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

On this episode, Caroline, Kristin, and Lusi meet Kaz Phillips, a 22-year-old trans woman currently serving in the U.S. Army as a human intelligence professional. As the military once again attempts to roll back protections for transgender service members, Kaz faces an involuntary discharge under a policy that forces trans personnel to separate or risk losing their benefits. With courage and clarity, she walks us through what it means to serve your country while being forced to hide who you are, and what it feels like when that service is deemed expendable by the very institutions you swore to protect.

Kaz opens up about her journey of self-discovery, from growing up in a large musical family in Cincinnati to navigating gender and marriage, military intelligence training, and the complexities of transition in uniform. She shares the tensions between duty and identity, patriotism and pain, and how her lived experiences have reshaped her purpose.

Through this intimate and powerful conversation, we explore not just the challenges Kaz has faced but the heart behind her advocacy. From TikTok activism to confronting transphobia within and beyond the military, Kaz speaks to the urgency of visibility, the need for diverse trans voices, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up.

“Kaz Phillips (she/her) is a daughter, sister, wife, and proud trans woman who loves her life. She currently serves as a Human Intelligence professional in the U.S. Army, where she gathers and analyzes critical information to support national security efforts. A graduate of the Defense Language Institute in French, Kaz has also trained fellow HUMINT professionals and led volunteer initiatives across the country.

Outside of her military service, Kaz advocates for trans rights, especially for those serving in uniform, and creates content to educate and uplift others navigating similar journeys. Raised in a Christian family split between rigid and more accepting views, Kaz’s path to transition was shaped by faith, reflection, and resilience. She began her transition at age 21 and continues to speak out about the realities trans people face in the military today. When she’s off duty, she can be found crocheting or dancing to just about every song she hears.”

**

“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

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

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Caroline and Jordan have the pleasure of meeting Tessa White, a retired detective sergeant, Marine Corps veteran, and fierce LGBTQ+ rights advocate whose journey spans decades of service, transformation, and community leadership. Tessa shares stories from her upbringing in Philadelphia, her time in the military and law enforcement, and the pivotal moment when she began transitioning in 2015. With humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, she reflects on navigating gender dysphoria, family estrangement, and ultimately finding solidarity and love within Oklahoma City’s queer community.

Throughout the conversation, Tessa, Caroline, and Jordan dive into complex and often under-discussed dynamics within the transgender community—such as the pressures of “passing,” internal gatekeeping, and navigating identity in hostile environments. Together, they also reflect on deeply personal moments of growth and resistance, from confronting transphobia in public to reclaiming womanhood through community celebration. Tessa shares her experiences leading Oklahoma City Pride, where she’s used both visibility and behind-the-scenes advocacy to fight anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and create spaces of joy and resilience—even in the face of rising drag bans and political backlash.

The episode also explores the power of social media in building queer solidarity, with Tessa recounting her viral TikTok moments and emphasizing the importance of storytelling over statistics in shifting public opinion. Caroline, Jordan, and Tessa agree: living visibly, organizing across difference, and showing up with vulnerability are revolutionary acts. Whether organizing Pride events, dancing at the club, or testifying at the state capitol, Tessa’s message is clear—trans people belong everywhere, and their stories have the power to move hearts, change laws, and unite communities.

“Tessa White is a Marine Corps veteran, a retired detective sergeant from the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, and a bold, outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. After transitioning a decade ago upon returning to her birthplace of Oklahoma, Tessa immersed herself in queer activism, serving on multiple nonprofit boards and becoming a visible force for human rights in a deeply conservative state. Now in her fifth year as President of Oklahoma City Pride, Tessa leads with fierce compassion and community vision. She is also the owner and contractor of TwinStar HVAC Inc., a proud mother to two sets of twins, and someone whose life is grounded in love, justice, and the power of living authentically. Tessa is unafraid to speak truth to power—especially in confronting the cruelty of far-right policies targeting the trans community—and she’s recently experienced the wild ride of going viral on TikTok.“

**

“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

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

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Athena, Caroline, and Jordan are joined by Indy Pride’s own Hudson Gaunt, a transmasculine, non-binary, autistic, Hispanic pagan and EMT whose life is rooted in radical care, community resilience, and queer joy. Together, they dive into Hudson’s personal journey, from growing up in a conservative religious household to becoming a visible and vital advocate for inclusive queer spaces in Indianapolis. With honesty and depth, Hudson shares the formative moments of their self-discovery, the tension between identity and faith, and how they’ve woven together their lived experiences to shape both their spirituality and community activism.

As the conversation unfolds, the group explores the evolving meaning of Pride, especially under the growing shadow of political backlash and anti-trans legislation. Hudson offers a behind-the-scenes look at their work with Indy Pride, highlighting efforts to create trauma-informed, accessible events like the “Mellow Cello” sensory tent and the Transmixer. They reflect on their desire for Pride to be less corporate, more community-driven, and genuinely inclusive, built not on performance, but on shared values of safety, belonging, and liberation.

