You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

By: Stephanie Winn
  • Summary

  • You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist intimately explores the human experience while critiquing the state of the counseling profession as it yields to cultural madness. Your host, Stephanie Winn, distills years of wisdom gained from her practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as she pivots away from treating patients, and toward the question of how to apply psychology to the novel dilemmas of the 21st century. What does ethical mental health care look like in a normless age, as our moral compasses spin in search of true north? How can therapists treat patients under pressure to affirm everything from the notion of gender identity to assisted suicide? Stephanie invites heretical, free-thinking guests from many walks of life, including current and former therapists, medical professionals, writers, researchers, and people with unique lived experience, such as detransitioners. Curious about many things, Stephanie’s interdisciplinary psychological lens investigates challenging social issues and inspires transformation in the self, relationships, and society. Pick up a torch to illuminate the dark night and join us on this journey through the inner wilderness.
    © Stephanie Winn
    Show More Show Less
Episodes
  • 144. Scapegoat or Sacrifice? Nina Paley Reframes Group Dynamics & Cancel Culture
    Jan 13 2025
    I had a fascinating conversation with Nina Paley, an animator, director, artist, and co-host of Heterodorx podcast. While some may know her award-winning animated films like "Sita Sings the Blues" and "Seder Masochism," our conversation delved deeper into her personal journey through cancel culture and her insights on scapegoating dynamics.Nina shared how her life changed dramatically in 2017 when she spoke up about gender identity issues after a year of careful research and consideration. The backlash was swift and severe – she was banned from festivals, speaking engagements dried up, and her career as a celebrated artist effectively came to an end. What struck me most was her evolution in processing this experience, particularly how she's come to view it through a spiritual lens, despite not being traditionally religious.We explored the ancient biblical concept of scapegoating, and Nina offered a compelling analysis of the difference between sacrifice and scapegoating. Through her research on Jesus Christ, she had a profound realization that helped her reframe her own experience – she could choose to see herself as a sacrifice rather than just a scapegoat, finding agency in a situation where she previously felt powerless.Our conversation touched on the psychological dynamics of cancel culture, the nature of tribal behavior, and the powerful energies that get activated when communities unite against a perceived internal threat. Nina's insights about how people often only "punch up" at those they perceive as powerful gave her a new perspective on her own cancellation.We also discussed her thoughts on artificial intelligence and its impact on artistic communion with audiences, leading to a poignant reflection on how the media landscape is rapidly changing. Nina shared vulnerably about the grief of losing her career and the ongoing process of accepting that the past cannot be recreated.What I appreciate most about Nina is her ability to maintain perspective while acknowledging pain. Despite everything she's been through, she hasn't lost her capacity for nuanced thinking or her recognition of human complexity. As she put it, "Life is suffering, but it's not only suffering."This conversation reminded me that sometimes our deepest wounds can become sources of wisdom, and that there's always more than one way to understand our most painful experiences.Nina Paley is the creator of the award-winning animated musical feature films Sita Sings the Blues and Seder-Masochism. A 2006 Guggenheim Fellow and Free Culture advocate, she recently published the unexpectedly controversial comic book Agents of H.A.G. and the popular GENDER WARS Playing Cards. She regularly draws requests for Hundred-and-fifty Dollar Drawings. Her experimental digital projects include Apocalypse Animated and MysticSymbolic. A staunch proponent of Free Speech, Nina co-hosts the Heterodorx podcast with Corinna Cohn.0:00 - Introduction to Nina Paley: animator, director, artist 3:12 - Early career success with "Sita Sings the Blues" 7:45 - The 2017 cancellation: speaking up about gender identity 15:30 - Copyright vs. copyleft: Nina's unconventional views 23:18 - Understanding scapegoating dynamics 31:45 - The biblical origins: sacrifice vs. scapegoat 39:20 - Family dynamics and patterns of scapegoating 45:30 - Finding agency in victimhood 52:15 - The power dynamics of cancel culture 58:40 - Grieving and healing processes 1:05:23 - AI and the changing media landscape 1:12:45 - Reflections on life and suffering 1:16:30 - Where to find Nina's workROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Are you concerned about an adolescent or young adult with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria? Join at ROGDrepair.com and get instant access to over 100 lessons designed to equip you with the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 38 mins
  • 143. How Harrison Tinsley Saved His Son: A Harrowing Battle with Gender Lunacy
    Jan 6 2025
