Episodes

  • Outsiders: Mabel Addis
    Jun 23 2025

    Mabel Addis (1912-2004) was a pioneering educator and writer who created the first narrative-driven video game, The Sumerian Game, in 1964. Blending her expertise in history and storytelling with emerging computer technology, she became the first video game writer and the first female game designer. Though largely overlooked in her time, her work laid the foundation for educational games and narrative design in the gaming industry.

    For Further Reading:

    • Overlooked No More: Mabel Addis, Who Pioneered Storytelling in Video Gaming
    • Remembering Mabel Addis, the first video game writer, on International Women's Day
    • Mabel Addis: Teaching through interactive storytelling & games

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    6 mins
  • Outsiders: Alison Bechdel
    Jun 20 2025

    Alison Bechdel (1960-present) is an American cartoonist and graphic memoirist best known for her groundbreaking comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For and her acclaimed graphic memoir Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (2006). Bechdel is also known for the "Bechdel Test," a measure of gender representation in fiction. In 2014, she was awarded a MacArthur "Genius" Grant for her contributions to literature and visual storytelling.

    For Further Reading:

    • Alison Bechdel | Biography, Comics, Books, & Facts | Britannica
    • Cartoonist and Graphic Memoirist Alison Bechdel, 2014 MacArthur Fellow
    • What is the Bechdel test? A shorthand for measuring representation in movies : NPR

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    5 mins
  • Outsiders: Rosa Bonheur
    Jun 19 2025

    Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) was a French artist best known for her realist style paintings, mostly focused on animals and rural life in France and Europe. Rosa shattered conventions for women at the time, never marrying, wearing men's clothes, and always advocating for her work as being equal, if not better, than male artists.

    For Further Reading:

    • Art is a Tyrant: The Unconventional Life of Rosa Bonheur by Catherine Hewitt
    • The Redemption of Rosa Bonheur
    • Rich, Famous and Then Forgotten: The Art of Rosa Bonheur
    • The Portrait That Forged a “Divine Marriage” Between Two 19th-Century Women Painters

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Outsiders: Siouxsie Sioux
    Jun 18 2025

    Siouxsie Sioux (1957-present) is an English musician and cultural icon who helped shape the punk and gothic rock movements with her band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Known for her commanding stage presence, fierce makeup and fashion, and defiant lyrics, she broke boundaries for women in music.

    For Further Reading:

    • Siouxsie Sioux: 'I've always felt on the outside' – a classic interview from the vaults
    • A Conversation With Siouxsie Sioux
    • Siouxsie Sioux at 60: more than a monochrome goth-pop priestess
    • The high priestess of punk: Siouxsie Sioux and her profound impact
    • Kaleidoscope: A Retrospective of Siouxsie and The Banshees
    • Siouxsie and the Banshees: Back to Black

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • Outsiders: Táhirih
    Jun 17 2025

    Táhirih (c. 1814 - 1852) was a poet, theologian, and revolutionary. Born into privilege in 19th-century Persia, she defied religious and cultural expectations to become a leading voice in the Bábí movement. Her fearless advocacy for women’s equality and her dramatic unveiling at the Conference of Badasht shocked a nation. Though executed for her beliefs, her words and legacy continue to inspire movements for justice and freedom today.

    For Further Reading:

    • Reflecting on Two Revolutionary Characters of Faith: The Apostle Paul and Jenab-i Táhirih
    • The legend of Persia’s Qurrat al-’Ayn Tahirih, who publicly unveiled and inspired a long revolution
    • Tahirih was a Persion feminist pioneer we don’t hear enough about
    • Tahirih unveiled: poet, theologian and revolutionary
    • Tahirih A Portrait in Poetry
    • Point by Point
    • Look Up!

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Outsiders: Clara Campoamor
    Jun 16 2025

    Clara Campoamor (1888-1972) was a Spanish politician, lawyer, and writer, considered by some to be the mother of the Spanish feminist movement. She championed the inclusion of women's suffrage in the 1931 Spanish Constitution and was elected to the Constituent Courts in 1931, becoming one of the first women in Spanish parliament.

    For Further Reading:

    • Clara Campoamor · Pioneering Female Jurists
    • Clara Campoamor. Una mujer adelantada a su tiempo
    • Clara Campoamor (1888 – 1972) | WOMAN LEADER
    • La diputada Campoamor y los derechos civiles y políticos de las mujeres

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Outsiders: Aouta Kéita
    Jun 13 2025

    Aouta Kéita (1912-1980) was a Malian midwife, political activist and writer. She was one of the first women in French West Africa to become a professionally trained midwife. She was an activist and supporter of independence and women’s rights, and the first woman to serve in Mali’s National Assembly. Her autobiography is considered a landmark feminist text in African literature.

    For Further Reading:

    • Aoua Kéita (1912-1980)
    • Aoua Kéita: pioneering the path for African women's empowerment - The New Times
    • Aoua Keita (1912–1980): Anti-Colonial Activist, Nationalist Politician, and Feminist in Mali (West Africa)

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Outsiders: Amy Winehouse
    Jun 12 2025

    Amy Winehouse (1983-2011) was an English singer-songwriter whose unique vocals and genre mixing made her a household name with just two albums in her career.

    For Further Reading:

    • Amy Winehouse: Biography, Musician, Grammy Winner
    • Growing up with my sister Amy Winehouse
    • Amy Winehouse, British Soul Singer With a Troubled Life, Dies at 27
    • Amy Winehouse Remembered: “Her intelligence astounded me…”

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins