Shows
In The Den with Mama DragonsQueer and Neurodivergent Inclusive Sex EdSend us a textOn this week’s episode of In the Den, Jen visits with TikTok mother/daughter duo Monica Gupta Mehta and Asha Lily Mehta about a range of topics from how to maintain good parent/child communication to understanding gender, neurodiversity, and queer sexuality. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss!Special Guest: Monica Gupta MehtaMonica (she/her) is a teacher, educational psychologist, author, nonprofit director, mom, and now an artist! She st...
2024-04-291h 00
The NormalizersNonbinary 101Ash and Monica explain, in simple terms, what nonbinary means. Intended for people who don't really know much about gender identity outside of the typical "male and female," and are open to learning! This podcast covers biological sex, gender identity, gender norms, gender expression, and how to best support your nonbinary loved ones.
2022-09-0845 minThe NormalizersSouth Asian Heritage MonthAsh and Monica discuss their culture, and the queer Indian experience, in celebration of South Asian Heritage Month! TW for discussion of ableism and mistreatment of autistic youth from the 33 minute mark onwards.
2022-08-0135 minThe NormalizersDealing With SetbacksAsh and Monica discuss their account getting banned, major setbacks in their lives, and how to deal with roadblocks.
2022-07-1117 minThe NormalizersSummer coming out as a trans girl!Ash and Monica talk about Ash's little sister, Summer, coming out as a trans girl and their reactions to it.
2022-06-2211 minThe NormalizersPride with the Normalizers!Ash and Monica discuss the Normalizers' plans for pride month, and also the meaning of pride month in general!
2022-06-1415 minThe NormalizersDealing With BurnoutAsh and Monica discuss burnout, their upcoming book, why they've stopped making as much content over the past few months, productivity, and coping skills.
2022-05-1129 minThe NormalizersAsh's Experience With Gender ExpressionAsh and Monica discuss Ash's personal experience with their gender expression and gender identity, and how that interacts with body dysmorphia, dysphoria, and more.
2022-02-1622 minThe NormalizersProductivity CultureAsh and Monica discuss productivity culture, burnout, and their personal experiences with balancing (or not balancing) work and life.
2022-01-3116 minThe NormalizersLGBTQ+ LabelsAsh and Monica discuss the concept of labels, what makes them valid or invalid, and controversial microlabels like gynosexual and bi-lesbian
2022-01-1922 minThe NormalizersNormalizers Update!Ash and Monica give an update on their life, the Normalizers, and more! They discuss potential new projects and changes to their current platform.
2022-01-1314 minThe NormalizersTrans Awareness WeekAsh and Monica discuss various issues surrounding the trans community for transgender awareness week.
2021-11-1828 min2021-10-2810 min
"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersAsexuality Awareness WeekSeven and Monica answer questions about asexuality from our anonymous question box. What does it mean to be asexual?Can I be asexual and still have sex?Can I be asexual and still have a good relationship with an allosexual?How do I know if I am asexual or just not ready?
2021-10-2723 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersIs It Normal?? (Part One)In this episode, Seven and Monica answer anonymous questions asking, "is this normal...???" Is it normal to bleed after sex? To have an erection that lasts too long?
2021-10-2614 minThe NormalizersLGBTQ+ RepresentationAsh and Monica discuss the current state of LGBTQ+ representation in the media and their opinions on what needs improvement
2021-10-2013 minThe NormalizersMonica's Mental Health & Life Story!Monica and Ash discuss Monica's own journey with mental health (and her life story in general!), and some coping skills she used!!
2021-10-0925 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersProtection (Part One)Seven and Monica answer questions from our anonymous sex education question box.How does the birth control pill actually work? Is it harmful for your body?What are the differences between STIs and STDs?What is the best birth control?What are other types of protection?Can I wait to wear a condom? Does it feel different?What can I do if the condom breaks?
2021-10-0823 minThe NormalizersAsh's Mental Health JourneyAsh and Monica explore Ash's mental health journey and talk about the coping mechanisms they've learned over the years!
2021-10-0521 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersMyths and Misconceptions (Part One)Seven and Monica answer questions from the anonymous sex ed question box. This week:1. Does penis size matter?2. How does scissoring work?3. Am I a 'hoe' if I have sex at 18?4. What does the hymen look like? ...and some discussion of virginity
2021-09-2319 minThe NormalizersQuestioning Sexuality - Ash's JourneyJoin Ash and Monica as they discuss Ash's experience questioning their own sexuality and eventually realizing they were a nonbinary lesbian.
2021-09-2316 minThe NormalizersAsh's Gender JourneyAsh revisits their gender identity after a year of the Normalizers, explaining their process and journey.
2021-09-1619 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersTW: Sexual Assault and PanicSeven and Monica answer the questions:1. Is it normal to experience panic or anxiety during sex?2. Can rape hurt?3. I feel panic, anger, and sadness when I hear my parents having sex. What can I do?
