Women, Life and Science

Send us a text So, what really caused the dinosaurs to become extinct? In our podcast The Last Extinction, Dr. Gerta Keller challenges the asteroid-only theory and uncovers new insights into one of Earth’s greatest mysteries. Dr. Gerta Keller, a Princeton paleontologist, has spent decades studying mass extinctions. Her groundbreaking research challenges the asteroid-only theory and offers a new perspective on what really wiped out the dinosaurs. Tune in now to The Last Extinction and discover the story behind the science! #TheLastExtinction #ScienceUncovered #WednesdayPodcast

Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined once again by best-selling, award-winning author Judith L. Pearson. In our first conversation with Judy, we explored her book Mary Lasker and Her Crusade—a powerful biography of philanthropist Mary Lasker, whose relentless advocacy transformed medical research and led to groundbreaking advancements in the fight against cancer. This time, Judy continues to shine a light on remarkable women who helped shape the women’s health movement. Together with my co-host, Lilia Holmes, we’ll celebrate the release of Judy’s latest book, Radical Sisters—an inspiring story of three women with breast cancer who sparked a powerful movement for change in the medical system. Listen to our podcast now! #BreastCancerMovement #PodcastWednesday #MedicalSystem

Send us a text We’re thrilled to welcome Stacy Glass to the podcast! 🌟 As the driving force behind ChemFORWARD, Stacy is on a mission to make chemistry safer, transparent, and accessible—empowering brands and innovators to choose better for people and the planet. Listen to our podcast now! #ChemFORWARD #SaferIngredients

Send us a text Animals have an extraordinary ability to comfort, protect, and heal. For Jackie Ducci, that healing began with horses. As a child struggling with social anxiety and feeling invisible in a world that praised extroversion, she found acceptance not in people, but in the quiet, steady presence of animals. In this episode, our guest, Jackie Ducci, shares a deeply personal story about how her horses helped her rediscover her worth, transform her mental health, and reshape the narrative she once believed about herself. This isn’t just about animals, it’s about connection, resilience, and the unexpected places we find our strength. Listen and download now!

Send us a text Missed the Women, Life, and Science Conference last May 16? We’ve got you covered! One of the highlights of every conference is the inspiring talks from our incredible speakers. Today, we’re sharing one of those moments with you with Scott Hicks on her talk “Leading with Your Why”. Why you should listen: -Discover the essence of who you really are -Learn to differentiate between your goals (what you do) and your purpose (why you do it) Listen now! #WednesdayPodcast #WomenLifeAndScience

Send us a text Have you heard the incredible story of Muriel White Seherr-Thoss? An American aristocrat with deep European roots, Muriel risked everything to help her Jewish friends escape the horrors of Nazi extermination during World War II. Her quiet yet courageous acts of resistance make her one of the most remarkable and overlooked figures of that era. Thanks to recent research and the gripping biography The Countess and the Nazis by Richard Jay Hutto, her legacy is finally being brought to light. We’re honored to welcome Mr. Hutto himself to our latest podcast episode! 🎧 If you're into history—especially discovering remarkable women who made a difference—this is your sign to listen. #PodcastWednesday #WWIIResistance #WomenInHistory

Send us a text In a game long dominated by men, Susan Polgar shattered the mold and proved that chess knows no gender. At just 21, she made history as the first woman to earn the Men's Grandmaster title, the highest honor in chess. In today’s podcast episode, Susan shares how she rewrote the narrative in this ultimate game of strategy and intellect. More than just a sport, she sees chess as a tool to spark curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience—especially among young women. Tune in as she reflects on breaking barriers, navigating gender discrimination, and carving her place at the very top of professional chess. Her journey is one of courage, perseverance, and inspiration. Listen now and be inspired! #PodcastWednesday #BreakingBarriers #GrandMaster

Send us a text "You’re not a person." That was the chilling message Alia Dastagir received after publishing a story on the abuse women journalists face online. As a former USA Today journalist, Alia had reported on countless difficult topics but nothing prepared her for becoming part of the story. Nearly 66% of women journalists have experienced online harassment. About 40% say it’s caused them to avoid reporting certain stories altogether. Alia’s experience sparked a deeper investigation into the psychological toll of online abuse—effects that can be even more damaging and long-lasting than physical violence. Listen to our conversation today! #PodcastWednesday #OnlineHarrassment #OnlineViolence

