Engender Pod — with Dylan, Helen and Jay

Co-hosts Helen Boyd, Dylan Scholinski and Jay Thurber talk about all things gender-y. Weekly. Patreon subscribers get early access. Author and educator Helen Boyd, artist and author Dylan Scholinski, and broadcaster and journalist Jay Thurber host a podcast about culture, politics and being queer in 21st century America from a Gen X perspective. Expect heated discussion, personal reflection, irony, and meta-commentary. Meet your hosts: Helen Boyd (she/they) is the author of My Husband Betty (2004) and She’s Not the Man I Married (2006); an educator and lecturer who has taught gender studies, feminist theory and queer theory; a speaker who can translate complicated topics such as LGBTQ history and identities to non-academic audiences; and a consultant who has helped academic, corporate, and community groups understand topics such as gender and sexuality. Dylan Scholinski (he/him/they/them) is an award-winning artist, author and public speaker. They are the founder/witness of Sent(a)Mental Studios and the Haven Youth Project, which offer programs for at-risk youth in Denver, Colo. Dylan has appeared on 20/20 , Dateline and Today to discuss his experiences, and his award-winning book The Last Time I Wore a Dress: A Memoir was called a "Top 10 Must Read" by Out Magazine. Jay Thurber (they/them) is the pseudonym for a broadcaster, podcaster and writer based in the Pittsburgh area. For more than 20 years, they have hosted a weekly nostalgia show on WRCT-FM (88.3) and also have been heard on other radio stations throughout Pennsylvania. A former print journalist who has authored one book and co-authored another, they now work in public relations and independent, community media.

Episodes

Latest Episodes

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4 days ago

52 min

We welcome actor Rachel Crowl ("The Lowdown," "New Amsterdam") two-time Obie award-winning actor, musician, photographer and voice-over artist — and wife of Helen — to talk about transition, being authentic, un-retiring from acting, and getting a "fourth act" in her career.
https://rachelcrowl.net/

4 days ago

52 min

Oct 20, 2026

38 min

With six episodes completed, our co-hosts are considering adding guests to the podcast. Helen and Dylan have some ideas of who they'd like to ask, while Jay is being secretive. And we're fishing for your ideas — but you'll have to join the Patreon to suggest guests.

Oct 20, 2026

38 min

Oct 12, 2026

43 min

No one who lives in the U.S. really likes our healthcare system, do they? Except maybe insurance companies? With little prior warning, Dylan lost his longtime doctor due to an insurance change. We discuss the fallout, the difficulties of navigating the healthcare industry whether or not you're LGBTQ, and ask listeners to share their personal stories.

Oct 12, 2026

43 min

Oct 5, 2026

57 min

What's the secret of a happy relationship, even if (especially if) one or both partners is trans or queer? Helen, Jay and Dylan have some thoughts and some meet-cute stories.

Oct 5, 2026

57 min

Sep 28, 2026

1 hr 5 min

CW: Death, grief, terrorism
This was a tough one to record. Our co-hosts realized that all three of them have a personal connection to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks — Helen was living in New York City, Dylan was in Washington, and Jay was a reporter in Pennsylvania. What are some strong memories of that day? Why does the grief still feel so fresh a quarter-century later? How did we process the trauma?

Sep 28, 2026

1 hr 5 min

Sep 21, 2026

47 min

Here's the third in our series, reflecting on RHPS, Tim Curry, trans representation, and a few other things. 

Sep 21, 2026

47 min