Free Thinking Through the Fourth Turning with Sasha Stone
Episode: A Christian Conservative SCOTUS Was Once My Greatest Fear
Release Date: June 20, 2025
In this compelling episode, host Sasha Stone delves deep into her transformative journey from a left-leaning Democrat to a staunch Christian conservative. Central to her narrative is the seismic shift in her perception of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and its pivotal rulings affecting societal norms, particularly regarding gender-affirming care for minors.
1. Host’s Transformation and Initial Fears
[00:00] Sasha Stone:
Sasha opens the discussion by revealing her initial dread of a conservative Supreme Court, fearing it would dismantle progressive victories like Roe v. Wade. "I would scream those words into the abyss all through 2016 to anyone who didn't want to vote for Hillary Clinton," she confesses, highlighting her deep-rooted anxieties about the direction of the judiciary.
2. The Unexpected Left's Actions and Shifting Perspectives
Sasha recounts how, contrary to her fears, the left took significant actions independently, particularly in areas like abortion, which maintained restrictive policies without solely relying on conservative justices. She laments, "We use soft language like choice and terminate, as though that changes the reality," criticizing the left's approach to abortion discourse.
3. SCOTUS Ruling on Gender-Affirming Care
A focal point of the episode is the recent SCOTUS decision that upheld Tennessee's Senate bill banning gender-affirming care for minors.
[Sasha Stone]:
"The Supreme Court delivered one of its most consequential decisions of this term this morning..."
The ruling, decided by a 6-3 majority led by conservative justices, prohibits medical interventions like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth, citing significant risks and questioning the purported benefits.
4. Emotional Reactions and Personal Testimonials
The episode interweaves powerful personal stories from individuals affected by these policies:
- Rachel from Planned Parenthood: Emphasizes the gratitude of patients for the care provided, countering the narrative against gender-affirming services.
- Jamie Reed, the Whistleblower: Details the irreversible physical and emotional impacts of gender-affirming treatments on minors.
- Detransitioners: Share harrowing experiences of regret and the profound negative consequences of early medical interventions.
[Jamie Reed]:
"...if you were put on blockers first, it would render you potentially infertile for life."
[Detransitioner]:
"I lost my voice. I lost my chest. I don't know if I'm gonna be able to have kids."
5. Conservative Advocacy and Legislative Actions
Sasha highlights the relentless efforts of conservative figures like Matt Walsh, who have been instrumental in pushing for legislation against gender-affirming care.
[Matt Walsh]:
"...chemically castrating children. That is my experience also. I did."
Her gratitude extends to the conservative Christian community and supporters who have been pivotal in mobilizing opposition against what she describes as a "dangerous, fanatical, unstoppable cult."
6. The Left’s Response and Censorship
The episode critiques the left’s aggressive stance against dissenting voices, portraying it as a suppression of truth and rational debate.
[Sasha Stone]:
"The climate of fear the Left practices... obliterated by the scolds and the activists, it sent a warning that if they can do that to her, imagine what they can do to us."
She discusses the backlash against figures like J.K. Rowling and the broader culture of censorship that stifles opposition.
7. Public and Organizational Reactions
Various public figures and organizations weigh in on the issue:
- Elizabeth Warren: Expresses support for trans youth, criticizing the Supreme Court's decision as "a violation of the constitutional protections every child is entitled to."
- Colin Wright: Criticizes the decision, labeling it as making it harder to build an evidence base for gender-affirming care.
- American Psychological Association (APA): Faces backlash for its stance on gender-affirming treatments, with critics labeling it as partisanship.
[Tweet by Elizabeth Warren]:
"My heart is with trans kids and their loved ones. I won't stop fighting to make sure they can be exactly who they are."
8. The Role of Religion and Spirituality
Sasha contemplates the resurgence of religion as a counterbalance to what she perceives as the left's ideological excesses.
[Sasha Stone]:
"Something has to fill us up. Or as Bob Dylan once said, you have to serve somebody."
She muses on the importance of storytelling, tradition, and collective meaning in guiding society through moral and ethical challenges.
9. Concluding Reflections and Gratitude
Wrapping up, Sasha reflects on the necessity of conservative movements in countering leftist policies and advocates for a return to traditional values and beliefs.
[Sasha Stone]:
"...we are not a species that can go it alone. We need something bigger, higher, and more powerful than we are to guide us through these ethical and moral storms."
She extends heartfelt thanks to conservative Christians, acknowledging their role in what she views as a pivotal victory for protecting children and upholding moral standards.
10. Inspirational Closing
The episode concludes with an uplifting song by Shirley Caesar, reinforcing the theme of serving a higher purpose and the moral imperative to uphold righteous values in turbulent times.
Notable Quotes:
- Sasha Stone [00:00]: "I once believed that the worst thing that could happen to this country was to have a conservative Supreme Court."
- Jamie Reed: "Those are some pretty major changes for a young person to undergo an experience."
- Matt Walsh: "You are all child abusers. You prey upon impressionable children."
- Elizabeth Warren (Tweet): "This heartless decision puts trans children in danger."
- Sasha Stone: "Teaching kids that the answer to what ails them is destroying their own bodies proves the saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions."
Conclusion:
In this episode, Sasha Stone presents a fervent critique of leftist policies on gender identity and youth healthcare, juxtaposed with personal testimonies and a celebration of conservative victories. Through passionate storytelling and a call for renewed moral and spiritual grounding, Stone seeks to engage listeners in a conversation about the future direction of American society and the preservation of traditional values.
