Humans Being

In our first two part episode, Humans Being explores the timely issue of surrogacy from multiple angles. We discuss domestic and international laws as well as the constantly changing political landscapes across the globe. We delve head-first into the personal stories of would-be parents, as well as learn about the significant financial benefits provided to surrogates themselves. We also examine criticisms of the practice, including potential exploitation of labor in developing nations. We learn that while some criticism is warranted, some is also rooted in hypocritical western ideals that ignore exploitation in our own backyard. We also hear the real joy in the voices of happy parents ... and perhaps even a few happy babies cooing in the background.

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping. Five sufferers of sleep paralysis and night terrors share their stories of fear, shame, and strength, as they battle an unseen -- yet very real -- disorder. We also delve into the science and mythology behind these oft co-morbidities and take a sneak peek at an unusual phenomena that makes us Humans Being.
All music in this episode came from either Logic Pro X or bands holding a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License or Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 International License or are the result of musician permission. Links to licensure for each are available in the episode description.
The songs “Disturbed” and “Night Terrors” are by Purple Planet Music and can be found at purple-planet.com.
Special thank you to Humanfobia , whose music and merchandise can be purchased at:
https://humanfobia-official.bandcamp.com/ “Nightmares in Red” and “Malice” are by Dark Asylum Music. Music and merchandise can be purchased at:
https://darkasylummusic.bandcamp.com/ “Sad Robot,” which played at the end of the episode, as the interviewees offered their final thoughts, is by State to State, lyrics by Shea Stratton, and is available on iTunes. I’ve long had a deep connection to this song and I recommend you check it out. Check out the official video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIajwNodZGY

Jenny Rihl discusses the secret she harbored for 36 years: she was a transgender woman. She shares her earliest memories feeling at odds with her body, some of the darkest moments of her life, and the inspiring moment of truth she finally embraced. Jenny's mother and sister also share their thoughts on Jenny's coming out and describe what Jenny is like as a parent to her nearly 6 year old boy, Gavin.

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REAL-LIFE DESCRIPTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
Publication date of this episode (June 2, 2021) marks International Sex Workers' Day. For more information on the human rights issues facing sex workers visit Sex Workers Outreach Project, USA.*
Retired full-service Sex Worker Betty James (pseudonym) shares her story of five years as a successful and highly sought-out escort. Our candid discussion covers James' own motivations for entering the profession, as well as questions many are afraid to publicly ask due to the burden of stigmatization placed on sex work. James articulately breaks down everything from the nuanced issue of consent to her views on decriminalization. In between, there is levity and laughs, and even some salacious bits, as the interview aims to make transparent a service labor that is both ancient and ubiquitous, yet often shrouded in repressive societal moral codes.
This episode uses the song "A1 Rogue" by Podington Bear, under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license.
*"Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA is a national social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of people involved in the sex trade and their communities, focusing on ending violence and stigma through education and advocacy."