MODERN ATHENAS

Debra Ginsberg knows most everyone assumes that if you are a waitress or waiter you are just passing through before you move onto a real career. But as Debra tells us in her book, waiting, being a waitress is a career. From details of a restaurant's nightly theatre, to personal moments of victory, and everything in between, Debra takes us into the world of the kitchen, the wait staff, management, and of course, the customer. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:37 The Tip7:33 Structure of the Kitchen12:27 Waiting as a Profession19:32 Mentors: Belinda24:02 Relationship with the Chef27:46 Customer Service33:35 The Theater of Waiting39:50 Debra’s Son, Blaze44:31 Out of Context48:43 Burnout53:17 Debra Walks Away58:16 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

Debra Ginsberg knows most everyone assumes that if you are a waitress or waiter you are just passing through before you move onto a real career. But as Debra tells us in her book, waiting, being a waitress is a career. From details of a restaurant's nightly theatre, to personal moments of victory, and everything in between, Debra takes us into the world of the kitchen, the wait staff, management, and of course, the customer. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:37 The Tip7:33 Structure of the Kitchen12:27 Waiting as a Profession19:32 Mentors: Belinda24:02 Relationship with the Chef27:46 Customer Service33:35 The Theater of Waiting39:50 Debra’s Son, Blaze44:31 Out of Context48:43 Burnout53:17 Debra Walks Away58:16 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In an unassuming stucco building on a quiet piece of the Hudson River in upstate New York, there is a general store with a small pub in the back. The locals call it the Little Chapel on the River. Author Gwendolyn Bounds introduces us to all the "parishioners" and the two generations of the Guinan family who keep it feeling like home in Garrison, NY. The pub becomes Wendy's new community after 9/11, when she locates from lower Manhattan to Garrison.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:24 Garrison, Guinan’s & The Little Chapel on the River8:01 September 11, 2001 and the Move to Garrison13:41 The Guinan Family22:40 Wanting to Belong33:13 509ers37:08 When You Know You Are a Part of a Community40:39 Characters: William Fitzgerald and Ed Preusser46:45 Stealing Time49:25 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In an unassuming stucco building on a quiet piece of the Hudson River in upstate New York, there is a general store with a small pub in the back. The locals call it the Little Chapel on the River. Author Gwendolyn Bounds introduces us to all the "parishioners" and the two generations of the Guinan family who keep it feeling like home in Garrison, NY. The pub becomes Wendy's new community after 9/11, when she locates from lower Manhattan to Garrison.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:24 Garrison, Guinan’s & The Little Chapel on the River8:01 September 11, 2001 and the Move to Garrison13:41 The Guinan Family22:40 Wanting to Belong33:13 509ers37:08 When You Know You Are a Part of a Community40:39 Characters: William Fitzgerald and Ed Preusser46:45 Stealing Time49:25 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

This episode is the first of a series that focus on women that contribute to our personal toolkit: ways to navigate life’s challenges, tips on how to find those people who you can lean on and guide you, inspiration to persevere through challenges, how to be brave, courageous, and never quit.In The Bridge Ladies, Betsy Lerner brings us into her mother's bridge group, a group of women who have been playing bridge together every week for fifty-five years. The women have crossed through the decades together, watching each other's children be born, grow up, and have families of their own. Now, as the women move into the next phase of their lives, they are confronting the deaths of their spouses, their own mortality, and what the fifty five years of weekly bridge games mean to each of them.INDEX0:00 New Series of Episodes2:56 Intro to The Bridge Ladies, Debby’s Personal Story6:10 Demographics10:20 The Pot Roast Friendship14:25 The Bridge Club - Logistics19:06 A Mother’s Critique22:27 Jackie’s Lunch25:55 Choosing a Husband33:47 Maintaining Family Traditions41:16 Reflecting on Death46:00 Maybe It is Just Bridge After All51:55 Final Thoughts and Next EpsiodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

This episode is the first of a series that focus on women that contribute to our personal toolkit: ways to navigate life’s challenges, tips on how to find those people who you can lean on and guide you, inspiration to persevere through challenges, how to be brave, courageous, and never quit.In The Bridge Ladies, Betsy Lerner brings us into her mother's bridge group, a group of women who have been playing bridge together every week for fifty-five years. The women have crossed through the decades together, watching each other's children be born, grow up, and have families of their own. Now, as the women move into the next phase of their lives, they are confronting the deaths of their spouses, their own mortality, and what the fifty five years of weekly bridge games mean to each of them.INDEX0:00 New Series of Episodes2:56 Intro to The Bridge Ladies, Debby’s Personal Story6:10 Demographics10:20 The Pot Roast Friendship14:25 The Bridge Club - Logistics19:06 A Mother’s Critique22:27 Jackie’s Lunch25:55 Choosing a Husband33:47 Maintaining Family Traditions41:16 Reflecting on Death46:00 Maybe It is Just Bridge After All51:55 Final Thoughts and Next EpsiodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book Spymistress: The True Story of the Greatest Female Secret Agent of World War II, by William Stevenson. We meet Vera Atkins, a British spy. Vera’s work has never been given the same spotlight as that of other spies or resistance fighters who were part of the war effort. Perhaps that is because she was a woman in a man’s world, or perhaps it is due to a controversy that surrounds her involving the collapse of one of the networks of spies in France. Either way, what there is no controversy about is that she was one of the most important Allied spies and that she was indirectly and directly responsible for the training and success of many of the resistance fighters in German-occupied France. On a more humorous side note, it is also believed that Vera is the basis for the Miss Moneypenny character in Ian Flemming’s James Bond novels.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:41 F-Section and the Controversy7:10 The Controversy14:16 It Takes a Special Breed18:08 Connections22:00 Biuro Szyfrow (Cipher Bureau)30:19 Battle of Taranto32:35 Adapting to Your Environment36:02 Making Decisions40:42 Courage43:27 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation!

