Best Sophia Shepherd Podcasts (2024)

1
Beate Gordon — Jewish Feminist Who Wrote Women’s Rights into the Japanese Constitution [Chloe Skye] 21:00

7h ago21:00

21:00

This week, Chloe Skye returns to bring us the story of Beate Gordon! When Beate's Ukrainian-born Jewish parents fled Russia in the 1920's, eventually landing in Japan, Beate fell in love with the Japanese people and culture, but WWII leaves Beate in the US, separated from her parents and unable to contact them. Beate uses her incredible ployglot sk…

1
Mysticism That Leads To Transcendence 30:38

5d ago30:38

30:38

Have you ever wondered if there's more to spirituality than traditional practices? Join Shelley Shepard and Heather Drake on a personal and historical journey, where we unearth the divine in the unexpected — from the beauty of a desert drive to the peak of a mountain hike. We weave tales of Joan of Arc, Jesus, and childhood mysticism, inviting you …

1
Kadambini Ganguly — First Female Medical Doctor in India 31:20

2d ago31:20

31:20

This week, Sara brings us the story of Kadambini Ganguly, the first woman to graduate college, first woman admitted to an Indian medical school and the first female medical doctor in India! Her work wasn't limited to medicine, either. A champion for women's and worker's rights, Kadambini's socio-political impact on India was undeniably incredible. …

1
Mary Baker Eddy - Founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist (aka - Christian Scientists!) 33:24

10d ago33:24

33:24

Mary Baker Eddy did not have things easy. As a young girl, she was plagued with fits and ill health and then later much family tragedy made life even harder to bear. Mary found much comfort, though, in the scriptures and her study of them and this love of the the Bible would lead to her becoming one of the only women in modern history to have forme…

1
The Wisdom Of Silence 31:27

10d ago31:27

31:27

Embark on a transformative exploration of spirituality with us, as we uncover the untold stories of women mystics who defied the confines of patriarchal traditions to connect with the divine. Shelley Shepard and Heather Drake delve into the teachings of Mary Magdalene's gospel, revealing the presence of the divine within each of us. This narrative …

1
Learning To Hear The Voice Of Spirit 29:29

15d ago29:29

29:29

Awakening to a vast inner realm, we invite you to listen to our conversation where we discuss the interplay of wisdom, spirit, and love as the bedrock of our faith journey. Throughout our dialogue, we reflect on how the spirit has been accessible to us in every season of life, emphasizing the vital role of hope in rekindling a connection with the d…

1
Anna Dostoyevskava - Stenographer, Publisher and Writer (Married to Fyodor Dostoyevsky) 34:33

17d ago34:33

34:33

When Anna Grigoryevna Snitkina showed up on the doorstep of Fyodor Dostoyevsky to serve as his stenographer, helping him complete his next deadline, she had no idea that that life was about to change big time. What follows is an unusual courtship and unexpected happiness for both of them, despite Dostovesky's significant challenges, physical, famil…

1
Sophia Tolstaya - Groundbreaking Photographer, Publisher & Businesswoman (Married to Leo Tolstoy) 37:46

24d ago37:46

37:46

Sophia Tolstaya never got a lot of fame or credit for all her accomplishments, in fact, she is generally reviled as famous Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy's b*tchy wife, but she was a brilliant talent and bright businesswoman herself. In fact, without her, Leo's work likely would never have been circulated so widely and successfully, nor would Leo hav…

1
Multiple Personalities 53:27

28d ago53:27

53:27

Today on the podcast, we chop it up with Tyler Wilson, a gentleman who grew up in the streets of Greenwich, Connecticut. We talk freckles, frats, family, film, and Fuzzy Dice. We’re also joined (bothered) by various guests. Back? We are so that. This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at thebechdelt…

