Herstory

Making Herstory: Amanda Novoa

Welcome to another Making Herstory! Today, Shelby sits down with Live Event Show Caller, Amanda Novoa. What's a show caller, you ask? That's the person with the headset who keeps your live shows, like the Oscars and Grammys, on schedule. It's a fascinating career, and Amanda talks about how she broke into the business, its pros and cons, and what it's like being a woman in a male-dominated field. Bonus: She has a soothing voice, so if you're having trouble sleeping, you can recycle the episo...

Making Herstory: Rebecca Pinette

PARENTAL ADVISORY: Today's episode has sexual content, so parents take note for our underage Herstorians. Shelby had the pleasure of sitting down with sex toy company Exsens' North/South American Brand Manager, Rebecca Picette. They discussed it all: cool toys, the sex business, women's sexuality, and so much more. It's an intimate conversation (literally), so find a quiet nook, and take a listen.

Sushi Chefs

Did you know, that it's believed by some that women cannot be sushi chefs? Shelby and Amy wanted to find out why, so Shelby did some research to deliver the ridiculous and antiquated reasons women are discouraged from the craft. Amy tells us about Yumi Chiba, a badass lady sushi chef, pushing the boundaries of tradition.

Making Herstory: Risa Barash

On this week's episode, Shelby talks with former comic and current business owner, Risa Barash. For all of the parents out there, you may already be familiar with her hygiene products for teens and preteens: TBH Kids and Fairy Tales Hair Care. Risa was doing the New York comedy circuit when she stumbled upon a great product to help prevent kids from getting lice. It took some hustling, but she eventually built herself, and her family, a million dollar business. Plus, she's a lot of fun to ta...

Our Herstory

To celebrate Women's History Month, Shelby and Amy are talking about the importance of female friendships by discussing theirs. For those of you who like to hear the two reminisce about days gone by, this one is for you!

Making Herstory: Kelly Mondora

Today, we meet an awesome lady with an innovative mind and an entrepreneurial spirit! Kelly Mondora is the founder of Ilios Lighting - a line of beautiful and functional make-up mirrors that mimc daylight. (Seriously, the mirrors are gorgeous. Check them out for yourself at www.ilioslighting.co) She's also an inventor with several patents under her belt. That's cool. Kelly talks about how she got into lighting in the first place, how she transitioned into make-up mirrors, and the ins and o...

The New Embryo Alabama Law with Jennifer Welch

Today, Shelby sits down with healthcare proffesional Jennifer Welch to discuss the potential ramifications of the new "Embryos Are People" Alabama law. Wonder what this law means in the long-run? So do we. Take a listen to find out more.

Con Artists

Amy is back for this scanndalous episdoe, all about lady con artists! Shelby covers the Fox Sisters, who are believed to have been the ones to start the Spiritualism movement in the 1800s. Amy discusses beauty salon owner and snake oil saleswoman, Sarah Rachel Russell (AKA Madame Rachel).

Party of One: South Korea's 4B Movement

Shelby goes at it alone to discuss the "radical" feminist movement in South Korea - 4B. Don't like patriarchy? How about shun it entirely by leaving men behind in this all-or-nothing way of life. Intrigued? Take a listen.

Wales

Today, we visit Amy's Motherland - Wales. Shelby discusses the famous Welsh nurse, Betsi Cadwaladr. Amy covers the '80s icon good-girl aesthetic designer, Laura Ashley. 

Party of One: The Herstory of Purses

Amy is still sick, so Shelby went at it alone again! Today, we take a medium dive into the herstory of purses. Although not just an accessories for the ladies, purses are essential to many women due to the lack of pockets offered in our clothing.

Party of One: MLK Day 2023

Welcome to our new series titled Party of One. Amy wasn't feeling well, so Shelby took it upon herself to do a solo show so we wouldn't skip a week. If you hate it, no worries! You'll get a traditional show with us both next week. Surprise! Today, we celebrate MLK Day with some badass ladies! First, Shelby covers Joy Buolamwini, an MIT grad student who discovered AI facial recognition could not register some faces due to racial and gender bias. And she's doing something about it! Next is i...

Toy Makers

Divorcees

They say 50% of marriages end in divorce, so that's a lot of material for this podcast! Covering divorcees in this ep was a blast. Shelby goes WAY back to the Roman Empire (something men apparently think of on the daily) and discusses the tumultuous end of Fausta's arranged marriage to Constantine. Amy makes it a bit more current while she explains the MANY divorces of screen siren Lana Turner. 

