In this powerful and deeply illuminating episode, I sit down with historian, author, and storyteller Dr. Brandy Schillace to explore her groundbreaking book The Intermediaries: A Weimar Story. Together, we trace the remarkable true story of the early pioneers of gender-affirming care; the patients, physicians, and visionaries who carved out space for human dignity in one of history’s most turbulent eras.

Brandy brings this lost chapter of queer and trans history to life with warmth, compassion, and razor-sharp insight. We discuss the dazzling modernity of Weimar Germany, the world-changing work of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, and the courage of those who lived “in-between". We also reflect on how the advent of Nazism continues to reverberate in our present day.

But above all, this conversation how we may develop the capacity to understand one another more fully through inhabiting our own bodies and claiming our identities with joy and through community. When we honour our complexity and difference, we become more fully human ourselves.

*****

Content Warning:

This episode includes discussion of sex, gender-affirming medical care, historical violence, self harm and suicide. Though these topics are handled with sensitivity, respect, and care, please use discernment in listening.

****

You can find this episode's show notes and sources at whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Heather Harris. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

You can find a full list of our sources for this episode, great merchandise and our whole back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by this podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the world or the start of something new?

Humanity has always been fascinated by apocalypse. From ancient prophecies to The Last of Us, the stories we tell of the end days shine light on who we are and what we fear most.

In this premiere episode, I sit down with Dr. Scotty McQueen, a scholar, performer, and digital media expert, to explore where apocalyptical thinking, the digital age and hope intersect.

Listen now and join me in asking: is there a sunny side to the apocalypse?

#WhatsWhatPodcast #HeatherHarris #PodcastLaunch #Apocalypse #Curiosity #EndTimes #TheLastOfUs #DigitalAge #NewBeginnings #NewEpisode

****

You can find a full list of our sources for this episode, great merchandise and our whole back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Heather Harris. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

You can find a full list of our sources for this episode, great merchandise and our whole back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by this podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s What with Heather Harris is a curiosity-fueled podcast exploring hidden forces and novel ideas with leading minds. Each episode blends bold inquiry, grounded research, and meaningful conversation, bridging ancient wisdom, lived history, and unrealized possibility.

Curious about the lesser-known innovations and overlooked ideas that are quietly shaping our human experience?

Hitting the airwaves in Fall 2025.

You can find a full list of our sources for this episode, great merchandise and our whole back catalog at www.whatswhatpod.com.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by this podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.