Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Sylvia Earle is a marine biologist and explorer. As an aquanaut, she brought back all kinds of new information and even lived underwater in a science station. For all her time exploring the depths of the ocean, she was called Her Deepness! This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Haley Dapkus with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. It was written by Nicole Haroutunian. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Sierra Doss. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel! [This episode aired in the Rebel Girls app in 2021.]

It's top pick energy for this new episode of The Weekly Sports Show! Pepper Persley is here to recap the WNBA Draft, WNBA Free Agency and the LOVB Championships! Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women's Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Asjia O'Neal, middle blocker for LOVB Austin, joins Rebel Girls for a Get to Know about the journey that made her — from falling in love with volleyball in 7th grade, to surviving open-heart surgery twice, to becoming a voice for change on her college campus. She talks about speaking up when you're naturally quiet, controlling what you can control when the game isn't going your way, and why everything she went through made her exactly who she is today. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Get to know inventor, architect, and designer Neri Oxman, who narrated the story of the Queen of the curve Zaha Hadid. Neri tells us how she became interested in design, and how she uses the natural world to invent and create amazing things in art and architecture, including the challenge of creating a giant structure made of silk in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City! [This episode originally aired in May 2021.]

[This episode originally aired in May 2021.] Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Zaha Hadid had a groundbreaking career as an architect. She became known as the “Queen of the curve” for her innovative designs and buildings. Zaha was the first woman ever to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and designed the London Aquatics Center for the 2012 Olympics, the Guangzhou Opera House, and many other beautiful and creative buildings. She used her skills in art, architecture, and mathematics to leave her mark on cities around the world.  You can listen to more podcast episodes you know and love, PLUS exciting new content on our Rebel Girls app! Just go to go.rebelgirls.com/dream-on to download and listen for free! About the Narrator A multi-disciplinary designer, architect, and professor, Neri Oxman founded The Mediated Matter Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010 where she established and pioneered the field of Material Ecology. Oxman received her PhD in Design Computation at MIT in 2010. Prior to that, she earned a diploma from the Architectural Association in London. In addition to over 150 scientific publications and inventions, Oxman's work is included in the permanent collections of leading international museums. In 2018, Oxman was honored with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and the London Design Innovation Medal. In 2019, Oxman received an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Contemporary Vision Award by SFMOMA.   Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and is based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. Sound design and mixing by Camille Stennis and Steve Pogatch. This episode was written by Annu Subramanian and proofread by Ariana Rosas. Executive Producer was Katie Sprenger. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A big thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this show possible! For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com. Until next time, stay REBEL!

Pepper Persley is BACK! In this new episode, we are diving into UCLA completely dominating the National Championship, Jordan Larson is hanging up her Jersey and there is a transfer portal frenzy upon us.  Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women's Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Ada Lovelace loved machines from a young age. With the help of Charles Babbage, she became one of the mathematicians who wrote the first programming language in history. This story is read by Jodi Kantor, investigative reporter and author.

 Darcy Diffen is BACK! From The Golden Tickets landing in Texas, the Longhorns are headed to the Final Four and Women athletes are taking over magazine covers! We are covering it all on The Weekly Sports Show. Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women's Sports.

Haleigh Washington is a two-time Olympian, a gold medalist, a founding athlete of League One Volleyball, and US National Team middle blocker. And in this interview, she sits down with Junior Reporter Chelsea to talk about what it really takes to compete at the highest level. From the mental game of Olympic training to the power pose that gives her an instant confidence boost, Haleigh shares what she's learned about showing up fully — on the court and off it. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Learn about Rebels whose skills and imaginations combined in incredibly unique ways. Meet the inventors! [This episode originally aired in the Rebel Girls app in 2021.]

This new episode of The Weekly Sports Show is jam packed! Pepper is ready to give updates on March Madness and the WNBA CBA and Darcy joins us to bring in softball updates as Texas claims the No. 1 spot again.  Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women's Sports.