2021-09-1519 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersMasterbation (Part One)Seven and Monica answer questions from the anonymous question box:What is masterbation?Am I too young?How often is too much?Is it normal to bleed?What are some sex "toys" people use?
2021-09-0918 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersPeriods (Part One)Seven and Monica answer questions about periods/menstruation from our anonymous question box. This week we answer what to do when you get your period, when to worry about discharge, what age range is normal for getting your period, and how to talk about your period with other people in your life.
2021-09-0123 minThe NormalizersLonelinessMonica and Ash discuss loneliness and its mental health impacts, and how to cope with it.
2021-08-2621 minThe NormalizersAchillean/MLM Experiences ft. Pedro!Ash and Monica (and Pedro!) discuss the unique experiences of the achillean (mlm/nblm) community.
2021-08-1924 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersSapphic Sex (Part One)How do two girls have sex?How do I protect myself from STDs or STIs?What if penetration hurts?
2021-08-1919 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersTransgender Sex Ed (Part One)Seven and Monica answer questions from the anonymous online question box, including:1. Can trans people still have and enjoy sex?2. How do you feel comfortable having sex as a trans person?3. What is different with trans sex?4. How do you have $3x with a nonbinary person w/o making them feel dysphoria?5. How do you have sex if i'm transgender he/him but i have a gf idk how sex would work out then6. How old do you need to get sex reassignment surgery?7. How to be safe having sex if you’re a...
2021-08-1438 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersConsent (Part One)In this episode, we talk about affirmative consent, including the acronym FRIES to remember the components of consent. If you want to submit questions to be answered in future podcasts, you can find our anonymous question box at normalizers.org!
2021-08-0453 minThe NormalizersDisability AwarenessAsh and Monica discuss disabilities awareness, accommodations, and how you can be a better ally to disabled people.
2021-07-3142 minThe NormalizersBack To SchoolAsh and Monica give some tips for dealing with homophobia, transphobia, pressure, anxiety, and stress from school.
2021-07-3138 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersMLM or Male/Male Sex (Part One)Seven and Monica answer questions from our anonymous sex education question box about MLM or male/male sex. How do two people with penises have sex? How does one prepare to bottom? What can one do to stay safe? And more!
2021-07-2831 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersThe First Time (Part One)In this episode, Monica and Seven answer some of the most common questions we get about the 'first time' - including conversation on readiness (emotional and physical), protection, and the answer to the #1 question: 'does it hurt???'
2021-07-2152 minThe NormalizersBack to the Basics: Transgender and Nonbinary ExplainedAsh and Monica explain the basics of LGBTQ+ gender identities, the difference between biological sex, gender, and gender expression, pronouns, transgender, and nonbinary. A great starting point if you're just beginning to learn about transgender identities.
2021-07-1433 min"The Talk" 2.0 with the NormalizersWhat Even IS Sex? (Part One)The first in a series on LGBTQ+ inclusive, comprehensive sex education. In this episode, we answer questions on 'what even is sex' and other basics from our anonymous question box. Our question box (and all other Normalizers related links!) are available at https://normalizers.org
2021-07-1445 minThe NormalizersMicrolabel Definitions!Ash and Monica explain a bunch of different microlabels and lesser-known LGBTQ+ sexuality and gender identities!
2021-07-0746 minThe NormalizersNonbinary Lesbians ExplainedAsh and Monica explain the definition of a nonbinary lesbian, how this is not a new concept, and why nonbinary lesbians are valid.
2021-06-2934 minThe NormalizersPride MonthAsh and Monica discuss LGBTQ+ representation, progress, equality, and the necessity of pride month. Check out the Normalizers at @monicatheteacher on Tik Tok and normalizers.org!
2021-06-2221 min
The Wise Fool Art PodcastTextile + Multi Media Artist, Petra Gupta Valentová (Czech Republic, India + USA)We discuss:
- the importance of relationships in her work
- having a multi cultural work, life, and family
- the need for more ethical practices in art
- post colonial aesthetics
- the importance of collaboration and empathy in her work
- trying to remove the ego from art
- advocacy for women artists
- gentrification
- her cookbook as artistic performance
- storing her artwork
- Indian food
People + Places mentioned:
Františka Ševčíková Gilman - http://huntkastner.com/exhibitions/past/frantiska-and-tim-gilman-i-have-a-window-i-see-and-i-forget-_-118-10102011/
Pavel Kraus - http://www.pavelkraus.com
Hanka Poislová - https://www.facebook.com/han...
2021-04-131h 07Podcast | The Wise Fool Art PodcastTextile + Multi Media Artist, Petra Gupta Valentová (Czech Republic, India + USA)We discuss:
– the importance of relationships in her work
– having a multi cultural work, life, and family
– the need for more ethical practices in art
– post colonial aesthetics
– the importance of collaboration and empathy in her work
– trying to remove the ego from art
– advocacy for women artists
– gentrification
– her cookbook as artistic performance
– storing her artwork
– Indian food
People + Places mentioned:
Františka Ševčíková Gilman – http://huntkastner.com/exhibitions/past/frantiska-and-tim-gilman-i-have-a-window-i-see-and-i-forget-_-118-10102011/
Pavel Kraus – http://www.pavelkraus.com
Hanka Poislová – https://www.fac...