1
Mary Shelley - The Mother of American Gothic Horror 27:14

1M ago27:14

27:14

Before Bram Stoker wrote Dracula, even before Edgar Allen Poe wrote his Tell-Tale Heart, the genre of gothic horror was brought forth out of the incredible mind of a 21-year-old woman name MARY SHELLEY. Mary had already suffered quite a bit of loss in her first 21 years and her connection to death, grief, and the existential human story created not…

1
Alexya Salvador — ”First Transgender Shepherd of Latin America" 25:10

1M ago25:10

25:10

This week, Sara brings us the story of Alexya Salvador, the first transgender pastor in Brazil and all of Latin America, and the first transgender person to adopt a child in Brazil. As a young child, Alexya found great solace and belonging in the Catholic Church, so much so, that she entered seminary to begin a path to priesthood. But as her studie…

1
Sarah Winchester — Millionaire Heiress, Builder of the Winchester Mystery House & Supernatural Legend 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

This week, Sara brings us Sarah Winchester! When Sarah Winchester inherits the vast fortune of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company she decides to spend her fortune warding off the vengeful spirits of the victims of the Winchester rifle and builds the Winchester Mystery House - known widely as one of the most famous supernatural/haunted places in …

1
Living In Our Belovedness: How The Feminine Voice Shapes Our Understanding Of God 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

Have you ever wondered about the power of the stories you tell yourself? Our latest episode guides you through a tapestry of narratives, love, and the spiritual journey of rewriting our life stories. Bathed in the themes of belovedness and innocence, we tap into the wellspring of love and worthiness that can transform our personal tales into beacon…

1
Claiming Our Belovedness: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Sacred Feminine Wisdom 33:02

2M ago33:02

33:02

Have you ever felt a tug at your heart, gently reminding you of a truth long forgotten—that you are inherently beloved? We warmly invite you into a heartfelt conversation that explores this very idea, revealing how embracing our belovedness can profoundly enrich our self-perception and divine connection. We unravel the tangled narratives that have …

1
Khutulun Khan (aka Turandot) — The Mongolian Warrior Princess & Wrestling Champion 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

This week, Sara brings us the Mongolian Warrior Princess, Khutulun Khan! Her remarkable battlefield prowess was only eclipsed by her mad skills in the wrestling arena. This Princess-who-would-be-Khan (Great-great Granddaughter of Genghis Khan and cousin of Kublai Khan) wrestled & defeated hundreds of men to avoid arranged marriage. She helped her f…

1
Carrie Johnson - 17 Year Old Who Faced a Capital Murder Trial 33:58

2M ago33:58

33:58

We're wrapping up Black History Month with the story of Carrie Johnson! During the 1919 race riots of Washington D.C., Carrie and her dad were holed up at home trying to stay out of trouble, but when white policemen barge into their home and their .38 rifle hits and kills one of the detectives, Carrie and her dad are carted off to jail and put on t…

1
Harriet Tubman - Mastermind Behind the Underground Railroad 32:41

2M ago32:41

32:41

Continuing our celebration of Black History Month, guest Amelia Hammel brings us one of the most iconic Black Broads in American History - Harriet Tubman! Born into enslavement, Harriet Tubman suffered great at the hands of her "owners" including, one night as a six-year-old, taking at hit to the head by a metal tub. This skull cracking moment woul…

1
Beloved: Journeying Into the Heart of Belonging 34:22

3M ago34:22

34:22

Discover your inherent worth and the life-altering power of divine love as we traverse the concept of 'belovedness' in our latest Expansionist Podcast episode. We delve into the transformative impact of understanding ourselves as 'beloved,' a term that signifies our deep connection to divine love and our own intrinsic value. By examining scriptural…

1
Alice H. Parker - Inventor of the Natural Gas Heater 15:57

2M ago15:57

15:57

We don't know much about the life of Alice H. Parker, except that the cold New Jersey winter annoyed her enough that she invented the first natural gas heater and "zoned heating" - the foundational technology for modern HVAC systems! Listen now to hear more about her groundbreaking invention, and what we know about this woman who created perhaps th…