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book Spymistress: The True Story of the Greatest Female Secret Agent of World War II, by William Stevenson. We meet Vera Atkins, a British spy. Vera’s work has never been given the same spotlight as that of other spies or resistance fighters who were part of the war effort. Perhaps that is because she was a woman in a man’s world, or perhaps it is due to a controversy that surrounds her involving the collapse of one of the networks of spies in France. Either way, what there is no controversy about is that she was one of the most important Allied spies and that she was indirectly and directly responsible for the training and success of many of the resistance fighters in German-occupied France. On a more humorous side note, it is also believed that Vera is the basis for the Miss Moneypenny character in Ian Flemming’s James Bond novels.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:41 F-Section and the Controversy7:10 The Controversy14:16 It Takes a Special Breed18:08 Connections22:00 Biuro Szyfrow (Cipher Bureau)30:19 Battle of Taranto32:35 Adapting to Your Environment36:02 Making Decisions40:42 Courage43:27 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation!

We have explored the stories of many Modern Athenas throughout history. In this podcast, we thought we would take a bit of a different approach and talk about the book Feminist Fight Club, by Jessica Bennett. The book started as a monthly huddle of a group of women in a friend’s apartment burning off steam about their frustrations with their sexist male co-workers. Jessica blends the stories of the group with some research, statistics, and advise in a humorous way that empowers women to take on the sexist behavior and to destroy the self-sabotage that we engage in on a daily basis. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:39 The Enemy: The Stenographucker7:56 The Enemy: The Lacthater15:05 The Saboteur: The Doormat23:45 The Saboteur: The Credit Defaulter29:01 The Saboteur: The Womenemy34:42 The Saboteur: The Burnout40:48 The Saboteur: The Nervous Rambler46:15 The Trap: Bitchy, Bossy, Too Ambitious51:25 The Trap: She’s Too Nice To Lead the Team56:14 Verbal Tripwire: The Over-Apologizer1:00:16 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation!

We have explored the stories of many Modern Athenas throughout history. In this podcast, we thought we would take a bit of a different approach and talk about the book Feminist Fight Club, by Jessica Bennett. The book started as a monthly huddle of a group of women in a friend’s apartment burning off steam about their frustrations with their sexist male co-workers. Jessica blends the stories of the group with some research, statistics, and advise in a humorous way that empowers women to take on the sexist behavior and to destroy the self-sabotage that we engage in on a daily basis. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:39 The Enemy: The Stenographucker7:56 The Enemy: The Lacthater15:05 The Saboteur: The Doormat23:45 The Saboteur: The Credit Defaulter29:01 The Saboteur: The Womenemy34:42 The Saboteur: The Burnout40:48 The Saboteur: The Nervous Rambler46:15 The Trap: Bitchy, Bossy, Too Ambitious51:25 The Trap: She’s Too Nice To Lead the Team56:14 Verbal Tripwire: The Over-Apologizer1:00:16 Final Thoughts and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation!

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book An Improbable Friendship, by Anthony David.Friendships can happen in the most unlikely of places, in the most unlikely of times. Like romance, it is hard to predict who our friends will be, and even harder to ignore forces that make a friendship blossom. Such is the case of Ruth Dayan, an Israeli Jew, and Raymonda Tawil, a Palestinian Christian. If you asked either of the women if they thought when they first met after the Six Days War in 1967 that they would be lifelong friends, both would laugh and then make a dig at the other’s culture and politics, while professing their admiration for each other. That is their friendship—born out of conflict and forged through decades of turmoil and heartbreak, the two women have a deeply rooted respect and love for each other that transcends borders, religion, and nationalism. Each of them a power broker in a male-dominated society, their intertwined stories are ones of strength and determination. These Modern Athenas demonstrate that no matter a woman’s identity, we all want to create meaning and purpose for ourselves and in our world. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:17 Overview of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict3:18 Ruth Dayan8:!5 Raymonda Tawil13:40 1967: Their Paths Cross for the First Time18:52 April 1973: Kamal Nasser21:39 1974: Ruth Travels the World on Behalf of Maskit and the World Craft Council23:25 The Tree Planting in the Peace Forest of Neve Shalom26:59 The Two-Staters28:36 Secret Backchannel34:37 Rabine is Assasinated40:04 Ruth Meets Arafat: 199941:45 Raymonda’s Power43:15 The Jordanian Funeral44:37 The End of Arafat46:38 The Walls48:27 The Book51:05 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book An Improbable Friendship, by Anthony David.Friendships can happen in the most unlikely of places, in the most unlikely of times. Like romance, it is hard to predict who our friends will be, and even harder to ignore forces that make a friendship blossom. Such is the case of Ruth Dayan, an Israeli Jew, and Raymonda Tawil, a Palestinian Christian. If you asked either of the women if they thought when they first met after the Six Days War in 1967 that they would be lifelong friends, both would laugh and then make a dig at the other’s culture and politics, while professing their admiration for each other. That is their friendship—born out of conflict and forged through decades of turmoil and heartbreak, the two women have a deeply rooted respect and love for each other that transcends borders, religion, and nationalism. Each of them a power broker in a male-dominated society, their intertwined stories are ones of strength and determination. These Modern Athenas demonstrate that no matter a woman’s identity, we all want to create meaning and purpose for ourselves and in our world. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:17 Overview of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict3:18 Ruth Dayan8:!5 Raymonda Tawil13:40 1967: Their Paths Cross for the First Time18:52 April 1973: Kamal Nasser21:39 1974: Ruth Travels the World on Behalf of Maskit and the World Craft Council23:25 The Tree Planting in the Peace Forest of Neve Shalom26:59 The Two-Staters28:36 Secret Backchannel34:37 Rabine is Assasinated40:04 Ruth Meets Arafat: 199941:45 Raymonda’s Power43:15 The Jordanian Funeral44:37 The End of Arafat46:38 The Walls48:27 The Book51:05 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

Esme Raji Codell's book, Educating Esme, is about her first year teaching fifth grade in a rough and tumble area of Chicago. Esme takes the reader along during the summer before her teaching career starts, as she accepts a position in a new public school. Esme has the tireless energy of all young, new teachers and a deep-rooted belief that no matter what, it is the students that matter. As you listen to her classroom tales, you can’t help but draw parallels between Esme and her classroom, and new leaders and their teams in the workplace. The lessons are the same, and the results are predictable: leaders succeed when they own everything about their job and their team, and the team succeeds when the leader is engaged and the team is invested in the mission. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:54 Why Did They Hire Me?6:32 The Fairy Tale Festival Proposal10:54 The Late Night Calls18:37 Reframing and Finding Creative Solutions33:13 Inventors37:12 Greek Gods39:50 Cajun Christmas42:36 Read Aloud Time45:03 We Aren’t Here to be Liked48:43 Teacher’s Meetings52:46 When the Team Doesn’t Perform56:02 Storytelling Festival1:01:31 How Do I Know I Am Doing It Right?1:03:06 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

Esme Raji Codell's book, Educating Esme, is about her first year teaching fifth grade in a rough and tumble area of Chicago. Esme takes the reader along during the summer before her teaching career starts, as she accepts a position in a new public school. Esme has the tireless energy of all young, new teachers and a deep-rooted belief that no matter what, it is the students that matter. As you listen to her classroom tales, you can’t help but draw parallels between Esme and her classroom, and new leaders and their teams in the workplace. The lessons are the same, and the results are predictable: leaders succeed when they own everything about their job and their team, and the team succeeds when the leader is engaged and the team is invested in the mission. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:54 Why Did They Hire Me?6:32 The Fairy Tale Festival Proposal10:54 The Late Night Calls18:37 Reframing and Finding Creative Solutions33:13 Inventors37:12 Greek Gods39:50 Cajun Christmas42:36 Read Aloud Time45:03 We Aren’t Here to be Liked48:43 Teacher’s Meetings52:46 When the Team Doesn’t Perform56:02 Storytelling Festival1:01:31 How Do I Know I Am Doing It Right?1:03:06 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book "A Nurse’s Story: Life, Death, and In Between in an Intensive Care Unit", by Tilda Shalof. A Nurse’s Story is Tilda’s part memoir, part thought-provoking discussion about her life as a Canadian Intensive Care Unit nurse and the challenges and rewards that come with the job. The book also tells heart-breaking stories and far rarer triumphs that come with working in the ICU. Through it all, Tilda makes you feel as though you are right there with her, experiencing each moment, and re-hashing each hard decision and case after the patients have long since left the unit.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:51 Why Did I Become a Critical Care Nurse?9:25 Starting Out in the ICU28:37 Family and Friendships, How they can and cannot support you33:15 LIfe in the ICU42:21 Emotional Detachment46:31 Choosing Life or Death: Decisions of a Patient and a Family50:52 Outro and End of Season 1Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book "A Nurse’s Story: Life, Death, and In Between in an Intensive Care Unit", by Tilda Shalof. A Nurse’s Story is Tilda’s part memoir, part thought-provoking discussion about her life as a Canadian Intensive Care Unit nurse and the challenges and rewards that come with the job. The book also tells heart-breaking stories and far rarer triumphs that come with working in the ICU. Through it all, Tilda makes you feel as though you are right there with her, experiencing each moment, and re-hashing each hard decision and case after the patients have long since left the unit.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:51 Why Did I Become a Critical Care Nurse?9:25 Starting Out in the ICU28:37 Family and Friendships, How they can and cannot support you33:15 LIfe in the ICU42:21 Emotional Detachment46:31 Choosing Life or Death: Decisions of a Patient and a Family50:52 Outro and End of Season 1Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “Canyon Solitude,” by Patricia C. McCairen. Canyon Solitude takes the reader through Patricia’s journey of self-discovery as she leaves her life of comfort and stability and heads West. She lives a life of adventure out west, drifting through the high plateaus of Colorado, learning how to be a river guide down many of the most dangerous and beautiful rivers, and, through it all, she demonstrates why sometimes in life, it is better to leave the safety of the known for the adventure and uncertainty of the unknown. Like all Modern Athenas, Patricia pushed aside the critics and followed her dream. She set her raft afloat down the river and, through her rafting, discovered that not only could she survive, but that she could thrive. Her inner strength, determination, and courage remind us all that in life, you have to keep taking risks and moving forward to new adventures because the true rewards are found beyond the edges of your comfort zone. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book2:03 Letting Go of Stability6:17 The Calling of the River13:57 Support vs. Resistance To Big Decisions19:10 Setting Off on the Adventure26:23 What It’s Like to be Alone32:30 Social Awkwardness and Anxiety37:34 Embracing Fear40:23 Downfalls of Dependency45:13 Women River Guides: Value of Brains over Brawn48:39 When Everything Goes Wrong52:34 The End of the River, Beginning of Freedom57:42 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “Canyon Solitude,” by Patricia C. McCairen. Canyon Solitude takes the reader through Patricia’s journey of self-discovery as she leaves her life of comfort and stability and heads West. She lives a life of adventure out west, drifting through the high plateaus of Colorado, learning how to be a river guide down many of the most dangerous and beautiful rivers, and, through it all, she demonstrates why sometimes in life, it is better to leave the safety of the known for the adventure and uncertainty of the unknown. Like all Modern Athenas, Patricia pushed aside the critics and followed her dream. She set her raft afloat down the river and, through her rafting, discovered that not only could she survive, but that she could thrive. Her inner strength, determination, and courage remind us all that in life, you have to keep taking risks and moving forward to new adventures because the true rewards are found beyond the edges of your comfort zone. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book2:03 Letting Go of Stability6:17 The Calling of the River13:57 Support vs. Resistance To Big Decisions19:10 Setting Off on the Adventure26:23 What It’s Like to be Alone32:30 Social Awkwardness and Anxiety37:34 Embracing Fear40:23 Downfalls of Dependency45:13 Women River Guides: Value of Brains over Brawn48:39 When Everything Goes Wrong52:34 The End of the River, Beginning of Freedom57:42 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastThanks for listening and sharing in the conversation

In this episode, we are joined by a guest, Alekzandra, or Alleigh, Thoms. Alleigh is co-host Sonja’s niece and an artist who enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting and writing. She is about to enter her second year at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Alleigh recently self-published a book of poetry entitled "If the grass can hold its ground, so can I" that addresses mental illness and other challenges faced by college women today, such as sexual assault. Her hope is that the unapologetic spotlight of her words on these issues that have been kept in the darkness for far too long can inspire dialogue and hope. INDEX0:00 Introduction1:31 Poem: a beginner’s guide to getting up in the morning6:18 Poem: How’s tricks?11:45 Poem: no rest without love16:11 Poem: the tango misogyny22:54 Poems: Long Live Lexapro / To F33:53 Poem: The Gospel of the Sun36:09 Closing Questions41:00 Outro and Next Episode Buy Alleigh’s book: http://www.lulu.com/shop/alekzandra-thoms/if-the-grass-can-hold-its-ground-so-can-i/paperback/product-23158026.html Connect with Alleigh on Instagram @bitter_feminist Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcast

In this episode, we are joined by a guest, Alekzandra, or Alleigh, Thoms. Alleigh is co-host Sonja’s niece and an artist who enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting and writing. She is about to enter her second year at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Alleigh recently self-published a book of poetry entitled "If the grass can hold its ground, so can I" that addresses mental illness and other challenges faced by college women today, such as sexual assault. Her hope is that the unapologetic spotlight of her words on these issues that have been kept in the darkness for far too long can inspire dialogue and hope. INDEX0:00 Introduction1:31 Poem: a beginner’s guide to getting up in the morning6:18 Poem: How’s tricks?11:45 Poem: no rest without love16:11 Poem: the tango misogyny22:54 Poems: Long Live Lexapro / To F33:53 Poem: The Gospel of the Sun36:09 Closing Questions41:00 Outro and Next Episode Buy Alleigh’s book: http://www.lulu.com/shop/alekzandra-thoms/if-the-grass-can-hold-its-ground-so-can-i/paperback/product-23158026.html Connect with Alleigh on Instagram @bitter_feminist Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcast

Irena’s Children, is the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic woman and Modern Athena. In her early 20s during the time period covered by the book (Irena's Children by Tilar J. Mazzeo), and standing 4’11” tall, Irena was not physically imposing. But anyone that underestimated her was sorely mistaken. It was this young woman’s iron spirit, sense of purpose, and bravery thathelped her to organize dozens of ordinary citizens, across the divides of religion, into foot soldiers for her human network. Between 1940 and 1945, this network saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children who otherwise would have perished with their parents in the Warsaw ghetto, in the rail cars destined for the Treblinka extermination camp, or in the gas chambers at Treblinka. Listen now as we tell her story. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:52 Warsaw at the Start of World War II3:38 The German Purges Begin6:13 The Germans Target the Jews7:48 Irena’s First Resistance Efforts10:48 The Ghetto is Created16:53 The Winter of 1941-194218:20 Escaping the Ghetto: Saving the Children25:08 Escaping the Ghetto: Saving the Families26:55 Gross-Aktion Warsaw30:50 Trying to Save the Children: Umschlagplatz and The Ghetto Hospital36:05 Trying to Save the Children: Dr. Korczak’s Orphanage38:20 The Money Runs Out40:45 The Lists of Children Grow44:00 The Final Liquidation of the Ghetto49:45 Irena’s Capture55:00 The Warsaw Uprising59:16 The Fate of the Lists1:03:00 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcast

Irena’s Children, is the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic woman and Modern Athena. In her early 20s during the time period covered by the book (Irena's Children by Tilar J. Mazzeo), and standing 4’11” tall, Irena was not physically imposing. But anyone that underestimated her was sorely mistaken. It was this young woman’s iron spirit, sense of purpose, and bravery thathelped her to organize dozens of ordinary citizens, across the divides of religion, into foot soldiers for her human network. Between 1940 and 1945, this network saved the lives of 2,500 Jewish children who otherwise would have perished with their parents in the Warsaw ghetto, in the rail cars destined for the Treblinka extermination camp, or in the gas chambers at Treblinka. Listen now as we tell her story. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:52 Warsaw at the Start of World War II3:38 The German Purges Begin6:13 The Germans Target the Jews7:48 Irena’s First Resistance Efforts10:48 The Ghetto is Created16:53 The Winter of 1941-194218:20 Escaping the Ghetto: Saving the Children25:08 Escaping the Ghetto: Saving the Families26:55 Gross-Aktion Warsaw30:50 Trying to Save the Children: Umschlagplatz and The Ghetto Hospital36:05 Trying to Save the Children: Dr. Korczak’s Orphanage38:20 The Money Runs Out40:45 The Lists of Children Grow44:00 The Final Liquidation of the Ghetto49:45 Irena’s Capture55:00 The Warsaw Uprising59:16 The Fate of the Lists1:03:00 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcast

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “A Little More About Me,” by Pam Houston. Pam Houston is a well-known fiction writer. In A Little More About Me, Pam uses essays to tackle the transformative moments of her life and to reflect on the decisions she has made and the various twists and turns her life journey has taken. As Pam takes the reader on this journey, we see that she refuses to ever give up her dreams, and refuses to settle for what others’ expectations are of her. Time after time, she bravely steps into the unknown to challenge herself and to search for who she truly is and who she wants to be. Pam embodies Athena’s perseverance, bravery through challenges, fortitude, and drive.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:07 Mid-30s3:30 Walking on the Edge6:55 Dogs and Kids10:27 Outgrowing Home14:04 Friendship: Loss and Gain19:06 The Grand Tetons: New Boundaries in Life24:38 Conquering Challenges, Accepting When it is Too Much28:37 Insecurities: We All Have Them34:37 Fear of Life Changes41:24 In the Company of Fisherman: Companionship47:55 Redefining Success52:05 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcast

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “A Little More About Me,” by Pam Houston. Pam Houston is a well-known fiction writer. In A Little More About Me, Pam uses essays to tackle the transformative moments of her life and to reflect on the decisions she has made and the various twists and turns her life journey has taken. As Pam takes the reader on this journey, we see that she refuses to ever give up her dreams, and refuses to settle for what others’ expectations are of her. Time after time, she bravely steps into the unknown to challenge herself and to search for who she truly is and who she wants to be. Pam embodies Athena’s perseverance, bravery through challenges, fortitude, and drive.INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:07 Mid-30s3:30 Walking on the Edge6:55 Dogs and Kids10:27 Outgrowing Home14:04 Friendship: Loss and Gain19:06 The Grand Tetons: New Boundaries in Life24:38 Conquering Challenges, Accepting When it is Too Much28:37 Insecurities: We All Have Them34:37 Fear of Life Changes41:24 In the Company of Fisherman: Companionship47:55 Redefining Success52:05 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube. Send us feedback or leave a review! Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcast

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter: The Remarkable True Story of American Heroine Ida Lewis,” by Lenore Skomal. Lenore tells the story of Ida Lewis, whose father was responsible for keeping the light burning in the Lime Rock Lighthouse outside of Newport, Rhode Island in the mid-1800s. When Ida was young, her father fell ill, and tending the light fell to her mother and later, to Ida. Ida was considered the bravest woman of her day, not because of her light keeping skills but because of her daring rescues at sea. Ida would see men in danger in the waters surrounding the lighthouse and immediately race for her row boat, casting off and rowing as hard as she could to reach the drowning men. Using her 5’4”, 103-pound frame, she would pull the men into her boat and then row them back to the safety of the shore. Ida’s rescues brought her unwanted fame and attention. While she met some of the biggest political and military names of her day—men who today have their own pages in history books—and was visited by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony—the leaders of the suffrage movement—Ida never appeared to enjoy the spotlight. The story of this Modern Athena would have been lost to history, or at least relegated to a footnote, if Lenore Skomal had not written this book. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:55 Lighthouses & The Lime Rock Lighthouse5:25 Ida and Hosea8:57 Ida’s First Rescue13:48 The Famous Rescue19:19 The Famous Rescue: Publicity and Grace Darling22:59 July 4, 186929:03 Ida Becomes a Newport Attraction38:18 Ida’s Life Moves On41:38 Ida’s Official Appointment and Last Rescue45:15 The End of an Era48:19 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter: The Remarkable True Story of American Heroine Ida Lewis,” by Lenore Skomal. Lenore tells the story of Ida Lewis, whose father was responsible for keeping the light burning in the Lime Rock Lighthouse outside of Newport, Rhode Island in the mid-1800s. When Ida was young, her father fell ill, and tending the light fell to her mother and later, to Ida. Ida was considered the bravest woman of her day, not because of her light keeping skills but because of her daring rescues at sea. Ida would see men in danger in the waters surrounding the lighthouse and immediately race for her row boat, casting off and rowing as hard as she could to reach the drowning men. Using her 5’4”, 103-pound frame, she would pull the men into her boat and then row them back to the safety of the shore. Ida’s rescues brought her unwanted fame and attention. While she met some of the biggest political and military names of her day—men who today have their own pages in history books—and was visited by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony—the leaders of the suffrage movement—Ida never appeared to enjoy the spotlight. The story of this Modern Athena would have been lost to history, or at least relegated to a footnote, if Lenore Skomal had not written this book. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:55 Lighthouses & The Lime Rock Lighthouse5:25 Ida and Hosea8:57 Ida’s First Rescue13:48 The Famous Rescue19:19 The Famous Rescue: Publicity and Grace Darling22:59 July 4, 186929:03 Ida Becomes a Newport Attraction38:18 Ida’s Life Moves On41:38 Ida’s Official Appointment and Last Rescue45:15 The End of an Era48:19 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book Special Agent: My Life on the Front Lines as a Woman in the FBI, by Candice DeLong. When Candice DeLong joined the FBI, she was one of the few female agents. At that time, women represented less than 4% of a total agent force of 8,000. Today, women remain a minority—there are 1,700 women, representing only 15% of total agents. We wanted to share Candice’s story with you because she is an example of how to succeed as a leader in a male-dominated profession. Her persistence, work ethic, and teamwork were the pillars of her success. And, like many other women in male-dominated professions, she learned how to walk the line between being “one of the guys” and being an assertive, independent woman. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:01 Candice’s Psychiatric Nursing Career: Working Under Stress5:20 Candice’s Application and Admission to the FBI10:42 Attending the FBI Academy, Confronting Sexism and Double Standards18:34 Candice Joins the FBI, Heads to Chicago Field Office27:58 Women in the FBI: Camaraderie, Mentors and Competition32:51 Candice’s Home Life, Making Ends Meet as a Single Mother35:42 Office of Professional Responsibility: FBI’s Internal Affairs Department37:55 Candice Moves to San Francisco, Works the Unabomber Case43:27 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book Special Agent: My Life on the Front Lines as a Woman in the FBI, by Candice DeLong. When Candice DeLong joined the FBI, she was one of the few female agents. At that time, women represented less than 4% of a total agent force of 8,000. Today, women remain a minority—there are 1,700 women, representing only 15% of total agents. We wanted to share Candice’s story with you because she is an example of how to succeed as a leader in a male-dominated profession. Her persistence, work ethic, and teamwork were the pillars of her success. And, like many other women in male-dominated professions, she learned how to walk the line between being “one of the guys” and being an assertive, independent woman. INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:01 Candice’s Psychiatric Nursing Career: Working Under Stress5:20 Candice’s Application and Admission to the FBI10:42 Attending the FBI Academy, Confronting Sexism and Double Standards18:34 Candice Joins the FBI, Heads to Chicago Field Office27:58 Women in the FBI: Camaraderie, Mentors and Competition32:51 Candice’s Home Life, Making Ends Meet as a Single Mother35:42 Office of Professional Responsibility: FBI’s Internal Affairs Department37:55 Candice Moves to San Francisco, Works the Unabomber Case43:27 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Please note that some of the descriptions in this podcast are graphic and may not be appropriate for children.In this episode, we discuss a book about Ama Adhe, a Tibetan woman who was imprisoned by the Chinese and subjected to inhumane treatment in labor camps for over twenty years. Adhe’s courage, perseverance and strength throughout her imprisonment and her life embody the very essence of a Modern Athena. "Although the circumstances of her life are tragic, the wisdom, strength, and courage that Ama Adhe sustained through those many torturous years place her among those rare human beings who would not turn their backs on those in need or repeat a doctrine they did not believe in. To Tibetans, Adhe is a symbol of courage and determination; to me, she speaks for a people who against great odds valiantly maintain their culture, their religion, and their inner freedom.” INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:12 The Tibet of Adhe’s Childhood3:39 The Chinese Arrive in Tibet8:42 Adhe is Detained11:01 Adhe is Interrogated and Sentenced14:00 Adhe’s Experiences in the Labor Camps15:50 Re-Education Meetings18:00 The Enduring Friendships in the Labor Camps19:29 Adhe’s Sentence Ends but She is Not Released26:02 A New Friend and A Return Home After 21 Years29:19 Adhe is Finally Released from Prison31:52 Adhe Reunites with Her Brother35:00 Adhe Leaves Tibet for the Last Time, Meets the Dalai Lama37:18 Adhe is a Living Testimony38:52 Tibet Today39:15 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Please note that some of the descriptions in this podcast are graphic and may not be appropriate for children.In this episode, we discuss a book about Ama Adhe, a Tibetan woman who was imprisoned by the Chinese and subjected to inhumane treatment in labor camps for over twenty years. Adhe’s courage, perseverance and strength throughout her imprisonment and her life embody the very essence of a Modern Athena. "Although the circumstances of her life are tragic, the wisdom, strength, and courage that Ama Adhe sustained through those many torturous years place her among those rare human beings who would not turn their backs on those in need or repeat a doctrine they did not believe in. To Tibetans, Adhe is a symbol of courage and determination; to me, she speaks for a people who against great odds valiantly maintain their culture, their religion, and their inner freedom.” INDEX0:00 Intro and Background of the Book1:12 The Tibet of Adhe’s Childhood3:39 The Chinese Arrive in Tibet8:42 Adhe is Detained11:01 Adhe is Interrogated and Sentenced14:00 Adhe’s Experiences in the Labor Camps15:50 Re-Education Meetings18:00 The Enduring Friendships in the Labor Camps19:29 Adhe’s Sentence Ends but She is Not Released26:02 A New Friend and A Return Home After 21 Years29:19 Adhe is Finally Released from Prison31:52 Adhe Reunites with Her Brother35:00 Adhe Leaves Tibet for the Last Time, Meets the Dalai Lama37:18 Adhe is a Living Testimony38:52 Tibet Today39:15 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Christy Orser is a Major in the US Army. She is also a wife and a mother to two children, William, 5, and Caroline, 2. She graduated from UMass Amherst with a double major in communications and political science. She was also an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. She holds a Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. Her military education includes the Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Career courses, the Commanding General Staff Officer Course, the Air Force Space and Missile Intelligence Formal Training Unit, the Army Counterintelligence Agent Course, and the US Army Airborne School. Christy’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, for her service in Iraq, the Parachutist Badge, the Army Space Badge, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, and the Order of the Combat Spur. Christy is also the recipient of the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership award. We had the chance to hear about her military career, leadership lessons and how she creates balance in life. INDEX0:00 Intro1:54 Joining the Military and First Deployment23:06 Coming home and Promotion to New Job32:09 Army Congressional Fellowship Program36:09 Mentoring Young Leaders38:38 Knowing Your “Why”43:22 Juggling Life, Finding Balance for Family57:11 Closing Questions1:03:17 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Christy Orser is a Major in the US Army. She is also a wife and a mother to two children, William, 5, and Caroline, 2. She graduated from UMass Amherst with a double major in communications and political science. She was also an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. She holds a Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. Her military education includes the Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Career courses, the Commanding General Staff Officer Course, the Air Force Space and Missile Intelligence Formal Training Unit, the Army Counterintelligence Agent Course, and the US Army Airborne School. Christy’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, for her service in Iraq, the Parachutist Badge, the Army Space Badge, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, and the Order of the Combat Spur. Christy is also the recipient of the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership award. We had the chance to hear about her military career, leadership lessons and how she creates balance in life. INDEX0:00 Intro1:54 Joining the Military and First Deployment23:06 Coming home and Promotion to New Job32:09 Army Congressional Fellowship Program36:09 Mentoring Young Leaders38:38 Knowing Your “Why”43:22 Juggling Life, Finding Balance for Family57:11 Closing Questions1:03:17 Outro and Next Episode Visit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

We chose Susan Spencer-Wendel as a Modern Athena because in the face of a diagnosis of a terminal illness (ALS), she chose to live a life of joy, building memories, making special moments, and surrounding herself with her family and friends. Susan also took a special trip with each of her children, and with each of her close friends. Knowing her illness’ destructive path, she chose to embrace life rather than allow the illness to control her. She was, in every way, a pillar of strength and courage. This podcast is about her trips, her journeys inward, and her year of finding peace. INDEX00:00 Intro and Background of the Book01:53 ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)09:29 Decision to Travel12:17 Space Shuttle Launch16:17 The Yukon and the Northern Lights22:15 Susan’s Mother, Facing Death27:37 Christmas31:57 Chickee Hut36:32 John, Her Husband41:09 Steph, Her Sister47:47 The Children’s Trips50:58 Scrapbooking55:00 Writing the Book and the Close57:49 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

We chose Susan Spencer-Wendel as a Modern Athena because in the face of a diagnosis of a terminal illness (ALS), she chose to live a life of joy, building memories, making special moments, and surrounding herself with her family and friends. Susan also took a special trip with each of her children, and with each of her close friends. Knowing her illness’ destructive path, she chose to embrace life rather than allow the illness to control her. She was, in every way, a pillar of strength and courage. This podcast is about her trips, her journeys inward, and her year of finding peace. INDEX00:00 Intro and Background of the Book01:53 ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)09:29 Decision to Travel12:17 Space Shuttle Launch16:17 The Yukon and the Northern Lights22:15 Susan’s Mother, Facing Death27:37 Christmas31:57 Chickee Hut36:32 John, Her Husband41:09 Steph, Her Sister47:47 The Children’s Trips50:58 Scrapbooking55:00 Writing the Book and the Close57:49 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Not every Modern Athena is a woman who has become a well-known warrior. Sometimes, Modern Athenas can be found quietly persevering through life’s never ending twists and turns. Making it through one day, and another, until they have passed through darkness, light, and time. In The Rules Do Not Apply, Ariel Levy begins the book talking about the loss of her spouse, her child, her home, and the life she was building for herself. She then turns back time, taking us through her journey of building her writing career, finding love, owning a home, and becoming pregnant. She also takes us through the darkness of her partner’s alcoholism, her miscarriage, and the sense that she may never find happiness. As we discuss Ariel’s rocky road, we hope our listeners find solace in her words: no one has everything in life. INDEX00:00-01:06 Intro and Background of the Book01:07-06:43 Ariel the Writer06:44-10:24 Ariel’s Mother10:25-15:17 Ariel’s Father: Life is Fragile15:18-18:17 Ariel Meets Lucy, Finds Love18:18-21:29 Fertility: Ticking of the Biological Clock21:30-24:53 Wanting It All24:54-27:05 Ariel and Lucy Divided: The Affair and Alcoholism27:06-35:20 Lucy’s Alcoholism35:21-40:01 Ariel Gets Pregnant, Joy and Purpose40:02-47:42 Ariel’s Miscarriage, Loss and Grief 47:43-49:53 Healing49:54-52:29 The End of the Road, Curiosity and Hope52:30-53:24 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Not every Modern Athena is a woman who has become a well-known warrior. Sometimes, Modern Athenas can be found quietly persevering through life’s never ending twists and turns. Making it through one day, and another, until they have passed through darkness, light, and time. In The Rules Do Not Apply, Ariel Levy begins the book talking about the loss of her spouse, her child, her home, and the life she was building for herself. She then turns back time, taking us through her journey of building her writing career, finding love, owning a home, and becoming pregnant. She also takes us through the darkness of her partner’s alcoholism, her miscarriage, and the sense that she may never find happiness. As we discuss Ariel’s rocky road, we hope our listeners find solace in her words: no one has everything in life. INDEX00:00-01:06 Intro and Background of the Book01:07-06:43 Ariel the Writer06:44-10:24 Ariel’s Mother10:25-15:17 Ariel’s Father: Life is Fragile15:18-18:17 Ariel Meets Lucy, Finds Love18:18-21:29 Fertility: Ticking of the Biological Clock21:30-24:53 Wanting It All24:54-27:05 Ariel and Lucy Divided: The Affair and Alcoholism27:06-35:20 Lucy’s Alcoholism35:21-40:01 Ariel Gets Pregnant, Joy and Purpose40:02-47:42 Ariel’s Miscarriage, Loss and Grief 47:43-49:53 Healing49:54-52:29 The End of the Road, Curiosity and Hope52:30-53:24 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, tells the story of Kamila Sidiqui and her sisters, who, under Kamila’s bravery, courage, and perseverance, were able to survive under the Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan once their parents and older brother were forced to flee. Charged with her family’s survival, Kamila invented a way to provide for her family—by making dresses. She eventually mobilized her sisters, and their friends, and her local community. Kamila’s ability to keep going even as her world fell apart, her bravery and courage when she unexpectedly became the primary breadwinner for her family, completely unprepared, and her entrepreneurial spirit, all make her a Modern Athena. INDEX00:00-01:56 Intro and Background of the Book01:57-11:23 The Taliban Reginme Takes Over11:24-16:43 Kamila’s Family16:44-19:31 The Book Swap19:32-21:34 Money Begins to Run Out21:35-26:07 Kamila Becomes a Seamstress26:08-32:08 Kamila Starts Her Business32:09-41:03 Her Business Expands41:04-44:12 A Dressmaking School is Created44:13-49:19 The Unexpected Wedding Party49:20-51:36 A Message from the Taliban51:37-54:59 The Tides Begin to Change55:00-58:55 After September 11, 200158:56-59:47 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, tells the story of Kamila Sidiqui and her sisters, who, under Kamila’s bravery, courage, and perseverance, were able to survive under the Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan once their parents and older brother were forced to flee. Charged with her family’s survival, Kamila invented a way to provide for her family—by making dresses. She eventually mobilized her sisters, and their friends, and her local community. Kamila’s ability to keep going even as her world fell apart, her bravery and courage when she unexpectedly became the primary breadwinner for her family, completely unprepared, and her entrepreneurial spirit, all make her a Modern Athena. INDEX00:00-01:56 Intro and Background of the Book01:57-11:23 The Taliban Reginme Takes Over11:24-16:43 Kamila’s Family16:44-19:31 The Book Swap19:32-21:34 Money Begins to Run Out21:35-26:07 Kamila Becomes a Seamstress26:08-32:08 Kamila Starts Her Business32:09-41:03 Her Business Expands41:04-44:12 A Dressmaking School is Created44:13-49:19 The Unexpected Wedding Party49:20-51:36 A Message from the Taliban51:37-54:59 The Tides Begin to Change55:00-58:55 After September 11, 200158:56-59:47 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book Year of No Clutter, by Eve O. Schaub. We chose this book because it addresses ideas around clutter- clutter that inhabits all of our lives. Eve takes a year to declutter her home, most particularly a room she calls the Hell Room. Through her decluttering journey, we learn about Eve’s family’s habits of holding onto clutter, the deep rooted reasons why Eve holds onto material things, and lessons we can all use in our own lives. Eve is a Modern Athena because she has overcome a significant emotional and physical challenge and transformed her way of thinking to make a better life for herself and a better future for her daughters, by setting the example. INDEX 00:00-01:37 Intro and Background of the Book01:38-05:36 The Hell Room05:37-09:35 Hoarder or a Clutter Queen?09:36-13:56 Problems of Abundance13:57-20:30 Why Does Eve Keep it All?20:31-25:28 Change25:29-31:07 Indecision, Fear and “Extreme Confidence”31:08-36:11 Excuses36:12-39:15 Moving Forward39:16-43:59 Miles’ Gift Ban44:00-46:34 Creating a Method to the Madness46:35-50:47 Creative Keeping of Memories50:48-57:20 Don’t Look Behind You and Reaching the End of the Year57:21-58:12 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book Year of No Clutter, by Eve O. Schaub. We chose this book because it addresses ideas around clutter- clutter that inhabits all of our lives. Eve takes a year to declutter her home, most particularly a room she calls the Hell Room. Through her decluttering journey, we learn about Eve’s family’s habits of holding onto clutter, the deep rooted reasons why Eve holds onto material things, and lessons we can all use in our own lives. Eve is a Modern Athena because she has overcome a significant emotional and physical challenge and transformed her way of thinking to make a better life for herself and a better future for her daughters, by setting the example. INDEX 00:00-01:37 Intro and Background of the Book01:38-05:36 The Hell Room05:37-09:35 Hoarder or a Clutter Queen?09:36-13:56 Problems of Abundance13:57-20:30 Why Does Eve Keep it All?20:31-25:28 Change25:29-31:07 Indecision, Fear and “Extreme Confidence”31:08-36:11 Excuses36:12-39:15 Moving Forward39:16-43:59 Miles’ Gift Ban44:00-46:34 Creating a Method to the Madness46:35-50:47 Creative Keeping of Memories50:48-57:20 Don’t Look Behind You and Reaching the End of the Year57:21-58:12 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

