All Episodes

March 30, 2025 β€’ 64 mins

Danielle May Laidley was known by a different name for the first 53 years of her life. We are so proud that this episode is a contributing factor to her reclaiming her narrative as a transgender woman.

An extremely talented AFL footballer, Danielle would go on to become a highly respected coach, always keeping within arm’s reach the version of herself which felt most authentic.

Danielle’s story, in its entirety, is so incredibly important that we had to split it over two big and special episodes.

In this first part, we are introduced to phase 1 of her life: the footballer, the husband and the coach and with an addictive personality that caused her to become tough, fierce and obsessed with footy.

Danielle discusses with Hugh, Ryan, and Josh the strict compartmentalisation of the different parts of her life during her AFL career, and the terrifying risks she took to satisfy the cravings to be her authentic self.

You can watch the entire interview (Part One and Part Two) on YouTube, here – https://bit.ly/3FJ8Lw2 

πŸ«– Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

πŸ“– Things to read

πŸ“Ί Things to watch

πŸ–ΌοΈ If you want to join out patreon A Little More Imperfects, go to www.patreon.com/theimperfects

☎ If you need support after listening to this episode, these are a few great places to start:

  • QLife - 1800 184 527
  • Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Β© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.