Feature Story
The Sound of Authenticity New podcast conveys nuances of the trans experience beyond the transition By Liz Massey
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ometimes, the most surprising successes in the media world come when their creators take the expectations about a topic and turn them on their heads. Such is the case with “Transform: Beyond the Transition,” a new podcast on issues related to gender identity created by local trans men Sam Garman and Michael Soto. “We both believe that [our physical] transition is the least interesting part about ourselves,” Garman said. “Also, we’re not doctors, so we’re not experts.” Rather than focus on the physical or psychological process of gender transition, the podcast, currently in its first season, focuses on everything that follows – from navigating acceptance or rejection by family and answering the many questions posed by potential allies to the many layers of masculine or feminine identity and issues around intersectionality. Fueled by a desire to create the show that neither man could find already in existence, the podcast aims to connect with a wide audience and assist many in better
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understanding trans people and their gifts to the world.
Transitioning from fans to a brand Transform Pod was birthed from a deep love and appreciation of the power of podcasting to change lives. Garman, who was raised in a religious family and attended private schools that prioritized indoctrination over education, said it was such podcasts such as “Stuff You Missed In History Class” and “Sawbones” that helped him fill in gaps in his education. “Podcasts gave me access to the history I hadn’t been exposed to,” he asserted, adding that he’s also sought out podcasts that helped him better appreciate his identity as a trans man, but couldn’t seem to find them. “As I was coming out, I thought that there must be a transgender podcast, but I couldn’t find any that navigated the complexities of gender,” he said. “Friends would tell me, ‘you need to do that podcast.’”
His aspirations to find a podcast on trans topics received a shot in the arm when he met Michael Soto, a media consultant for nonprofits, businesses and individuals, at a holiday party hosted by mutual friends. The two quickly realized they shared a passion for podcasts and the power of independent media. “It started as a ‘wouldn’t it be cool if …’ conversation, not a plan,” Garman said. “But we realized it was cool, and talked about it again at a dinner later. It was not long after that that we had a plan.” For Soto, the podcast reflected the lessons learned in his work about the power of podcasts, independent video, blogs and other types of media produced outside of a corporate/ professional environment to change lives. “We’ve had publications since the movement started,” Soto said, “and that’s been a great resource, although there was the introduction of professional pressures as the movement matured. Podcasts are so approachable. You can do a lo-fidelity version with your smartphone. It’s a truly democratic medium.”
Building a show for everyone Democracy, and the idea of benefits for a broad range of listeners, permeates the production of Transform Pod. According to Soto and Garman, the Feature Story