The Purple Pawedcast

Today on the program, I speak with Amanda Lien, a technical copywriter and published science fiction author.  Amanda gives us the lowdown on why technology and fiction must show humanity as it is - to remind each of us we are a part of it.  We talk about how marketing frequently doesn't get it, lament villains made worse by being gay, and remember 1970s pop music.

REFERENCES:
Amanda Lien professional website:  https://www.amandajlien.com/
Find Amanda on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajlien/-sense
"I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Am_Woman
Gender Identity Today:  https://genderidentitytoday.com/

  • (00:00) - Show opening
  • (00:37) - Introducing Amanda Lien
  • (01:15) - If you know...you know
  • (06:47) - Conducting yourself professionally should be enough
  • (09:25) - Representation is about getting it
  • (12:46) - Things are better and worse
  • (14:48) - Gender neutrality in anime
  • (20:53) - When villians are only "queer"
  • (26:28) - Tell the stories nobody else will give you
  • (30:37) - Representation is not always appreciated
  • (33:25) - What is good representation?
  • (38:32) - Hear me roar with my power
  • (44:20) - Token representation is worse than none
  • (49:50) - Quality is the point of representation
  • (53:58) - A hidden cost of representation in film
  • (58:49) - Feeling uncomfortable about taking the spotlight
  • (01:04:10) - Show closing
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Creators and Guests

Host
Amethysta Herrick, Ph.D.
Scientist, storyteller, and professional overthinker of all things identity. Also, I happen to be a transgender woman.

What is The Purple Pawedcast?

Welcome to The Purple Pawedcast, where we unpack the complexities of gender, identity, and what it truly means to be human—without the academic jargon (okay, maybe just a little, but only the fun kind).

Curated by Amethysta Herrick. Ph.D., this pod is where science, philosophy, and lived experience collide to challenge assumptions and spark new perspectives. Whether you’re here to explore your own identity, stay informed on the latest research, or just enjoy a deep dive into the human experience, we deliver thoughtful, engaging, and refreshingly honest discussions. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just real conversations about who we are and how we navigate the world. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s rethink identity together.