Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Always A Woman, Revisited” (Nov 13, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this special episode of RISK!, host Kevin Allison revisits the iconic story “Always a Woman,” originally told by Morgan in 2012. The episode celebrates Trans Awareness Week by replaying Morgan’s powerful and humorous firsthand account of her life, gender transition, brushes with death, and resilience as a trans woman. Kevin and Morgan reunite in 2025 for an honest, moving postscript conversation about the impact of her story, aging, health, political climate, and the ongoing need for visibility and allyship in trans communities.

Key Segments and Timestamps

[03:04] – Reunion: Kevin and Morgan reconnect, reminiscing about the story’s legacy.
[04:06–23:04] – “Always a Woman” (2012 original story): Morgan’s candid, witty, and heartbreaking journey.
[23:43] – 2025 Reflection: Post-story conversation examining the past decade, current events, and Morgan’s life today.

1. Morgan’s Story: “Always a Woman” (2012)

[04:06–23:04]

Childhood & Early Realization

Morgan knew from childhood that she was “in the wrong body.”

“I can remember asking my mother, when do I get to carry the purse? How about some frilly stuff? … For me, being a child of the 50s, that drew me a smack in the head from my mother, the one person I should have been able to tell my truth to.”
— Morgan [04:06]
Navigated her early gender expression in secret, taking clothes from Salvation Army drop boxes to dress “for the squirrels.”

“The nice thing about squirrels is they don’t judge.”
— Morgan [05:27]

Coping, Overcompensation, and Performance

Hid her identity by over-performing masculinity; worked with tools, did “hot shit lesbian” jobs, hitchhiked 40,000 miles, and struggled with addiction.

“I know I can act, because I pulled the boy thing off for years.”
— Morgan [06:46]

Trauma as Catalyst: The Two-Story Fall

A workplace accident—falling two stories while working as an ironworker—became a turning point:

“…And the only thing I could think of was these guys are going to see my legs are shaved and my toes are painted. Not, I just fell two floors and I’m probably gonna die.”
— Morgan [10:51]
In recovery, Morgan realizes life’s precariousness and resolves to live authentically:

“I’ve lived 50 years without ever being able to tell my truth.”
— Morgan [12:50] “Laying there in that hospital bed … I’m doing this. Get out of the way.”
— Morgan [13:34]

Coming Out, Marriage, and Transition

Describes her covert post-accident life, a challenging marriage (“Strangely enough, I thought I was in a lesbian relationship. She thought she was in love with a well hung man.”).
First steps in transition were awkward (“my clown hooker stage”), but she insisted on not hiding.
Heartfelt and humorous take on medical gatekeeping:

“Are you ready to give up the power? … I thought that was the power.”
— Morgan [17:40]

Affirmation in Unlikely Places

A touching anecdote about coming out to Dennis, her bait-and-tackle supplier:

“Dennis, this is what’s going on with me … He turns to me… ‘Do you have the money for the sand worms?’”
— Morgan [19:35]
The affirmation and friendship found in unexpected corners of rural community.

Legacy and Motivation

Commitment to visibility and paving the way for others:

“I feel like my mission is to clear brush for the people that come behind me…”
— Morgan [22:05]
On parents today:

“My heroes are the parents of the children of today. When their kids tug on their purse and ask…they’re listening.”
— Morgan [22:56]

2. Postscript Conversation: Revisiting a Decade Later (2025)

[23:43–45:49]

Reflections on Storytelling, Aging, and Resilience

Morgan shares how the pandemic ended her long streak performing stand-up, now embraces woodworking (“one old lady doing everything”) [24:28].
Revisits the physical and emotional aftermath of the fall: enduring pain, health challenges (heart attack, kidney stones), and giving up hormones for health reasons.

“22 years later, I am still in pain from all the crap that I broke. … I’m just dumbstruck.”
— Morgan [26:51]

Community, Loss, and Survival

Family longevity and recent loss (“my stepmom passed last year at 99” [28:09]); confronting the physical costs of a laborious life and aging within the queer community.