    When Harrison was 26 years old, he found out he was going to be a father. Although he hadn’t known his girlfriend for very long, the news filled him with joy, and the expectant parents began enthusiastically preparing for the family life of their dreams. But things took an unexpected turn when the mother-to-be asked him: what if our child is nonbinary or trans? This marked the beginning of a harrowing series of events involving parental alienation, gender lunacy being projected onto a baby, and a prolonged court battle that was ultimately only won because of altogether different factors.In this touching conversation, a young father shares the challenging path that led him to ultimately win full custody of his son — and the right to affirm him as the boy he was born as. Harrison’s story offers an honest look at navigating the family court system and standing up for his parental rights, even when facing seemingly impossible odds. Harrison speaks candidly about his relationship with Sawyer's mother, how their differing views on parenting and gender identity created growing tension, and the difficult decisions he faced as their conflict deepened. He offers unique insights into the family court experience, speaking to both its frustrations and the hope that persistence and dedication can prevail. Harrison's experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of encouragement for parents facing similar challenges.Beyond the legal battle, this episode examines the changing landscape of modern parenting and the importance of staying true to your convictions while navigating complex family dynamics. Harrison's story reminds us that sometimes the hardest paths lead to the most meaningful victories.Harrison Tinsley is a parental rights advocate and protector of children. Recently he won full custody of his five year old son Sawyer whom he saved from gender ideology and an unsafe environment. He speaks up against gender ideology being pushed on children, kids being given irreversible surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormones, men being in women’s sports and spaces, and says that dads rights matter. Harrison lives by the motto “Be Brave.” He can be followed on X @harrisontinz https://x.com/Harrisontinz 00:00 Start[00:00:20] Nature of evil in history.[00:05:16] Parenting and transgender issues.[00:10:25] Gender identity and custody battles.[00:12:21] Child custody and gender confusion.[00:15:49] Gender madness and family court.[00:21:09] Child's psychological trauma in custody.[00:25:57] Custody battle and child safety.[00:29:44] CPS worker bias and politics.[00:35:06] Parental custody and gender ideology.[00:36:57] The nature of evil.[00:43:02] Duty to protect children.[00:44:45] Parenting and legal system challenges.[00:50:40] Courage to speak out.[00:55:10] Normalizing gender critical perspectives.[00:58:06] Cancel culture and open dialogue.[01:04:00] Education reform and homeschooling.[01:05:00] Protecting kids in legal system.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community for Parents is available now! Are you concerned about an adolescent or young adult with Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria? Join at ROGDrepair.com and get instant access to over 100 lessons designed to equip you with the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2024 to take 50% off your first month.TALK TO ME: book a discovery call.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration. SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 142. Year in Review: 2024 Reflections and 2025 Aspirations
    Jan 3 2025
    *This episode was intended to be released on Monday, December 30, 2024. While the video version was released on YouTube on that date, apparently I forgot to complete the process of scheduling it to go out on audio platforms, and only noticed the error on Friday, January 3, 2025. I apologize for the error.In this solo episode, I close out the year by reflecting on the significant events and personal growth I experienced throughout 2024. I ask myself questions about my guiding values and decision-making processes when faced with challenges, and explore what I would like to take with me and to leave behind as we enter 2025. I share a bit about personal hardships I faced this past year, including a choppy start to the year as the highs of a paradisiacal vacation ended in worsening illness culminating in a new low. This experience led me to seek even more novel treatments for my symptoms, specifically a stellate ganglion block procedure, which I discuss in detail, highlighting its impact on my nervous system and overall well-being.As I navigated my health struggles, I made the difficult decision to step back from therapy to focus on consulting, allowing me to prioritize my health while still providing support to parents of gender-confused youth, eventually resulting in developing my course, ROGD Repair. I delve into the importance of listening to our bodies and trusting the process, which ultimately led to the development of this niche program that applies my strengths in psychology and communication to the novel challenges facing families today.Throughout the episode, I also confront the challenges of being in the public eye, including the unexpected backlash I faced in May, and how I am learning to find humor and perspective in difficult situations. As I look forward to 2025, I share my intentions for the new year, including wedding planning and the launch of continuing education courses for therapists, all while maintaining a focus on connection and community. 00:00 Start[00:01:18] New Year's intentions and reflections.[00:06:49] Navigating personal health challenges.[00:09:30] Stellate ganglion block experience.[00:12:55] Effects of SGB medical procedure.[00:17:10] Therapy vs. Consulting Transition.[00:23:39] Niche consulting for parents.[00:25:36] Friendly fire and hidden enemies.[00:30:24] Relationships with podcast listeners.[00:33:09] Healing through positive relationships.[00:37:16] Nature of evil.[00:44:09] Synchronous communication versus asynchronous.[00:46:16] Finding ikigai and gratitude.[00:51:32] Embracing the aging process.[00:53:17] Non-toxic lifestyle choices.[00:57:44] Ego-dystonic versus ego-syntonic.[01:01:51] Healing through humor and levity.[01:06:21] Clear-eyed compassion and eye health.[01:09:06] Growth and perspective in life.[01:14:00] The power of positive perception.[01:17:01] ROGD Repair community benefits.[01:17:56] Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! Members get to ask questions I will respond to in exclusive, members-only livestreams, post questions for upcoming guests to answer, plus other perks TBD. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 21 mins

What listeners say about You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.