Cat Ladies

We're back to real-time, and we're celebrating by discussing one of our favorite subjects - CATS! Shelby covers Ellen Chapman, one of the first-ever female lion tamers, while Amy goes over how cats have been linked to women since the beginning of time. Cat lovers rejoice! 

The Voice of...

Who are the women behind the most iconic AI female voices? We did the research, so you don't have to. Shelby covers the original iPhone lady herself, Siri. Amy delves into the woman behind your at-home personal assistant, Alexa. 

Comebacks

Well, hello listener and fellow Herstorian. We've missed you, but we're back. To celebrate, we're covering women who came back fighting, even when the chips were down! Amy covers Eleanor of Aquitaine, a queen twice over. Shelby discusses Indian mountaineer Arunima Sinha. We also apologize for a few technical glitches during the recording. It doesn't hinder the listening TOO much.

Make-up Moguls

We have to put on our faces for this episode because we're covering make-up moguls. Shelby is sick, so bear with her while she discusses the Houstonian princess of pink, Mary Kay Ash. Amy educates us on glam gal and one of make-up's firsts, Merle Norman. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Demons

For this Halloween episode, we're covering demons. You know them. They're mean as hell. Shelby discusses Baba Yaga, a demon ogress who likes to eat children. Amy talks about Lady Midday (aka Poludnista), who happens to be a day demon, whatever that is. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Fashion

It's all about the fashion, baby! Shelby talks about the herstory of the bustle and the g-string. Amy educates us on bras and corsets. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Sea Captains

Today we're covering the lady bosses of the sea! Shelby discusses one of the most famous sea captains and pirates of all time, Grace O'Malley. Amy educates us on Naomi James, the first woman to have sailed single-handed around the world via Cape Horn, and the second woman to have ever sailed solo around the world. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast    

Iran

Due to current events, Shelby and Amy cover the Islamic Revolution and the murder of Mahsa Amini. If you'd like to help Iranians work around censored internet, go to snowflake.torproject.org for more information.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Animals & Insects

Lions and elephants and bees, oh my! Today we cover lady non-humans. Amy educates us on the Western Short-Horned Walkingstick. Shelby discusses some animal matriarchy with elephants and bees.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Lebanon

It's Shelby's Motherland! We're off to Lebanon. Shelby covers the founder of KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation against women and girls, Zoya Rouhana. Amy discusses the heavy metal band Slave to Sirens. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

World Record Holders

Some ladies are the best of the best, so let's talk about World Record Holders. Shelby covers the oldest documented woman ever to live, Jeanne Calment. Amy discusses the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and the first woman to ascend the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak on every continent, Junko Tabei. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Professors

School is back in session, and to celebrate, we're covering lady professors. Shelby discusses Black American educator Sarah Jane Woodson Early, who also happened to have a pretty cool family. Amy tells us about Marjorie Lee Browne, a mathematician who just LOVES MATH! Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Making Herstory - Ruby Wendell

In today's episode, Shelby interviews small business owner Ruby Wendell. Ruby tells us how she started staging homes in Los Angeles and gives great advice to anyone interested in starting their own business. Check out her IG account, rubyjwendell.interiors, for some great home decor inspo. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Groupies

She's with the band. Today, we talk about groupies! Shelby discusses Cynthia "Plaster Caster" Albritton. She not only loved English rock stars, but she was also an artist in her own right. Amy talks about Cleo Odzer who not only enjoyed the groupie lifestyle but also authored books about prostitution, the hippie lifestyle in India, and cybersex.  This episode contains sexual content, so listener beware. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: ...

Farmers

If you're into food, you're going to love this episode about lady farmers. Shelby discusses the Woman's Land Army of America, a WWI and WWII program bringing women to the fields while the menfolk went off to war. Amy educates us on Pappammal, an Indian organic farmer who also happens to be the oldest farmer still active in the fields. WARNING: We talk about sex in this episode.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Making Herstory - Jennifer Welch

On a very special Herstory, we get to sit down with former nurse, retired healthcare executive, and all-around awesome human, Jennifer Welch. We talk about abortions, and she shares her own story. This is a fascinating episode. Jennifer knows what she's talking about. EVERYONE should listen to this one.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Making Herstory - Perspectives on the Reversal of Roe v Wade

On a very special Herstory, we get to sit down with former nurse, retired healthcare executive, and all-around awesome human, Jennifer Welch. We talk about abortions, and she shares her own story. This is a fascinating episode. Jennifer knows what she's talking about. EVERYONE should listen to this one.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Women of the French Revolution