The Shifting Political Landscape

Expresses dismay at rising hostility toward trans people and the erosion of rights:

“I’m a transgendered female. I’m married to a woman. And the whatever he is in charge is like coming after all that. He used part of his inauguration speech to tell me I don’t exist…”
— Morgan [29:47]
Parallels to history and warnings about the current climate:

“I’m not like a history buff, but I have an idea of what went on in Germany in the 30s. And there’s, there’s a lot of similarities happening now.”
— Morgan [30:14]

Experiences of Division and Hope for Solidarity

Discusses encountering hostility, even in supposedly supportive queer spaces (“You would think that, like, lesbians as a group would be on your side. And I recently stumbled on a group that’s very anti trans, the turf sort of people…” [32:42]).
On why she remains visible and vocal:

“It’s, It’s, It’s kind of my place to make some noise, you know, so every time there’s a. There’s a march or something, I’m there and my honey’s there, too.”
— Morgan [38:12]

The Importance of Compassion, Humor, and Connection

Recounts continued connections with people like Dennis from the bait shop, and supportive ex-colleagues.
Choosing to focus on compassion over negativity:

“That’s what I’m going to focus on. Not the. Not all the negativity. I don’t want to get any of that on me.”
— Morgan [43:55]
Celebrates personal milestones (“We’ve been together 22 years, and we just celebrated our one year wedding anniversary” [44:25]) and expresses hope despite setbacks.

3. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“The nice thing about squirrels is they don’t judge.” [05:27] — Morgan recounting her childhood dressing up safely in the woods.
“My heart has been female right along. … If you fall off a building as a union ironworker and live, it’s pretty lucrative. So I had the money for my transition…” [13:26–14:11] — on surviving and taking the chance to transition.
“Hi, I’m Morgan. I used to be Joe.”
“Wow, you really did bang your fucking head, didn’t you?” [16:27–16:40] — on meeting old coworkers post-transition.
“Are you ready to give up the power?” … “What power? I’m getting a pussy. I thought that was the power.” [17:40]
“Do you have the money for the sand worms?” [19:35] — Dennis, the bait shop owner, offering acceptance with wry humor.
“I feel like my mission is to clear brush for the people that come behind me…” [22:05]
“I’m a transgendered female. I’m married to a woman. … He used part of his inauguration speech to tell me I don’t exist.” [29:47]
“You would think that, like, lesbians as a group would be on your side… I just don’t want you in our locker rooms. … I would say, first off, I don’t want to be in your locker room.” [33:04]
“I didn’t do it to be an issue. I did it to get right with who I am.” [34:33]
“I’m still at it. I’m not going away.” [45:33]

4. Major Themes and Insights

Courage and Authenticity

Morgan’s story is a testament to the tremendous courage it takes to live openly and honestly in the face of adversity, prejudice, and ongoing physical pain.

Humor in Hardship

Even in retelling deeply traumatic events (her workplace accident, social rejection), Morgan’s humor (“ten inch cock” riffs, clown hooker stage, “painted toes” in the ambulance) is never far away, keeping the story vibrant and accessible.

Found Families and Affirmation in Unexpected Places

Support and compassion often come from surprising quarters—such as a bait shop owner or fellow union workers—emphasizing the value of community beyond labels.

Fears for the Future, Hope in Persistence

Morgan and Kevin discuss the distressing rollback of trans rights and the political scapegoating of LGBTQ+ people in America, but remain committed to storytelling and living authentically as acts of resistance and hope.

The Power of Story

Kevin emphasizes the significance of sharing stories like Morgan’s for visibility, solidarity, and as acts of “clearing brush” for those who will come after:

“That is a reason that I think continuing to get these kind of stories out there is so important that people be heard.” [30:34]

5. Recommended Listening

This episode is essential for anyone interested in:

Firsthand LGBTQ+ experiences
The intersection of humor and trauma
The historical evolution of trans visibility in the U.S.
Honest, heartfelt testimony about surviving and thriving against the odds

Connect with Morgan: morgancandoit.com
Share your story or feedback: risk-show.com/submissions

Quick Reference Timestamps

[03:04]—Episode begins, Kevin & Morgan reconnect
[04:06–23:04]—Morgan’s original story: “Always a Woman”
[23:43]—2025 conversation & reflections
[29:40+]—Political and social context, fears, and solidarity
[43:30]—Finding hope, connection, and looking forward
[45:49]—Episode ends

“I’m still at it. I’m not going away.” —Morgan [45:33]

“Take a risk.” —Kevin Allison

Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Always A Woman, Revisited” (Nov 13, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Segments and Timestamps

[03:04] – Reunion: Kevin and Morgan reconnect, reminiscing about the story’s legacy.
[04:06–23:04] – “Always a Woman” (2012 original story): Morgan’s candid, witty, and heartbreaking journey.
[23:43] – 2025 Reflection: Post-story conversation examining the past decade, current events, and Morgan’s life today.

1. Morgan’s Story: “Always a Woman” (2012)

[04:06–23:04]

Childhood & Early Realization

Morgan knew from childhood that she was “in the wrong body.”

