A Life Lived Trans

ALLT S03E08: "Glitter, Guts & Grey Hair: 50 Years of Not Shutting Up”

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.

ALLT S03E07 - Honey, We Need to Talk — And Then Transition

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/

ALLT S03E06: "Who's Afraid of the Gender Spectrum? (Spoiler: People With the Most to Lose)”

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 Banishinghttps://www.moonslane.com.au/

ALLT S03E05: Love First Not Fear First — A Conversation About What It Really Means to Support a Trans Child

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/

A Life Lived Trans | S03E04 "Trans Joy: Lions, Bras, and Kansas Laws"

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/@ivehaditpodcastAlJazeera News - https://www.aljazeera.com/where/united-states/

ALLT S03E03: Dorothy, the Birkin Bag, and the Kansas ID Crisis

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.

ALLT S03E02 “We’ve Had It: Tropes, Tears & Trans Joy”

In this lively episode of A Life Lived Trans, Mardi and Lenny—self-declared trans elders with nearly a century of combined wisdom—tackle the “trans tropes” that make their eyeballs roll clear out of their heads. With sharp wit and plenty of sidebars, they call out myths like “trans people are mentally unstable,” the backhanded compliment of “I never would have known,” and the rigid gender rules that shaped their early transitions under old-school medical gatekeeping. They mix social commentary with sass, poking fun at gender reveal parties, binary nonsense, and the political circus surrounding trans lives in the U.S. and Canada—all while reminding listeners that trans people have always existed and aren’t going anywhere.
But it’s not all ranting and righteous indignation. The episode meanders delightfully through “Happy Bits Day” celebrations, questionable hospital compliments, crying therapy to Silver Springs, and the spiritual benefits of self-pleasure. Mardi shares heartfelt (and hilarious) reflections on love, loss, and surgeries past, while Lenny offers grounding wisdom and the occasional well-timed reality check. By the end, what started as a trope takedown turns into a warm, funny reminder to protect your peace, call a friend, have a good cry (or other release), and find joy—even when the world feels like it’s being run by the National Enquirer.

ALLT - S03E01: Still Standing Still Trans-itioning: Resilience, Rage & Ridiculousness

Mardi and Lenny open up about their journeys through aging, health scares, and the ongoing fight for visibility, sharing stories that will inspire you to stand tall despite the chaos.
Unlock the surprising truth behind how resilience, humor, and authenticity can transform the challenges of the trans community into powerful stories of hope. When facing societal intolerance, personal health crises, and political turmoil, this episode reveals the unexpected ways you can turn adversity into strength — with a little laughter along the way.Crisis hotlines:🇨🇦 Canada:BC: 1-800-784-2433Canada: 9-8-8 (text or call)U.S. - https://988lifeline.org/ or dial 988Alex Verbeek: https://substack.com/home/post/p-187738078Jan Morris "Conundrum" (Guardian article) -https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/sep/29/jan-morris-conundrum-memoir-transgender-sonAngela Morley (composer/arranger): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Morley

ALLT S02E19: The Long Exhale: Grace Under Trans-ition

Staying centered isn’t about escaping life—it’s about knowing what to do when one of your wheels comes flying off at 60 miles an hour. It’s about meeting life exactly where you are, breath by breath. This short pre-break episode is a grounded, heartfelt exploration of mindfulness and meditation as lived practices. We try to use humor, honesty, and hard-earned insight as trans elders to demonstrate how returning to the breath, the body, and the present moment can be a radical act of self-care in a loud and often unkind world.
Rooted in decades of survival, transition, love, and loss, we hope our conversations -- our testimonies highlight the unique benefits of meditation for trans elders: resilience in the face of change, compassion for aging bodies, and grace for minds that have seen it all. This is a space for slowing down, laughing a little, and remembering that peace isn’t found at the end of the journey—it’s cultivated along the way, one mindful moment at a time."Our Deepest Fear" - Marianne Williamson poemhttps://www.appleseeds.org/Deepest-Fear.htmTransparently Speaking podcasthttps://transparentlyspeakingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

ALLT S02E18: Political Pick-Me’s & Yoga Granny Tata's

From 70s transitions to "yoga granny tata’s ," trans elders Mardi P. and Lenny Z. have seen it all—and their eyeballs actually ache from the view. This week, the duo tackles "political pick-me's," the anatomy of Quebec’s prison laws, and why you should never get breast implants. It’s raw, it’s radical, and it’s served with a side of Annie Sprinkle-inspired glitter.If you think the world is going to hell in a handbasket, Mardi and Lenny are here to smoke a cigarette and tell you, "We told you so." This episode covers the terrifying reality of SCOTUS, the beauty of Bowie-inspired labradorite, and Annie Sprinkle's legendary performance art piece involving a speculum. It’s peer-reviewed science meets primal cave-woman energy. This week features fantastic, chaotic energy that is both deeply poignant and hilariously unfiltered.https://sprinklestephens.ucsc.edu/