Are you scared of a horror movie...or scared of what's inside yourself? How can frightening stories make us feel better? And what does our fascination with monsters tell us about being human?

Just in time for Halloween, I'm joined by my friend Ashe J Sass of "Spooky Scholars" to explore why we create horror, why we keep returning to it, and what our fears might tell us about ourselves...especially if the real monster isn't even on the screen.

00:00:00 Opening credits
00:00:37 Show opening
00:01:03 Introducing Ashe J Sass
00:02:04 The mission to understand horror
00:09:11 Questioning the nature of humanity
00:15:03 Horror can make you feel better
00:22:18 Processing through anxiety and depression
00:26:42 ADHD or only "gifted?"
00:31:18 The human becomes the monster
00:41:23 Chasing that sense of dread
00:47:46 Human monsters of our own making
00:51:58 Self-referential centipedal cinematography
00:57:19 Why you need to watch horror NOW
01:01:08 How to find Ashe J Sass on the internet
01:02:22 Show closing
01:03:49 Closing credits

REFERENCES:
Ashe J Sass’s Website: https://www.spookyscholars.com/
“Spooky Scholars” podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VqKYyRtmnuV3hglC8SPjp
Follow Ashe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassorcista
Follow Ashe on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sassorcista.bsky.social
Follow Ashe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spooky.scholars
Follow Ashe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/spookyscholars

🏳️‍⚧️ About Me: I’m Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D. - scientist, storyteller, and professional overthinker of all things identity. My work dives deep into the origin and nature of identity, gender, and culture.

#PsychologyOfHorror #HorrorMovies #SpookyScholars #WhyWeLoveHorror #AsheJSass #AmethystaHerrick

Today we hear how affirmed woman Dr. Diana Sorrentino works to ensure safe and fair affirmation for all adolescents today. Dr. Diana is a psychologist, author, and educator for gender diversity. Her latest book Adolescent Gender-Affirming Medical and Behavioral Healthcare published last week, so pick up your copy with the link below. Diana and I consider topics as far afield as how you know your gender, why the tide of anti-Queer discrimination is turning, and why a little bit of fashion is appropriate in a podcast about science.

REFERENCES:
Dr. Diana Sorrentino’s Website: https://paradoxesofgender.com/

Follow Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-diana-sorrentino-ph-d-1b64781a4/

Buy Diana's recent book: https://a.co/d/0gJ8zj7H

• (00:00) - Opening credits
• (00:37) - Show opening
• (01:03) - Introducing Dr. Diana Sorrentino
• (01:53) - A search for self-understanding
• (05:33) - Gender identity happens in utero
• (15:17) - Socialization and how you know
• (27:14) - Importance of adolescent gender-affirming care
• (35:47) - Why discontinuing puberty blockers is a success
• (39:56) - The tide is turning because of education
• (45:12) - Transgender women in sports
• (55:40) - How to find Dr. Diana Sorrentino on the internet
• (58:36) - Show closing
• (59:58) - Closing credits

Today's episode features Spencer West's journey through disability to self-discovery. Spencer is a content creator, motivational speaker, advocate, and author. His newest book Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself teaches how to listen to your inner voice and stop accepting other people's expectations. Spencer and I muse over topics as far afield as personal agency, interdependence, and marveling at method actors.

REFERENCES:
Spencer West’s Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.com/

Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest/?hl=en

Follow Spencer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/Spencer2thewest

Follow Spencer on Facebook: http://facebook.com/Spencer2thewest

Follow Spencer on TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewest

• (00:00) - Opening credits
• (00:37) - Show opening
• (01:32) - Introducing Spencer West
• (02:22) - Unbecoming what doesn't belong to us
• (08:04) - Becoming who you are requires knowledge to choose
• (12:50) - Finding his joy led to other people's empowerment
• (19:22) - Noticing comfort and discomfort
• (26:25) - You already know what you want
• (31:05) - Take the parts that work; leave the parts that don't fit
• (35:07) - Putting purpose to your passion
• (40:07) - Sometimes it has to get worse
• (45:24) - Boundaries as staying true to our purpose
• (49:56) - You are allowed to say NO
• (58:34) - How to find Spencer West on the internet
• (59:16) - Show closing
• (01:00:36) - Closing credits