1
Constance Baker Motley — Lawyer, Judge, and ”Civil Rights Queen” 43:24

3M ago43:24

43:24

This week, Sara brings us Constance Baker Motley - The first black woman to try a case before the Supreme Court, to serve in the NY Senate, to be elected Manhattan Borough President, to be appointed to a Federal Judgeship and to be promoted to Chief Judge. This powerhouse Broad was the role model for many of today's most prominent women of color in…

1
Yu Gwan-sun — Korean Teenage Activist Who Fought for Independence 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

This week we revisit the story of Yu Gwan-sun! Raised in a Japan-occupied Korea, Gwan-sun only knew life where her Korean culture was being oppressed and destroyed, but when she turned sixteen, armed with her education and mad love for her country she stands up for Korean Independence. Her story is one you won't want to miss! Special guest Earl T. …

1
Broadly Speaking #18 - Why Oscar Snubbed Barbie 43:14

3M ago43:14

43:14

Chloe Skye join us once more for a (sadly) expected rant against the Academy. Yes, we did this not so long ago after Ms. Viola Davis was snubbed for her stunning performance in The Woman King but we find ourselves here yet again. PLUS, since we spent a month in our own "Barbenheimer" series here it seems only right to give the world our own think p…

1
Dr. Jessica Wade - Our #1 Champion of Women in S.T.E.M. 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

Dr. Jessica Wade came from a family of brilliant scientific brains, so it's no wonder she dove head first into science, too. The further she got into her studies, though, the more she realized how alone she was - there were hardly any other women with her in Grad school! In fact, statistically the UK's numbers of women in S.T.E.M. are some of the l…

1
Attuning to the Whisper of the Feminine Divine 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

Have you ever sensed a whisper of wisdom or a nurturing presence guiding you through life's complexities? Today's heartfelt episode draws back the veil on the often overlooked feminine divine, a force that has silently shaped the spiritual landscape across cultures and eras. In this conversation we journey into the sacred interplay between masculin…

1
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke - New Zealand’s Youngest Māori MP 22:23

4M ago22:23

22:23

The last election in New Zealand was accompanied by a huge wave of anti-indigenous & anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke is NOT having it. Despite her youth (she's only 21!) and lack of political experience, she has donned the mantle of her political and activist ancestors and ran for Parliament - beating her incumbent who had held th…

1
2023 Broads in Review 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

Wahoo! We made it through 2023!! The year wouldn't be complete without a Broads recap, though. Sara brings you a snapshot of some of the most incredible Broads we lost this year and all of their accomplishments, both for women specifically and all of humankind. Then we take a dive into the United Nations’ Progress on the Sustainable Development Goa…

1
Spotlight On The Women: Mary, Elizabeth and Anna 34:29

4M ago34:29

34:29

Have you ever considered the true significance of women in the story of Christ's birth? How two women, Mary and Elizabeth, brought a sense of belonging and community to the narrative? Join us, Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake, as we embark on a journey through the Advent season, spotlighting the often-underestimated roles of Mary and Elizabeth. We…

1
Reimagining Sacred Words And Embracing Fifth Way Love 37:17

4M ago37:17

37:17

Do sacred words and their meanings intrigue you? Have you ever pondered upon the need to broaden our understanding of these divine words, especially in a world where they've been weaponized to control and suppress? Join us as we navigate conversations about God, love, and the divine feminine. We take a deep dive into the realms of spirituality, exp…

1
Betsy Ross — Designer of the First American Flag 14:27

4M ago14:27

14:27

We've got a fabulous 2023 recap episode brewing, but it's not ready yet, so today we revisit our (one and only) New Year's Broad: Betsy Ross! That's right - Betsy Ross was born on January 1st. You may already know that Betsy Ross designed the first American Flag. But did you know that she increased sewing efficiency by switching from a 6-pointed st…

1
'Tis the Season for Dean Dolan 53:07

4M ago53:07

53:07

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Dean Jill Dolan, the Dean of the College at Princeton University. We talk Succession, COVID, the blog life, and what it means to be a dean. Happy holidays! And, more importantly, happy season finale! This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at thebechdeltest.pod…

