Welcome to The Joy Tuck Club, a podcast that celebrates the diversity and beauty of transgender identities and expressions! We are Red and Freckles (aka Rachel and Phoebe) and we are here to dive into everything transgender – from the highs and lows of transitioning, to the everyday joys and struggles of just being ourselves.
Get ready to challenge and expand your perspectives as we share personal stories, debunk myths, and interview fascinating transpirational people from around the globe. We also provide helpful insights, advice on transitioning, and tips on being a better ally.
You'll find every episode below. While you can listen to them here, we're also on all the popular podcast platforms, and even some of the unpopular ones too. 🥰
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transpiration Special:
The Many Facets of Rachel
Season 1 Episode 8 | Nov 28, 2023
Ever wondered how it might feel when your identity is at odds with the world's perception of you? Rachel, Joy Tuck Club co-host, trans woman extraordinaire, and mother of four, sheds light on this challenging experience that is shared by so many of us. As a mechanical engineer who recently came out to a global audience at her workplace during Transgender Awareness Week, Rachel courageously shares her personal journey of self-discovery and resilience as a transgender woman. She discusses her transition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the difficulties she faced, and the impact on her relationships.
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.
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.
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.
