The Purple Pawedcast

In this episode, I talk history with Neil Laird. Neil is an Emmy and BAFTA-nominated TV producer, novelist, and ancient history geek whose fiction retells gay stories across early human civilizations. We discuss such diverse topics as The Tomb of the Brothers, the Myth of Stonewall, and Toxic Avenger 3 or 4 - whichever was worse.

REFERENCES: 
Neil Laird’s website: https://www.neillaird.com/ 
Follow Neil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillaird/ 
Follow Neil on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557422344116 
Follow Neil on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gay_history 

  • (00:00) - Opening credits
  • (00:37) - Show opening
  • (01:31) - Introducing Neil Laird
  • (03:12) - An early love of film and air conditioning
  • (06:38) - What does Western isolationism miss in human history?
  • (11:25) - Travel with a sense of humility
  • (15:04) - Promoting gay history in fiction
  • (17:52) - The Tomb of the Brothers
  • (22:06) - Humanity has always been queer
  • (25:17) - Prehistoric doesn't mean unknown
  • (29:29) - Interior decorators at Stonehenge
  • (33:50) - Christian suppression of history
  • (36:20) - Modern queer myths
  • (40:56) - Knowing the history claims the identity
  • (45:57) - The Other is magical
  • (48:35) - Making gay love in ancient Rome real today
  • (53:51) - The Mythology of the Stonewall Riots
  • (55:21) - How to find Neil Laird on the internet
  • (56:25) - Show closing
  • (56:54) - Closing credits
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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.