Amy McPhee Allebest, founder and host of the podcast Breaking Down Patriarchy, joins Meg in this episode to share what she has learned about prehistoric egalitarian societies. She highlights the discovery of Venus statues discovered all across Europe, the Near East, and Asia along with other evidence that suggests the practice of goddess worship not only in the Neolithic period, but extending back to Paleolithic times. Amy and Meg discuss the presence and subsequent fading of a belief in Goddesses from various ancient peoples. Looking back through the corridors of history illuminates that though these cultural changes often happen slowly and imperceptibly over hundreds of years, others occur swiftly and intentionally. Seeing these changes in how God has been perceived across the ages gives rise to the hope that one day a female deity will be revered as all-powerful once again, or perhaps even a more insclusive conception of God could materialize.

Amy cites the work of archaologist Marija Gimbutas as well as Angela Saini. We recommend looking up their books for an even deeper dive into the history of patriarchy.