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Beyond Gender

Stella O'Malley, Mia Hughes, Bret Alderman

What’s really going on with gender—and how does it connect to wider cultural shifts? Psychotherapist Stella O’Malley, researcher Mia Hughes, and psychologist Bret Alderman explore how debates around gender, identity, psychology, and medicine open up bigger questions about culture, society, and mental health. With guests ranging from doctors and therapists to parents and detransitioners, they offer honest, thoughtful discussions—no jargon, no ideology.

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  • 34 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 9 min
  • English

Episodes 34

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  • Tuesday · 1 hr 3 min

    The Dutch Leaks: There Is No Evidence and There Never Was

    The Dutch protocol, the model that shaped youth gender medicine around the world is full of holes, or 'leaky as a basket'. Dutch psychologist and biologist Dr Marieke den Ouden joins Dr Stella O'Malley to discuss "The Dutch Leaks". "The Dutch Leaks" is a document written to display that the evidence base behind the Dutch pediatric gender transition model is full of holes. The Dutch protocol is the approach developed in the Netherlands in the 1990s, combining puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and later surgery for adolescents with gender dysphoria. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES The Dutch Leaks Gender Dysphoria Support Tool Dr Marieke den Ouden Substack Interview with Steensma & de Vries In this episode Stella and Marieke discuss: • early Dutch and Belgian research from the 1980s-1990s • Bram Kuiper's 1991 cohort follow-up, which reported multiple deaths, suicide attempts, high loss to follow-up, unemployment, loneliness, surgical complications and extensive pre-existing psychiatric issues, yet was still labelled "therapeutically effective" • the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale, which Marieke critiques as invalid • De Cuypere's emphasis on family input (heteroanamnesis) and differential diagnosis, which Marieke argues were largely ignored in practice • parent case studies, and informed-consent concerns, especially for autistic young people • alleged institutional capture in the Dutch oversight bodies reviewing transgender healthcare ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (01:30) What "The Dutch Leaks" Means (02:54) The Hans Brinker (Leaking Dike) Metaphor (04:29) Early Dutch Research (06:25) Kuiper's 1991 Study: Red Flags (14:04) De Cuypere, Family Input and Differential Diagnosis (21:05) The Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale: A Critique (30:24) The Lindeboom Report: Doubts (39:41) Why Parents Are Dismissed (40:57) Autism and Informed Consent Gaps (44:55) The Support Tool (49:42) Alleged Institutional Capture in Dutch Oversight (55:43) FOI Requests and Commission Bias ❓ QUICK ANSWERS Q: What is the Dutch protocol? A: It is the pediatric gender transition model developed in the Netherlands in the 1990s, using puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgery. Marieke argues its evidence base is much weaker than commonly believed. Q: What are "The Dutch Leaks"? A: A document written by a disappointed parent that argues the evidence base behind the Dutch model is full of holes. Marieke and Stella discuss it throughout this episode. Q: What is the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale? A: A questionnaire used in Dutch gender research. Marieke critiques it as invalid. Q: Who is Dr Marieke den Ouden? A: A Dutch psychologist and biologist.

  • November 3 · 1 hr 4 min

    I Was in Women's Prison. Then They Let Men In | Amie Ichikawa

    What was it like inside a California women's prison after SB 132? Amie Ichikawa, who served nearly five years at Central California Women's Facility, tells Bret Alderman about her path to incarceration, her time inside, and the aftermath. Amie Ichikawa, ambassador for the Independent Women forum and who leads the prison advocacy group Woman II Woman, describes her experience of jail and prison and discusses California's SB 132 (the Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act), the senator behind it, Scott Wiener, and the transfer of a man into her prison. They also cover testosterone in women's prisons, medical experimentation in prisons, vulnerable groups and children, and California Senate Bills SB 107, SB 145 and SB 239. Woman II Woman "Cruel and Unusual Punishment" Series 📌 CHAPTERS (00:00) Preview (01:31) Introduction: Amie Ichikawa (05:02) Her Crime and Path to Prison (13:55) Jail and Prison Dehumanization (19:35) A Man Is Transferred In (28:57) Scott Wiener and SB 132 (42:23) DOJ Investigation Update (43:43) Testosterone in Women's Prisons (47:55) Prison Medical Experimentation (52:22) Vulnerable Groups and Children (54:57) California Bills SB 107, SB 145 and SB 239

