Top Surgery with Dr Giuseppe Di Taranto

Season 2 Episode 8 | Mar 26, 2025

Not so long ago (narrator: it was just late last year), we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Giuseppe Di Taranto—a lively, passionate Italian surgeon now based in London. His fascination with microsurgery led him across continents to Asia, where he discovered a deep interest in the intricate challenges of gender-affirming care.

Dr Di Taranto now offers a wide range of treatments at his own clinic (https://giuseppeditaranto.com/)—from facelifts and breast augmentations to body contouring and non-surgical treatments—and also consults at the renowned Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

But beyond his surgical skills, he is a true trans ally. When another clinic suddenly shut down, he stepped in to support abandoned patients, and he continues to offer care that goes above and beyond what many surgeons in this field provide.

We were thrilled to speak with him about his journey, his work, what patients can expect, and how best to approach a consultation.

So, tune in, download, listen up (or down), and enjoy this episode with the really quite lovely Dr Di Taranto.

Transpiration Special: Freda, Warrior Princess

Season 2 Episode 7 | Feb 21, 2025

Few combine humor with heartfelt political discourse better than the unbreakable Freda Wallace. Her insights and commentary make for a riveting blend of levity and gravity on the JoyTuck Club. Honestly, it’s a rollercoaster, but one whose twists and turns, ups downs, mirror the reality in which we live.

Recorded in 2023, this interview portends a 2nd Trump presidency and the grave nature of the fight of, and for, our lives as transgender men and women.

Freda's personal battles against doxxing and defamation show the resilience necessary to advocate for equality in the face of adversity. As she peels back the curtain on activism's stark realities, we're reminded of the courage it takes to maintain a public presence, of staying visible, and the importance of fostering empathy in our communities.

The tides of social change are often tumultuous, and this discussion with Freda on the fragility of LGBTQ+ rights, the divisive political climate, and the need for inclusive spaces is an urgent one. Join us for a journey through the complexities of life and self-determination, all wrapped up in the indomitable spirit of Freda Wallace.

You can find more of Freda on her recently relaunch YouTube channel at The Trans Lobby.

Facialteam and FFS with Dr Daniel Simon

Season 2 Episode 6 | Feb 5, 2025

Any surgery involving your bones has, historically at least, always seemed rather brutal, evoking images of saws, hammers and brightly glinting chisels. But any status quo also represents an opportunity for innovation, for disruption, and sometimes all that takes is to step back and look at things a little bit differently. And that’s exactly what happened at Facialteam.

Where other surgeons chose to perform FFS by becoming experts in three different areas, the founders of Facialteam decided to divide the work, use three surgeons in every operation, and standardise the procedures so they could be repeated across an ever expanding team of surgeons, even while ensuring that every operation was guided by 3D modelling and tooling to ensure the best possible outcome.

In this episode of The Joy Tuck Club we chat with Dr Daniel Simon, maxillofacial surgeon, and co-founder of what has become the world’s leading clinic for facial feminisation.

Along with a brief history lesson, Dr Simon also talks about his motivations, the challenges they’ve faced, some of their innovations, and what the future might hold.

If you are considering FFS, or just want to know more, join us in this fascinating conversation.

Scar Treatment and Surgery Prep with Lisa Lefever

Season 2 Episode 5 | Jan 22, 2025

The big day is almost here! Your bag is packed, you’ve got comfy clothes for the hospital, and you’ve even pre-ordered the scar gel. You’re all set, right?

Maybe not. Have you also made sure you had a soft laser pre-treatment performed on the area that is expected to scar? By priming your body’s natural healing response, your skin will have a supply of naturally-produced collagen at the ready, and you’ll not only improve your rate of healing, but also the end result.

In this fourth info-packed episode in our medical series, The Joy Tuck Club talks with renowned scar treatment expert Lisa Lefever about everything skin related, from surgical prep to post-op care, to an essential and very simple daily routine, and how your own body can be prompted with a little mechanical help to start replacing older scars with rejuvenated tissue.

You’ll also hear Lisa talk about her own journey, how she persisted and is now changing the treatment regime for many patients, improving their outcomes and getting surgeons on board along the way. And who knows, maybe you’ll also become one of Lisa’s Lefever Angels and help others in the trans community.

Join us for this fascinating discussion. Scars are more than a bump in the road (or keloid in the dermis), but you don't have to accept their inevitability. Help is at hand.

The post treatment cleanser Lisa mentions doesn’t cost a fortune and is available online and off. You can find out more on their website at Clinisept+.

Contact Lisa through her clinic (Clinic Lefever) or by sending an email to cliniclefever@gmail.com.

Facialteam and FFS with Dr Luis Capitán

Season 2 Episode 4 | Jan 8, 2025

Happy New Year, everyone!