Off with their heads! In honor of Bastille Day, we take a deep-dive into the lives of a couple of women involved in the French Revolution. Amy takes us on a wild ride with the life of the doomed Madame du Barry. Shelby discusses the intriguing tale of Theroigne de Mericourt. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

NASCAR

Take a spin around the track with us while we talk about 2 cool ladies of NASCAR. Shelby discusses Mexican stock car racing driver, Mara Reyes. Amy takes it to the pit and educates us on tire-changer, Brehanna Daniels. She was the first African American woman in a NASCAR Cup Series pit crew and part of the first female duo to do pit crew work. How cool is that? Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Post Roe Info

It's a scary time to be a person with a uterus in the United States right now. Shelby and Amy do a deep dive to try to decipher what we can do now that Roe v Wade has been overturned. Check it out, and send any info you may have to [email protected].  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

The Brass Section - Trumpeters

Let's give a shoutout to the brass section. We love that these women get to toot their own horns. Amy talks about one of the founding members of Sly and the Family Stone, Cynthia Robinson. Shelby discusses the first female trumpet player in a well-known orchestra, Susan Slaughter. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Meanies

Let's face it. Some women are just mean. Amy educates us on Madagascar's Ranavalona I. This woman did not play games. Shelby discusses the Queen of Mean herself, Leona Helmsley.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Magicians

Abracadabra! Women of illusion are this week's topic. Amy covers the "Queen of Magic," Adelaide Herrmann. Shelby discusses the "Georgia Wonder," Lulu Hurst. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Poland

Buckle up everyone because we're off to Poland! Shelby covers WWII badass,  Irena Sendlerowa. She helped a bunch of Jewish kids (specifically) escape the Nazis. Amy did extra credit and educates us on 2 amazing  Polish women from days gone by: The first female to attend university - Nawojka,  and Poland's first female surgeon - Magdalena Bendzisławska. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Survivors

And we're back! Amy survived Covid, and the women we're covering today survived their catastrophes. Amy covers Juliane Koepcke, who made it through a plane crash as a teenager. Shelby discusses sailor and author Tami Oldham Ashcraft who survived 41 days at sea. Buckle up because this episode is a nail-biter.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

This Damn Pandemic

Herstorians! Apologies, but Amy has the Covid, so we have to skip this week. We hate disappointing you, so listen to Shelby critique Ojai, CA instead. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Some Herstory on Abortion

Well, we knew it was coming. They're prepping to take away a woman's body autonomy in the US, so let's educate ourselves about abortions. Shelby discusses abortion methods used throughout human history while Amy talks about the fascinating Jane Collective, an underground abortion service before Roe v. Wade was passed in the US. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Renaissance

Ahhh, the days of yore. Today we're covering 2 captivating women from the Renaissance era. Amy discusses Italian poet and court writer, Christine de Pizan. Shelby shares the scandalous life of Christina, Queen of Sweden. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Punk Rock

Time to RAGE!!! We're covering lady punk rockers on this week's episode. Amy educates us on German singer/songwriter/actress, Nina Hagen. Shelby talks about English singer/songwriter and frontwoman for X-Ray Spex, Poly Styrene. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

The Gilded Age

If you're obsessed with the HBO show, you'll love this week's Gilded Age episode. Shelby covers The Mrs. Astor, Caroline Schermerhorn Astor. Amy educates us on another society bigwig, Marion Graves Anthon Fish. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Australia

Crikey, we're going to Australia! Amy covers the harrowing tale of Martu Aboriginal woman, Molly Kelly. Shelby discusses Olympic swimming medal winners, Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Prisons

Inspired by Shelby's recent visit to Alcatraz, we're covering Prisons. It's a broad topic, we know. Amy discusses the history of women's prisons (with STATS), mainly in the United States. Shelby talks about the women (wives of guards) and girls (daughters) who lived on Alcatraz island.  Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Explorers

Let's travel around the world with lady explorers. Circumnavigate the globe with Shelby and Nellie Bly. Amy covers Aloha Wanderwell who drove across the world. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Oops in March

Argh! Technical difficulties left you without a March 14th episode! Here is our apology. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Have you heard? We have a new Supreme Court nominee, and we want to know about her. Shelby and Amy cover the fluffy resume of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast  

Superheroes

It's time to stand up and FIGHT! This week, we're covering superheroes. Amy educates us on DC Comic badass, Anita Fite. Shelby explains the origin of martial arts extraordinaire, Katana. Intro Song: What I Do by Kristy Krüger © ℗ Just Like Freddy Music ASCAP Instagram: herstorythepodcast