jimquisition
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A State Of Sterling Update
🕑 Added 2021-06-05 15:28:55 +0000 UTCHi folks! It's been a while since I did a bit of a bloggy update. How are you? I hope you are well. Thank you as always for the continued support, whether you're a patron or a viewer/sharer of the work. It is very very appreciated.
Also sorry, once again, for being bad at returning messages and whatnot. My ability to deal with correspondence, as well as other things, continues to be spotty. Suffice to say, the ol' ADHD is yet to be controlled, but we continue to work on it. As you might have been able to guess, it's a big reason why content production has slowed. Some of it is by choice - trying to work smarter, not harder - but there have been multiple instances where I've wanted to produce more work and found myself mentally unable. There's probably a bit of burnout there, too.
While my ADHD is having A Moment, my other wonderful mental illnesses are on a pretty even keel. Since coming out, my mood has improved, my self esteem is ridiculously high compared to how much I used to loathe myself, I'm driven to lose weight and fully train as a wrestler, and I feel just so much more present in the world. Transition was not a cure, and things are not perfect - I've started therapy to process a lot of stuff and I think it's gonna go well.
By the by, I read all the patron messages even if I've sucked returning them, and want to thank you so much for the recent flood of positivity I've received.
One thing I have not talked about is my chronic pain adventures in 2021. Despite positive changes in my body, my back still likes to have chronic flare ups, and I recently just recovered from three straight months of being at 8-10 on the pain scale every day. This is why I missed several Podquisitions earlier in the year. The pain had gotten so bad I was in a dissociative state for most of the time. I'd had this up to the PolyAm Cult Party, where I performed the Sterling Rules match with my last ration of painkillers keeping me going.
I've since been recuperating from the sheer trauma and stress of both the pain and dealing with America's wantonly cruel healthcare system. My insurance company has proven itself to be a gatekeeping fuck that only stands in the way of me and my human right to treatment. It's a sick system, and insurance companies are the biggest grift going.
What's funny is the Sterling Rules match kickstarted the healing process. Right after performing, I felt better and started recovering over the following week. Justin and I have long suspected that my back fucks itself when I don't do live shows, so lockdown has been terrible for me. My body has always ironically responded well to exercise, so I've been walking every day since the PCP show and it's been really good for me. Now that I'm getting bookings again, I should be able to stave off the next flare for a while.
Despite blockades, I will make sure I continue to hit Monday with a new Jimquisition, as well as keep the podcasts coming. I've also been getting back into popping up Jimpressions vids, and am planning out Stephanie Sterling's Heaving Toy Chest, which people have responded very favorably to the idea of.
Life for James Stephanie Sterling has been exciting and strange lately. I am still adjusting to a new world - presenting fem to the outside world gives one an entirely different outlook. You're treated differently, looked at differently, to say nothing of those who clock my awesome transness and react how they will. Doctor visits are particularly... interesting. So far nothing truly bad has happened - I'm fortunately situated in a progressive area and I feel safe doing my daily constitutional around the neighborhood. There have been uncomfortable moments though.
And men still offer to carry things for me.
Feeling good about myself is still a new idea to me, and I probably bore my friends banging on about my progress in terms of transition, self perception, weight loss, etcetera. By my estimation I'm down almost 100lbs from about fifteen months ago, when I last wore the Commander Sterling jumpsuit. This weekend I performed in the jumpsuit for the first time since then, which was fantastic. After coming out, I was leery of putting it back on, but I'm glad I did. I also rocked an incredible silver dress which I can't wait to show off.
The energy and stamina I had this weekend was something I haven't felt in years. Jumping about, skipping and yelling. It felt fucking good.
It's difficult to talk about my weight loss without diminishing those who are proudly fat and continue to deal with fatphobia. For me personally (and I only speak for me), my weight was not a choice, it was a long and drawn out bit of passive death seeking. Losing it has been important to me. Getting to a point where training became feasible again has been important to me. Lifting weights and getting strong arms is important to me. Looking exactly how I want is important to me, and I feel closer to it each day.
This past weekend I was in Pittsburgh once again for the taping of season two of Canned Heat, a weekly YouTube show produced by Enjoy Wrestling. I am very excited about working with Enjoy - their tagline is "wrestling is for everyone," they boast a diverse and incredibly talented roster, and their creative/production is top notch. I was there to do my typical scheming and plotting, and I may or may not have dropped another chokeslam on someone.
