Clever Girls

Kimberlee and Allison discuss Halloween's origins and two women whose stories are on the spooky side of history. Catherine Monvoisin was a professional sorcerer and poisoner in France during Louis XIV's reign while Marie Laveau was a renowned Voodoo Queen in 1800's New Orleans.

Allison and Kimberlee celebrate the start of the school year discussing two educators who blazed trails to educate their communities and advocate for disenfranchised groups. Both Savitribai Phule and Mary McLeod Bethune initially made their mark by opening schools for girls who had little to no educational opportunities and both women then went on to champion civil and women's rights.

Kimberlee and Allison discuss two female comic book characters who take a stand and make a difference. Kamala Khan is new to the scene as the current Ms. Marvel, following the former Ms. (and also Captain) Marvel, Carol Danvers. Lois Lane is one of the oldest female comic book characters, working as an award-winning investigative journalist. The depictions of their characters reflect society's changing views on many issues, particularly of women.

Alana and Allison wrap up Alana's reign as guest host discussing two women who ruled ancient Egypt. Hatshepsut came to the throne in 1478 BC and ruled for 20 years as one of Egypt's most successful pharaohs. Nefertiti co-ruled as queen with her husband beginning in 1353 BC, and may have ruled as pharaoh after his death.

Alana and Allison discuss two award winning filmmakers, Patty Jenkins and Ava DuVernay. Along with their other works and achievements, with Wonder Woman and A Wrinkle in Time, they're the first two women to direct live action films with budgets of over $100 million.

Stop the presses! Allison and Alana discuss two journalists whose investigative work at the turn of the 20th century impacted policy and shaped conversations about injustices at the time. Among their many achievements, Nellie Bly exposed abuse of mental health patients while Ida B. Wells documented lynching in the South.

Allison is joined this episode by special guest host Alana Myles! Allison and Alana discuss two artists who challenged the status quo with their art. Amrita Sher- Gil was a pioneer in modern Indian art and has been called India's Frida Kahlo. Barbara Kruger is an American conceptual artist whose work addresses issues of power, consumerism, identity, and sexuality.

In honor of the Fourth of July, Allison and Kimberly discuss four women who took an active role in the Revolutionary War, from fighting with the Continental Army to spying on British officers.

Allison and Kimberlee discuss two young girls who faced hardships head on and created opportunities to help and inspire others. Alexandra Scott held lemonade stands to raise money for childhood cancer research, leading to the creation of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Mari Copeny used her position as Little Miss Flint to raise awareness of the Flint water crisis and continues to give back to children in her community.

As the month of Ramadan ends, Kimberlee and Allison discuss two Muslim women who dedicated their lives to the improvement of their communities. Shirin Ebadi broke barriers with her legal career in Iran, and has dedicated her life to fighting for human rights, earning the Nobel Peace Prize and founding Iran's Defenders of Human Rights Center. Fatima Al-Fihri dedicated herself to her community, founding the world's oldest existing, continually operating university.