Send us a text The American foster care system was built to protect and uplift. But for too many kids, it fails to deliver. ➡️ Fewer than 5% of foster youth who age out at 18 earn a college degree. ➡️ Nearly half drop out of high school. ➡️ Many are funneled into locked cells instead of onto life-building paths. In this powerful episode, we speak with Claudia Rowe, a member of the editorial board at The Seattle Times and author of Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care. We dig into how and why this system is broken and what must change. 🔗 Listen now and download now

Send us a text You get the job done. You receive the recognition. But deep down… something still feels off. Unfulfilling. Like a part of you is missing. Is it normal to question your career path—especially after you’ve worked so hard for so long? Absolutely. And Caroline Sangal, a scientist-turned-career-strategist, believes it’s not a crisis—it’s an invitation. An invitation to grow, to realign, and to redefine success in a way that actually feels good. So if you’re in that space right now wondering what’s next, it’s time to pause and reflect. Instead play our podcast for honest conversations and powerful tools to help you: ✅ Navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence ✅ Unlock the 3 P’s: Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities ✅ Learn when (and how) to pause, realign, and move forward with intention Your next chapter doesn’t have to look like your last one. Let’s explore what’s possible together. Enjoyed what you just hearted? Caroline has launched her podcast! Listen to her few solo episodes here: https://www.nextsuccesspodcast.com

Send us a text What does a world-class chef have in common with an autopsist? Precision. Obsession. And a willingness to cut deep. In our latest podcast episode, we go behind the scenes of The Death and Life of August Sweeney with its author, Samuel Ashworth—a debut novelist whose story blends culinary brilliance with the eerie intimacy of an autopsy. A legendary chef dies in the middle of service—and from beyond the grave, insists on directing the terms of his own dissection. What unfolds is a haunting exploration of legacy, ego, and the fine line between creation and destruction. 🎧 This episode will make you want to read the book.

Send us a text Every woman’s health journey is unique—shaped by our biology, life experiences, and the many roles we take on. And who better to advocate for our well-being than we, ourselves? In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Lara Briden—a respected Naturopathic Doctor and bestselling author of 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭, 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘭, and 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯. Lara brings decades of clinical experience and deep insight into how women’s bodies work—and more importantly, how we can support them naturally and effectively through every life stage. Your period is powerful—and so is your metabolism. Learn how to support both by listening to our podcast! #WomensHormones #PeriodRevolutionary #WomensHealth

Send us a text Meet Bremod & Lisa, the visionary duo behind Quite Literally Books — a publishing house on a mission to revive forgotten literary gems, especially those written by women. Join us for a captivating conversation about how their shared passion for storytelling sparked a journey to breathe new life into overlooked books. Through stunning design and powerful narratives, they’re not just reissuing books — they’re reconnecting with a rich literary heritage and inspiring others to do the same. Download and listen!

Send us a text For Helen Sheehy, women's stories are often overlooked—especially those of ordinary women. Yet, it’s often these women who lead the most extraordinary lives. Just Willa is a novel inspired by Helen’s own mother. After three years of research and a return to her hometown, Helen pieced together her mother’s story through the memories of the Oklahomans who stayed behind. Spanning seven decades, this powerful novel follows a woman of indomitable spirit who anchors her family with unwavering love, quiet strength, and fearless bravery. It’s a heartfelt story of resilience that reminds us of the beauty that can be found—even in life’s hardest moments. Tune in to our conversation now! About the Author HELEN SHEEHY grew up on tenant farms in Oklahoma and Kansas. She’s worked as a dramaturg, written a theatre textbook, and authored biographies of three theatre pioneers: Margo: The Life and Theatre of Margo Jones (Southern Methodist University Press, 1989), Eva Le Gallienne: A Biography (Knopf, 1996), and Eleonora Duse: A Biography (Knopf, 2003). The latter two books were named New York Times notable books of the year. Sheehy taught theatre and acting at Southern Connecticut State University for more than two decades. After spending years writing non-fiction, she has turned to her earliest love, telling stories. She lives in Hamden, Connecticut. Just Willa is her first novel.

Send us a text Women's Month may be over, but our celebration of women's brilliance and leadership continues! In today’s episode, we are honored to be joined by a remarkable leader who bridges policy and nonprofit advocacy—Sarah Crawford. As the CEO of TLC, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to providing innovative care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Sarah is making a lasting impact. Beyond her role at TLC, she also serves as a North Carolina Representative, championing policies that uplift underserved communities—especially women caregivers. Sarah isn’t just part of the conversation; she’s actively shaping the future of leadership. 🎧 Tune in now to hear her insights!