Gender affirming facial surgery (facial feminisation surgery, better known simply as FFS) is one of the most fundamental and important aspects of many an FtM transition. Our face is likely the first thing people notice, and the last thing they remember. It is our signature, our calling card, and unless puberty blockers were in use, the most obvious pointer to our assigned gender.

For many of us, the testosterone-induced changes to our skull wreak havoc on our confidence and sense of self, and fuel overwhelming dysphoria. Our brows are pushed out, jaw flared, chin, nose and larynx enlarged, even while our eyes are narrowed, hairline receded, and crown thinned. And that's not even the end of it.

Not so long ago (just a few decades, in fact) little could be done to erase testosterone's mark on the underlying structures of our face. There were some interventions around rhinoplasty, hair transplants, and injectables, but just the possibility of even a partial reversal of all of those changes was out of the question.

While the deft wielding of scalpels and ultrasonic tools cannot correct this in a way that would completely negate the impact of going through a puberty infused with T, it can and does work wonders.

Today, numerous surgeons offer FFS, but one clinic has risen to the top and you probably already know their name: Facialteam, founded in Marbella, Spain.

In this third episode in our medical series you'll meet Facialteam's enigmatic co-founder, Dr Luis Capitán, in an incredibly candid interview.

You'll hear about Facialteam's founding and guiding principals, their meticulous data-driven research and innovation, and the ethical considerations that underpin every procedure. Dr Capitán also opens up about their aesthetic philosophies, their goal to standardise best practices and procedures through cutting-edge technology, and their hopes for the future.

FFS is a complex interplay of procedures, and so, it turns out, is Facialteam. If you are considering FFS, be sure to listen to this illuminating interview.

Gender Affirming Voice Therapy with Christella Antoni

Season 2 Episode 3 | Dec 25, 2024

Merry Christmas to all you wonderful Tuckers! We wish you an abundance of peace, happiness, and safety.

Christmas gifts take many forms, so we’re going to try to get away with making this episode ours to you. We’re not doing this just to wish you a Merry Christmas, although why not?, it’s that you may discover that tackling one of the most challenging aspects of transition is easier than you had previously thought.

You see, if you are are anything like us, you probably find your voice to be particularly problematic. That barely controlled instrument of communication carries it’s own giveaway: a nature that, if previously doused in T, makes you think twice about using it in public, and absolutely abhor answering a phone call. You’ll end up misgendered in about as much time as it takes to say “hello.”

In the previous episode with Dr Chadwan Al Yaghchi we took a rather deep dive into voice surgery. In this one, we chat with renowned voice therapist Christella Antoni, someone who has helped thousands of people align their voice to their gender identity both as an adjunct to surgery, but also without.

Like all the interviews we’re doing for the medical series on transition, this one has its share of surprises. We hope you find it as enlightening as we did.

Finally, all bookings made in January 2025 through Christella’s website (https://www.christellaantoni.co.uk/) receive a 10% discount.

Gender Affirming Voice Surgery with Dr Chadwan Al Yaghchi

Season 2 Episode 2 | Dec 11, 2024

“When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colours. These take the shape of a long round arch..."

We also talk about the need for therapy after surgery, and the importance of this type of surgery in easing at least one of the difficulties in getting through a typical day.

This is the first in our series of interviews with leading gender affirming health care professionals from around the world including surgeons, therapists, and more.

Plans, Trans, and Automobiles

Season 2 Episode 1 | Sep 19, 2024

Welcome to Season 2 of The Joy Tuck Club podcast. In this episode Red and Freckles take listeners on a lively journey across Europe, celebrating love, laughter, and resilience. Returning from a long hiatus during which Phoebe was forced into an unexpected globe-trotting exile, they bring a more relaxed, conversational tone, inviting fans into their personal adventures.

Shifting focus from the heavier aspects of trans issues, Rachel and Phoebe aim to create a positive space filled with joy and authentic stories. The new season promises uplifting narratives and a glimpse into the hosts’ lives, offering listeners a refreshing blend of humour, warmth, and genuine connection.

The Man Who Fell to TERF

Season 1 Episode 10 | Dec 15, 2023

Get the inside scoop on the recent Doctor Who special controversy! Hosts Rachel and Phoebe react to the backlash over a transgender character’s inclusion, discussing representation in media and the “right” way to include transgender characters.

Dive deep into hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with personal stories and raw honesty. Explore shifts in temperature sensitivity, libido changes, and physical transformations, while stressing that HRT is not compulsory and each transitioning journey is unique.

Unpack developments in transgender rights and conversion therapy in the UK and US. Discuss anti-trans sentiments from recent GOP debates, misinformation about transgenderism, and the plight of anti-trans activist Graham Linehan. Also, delve into trans women in amateur sports, bottom surgery, gender identity clinics, and the importance of self-affirmation in the transition process.