Leah Chase was a chef from New Orleans who created delicious Creole food. When she was a girl, she picked strawberries and went fishing and cooked with her family. Hear about her adventures making food with people she loved. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Robin Lai with sound design and mixing by Craig Billmeier. It was written by Ashli St. Armant. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Ashli St. Armant. Our executive producer was Katie Sprenger. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!

Ballerinas and Basketballs! Welcome back to an EXCITING new episode of The Weekly Sports Show. Pepper Persley is here to talk about Misty Copeland coming out of retirement and the Oscars and she gives us a sneak peek at her Final Four picks for WBB!  Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women's Sports.

Anaïs Mitchell is a singer-songwriter, playwright, and the creator of Hadestown — the Broadway musical that has won eight Tony Awards and is now the 40th longest-running show in Broadway history. In this interview, Junior Reporter Paloma sits down with her to talk about discovering music, turning Greek mythology into a Broadway hit, and what she'd tell any kid who wants to start writing songs or theatre today. Anaïs is also the narrator of our Ani DiFranco bedtime story.

Musician and activist Ani DiFranco started her own record label at 19, refusing to let others control her art. She built a career on her own terms, creating music that spoke truth about identity, politics, and love. By choosing to blaze her own path, Ani has built a successful musical career and helped people of different identities feel seen and embraced. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was narrated by Anaïs Mitchell. It was written and produced by Danielle Roth, and edited and directed by Haley Dapkus. Sound design and mixing by Marina Paiz.  Fact-checking by Jessica Wrubel. Our production coordinator was Natalie Hara. Haley Dapkus was our senior producer. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

Undefeated seasons and sold out games, welcome to a new week of The Weekly Sports Show! Pepper dives into all of the action from the women's basketball championships, NWSL returns and Sophia Wilso is ready to play, and Naomi Osaka makes another statement with her fit at Indian Wells.  Catch new episodes every Thursday. Women's sports are moving fast, and we're here for all of it. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Get to know Ani DiFranco, who narrated the story of Gloria Steinem. Ani is a singer, songwriter and label-owner who has made it her mission to make the world a better place. In this interview she tells us how she uses her platform as a performer to do just that!

From her solo trips through India to her tireless work for women everywhere, Gloria Steinem is a rebel in the truest way! In this episode the amazing singer/songwriter, Ani DiFranco tells us all about Gloria's childhood, her difficult relationship with her mom, and all the events that pushed her to spend her life fighting for the rights of women. About the Narrator Ani DiFranco has written hundreds of songs, played thousands of shows, captured the imaginations of legions of followers, and jammed with folkies, orchestras, rappers, rock and roll hall-of-famers, jazz musicians, poets, pop superstars, storytellers and a martial arts legend. She's “fixed up a few old buildings” and minimized her carbon footprint before it was trendy – from installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in the renovated church that her label calls home to using organic inks on all the t-shirts she sells. Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Executive Producer is Katie Sprenger. This episode was produced by Camille Stennis with production assistance from Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. It was written by Kirsti Jewel and proofread by Ariana Rosas. Sound design and original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi with final mix by Mattia Marcelli. Special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com.

What's up Rebels! Welcome to a new episode of The Weekly Sports Show! Pepper Persley is back with a packed episode to kick off Women's History Month. New NWSL kits, March Madness is on the way, and Ari Chambers is here to give us a pep talk!  Catch new episodes every Thursday. Women's sports are moving fast, and we're here for all of it.

Get to know Frida Kahlo with Beth Evans, Youth and Family Programs Coordinator for the National Portrait Gallery at Smithsonian Institution. Beth tells us what we can learn from Frida's example, and what makes her art and life so special. [This episode originally aired in the app in 2022.]

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who made self-portraits of herself, sometimes with her pet monkey. We are going to visit her in her home, called the Blue House. Enter her lush garden, watch her get ready to be photographed by a friend, and discover how she used your clothes to express herself along the way.

In this week's episode, we say goodbye to the Winter Olympics as Team USA turns the page to the Paralympics and LA28! Pepper Persley chats Hilary Knight's iconic Olympic run,  A'ja Wilson going on a World Tour, and former Angel City FC Captain Ali Riley gives a pep talk! 

In this Get to Know we chat with Lindsey Murphy, the creator and host of the hit STEM web series The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey. From DIY projects to testing hypotheses at home, Lindsey's got all the fun activities to keep Rebels inspired and curious! [This episode originally aired in the app in Jan 2023.]

Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball star and WNBA champion Lexie Brown joins Pepper Persley for a powerful Get to Know about earning her first contract, growing up with NBA legend Dee Brown as her dad, and advocating for herself while living with Crohn's disease.

Alice Ball had always wanted to help ease pain. In time, she became a brilliant chemist and the first woman and African American to earn a master's in chemistry. Her story is told by Lindsey E. Murphy, of The Fab Lab With Crazy Aunt Lindsey. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls, based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Our Executive Producers are Jes Wolfe and Katie Sprenger.  This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner, written by Caitlin Madrigal, with sound design and mixing by Luis Miranda. It was narrated by Lindsey Murphy/Crazy Aunt Lindsey. Ariana Rosas is Proofreader. Original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. For more, visit Rebel Girls dot com.

Host Pepper Persley is back with another Weekly Sports Show! We talk engagement rings & Olympic rings, Black athlete sisterhood, and get a much needed Pep Talk from NBC Sportscaster Maria Taylor. Check it out!

Kristi is a pioneer in freestyle skiing and a champion for women in sports. Starting when few women were involved, she worked hard to grow the sport globally. Thanks to her, women's freestyle skiing is now featured in top events like the X-Games and Olympics!

This week on the Weekly Sports Show, Pepper dives into the big Met Gala energy at the Opening Ceremony and Rebel of the Week Alysa Liu's serious figure skating swag. Ski racer Lindsey Vonn also reminds us to keep dreaming big this Winter Games and three-time Olympian Kelsey Robinson Cook delivers the pep talk we all need to power through the week.

Award-winning, self-taught DJ Jay Shalé shares her journey from learning music as a kid in Germany to creating the energy for massive sports crowds in the US in this conversation with Junior Reporter Kalani Jules.

Maya Angelou was a poet who used her words to inspire hope and courage. But before that, she was a young girl who dreamed of being a streetcar conductor. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Katie Sprenger with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. It was written by Ashli St. Armant. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Ashli St. Armant. Our executive producer was Katie Sprenger. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!

Hey Rebels! Get ready for your new weekly obsession, where sports, fashion, and pop culture meet the group chat. Find out what sea creature Naomi Osaka is cosplaying, who's the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic's history, and this year's youngest Olympian is how old?? All that and more, on our new Weekly Sports Show!

Olympic freestyle skier Mathilde Gremaud shares how she learns big tricks, handles pressure, and focuses on what she can control. She talks mindset, competition, and the lessons skiing has taught her on and off the snow.

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations helped send astronauts to the moon. Despite facing racism and sexism, she broke barriers at NASA and proved that with determination, you can reach for the stars. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was narrated by Nicole Pringle. It was written and produced by Danielle Roth, and edited by Haley Dapkus. Direction by Ashton Carter. Sound design and mixing by Carter Wogahn. Fact checking by Sam Gebauer. Our production coordinator was Natalie Hara. Haley Dapkus was our senior producer. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe.Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi.A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

World's No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters shares how trusting her own game helped her rise to the top. She talks mindset, training, and what it means to be a Rebel Girl—on the court and beyond.

Meet Erica Tandoh, aka DJ Switch Ghana: a creative force from Ghana, West Africa, who uses music to express herself and speak up for what she believes in. Discover how she learned to DJ in just five days (!!!), the sweet story behind her stage name, and what it felt like to play for a packed stadium full of kids and families. She also talks about the DJ Switch Foundation and why helping others keeps her hopeful—even when life gets tough. You can also learn more about her story in our book 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers. Photo Credit: Hugo Grey Photography

We sat down with pro race car driver Tatiana Calderón to talk speed, discipline, and speaking up when something doesn't work. Tatiana is the first and only woman to compete in modern Formula 2, and she shares how being “different” helped her think outside the box—and push for changes that make racing more accessible for women and girls. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Nina Simone used her piano playing, brilliant songwriting, and one-of-a-kind voice to inspire audiences, challenge injustice, and create music that became the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Era and beyond. From iconic songs to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nina Simone's voice still echoes in the world. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was narrated by DJ Switch Ghana. It was produced and directed by Haley Dapkus, with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. The story was written by Nicole Haroutunian and edited by Abby Sher and Deborah Goldstein. Fact checking by Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal. Project coordination by Natalie Hara. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

Dancer, singer, and choreographer GiaNina Paolantonio shares what it takes to own the stage—and stay true to yourself. Plus: her best advice for dancers practicing at home—and the mindset she brings to every class.

With tap shoes on her feet and courage in her heart, Sutton Foster danced from her living room to the stages of Broadway. Using her signature humor and charm, Sutton has brought iconic characters to life through her performances. Listen in to learn more about the Broadway musical sensation Sutton Foster. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.This episode was narrated by GiaNina Paolantonio . It was produced and directed by Haley Dapkus, with sound design and mixing by Carter Woghan. The story was written by Darika Fuhrmann and edited by Haley Dapkus. Fact checking by Danielle Roth and Sam Gebauer. Project coordination by Natalie Hara. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe.Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi.A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

Meet Refilwe Ledwaba, a helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, a flight instructor, and an advocate for women's rights, who made history by becoming the first black female pilot to fly for the police service in South Africa. [This aired in the Rebel Girls app in 2023.]

Are you ready for a relaxing night of music? The Rebel Girls Symphony Hall holds concerts for everyone. Our talented orchestra plays all kinds of beautiful instruments. Share the joy of music with your loved ones. And maybe a sweet treat, too! [This episode originally aired in 2025.]

Once upon a time, there was an inventor and entrepreneur named Madam C.J. Walker. She was the child of slaves, the first in her family to be born free, thanks to the Emancipation Proclamation. As a child, she had to work in the cotton fields to help support her family. Later, as a teenaged orphan, she became a washerwoman, backbreaking work considered one of the worst and most difficult jobs a woman could have. But she dreamed of more -- for herself and her daughter. When, due to an illness, her hair began to fall out, she created a hair care regimen specifically for African-American women. It worked! She crisscrossed the country going door to door to sell her products and eventually built a beauty empire with sales representatives in every state. The formula grew to be so popular she became the first self-made female millionaire in America, and her products are still for sale today. About the Narrator Poorna Jagannathan is an actress and the producer of "Nirbhaya" ('Fearless'), the critically-acclaimed play written and directed by Yael Farber. Based on real-life events, the play breaks the silence around sexual violence and was called by The Telegraph as one of the "most powerful pieces of theater you'll ever see.” Jagannathan gained international recognition for her portrayal of a journalist in the 2011 Bollywood film "Delhi Belly" and has appeared as series regular on HBO's "The Night Of" and Netflix's "Gypsy." In 2018 she was a member of the ensemble cast of HBO's "Room 104," created by the Duplass brothers. Most recently, Jagannathan plays Nalini Vishwakumar in Mindy Kaling's comedy series "Never Have I Ever." Credits This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, with writing and operation support by Darby Maloney and Elyssa Dudley. Sound Design and Original Theme Music by Elettra Bargiacchi. [This episode originally aired in April 2018.]

Meet Celeste Bell, a filmmaker and a writer, and who has recently been working on a book and film project about her late mother, Poly Styrene. The book is called Dayglo! The Poly Styrene Story and the film is called, Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliche. [This episode previously aired in 2021.]

Poly Styrene, otherwise known as Marianne Joan Elliott-Said was a British musician, a poet, singer-songwriter, and a pioneer in punk music. She is the first multiracial woman to lead a punk band, and continually dared herself to evolve as a musician and human being.  About the Narrator Celeste Bell spent her earliest years living on a Hare Krishna commune in the Hertfordshire countryside with her mother, Poly Styrene. After completing her degree from Queen Mary University of London, Celeste settled in Madrid where she worked as a teacher and formed the ska-punk band, Debutant Disco. After finishing a Master's degree in Barcelona, Celeste returned to London to work alongside Zoë Howe on Day Glo! The Poly Styrene Story, published by Omnibus Press in 2019. They then joined forces with Paul Sng to make Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché, a film to accompany the book. Celeste currently manages her mother's artistic estate, co-curating an exhibition alongside Mattie Loyce at the 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning Centre in Brixton. She plans to tour the exhibition internationally after the pandemic and is currently developing a new film project, with the working title of Mr. Gorbachev and the Krishna Kids. Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and is based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Camille Stennis. Original theme music and sound design by Elettra Bargiacchi and final mix by Mattia Marcelli. This episode was written by Abby Sher and fact checked by Joe Rhatigan. Executive Producer is Katie Sprenger. Haley Dapkus is our Production Manager. A big thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this show possible! Until next time, stay REBEL! [This episode previously aired in 2021.]

Meet Olympic swimmer and public health researcher Tara Kirk Sell. From breaking the 2004 world record in the 100 meter breaststroke to researching public health issues, Tara is a champion of change.  Junior Reporter Laila sat down for a chat with Tara about chasing dreams, setting big goals, and pushing past obstacles.

Katie Ledecky dove headfirst into swimming at just six years old. Today, she is now the most decorated woman swimmer in Olympic history. From winning her first gold in the 800m freestyle at 15 years old to having a current-day total of 14 Olympic medals, Katie continues to prove that she is limitless in the water.  This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was narrated by Tara Kirk Sell. It was written and produced by Danielle Roth, and edited and directed by Haley Dapkus. Sound design and mixing by Mumble Media.  Fact checking by Sam Gebauer. Our production coordinator was Natalie Hara. Haley Dapkus was our senior producer. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

Chef and food writer Rachel Gurjar shares how she went from Mumbai to culinary school, test kitchens, and Rebel Girls Make Dessert, mixing memory, creativity, and courage to inspire anyone who loves to play in the kitchen.

It's time to tend to our garden. We'll plant some flowers, water the plants, and turnover the soil. The birds and bugs are working alongside us to make the garden strong. With some sunlight, water, and care, there's nothing we can't grow.

With a needle, a bit of stuffing and a lot of creativity, inventor Margarete Steiff stitched one of the most beloved toys into existence: the teddy bear. She turned her passion into a business forever changing the way children go to sleep. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Olivia Riçhard with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. It was written by Abby Sher. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Jenise Morgan. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!

Leah Williamson was determined to get to the Championships. But when a referee disqualified Leah's penalty kick, her dreams came to a screeching halt. This is how one kick, and the powerful woman behind it, transformed England's national team. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Joy Smith with sound design and mixing by Reel Audiobooks. It was written by Nicole Haroutunian. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Jayne Entwistle. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel! [This story originally aired in the Rebel Girls app in 2022.]

Misty Copeland broke barriers in 2015 when she became the first Black woman to be named Principal Ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre. She didn't begin dancing until she was 13—and once she found ballet, she leapt fearlessly into her future. Now, Misty is opening doors for girls who never saw themselves represented in ballet, proving that talent, passion, and courage—not background—determine who belongs on stage. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It's based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.This episode was narrated by Jasmine Wilson. It was produced and directed by Danielle Roth, with sound design and mixing by Marina Piaz.The story was written by Danielle Roth and edited by Haley Dapkus. Fact checking by Sam Gabeur. Production coordination by Natalie Hara. Haley Dapkus is our senior producer. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe.Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi.A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!