  • October 27 · 1 hr 20 min

    The Psychology of Evil with Harrison Koehli

    How does psychopathy and communism relate to contemporary social justice movements? Bret Alderman is joined by Harrison Koehli, Canadian journalist, podcaster and editor of the second edition of Andrzej Łobaczewski’s Political Ponerology: The Science of Evil, Psychopathy, and the Origins of Totalitarianism. Harrison's Substack Bret's Book: "Eternal Youth and the Myth of Deconstruction" Harrison's Book: "Political Ponerology" 📌 CHAPTERS (00:00) Trailer (01:35) Introduction (05:47) Lobaczewski & Pathocracy (29:04) Ponerization Process (34:12) Attracting the Disordered (44:44) Psychopathy and Social Rules (52:39) Gender and Human Nature (01:06:50) Ego-Syntonic/Dystonic (01:10:44) Queer Theory (01:15:11) Indoctrination

  • October 20 · 1 hr 3 min

    She Was Injured by a Male Player. Now She's Speaking Out | Payton McNabb

    Bret Alderman is joined by Payton McNabb, who describes how she regained control of her life after suffering brain damage from a male volleyball player who played on the women's team. Payton is an ambassador for the Independent Women's forum. https://www.iwfeatures.com/documentary/payton-mcnabb/📌 CHAPTERS (00:00) Preview (00:59) Introduction (03:42) Political Leanings (08:28) Sororities (13:53) Injury (29:18) Language (31:59) Looking Forward, Response From Perp (40:01) Men in Women’s Spaces (44:53) University Trial and Legal Win (52:36) WNBA

  • October 17 · 1 hr 1 min

    Trans Away The Gay: Gender-Affirming Care IS Conversion Therapy | Scott Newgent

    Mia Hughes is joined by Scott Newgent, who experienced homophobia - from her relationship dynamic, to a trans identified therapist and finally a gynecologist who - without testing - told her she was likely intersex. This made Scott feel out of place and led to her undergoing sex altering procedures, which brought severe medical complications. Scott is raising awareness and advocates to stop gender-affirming care, particularly for minors, which is cosmetic, not life-saving or evidence-based, and often leads to the health deterioration that Scott experienced. Scott will be speaking in UK parliament on October 21st to stop the UK’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban, which is vague, could criminalize real help, and is a trojan horse to shut down opposition to gender ideology. Follow Scott 📌 CHAPTERS (00:00) Trailer (01:33) Introduction (03:15) Trigger to Transition (09:32) Texas (11:32) Medical Process & Physical, Psychosocial Effects (27:04) Gender Debate (29:49) Sexuality (31:49) Activism (34:13) LGB And T Split (37:04) Homophobia (44:51) Parliament Bill

  • October 13 · 1 hr 8 min

    Mary Ann Kenny: I Was Not Mentally Ill, I Was Grieving!

    Stella O'Malley is joined by Irish academic Mary Ann Kenny who shares her devastating story, where health professionals abused her vulnerability at every turn after experiencing grief from her husband’s death… From copious amounts of medication, to hospitalisation and threats of a foster home for her children.Mary Ann’s memoir ‘The Episode’CHAPTERS(00:00) Preview(01:23) Introduction(08:11) Pressure For Professional Help(12:59) Sertraline And Akathisia(19:58) Psychiatry Referral And Day Hospital(43:26) Tusla Threat(56:42) Recovery And Writing The Book(01:03:42) No Accountability From Services

  • S3 · E5
    October 6 · 1 hr 18 min

    REPATH: Episode 3 - The Tipping Point (2010-2026)

    How did transgender identification move out of psychiatry? REPATH Episode 3 traces the de-psychopathologization of gender dysphoria from WPATH's 2010 statement to the 2022 SOC8, and why the 2010s were the tipping point. In this episode of the REPATH series, Mia Hughes and Stella O'Malley walk through the key milestones in the de-psychopathologization process: the WPATH 2010 statement, DSM-5's shift from "Gender Identity Disorder" to "Gender Dysphoria" (2013), ICD-11's move from "dysphoria" to "incongruence" (2018), WPATH's declaration of medical necessity (2016), and the release of the WPATH Standards of Care 8 (2022). REPATH is a Genspect campaign calling for the restoration of psychiatric and psychological safeguards in the care of gender-related distress. ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (01:15) Recap of Episode 2 (11:07) WPATH De-Psychopathologization Statement (2010) (13:20) WPATH SOC7 and Ehrensaft (2012) (22:32) DSM-5: From Disorder to Dysphoria (2013) (28:33) The Tipping Point (2014) (36:45) Schools (2015) (40:52) WPATH Declares Medical Necessity (2016) (45:54) ICD-11: Dysphoria to Incongruence (2018) (51:16) Littman ROGD Study (2018) (01:00:07) WPATH SOC8: Eunuchs In, Ethics Out (2022) (01:09:04) Technology (01:12:21) Mia Introduced DePath, Albuquerque (2025)

  • S3 · E4
    October 3 · 1 hr 8 min

    REPATH: Episode 2 - Activism Captures the Field (1989-2010)

    How did activism come to shape the institutions that define gender medicine? REPATH Episode 2 follows the rise of transgender activism and its influence on the field, from 1989 to WPATH's 2010 de-psychopathologization statement. "The decades where society plunged into an alternate reality," after activism and huge amounts of wealth were funnelled into normalising this overvalued idea. Join Mia Hughes and Stella O'Malley along this series where they explore the de-psychopathologization process, and their campaign to re-pathologize as a solution. This episode covers Phyllis Frye and ICTLEP, the Rothblatt SOC, the International Bill of Gender Rights, HBIGDA's Standards of Care and Levine, Blanchard, Bailey and autogynephilia, Arlene Lev, and the rebrand of HBIGDA to WPATH. REPATH Campaign ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (08:23) Defining The Mental Disorder (18:45) Phyllis Frye Meetings & ICTLEP (1989) (28:32) Rothblatt SOC & Apartheid of Sex (1993) (38:07) International Bill of Gender Rights (1995) (41:56) HBIGDA SOC 5-6 and Levine (1998-2001) (50:35) Blanchard, Bailey & Autogynephilia (1989-2003) (56:56) Arlene Lev (2004-2006) (59:34) HBIGDA Re-brand to WPATH, Whittle, Pritzker (2007) (1:06:06) WPATH's De-path Statement (2010)

  • S3 · E3
    October 3 · 1 hr 17 min

    REPATH: Episode 1 - The Birth of Gender Medicine (1952-1979)

    Where did 'gender medicine' begin? REPATH Episode 1 traces its origins from Christine Jorgensen in 1952 through Harry Benjamin, the Netherlands, Johns Hopkins and the birth of WPATH (HBIGDA). What happens when a new, whacky idea enters society's consciousness, and then mad scientists and large amounts of money meet? De-psychopathologisation. This series with Mia Hughes and Stella O'Malley takes you through the early beginnings, starting with "patient zero". Join us on this journey and our REPATH campaign to restore clarity to the field of gender medicine. ⏱️CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (04:06) Christine Jorgensen (1952) (08:23) Availability / Supply & Demand (19:27) Harry Benjamin, The Grandfather of Gender Medicine (1966) (38:47) The Netherlands ('50s - 1976) (44:05) Otto de Vaal (1968) (59:17) Johns Hopkins (1966-1979) (01:02:11) Paul McHugh (01:09:17) The Birth of WPATH (HBIGDA) (01:09:55) Summary

  • S3 · E2
    October 3 · 58 min

    The REPATH Campaign Launch (Livestream 2)

    Watch the official launch of REPATH, Genspect's Re-psychopathologization Campaign: why it matters, the framework behind it, and the call to action. Recorded 15 September, the anniversary of WPATH's Standards of Care 8. REPATH calls for restoring a psychiatric understanding of transgender ideation (not gender non-conformity itself), so that thorough differential diagnosis and psychological and psychiatric care replace automatic affirmation. The stream with Mia Hughes and Stella O'Malley covers the REPATH framework, the origins of "DEPATH", overvalued belief, stigma and 'trans children'. 📖 REPATH website, including Mia's essay ❓ WHAT IS REPATH? REPATH is Genspect's Re-psychopathologization Campaign. It calls for restoring a psychiatric understanding of transgender ideation, not gender non-conformity itself, so that thorough differential diagnosis and psychological and psychiatric care replace automatic affirmation. 🎙️ Beyond Gender Podcast now airs every Tuesday: 7 pm UK & Ireland | 2 pm New York | 11 am California ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (01:04) Why REPATH Matters (02:38) 1979 Clinic Shut Down (06:26) REPATH Framework (11:48) Essay Title & DEPATH Origins (16:30) Stigma (20:32) Overvalued Belief Examples (26:39) Egosyntonic/Dystonic (33:26) Predicting The Explosion (37:17) Trans Children (45:40) Sept 15th 2022 (55:17) Call to Action

