Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast In The Den with Mama Dragons
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism and Gender Diversity | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:50:52 | |
Research indicates that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as transgender or gender diverse compared to the general population. Studies show that people who do not identify with the sex assigned at birth are more likely to be autistic than cisgender individuals. This overlap between autism and gender diversity may be confusing to some parents.. Parenting a child who is gender diverse and autistic can feel complex, and supporting them may at times feel overwhelming, so we’re going to get into the complexity in today’s episode. We’ve invited Dr. Theresa Lyons, international autism educator, to share her unique blend of science and real-world experience to try to give our listeners clarity, confidence, and a roadmap to better supporting their autistic children. Special Guest: Dr. Theresa Lyons Dr. Lyons is an international autism educator, Ivy League scientist, and autism parent. She’s the founder and CEO of Navigating AWEtism, a groundbreaking platform that transforms the overwhelming complexity of autism science into clear, actionable steps for families. With a Ph.D. from Yale and a deeply personal mission, Dr. Lyons has worked with parents in over 21 countries, bringing evidence-based strategies that change lives. She shares her unique blend of rigorous science and real-world experience while giving parents what they’ve never had before: clarity, confidence, and a roadmap for progress. Links from the Show:
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| State of the Union, Kansas, and Beyond | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:06:56 | |
Every news cycle lately brings yet another headline about transgender people and their families, whether it's the inflammatory remarks during the State of the Union or the recent invalidation of driver's licenses in Kansas, or any number of other recent court cases. These stories are showing up across the country and creating confusion and fear and a whole lot of questions for our families. So today In the Den, we're taking some time to pause, to break it all down, to breathe together, and to talk about what's happening in the news right now, what these developments mean, why they matter, and how we can all stay grounded and informed in the middle of it all. Joining Sara is special guest and policy strategist Sam Ames. Special Guest: Sam Ames Sam Ames (they/he) is a legal and policy strategist with 15 years of leadership experience in the LGBTQI+ movement. Sam served in the Biden-Harris Administration as Chief of Staff in the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and Senior Advisor in the Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. Sam began their legal career as a staff attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, working on impact litigation cases involving marriage equality, employment discrimination, and family law, and in 2013 founded the Born Perfect Campaign, a national effort to end anti-LGBTQI+ conversion therapy. Links from the Show:
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| Glitterblessed | 19 Jan 2026 | 01:00:26 | |
There are days when fear and grief sit heavy in our chests. The headlines, the laws, the hateful rhetoric–it can all make us wonder how to protect our children and queer loved ones. So many of us, parents and queer folks, are feeling so drained, perhaps sometimes teetering on the edge of despair. But, sometimes what we need most aren’t just plans or protests, but blessings—words that can be a balm, a reminder of queer beauty, wholeness, and love when queer and trans bodies and identities are under unprecedented attack; in this world that so often tries to break us. A new book has emerged that is not just relevant—but necessary. It’s called GlitterBlessed: Already Whole, Already Holy—a vibrant collection of blessings, poems, and spells crafted by and for queer and trans people. It’s a book to help all of us conjure courage, summon joy, and banish shame, a book that insists queerness isn’t something to be explained or defended—it’s already divine. Today In the Den, Sara meets with a couple of the creators and contributors of this book. Special Guest: Rev. Sean Neil-Barron Rev. Sean Neil-Barron is a queer minister, married, foster parent who lives and works in Northern Colorado and whose work centers on the proclaiming of the sacredness of every queer and trans person. Special Guest: Silen Wellington Silen Wellington is a sculptor of sound, an artist, storyteller, witch, and genderqueer shapeshifter, who writes about bodies as holy places of change. Links from the Show: In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Preparing for Pride | 27 May 2024 | 01:06:12 | |
Pride events happen around the calendar all across the country, but June is officially Pride month, and the entire month is filled with opportunities to celebrate with our LGBTQ+ loved ones. With the party on the horizon, some of us might have questions about how to show up and participate. In this episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with three other moms to tackle some of the most common questions around attending Pride. Special guests Chrysteil Hunter, Dez Weyburn, and Diane Oviatt discuss their experiences with Pride in different parts of the country. Special Guest: Chrysteil Hunter Chrysteil lives in Mill Creek, Washington, and is a single mom of four incredible adult kids, one 10 year old son, and has a 5 year old grandson. She works full time, one-on-one, with kids on the autism spectrum. She has been a member of Mama Dragons since 2015, serving in many positions, including WA/AK regional coordinator, board member, Director of Education, Director of the D&I Committee, and QPR suicide prevention training instructor. She loves the mountains, road trips, listening to audio books, and, most of all, spending time with her kids. Special Guest: Dez Weyburn Dez is a queer mom of two, birth doula, and massage therapist in Northern Utah. She believes in serving her community and has done so through birth work for over a decade. She also helped run the local postpartum support group and has been a committee member for Davis County PRIDE for the past three years. When she's not building her career or doing volunteer work, she's probably reading to her kids or working on learning Spanish or American Sign Language. Special Guest: Diane Oviatt Diane is a pediatric oncology nurse in Oakland, California, and a founding member of Mama Dragons. She loves kids and color and cheese. Her idea of a good time is reading restaurant reviews and visiting new bakeries. Links from the Show:
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| Adoption, Transition, and a Love Story | 20 May 2024 | 01:03:47 | |
Content Warning: This episodes has mentions of suicidal ideation. In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen visits with special guests Alex and Christy Florence about their individual journeys that led them to meet and eventually marry each other. Alex shares his unique experiences as a Latino adoptee and trans man from a conservatively religious family. Christy talks about her experience as an actively religious mother whose child came out as gay and later trans, and the events that led her to meet and fall in love with Alex. Special Guest: Christy Florence Christy was born and raised in Shelley, Idaho. She is a farmer’s daughter and was taught to work hard, for which she is grateful. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Poland and is grateful for that experience. Christy is the mom of 4 amazing humans, Adam, Zoe, Luke and Isaac. She is married to Alex Florence and has been living in Farmington, Utah for the past 9 years. Christy has been part of the Mama Dragons for almost 10 years. Together, Alex and Christy advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and commit to be a safe space for families in the LGBTQ community. Special Guest: Alex Florence Alex was born in Galeana, Mexico, and was adopted by a family in Layton, Utah, where he was raised. Alex knew from a very young age that he was not comfortable in his body. He struggled to make sense of the disconnect his soul had with his body. After navigating through societal, cultural, religious beliefs and his family expectations, Alex finally decided to live authentically and openly when he started transitioning in December of 2011. Alex's journey has since provided many opportunities, including advocacy work, speaking engagements, and serving as President on a non-profit board for one of Utah's oldest non-profit organizations in Salt Lake City. He has helped guide other transgender individuals in their own journey towards authenticity. Alex and Christy have been married since 2016 and live in Farmington Utah. Links from the Show:
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| Mama Dragons Stories: Chelsea | 13 May 2024 | 01:11:29 | |
There are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories as Mama Dragons. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases. This week, we continue our new series of telling Mama Dragons stories. In this episode of In the Den, we meet Chelsea. Special Guest: Chelsea Hanson (she, her) is a 51 year old teacher and artist currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She grew up in Shelley, Idaho, graduated high school in Conrad, Montana, graduated from Boise State University with a degree in illustration, and spent 2 years studying at a private art academy. She has also lived in Utah and Oregon. She has been teaching visual art in the public school realm for 15 years. She has two awesome, lovely, smart, funny, resilient kids, a 16 year old son and her 20 year old daughter (dragon) who are both the center of her world. She enjoys playing and coaching tennis, playing guitar, loves music, loves being outdoors, making and building stuff and spending time with her kids. Links from the Show:
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| Creating Family Through Foster Care | 06 May 2024 | 00:59:46 | |
Queer youth are overrepresented in the foster care system, meaning that the percentage of youth in foster care who are LGBTQ is significantly larger than the percentage of LGBTQ youth in the general population. Choosing to become a resource in the foster care system may seem overwhelming or complicated, but it can be an important lifeline for these kids. This week, Celeste Carolin guest hosts In the Den, and special guest Dr. Gwen Bass joins us again to discuss some of the important aspects of foster care and how to get involved. Special Guest: Gwen Bass
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| Queer and Neurodivergent Inclusive Sex Ed | 29 Apr 2024 | 01:00:45 | |
On this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen visits with TikTok mother/daughter duo Monica Gupta Mehta and Asha Lily Mehta about a range of topics from how to maintain good parent/child communication to understanding gender, neurodiversity, and queer sexuality. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss! Special Guest: Monica Gupta Mehta Monica (she/her) is a teacher, educational psychologist, author, nonprofit director, mom, and now an artist! She started teaching 20 years ago in a very progressive classroom, where she taught social emotional learning and sex education along with her humanities course. Monica took time off to raise her children, all of whom are autistic and queer, requiring extremely dedicated parenting and putting them at high risk for mental health struggles. Monica went back to earn her master's degree in educational psychology, which she used creating educational content that she has taught over TikTok, Instagram, in her Normalizers podcast, and in her co-authored book, It’s Totally Normal! An LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Guide to Puberty, Sex, and Gender. Special Guest: Asha Lily Mehta Asha (she/her) is a freshman at Northwestern University, currently studying physics and dark matter. As a neurodivergent minority lesbian, Asha has had to deal with microaggressions and outright bigotry for most of her life. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic separated Asha from her peers during a critical phase of social development. Recognizing a similar combination of mental health, support, education, and socialization needs in teens around the world, Asha decided to join Monica, her mom, in creating online safe spaces. Asha helped create a community that has helped over 100,000 LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent teens around the world. Links from the Show:
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| Gender Expectations Across Cultures | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:57:46 | |
This week In the Den, Jen visits with Nigerian born pediatrician and LGBTQ+ educator Dr. Lulu about parenting queer children. They talk about a range of topics from what to do and not do when we learn about our children’s queer identities to unlearning preconceived ideas about the queer community to refining our advocacy to best serve our children. Special Guest: Dr. Lulu She has been featured on numerous news outlets and interviewed by Oprah Winfrey for her work on LGBTQ+ advocacy. She is a Youth Suicide Prevention Activist and former host of Suicide Pages, and The Pride Corner podcasts. Dr. Lulu’s current focus is helping communities support and affirm Black transgender kids (who are often hiding in plain sight), one family at a time. Links from the Show:
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| Coming Out When You’re a Mom | 15 Apr 2024 | 01:14:01 | |
EPISODE 66–Coming Out When You’re a Mom On this podcast, we often have conversations addressing parenting issues with experts, and we talk about parenting with parents. Today’s episode explores an example of a mom realizing she was queer as an adult parent with grown children, and the impacts that had on her family. In this episode of In the Den, Jen visits with Jamie Michaels, her daughter Lauryl Armstrong, and Jamie’s partner Celeste Carolin about navigating a coming out later in life as a parent. Special Guest: Jamie Michaels Growing up in a Christian household, Jamie Michaels embraced her faith and raised her family within Evangelical Christian teachings. However, in 2015, Jamie came out as gay to her husband and her three adult children, a revelation that challenged her family's beliefs and reshaped many of her relationships. Through her honesty and vulnerability, Jamie navigated the complexities of reconciling her sexuality with her religious roots, while navigating the complexities of a blended family. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in embracing one's true self at any stage in life. Special Guest: Lauryl Armstrong Lauryl, the eldest child of Jamie Michaels, grew up in an Evangelical Christian household, deeply rooted in faith and tradition. In her early twenties, she embraced her role as a youth leader intern, passionate about guiding and inspiring younger members of her community. Lauryl continued to uphold her family's values, raising her own family within Christianity. However, her world was turned upside down in 2015 when her mother came out as gay, introducing her partner into the family in 2016. This shift challenged Lauryl's beliefs and sparked a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, ultimately reshaping her perspective on love, family, and faith. Special Guest: Celeste Carolin Celeste, Jamie Michaels's partner, came from an LDS upbringing, coming out in 2005. Entering Jamie’s predominantly Christian family introduced her to new complexities and unexpected joys, navigating the intricate dynamics of family ties, including adult stepchildren, grandchildren, and proximal family. Blending traditions, managing expectations, and navigating family rules became a delicate dance in their shared journey, where curiosity and adaptability undoubtedly played pivotal roles in fostering harmony and understanding within their blended family unit. Links from the Show:
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| What Therapists Wish You Knew | 01 Apr 2024 | 01:01:24 | |
Therapy is such a wonderful gift for so many of us that need support. This week In the Den, Jen joins three therapists from Flourish Counseling to talk about the things that mental health providers wish parents of LGBTQ kids understood. Special Guest: Lisa Hansen Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen (PhD, LMFT, Clinical Director) is the clinical director and founder of Flourish Therapy, Inc., (Flourish), a behavioral health clinic located in Provo, Utah, which she founded in February 2017 to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ and SSA individuals and their families. Lisa received a B.S. from Brigham Young University in 1990 as university valedictorian (Summa Cum Laude with Honors thesis), an M.S. in 2012 and Ph.D. in 2017, both at BYU, focusing on improving the mental health of LGBTQ+ people in conservative families and communities. She lives with her husband in Payson, Utah, where together they made a home for 7 children (and a few extras) and now have 18 grandchildren. Special Guest: Luann Hawker Luann (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked as a therapist since 2019 and joined the Flourish Therapy, Inc. team in August 2020. She has over 25 years of volunteer experience with children, adolescents, and LGBTQ+ advocacy work. She currently serves on the board of directors for Genderbands, an international non-profit organization that serves the transgender and non-binary community. She has clinical experience counseling individuals, groups, families, and couples. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1995 and a Master of Social Work in 2021. She has been with her spouse for 30 years and is the mother of four adult children. Special Guest: Becca Wilson Becca Wilson, AMFT, graduated from UC Berkeley in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics and from Utah Valley University in 2023 with a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She started her work in mental health as a volunteer as a text line counselor with the crisis text line, which prompted her to return to school and establish a second career in mental health. She has six children, most of whom are in the LGBTQ population. Becca loves hiking, puzzles, movies, nature, animals, and people. She enjoys playing final fantasy weekly and watching anime with her kids. Links from the Show:
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| Words With Friends 11 | 29 Mar 2024 | 00:06:14 | |
Words with Friends 11 Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions: Homophobia shared by Clare in England Transphobia/Transmisia shared by Sarah M. in Fargo, North Dakota TERF shared by Connie W. in Canberra, Australia NOT Pedophilia shared by Yani Vega, Puerto Rico In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Words with Friends 11 Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions: Homophobia shared by Clare in England Transphobia/Transmisia shared by Sarah M. in Fargo, North Dakota TERF shared by Connie W. in Canberra, Australia NOT Pedophilia shared by Yani Vega, Puerto Rico In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Embracing the Uniqueness of Queer Families | 25 Mar 2024 | 01:02:11 | |
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s a wonderful thing. In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen visits with Dr. Gwen Bass about her unique experiences growing up in the 80’s, the child of two women who broke norms by using artificial insemination to create a family. Gwen also discusses her later experiences as a queer person creating a family through foster care and adoption. Gwen shares her beautifully expansive understanding of family and demonstrates that biology doesn’t make a family. Love makes a family. Special Guest: Gwen Bass
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| What’s Really Behind the Trans Backlash? | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:58:52 | |
Everywhere we look, the backlash against trans lives is growing louder. We’re facing policies targeting healthcare, book bans erasing our stories, coordinated campaigns to sow fear and confusion. This backlash isn’t happening in isolation, though. It’s part of a much larger cultural and political force determined to roll back gender justice for all of us. Today In the Den, Sara and acclaimed policy analyst Julie Kohler dig into what’s beneath the backlash across America—how it formed, why it’s intensifying now, and how it’s shaping our politics, our families, and our public life. Julie weaves research, history, and storytelling to show the connective tissue between attacks on the trans community, assaults on reproductive freedom, and attempts to reassert rigid gender norms. Special Guest: Julie Kohler Links from the Show: In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Just the FAQ’s: Moms of Trans Adults | 18 Mar 2024 | 01:04:44 | |
In this episode of In the Den, Jen joins three moms whose trans kids came out and transitioned as young adults. They’ll answer a handful of frequently asked questions regarding the unique experiences of parenting an adult trans child. Special Guest: Chrysteil Hunter Chrysteil Hunter lives in Mill Creek, Washington, and is a single mom of four incredible adult kids, one 10 year old son, and has a 5 year old grandson. She works full time, one-on-one, with kids on the autism spectrum. She has been a member of Mama Dragons since 2015, serving in many positions, including WA/AK regional coordinator, board member, Director of Education, Director of the D&I Committee, & QPR suicide prevention training instructor. She loves the mountains, road trips, listening to audio books, and most of all, spending time with her kids. Special Guest: Chrisann Toelupe Chrisann Toelupe is a married mom of four living in a rural Utah town. She has been affiliated with Mama Dragons since her son came out as gay. A few years later, another child would come out as transgender. Through it all, her family has remained close by loving and supporting each other as their authentic selves. When Chrisann is not vacationing in Disneyland, she is watching Disneyland YouTube videos and planning more trips to Disney. Special Guest: Shauna Jones Shauna has been an active member of Mama Dragons since 2015. She hates winter, yet still finds herself living in the state of Idaho. Shauna has a husband, three young adult children (one of whom is transgender), a one eyed black lab, and an exuberant golden retriever puppy. Shauna loves running and all things rainbow. Links from the show: Mama Dragons website: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ The Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Queer Dating | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:57:23 | |
Dating these days can be daunting for anyone, but dating as a queer person comes with unique challenges. The parents in our Mama Dragons groups ask a lot of questions about how to help their queer kids with dating when the time comes. In this episode of In the Den, Jen tackles the topic of dating and turns to the experts–four young, queer, Gen Z adults. They discuss their experiences, share ideas, and give advice for how to handle the potential obstacles of dating as young queer people. Special Guest: Trieste Trieste (she/they) is bisexual and lives in Logan, UT with her cat, Stevie. She is about to graduate from USU with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. In her free time, she loves listening to music, crocheting, and catching up on her favorite shows! Special Guest: Rissa Rissa (she/her) is a lesbian from Sandy, Utah. Rissa loves anything artistic and creative. Right now her favorite medium is poetry, especially writing, reading, and having existential crises over it. Special Guest: Jake Jake (he/him) is 21 years old, originally from San Jose, CA. He went to a year of college at Brigham Young University-Idaho. He transferred to Utah State University, and after a year of school, he is finishing up his bachelor's degree in Psychology this May. Jake enjoys music, hiking, chatting, and learning. Special Guest: May May (they/them) is a nonbinary bisexual from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They are currently getting their Master's degree in Political Science from Utah State University. In addition to politics, May studies art, and has had a focus on sculpture and oil paint. They love reading, spending time with friends, and avoiding hiking at all costs. Links from the Show:
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| Mama Dragons Stories: Jasmine | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:53:44 | |
This week’s episode of In the Den kicks off a new series! There are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases. So a few times a year, we will be sharing a Mama Dragon’s story. Today, we meet Jasmine. Special Guest: Jasmine Jasmine grew up in California at a time when being gay was illegal. Her very conservative family made it very clear that there were “normal” people and “sinful” people, who were to be shunned and avoided, if not treated more harshly. As a very small child she knew she was different but felt her difference was even worse than being gay. So she spent decades trying to hide and ignore this reality that the world was not ready to accept. All of this dramatically changed about 5 years ago when one of her children came out to her wife as trans. Fortunately, Jasmine and her wife had grown past a lot of the closed-minded bigotry they had been raised with, and they both loved their children very much. Even though this went against their religious beliefs they knew they were not going to reject their children. But accepting their child as trans also meant accepting that trans was valid. For Jasmine, this brought to the surface all of the decades of pretending. At the time she knew very little about any LGBTQ topics, but that was about to change. Links from the Show:
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| What Your Queer Kids Wish You Knew | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:55:48 | |