In a world that often tries to erase or sanitize queer complexity, this episode becomes a love letter to intersectionality, lived truth, and the healing power of chosen family. Hudson’s story reminds us that Pride isn’t just a party, it’s a practice. A practice of showing up, of holding space, and of daring to imagine futures where everyone belongs.

“Hudson Gaunt is a multifaceted soul whose life and work embody resilience, authenticity, and radical care. A Queer, Non-Binary, Autistic, Hispanic, Pagan, Trans cat-dad and EMT, Hudson holds space at the vibrant intersections of identity, disability, and community healing. Raised in a conservative town by a pastor, Hudson’s early life was marked by suppression, of truth, of expression, of joy. But after finding affirmation and belonging within the Indianapolis queer community, Hudson committed himself to creating safe, affirming spaces for others. As the Office Manager for Indy Pride, he now works to ensure the organization reflects the full spectrum of identities it serves. Hudson brings lived experience, spiritual depth, and a creative lens to everything he touches, building community not just with systems—but with soul.”

**

“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

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

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Athena and Caroline meet Olivia Nied, a radiant queer, trans, and neurodivergent musician whose voice and artistry are as nuanced as her identity. They begin by tracing Olivia’s creative roots, from her early musical influences like Queen and the Beach Boys to her transformative experiences at a UK ukulele festival. Along the way, Olivia reflects on how music became both a mirror and a map in her gender journey, helping her find language for joy, self-recognition, and resistance.

As the conversation deepens, the trio explores Olivia’s most recent album Just Enough, an intimate project born from personal heartache and defiant self-expression. Olivia shares how her neurodivergence and transness shape her songwriting and how reclaiming what it means to be “too much” helped her land in the sweet spot of being “just enough.” Together, they dive into everything from musical improvisation to the psychedelic arms race between Pet Sounds and Sgt. Pepper, all while celebrating the queerness embedded in music’s DNA.

They close with reflections on persistence, creativity, and the power of finding joy in small moments. Olivia offers advice to her younger self, talks about balancing art and survival, and dreams out loud about a future where music sustains her full-time.

“Olivia Nied (she/they) is a singer/songwriter whose work is shaped by her experience as a queer, trans, and neurodivergent artist. Olivia has been writing and performing original music since she was nine years old. Her debut solo album, Just Enough, released last year, dives into themes of radical joy, identity, neurodivergence, and the search for belonging.”

https://olivianied.com/home

**

“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

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

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1

On this episode, Caroline is joined by guest cohosts Alicia Mullins and Jenna Daugherty as they meet Mary Almy, a resilient and radiant trans woman whose story weaves together themes of faith, identity, and radical hope. Mary shares her powerful journey growing up in a conservative Christian environment, enduring rejection, self-harm, and suicidal ideation before discovering a path of healing through transition, advocacy, and community. Her story moves from the U.S. to Africa, from military and missionary work to life-affirming moments of self-realization and survival—including harrowing encounters with crocodiles and venomous snakes during her darkest hours.

The episode dives deep into the intersection of queerness and Christianity, with heartfelt reflections on how Mary and others are reclaiming faith from the clutches of bigotry. Together, the group challenges the narrative that Christianity and queerness are incompatible, with moving testimonies from Mary about her Presbyterian congregation, and from Alicia and Jenna about their own transformative journeys. The conversation turns toward the power of storytelling—especially through Mary’s forthcoming documentary—and how media can shift perceptions, bridge divides, and humanize trans lives across generational and ideological lines.

In a time marked by anti-trans legislation and rising fascism, this episode is a fierce call to love, empathy, and action. From embracing visibility to uplifting trans youth and elders alike, Mary and the team offer a vision rooted in hope, grace, and the belief that compassion can dismantle hate.

“ Mary Transitioned latter in life although she knew that she was different and that she was a girl from the age of 5. Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s information about transgender was hard to find for a young girl living in a small town in Western Pa. Her life’s journey included time as a Military Police Officer, a civilian Law enforcement Officer and a Mission Co-worker serving for 14 years in Africa. Mary Is married to an ordained minister of the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA). They have been married for 40 years, her wife is one of her staunchest supporters and cheer leader. Since her Transition Mary has been active in a variety of organizations and has worked as a big sister for other Transgender women and their spouses. Mary was awarded the BULGQA (Bloomsburg University Lesbian, Gay, Queer Alliance) 2018 Community Advocacy award. Mary is a strong advocate for the Transgender community where she has worked as a peer mentor, educational speaker and on various boards and Transgender organizations, she is currently serving on the board of the Rainbow rose Center, York County’s LGBTQIA Support organization. Mary is also a Transgender Woman of faith, whose desire is to build bridges and heal hurts between the LGBT community especially the Transgender community and the Church. Mary is currently living in south central Pa. with her wife, dog and two cats.“

**

“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

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

S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends) 1-800-DONT-CUT

American Foundation for low vision 212-502-7633.

Trevor Hotline (Suicide) 1-866-4-U-TREVOR

Family Violence Prevention Center 1-800-313-1310

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Drug Abuse National Helpline 1-800-662-4357

National Human Service Call Center 2-1-1