UnMuted Episode 22: a lively conversation with journalist Brandon Showalter

I first became aware of Brandon Showalter when I read his book review of The Reckoning by Kara Dansky. I asked him for permission to republish the review on my Substack because I was struck by the empathy it showed both for feminist activists like Kara and for parents who feel targeted by the totalizing societal pressure that comes with having a child who identifies as ‘trans.’ It was also clear Brandon had a very deep understanding of the issue, so when I learned that he’d also made a documentary podcast about it, I went and binged what was then three whole seasons in an afternoon. Now he’s released a complete fourth season that is just as binge-worthy.Brandon’s docuseries is called Generation Indoctrination, and it’s produced by the Christian Post, which is also where he published his review of The Reckoning. It’s a publication I would not be aware of if not for my descent into gender ideology. If I’ve learned anything about this unique subject, it’s that we find friends in places we didn’t know to look, and when that happens, it’s what Brandon’s peeps would call “a blessing.”Links:Brandon’s review of The Reckoning, republished with an intro by meGeneration Indoctrination episode featuring State Sen. Ed Diehl of Oregon Generation Indoctrination episode, ‘Voices From the Shadows’The Generation Indoctrination episode featuring the brilliant depth psychologist Amy SousaDead Name, the documentary film discussed at the endAlabama’s amicus brief in US v SkrmettiBrandon’s extended bio, from the Christian Post websiteCredits:Theme music by William A. FergusonUnMuted logo art by Anne Gibbons This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennypoyerackerman.substack.com