It’s common to hear teenagers complain, “My parents just don’t understand me.” When your child is LGBTQ, and your experience is that of a straight and/or cisgender person, that may actually be more true than we realize. We surveyed queer youth and gathered their feedback to learn what they most wish their parents understood. Jen sits down with queer and trans therapist Cole Brennan to discuss a handful of the things that LGBTQ teens submitted as potential understanding growth points for their parents. Special Guest: Cole Brennan Cole is a queer and transgender mental health therapist Ellie Mental Health in the Denver area, former bike mechanic and youth outdoor educator, and lover of nature, adventures, and above all, people. Cole works primarily with LGBTQ+ identified youth and adults, and has a passion for helping his clients find their innate love and joy for themselves, their many identities, and the world around them. Cole lives in Denver, Colorado with his partner, two young children, and two equally young pups. Links from the Show:
In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Affirming Fathers | 19 Feb 2024 | 01:03:08 | |
Mama Dragons supports, educates, and empowers mothers of LGBTQ children, but we also celebrate and acknowledge the importance of affirming fathers. In this episode of In the Den, Jen talks with three dads of LGBTQ kids about their experiences and learned wisdom from raising their queer kids. Special Guest: Lance Sweeten Lance Sweeten holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and works as a façade designer in Salt Lake City, UT. He’s a husband and proud father of four children. His oldest daughter is transgender. He serves as a board member and administrator for the FB group "Dragon Dads," an organization dedicated to educating and supporting fathers of queer kids. Lance works with Equality Utah and the ACLU of Utah, where he actively opposes anti-LGBTQ legislation in the state's house and senate. Recognizing the need for parental support, Lance established the FB group "Shades of Love," which empowers parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ children. Special Guest: Pat Wright Pat has been a part of the Dragon Dads for about five years. He loves camping, hiking, and adventures all around the world. He enjoys spending time with all his kids and helping them grow into adults. He has six kids–four stepkids, two biological kids, one trans son, and one bisexual daughter. He loves to participate in Pride and volunteer in the community. Besides volunteering with Project Rainbow and LGBTQ+ group at work he also runs a not-for-profit called Utah Geek Events that puts on events for the tech community in Utah Special Guest: Ralf VonSosen Ralf came to the U.S. from Austria in high school. He made his way to Utah where he earned degrees from BYU and the University of Utah. After marrying his high school sweetheart, they moved to the CA Bay Area where they raised four kids. When their third child came out as gay, it shook their conservative Mormon family narrative and launched them on a new journey that included the welcoming of their transgender daughter. Ralf and his wife Wendy recently moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Links from the Show:
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| School Bullying and Harassment | 12 Feb 2024 | 01:01:16 | |
“If it’s not fun for everyone, then it’s not actual fun.” When schoolyard banter crosses into harassment and bullying, what can we do to keep our kids safe at school? This week In the Den, Jen and special guest Dr. Roni Jo Draper discuss how to recognize and respond to bullying whether our child is being bullied or has become a bully within the public school system. Special Guest: Roni Jo Draper Roni Jo Draper, Ph.D. (Yurok|she.her) is an educator, storyteller, filmmaker, and activist. Roni began her career as a high school mathematics and science teacher where she worked primarily with children at risk of not completing high school. She is professor emeritus from Brigham Young University where she taught courses in literacy education, multicultural education, and global women’s studies. She is currently on a one-year appointment at Utah Valley University where she teaches courses in multicultural education and classroom management. Her educational scholarship has appeared in several books, educational research journals, and professional journals for teachers. In her recent work she has turned to Indigenous storytelling and other art forms to share stories that center the lives of Indigenous peoples. She produced the film Scenes from the Glittering World, about the in- and out-of-school lives of three Navajo young people attending a remote high school on the Navajo Nation, which is available to view on PBS. Roni Jo is also the writer, producer, and director of the documentary short film Fire Tender, which centers the lives of Yurok fire practitioners as they return cultural fire to heal land. Fire Tender will air on PBS in April in conjunction with their Earth Day celebrations. Additionally, Roni works as an advocate for social justice in her community. She has served as the chair of the board of the ACLU of Utah, a member of the national board of the ACLU, the Vice-President of the board of PFLAG Provo/Utah County, a member of the board of Provo Pride, and as a founding board member of Encircle. Links from the Show:
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| How Do You Feel About Having Queer Children? | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:53:52 | |
This week In the Den, Jen talks with seven moms of queer children about their honest feelings around parenting queer children. Our guests share how they felt when their child came out and how they feel now about having an LGBTQ child. Special Guest: Rhonda Hill Special Guest: Lisa Glad Lisa is a Mormon mama of three (two Queerdos!) and a proud Mama Dragon! Special Guest: Erin Lee Erin is a Canadian mom of two boys, working in education. Special Guest: Brandi Higgins Brandi is a wife, mom and fierce advocate in Kansas City, MO. Special Guest: Pamela Theron Pam is a single nomad mom of queer kids living to spread love and peace. Special Guest: Elizabeth Kingsley Elizabeth is a life coach getting her masters in management. She’s the mother of four queer kids, with three still at home. Special Guest: Marcie Schear Marcie is a spicy disaster who loves to love. Links from the Show:
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| All Things Gender | 29 Jan 2024 | 01:05:22 | |
Episode 56–All Things Gender In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with special guest Erik VonSosen and her mother Wendy to chat about all things gender related. They cover everything from gender performance, gender expression to gender experience, gender transition, and more. Special Guest: Wendy VonSosen Wendy joined Mama Dragons in 2016. She's the mother of 4 grown kids, including a transgender daughter. She and her husband recently relocated to Salt Lake City after living in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last 25 years. Their kids are scattered among California, Utah, and Arizona. When she's not on her computer, Wendy can be found walking her two dogs and trying to get her cat to like her. Special Guest: Erik Charlotte VonSosen Erik is a 22 year old writer, fashion designer, and recent college graduate living in Los Angeles. She works hard for the money, fueled by a passion for vintage dresses, transgender advocacy, and sour gummy bears. Links from the Show:
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| Words With Friends 10 | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:05:54 | |
Words with Friends 10 Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions: Questioning shared by Maria Fergus in Washington Butch shared by Kellie in West Texas Femme shared by Michelle in Boise, Idaho Androgynous shared by M’Lisa E. in Idaho In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Queer Representation in Literature | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:59:28 | |
The power that can come from seeing your own experiences reflected in stories cannot be understated. This week In the Den, Jen chats with New York Times bestselling author Mackenzi Lee about the importance of representation, and queer representation in particular, in literature. Representation matters because what we see in the media doesn't just reflect reality. It has the potential to shape it. Books that depict and normalize queer relationships, queer identities, and queer stories in books help increase understanding in general, and give LGBTQ young people a vision of what their future could be. Special Guest: Mackenzi Lee Mackenzi Lee holds a BA in history and an MFA from Simmons College in writing for children and young adults. She is the author of ten books, including The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, which was a New York Times bestseller, received a 2018 Stonewall Book Award Honor, and won the New England Book Award; and a series of novels for Marvel which tell the origin story of your favorite MCU antiheroes. Her adult debut, LADY LIKE, is forthcoming from Dial Press. In 2020, Forbes Magazine included her on their list of 30 Under 30 in media. She currently lives in Los Angeles with a fridge full of Diet Coke and a dog that weighs more than she does. Links from the Show:
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| What If We Trusted Our Kids? | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:54:18 | |
In October, Mama Dragons was invited to participate in an annual event in Hollywood called “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation.” This day-long event is an invitation-only gathering of our culture’s most influential storytellers — writers, producers, content creators, and executives — with activists, thought leaders, and individuals with lived experience. The gathering is framed around a simple but urgent question: “In the face of today’s biggest challenges, how can storytelling move us forward?” Mama Dragon Shauna Jones was part of a panel discussion on trans rights which asked, “What if we trusted our kids?” Today In the Den, Sara talks with Shauna and Mama Dragons Executive Director Liz Welch about their experience at the event and what it can mean to trust our children when they tell us who they are. Special Guest: Liz Welch Liz has extensive advocacy and lobbying experience in LGBTQ+ and religious freedom at the federal, state, and local levels. While at the ACLU, Liz led a National Faith Coalition that supported efforts to advance protections for LGBTQ+ communities while preserving the rights of faith communities. She also co-facilitated a transgender education and advocacy project, working to train and support trans activists in advocating for their rights across the country. Additionally, Liz is a trained mediator, experienced facilitator, and event coordinator for everything from hyper-local Pride events to coordinating the rallies at the Supreme Court of the United States for the biggest cases of our time. She is the proud mother to Mariah, who is a public defender and an avid baker. Special Guest: Shauna Jones Shauna Jones grew up in a small, conservative potato farming town in Idaho in a devoutly religious Mormon family. When Shauna's oldest child came out as bisexual and transgender as a teenager, her worldview was challenged and changed. She joined Mama Dragons in 2015 and has been helping to create queer-affirming homes through LGBTQ+ parent education through the group ever since. Shauna loves gardening, running, and rainbows. She is a firm believer in the power of choosing kindness and love. Links from the Show:
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| Just the FAQs–Moms of Trans Minors | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:57:29 | |
EPISODE 54–Just the FAQs–Moms of Trans Minors
Links from the show: Mama Dragons website: www.mamadragons.org Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/ The Family Acceptance Project: https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org/ In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| The Fight Against Anti-Trans Legislation | 08 Jan 2024 | 01:31:05 | |
In 2023, a record-breaking 586 bills were introduced across the United States that specifically targeted transgender people and their right to exist. From removing trans people's access to healthcare to their access to public bathrooms, sports, books, or simply the use of their names and pronouns, efforts to erase trans people were intense. The 2024 legislative season is around the corner, and there will undoubtedly be another onslaught of anti-LGBTQ bills up for debate. Neca Allgood returns to the podcast to talk about the upcoming legislative season with Jen. They discuss the general categories of anti-trans legislation that occur, how to combat misinformation, and ways to make a difference politically. They also discuss the importance of resilience, healthy boundaries, and self-care during difficult times. Special Guest: Neca Allgood Neca Allgood is the mother of a transgender son. She is a former President of Mama Dragons, a current Mama Dragons board member, and a former board member of Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families, and Friends. Neca and her husband own a small engineering consulting company. She has a PhD in Molecular Biology. And Neca has been a powerful political ally to the LGBTQ community for over a decade now. Links from the Show:
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| In the Den Turns the Mic on Jen | 01 Jan 2024 | 00:46:47 | |
In the Den is one year old! To celebrate a full year of episodes, we’re turning the spotlight back onto our intrepid host Jen Blair. Mama Dragons Executive Director Celeste Carolin guest hosts and asks Jen about her experiences of having a child come out as gay and finding Mama Dragons in its earliest years of existence. We hope you enjoy this chance to get to know Jen better and to glimpse the source of her endless passion for creating a better world for parents of LGBTQ children. Special Guest: Jen Blair Jen has been a member of Mama Dragons since January 2014. She has a husband, four amazing kids, and one pet--a plastic skeleton dog that sits on her porch during the month of October. Originally from Utah, Jen currently lives in Idaho. When not practicing yoga or reading, she's often having lively conversations with strangers on the internet. Special Guest Host: Celeste Carolin Celeste Carolin studied business at Harvard Extension School and is currently earning a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from NCU. As a queer (lesbian) cisgender woman, she has worked with LGBTQ youth and non-profits for the past 10 years. Celeste has served in Mama Dragons leadership since 2016 and currently serves as the Mama Dragons Executive Director. She lives just outside Seattle with her lovely partner Jamie, extended family, grand kiddos, and their pup Jackson Blue. Both Celeste and her partner come from non accepting religious roots, which fuels Celeste's passion for understanding and serving the intersectionality of faith and parenting LGBTQ children. Links from the Show:
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| When the Unthinkable Happens: Losing a Child to Suicide | 25 Dec 2023 | 01:11:40 | |
Content Warning: Frank discussion of death by suicide In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with fellow Mama Dragons Julie Turnbull and Alyson Paul Deussen to talk about their lived experiences as mothers surviving the loss of their sons to suicide. In this vulnerable discussion, they honestly share the difficult moments of parenting a suicidal child and the journey of grief that their lives took when their child died by suicide. We hope their insights help other parents who are facing the same unthinkable parenthood journey of loss. Special Guest: Julie Turnbull Julie Turnbull has been involved in LGBTQ ally spaces since 2014 when she joined the Mama Dragons FB group. In January 2015, her gay son Tyso, died by suicide, and Mama Dragons became the space for her to find support in her grief. She was also motivated to turn her grief into action, so she became more involved in Mama Dragons. In 2017, she was elected as the 2nd president of Mama Dragons. In 2018, she served as Mama Dragons President. Under her leadership, Mama Dragons received non-profit status and formed a 501c3. Currently she is serving as the podcast guest coordinator for In the Den with Mama Dragons podcast. Julie is self-employed and manages her own rental properties. She lives in Snohomish, Washington with her partner. She is the mother of 6 (5 living) and the grandmother of 4. Special Guest: Alyson Paul Deussen Alyson began her journey with the LGBT community in 2012 with her then newly out son, Stockton. Tragedy stuck in 2016 when Alyson lost Stockton to suicide. Since then, she has continued to share their story in an effort to bring awareness (#standingforstockton #ichooselove). She has been involved with Utah’s LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Workgroup, I’ll Walk With You, Affirmation, and Mama Dragons. Presently, Alyson is working with the Love Loud organization, Flourish Therapy, and has helped create sexual health training for parents. Alyson and her husband George are board members with the UofU Caring Connections: A Hope of Comfort in Grief Programs. The mission is to provide evidence based bereavement care for grieving persons. Alyson and her husband George have three kids, three grandkids, and currently live in North Salt Lake, UT. They enjoy doing humanitarian work, snow skiing, water skiing, soccer, and traveling.