I just do that now. I chokeslam people. That's what I do.
Canned Heat will air 6/17 on the Enjoy YT channel.
One other bit of wrestling news - Ryse Wrestling, my home promotion, returns LIVE on June 19th. This'll be at the Hough Building in Pittsburgh at 7:30pm ET. If you aren't near Pittsburgh, however, you can still catch it live - exclusively on my Twitch! Yup, I'll be streaming the full Ryse Returns event, which'll make this the easiest time anyone will have watching this stuff, and if folks turn out, making a viable wrestling stream could be huge for the organization.
Whether in person or remotely, I do hope you'll join the Commander and pals.
Thank you all for being nice and supportive about the wrestling stuff, btw. It means a lot to me, so any support in that endeavor has always warmed my heart.
Creatively, I am in a bound spot with the main show. Lately, the conflicting feedback between "it's too different" and "it's all the same" has been through the roof. Jimquisition is at once too different and too familiar. Feedback suggested that while the fresher topics and formats were welcomed by some, others missed simply bagging on game publishers and a more formulaic format. This week I did a fully traditional episode as had been requested, and the first thing I see (after months of different topics and styles) is someone saying "Oh I guess they ran out of ideas."
........... uh huh.
I've talked at length before about the brain-melting issues in trying to respond to feedback for on YouTube. To be told you're too repetitive and it's turning people away, while anything new you do is less popular (and the repetitive stuff continues to be the thing people watch most) is confusing. But in any case, as I discussed in a recent video, a weekly show about videogames and the cyclical arguments in that space is bound to be fatiguing, and I'm well aware of that.
I'm also aware the weird ad edits n' stuff were incredibly polarizing, and have dramatically scaled that back. I'll continue to use them in my livestreams, but with JimQ I'll keep it on the level of previous years' edits like the "consensual penis" skits. After years of Pogfucker, dildo bats, and endless cum jokes, I'm surprised the edits were quite as conflicting as they were. But eh, the people have largely spoken.
The significant subscriber bleed following my coming out has continued, but fortunately Patreon support has been great and those who did not run away have just been so wonderfully good to me. Thank you.
I am still attempting to get some sort of routine going for livestreams, but 3pm ET on Tuesdays remains the most dependable and regular day. Sometimes getting one in on Monday and Thursday as well. I continue to be thrilled at the positivity and acceptance of the community we're building on Twitch. It's been a very welcoming space and I hope we get to see more folks there.
As a heads up, I should be streaming today as well, at 3pm ET also.
I don't think there's anything more that's relevant to y'all's interests. I will simply reiterate the thanks for your support, and I will be back to shovel more content into your heads soon!
Comments
Emil Johansen
Nice to hear that walks work well for you and your back. I’ve basically been kept sane-ish during lockdown by going for a fixed schedule long walk along the coast every weekday morning. It has also worked really well for my back and I have zero plans for stopping post-lockdown. If safety is a concern perhaps a comrade can join for at least part of the route?
L
As WoW players say ‘don’t give in to the whiners.’ If you’re gonna come out in your videos then you might as well go all the way and make everything FABULOUSE! and don’t worry about the subs. It will plateau and go back up. Remember that after 100k any sub count is impressive AF. If you can get past the haters like you have for a couple decades you can handle this too. Happy Pride lovely!
JackMagic
I'll take those weird ad edits over YouTube's ads any day. I started taking Concerta for my ADHD last month, and I had to go through four different pharmacies before I found one that carried Patriot Pharmacy generic brand Concerta thanks to my gatekeeping insurance. All the other generic brands are inferior.
Leaf
"Jimquisition is at once too different and too familiar." There needs to be a YouTube award for this.
Crissa Kentavr
The first year after transition tends to be the most manic and the roughest. If you're feeling good with it, I can happily report it does get better and easier. I've been a fan of your show for I don't know how long - before you set up the Patreon - and I transitioned 25 years ago. I wasn't much a fan of the pog skits and kinda liked the ad edits, but I was seeing it more as a glimpse into your regional upbringing, as tv ads used to be super-regional. Anyhow, I have been feeling it's not your fault the games' industry has been so repetitive lately. I so hope you find a rhythm (and one that doesn't eff with your body. Weight and pain needs to be stable to be healthy, when it's not, it's not!) Be well ^-^
It's so nice hearing that you are happier! P.S. This is a tip jar patreon, so I personally feel that you owe us no "bloggy" updates!
