of furniture designed for supporting the human body
Sep 26, 2015
Sep 26, 2015
27 min
Kids are back to school, and they're making life-around-transition interesting. But that's kind of the usual around here. Jess is back to school also, so as we manage these changes along with finishing the move (see last week's episode), life-around-transition has experienced some gender-y things, and some parent-y things, and even some gendery-parenty things.
Sep 19, 2015
Sep 19, 2015
35 min
We moved. George was able to accomplish more things, more easily, as a man, than he ever could pre-transition. Jess is mildly jealous. But he did lots of the moving-stuffs while she was working or doing homeworks so we're even.
Sep 12, 2015
Sep 12, 2015
33 min
For our fourth round of QnA, we have four questions ranging from parenting an autistic teenager to genderqueer dysphoria, and from coming out to our heroes or idols. Actually, not really "from" or "to" those things, nothing between them, kinda just those four things. Send your questions or feedback below!
Sep 5, 2015
Sep 5, 2015
28 min
We've long known that Child#2 is our "most special" of our special needs children, but we do our best to help him achieve and enjoy life as much as possible. That often involves some extra resources and effort, in this case to give him a vacation to visit his cousins. As usual, hijinks ensue.
Aug 29, 2015
Aug 29, 2015
39 min
Our lawyer friend had a metoidioplasty some months back. So of course, we pestered him to come talk to us about it, so all of you, our friends, could listen. Tangent topics include overeating, sex, and peeing on oneself.
Aug 22, 2015
Aug 22, 2015
40 min
Our lawyer friend had a metoidioplasty some months back. So of course, we pestered him to come talk to us about it, so all of you, our friends, could listen. Tangent topics include the absurdity of female clothing, the difficulty of finding male clothing for guys like us, his coming-out story, government employment, and STPs.
Aug 15, 2015
Aug 15, 2015
33 min
After two years of medical transition, George is regularly perceived as the man he is. This has caused Jess to be perceived more as a woman in his presence. Others' perceptions of us have recently highlighted just how gendered our culture is, and how the expectations of our perceived genders affect our comfort or discomfort with social interactions.
Aug 8, 2015
Aug 8, 2015
26 min
Finishing the story of a weekend of Cub Scouts sleep-away camp. Sorry, still no hummingbird story.
Aug 1, 2015
Aug 1, 2015
31 min
Part one of our recap of George's and Child#2's time at Cub Scout camp. Will TransDad George survive interacting with the traditionally homophobic/transphobic boy scouts? Will Child#2 learn how to wipe his own rear end? Will George be able to manage the Dick Patrol while sharing a tent? Will we get back to the hummingbird story? Tune in next week to find out!!
Jul 25, 2015
Jul 25, 2015
41 min
For genderqueer individuals like Jess, the "typical trans narrative" often doesn't fit, and neither do the "standard" understandings of terminology and experience regarding their transgender experience. Transition can be more complicated when one is going in neither of the expected binary directions, and a medical understanding of life outside the binary is generally pathologized. As a non-binary person, Jess has chosen not to transition, but does that mean she's "less trans"?
Jul 18, 2015
Jul 18, 2015
35 min
We've done what we can to help Child#2 adapt to his differences of development and manage his challenging behaviours for some while now. Since last year, that has included George taking him to Cub Scouts to (hopefully) engage some positive social skills. Between the history of the Boy Scouts and our child's unique challenges, we've done our best to keep the difficulties of being the TransDad to the 8-going-on-4-year-old to a minimum, but we can't avoid them all!
Jul 11, 2015
Jul 11, 2015
23 min
When George was young, he never thought he'd get married. Now that marriage equality is a (mostly) settled issue, we reflect on its impact (or lack thereof) on our lives as a hetero-gendered couple. The times, they are a-changin'.
Jul 4, 2015
Jul 4, 2015
29 min
George's transition has resulted in numerous changes to his body. Many of these have been clearly beneficial in more closely aligning his body to match his gender identity, and in assisting others to correctly perceive him as his identified gender. Some of these changes, however, have been less than convenient. From excess sweat and intolerance for higher temperatures, to changes in the functioning of his cardiovascular and digestive systems, to a decreased ability to swim, some adaptation has been needed to meet recent challenges related to HRT.
Jun 27, 2015
Jun 27, 2015
29 min
Queer spaces often have their own set of unwritten rules, expectations, or social norms that are based on a collective experience of being perpetually on guard for one's own safety and peace of mind. Lately we spend less time in queer spaces than we'd like, but we've recently had some refreshing experiences with "folks like us".
Jun 20, 2015
Jun 20, 2015
31 min
We got to see the beautiful and eloquent Laverne Cox speak, and it was amazing. She spoke on not just her experience as a transgender person, but as a woman, as a person of color, and as a human living all of these experiences at once. Intersectionality abounds as we reflect on what she said and how it touched us.
Jun 13, 2015
Jun 13, 2015
30 min
The madness never ends, and while George occasionally plans to make time for self-care it doesn't always work out as planned. Between naughty children and ailing pets and elderly parents, other peoples' problems keep encroaching on his free-time fridays.