On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Tess meet JAD Davis a Memphis-based artist, performer, and community force whose life and work embody the beauty of unapologetic authenticity. Together, they explore JAD’s personal and artistic evolution, from growing up neurodivergent in the South to becoming Memphis’s first hyperpop artist.

The episode highlights JAD’s experience navigating the intersections of identity, creativity, and social pressure. They reflect on their roots in the fashion world and their early performances, their transition during a time of national tension, and the support they found in Memphis’s creative community.

JAD encourages others to pursue their dreams without apology, to challenge dominant narratives, and to find healing through art and community. JAD also teases their upcoming music video release, continuing their legacy of pushing sonic and cultural boundaries through hyperpop.

“JAD Davis is a Memphis-based artist and creative force whose career spans music, fashion, and community advocacy. As the front-woman of Divergent, JAD began breaking musical boundaries in 2011 as Memphis’s first hyperpop artist, long before their transition. Their artistry has always been tied to self-expression and disruption of norms. Before stepping into music, JAD led the fashion world from 2009 to 2012 as production and operations manager with Revolutionary Runway, while also modeling, coaching, and serving as a creative director for numerous publications. In 2012, they combined music and compassion by collaborating with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to bring performances and recordings to children undergoing treatment. After a 3-year sabbatical, JAD returned to the spotlight, inspiring many by publicly embracing their transition during their 2024 Focus Magazine People’s Choice award acceptance. In a polarized world, JAD stands rooted in authenticity, committed to uplifting Memphis, pushing creative limits, and using their platform to offer hope and boldness.”

https://youtu.be/J1zXwt-uBx0?si=rybzxAjcTNxvu_B1

Instagram @Biblebeltbaddie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thatwitch901

**

About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters

If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at

“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”

Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore

Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts

Thank you for your support

Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741

Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988

The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386

Family Violence Prevention

Call 800-799-7233

Text BEGIN to 88788

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357

Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, AJ, Athena, and Caroline meet Rosalyn Sandri as they explore her powerful journey from high school English teacher to nationally recognized advocate for trans visibility. Rosalyn shares the roots of her story—from her early years in Philadelphia to her adolescence in Texas—highlighting the formative experiences in Catholic school, theater, and queer community that helped her understand herself in a world that often tried to define her differently.

The conversation turns toward Rosalyn’s time as an educator, her love of teaching detective fiction, and the moment she decided to live more openly and transition publicly while still in the classroom. She speaks candidly about grief, mental health, and the role that self-expression—through poetry, makeup, and online content—played in her survival. When far-right media targeted her TikTok videos, Rosalyn faced an onslaught of hate that forced her to resign.

The episode closes with a heartfelt conversation about recovery, resistance, and what it means to keep showing up in a world that punishes truth-telling. Rosalyn reflects on how AI, art, and community can all play a role in healing and visibility. With warmth and honesty, she reminds listeners that embracing who you are is not just an act of self-care, but a radical offering to others navigating similar paths.

“Rosie Sandri (she/her) is a transgender educator, content creator, and advocate for inclusive classrooms and authentic visibility. A former high school English teacher at Red Oak High School in Texas, Rosie began publicly sharing her transition journey on TikTok (@rosie.sandri), where her reflections on gender euphoria, language, and teaching resonated widely. Her honest storytelling garnered national attention, both in celebration and backlash, after far-right outlets targeted her content. In the face of harassment and threats, Rosie made the difficult decision to resign for her safety and the wellbeing of her students. Despite this, Rosie continues to lead with grace and resilience, using her platform to uplift trans joy, challenge injustice, and speak truth to power. Outside her advocacy work, Rosie is a poet at heart who finds solace under trees, thrives in the pit at punk shows, and delights in late-night horror films. Her story is a testament to courage, creativity, and the enduring power of self-definition.”

**

About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters

If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at

“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”

Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore

Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts

Thank you for your support

Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741

Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988

The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386

Family Violence Prevention

Call 800-799-7233

Text BEGIN to 88788

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357

Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Caroline, Jordan, and Kevin sit with Ryan Klinghammer, reigning Mr. Trans Midwest, as they discuss gender identity, creative expression, and what it means to build community in the face of systemic adversity. Ryan walks us through his journey, from growing up in St. Louis and discovering his love of theater, to coming out as trans in high school and stepping into his power through the world of drag king performance.

Ryan speaks candidly about the challenges of navigating transmasculinity, especially as someone who didn’t see himself reflected in mainstream narratives. He describes how drag became a transformative outlet that allowed him to explore queer masculinity in liberating and joyful ways.

The episode closes with Ryan’s reflections on organizing large-scale community events, from trans prom to disability marches, and his goals as a leader within the Trans U.S.A. Pageantry system. He shares insights on balancing protest and celebration within Pride spaces, and emphasizes the importance of financial sustainability and access.

“Ryan Klinghammer is a transmasc drag king, advocate, and community builder based in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently holds the title of Mr. Trans Midwest 2025 and performs under the name Mars. His work spans the stage and the streets, from leading drag king showcases and workshops, to organizing queer proms, disability marches, and fashion shows that center trans joy. A former theater kid turned cultural worker, Ryan uses pageantry and performance as platforms for visibility, mentorship, and systemic change. His mission is to create sustainable, affirming spaces for trans people to thrive, connect, and reclaim their power.”

**

About the Podcast

The Trans Narrative Podcast is a storytelling platform centering trans voices through authentic dialogue and lived experiences. With over 130 episodes across four seasons and listeners in 69 countries, the show creates space for guests to share their journeys, insights, and work—on their own terms.

“Make it real to me” written by Athena Promachus, covered by Boy Bowser

The Trans Narrative was created, and produced by Caroline Penny, powered by Spotify for podcasters

If you’d like to reach out, or be apart of the show contact us at

“transnarrativepodcast@gmail.com”

Support and donations can be made to cash app tag $gottabesomthinmore

Find us Facebook, TikTok, and on Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts

Thank you for your support

Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741

Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 988

The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386

Family Violence Prevention

Call 800-799-7233

Text BEGIN to 88788

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

988 Lifeline - If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988. 1-800-662-4357

Contact - Trans Lifeline U.S. (877) 565-8860 or Canada (877) 330-6366.

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1