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| Suicide Prevention | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:46:24 | |
Content Warning: Talk of Suicide If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, please call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org Misconceptions and stigma can make suicide hard to understand, but talking about it can make a huge difference. Mama Dragons is committed to keeping the conversation at the forefront of our group to help conquer those misconceptions and help lower suicide rates. In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen talks with special guest Taryn Aiken Hiatt about factors that impact suicide risk, warning signs of suicidality, and what to do when someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. Special Guest: Taryn Aiken Hiatt Taryn is a dedicated advocate with a passion for changing the culture around mental health, suicide and substance use disorders. She is a loss survivor, losing her dad in 2002, and an attempt survivor who lives in recovery today. Taryn founded and is the executive director for the Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She has testified before congress in Washington DC to increase awareness and support for better access to mental health services and to promote healthy discussions about suicide. She is widely respected throughout the nation for her hard work and dedication to saving lives. Taryn is finishing the Master's in Social Work program at UVU and graduates in May 2024. Taryn believes in the power of human connection and is dedicated to preventing suicide. Links from the Show:
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| World of Possibility with Sean, Guy, and Emily | 11 Dec 2023 | 01:09:21 | |
Over the years we’ve heard LGBTQ people say that they didn’t know what life might look like for them as an adult. Many haven’t had LGBTQ role models that provide examples of a potential future, and a lot of fear that parents of LGBTQ children experience comes from the unknown as well. We thought it might be helpful for parents to get to know some of the amazing members of the LGBTQ community, just a few at a time, so that they can provide a realistic view of what life could look like for our children. Today, Jen joins guests Sean Childers-Gray, Guy Berryessa, and Emily English in this episode of World of Possibility. Special Guest: Guy Berryessa Guy grew up mostly in conservative Provo, Utah, the fourth of four boys, and attended schools in Provo and briefly in Bangkok, Thailand, before attending college at BYU. He came out at 26 to his father and a year later, after a year of volunteer service in Nigeria, to his mother (who immediately threw up!) and almost everyone else. His parents eventually became great, supportive allies. Guy and Trey, his husband of 26 years, moved to San Francisco in 1997. They adopted their first child in Germany in 2002 and a second in San Francisco in 2010. They currently live primarily in Hawaii, but are often back to their San Francisco home, as their elder daughter attends Sonoma State. Special Guest: Sean Childers-Gray Sean Childers-Gray is a transgender man who grew up in Kearns, Utah, and co-founded a charity drag troupe called the Salt City Kings. He has a BA in graphic arts from Stevens-Henager and holds an MFA in media design. He has served as the President of Ogden Pride since 2020. In October 2021, he was honored with the Equality Utah Impact Award for Advancing Transgender Equality. Sean is a graphic designer and writer. He and his wife Sara are raising two queer teenagers, two huskies, and a cat named Todd. As an Educator in Higher Ed for over 15 years, Sean finds advocating for his students at Davis Tech College a priority as he continues his work for the LGBTQ+ community at large. Special Guest: Emily English Emily is a writer, teacher, and grant program specialist who lives in Bellingham, Washington. She is passionate about the rights and lives of young queer people. She adores her 5 boys and considers being their mother to be one of the great joys of her life. In her free time, she journals, writes, reads, and loves to go on adventures to odd and obscure places. Links from the Show:
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| The Point Foundation and LGBTQ Scholarships | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:52:43 | |
In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with Point Foundation Executive Director and CEO Jorge Valencia to discuss everything from his experiences growing up closeted and gay in a conservative religion in the South in the 80’s, to his time as president and executive director of the Trevor Project, to his current position as executive director and CEO of the Point Foundation, which offers both need and merit based scholarships to the LGBTQ community. Jorge’s passion to help LGBTQ youth comes through in this lively conversation about overcoming the barriers that queer youth face in today’s world.
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| Disability, Intimacy, and Radical Self-Discovery | 27 Nov 2023 | 01:10:43 | |
This week In the Den, Jen talks with LGBTQ/disability advocate Carson Tueller about his experiences surrounding the intersection of sexuality and disability. Carson talks about coming out as gay and the spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. He also shares his thoughts on systemic ableism and offers valuable insights into sexual intimacy and vulnerability. Special Guest: Carson Tueller Carson Tueller is a coach, speaker, and writer whose transformational work explores and challenges our notions of freedom, identity, and radical self-discovery. Carson’s work began when the trajectory of his life changed in 2013 - not only did he come out and leave his lifelong Mormon faith, but he was also injured in an accident that left him paralyzed. Carson took what seemed to many like an insurmountable tragedy and turned it into the foundation of personal transformation. Carson is a prominent figure on social media, featured in major publications and award-winning podcasts, sharing his unique message with audiences worldwide. His diverse talents have taken him all over the globe, from speaking internationally to serving as a policy advisor for a major presidential campaign in 2020. Carson Tueller is more than just a coach and speaker - he's a catalyst for change. Links from the Show:
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| The Lie of Conversion Therapy | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:56:08 | |
Conversion therapy, sometimes called reparative therapy or sexual reorientation counseling, is an attempt to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. There is broad consensus in the medical community that sexual orientation and gender identity are immutable traits and that attempts to change these characteristics through conversion therapy or other means are not only unnecessary and ineffective, but also very harmful. In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen talks with Ryan Kendall about his experiences as a survivor of conversion therapy, his powerful testimony in California’s Proposition 8 trial, and his current career as a civil rights attorney, working to protect marginalized people and give everyone a fair shot. Special Guest: Ryan Kendall Links from the Show: Content Warning–some links contain homophobic language and talk of conversion therapy.
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| Words With Friends 9 | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:09:43 | |
Words with Friends 9 Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions: WPATH shared by Becky J. from Salt Lake City, Utah ROGD shared by Pannay G. from Wisconsin SRS/GCS shared by Melissa H. from Georgia SOGIE shared by Heather G. from Southern Idaho In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Real Talk with Moms of Trans Kids | 29 Dec 2025 | 01:05:28 | |
Today we’re inviting you to be part of some real talk with moms. Sara is joined In the Den by two other moms of trans kids, Melissa and Sarah, and together the three moms will share with you what’s on their hearts–the fears, the doubts, the anger and the joys–in hopes to offer you all some solidarity and connection. Because we know that being the mom of trans or queer kids right now can be really hard, but none of us are alone in the journey. Special Guest: Melissa Melissa is the mother of two wonderfully brilliant teen daughters. A 16 yo cisgender and 14 yo trans kiddo, currently living in a red state where gender affirming care is banned. Melissa works in healthcare which can be both a blessing and a curse when navigating the systems needed to keep her kids thriving. When not navigating the healthcare system, you can find her roaming the hills behind her home with her two fur babies and finding joy within nature (preferably with a backpack on her back). Special Guest: Sarah Rev. Sarah (she/they) lives with her family in the Southwest where she enjoys hiking and sunsets when she’s not working. They live in a multi generational household with her mom and 16 old, her spouse and their dog and cat. Sarah has worked as an organizer, an educator and now as a minister where she does all three! Links from the Show: In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at www.mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| A Closer Look at Ace/Aro Identities | 13 Nov 2023 | 00:57:03 | |