1
Transforming Rituals And How They Connect Us to Sophia 48:44

4M ago48:44

48:44

Have you ever considered the transformative power of disruption? In this episode we’re diving into how interruptions in life aren't always a bad thing; they can serve as catalysts for growth, help us redefine our spiritual grounding, and push us to discover innovative rituals that connect us to our inner wisdom and love. Our exploration of rituals …

1
Santa Broads - The Women Who Saved Christmas 22:45

4M ago22:45

22:45

When America ran out of Santas during World War II what happened? Was Christmas cancelled while the men were overseas fighting? NOPE! The Rosie the Riveter spirit persisted, and WOMEN stepped up to the plate! But not everybody was happy about it. Learn how these Santa Broads came to be, who loved them, who hated them, and most importantly - DID THE…

1
Navigating Feminine Spirituality: Diving into the Gospel of Mary 46:29

5M ago46:29

46:29

Have you ever wondered about the wisdom and teachings of Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of Mary, and how it could be applied to our lives? Our conversation is poised to to take you on a journey that challenges conventional thinking and uncovers the powerful influence of God's spirit. In this episode, we explore the nature of rules, the idea of holy i…

1
Jeanne Villepreux-Power - ”Mother of Aquariophily” & Inventor of the Aquarium 24:58

5M ago24:58

24:58

Jeanne Villepreux-Power has to be one of the most interesting STEM broads from the 19th Century! The daughter of a shoemaker and a seamstress, Jeanne follows her mother's line of work and slays it, making dresses for the top royalty and high society Europeans. After marrying a well-to-do merchant, though, she doesn't have to work for a living anymo…

1
The Queen of the Street 42:21

5M ago42:21

42:21

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Mia Beams, the President of Charter and the Interclub Council. She spent a year on a boat, lives in a mansion with her best friends, and participated in the Novogratz Bridge Year. It's this season's penultimate episode…this is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at…

1
Exploring the Power of Anointing: Lessons from Mary Magdalene 40:07

5M ago40:07

40:07

Have you ever wondered just why holy rituals matter? You are invited to journey into the significance of anointing, as seen through the lens of Mary Magdalene's life. Together, we, Shelly Shepherd and Heather Drake, delve into the sacred act of anointing as a bridge to spiritual and physical healing. Could it be that Jesus himself was taught this p…

1
Broadly Speaking #17: The Marvels, Greta Thunberg’s Accuracy, and Toasts to Sandra Day O’Connor & Rosalynn Carter 1:01:32

5M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Chloe Skye joins Sara for a long overdue check-in on all the exciting girl power moments of the moment including the fun-loving and *actually highly successful* film THE MARVELS. Despite what the box office magazine reports are saying, this movie is kicking the butts (in box office returns AND hearts) of other movies released around the same time I…

1
Bodies and Works 51:56

5M ago51:56

51:56

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Juliette Carbonnier – a playwright, an improv comic, a painter, and much more. We talk all-things-art, from painting nude portraits in high school to writing a dark comedy for her senior thesis. We even sing a little bit. This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email…

1
Walpurga Hausmännin - The Infamous German Babykiller 26:07

5M ago26:07

26:07

Germany in the 1500's was a pretty risky time to be a midwife - even a really good one. And so it was with poor Walpurga Hausmännin when 20 years of brilliant midwifery and healing was snatched away by a stupid rumor and some very unfortunate circumstances, leading to her arrest and subsequent witch trial. However, her story turns bizarre at her tr…

1
GREAT Grandson 47:33

5M ago47:33

47:33

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Quentin Colón Roosevelt, DC’s youngest elected official and Teddy Roosevelt’s great great great grandson. We discuss Quentin’s political campaign, his responsibilities as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and the Roosevelt family's legacy. Get ready. This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @th…

1
Anacaona - Haitian Queen Who Led with Peace & the BYSK THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE! 23:19

5M ago23:19

23:19

While history marks the first Thanksgiving as being in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621, it turns out that when Christopher Columbus (and his *sshole brother, Bartholomew) first land in modern-day Haiti in 1492, they were warmly welcomed and assisted in a similar fashion by today's Broad, Anacaona! A powerhouse leader of the Taino people, Anacaona l…

1
Keeping It Presidential 51:45

5M ago51:45

51:45

Today on the podcast, we sit down with LaJayzia Wright, the President of the Illustrious Cap and Gown Club. We talk eating clubs, poetry, leadership, boarding school, and much, much more. Happy Sunday! This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at thebechdeltest.podcast@gmail.com Check out our website:…

1
Indestructible Women — Joy Andrew, Margery McCall, & Richmodis von Aducht [Chloe Skye] 21:22

6M ago21:22

21:22

Sara has been busy MOVING this week, and didn't have time wrap up her research on some GERMAN WITCHES (come back next week!!), so today enjoy this throwback episode with Chloe bringing us the story of not one... not two... but THREE broads you should know, and they're together in this episode because they all have one thing in common: they were ind…

1
SLAPP’ed Silly 45:22

6M ago45:22

45:22

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Katie Dailey, the Managing Editor of The Daily Princetonian. We talk about all things news – both on-campus and abroad – and about getting SLAPP’ed. BREAKING NEWS: This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at thebechdeltest.podcast@gmail.com Check out our website…

1
Ana Koldings - ”Mother of the Devil” in Danish Witch Trials 19:25

6M ago19:25

19:25

When King James IV of Scotland (later James I of England) has his grand wedding plans thwarted by bad weather in 1590, an investigation is launched as to the cause. Instead of discovering the gross incompetence of the men in charge of outfitting the royal fleets, they find a much more sinister cause - WITCHES who conspired to send tiny devils in ba…

1
Toddling Down The Runway 47:39

6M ago47:39

47:39

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Emilie Su, the show’s first Class of ‘27er! She’s a former fashion model, a former professional ballerina, and a current singer-songwriter with a devoted social media following. We do some serious chinwagging. This is The Bechdel Test. Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdeltest_ Shoot us an email at thebechd…

1
The Night Witches — Elite All-Female WWII Russian Air Force Unit 21:31

6M ago21:31

21:31

Taking a break from the heavy-hearted witch trial content for a minute - we revisit one of our favorite BYSK episodes about a different kind of witch - THE NIGHT WITCHES! Dubbed the nachthexen by the german troops who heard nothing but a WHOOSH before their camps went up in flames - The Night Witches were a hastily trained, poorly equipped, all-fem…

1
Beatrix Leslie of Dalkeith - 84-Year-Old Victim of the ”Great Scottish Witch Trials of 1661-62” 25:42

6M ago25:42

25:42

Beatrix Leslie is an 84-year-old midwife living just outside Edinburgh, Scotland in 1661, which happened to be a very bad period of time to be a disliked elderly woman in the community because it was smack dab in the middle of the Great Scottish Witch Trials of 1661-1662. During a span of literally 16 MONTHS over 660 people were publicly accused of…

1
How to Get a Girlfriend 53:28

6M ago53:28

53:28

Today on the podcast, we sit down with Profesor Henry Zhao! He shares his love for economics and teaches the hosts how to (first) get a significant other and (second) turn their weddings into murder mysteries. Confirmed: he liked Taylor Swift before it was cool. This is The Bechdel Test (Taylor’s Version). Follow/Subscribe! Instagram: @thebechdelte…

1
Hypatia - Ancient Genius & ”Martyr of Philosophy” 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

Hypatia is widely (but incorrectly) thought to be the first female mathematician in the world and is considered to be one of the foremost intellectuals and philosophers in the entire Roman empire. So how come we don't list her name when we talk about Plato and Aristotle? Also, why does her name come up when you google search for "witches in history…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sophia Shepherd Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide