In this deeply moving episode, hosts MahD and Lenny Z sit down with guest Justin A. for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about life, identity, and resilience. Justin opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance — a path marked by courage, reflection, and an unwavering sense of self.

The conversation takes an honest look at the realities many trans individuals face in today's political landscape, including Justin's decision to relocate to Mexico in search of safety and community.

Far from a story of defeat, it's one of agency and intentional living. Throughout the episode, all three voices weave together themes of community, solidarity, and hope — reminding listeners that shared stories have the power to shift perspectives and build bridges. The hosts and Justin also reflect on how far trans rights have come, while acknowledging the very real work that remains. Thoughtful, warm, and inspiring, this episode is an invitation to listen, learn, and celebrate the strength found in living authentically.

– This is a Life Lived Trans.

Honey, pull up a chair — this one has got everything: psychiatry, policy and community celebration.

Between them, Mardi and Lenny carry nearly a hundred years of a life lived trans – through the decades when there were no words for it and no roadmaps. Just persistence, instinct and an absolute refusal to disappear.

This episode opens with a listener message from a mother navigating her four-year-old's emerging gender identity. Drawing on decades of personal experience, they offer guidance rooted in one simple principle — when a child expresses who they are consistently, persistently and without wavering, that is not a phase. That is self-knowledge.

Dr. Terra Cody Weston ( @terra_forme on Threads & IG ) child and adolescent psychiatrist, joins from Capitol Hill where she is working on a psychiatric fellowship inside Congress. Quietly and magnificently, she is making noise in all the right places — sharing what remains very much alive in the fight for trans rights, from legal pathways and state-level protections to a psychiatric community finding its courage.

And because joy is its own kind of resistance, she tells us about the Final Boss of Trans People, a bracket-style community contest running on Threads @terra_forme , now in its second year. The contest spotlights activists, pioneers, artists and icons from across trans life — building visibility, community traditions and a sense of collective pride.

Honest, warm and politically engaged. This is A Life Lived Trans.

In this provocative episode, Mardi and Lenny peel back the layers of the current political landscape, from Minnesota’s legal battles to global efforts to erase trans identities. They share candid stories from recent activist efforts in Kelowna and reflect on their decades of experience living through transformative times in the trans community. Discover how undercover agendas, media manipulation, and political tactics threaten our rights—and more importantly, how we can fight back with truth, humor, and resilience.We break down some jaw-dropping revelations: why controversial figures like Pink News are losing support, how mainstream platforms like Pornhub reveal the true desires of the masses, and why trans joy and visibility threaten the status quo. You'll discover the deep connection between shame and oppression—and how genuine acceptance and self-love can dismantle it. Our hosts delve into the significance of trans athletes breaking barriers, the intersection of gender expression and societal expectations, and the importance of non-binary identities pushing for authentic representation. This isn’t just a rant—it's a call to action. If you’re tired of being misunderstood or marginalized, if you’re ready to see the bigger picture and stand up for your right to be proud, this episode is essential listening. The stakes are high: our rights, our safety, our very existence depend on it. But hope remains. Through storytelling, expert insights, and unapologetic honesty, Marty and Lenny inspire you to reclaim your narrative and challenge the system.Perfect for allies, activists, and anyone questioning the narratives fed by media and politics—this conversation will empower you to think critically, laugh loud, and act boldly. Tune in now to hear the truth about the confluence of politics, culture, and community, and learn how to turn awareness into resistance.

Guest credentials:

Mardi and Lenny are 'seasoned' trans elders, sharing insights from almost 100 years in the movement. With lived experience and activist spirit, they illuminate the path toward genuine liberation and self-acceptance.

In this episode of A Life Lived Trans, hosts Mardi P. and Lenny Z. welcome internet sensations Shay and Amanda Scott — a couple whose love story began in a tight-knit Mormon community, wound through decades of friendship and faith, and ultimately blossomed into something beautifully unexpected. Shay came out to Amanda as transgender about seven years ago, and the two navigated that journey together with remarkable patience, collaboration, and a commitment to keeping their relationship and their three children at the center of every decision. The conversation covers their Mormon upbringing and how Shay's transition cracked open a deep faith deconstruction for both of them, their experience raising openly queer-positive kids in a conservative Utah community, and how Shay's film production background gave them the tools — and the courage — to start sharing their story online.

The episode also digs into bigger themes around palatability, representation, and who gets to be the "face" of the trans movement. Amanda reflects thoughtfully on her own evolving sense of identity and sexuality, pushing back gently on the idea that their more conventional presentation is the goal — rather, they see themselves as one voice among many in a movement that needs all kinds. Lenny and Mardi share their own parallel experiences of praying away their gender, deconstructing religion, and finding freedom in authenticity, making for a conversation that is equal parts personal testimony, philosophical musing, and warm mutual appreciation. The Scotts also reveal that a vow renewal is in the works for their 20th anniversary, and that Amanda is deep in the process of finding a publisher for her memoir. Shay Scott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayescott/ Amanda Scott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramandascott/

In this episode we dive into the complexities of gender identity and the freedom that comes with embracing fluidity over binary thinking. Drawing on candid personal stories and sharp cultural commentary, we explore how fear of losing privilege drives societal backlash against inclusion — and why the push for acceptance is inseparable from the pursuit of authenticity. We talk about the recent groundbreaking runway show of fashion house Matieres Fecales titled "The One Percent” who's dark wit smashes gender stereotypes, framing creative expression as a form of resistance, mocking greed in top shelf couture.

We also get into Mardi’s theory of the "privilege pyramid" — a framework for understanding how hidden trauma layers sustain inequality, and how healing requires recognizing the full spectrum of human experience. From reflections on recovery and aging as trans people to observations about global climate chaos and cultural rebellion, the episode ultimately lands as a call to action urging listeners toward greater compassion, community, and unapologetic self-expression. Moons Lane F*ck Off Spray - - The Spray Of Banishing https://www.moonslane.com.au/

In this episode Mardi and Lenny explore the trans experience from a parental perspective with Joy and Diana from the Transparently Speaking podcast. These parents stories are filled with strength, unconditional love and the lengths we have to go through in today’s America. This generational discussion of trans childhood history is a required listen.

Links:

Transparently Speaking podcast: https://transparentlyspeakingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Plume Clinic: https://getplume.co/

The Trevor Project: https://thetrevorproject.org

Trans LifeLine: https://translifeline.org/

In this episode Mardi P. and Lenny Z. begin with a guided breathing before diving into current events affecting the trans community. They recommend alternative news sources in light of mainstream media's decline, call out widespread shadow-banning of queer content on social media, and revisit the Kansas driver's license law. They also call out Lyft's "trans joy" discount as performative rainbow capitalism.

They reflect on their own history of having no rights as trans women in the 1970s, drawing parallels between today's rollbacks and historical struggles like Jim Crow. Trans tropes of the week include strangers asking invasive questions about trans people's bodies, and "trans pick-me" gatekeeping of those who transition later in life — a bias Mardi admits she once held herself. On a lighter note, Mardi shares her excitement over her new supportive French bra and they tease upcoming guests including a well-known Instagram figure who transitioned after having a family.

Buckle up for an episode soaked in some fun crazy wisdom! Alternatives to mainstream media: I've Had It Podcast (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/@ivehaditpodcast AlJazeera News - https://www.aljazeera.com/where/united-states/

In Episode 3 of Season 3 of A Life Live Trans, we kick things off with Wizard of Oz banter before diving into the big topics of the day. Our main focus is the alarming (but potentially overhyped) news about Kansas attempting to invalidate transgender people's IDs and driver's licenses. Drawing on a community contact in Texas, we find out Kansas has tried and failed to enforce similar legislation before, and question the fear-mongering and clickbait — even from within the trans community — that spreads panic without proper context. We suggest listeners to seek out boots-on-the-ground sources, read full articles, and connect with local human rights organizations rather than reacting to sensational headlines.

There's Mardi's near-miss with cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta, Lenny's hot take on drug decriminalization, musings on AI and ChatGPT after a viral TikTok clip of a young trans woman having an emotional breakdown while chatting with the bot about selling her Birkin bag, and a shout-out to their new European collaborator who connected with them through Patreon. Hope you enjoy our humor, and hard-won wisdom. We've survived far scarier times — and our trans community (along with our allies) is stronger than the algorithm wants it to believe.