“I can remember asking my mother, when do I get to carry the purse? How about some frilly stuff? … For me, being a child of the 50s, that drew me a smack in the head from my mother, the one person I should have been able to tell my truth to.”
— Morgan [04:06]
Navigated her early gender expression in secret, taking clothes from Salvation Army drop boxes to dress “for the squirrels.”

“The nice thing about squirrels is they don’t judge.”
— Morgan [05:27]

Coping, Overcompensation, and Performance

Hid her identity by over-performing masculinity; worked with tools, did “hot shit lesbian” jobs, hitchhiked 40,000 miles, and struggled with addiction.

“I know I can act, because I pulled the boy thing off for years.”
— Morgan [06:46]

Trauma as Catalyst: The Two-Story Fall

A workplace accident—falling two stories while working as an ironworker—became a turning point:

“…And the only thing I could think of was these guys are going to see my legs are shaved and my toes are painted. Not, I just fell two floors and I’m probably gonna die.”
— Morgan [10:51]
In recovery, Morgan realizes life’s precariousness and resolves to live authentically:

“I’ve lived 50 years without ever being able to tell my truth.”
— Morgan [12:50] “Laying there in that hospital bed … I’m doing this. Get out of the way.”
— Morgan [13:34]

Coming Out, Marriage, and Transition

Describes her covert post-accident life, a challenging marriage (“Strangely enough, I thought I was in a lesbian relationship. She thought she was in love with a well hung man.”).
First steps in transition were awkward (“my clown hooker stage”), but she insisted on not hiding.
Heartfelt and humorous take on medical gatekeeping:

“Are you ready to give up the power? … I thought that was the power.”
— Morgan [17:40]

Affirmation in Unlikely Places

A touching anecdote about coming out to Dennis, her bait-and-tackle supplier:

“Dennis, this is what’s going on with me … He turns to me… ‘Do you have the money for the sand worms?’”
— Morgan [19:35]
The affirmation and friendship found in unexpected corners of rural community.

Legacy and Motivation

Commitment to visibility and paving the way for others:

“I feel like my mission is to clear brush for the people that come behind me…”
— Morgan [22:05]
On parents today:

“My heroes are the parents of the children of today. When their kids tug on their purse and ask…they’re listening.”
— Morgan [22:56]

2. Postscript Conversation: Revisiting a Decade Later (2025)

[23:43–45:49]

Reflections on Storytelling, Aging, and Resilience

Morgan shares how the pandemic ended her long streak performing stand-up, now embraces woodworking (“one old lady doing everything”) [24:28].
Revisits the physical and emotional aftermath of the fall: enduring pain, health challenges (heart attack, kidney stones), and giving up hormones for health reasons.

“22 years later, I am still in pain from all the crap that I broke. … I’m just dumbstruck.”
— Morgan [26:51]

Community, Loss, and Survival

Family longevity and recent loss (“my stepmom passed last year at 99” [28:09]); confronting the physical costs of a laborious life and aging within the queer community.

The Shifting Political Landscape

Expresses dismay at rising hostility toward trans people and the erosion of rights:

“I’m a transgendered female. I’m married to a woman. And the whatever he is in charge is like coming after all that. He used part of his inauguration speech to tell me I don’t exist…”
— Morgan [29:47]
Parallels to history and warnings about the current climate:

“I’m not like a history buff, but I have an idea of what went on in Germany in the 30s. And there’s, there’s a lot of similarities happening now.”
— Morgan [30:14]

Experiences of Division and Hope for Solidarity

Discusses encountering hostility, even in supposedly supportive queer spaces (“You would think that, like, lesbians as a group would be on your side. And I recently stumbled on a group that’s very anti trans, the turf sort of people…” [32:42]).
On why she remains visible and vocal:

“It’s, It’s, It’s kind of my place to make some noise, you know, so every time there’s a. There’s a march or something, I’m there and my honey’s there, too.”
— Morgan [38:12]

The Importance of Compassion, Humor, and Connection

Recounts continued connections with people like Dennis from the bait shop, and supportive ex-colleagues.
Choosing to focus on compassion over negativity:

“That’s what I’m going to focus on. Not the. Not all the negativity. I don’t want to get any of that on me.”
— Morgan [43:55]
Celebrates personal milestones (“We’ve been together 22 years, and we just celebrated our one year wedding anniversary” [44:25]) and expresses hope despite setbacks.

3. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“The nice thing about squirrels is they don’t judge.” [05:27] — Morgan recounting her childhood dressing up safely in the woods.
“My heart has been female right along. … If you fall off a building as a union ironworker and live, it’s pretty lucrative. So I had the money for my transition…” [13:26–14:11] — on surviving and taking the chance to transition.
“Hi, I’m Morgan. I used to be Joe.”
“Wow, you really did bang your fucking head, didn’t you?” [16:27–16:40] — on meeting old coworkers post-transition.
“Are you ready to give up the power?” … “What power? I’m getting a pussy. I thought that was the power.” [17:40]
“Do you have the money for the sand worms?” [19:35] — Dennis, the bait shop owner, offering acceptance with wry humor.
“I feel like my mission is to clear brush for the people that come behind me…” [22:05]
“I’m a transgendered female. I’m married to a woman. … He used part of his inauguration speech to tell me I don’t exist.” [29:47]
“You would think that, like, lesbians as a group would be on your side… I just don’t want you in our locker rooms. … I would say, first off, I don’t want to be in your locker room.” [33:04]
“I didn’t do it to be an issue. I did it to get right with who I am.” [34:33]
“I’m still at it. I’m not going away.” [45:33]

4. Major Themes and Insights

Courage and Authenticity

Morgan’s story is a testament to the tremendous courage it takes to live openly and honestly in the face of adversity, prejudice, and ongoing physical pain.

Humor in Hardship

Found Families and Affirmation in Unexpected Places

Support and compassion often come from surprising quarters—such as a bait shop owner or fellow union workers—emphasizing the value of community beyond labels.

Fears for the Future, Hope in Persistence

The Power of Story

Kevin emphasizes the significance of sharing stories like Morgan’s for visibility, solidarity, and as acts of “clearing brush” for those who will come after:

“That is a reason that I think continuing to get these kind of stories out there is so important that people be heard.” [30:34]

5. Recommended Listening

This episode is essential for anyone interested in:

Firsthand LGBTQ+ experiences
The intersection of humor and trauma
The historical evolution of trans visibility in the U.S.
Honest, heartfelt testimony about surviving and thriving against the odds

Connect with Morgan: morgancandoit.com
Share your story or feedback: risk-show.com/submissions

Quick Reference Timestamps

[03:04]—Episode begins, Kevin & Morgan reconnect
[04:06–23:04]—Morgan’s original story: “Always a Woman”
[23:43]—2025 conversation & reflections
[29:40+]—Political and social context, fears, and solidarity
[43:30]—Finding hope, connection, and looking forward
[45:49]—Episode ends

“I’m still at it. I’m not going away.” —Morgan [45:33]

“Take a risk.” —Kevin Allison

Always A Woman, Revisited

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Summary

Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Always A Woman, Revisited” (Nov 13, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Segments and Timestamps

1. Morgan’s Story: “Always a Woman” (2012)

[04:06–23:04]

Childhood & Early Realization

Coping, Overcompensation, and Performance

Trauma as Catalyst: The Two-Story Fall

Coming Out, Marriage, and Transition

Affirmation in Unlikely Places

Legacy and Motivation

2. Postscript Conversation: Revisiting a Decade Later (2025)

[23:43–45:49]

Reflections on Storytelling, Aging, and Resilience

Community, Loss, and Survival

The Shifting Political Landscape

Experiences of Division and Hope for Solidarity

The Importance of Compassion, Humor, and Connection

3. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

4. Major Themes and Insights

Courage and Authenticity

Humor in Hardship

Found Families and Affirmation in Unexpected Places

Fears for the Future, Hope in Persistence

The Power of Story

5. Recommended Listening

Quick Reference Timestamps

Summary

Podcast Summary: RISK! – “Always A Woman, Revisited” (Nov 13, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Segments and Timestamps

1. Morgan’s Story: “Always a Woman” (2012)

[04:06–23:04]

Childhood & Early Realization

Coping, Overcompensation, and Performance

Trauma as Catalyst: The Two-Story Fall

Coming Out, Marriage, and Transition

Affirmation in Unlikely Places

Legacy and Motivation

2. Postscript Conversation: Revisiting a Decade Later (2025)

[23:43–45:49]

Reflections on Storytelling, Aging, and Resilience

Community, Loss, and Survival

The Shifting Political Landscape

Experiences of Division and Hope for Solidarity

The Importance of Compassion, Humor, and Connection

3. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

4. Major Themes and Insights

Courage and Authenticity

Humor in Hardship

Found Families and Affirmation in Unexpected Places

Fears for the Future, Hope in Persistence

The Power of Story

5. Recommended Listening

Quick Reference Timestamps