Outrage Overload

A Connors Institute podcast

Outrage Bonus – How Biology Challenges the Male-Female Binary

Aired Feb 12, 2025

In this documentary-style episode of Outrage Overload, we dive into one of the most misunderstood and polarizing topics in public discourse: the biology of sex development. Using scientific insights, personal stories, and expert perspectives, we challenge the oversimplified narratives that dominate the conversation about fairness, inclusion, and identity.

From the recent outrage over female athletes in the Paris Olympics to broader debates about Differences in Sex Development (DSDs), we explore why these discussions so often spiral into culture wars fueled by misinformation and instinctive reactions.

Join host David Beckemeyer as we unpack the science of sex development with Richard Auchus, M.D., a leading endocrinologist, and Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D., an advocate with personal experience navigating DSDs. Together, they reveal the complexities of biology, the emotional and ethical challenges faced by individuals and families, and how empathy and curiosity can lead to better conversations.

Why You Should Listen

This episode isn’t about picking sides or finding definitive answers—it’s about exploring the complexities of sex development and fostering a deeper appreciation for the nuance that often gets lost in today’s polarizing debates. Whether you’re interested in science, ethics, or the challenges of public discourse, this episode will leave you with new insights and a fresh perspective.

Richard Auchus, M.D. is a professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes at the University of Michigan and Chief of the Endocrinology & Metabolism Section at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. Dr. Auchus is a renowned expert in sex development.

Amethysta Selina Herrick, Ph.D. is a transgender woman with a rich background in science and technology. Over her 25-year career, she has worked as a chemist, professor, software engineer, and software manager, bringing her expertise to diverse fields. Amethysta holds a B.S. in Chemistry from UC San Diego and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Georgia. Her early education in biology, particularly genetics, laid the foundation for her lifelong passion for science and learning.