The Spectrum podcast

#Linda Thomas-Fowler #Executive Order #News Talk #News

34:07

In this insightful episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jay Crone, Managing Director and Venture Capitalist at Deloitte Ventures, to explore the firm’s strategic approach to corporate venture capital. Jay shares Deloitte Ventures’ investment thesis, focusing on supporting innovative Canadian startups at Series A and B stages across key sectors like cybersecurity, climate tech, fintech, future of work, health tech, and AI. Listeners will gain an inside look at how Deloitte leverages its vast network of 1,500 partners and 15,000 employees to source deals and add value beyond capital by helping startups navigate Deloitte’s complex ecosystem and access enterprise clients. Jay also discusses his diverse career journey—from government and investment banking to entrepreneurship and corporate VC—and how those experiences shape his investment philosophy. The episode delves into Deloitte’s due diligence process, the importance of founder relationships, and the firm’s strategic role as a co-investor. Jay highlights emerging trends, particularly the promise of vertical AI tailored to industry-specific needs, and shares his bullish outlook on fintech innovations like stablecoins and cross-border payments. He offers candid advice for entrepreneurs on risk-taking and aligning business vision with funding goals. This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of corporate venture capital and innovation in Canada. Learn more about Jay's work at https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/services/program/ventures.html Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycrone/ Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/ Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work? Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com…

The Spectrum

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The Spectrum is a podcast looking at issues important to the LGBT communities. If you don't happen to associate with one of those letters that's ok! This show is aimed at helping people outside those communities understand just how important these issues are and why we need your support.

24 episodes

The Spectrum

updated 12 days ago

Series home•Feed

24 episodes

#Linda Thomas-Fowler #Executive Order #News Talk #News

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1
This Is Not Free Speech 6:09

12 days ago6:09

6:09

Is This Really Free Speech? Or Just Plain Hate? In this episode, we take a hard look at disturbing statements made at a recent “pray the gay away” event hosted by an Indiana church, where speakers openly called for violence and death against LGBTQ+ people. We’ll explore how this kind of speech challenges our understanding of “free speech” and whether it crosses the line into hate speech. We also unpack what the First Amendment really protects, why clear boundaries matter, and why calls for state-sponsored violence — even when cloaked in religious language — are deeply dangerous. This isn't just about one church. It’s about a growing pattern of extremist rhetoric and the risk of normalizing hate. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and push back against those who would use religion to justify violence and oppression. We’re not here for clicks or cash. We’re here to create compassion, understanding, and a world where everyone is safe to exist. Advocate Article: https://www.advocate.com/news/indiana-lgbtq-church-death-preach…

1
Coming Out for the Straight Person 12:09

20 days ago12:09

12:09

In Episode 23 of The Spectrum, we explore what "coming out" truly means for the LGBT+ community and why it remains such a significant and personal milestone. This episode is designed to help straight, cisgender viewers understand the complexities and importance of coming out, from the first step of self-acceptance to the ongoing process of sharing one's identity with others. Drawing on personal experiences and conversations within the community, the discussion covers the diverse journeys of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, the evolving challenges they face, and the crucial role of visibility in fostering understanding and acceptance. Whether you're an ally or part of the LGBT+ community, this episode offers valuable insights into why coming out matters and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive world.…

1
Politicial Parties Are Evil 17:29

30 days ago17:29

17:29

In this episode, we examine the mid-year state of LGBT+ rights, starting locally in Shenandoah County and expanding to national and international developments—including rising anti-trans policies, Supreme Court decisions undermining protections, and global rollbacks of LGBT+ freedoms. The second half delivers a hard-hitting critique of the U.S. political system, arguing that both major political parties prioritize power over people and systematically subvert the Constitution through gerrymandering, party-line voting, and weakened checks and balances. The video calls for deep structural reforms, including ranked choice voting and eliminating the Electoral College, while urging voters to hold politicians accountable and reclaim democracy from party control.…

1
The Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee's Ban on Gender Affirming Care for Min 3:49

6 weeks ago3:49

3:49

In this urgent episode of The Spectrum (recorded June 18, 2025), we break down the devastating news from the Supreme Court. By a 6-3 decision, the Court has upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This isn't just a blow for transgender children in Tennessee, but for those in 25 other states facing similar bans. We discuss how this decision, much like historical rulings on slavery and segregation, appears to defy logic, legal precedent, and the Constitution itself, seemingly driven by prejudice rather than justice. The potential consequences are dire: families forced to relocate, the risk of unlicensed care, and tragically, an increased risk of suicide among vulnerable youth. This ruling, alongside other recent Court decisions, signals a worrying trend. The only clear path forward, we argue, is at the ballot box. It's a call to action for progressive politicians to stand firm on their principles and for all of us to ensure no one is left behind in the fight for equality. Link to CNN coverage: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics/supreme-court-upholds-tennessees-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-trans-youth…

1
Housekeeping 2:48

6 weeks ago2:48

2:48

We’ve streamlined how you can enjoy The Spectrum: now, you can watch on YouTube, listen as an audio podcast, or subscribe through our brand-new website at spectrumpodcast.org. Thanks to open-source software, the audio podcast feed is now generated automatically from YouTube—so you’ll always get the latest episodes, whichever way you listen. There are now three easy ways to stay updated: subscribe on our website for email notifications, follow us on YouTube, or use your favorite podcast app with our new RSS feed. All options are free, and your email will never be shared. The Spectrum is ad-free and not-for-profit. Any revenue beyond costs will go to LGBT+ support organizations. Be sure to check out the new website for transcripts, episode links, and more!…

1
A Brief History of Pride 13:44

8 weeks ago13:44

13:44

Welcome to Episode 19 of The Spectrum! In this special Pride Month episode, recorded on June 6, 2025, we dive into the powerful origins and ongoing importance of LGBT+ Pride. Join us as we explore: - What Pride truly means: It's not about arrogance, but about honesty and the unwavering refusal to be ashamed of who you are. We discuss why this concept of pride differs from negative interpretations often heard. - The historical roots of Pride: Discover the early 20th-century organizations like the Society for Human Rights, the Mattachine Society, and the Daughters of Bilitis that paved the way for LGBT+ rights. - The catalyst: The Stonewall Uprising: We break down the events of June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village, New York City, and how a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked a new era of gay liberation. Learn about the dangerous context for LGBT+ individuals in the 1960s and the bravery that led to the riots. - From riots to celebration: How the "Christopher Street Liberation Day" and subsequent marches transformed into the vibrant Pride celebrations we know today, expanding globally. - The enduring fight for visibility: While significant progress has been made, we discuss the current challenges, particularly for transgender people, and why continued visibility and allyship are crucial. - Why your support matters: For straight, cisgender allies, learn how you can stand in solidarity with the LGBT+ community and why your voice is more important than ever. If you want to learn more about the history of Pride, check out these resources: https://www.history.com/articles/pride-month https://www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=90dcc35abb714a24914c68c9654adb67 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/stonewall-inn-christopher-park/…

1
Ten Years of Same-Sex Marriage 7:48

10 weeks ago7:48

7:48

As we approach the ten year mark of the Obergefell v Hodges Supreme Court decision, my wife, Lauri and I have just celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary. In this episode I talk about the events leading to our wedding and how it has affected my life. I hope that through sharing this personal story it may help those that don't understand why the right to same-sex marriage is so important understand why it is to those of us that it affects.…

1
May 2025 Shenandoah County School Update 15:05

11 weeks ago15:05

15:05

Although this episode is about what is happening in the Shenandoah County, Virginia public school system, these same issues are happening all over the country. We must expose the bias at the heart of these issues to protect our transgender friends and family. If you live in or have family going to school in Shenandoah County or you have information about how policies like this have hurt people where you live, please write to them to let them now how harmful these policies are. You can find there contact info here: https://www.shenandoah.k12.va.us/en-us/school-board-98fe2482 Here are links to the three proposed changes to policy INB they considered: Draft 1: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/files/DFYM8L59FB56/$file/DRAFT%201%20Policy%20INB%20-%20Teaching%20About%20Controversial%20Issues.pdf Draft 2: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/files/DG9Q5A679345/$file/DRAFT%202%20Policy%20INB%20-%20Teaching%20About%20Controversial%20Issues%20with%20Modification.pdf Draft 3: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/files/DFRGQR44E662/$file/DRAFT%203%20Policy%20INB%20-%20Teaching%20About%20Controversial%20Issues.pdf Ultimately, draft 2, was voted in as the new policy. While this is a slight improvement over the existing policy, it still has an unjustified ban. This ban needs to be repealed.…

1
Bathroom Bills 4:01

16 weeks ago4:01

4:01

In this episode of The Spectrum, we're taking a hard look at the recent wave of "bathroom bills" and their far-reaching consequences. Proponents claim these laws are about protecting women, but what is the real impact of policing who can use a public restroom? We'll break down the flawed logic behind these bills and reveal who actually gets caught in the crossfire. It's not just transgender people who are targeted; these laws create a "minimum standard of femininity" that puts anyone who doesn't conform—including many cisgender women—at risk of harassment and scrutiny. Join us as we explore how this regressive obsession isn't just an attack on the trans community, but an invasion of privacy for everyone. It’s an ironic overreach from a political movement that claims to champion small government, turning everyday citizens into bathroom gatekeepers. Discover the unintended victims and the real agenda behind this discriminatory legislation.…

1
March 2025 Shenandoah County School Update 2:32

19 weeks ago2:32

2:32

This episode provides an update on the changes being made to policy on transgender students in the Shenandoah County Public School system.

1
Asexuality 26:36

20 weeks ago26:36

26:36

In this episode, we talk with Annalise, who explains asexuality and the broad spectrum of ways this can apply to people.

1
Looking at How Some Christians Justify Discriminating Against Transgender People 11:49

21 weeks ago11:49

11:49

In this episode of The Spectrum, we take a deep dive into the biblical arguments some Christians use to justify discrimination against transgender people. Are these interpretations sound, or are they a smokescreen for bias? We'll examine key verses, including Genesis 1:27 (“male and female he created them”), Deuteronomy 22:5 (on cross-dressing), and Psalm 139 (“fearfully and wonderfully made”), and analyze them through the lens of historical context, biblical scholarship, and logical consistency. Join us as we question whether these ancient texts, written thousands of years ago, can be fairly applied to modern discussions about gender identity. We'll explore contradictions, the problem of cherry-picking scripture, and how these same arguments echo historical attempts to justify other forms of discrimination.…

1
Evolution of an Ally 14:10

22 weeks ago14:10

14:10

In this episode, I speak with Jason Rittenour. Jason is a member of the PFLAG Woodstock group. We discuss his journey growing up surrounded by the systemic homophobia in our society to someone who has become an LGBT ally as an adult.

1
Shenandoah County School Update, February 2025 5:18

24 weeks ago5:18

5:18

This is an episode that brings some good news at the local and national level. A federal judge blocks Trump's ban on gender affirming care for people under 19. We also look at the failure of a vote in the Shenandoah County School Board to strip parents of the right to tell the school the name and pronouns for their children. Washington Post article on the temporary restraining order on Trump's ban: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/02/13/trump-transgender-health-care-youth-lawsuit/ Current state of policy INB in Shenandoah County Schools: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DCXNPP60AC27 The proposed change to INB: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DDEVWT82C817 Current policy GBAB/JFHAB: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D4DPZZ671EF7 Proposed change to GBAB/JFHAB that failed: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DCS3AF05EB60 WHSV coverage of the school board meeting: https://www.whsv.com/2025/02/14/shenandoah-county-public-schools-votes-3-2-against-gender-identity-policy-amendments/ The Spectrum - Trump;s Third Transgender Ban (gender affirming care for people under 19): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_qPKTpp1UA The Spectrum - Changes to School Policy in Shenandoah County for Transgender Students https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuH1nHp02Yo…

1
Trump's Fifth Transgender Ban: Athletics 5:17

24 weeks ago5:17

5:17

In this episode of The Spectrum, we dissect the latest executive order targeting the transgender community, this time aimed at "keeping men out of women's sports." Issued on February 5, 2025, this order threatens to pull federal funding from schools and athletic organizations that allow transgender women to compete. We'll break down the absurdity of this policy by looking at the actual numbers—fewer than 0.2% of NCAA athletes identify as transgender. This order is a solution in search of a problem, designed to discriminate against an incredibly small group of students who just want to be part of a team. Join us as we challenge the flawed premise of this ban, its inherent biases, and how it unfairly casts suspicion on any female athlete who doesn't fit a narrow physical norm. This isn't about fairness in sports; it's a politically motivated attack seeking to erase transgender people from public life. We explore the real-world consequences and why it's crucial to stand against this persecution. You can find the text of the order here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/keeping-men-out-of-womens-sports/ NCAA president's comments on the number of transgender athletes: https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5046662-ncaa-president-transgender-athletes-college-sports/ How many people identify as transgender: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/…

The Spectrum

1
Trump's Fourth Transgender Ban: Education 2:53

25 weeks ago2:53

2:53

In this episode of The Spectrum, we expose the deep-seated cruelty of the January 28, 2025 executive order, deceptively titled "PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM CHEMICAL AND SURGICAL MUTILATION." We argue its real purpose is to ensure transgender children suffer by making life-saving medical care impossible. This video breaks down how the entire order is built on a foundation of lies, prejudice, and junk science, ignoring the consensus of medical professionals. We explore the devastating real-world consequences this policy will have, including a guaranteed rise in mental health crises and suicide rates among vulnerable youth, citing data from The Trevor Project. Join us as we analyze this vast overreach of executive power, which threatens to withhold federal funds from hospitals, weaponizes the Justice Department against doctors, and strips parents of their right to care for their own children. This isn't about protection; it's a calculated attempt to make transgender people invisible, and the cost will be measured in young lives. Trump's executive order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-indoctrination-in-k-12-schooling/…

The Spectrum

1
Judge Blocks Trump's Attempt to House Trans Women With Male Inmates 2:11

25 weeks ago2:11

2:11

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order against housing transgender women with the male prison population. This was reported by LGBTQ Nation: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/02/women-win-court-ruling-blocking-trumps-order-to-house-trans-women-in-mens-prisons/

The Spectrum

1
Healthcare Providers Cave to Trump 2:43

25 weeks ago2:43

2:43

Episode Notes At least two healthcare providers of gender-affirming care have caved to Donald Trump's illegal executive order banning care for anyone under 19 years of age. Statement by Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU: https://www.chrichmond.org/services/transgender/ Statement by UVA Health: https://childrens.uvahealth.com/services/transgender-youth-health Trump's executive order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-children-from-chemical-and-surgical-mutilation/ ACLU https://action.aclu.org HRC: https://www.hrc.org Lambda Legal: https://lambdalegal.org PFLAG: https://pflag.org…

The Spectrum

1
Trump's Third Transgender Ban: No Gender Affirming Care for Young People 10:55

25 weeks ago10:55

10:55

Trump's signed an executive order on January 28, 2025 that seeks to make it impossible for a transgender child to get gender affirming care. This podcast looks at the order and the harm it will do. Trump's executive order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-children-from-chemical-and-surgical-mutilation/ Trevor Project 2024 Survey of LGBTQ+ Young People: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/ Williams Institute Report on Transgender Population: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/ FAQ on puberty blockers: https://www.healthline.com/health/are-puberty-blockers-reversible#what-theyre-for…

The Spectrum

1
Transgender woman falsely accused of causing air crash 2:03

26 weeks ago2:03

2:03

There are reports in The Advocate and LGBTQ Nation that a post on social media falsely accused Virginia Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jo Ellis of piloting the Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the American Eagle airplane near National Airport. These reports are false Advocate: https://www.advocate.com/news/transgender-pilot-false-accusation-crash LGBTQ Nation https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/01/conservatives-are-now-blaming-the-dc-crash-on-a-trans-woman-who-had-nothing-to-do-with-it/ Ms. Ellis Facebook statement: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A7eokvfkk/…

The Spectrum

1
Trump's Second Transgender Ban: The Military Ban 8:07

26 weeks ago8:07

8:07

We delve into Donald Trump's second executive order targeting the transgender community, titled "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness." This episode dissects the order issued on January 27th, 2025, arguing that its true purpose is to attack and demonize transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. Join us as we break down the language of the ban, which claims that "radical gender ideology" undermines military readiness. We challenge the assertions that being transgender is incompatible with physical health, mental health, and the core values of military service like honor and selflessness. This analysis contrasts the dedicated service of transgender military members with the president's own history of avoiding service. This episode explores how the order is based on falsehoods and projections, ultimately harming military readiness by forcing talented and dedicated soldiers out of service. We discuss the real-world consequences of such policies, which will deny necessary medical care and create a hostile environment for transgender service members. Link to the executive order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/ PFLAG's page on executive orders and explainers: https://pflag.org/resource/executive-orders/ How to find and contact your federal legislators: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member…

The Spectrum

1
Trump's First Federal Transgender Ban: The Federal Ban 11:24

26 weeks ago11:24

11:24

In the wake of the 2024 election, the fears of an anti-LGBTQ+ platform have become a stark reality. Within hours of the inauguration, the Trump administration issued an executive order titled, "DEFENDING WOMEN FROM GENDER IDEOLOGY EXTREMISM AND RESTORING BIOLOGICAL TRUTH TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT." But what does this order actually do? Join us as we dissect this policy, arguing that its real purpose is to erase any recognition of transgender people at the federal level. We break down the administration's flawed and unscientific attempt to define sex as a rigid binary determined at conception, a definition that would fail a 9th-grade biology class by ignoring the complexities of human development and intersex conditions. This video explores how the order completely denies the existence of gender identity, a core component of every person's sense of self. We challenge the cynical claim that this policy is about "protecting women," exposing the hypocrisy of this statement and highlighting the real dangers transgender people face. We urge you to watch, reflect on a thought experiment to better understand the transgender experience, and take action. This episode isn't just about a single policy; it's a warning that after targeting the transgender community, other LGBTQ+ rights will be next. Find out how you can make your voice heard and where to find support if you are affected by these actions.…

The Spectrum

1
Changes to School Policy in Shenandoah County for Transgender Students 15:11

26 weeks ago15:11

15:11

This episode discusses changes to Shenandoah County School policy towards transgender issues and students. Here is the link the page listing the members of the Shenandoah County School Board and how to contact them: https://www.shenandoah.k12.va.us/en-US/school-board-98fe2482 The following are links to documents referred to in the episode: Policy INB now makes the very concept of “gender identity” a forbidden topic: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DCXNPP60AC27 Shenandoah County School Nondiscrimination policy: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C38QG3689399 Current Policy JFHAB/GBAB Privacy, dignity policy: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=D4DPL7651991 Proposed change agenda item to policy JFHAB/GBAB: https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/shenandoah/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DBPVSD8220F4 Carlineo’s NVDaily commentary: https://www.nvdaily.com/nvdaily/commentary-no-gender-identity-education-in-shenandoah-county/article_5960d455-fa46-5af0-8ff3-5e8b4f7c61c7.html Susie Wilburn’s Facebook Post with Carlineo’s reply: https://www.facebook.com/susie.wilburn/posts/pfbid02NoAtmfC9396ty2iEBkHZ9rgGh9K8iQgxcPxPFa4qorWofoBdFWb5fwwQTtoK7KpJl?__cft__[0]=AZWeIyZisIh6NoXnjBvAPL7qeCbNsk9PZtc9UDCCrsG1XB7JnGMvvffGgL_JXJvxTb9CchDymtwJvAEskrOLeD5OdbCp4RU-ThoTq6XH6TUlYlVkHrXD6gyznpD2XtfLMwPk7YGJypuUJXG52EK5YS4H&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R…

The Spectrum

1
Introduction 8:33

26 weeks ago8:33