Love you Jim! I hope to see you continue progressing with your transition and health recovery and I look forward to your videos all the time! Thank you so much for being you. Very much love, another trans person. <3
I'll been following your work since 2015 and I haven't gotten sick of it for what it's worth. Good to see that your doing well overall.
Jim Sterling
Thank you! I am a lot more focused on my happiness, which is the most crucial thing as you say. A couple years ago, I could imagine the sub dip deeply upsetting me. These days, while it can sting to know so many people could so easily run away the moment I became happy, the fact I'm happy has put work behind everything else. I used to live only to work and put up videos and feel like I mattered. Now I don't need that to like myself.
Jim Sterling
Thank you for the nice comment and for the concern! Once I have a passport sorted out, I plan to make some content ahead of time and then take a little while off to visit the UK for the first time since 2010. People to see, stuff to do, TERFs to hopefully avoid!
Jim Sterling
Thanks for providing feedback! Yeah, I'm aware the show can lose steam with folks - doing a weekly show on a cyclical and frankly-not-ever-evolving topic like videogames for ten years is... a lot. I mean, *I* get bored talking about games at times. I'm glad you continue to support the show though, and I hope I can pique your interest again, if not with JimQ, then with other content.
Jim Sterling
Thank you for the kind words and support! I appreciate the feedback.
Nate
I'm not into wrestling but I am into JSS so I'm kinda curious to check one of these shows out. And to add my feedback to the confusing feedback pile - I liked the new stuff, an opinion I suspect will be highest among Patreon supporters. We are, after all, paying for the "hard stuff." :P
Tinokel
The people not keeping up with the content updates reminds me of people getting tired of explaining basically any social justice issue. The sheer amount of effort to talk and explain things to a handful of people, who are probably not even listening. And then the thought of the hundreds of millions around the world who are just as stubborn, willfully ignorant, etc... yeah it can be tiring. But doing nothing means they win. I think you're doing great, Steph. Trying to catch as many people as possible with a message only works up to a certain point. A consistent way of presenting the message is the best, I think. Regardless if it's 1 or 3 or 5 messages per day.
Were people even paying attention to your content before you came out? Or is this a case of some people wanting to pay lipservice to a movement, but not actually commit to what it means? I will continue to support you, what you do is important. Also, the questions were rhetorical, fellow commenters. Please don't try to explain them to me.
GNB you is definitely the best you. Unsubscribers are simply missing out. By the way, it's been a joy to hear you with Conrad and Jonathan on Bostoid so much recently, and Tristan the Fairy made this old mental case giggle like I haven't giggled in months. Your work is making a difference in the lives of your subscribers.
I'm glad to hear you're doing well! Been watching for years now and you do seem so much more alive and happy since coming out, it warms my heart. For what it's worth I love the weird ad cuts, they make me question what I'm watching and really do seem to fit the often surreal feel of your show. Looking forward to what's next in this little crazy production!
Andrew Kozma
I'm glad you're doing well! Also, I'm really late to this party, apparently, but I loved the weird commercials and strange edits. It was entrancing and wonderful, and I'm said they're disappearing from the Jimquisition. (I don't catch the streams often, so don't see them there, but I'm glad they'll still be existing in that format.)
After following you for some years (6-7ish I guess and on Patron for 5 of those) I can only assume those dropping out must have been subscribers for a very short time or otherwise somehow both blind or deaf. I mean there have always been plenty of, what shall we call it, not-quite-your-average-naughty-content? Was I expecting a coming out as as trans? No, but if people can handle everything else the Jimquisition has been presenting through the years it completely baffles me that that this would be in any way shocking, or cause for cancelling.
Bruce The Genetic Jackhammer Rando
Love ya JSS
But You May Call Me... Thrackerzod
Been a long time fan of yours. Not quite as far back as possible since I never went on Destructoid, but I watched the first Escapist Jimquisition when it was new dammit. I appreciate that you're still at this, the content is still great (I like the newer formatting a lot, maybe even more than "the usual"), and let me tell you that unless you break into my home while I'm out to unsubscribe me yourself you will never get the chance to do a zero subscriber special. Rock on!