Send us a text In today’s podcast, we explore a topic that we rarely discussed but increasingly relevant—Cyber Warfare. From AI-driven cyber attacks to the rising threat of nation-state conflicts in the digital space, how close are we to witnessing cyber tensions escalate into real-world destruction? Joining us is Dr. Chase Cunningham, a retired Navy Chief Cryptologist with over 20 years of experience in Cyber Warfare. With a career spanning operations in cyber forensics, analytics, and both offensive and defensive cyber strategies within the NSA, FBI, and other government agencies, Dr. Cunningham brings unparalleled expertise to this discussion. He is also the host of the DrZeroTrust podcast, where he continues to shed light on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the future of cyber conflict and its real-world implications.

Send us a text In 2005, Kim Crespi had what she later described as “the perfect life.” She and her husband, David—a gentle giant of a man, devoutly religious, a loving father, and a proven star in the world of finance—had five healthy, happy children. No one, least of all Kim, ever suspected that the life the Crespis had lovingly woven together could be destroyed in less than forty minutes. In Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder, Edward L. Jones III chronicles David Crespi’s struggles with insomnia and depression, the role SSRI antidepressants may have played in the killings, and Kim’s unimaginable journey of trauma, suffering, and eventual forgiveness. Along the way, he takes readers on a journey into the dark heart of psychosis, of North Carolina’s penal and mental health systems, and of Big Pharma. EDWARD L. JONES III has been an award-winning writer in advertising and higher education. During his ad career, he won more than 350 awards for creativity. In his time away from advertising, Ed served as a community columnist for the Charlotte Observer. He lives in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area. This is his first book.

Send us a text From blues music to sharing his faith — John Lee Hooker Jr., son of the famous John Lee Hooker, went from performing with his father to struggling with addiction and prison. But his story didn’t end there. Now, he’s a minister who sings and speaks about hope and faith in churches and prisons across the U.S. and Germany. A true story of turning his life around. Be inspired and listen to his transformative story now! About the Guest Reverend JOHN LEE HOOKER JR. is the son of blues legend John Lee Hooker and, as a teenager, toured with his father as the featured attraction. After a battle with drug addiction and several stints in prison, he went on to have a successful music career of his own. His first album, Blues with a Vengeance, was released in 2004, nominated for a Grammy Award, and won the W. C. Handy Award for Debut Artist. His third album, All Odds Against Me, released in 2008, also received a Grammy nomination. He is now an ordained minister and divides his time between the United States and Germany.

Send us a text From practicing law to embracing life as a stay-at-home mom — all while stepping into the unpredictable world of writing — Amber Willingham’s story is one of courage and transformation. Becoming a writer wasn’t easy — from facing countless rejections to navigating the challenges of publishing — but Amber’s resilience kept her moving forward, embracing the reality of being a writer in progress. Today, we are thrilled to welcome Amber Willingham to our show, author of Bliss Creek — a captivating tale of self-discovery and suspense set in the tranquil haven of Bliss Creek. Join us as we dive into her journey of writing Bliss Creek — the inspiration behind the story, the hurdles of publishing, and her ongoing evolution as a writer. About the Author: Amber Willingham is not just a storyteller; she's a master weaver of narratives, seamlessly blending her experiences as a wife, a mother, and an attorney into the tapestry of her debut novel, "Bliss Creek." With a background in law and a passion for crafting compelling tales, Amber Willingham's journey as an author has only just begun. Based in Katy, Texas, she resides with her husband, Phil, and their beloved rescues, Raleigh, Suki, April, and Kiko. Her dedication to storytelling shines through in her captivating prose, promising readers an immersive experience they won't soon forget.

Send us a text 🌱 Farming is Sexy—And Women Are Leading the Charge! 🌍 What happens when women take the lead in fighting climate change—one crop, one meal, and one bold idea at a time? Join us as we welcome Stephanie Anderson, acclaimed author and social justice journalist, to today’s podcast. With a powerful blend of storytelling and research, Stephanie shines a light on the women revolutionizing our food system. From innovative farming practices to groundbreaking food policies, she shares the triumphs, challenges, and bold visions shaping a regenerative future. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will change the way you think about food, sustainability, and the power of women leading the way.