2021-04-131h 07The NormalizersPressure to SucceedJoin Ash and I as we explore the pressure to succeed. In this episode we discuss Ash's personal pursuit of admission to a top tier college, reasons behind their intense academic pressure, common cognitive distortions, and the necessity of untying one's self worth from outside "success" factors.
2021-03-0437 minThe NormalizersNonbinary LesbianJoin Ash and I as we explore Ash's identity as a nonbinary lesbian. In this episode we discuss Ash's personal exploration of gender identity, what it means to be nonbinary, and the controversy over who may or may not be included in the lesbian sexuality label.
2021-02-1045 minThe NormalizersBlack History MonthJoin Ash and I as we discuss Black History Month, from the perspective of an ally who would like to raise awareness. In this episode we discuss how important it is to seek out Black voices and learn Black history all year long, as well as a discussion of the intersectional needs of Black queer women. We hope to amplify the conversation being led by Black creators on Tik Tok and other social media platforms.
2021-02-0131 minThe NormalizersBody Image and DysphoriaJoin Ash and I as we discuss two topics related to "body" - body image and dysphoria. In this episode we discuss both of our experiences with eating disorders, Ash's personal exploration of gender expression and identity, advice from a gender clinic, and diet culture.
2021-01-2540 minThe NormalizersDesi Discord Q&AJoin special guest Desmond Fambrini and I as we answer our Normalizer's questions from the Discord server!! In this episode we discuss education, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, neurodivergence, and more.
2021-01-171h 03The NormalizersDC Capitol RiotsJoin Ash and I as we discuss the alarming events that happened this past week in America's capitol, Washington, D.C. In this episode we discuss the riots, the police response in comparison to the Black Lives Matter movement protests, and ways to manage heightened anxiety around the transfor of Presidential power.
2021-01-1221 minThe NormalizersQ&AJoin Ash and I as we answer questions from our Discord community members! In this episode we answer questions about ourselves (what keeps you motivated?), the Normalizers (what made you decide to get started?), and total randomness (what's your least favorite word on page 57 of your favorite book?).Music from Normalizer 'grl gabby'
2021-01-0427 minThe NormalizersExploring Gender IdentityJoin Ash and I as we relive Ash's "gender identity exploration." In this episode we discuss Ash's personal exploration of gender identity, what it means to be nonbinary, and the subversive pressure to conform that is still somewhat present when one experiences a non-binary gender identity.Music from Normalizer 'grl gabby'
2020-12-2821 minThe NormalizersSmarter New Year's ResolutionsJoin Ash and I as we explore "resolution solutions" to make New Year's resolutions that stick! In this episode we discuss setting SMART goals, creating healthy habits, and avoiding weight related resolutions that can trigger eating disorders.Music from Normalizer 'grl gabby'
2020-12-2117 minThe NormalizersDepressionJoin Ash and I as we explore the concept of depression on a personal level. In this episode, we discuss Ash's recent sadness, self-fulfilling prophecies, ways to treat or manage sadness, and how to reach out for support.Music from Normalizer 'grl gabby'
2020-12-1317 minThe NormalizersCancel CultureJoin Asha and I as we explore the concept of "cancel culture" in our society. In this episode, we discuss the mental health impacts of cancel culture, the polarization of our country, ways to practice self care while still allowing for redemption, and how to handle compassion fatigue.Music from Bensound.com
2020-12-0619 minThe NormalizersToxic MasculinityJoin Asha and I as we explore the concept of toxic masculinity in our society. Learn about the mental health impacts and ways you can help to change these toxic societal norms, including rape culture, homophobia, and inhibited emotional expression. It's been over a decade since the start of the Me Too movement, with still much work to be done from all sides.Music from Bensound.com
2020-11-2914 minThe NormalizersGratitude and Mental HealthJoin Asha and I as we explore the concept of gratitude in preparation for Thanksgiving. Learn about the mental health impacts, ideas for expressing gratitude daily, and the physical benefits of gratitude.Music from Bensound.com
2020-11-2314 minThe NormalizersPronouns and Gender IdentityJoin us as Asha explores their thoughts on her own gender identity. Learn about neopronouns, including nounself pronouns, and the somewhat controversial idea of gender euphoria.Music from Bensound.com
2020-11-1509 minThe NormalizersCoping with Election AnxietyMonica and her daughter Asha discuss feelings of anxiety related to the 2020 Presidential election, including the fear of violence in the LGBTQ+ and POC communities. Includes tips for coping with anxiety, how to stay safe in the upcoming days, and places to find belonging if your own family is polarized between Biden and Trump.Music from Bensound.com
2020-11-0712 min