  • S3 · E1
    October 3 · 1 hr

    The REPATH Campaign: An Alternative Approach to Gender-Affirming Care (Livestream 1)

    Why is REPATH returning, what has changed, and what comes next? Stella O'Malley and Mia Hughes explain Genspect's REPATH Campaign on "Gordon Guyatt Day" (8 September). REPATH calls for restoring a psychiatric understanding of transgender ideation (not gender non-conformity itself), so that thorough differential diagnosis and psychological and psychiatric care replace automatic affirmation. They cover DEPATH, stigma, WPATH SOC8, and the REPATH rollout plan. ❓ WHAT IS REPATH? REPATH is Genspect's Re-psychopathologization Campaign. It calls for restoring a psychiatric understanding of transgender ideation, not gender non-conformity itself, so that thorough differential diagnosis and psychological and psychiatric care replace automatic affirmation. 📖 REPATH website 🎙️ Beyond Gender Podcast now airs every Tuesday:7 pm UK & Ireland | 2 pm New York | 11 am California ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (05:14) DEPATH Explained (24:39) Why Genspect (27:54) Stigma (31:51) Why September 15th? (34:03) SOC8 (45:30) September 8 Gordon Guyatt (58:17) REPATH Rollout Plan

  • September 3 · 1 hr 9 min

    The Assault on Science with Ian Cox

    Is psychology and counselling being undermined by postmodernist, activist-led ideology? Irish psychologist and lecturer Ian Cox discusses with Stella O’Malley, where Ian also details his experiences with students and what led to him receiving complaints and being doxxed.

  • August 27 · 1 hr 7 min

    She Went UNDERCOVER in Youth Gender Clinics | Róisín Michaux

    We are joined by Róisín Michaux, an Irish journalist living in Brussels.Róisín describes going undercover with a fictitious distressed, autistic teenage girl, and her investigations into how Irish youths access gender medicalisation, including clinics in Madrid that will perform mastectomies on minors.

  • August 20 · 1 hr 11 min

    Journalism & Corruption with Nick Wallis

    Journalist Nick Wallace discusses the UK's Post Office scandal that led to over 700 wrongful prosecutions, and the incredible story of how this scandal came to be exposed. Nick draws parallels to 'gender medicine' and institutional failure, the erosion of trust and the dangers that brings.

  • August 13 · 1 hr 23 min

    He Thought He Won the Battle Against Gay Conversion Therapy - But He's Fighting Again

    Canadian writer Peter Gajdics provides his retrospective view of the appalling treatment he received in the ‘90s from a (now known as) notoriously abusive psychiatrist who trained under Arthur Janov. Midway through this process, a darker reality slowly dawned on him. The psychiatrist was trying to rid him of his homosexuality. In his pursuit of justice, he was later confronted with a trojan horse in conversion therapy bills.

  • July 30 · 1 hr 11 min

    Deanne Jade

    Deanne Jade is a psychologist and founder of the National Centre for Eating Disorders. In this podcast episode, we discuss the ‘golden thread’ between eating disorders, self-harm and gender dysphoria as socially reinforced behaviours that persist despite harm. Deanne highlights the complexity of these disorders - and the people experiencing them - which requires thorough and gradual assessment.

  • July 23 · 1 hr

    Dr Jon Mills

    Dr Jon Mills is a Canadian philosopher-psychoanalyst, teacher and author. In this Beyond Gender episode, Jon discusses being targeted by a cancel campaign, where he has been labelled a racist and white supremacist, and blacklisted from a psychoanalytic organisation, which prompted his edited book, “Woke: A Critique of Social Justice Ideology.”

  • July 16 · 1 hr 7 min

    Malcolm Clark

    The bonkers and bizarre world of apotemnophilia & its connection with trans, the darker side of life, and were there ever autogynephilic Vikings?

  • July 9 · 1 hr 19 min

    Dr. Michael Gurian

    Dr. Michael Gurian is a marriage & family counsellor, author, and co-founder of The Gurian Institute.

Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes