The Pink Aisle

At long last, after anticipating this film for multiple years, Emma and Henry have seen the 2023 Barbie film and might have just as many thoughts as tears Henry shed in watching this film. How do we contend with the many beautiful and contentious contradictions that can be found in this movie and its messages? Listen and you might find it... SUBLIME!

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Support the Entertainment Community Fund: https://entertainmentcommunity.org/

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us at @pinkaislepodcast on Tumblr or  @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected] or support the show at patreon.com/henrykathman

In our final part of this retrospective on Ruth Handler's life, we explore her time at Mattel overseeing Barbie's rise to fame, the disasters that saw her leave Mattel, the cancer diagnosis that changed her life, and the personal and legal trials she faced as she was separated from her prized creation, Barbie. What do these things say about Handler and Barbie's legacy, listen and find out!

Listen to Part 1 Here, Listen to Part 2 Here

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us at @pinkaislepodcast on Tumblr or  @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected] or support the show at patreon.com/henrykathman

Works Cited

“Barbie Doll Vintage Clothes Identified 1959.” Doll Reference, 2004, www.dollreference.com/barbie_clothes1959.html. Accessed 23 June 2023.

Gerber, Robin. Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her. United States, HarperCollins, 2009.

Kershaw, Sarah. “Ruth Handler, Whose Barbie Gave Dolls Curves, Dies at 85.” The New York Times, 29 Apr. 2002, www.nytimes.com/2002/04/29/arts/ruth-handler-whose-barbie-gave-dolls-curves-dies-at-85.html.

Lepore, Jill. “When Barbie Went to War with Bratz.” The New Yorker, Condé Nast, Advance Publications, 15 Jan. 2018, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/22/when-barbie-went-to-war-with-bratz.

Lindsey, Robert. “A Million‐Dollar Business from a Mastectomy.” The New York Times, 19 June 1977, www.nytimes.com/1977/06/19/archives/a-milliondollar-business-from-a-mastectomy.html. Accessed 23 June 2023.

“MISS SAIGON" 1996 GERMANY CONVENTION BARBIE by ROBERT WEININGER | #497781847.” Worthpoint, WorthPoint Corporation , www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/miss-saigon-1996-germany-convention-497781847. Accessed 23 June 2023.

Moore, Andrew. “Hedonism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 17 Oct. 2013, plato.stanford.edu/entries/hedonism/.

Rainey, Clint. “A Horrific Environmental Disaster Is Happening in Ohio, and You May Not Even Have Heard about It.” Fast Company, Mansueto Ventures, LLC, 10 Feb. 2023, www.fastcompany.com/90848025/ohio-train-derailment-toxic-chemicals-pvc-spill-fire-disaster.

Slater, Lee. Barbie Developer: Ruth Handler. United States, Abdo Publishing, 2016.

Touvila, Alicia. “Bill-And-Hold Basis.” Investopedia, Dotdash Meredith , 18 Mar. 2023, www.investopedia.com/terms/b/buy_and_hold_basis.asp.

Turner, Christopher. “The Hidden Persuader.” Cabinet, vol. 1, no. 44, 2011. Reading Design, www.readingdesign.org/hidden-persuader. Accessed 23 June 2023.

“Vinyl Chloride - Cancer-Causing Substances - National Cancer Institute.” Www.cancer.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 20 Mar. 2015, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride#:~:text=Which%20cancers%20are%20associated%20with.

Wong, Mia, and Robert Evans. Part One: The Slavery Loving Fascist Who Built Modern Japan. Coolzone Media, 21 Sept. 2021, www.iheart.com/podcast/105-behind-the-bastards-29236323/episode/part-one-the-slavery-loving-fascist-87145628/, disc 1/3. Podcast.

This week, we continue to explore the life of Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie, as we specifically discuss the process she went through in the creation of the doll. A process that included Japanese war criminals, unscrupulous business deals, and a shockingly horny psychologist. How was Barbie able to succeed in these strange and challenging circumstances? Listen and find out!

Listen to Part 1 Here

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us at @pinkaislepodcast on Tumblr or  @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected] or support the show at patreon.com/henrykathman

Works Cited

“Barbie Doll Vintage Clothes Identified 1959.” Doll Reference, 2004, www.dollreference.com/barbie_clothes1959.html. Accessed 23 June 2023.

Gerber, Robin. Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her. United States, HarperCollins, 2009.

Kershaw, Sarah. “Ruth Handler, Whose Barbie Gave Dolls Curves, Dies at 85.” The New York Times, 29 Apr. 2002, www.nytimes.com/2002/04/29/arts/ruth-handler-whose-barbie-gave-dolls-curves-dies-at-85.html.

Lepore, Jill. “When Barbie Went to War with Bratz.” The New Yorker, Condé Nast, Advance Publications, 15 Jan. 2018, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/22/when-barbie-went-to-war-with-bratz.

Lindsey, Robert. “A Million‐Dollar Business from a Mastectomy.” The New York Times, 19 June 1977, www.nytimes.com/1977/06/19/archives/a-milliondollar-business-from-a-mastectomy.html. Accessed 23 June 2023.

“MISS SAIGON" 1996 GERMANY CONVENTION BARBIE by ROBERT WEININGER | #497781847.” Worthpoint, WorthPoint Corporation , www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/miss-saigon-1996-germany-convention-497781847. Accessed 23 June 2023.

Moore, Andrew. “Hedonism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 17 Oct. 2013, plato.stanford.edu/entries/hedonism/.

Rainey, Clint. “A Horrific Environmental Disaster Is Happening in Ohio, and You May Not Even Have Heard about It.” Fast Company, Mansueto Ventures, LLC, 10 Feb. 2023, www.fastcompany.com/90848025/ohio-train-derailment-toxic-chemicals-pvc-spill-fire-disaster.

Slater, Lee. Barbie Developer: Ruth Handler. United States, Abdo Publishing, 2016.

Touvila, Alicia. “Bill-And-Hold Basis.” Investopedia, Dotdash Meredith , 18 Mar. 2023, www.investopedia.com/terms/b/buy_and_hold_basis.asp.

Turner, Christopher. “The Hidden Persuader.” Cabinet, vol. 1, no. 44, 2011. Reading Design, www.readingdesign.org/hidden-persuader. Accessed 23 June 2023.

“Vinyl Chloride - Cancer-Causing Substances - National Cancer Institute.” Www.cancer.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 20 Mar. 2015, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride#:~:text=Which%20cancers%20are%20associated%20with.

Wong, Mia, and Robert Evans. Part One: The Slavery Loving Fascist Who Built Modern Japan. Coolzone Media, 21 Sept. 2021, www.iheart.com/podcast/105-behind-the-bastards-29236323/episode/part-one-the-slavery-loving-fascist-87145628/, disc 1/3. Podcast.

This is part one of three of our retrospective mini-series examining the life and legacy of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler. In this section, we explore Handler's early life as Henry explains to Emma the different challenges she and her husband faced before creating the doll we all know and love, including scandalous marriages, antisemitism, a changing manufacturing industry, and a something called a Uke-a-Doodle. What does all of this have to do with Barbie? Listen and find out!

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us at @pinkaislepodcast on Tumblr or  @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected] or support the show at patreon.com/henrykathman

Works Cited

“Barbie Doll Vintage Clothes Identified 1959.” Doll Reference, 2004, www.dollreference.com/barbie_clothes1959.html. Accessed 23 June 2023.

Gerber, Robin. Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her. United States, HarperCollins, 2009.

Kershaw, Sarah. “Ruth Handler, Whose Barbie Gave Dolls Curves, Dies at 85.” The New York Times, 29 Apr. 2002, www.nytimes.com/2002/04/29/arts/ruth-handler-whose-barbie-gave-dolls-curves-dies-at-85.html.

Lepore, Jill. “When Barbie Went to War with Bratz.” The New Yorker, Condé Nast, Advance Publications, 15 Jan. 2018, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/22/when-barbie-went-to-war-with-bratz.

Lindsey, Robert. “A Million‐Dollar Business from a Mastectomy.” The New York Times, 19 June 1977, www.nytimes.com/1977/06/19/archives/a-milliondollar-business-from-a-mastectomy.html. Accessed 23 June 2023.

“MISS SAIGON" 1996 GERMANY CONVENTION BARBIE by ROBERT WEININGER | #497781847.” Worthpoint, WorthPoint Corporation , www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/miss-saigon-1996-germany-convention-497781847. Accessed 23 June 2023.

Moore, Andrew. “Hedonism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 17 Oct. 2013, plato.stanford.edu/entries/hedonism/.

Rainey, Clint. “A Horrific Environmental Disaster Is Happening in Ohio, and You May Not Even Have Heard about It.” Fast Company, Mansueto Ventures, LLC, 10 Feb. 2023, www.fastcompany.com/90848025/ohio-train-derailment-toxic-chemicals-pvc-spill-fire-disaster.

Slater, Lee. Barbie Developer: Ruth Handler. United States, Abdo Publishing, 2016.

Touvila, Alicia. “Bill-And-Hold Basis.” Investopedia, Dotdash Meredith , 18 Mar. 2023, www.investopedia.com/terms/b/buy_and_hold_basis.asp.

Turner, Christopher. “The Hidden Persuader.” Cabinet, vol. 1, no. 44, 2011. Reading Design, www.readingdesign.org/hidden-persuader. Accessed 23 June 2023.

“Vinyl Chloride - Cancer-Causing Substances - National Cancer Institute.” Www.cancer.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 20 Mar. 2015, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/vinyl-chloride#:~:text=Which%20cancers%20are%20associated%20with.

Wong, Mia, and Robert Evans. Part One: The Slavery Loving Fascist Who Built Modern Japan. Coolzone Media, 21 Sept. 2021, www.iheart.com/podcast/105-behind-the-bastards-29236323/episode/part-one-the-slavery-loving-fascist-87145628/, disc 1/3. Podcast.

The Pink Aisle returns for the next three weeks in the leadup to the Margot Robbie Barbie film with Behind the Barbie - the Ruth Handler Story; a three-part mini-series which explores the life and legacy of Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler. Join Henry and Emma as they explore the challenges, changes, and mistakes Handler faced in her life and how this affects Barbie's past and future.

The first episode will air on Friday, June 23rd, with a new episode coming each following Friday.

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us at @pinkaislepodcast on Tumblr or  @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected]

In anticipation of Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie slated to release in July 2023, The Pink Aisle has a short episode discussing different elements to the latest teaser released for the movie; including the homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey, the new additions to the cast, and our hopes for the story for this film. This is going to be a more informal episode that isn't as polished as our other stuff, but we hope this will be enjoyable as we work to bring you more Pink Aisle goodness in the new year!

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected]

The Pink Aisle is hosted by Emma Corry (She/Her) and Henry Kathman (He/Him)

Emma is a writer for the student newspaper The Shield, at the University of Southern Indiana, read her stuff at https://usishield.com/staff/?writer=Emma%20Corry or her Twitter @emmacorry9

Henry does a whole lot of stuff on the internet, but most notably his youtube channel at youtube.com/henrykathman and his Patreon at patreon.com/Henrykathman. You can also find him on his Twitter @KathmanHenry, or his portfolio website henrykathman.tumblr.com.

Our theme music is Dolls by 9muses. If you are a musician interested in using one of your songs for the show, please send us an email at [email protected]

The Pink Aisle returns to the halls of Monter High to discuss the recent live-action movie that has left certain fans in a beastly mood... How does generation three of these characters stack up with previous incarnations? Is it as bad as certain fans declare it to be? Listen to find out if it is of true monster heart.

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected]

The Pink Aisle is hosted by Emma Corry (She/Her) and Henry Kathman (He/Him)

Emma is a writer for the student newspaper The Shield, at the University of Southern Indiana, read her stuff at https://usishield.com/staff/?writer=Emma%20Corry or her Twitter @emmacorry9

Henry does a whole lot of stuff on the internet, but most notably his youtube channel at youtube.com/henrykathman and his Patreon at patreon.com/Henrykathman. You can also find him on his Twitter @KathmanHenry, or his portfolio website henrykathman.tumblr.com.

Our theme music is Dolls by 9muses. If you are a musician interested in using one of your songs for the show, please send us an email at [email protected]

Strap on those skates and head out to the rink, because the Pink Aisle is rollin' in with Monster High: Friday Night Frights! Listen as we marvel at the chaotic world of Skultimate Roller Maze; a sport that is not only responsible for the dismemberment of a student but also is key to maintaining the physical infrastructure of Monster High!

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected]

The Pink Aisle is hosted by Emma Corry (She/Her) and Henry Kathman (He/Him)

Emma is a writer for the student newspaper The Shield, at the University of Southern Indiana, read her stuff at https://usishield.com/staff/?writer=Emma%20Corry or her Twitter @emmacorry9

Henry does a whole lot of stuff on the internet, but most notably his youtube channel at youtube.com/henrykathman and his Patreon at patreon.com/Henrykathman. You can also find him on his Twitter @KathmanHenry, or his portfolio website henrykathman.tumblr.com.

Our theme music is Dolls by 9muses. If you are a musician interested in using one of your songs for the show, please send us an email at [email protected]

This week, the Pink Aisle is going to be doing something a little different, as Henry shares the history of Bild Lilli, the German Pinup Doll that Barbie was inspired by. 

Though how much of this was inspiration or theft? That is what we will discuss alongside the troublesome history of its parent newspaper, the difference between empowerment and voyeurism, and how Lilli continues to affect the world of Barbie today.

Sources for the Episode

Listen on Itunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected]

The Pink Aisle is hosted by Emma Corry (She/Her) and Henry Kathman (He/Him)

Emma is a writer for the student newspaper The Shield, at the University of Southern Indiana, read her stuff at https://usishield.com/staff/?writer=Emma%20Corry or her Twitter @emmacorry9

Henry does a whole lot of stuff on the internet, but most notably his youtube channel at youtube.com/henrykathman and his Patreon at patreon.com/Henrykathman. You can also find him on his Twitter @KathmanHenry, or his portfolio website henrykathman.tumblr.com.

Our theme music is Dolls by 9muses. If you are a musician interested in using one of your songs for the show, please send us an email at [email protected]

This week, we return to the hallowed halls of Monster High to discuss the upcoming live-action film and the TV movie Escape from Skull Shore. What we thought was going to be a short discussion about this 44-minute movie ended up spiraling into discussions of King Kong, Colonialism, the implied subjugation of monsters, PT Barnum, and why Lagoona can do so much better than Gil.

Listen on Itunes

Listen on Google Play

Listen on Spotify

Like what you heard? Be sure to rate us on your podcast platform of choice, and follow us @PinkAislePod on Twitter. You can also reach out to us personally at [email protected]

The Pink Aisle is hosted by Emma Corry (She/Her) and Henry Kathman (He/Him)

Emma is a writer for the student newspaper The Shield, at the University of Southern Indiana, read her stuff at https://usishield.com/staff/?writer=Emma%20Corry or her Twitter @emmacorry9

Henry does a whole lot of stuff on the internet, but most notably his youtube channel at youtube.com/henrykathman and his Patreon at patreon.com/Henrykathman. You can also find him on his Twitter @KathmanHenry, or his portfolio website henrykathman.tumblr.com.

Our theme music is Dolls by 9muses. If you are a musician interested in using one of your songs for the show, please send us an email at [email protected]