Welcome to The Purplepaw Blog, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).
Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this space is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.
Dyslexia and the Craft of Research - with Russell Van Brocklen
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Russell Van Brocklen's struggles with dyslexia, and how he came out the other side. Russell is "The Dyslexia Professor" and founded the
The Unlikely Intersection of Trans Rights and Gun Ownership
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
The Annunciation Church shooting in August 2025 is yet another example of why firearms should be regulated more closely in the United States. But conservative
Rejecting Consensus Reality - with Christian de la Huerta
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Christian de la Huerta and his story of reclaiming himself from other people's expectations. Christian is an author, TedX speaker, and
The Strength in Transgender Estrogen HRT
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I wasn't feeling well last Tuesday, and guess what? I still wasn't great when I did this live stream. So...I ticked over some of
Growing by the Universe's Plan - with Kanika Vasudeva
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
This episode features a look into the Akashic Records with Kanika Vasudeva. Kanika is an Akashic Records reader and energy coach who founded the
Mental Health through Storytelling - with Dr. Allison Battles
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features Dr. Allison Battles, a Queer and Pagan licensed clinical psychologist, trauma specialist, and Certified Therapeutic Game Master. Yes - Game Master! Allison
The Search for TRUTH: Science, Religion, and Magic
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
I got an amazing question from Brenda Lee about how I can acknowledge magic along with science. The answer is simple, even if the explanation
Proving Gender: Anatomy, Fashion, and Politics
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Two seemingly unrelated events came together for me - an overly complicated definition of sex, and a challenge to my gender. In this live stream,
The Universe Is on Your Side - with David Alan Brown
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features David Alan Brown's story of transformation. David is an author, educator, and developer of the Convergence method, which guides you through self-discovery
Finding the Flaw in Our Narrative - with Arnold Beekes
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's show features Arnold Beekes and his story of overcoming the narratives that hold us back. Arnold is an author, speaker, and Brain Fitness Trainer
Potential, Broken, Actual, and Historical
Misunderstanding genetics and human development using Emma Hilton's opinions about sports
A person emailed me recently to debate a definition of sex, ostensibly validated by Professor Emma Hilton at University of Manchester. Hilton's definition of sex
Drop Your Mask and Show Up - with Gretchen Schoser
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode follows Gretchen Schoser's chilling story of despair and rebirth. Gretchen is a suicide attempt survivor, award-winning podcaster, and tech-savvy entrepreneur whose work focuses
Caster Semenya: Misuse of Biology to Police Athletes
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Caster Semenya is back in the news, and it's worth discussing whether the organizations policing athletes are using biology properly. How do humans develop reproductive
Exploring Life with Open Curiosity - with Tigrilla Gardenia
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
Today I welcome Tigrilla Gardenia's plant wisdom to the show. Tigrilla is a Nature-Inspired Mentor, Certified Life Coach, and World Ambassador for Plant Advocacy. We
Three Years of Gender Transition: My Lessons Learned
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
07 July 2025 - marked three years of gender transition!
In this somewhat sprawling retrospective, I discuss the experience and what I've gleaned from it.
Revealing the Masterpiece Within - with Bobbi Barrington
The Purplepaw Clan - now in convenient podcast form!
This week's episode features Bobbi Barrington's ability to reframe the stories she told herself all her life. Bobbi is a keynote speaker, coach, and transgender
Weaponizing Science with Statistics: What Does "Normal" Mean?
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Society defines "normal" only as "common and frequent," as statistics might have it. But statistics weaponizes science. The Scientific Method - that is, actually observing
Magic in Diversity - with Storm Faerywolf
Gender Identity Today - now in convenient podcast form!
Today's episode features the life and magic of Storm Faerywolf. Storm is an author, educator, warlock, and Co-Founder of Modern Witch University. In our discussion,
US v. Skrmetti: The Beginning of the End for Conservative Rhetoric
How to defeat your own rhetoric with a law that upholds it completely
When I last mentioned United States v. Skrmetti - the challenge to Tennessee Bill SB1 of 2023 prohibiting gender-affirming care to transgender minors - I
Empowerment Through Gender Transition: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Identify Yourself - a live stream you can live with
Gender transition is self-care, but it's not the only self-care you have to do when you begin. Transition may address some problems while uncovering long-ignored