A top Canadian podcast that cuts through the headlines and clickbait. Hosts Cyn Sweeney and Emma Stanley tell real stories about real trans people living in Canada today.
When you turn on the news and tune into a story about trans people today, there is a lot to process. You have to cut through drama, misinformation, and conspiracy.
On Trans Canada Stories, we are sharing the real life stories of trans Canadians (and allies) to set the record straight. Most trans people live normal lives. They follow routines that anyone else might experience. These include grocery shopping, paying taxes, walking their dog, and so on.
It’s time to hear their stories.
Trans Canada Stories celebrates the successes, big or small, of the Canadian trans community from coast to coast to coast.
We’ll hear about the changes they’re making in the world. We will also hear about the changes they’re trying to make in their personal lives. These are real, honest stories of the trans experience and the many nuances within. They are also stories of people who are just trying to find their place in the world, like everyone else.
Meet
Our Hosts
Co-Host, Emma Stanley (she/her)
Meet Emma: Global Educator, Trans Trailblazer, Fierce Facilitator, and Desert Dreamer
From the small town of Saint George, New Brunswick, to the sandy shores of Oman, Emma’s journey shows the importance of curiosity and bravery. This teacher, with a Bachelor of Economics from UNB, traveled to teach in classrooms worldwide. She loves to learn.
For over a decade, Emma hopscotched continents, teaching English and inadvertently collecting a treasure trove of perspectives on 2SLGBTQ+ experiences. As a queer trans woman navigating transition across a patchwork of cultures, she didn’t just teach language – she became a living lesson in resilience and authenticity.
Emma’s globetrotting came full circle in Winter 2023. SGF Inclusion, clearly recognizing a good thing when they saw it, made her an offer she couldn’t refuse. As Simply Good Form’s CDO of Programming, Emma’s brings her world of experience to the table, serving up inclusion with a side of international flair.
When she’s not busy with programming or co-hosting podcasts, you might find Emma playing board games, juggling, or drawing. However, her heart really belongs to the Omani desert at night – where the stars shine as brightly as her dreams for a more inclusive world.
Tune in to hear how this economics grad turned global educator is calculating the formula for universal acceptance, one podcast episode at a time. And who knows? You might even pick up some juggling tips along the way.
Co-Host, Cyn Sweeney (she/her)
Meet Cyn: Accidental Entrepreneur, Podcast Pioneer, and, 2SLGBTQ+ Champion
From the former Flower Town of Canada, in Brampton, Ontario, to the vibrant film scenes of Vancouver and Toronto, Cyn’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Her path as an accidental entrepreneur and advocate, zigzagged through motherhood in Dublin and journalism in Halifax before landing her behind the mic in 2020.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a knack for sparking community conversations, Cyn launched “Hey, Cis!” – a podcast that amplifies trans voices across Canada. But this wasn’t just another passion project. It was a bold leap into connection and understanding. With a head full of questions and a heart determined not to let fear stand in the way, Cyn created a space for open, honest dialogue about trans experiences.
Now a recognized LGBTQ2+ advocate and change-maker, Cyn’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently named a finalist for the CGLCC 2SLGBTQI+ 2023 Business Leader of the Year award.
When she’s not busy challenging perspectives, you might find Cyn doing laps in the nearest lake (swimming is her jam), breaking ukulele strings, or playing an intense game of Calendar Tetris trying to carve out quality time with her busy family.
Tune in to hear how this accidental entrepreneur is intentionally changing the world, one podcast episode at a time – and maybe get some tips on ukulele string replacement while you’re at it.
TD Bank Group is helping us connect more communities and shake-up the narrative. We’re grateful for their ongoing support and engagement! Produced by Podstarter and SGF Inclusion.
Emma presenting at Wonder Woman 2024 Conference in Halifax, NS 
Cyn presenting at Department of National Defence on Trans Day of Visibility, May 17, 2024 
Emma and Cyn visiting CBC Radio 
Four images of Emma from CBC Radio in 2023 
Cyn chatting on Trans Day of Visibility with CBC in 2023 
Emma chilling out on the east coast. 
Cyn interviewing Author, Director Shelley Thompson on Trans Canada Stories in Wolfville, NS Fall 2023
Latest Episodes:
https://simplybeyond.transistor.fm/
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“This show isn’t going to be a bunch of inspiration porn about people having terrible lives and overcoming challenges…”
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Your message has been sent
“I have a 15 year old that just came out as transgender. I have been listening to all your podcast interviews and you have helped me a lot already…”
– Parent Listener, May 2022
“I just listened to the first part of your travel series. It was fantastic and very informative. Thank you for doing this, looking forward to Part 2”
– Listener, S2: E:29 of Hey, Cis! Traveling While Trans, The Baggage Fee for Biological Bias