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This podcast features a diverse array of voices of people who were born transgender, their families, friends, coworkers, and healthcare professionals. Your cohosts, Lynn W. Murphy, a cisgender woman, and Wendy Cole, a transgender woman, created a unique partnership to interview a wide array of transgender individuals and allies. Their goal is to combat misinformation and disinformation by educating people and facilitating compelling conversations. For more information go to https://womenwhopushthelimits.com/demystifyingtransgender/
Episodes

Friday Apr 18, 2025
Episode 8: Bobbie Scopa's Unforgettable Story of Firefighting and Transition
Friday Apr 18, 2025
Friday Apr 18, 2025
In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy engages in a profound and insightful conversation with Bobbie Scopa, a transgender woman who transitioned in her 40s after a 44-year career fighting wildfires. Bobbie shares her early life struggles, the secrecy she maintained about her gender identity, and the challenges she faced while masking her true self. She recounts her emotional and mental battles, the supportive and not-so-supportive reactions she encountered, and how her transition ultimately led to a more successful leadership career and an authentic life. The discussion also delves into her experiences working in New York City on The Pile during the aftermath of 9/11, dealing with depression, the role of family, and the importance of empathy and kindness. Bobbie's leadership lessons and her resilience offer an inspiring story for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the transgender community.

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Episode 7: Transgender Myths Busted: Truth Revealed with Wendy Cole
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
In this episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, host Lynn Murphy discusses myths and misunderstandings about the transgender community with Wendy Cole, a transition mentor. They delve into misconceptions such as the notion that being transgender is a choice, the difference between sex and gender, and the false belief that transgender individuals suffer from a mental disorder. Wendy shares her personal journey of transitioning at 67 after knowing she was a girl since age three. By explaining her experiences and addressing stereotypes, Wendy aims to educate and bring clarity to the transgender experience. The episode encourages compassion and understanding, offering guidance to those in the transgender community and educating society at large.

Friday Mar 28, 2025
Episode 6: Understanding Transgender Terminology with Wendy Cole
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
In this episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," host Lynn Murphy discusses the complexities of gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals with 77-year-old Wendy Cole, who transitioned at the age of 67. The episode explores terminology such as transgender, gender dysphoria, non-binary, and intersex, highlighting the distinction between sex and gender. Wendy shares personal insights into her journey and emphasizes the importance of educating people to counteract misinformation. This episode serves as an eye-opening conversation aimed at educating listeners about the nuances of the transgender community. Listeners are encouraged to visit thetransgenderjourney.com for more information and to share the podcast to foster understanding.

Friday Mar 21, 2025
Episode 5: Living Life as the Woman She’s Always Been
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Wendy Cole's Journey at 67--Navigating Identity and Transformation
In this episode of Demystifying the Transgender Journey, host Lynn Murphy continues an intimate and enlightening conversation with Wendy, who transitioned at the age of 67. Wendy shares her experiences with imposter syndrome post-surgery, deconstructing male socialization, and the emotional and physical challenges of transitioning later in life. Wendy also discusses her shifting views on religion, dealing with her son’s struggles, and how societal acceptance has evolved. The episode delves into her first experiences of presenting and living as a woman and the nuances of dating and sexual orientation after transitioning. Wendy's story is a candid exploration of authenticity, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness.
For more information, visit our website, www.thetransgenderjourney.com.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
00:24 Welcome to Demystifying the Transgender Journey
00:51 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth
01:52 Wendy's Transition Journey
02:22 Deconstructing Male Socialization
03:04 Religion and Family Dynamics
12:37 Challenges with Parenting
15:29 Experiences with Society and Acceptance
16:16 Navigating Legal and Social Hurdles
23:43 Surgery and Recovery
26:11 Innovative Surgical Techniques
27:08 Post-Surgery Recovery
28:40 Living with New Experiences
30:21 Dating and Relationships
36:35 Starting a New Chapter
42:40 Reflections and Future Plans
48:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Friday Mar 14, 2025
Episode 4: Navigating Life's "First Times" After Transitioning at Age 67
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
In this episode of "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," host Lynn Murphy interviews Wendy Cole, who began her transition from male to female at the age of 67. Wendy shares her experiences of living authentically, including the emotional and physical challenges she faced prior to and during her transition. The discussion also covers her decision to pursue hormone therapy and surgery, the impact on her marriage, and her journey towards self-acceptance. Wendy emphasizes the importance of being selfish and focusing on oneself during such a significant life change. She also recounts her early tests of living as a woman and the transformative power of her first therapy sessions. The episode aims to educate and inspire by sharing the personal stories and struggles of those born transgender.
https://www.facebook.com/thetransgenderjourney
00:00 Introduction and Self-Focus
00:20 Demystifying the Transgender Journey
00:50 Wendy Cole's Transition Story
01:26 Living Authentically as Wendy
02:36 Challenges and Acceptance
05:17 Therapy and Self-Discovery
08:53 Embracing the New Identity
12:14 Learning and Adapting
20:41 Overcoming Excuses and Age Barriers
21:53 Embracing Life at 75
22:39 Living Authentically as Wendy
23:52 Navigating Divorce and Family Dynamics
26:48 Discovering Family Secrets
29:29 Transitioning and New Experiences
32:59 Self-Awareness and Acceptance
37:36 Starting Over in New England
39:24 Advocacy and Public Speaking
39:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Episode 3: Wendy Cole's Life AFTER Transitioning
Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy continues the inspiring story of Wendy Cole, who knew from a young age that she was a woman despite being born male. Wendy recounts her struggles with identity, her journey to acceptance, and the transformative role her therapist Stephanie played in her life. Wendy discusses overcoming guilt and shame, navigating the challenges within the transgender community, and the impact of mindset on health. After transitioning and undergoing surgery, Wendy found joy and purpose, dedicating her life to coaching others through their own transitions. Wendy emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, blending into society, and the power of a positive mindset in overcoming life's challenges. For more information and support, visit meetwendycole.com and thetransgenderjourney.com.

Friday Feb 28, 2025
Episode 2: Wendy Cole's Life BEFORE Transitioning at Age 67
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
In this episode of 'Demystifying the Transgender Journey,' host Lynn Murphy interviews Wendy Cole, who shares her courageous and emotional journey of living 67 years in a man's body despite knowing from a very early age that she was a girl. Wendy talks about the challenges she faced, including family rejection, psychiatrists’ lack of understanding in the 1950s, and the societal stigma. She expresses the intense repression, anxiety, and depression she endured until her eventual transition at 67. Wendy explains the difference between transgender, transsexual, and crossdressers and emphasizes the mental toll of living a repressed identity. She also outlines her coaching program aimed at helping others facing similar struggles. Tune in to hear Wendy's inspiring story and learn more about the transgender experience.
For more information go to https://womenwhopushthelimits.com/demystifyingtransgender/

Friday Feb 28, 2025
Episode 1: Demystifying This Podcast
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
In the introduction to "Demystifying the Transgender Journey," hosts Lynn Murphy and Wendy Cole invite viewers to explore the experiences of people born transgender. They discuss the goals of their podcast, which include educating the public about what it means to be transgender through interviews with transgender individuals, their families, friends, and professionals who support them. Lynn, an accomplished author and interviewer, was inspired by Wendy's journey and passion for humanizing the transgender experience. Wendy shares her personal transition story, emphasizing that being transgender is not a choice but an inherent identity. They aim to provide knowledge, change perspectives, and support those affected by or interested in the transgender journey. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe, engage, and open their minds to this enlightening series.
For more information go to https://womenwhopushthelimits.com/demystifyingtransgender/