Transpiration Special:
Robin Hague, Changing Orbits for Corsets

Season 1 Episode 9 | Dec 06, 2023

Join us for a heart-to-heart with Robin as she shares her journey of self-discovery and transition during the pandemic. Robin discusses exploring gender identity, the unique challenges of the pandemic, and her medical journey, including private consultations, NHS referrals, and facial feminisation surgery.

Discover Robin’s newfound passion for the arts and how it helped her express her true self. As an engineer in a male-dominated field, Robin also shares her professional experiences and the impact of transitioning on her career.

The episode concludes with a discussion on community and allies, as Robin recounts coming out to friends and family. Get ready to be inspired by Robin’s journey of courage, acceptance, and self-exploration.

Transpiration Special:
The Many Facets of Rachel

Season 1 Episode 8 | Nov 28, 2023

The Trans that Time Forgot

Season 1 Episode 7 | Nov 23, 2023

Join us on a journey through time, uncovering the stories of trans ancestors like King Henry III of France and “Rebecca and her daughters.” We celebrate our community’s diversity, sharing tales of acceptance and coming out across different cultures and eras, reminding everyone that trans identities have always existed and always will.

But we don’t stop at history. We dive into hot topics like the fetishisation of trans women in dating, gender balance on public boards, and trans women in sports. We break down stereotypes and debunk myths, staying true to our identities and experiences.

Our special guest, Shell, shares her powerful story as a trans individual in the hospitality industry and her journey to recovery. We’re excited to collaborate with her on her podcast, “We Recover Loudly,” supporting and amplifying trans voices everywhere.

The Bonfire of the Tranities

Season 1 Episode 6 | Oct 19, 2023

Transphobia is on the rise, prompting the UK government to redefine ‘man’ and ‘woman’ as ‘biological sex’, potentially leading to a withdrawal from the UN’s European Convention on Human Rights. This wave of discrimination is fuelled by right-wing think tanks and negative media, dehumanising minorities. The Conservative government is using the trans community as a political diversion, with figures like Graham Linehan spreading anti-trans activism globally.

Despite these challenges, the trans community shows resilience and courage. We explore the impact of Rishi Sunak’s anti-trans speech and proposed US bans on trans healthcare, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding. Join us as we advocate for a future free from hate.

Transpiration Special:
Oliver Radclyffe, from Her to Paternity

Season 1 Episode 5 | Oct 08, 2023

Join Rachel and Phoebe as they explore gender dysphoria, its symptoms, misconceptions, and treatments. Through personal stories, they discuss the impact of clothing on intimacy, childhood memories, and navigating public and private spaces. They also highlight recent events, like the election of a transgender homecoming queen, and celebrate heroes in the LGBTQ community. The episode concludes with a Q&A on managing dysphoria and bathroom safety. Tune in for an empathetic and insightful journey.

Nope Springs Eternal

Season 1 Episode 4 | Oct 04, 2023

Join Rachel and Phoebe as they explore gender dysphoria, its symptoms, misconceptions, and treatments. Through personal stories, they discuss the impact of clothing on intimacy, childhood memories, and navigating public and private spaces. They also highlight recent events, like the election of a transgender homecoming queen, and celebrate heroes in the LGBTQ community. The episode concludes with a Q&A on managing dysphoria and bathroom safety. Tune in for an empathetic and insightful journey.

Satan Transed Our Child

Season 1 Episode 3 | Sep 20, 2023

Explore the vibrant spectrum of transgender identities with personal stories, myth-busting, and insights. Starting with “How do you know you’re trans?”, we delve into gender dysphoria criteria and a relatable checklist for clarity. We also discuss California’s Transgender History Month, Lady Gaga’s advocacy, and the Dr Who controversy. Plus, we debunk myths about androgynous nicknames and share coming out tips, from Instagram mishaps to safety strategies. Tune in for an enriching episode on the transgender experience.

Transpiration Special:
Meja Foss's Race Against Time

Season 1 Episode 2 | Sep 14, 2023

Ever wondered about the rollercoaster of transitioning? Imagine doing it rapidly and globally! We had the honour of interviewing Meja Foss, a trans woman who bravely navigated a challenging healthcare system to make her transition a reality. She opened up about her surgeries in Seoul and Istanbul, the unexpected side effects, and the emotional toll of it all. But Meja's story is also one of resilience and triumph. She's a successful woman, wife, and mother, proving that anything is possible. Her advice for other trans individuals is invaluable. Don't miss this inspiring episode!

You can connect with Meja via linktr.ee/mejafoss.

Balls in a Mason Jar

Season 1 Episode 1 | Sep 06, 2023

In this inaugural episode of The Joy Tuck Club podcast, your hosts Red and Freckles delve into the multifaceted journey of transitioning, celebrating the beauty and diversity of being transgender. We kick off by introducing ourselves and our backgrounds, share our unique stories of realising our trans identities and how we embarked on our transition journeys. It's never too late to transition.