Interview with Anshu Christa Jacobson

Anshu Christa Jacobson is a truly remarkable woman whose life and accomplishments defy convention, transcend borders, and challenge every preconceived notion we might have about what it means to be a warrior, an artist, and a human being. Anshu is the Headmistress of the Budo Ryu Kai, one of the most respected and sought-after instructors in both traditional and eclectic martial arts, and a celebrated member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. She is widely recognized as the only non-Japanese individual to have been awarded a Menkyo Kaiden, the highest license in Japanese martial arts, and Sokeship, signifying her status as inheritor and grandmaster of a koryu bujutsu/ninjutsu tradition. Anshu’s journey into the martial arts is as unconventional as it is inspiring. While many may find her path through the disciplined halls of combat training impressive on its own, it is her unwavering commitment to authenticity, history, and integrity that sets her apart. In 2004, disillusioned by mainstream schools misrepresenting the art of ninjutsu, she founded Budo Ryu Kai to preserve and teach real, traditional ninjutsu, combining her extensive research, personal experience, and deep spiritual insight to create a holistic system that develops the mind, body, and spirit.

 

Today, her teachings resonate on an international scale, with students from across the globe following her instruction and guidance. But Anshu’s talents and passions do not stop at martial arts. She is an openly practicing Wiccan, deeply connected to nature and ancient spiritual practices, and she is equally known for her work in adult entertainment as an escort, courtesan, and erotic dancer, a choice she views as an essential expression of personal freedom, art, and femininity. Anshu embraces every facet of her identity unapologetically, embodying the belief that the human body, its sensuality, and its capacity for expression are forms of art that should never be constrained by society or government. Her life story is also one of courage, resilience, and authenticity. As a transgender woman, Anshu faced immense challenges when she began her transition at the age of 26: the loss of friends, family difficulties, and even a thriving business. Yet, she pursued her truth with unwavering determination, proving that strength and identity cannot be defined by the limitations imposed by others.

Interview with Marie-Pierre Pruvot

Monika & Elaine: Today it is our pleasure and honor to interview Marie-Pierre Pruvot, also known as Bambi, one of the most inspirational transwomen in France, a former showgirl of Le Carrousel de Paris, actress, French literature teacher, the author of two biographical books. Hello Marie-Pierre!

Marie-Pierre: Hello, dear friends.

Monika & Elaine: The French transgender cabaret culture is regarded as one of the most important elements of the history of transwomen in France. Your unforgettable shows at Chez Madame Arthur and La Carrousel attracted a lot of interest, which helped the audience to get acquainted with the trans phenomenon. How do you recollect those years?

Marie-Pierre: I left Algiers at age 18 and I came to Paris to work at Mme Arthur’s and at the Carousel. It was 1953. Coccinelle was 22 years old. She was already famous in France and the French-speaking world.

Interview with Carla Combs

It is always a special privilege to revisit stories that once touched me deeply and to reconnect with the inspiring individuals who shared them. Back in February 2013, I had the honor of interviewing Carla. At the time, Carla was already a remarkable woman whose journey was defined by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. She was a wife, a parent, and a proud grandmother. She had served in the United States Air Force Space Command during Operation Desert Storm before being discharged in 1991 when it was discovered that she was transgender. By 2013, she was working as a software developer in Nashville, studying full-time, and finding her voice as a writer, speaker, activist, and advocate for the transgender community. Carla’s activism had been deeply shaped by tragedy. In 2008, she and her wife, Jaime Combs, were present when a lone gunman opened fire in their church sanctuary, targeting its welcoming embrace of LGBT people. That act of violence, which took the life of a close friend, set Carla on a path of speaking out for those who could not. Her voice became not only personal but also political, carrying the weight of lived experience and the determination to change a world that too often silenced people like her.

Interview with Hannah Abigail

Hannah Abigail’s life is a story of courage, curiosity, and breaking boundaries, both on the ground and in the sky. A German college teacher, skydiving instructor, trans advocate, and YouTube vlogger, Hannah has spent decades living authentically, inspiring others to embrace their true selves along the way. At 55, she embodies a rare blend of intellect, athleticism, and compassion, navigating the world with humor, grace, and an unshakable sense of self. Her roots reach across borders: though she grew up in Cottbus, Germany, Hannah has a deep, personal connection to Poland, where she spent much of her youth learning the language and exploring the country. This early exposure instilled in her a lasting respect for culture, history, and human connection. On the personal front, Hannah has been married to her wife for 33 years, transitioning in the last three. Together, they raised two children, and Hannah now enjoys her role as a grandparent, delighting in the small, humorous moments of family life. Professionally, Hannah teaches English at college, though her academic background spans physics and astronomy, a testament to her wide-ranging curiosity.

Interview with SoSara

There are many different ways to tell one’s story, but few are as raw, immediate, and impactful as speaking directly into a camera and letting the world in. Today’s guest has done exactly that. Known on YouTube as SoSara, she is a Canadian video blogger who documents her transition with honesty, humor, and vulnerability. For her, vlogging is more than just a personal outlet; it’s a lifeline for others who may feel alone in their struggles, and a way to show the world the everyday reality of being a transgender woman and a mother of two. Sara’s channel stands out because she doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. She shares both the highs and the lows, the victories of self-discovery, the painful challenges of navigating public perception, and the quiet moments of resilience that often go unseen. In doing so, she not only educates those outside of the transgender community but also uplifts those within it, reminding them that they are not alone and that happiness and confidence are possible. What makes Sara especially relatable is her down-to-earth approach. She is not trying to be a celebrity or a polished media figure. Instead, she emphasizes being a “regular person” who works hard, raises her two daughters, and strives to live authentically. 

Interview with MJ Rodriguez

Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez, better known to the world as MJ Rodriguez, is an actress, singer, and trailblazer whose career has been defined by authenticity, resilience, and extraordinary talent. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, MJ discovered her love for the stage at a young age, immersing herself in performing arts schools and honing the skills that would later propel her into the spotlight. Her breakout role as Angel Dumott Schunard in a celebrated theater production of Rent earned her the 2011 Clive Barnes Award, marking the beginning of a journey that would see her redefine what it means to be a performer in both theater and television. Over the years, MJ has captivated audiences with her magnetic presence and raw emotional power, appearing in acclaimed series such as Nurse Jackie, The Carrie Diaries, and Luke Cage. Each role has allowed her to bring heart, nuance, and authenticity to the screen, earning widespread acclaim and cementing her status as one of the most compelling talents of her generation.