Damodarko
It's sad to see that a large reason behind your subsciber pit fall is essentially gender based, not content based (not that i'd wish that either). It's rather impactful in the sense of hard numbers, albeit expected given our not quite there yet progessiveness as humans. I hope you can focus on the surge of self worth you're experiencing and the positivity of your day to day. I also hope that at least here on patreon you get some respite from the in comment trolls and only receive the support you deserve.
Sergio Augusto
I have been enjoying the demented commercial breaks in the Jimquisition lately. I feel, as you said, that they're closer to you... and I've been watching your content for years and I'm here for you. People change (don't need to tell you that!) Overall I'm just glad you're happy now. I think the episodes have been the best they've been in some time. So hopefully you can keep doing you! Thank god for Jim Stephanie fucking Sterling!
You're James Stephanie Fucking Sterling! Nobody's going to be thanking God for anything less than that. Do you first. The rest will follow. I've followed the Jimquizition for some years now. I have to say the difference in the last few months has been fucking inspirational. If you're feeling better now, good, you deserve to feel that way. I can't speak for everyone, but I just want more James Stephanie Sterling, no compromises. Fuck what worked in the past, that's not progress. You're on the right track now, just keep looking forward. I think anyone who's been through depression can relate. It's bullshit, you gotta be tough to even make it through, and when you finally do, now you gotta play catchup for everything that slipped during that time. But you're stronger for it. And one more thing: in a world where right and wrong actually mattered, people would be ashamed to admit to NOT liking wrestling.
Hi Jim, glad to hear of many positive changes in your life. I hope you also give yourself a chance to take a proper holiday soon, for a 2-3 weeks at the very least. I would think me and all the other patreon subscribers would take no issue with this. You work ridiculously hard. Take Care Sab
James Flinders
I'm trying to come up with something wise or witty, but it's 2.40am, I just watched 4 episodes of Professor T on Britbox and I'm not 100% sure who I am lol. So here's a fuck yeah to you feeling better about yourself and taking care of yourself. I raise my glass (of milk, but don't let that spoil the moment) to you, you're bloody magnificent. PS don't cut out the ad edits too much. They make me fucking howl laughing. They get me from out of nowhere like a Ross Noble subject change. Keep doing what you do. Do what you enjoy, do what you feel is right to do. As others have said, you are almost a lone voice howling against the shit the videogames industry repeatedly and forcedly tries to bathe is in. Hopefully you'll be joined in the trenches before too long. Take care and be happy Steph, love your work and I admire and appreciate you in so many ways Cheers James
Rox
I've been following your work for a long time, and I say follow the things you give a shit about. There will always be another shitty developer doing shitty things, and I appreciate how much work you do in covering that sphere of things, but I'm here for, if you will, The Full Sterling, and I'll support whatever it is that you do. Candidly, I've never been much for wrestling- but it's your enthusiasm for it, and your drawing attention to rings outside of the mainstream, that's made it interesting for me. your passion is what makes your content engaging, I think. I'm always down to watch you rip into a particularly shoddy video game (have you seen the shovelware hitting the switch lately?) or discuss with some gravitas an actual industry issue, but I'm happy to support whatever it is you get up to beyond that, because quite frankly, I simply think you're a heartfelt individual worth supporting who genuinely cares about the people and topics put forth on the show. Authenticity and integrity are priceless and you've got them both in spades. So that's my feedback regarding the progression of the show- I know it's not the most useful, but it's mine all the same. It's been absolutely wonderful to see you come into your own, and your transformation inspires me to try and find my own way, too. You deserve to be happy and whole, despite the hardships in the way (I'm so sorry the healthcare system is so god-forsaken, hang in there!) Chronic pain and untreated ADHD are my lot in life as well, and though I'm trying to get a handle on 'em, dear lord do I know what they can do to a person's ability to get things done. You're doing the best you can as a person, and that's all anyone can reasonably expect. I appreciate the update, as always! You take care. ^^
Really glad to hear you're doing well, relative to before you came out. Hope the upward trajectory continues as far as you want it to go! Not to confuse the feedback even further (proceeds to confuse the feedback even further): I'll admit to getting a bit bored of the Jimquisition lately. It definitely has some great moments that make me crack up with laughter, but more often than not I'm watching it on a second screen now while I do something else. But that might be a symptom of me just being burnt out of gaming in general. I'm back to playing Skyrim for the millionth time, no new games are doing it for me and haven't been tickling my fancy for a while. So, to round out my confusing feedback: I dunno what you should do. Sorry. Follow the analytics? That feels dirty to type, but I guess that's the best gauge you have for what your audience actually enjoys. Anyway, I'm sure you already look at analytics so I'm just telling you how to do your job at this point. Sorry. I'll continue to be a fan and supporter even if my own enjoyment level is wavering a bit.
Vooster
Glad to hear you're doing well. As someone who has been following your content for 5 years(!!!!) I love watching you and your content change and grow over time. I found the "ad edits" confusing at first, but also completely in line with your personality and brand. As you said in your post, you're the Pogfucker, and the Conflake Homunculus...what the hell did people expect? Anyways, stay weird, Jim Stephanie, stay weird.
AJ
I like the ad edits, fuck the haters lol
Pete Spicer
You have no idea how much better you sound in posts like this, and I'm so glad you're getting to where you want to be in life. Thank god for you.
BimbleBees
Love and support you 10,000%! The only thing I ever expect/hope to see on the Jimquisition is whatever new bullshit in the industry happened between each episode. Otherwise I happily consume all the content. Experiment all you want, JS. You've got a fan in me
Daryl
I've been a long-time fan and look forward to your continued work. I especially can't wait until you have the constitution to do another deep investigative piece. Your "It's Just Cosmetic" continues to pay rewards, and "The Addictive Cost Of Predatory Videogame Monetization" is a work for the ages you should be proud of. (Like, seriously -- why don't your "peers" in "garmes jurnalizm" strive for that level of quality as well?)
Alicejack Airheart
I will always love my number 1 kissbabe <3 your coming out only makes my love stronger! You brave beautiful being
Liz Jackson
I've been watching your content for about 6 years now, but only very recently started being in the financial position to become a Patreon supporter, and I'm glad I did. Honestly, seeing your glow up since coming out has been so great and inspiring to watch. In terms of the JQ content, it is always a shame that your best episodes and most original ideas always seem to get buried by the algorithm, like the fantastic video on the politics in Dark Souls, which I think is one of the best things you've ever done. I don't really know how the algorithm works from a creator perspective, and how damaging it is for your channel to have videos that don't go that well, but I hope you are not too discouraged from making videos like that in the future.
Madeline Hunter
Yay, personal progress!! Being happy in yourself is paramount, and it's delightful to see you work towards your newest form, like a recurring character from a series
Perpetual Noob
I am so happy things have been getting better for you with your happiness and health and that the wrestling is picking up again! 😃 Sorry the Jimquisition feedback has been a mess. My vote (Ooh! Which is now stronger as the subs leave! *evil laugh dwindling to the sad realization*) is that I've loved the changes. 🙂
Godspeed, and all the best wishes for you, lady Stephanie. You are a wonderful, and beautiful person. Deserving to be happy. Keep those spirits high! Much respect, support and love. <3
Ronnie
Your weight loss have been visible in your vids lately, and I'm so happy for you. Hopefully the continual progress, and an increase in core strength, can help with the back pain. And as always, Thank God for You :)
Faith and Valor have a good month creators. Love all that you do.
I don’t want to flippantly say you should stop reading the YouTube comments but I genuinely think you might consider muting them to yourself for awhile. Audiences don’t know what they want. They don’t know what the problem they have with a show is in actuality. It sounds like the Jimquisition needs to have your hand and just your hand on the wheel for a bit while you discover what it’s becoming. Specifically free from random criticism as it progresses. This is just my opinion reading about the feedback your getting. I don’t have near a million subscribers on a channel so take this with a grain of salt. Best of luck. You have my support.
Zeffy
I am happy to see you are doing well. I have always loved your content, and you coming out makes me feel more confident with my own A-Sexual insecurity. Keep up the great work!
Emri
I too have recently been feeling good about myself after many years struggling with mental illness. You're a huge inspiration to me and I'm happy you're doing well. KEEP BEING YOU! YOURE AWESOME!