EPISODE 45–A Closer Look at Ace/Aro Identities There are misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding those who find themselves on the asexual (ace) and/or aromantic (aro) spectrums. In this episode of In the Den, Jen talks with special guests Grayson Moore and Kris Glad about what it means to be asexual and aromantic. Special Guest: Grayson Moore Grayson Moore (he/him) came out as transgender at age 16 (2011) and as asexual two years later. Grayson, alongside his mother Neca Allgood, worked with Equality Utah on extending Utah’s housing and employment nondiscrimination protections to cover sexual orientation and gender identity. He has also worked with Affirmation LGBTQ Mormons Family and Friends. Grayson currently lives in Michigan with his boyfriend and girlfriend. He enjoys cooking, singing, occasionally writing, and playing Factorio. Special Guest: Kris Glad Kris Glad (they/them) first came to their asexual identity at age 17 (2012). In the decade since, they've found their experience to be fluid with regards to where, precisely, they fall on the asexual and aromantic spectrums, and they've tried on many labels within the ace and aro community to understand their experience and communicate about it with the people in their life. These days, Kris gravitates towards the term 'demiromantic', but mostly just tells people they're somewhere on the ace and aro spectrums. Kris has a degree in Gender Studies and Sociology from the University of Utah, and they enjoy nerding out on queer history, feminist theory, and any scholarship that helps them understand their own experience. In their free time, Kris can usually be found crafting - knitting, cross stitching, sewing, etc - probably while listening to a podcast. Links from the show:
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| Just the FAQs 5: Microaggression Edition | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:57:49 | |
We asked members of our group to share some of the most hurtful things that had been said to them or their LGBTQ children, even if the speaker’s intentions were good. The response was absolutely overwhelming. Some of the reported comments would be considered microaggressions and some were intentionally cruel. Just in time for all of the upcoming holiday gatherings, Jen brings back therapist Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen to talk through some common categories of microaggressions and possible ways to respond. Special Guest: Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen
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| A Trans Filmmaker Talks Film and Queer Joy | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:58:41 | |
In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen sits down with Emmy award-winning transgender filmmaker Asher May-Corsini as he discusses his experiences of pursuing a career in the American film industry. He shares some of his favorite memories in making the Mama Dragons documentary, and how that experience changed him forever. He also offers insights into what brings him fulfillment as a filmmaker and where he finds queer joy in his life. Special Guest: Asher May-Corsini Asher is a New York City native who fell in love with film after watching The Wizard of Oz as a child. He spent most of his adolescence with a camera in his hand, attending film school after film school. While his career has taken him on beautiful and unexpected adventures, he always believes that the best is yet to come. Asher has worked in media for over ten years and has a track record of proven successes in branded content and documentary film. Asher has established himself as a big-picture thinker and is known as someone who can be leaned on for creative ideation and problem-solving. Asher has received tremendous acclaim for his varied work in the industry. His talent spans all production facets, from pre-production to field production to post-production. As a transgender man, Asher focuses much of his attention on LGBTQ+ issues and uses his platform to amplify LGBTQ+ people and their stories. Asher still spends his free time with a camera in his hand, waiting for the magic to happen. Links from the Show:
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| When Autism Meets Gender Diversity | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:57:18 | |
Studies show that transgender and nonbinary people are three to six times more likely to have autism than their cisgender peers. Researchers are still trying to better understand the connection. This week In the Den, Jen visits with occupational therapist Dr. Anne Kirby and Frank Vales, a trans and autistic student, about the intersection of the autism spectrum and gender diversity. Anne V. Kirby, PhD, OTR/L, is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies at the University of Utah, with an adjunct appointment in the Department of Psychiatry. She received her BS and MS degrees from the University of New Hampshire, and then practiced as an occupational therapist in multiple settings in Washington, DC. She received her PhD in Occupational Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015, before becoming a faculty member at the University of Utah. Her research expertise is in sensory processing, the transition to adulthood, and suicide risk and prevention for the autistic community. She is currently leading a K23 award from NIMH using community based participatory research for suicide prevention, in partnership with the Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE). She serves as a Consultant on the University of Pittsburgh ACE grant.
Frank Vales (he/him) is a 20-year-old student and artist born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is studying communication and writing with plans to go into the field of applied linguistics. He is autistic, disabled, and Queer, and is passionate about advocacy and community engagement. He has extensive public speaking experience on the topics of LGBTQ+ youth, mental health, autism acceptance, and suicide prevention. He is particularly interested in the intersection of Queer, neurodivergent, and disabled experiences and identities. In his spare time, he enjoys taking care of his unusual pets, including snakes and exotic cockroaches, and studying Irish Gaelic.
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| Trans is Beautiful | 16 Oct 2023 | 01:04:45 | |
In this episode of In the Den, American actor and musician Emmett Preciado visits with Jen about his experience growing up as a transgender boy in a conservative religion. He candidly talks about a range of topics from transition to his experiences with dating to experiencing Hollywood as a trans man. You won’t want to miss this thoughtful glimpse into Emmett’s life and the wisdom he’s gained through embracing his transgender identity. Special Guest: Emmett Preciado Emmett Preciado, formerly known as Emmett Claren, is an American transgender actor and singer-songwriter of Spanish, Mexican, and European descent. He was born in Merced, California, but grew up in Chilton, Wisconsin. Emmett grew up in, and served a full-time mission for, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After briefly attending BYU Idaho, he dropped out to physically transition and to seriously pursue his acting career. Emmett is known for his role as Rowan on Freeform's Good Trouble, Rio Gutierrez on ABC’s The Good Doctor, and has worked with The Trevor Project and The National LGBTQ Task Force. Links from the Show: Emmett on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmettpreciado Emmett on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emmettpreciado Emmett on FB: https://www.facebook.com/emmettpreciado/ Emmett on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyx59LUSE0uhgqDSF0MzipA Early documentary with Emmett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzyroz1OgSA New article about Emmett: https://www.emmettpreciado.com/p/news.html Emmett’s website: https://www.emmettpreciado.com/ Emmett’s top surgery reaction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hofq-y2WHHo&ab_channel=EmmettPreciado Emmett dueting with himself pre-transition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Na68cO3_I&t=9s&ab_channel=EmmettPreciado Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Words With Friends 8 | 13 Oct 2023 | 00:05:27 | |
Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions: Intersex shared by Becky Johnson Sex shared by Pam Theron Gender shared by Barbara Proudfoot Endosex shared by Rhonda Hill In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| When a Child Comes Out In the Spotlight | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:44:07 | |
On this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen talks with Lupe Bartholomew, mother of American popstar David Archuleta. They discuss Lupe’s experience as a religiously devoted Latina mother of five. Lupe explains how having a child come out as gay in the world spotlight in 2021 changed her life and inspired her to become a public supporter of the LGBTQ community. Special Guest: Lupe (Mayorga) Bartholomew Lupe is American Idol finalist David Archuleta’s mother. Lupe, her mother, and her two sisters joined the LDS church in Honduras in 1978. Ultimately, Lupe and her family came to the United States to live the Mormon dream. Lupe lived as a very happy, fully believing, orthodox Mormon mother until her son David came out as gay in 2021. Links from the Show: David Archuleta’s website: https://davidarchuleta.com/ Find David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidarchie/?hl=en David on FB: https://www.facebook.com/davidarchuleta Join Mama Dragons here: www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Unpacking Conversion Therapy | 02 Oct 2023 | 00:50:29 | |
Conversion therapy, also referred to as reparative therapy, attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and is not a legitimate form of therapy. Conversion therapy has been denounced by all major medical organizations, but continues to exist and cause harm to LGBTQ people throughout the world. In this episode of In the Den, Jen talks with Dr. Matt Salmon, a psychiatrist and author, about his experiences as a victim of conversion therapy as well as the broader impact of conversion therapy on queer people today. Special Guest: Matt Salmon Dr. Matt R. Salmon is a psychiatrist based in Washington, DC, specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health and a Master of Health and Public Interest. Matt is the manager of psychiatry at Whitman Walker Health and primarily treats LGBTQ+ young people who have been marginalized by structural bias. Matt's work is deeply influenced by lived experience, which includes growing up queer and neurodiverse in a Mormon household with a Republican congressman dad and undergoing conversion 'therapy' as a teen. Matt is preparing to publish a book titled Pride & Prejudice: Healing Division in the Modern Family, which serves as both a memoir and a critique of societal norms that often harm LGBTQ+ individuals, especially within religious communities. In it, Matt uses personal and professional experience to advocate for embracing diversity and challenging our own biases so we can heal the divisions that harm us all. The book is set for publication in Spring 2024 and can be pre-ordered at: https://matt-salmon.presale.manuscripts.com. Links from the show: Order Matt’s book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pride-prejudice-healing-division-in-the-modern-family-matt-r-salmon/21498681?ean=9798889261025&next=t Find Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lovemattrs/ Family Acceptance Project: https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/ Join Mama Dragons today www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Emmy Awards, Resilience, and Queer Joy | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:58:14 | |
This week In the Den, Jen sits down with Jeffrey Marx to chat about a variety of topics, including Jeffrey’s fascinating career as a reality television casting director in Hollywood, his journey to winning an Emmy, embracing his body size, and finding queer joy amidst the challenges of life. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! Special Guest: Jeffrey Marx
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| Understanding Intersex with Blaire Ostler | 18 Sep 2023 | 00:57:13 | |
In this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen joins guest Blaire Ostler to discuss intersex conditions. As an intersex person herself, Blaire is uniquely positioned to not only share information about many aspects of intersex conditions, but also give personal insight into life as an intersex person. The discussion ranges from when intersex conditions are most often diagnosed to the potential impact of trans legislation on people with intersex conditions to the problematic nature of surgeries done on intersex infants and children. Don’t miss this valuable introduction to a better understanding of what it means to be intersex. Special Guest: Blaire Ostler
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| A Therapist’s Toolkit for Surviving the Holidays | 22 Dec 2025 | 01:01:35 | |
Many of us want the holiday season to be a time of connection and celebration, but this time of year can also be complicated. Family gatherings can come with unspoken tension, old dynamics resurface, expectations rise, and the pressure to “keep the peace” can collide with our deep desire to protect and affirm our kids. And for some, this season can bring loneliness, depression, or grief—not warmth. We know you’re navigating all of that. And you don’t have to do it alone. Today In the Den, Sara is joined by therapist David Zealy-Wright to talk honestly about what the holidays can stir up, how to prepare for tough conversations, how to set boundaries with love, how to care for ourselves while caring for our kids, and how to find moments of joy and grounding even in challenging spaces. Special Guest: David Zealy-Wright Links from the Show:
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| World of Possibility with Marshall, Craig, and Candice | 11 Sep 2023 | 01:09:12 | |
Over the years we’ve heard LGBTQ people say that they didn’t know what life might look like for them as an adult. Many haven’t had LGBTQ role models that provide examples of a potential future, and a lot of fear that parents of LGBTQ children experience comes from the unknown as well. We thought it might be helpful for parents to get to know some of the amazing members of the LGBTQ community, just a few at a time, so that they can provide a realistic view of what life could look like for our children. Today, Jen joins guests Marshall Shearer, Craig Watts, and Candice Green in this episode of World of Possibility. Marshall is a proud trans man who's been living life to the fullest for the past 8 years since transitioning. When he’s not busy being an awesome dad to five adopted kids, aged 14 to 24, or spoiling his adorable 2-year-old grandson, you can find him crushing it at board games, giving his all on the softball field, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. Marshall’s a foster care superhero with 11 years under his belt and 10 placements along the way. Life's a journey, and he’s loving every moment of it! Special Guest: Craig Watts Craig grew up in a conservative Christian community in Utah, where everyone he knew lived in traditional families. When he realized he was gay at 18, he thought he'd never have kids or have a place in his community. So, after completing a Master's Degree in Chicago, Craig ran away to Asia and spent the next two decades as an out gay man living and working in Japan and China before deciding to have kids via surrogacy. Craig had hoped to find a partner before becoming a parent, but he had strong support from his parents and siblings, and the biological clock was ticking, so he took the solo parent plunge at age 46. A Bangkok-based clinic helped Craig find a Thai egg donor and surrogate mothers for his three kids who are now aged 11 and 9 (twins). Craig and his kids lived for a few years in Beijing, then moved home to his parents' basement in Utah, and now live in the heart of San Francisco. They attend a Chinese immersion school where Craig teaches 7th grade. It's been a tough decade, but Craig loves being a parent even when the kids gang up on him! Special Guest: Candice Green Candice is a High School English teacher and mother of two. She loves Marvel movies, her book club, and going on adventures with her friends and kids. Links from the show: Utah Foster Care’s LGBT Resource Page: utahfostercare.org/lgbt Join Mama Dragons today www.mamadragons.org In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Words With Friends 7 | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:04:23 | |
Words with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions: Nonbinary, shared by Shauna from Idaho, USA Bigender, shared by Marnie Lobban from Australia Agender, shared by Mel Fraze from California Gender Diverse, shared by Zane Bates from Colorado In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org. Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||
| Just the FAQ's 4 | 04 Sep 2023 | 00:52:55 | |
EPISODE 35–Just the FAQs 4 In this episode of In the Den, Jen joins therapists Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, Laura Skaggs, and David Zealy-Wright to answer a handful of frequently asked questions regarding parenting an LGBTQ child.
Special Guest: Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen is the clinical director and founder of Flourish Therapy, Inc., (Flourish), a behavioral health clinic in Provo, Utah, which she founded in 2017 to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Lisa received a B.S. from Brigham Young University in 1990 as university valedictorian (Summa Cum Laude with Honors thesis), an M.S. in 2012 and Ph.D. in 2017, both at BYU, focusing on improving the mental health of LGBTQ+ people in conservative families and communities. She lives with her husband in Payson, Utah, where together they made a home for 7 children (and a few extras) and now have 18 grandchildren. Special Guest: Laura Skaggs Laura Skaggs is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in treating spiritual trauma at the intersection of LGBTQ+ experiences and religion. Laura earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University with an emphasis in LGBTQ+ mental health within conservative religious social contexts. Laura is also the co-creator of CWEERS Empowerment groups: a practice designed to help LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters confront social discrimination and internalized stigma. Laura is the mother of two daughters and presently sees clients full time in Provo, UT, as part of Flourish Therapy. Special Guest: David Zealy-Wright David is a Licensed Professional Counselor (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor), a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Clinical Supervisor Intern(Certified Clinical Supervisor). He graduated from Catawba Valley Community College in 2005 earning an Associate in Arts, Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2008 earning a BA in Psychology, and in 2010 an MA in Agency Counseling. His specialty areas include addiction, depression, anxiety, life changes, men’s issues, relationships, and LGBTQIA issues. As an addictions specialist, he believes that addiction is a disorder, not a moral failing. David is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, but has lived in Hickory for over 23 years with his spouse. Li Connect with Mama Dragons: | |||