Despite the subscriber bleed on YouTube you seem exponentially happier and when I notice that I'm like, "Eh, fuck 'em. Do what makes you happy!"
Add me to the list of someone was driven to start supporting you on Patreon recently due to some of the "backlash" losing followers on youtube. I echo Scott Kemp's comment- your voice needs to be heard more than ever. I will say you seem a hell of a lot more comfortable in your own skin since coming out. As a Cis boy these are issues I've never had to personally deal with- but I must say your bravery in being truer to yourself is very inspiring. I wonder if I would have the inner strength and courage to do the same if I were in your place. Weight loss is very noticeable- glad to hear you are getting healthier. Your example is helping to motivate me in my own efforts in that regard. Until recently I really only been following your analysis and commentary about video games/industry. That said- my bother in law recently rekindled my interest in wrestling in the last few months so planning on checking out more of your exploits in that arena as well!
Bryan Roman
I'm here for everything you do. I'm happy with whatever format you want to do, whether you're hitting a list of topics in a week or just ragging on predatory behaviors of corporations or having fun with something ridiculous like the Cornflakes Homonculus. Have fun with the stuff.
Mukalytic
I really don't have anything constructive to add. Only the usual 'I am glad that you exist and grateful for all the incredible work you do for us.' So that will have to suffice. ^^
Paul Kasinski
Love you Steph!!!
Steph just to honestly say thank you for being you. God knows growing up in the UK in the 80’s amongst the aids epidemic and the resolute homophobia we had to endure - my only escape as a child dealing with my own identity crisis was to escape into 80’s cartoons / media and toys and computers / games. Your content therefore has always spoke volumes to me. Transphobia is rife and I only hope and pray that the sadness and guilt that plagued our 80’s childhoods and caused so many issues (I personally have body dysmorphic disorder that I battle with). But I hope the lessons we learned dealing with that shite somewhat gives you the strength to deal with your transition. Thank god for James Stephanie Sterling xx
DD
Looking forward to your continued thriving <3
Thomas Halpin
I'm here for it. Whatever it is you decide is good for you to do, I'm here for.
Just to add my two cents: while I was very invested in gaming 7 years ago, this has very much faded. I hardly play any new games anymore. You're the only gaming related person I still follow from back then. There are two reasons for that. Firstly, I like your personality and how it has been evolving over time, especially since coming out. Seeing you feeling happier brings genuine joy to me (especially as a non-binary person myself). Secondly, your content is expressly political. Since I believe that all art and all technology is inherently political, talking about games without talking about politics feels very hollow. These days I am much more interessted in the political side of your content. I would watch it if it wasn't about gaming at all. I do like the ad edits. I do not care about wresting. At all. Sorry. But you doing and enjoying it (and even promoting it in JimQ) doesn't bother me.
Jim Sterling
Maybe onto a mattress.
Jim Sterling
Thank you so much Scott!
Jim Sterling
Thank you for asking! So, any regular variant of my name is fine, but in casual and personal conversation, Stephanie or Steph is very common and I tend to like it most. If talking about my work, sticking with the brand name might make sense, but otherwise I'm Steph most of the time.
Jim Sterling
I am so glad you've found both yourself and a great relationship. Having tried to do marriage as entirely the wrong person, I know it can be so hard to do anything for yourself or to get out, especially when abuse or trauma is involved. Thank you so much for the kind words, and keep on being you!
I’m glad to see you’re doing so well on several fronts. As someone who has depression and anxiety issues also I know all too well how those two demons can dominate a person’s life and wellbeing. It’s so wonderful that coming out and transitioning has been such a liberation for you. It’s truly inspiring to see someone embrace their inner self. I just discovered your shows recently and I’ve been watching the hell out of them. I wish I would have discovered them sooner, because I would have made better investments in my time and money with the games I chose *cough Fallout 76 cough*. Thanks for giving honest sincere reports on games and the gaming industry in spite of idiotic lawsuits and loony corporate shenanigans. You keep doing the shows however you like it’s all good stuff.
Arjun Roy
Love you.
Jim Sterling
Bless you <3
Thank (god for) you, Jim Stephanie!
Jim Sterling
I would like to do more Squirty Plays! It's subject to the same mental blocks as the other stuff, but I have ideas for some games to check out.
Jim Sterling
I was not prepared for the euphoria. Seeing my full name written out for the first time was unbelievable though.
Jim Sterling
Yeah, apparently I'm genetically predisposed to improved cognition after exercise (I had to take a test to find out various chemical effects on my body recently). Between that and my natural aptitude for picking up wrestling, it's hard not to be a little bitter that I was apparently built for physicality, but let it all go to waste. Still, not too late!
Tyler Schuster
I feel your work has only been getting better since coming out. It's REALLY obvious how much better you're feeling.
E B
I don’t have much constructive to say, but not in a bad way, more a “I am perfectly content with the content, keep it up”. Will you be chokeslamming Jonathan though?
Scott Kemp
Your coming out and the subscriber "backlash" was the reason I finally started donating on Patreon. Your voice needs to be heard more now than ever and is worth far more than I could ever donate. Keep being you and you'll always have my support.
frank sands
Love your work! One doubt I had recently is exactly how do you prefer to be called now. Do you prefer Steph instead of Jim and she/her ? Like "Steph's amazing take on predatory mechanics and her continuous battle against evil"
Charlotte Nolan
I just wanted to say thank you for all your work and especially your more recent stuff since coming out. I’ve followed your work since the before times and you honestly feel like a friend at this point (not in a creepy way 😅) I was trapped in an abusive straight relationship for years. I was fully aware of being a lesbian but couldn’t find the strength to get out. I’m not exaggerating when I say just having you and your opinions (which validated my own existence) there for me on your shows, helped me survive those years. Even when I was trapped inside alone, I wasn’t really thanks to you. Many years, a child and a lot of trauma later I’m still here, happy (well as happy as we can be in this capitalist hellscape 😉) and in a loving relationship with a fantastic woman. Now seeing you getting happier and happier in yourself is only helping me better myself further. Thank god for you James Stephanie Sterling ♥️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
“Feeling good about myself is still a new idea to me...” really glad to hear you’re moving in that direction. I’m still trying to even get started with this concept myself. It’s inspiring to see you do the things that are core to your true self to be happy. I’ve been a supporter for years and always will be! Thanks for everything.
Adam C.
Steph, I will continue backing you until the heat death of the universe. I may not always agree with you, but you always have something interesting to say.
Natalie R
Congrats on the gender euphoria! <3 it's makes me happy to hear you're so happy and full of life. Glad your back has gotten a little better, hope it stays that way. I've always liked your show and think you bring up some really important stuff that needs to be said; keep on keepin on.
Good to see you doing well for the most part Steph! You'll always have my support no matter what. One question, are squirty plays in your long term plans for consistent content or are they more of a one off thing once and a while? They are definitely some of my favorite bits of content you do and they have been the source of many a belly laugh for yours truly!
Honeywithfangs
This is lovely! Thank you for the update and so glad you're doing well!
Don't usually comment on things like this but feel compelled to in this case. Watching you come out over the past few months has been truly inspiring and to see you looking happier and more full of life makes me really happy to see! Carry on being you and enjoying your new found happiness, but most importantly don't let the shit people put you down or impatient people push you into doing more work than is good for you. Anyway I'm crap at writing stuff like this so I'll stop now 😂 Take care
Charles Arthur
Hey. Relatively new here. Enjoyed reading the update! Sounds like you're doing great, considering, and I hope for your continued success!
NoPeaches
Congrats on the back unfucking itself, and on the gender euphoria!
SiberianHussy
Thanks for the update, lovely to hear that you've found a way to stave off back issues. I can't say I enjoy exercise, but it does make me feel markedly more present and comfortable in my existence (and helps my ADHD)!
It is amazing to hear about your progress and how well you are doing. I am so glad that you are able to be who you are and can't wait to see what comes next from you. 😁
Congrats on all the progress with exercise and weight loss! I know from experience how hard it is to keep up with that even when it's something you want.
Jim Sterling
Thank you <3
DitisEmile
Just wanted to drop by to say that I always enjoy hearing from you. (Because of the format and my auditory problems, I often can't listen to your podcast in its entirety, so this is a nice way for me to catch up!) Normally I'd leave a longer reply than this, but I'm just about to leave for my mom's (because of my own ADHD, I want to make sure to at least leave /something/ in case I forget coming back to it, though, haha!)