A Year by the Sea, by Joan Anderson In the year following a separation from her husband, Joan weathers loneliness and makes new beginnings. She spends intentional time reflecting and discovering her needs, possibly for the first time in decades since becoming a wife and mother. She learns through all of her trials in the year by the sea, that there is great value in individuality. Joan’s toughness, drive, perseverance and vulnerability makes her a Modern Athena.INDEX00:00-04:49Intro and Background of the Book04:50-07:39Sit Still and Hear the Answers07:40-12:42Visiting the Seals12:43-17:50Taking Chances17:51-19:56Joan’s Relationship with Her Husband19:57-23:22Change23:23-27:19Minimalism27:20-34:33Meeting Joanie Erickson: Not looking back, Obscuring yourself34:34-45:44Meeting Joanie Erickson: Friends who Feed You, Leaving Space, Mentors, Beach Glass45:45-49:01Recommendation of Patience49:02-52:34The Water Heater and Clamming52:35-56:38A Parade of Guests56:39-58:49Joan’s Reflection on the Year58:50-1:01:20Joan’s Family: The Year Together and Apart 1:01:21-1:02:19 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

A Year by the Sea, by Joan Anderson In the year following a separation from her husband, Joan weathers loneliness and makes new beginnings. She spends intentional time reflecting and discovering her needs, possibly for the first time in decades since becoming a wife and mother. She learns through all of her trials in the year by the sea, that there is great value in individuality. Joan’s toughness, drive, perseverance and vulnerability makes her a Modern Athena.INDEX00:00-04:49Intro and Background of the Book04:50-07:39Sit Still and Hear the Answers07:40-12:42Visiting the Seals12:43-17:50Taking Chances17:51-19:56Joan’s Relationship with Her Husband19:57-23:22Change23:23-27:19Minimalism27:20-34:33Meeting Joanie Erickson: Not looking back, Obscuring yourself34:34-45:44Meeting Joanie Erickson: Friends who Feed You, Leaving Space, Mentors, Beach Glass45:45-49:01Recommendation of Patience49:02-52:34The Water Heater and Clamming52:35-56:38A Parade of Guests56:39-58:49Joan’s Reflection on the Year58:50-1:01:20Joan’s Family: The Year Together and Apart 1:01:21-1:02:19 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

The Center Cannot Hold is a book about Elyn Saks’ journey living with schizophrenia. Elyn has survived decades of learning to accept, and living with, her illness. Her book takes the reader through her journey of diagnosis, treatment, and living day-to-day life. She struggles with whether she is defined by her illness, or whether her illness is a part of her. She struggles through the decision to take medication and whether to get ongoing treatment. Throughout the book, Elyn describes the impact of her illness on her personal and professional life, on the people around her, and on her family. We cannot recommend this book enough, as it provides a glimpse into this too often silent struggle, and promotes compassion for all who suffer with the many challenges of mental illness.INDEX00:00-02:08Intro and Background of the Book02:09-07:44Overview of Elyn’s Professional Life07:45-12:53Schizophrenia: The Illness12:54-20:03Elyn’s Diagnosis20:04-25:33Schizophrenia: The Center Cannot Hold25:34-30:24The Fight with Medication and Her Illness30:25-35:16Accepting Medication35:17-42:43Medication: Side Effects42:44-46:04Disclosing Her Mental Illness46:05-51:57The Trauma of Mental Illness51:58-56:54Research into the Human Brain56:55-59:35Why Elyn Wrote the Book59:36-1:00:24Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

The Center Cannot Hold is a book about Elyn Saks’ journey living with schizophrenia. Elyn has survived decades of learning to accept, and living with, her illness. Her book takes the reader through her journey of diagnosis, treatment, and living day-to-day life. She struggles with whether she is defined by her illness, or whether her illness is a part of her. She struggles through the decision to take medication and whether to get ongoing treatment. Throughout the book, Elyn describes the impact of her illness on her personal and professional life, on the people around her, and on her family. We cannot recommend this book enough, as it provides a glimpse into this too often silent struggle, and promotes compassion for all who suffer with the many challenges of mental illness.INDEX00:00-02:08Intro and Background of the Book02:09-07:44Overview of Elyn’s Professional Life07:45-12:53Schizophrenia: The Illness12:54-20:03Elyn’s Diagnosis20:04-25:33Schizophrenia: The Center Cannot Hold25:34-30:24The Fight with Medication and Her Illness30:25-35:16Accepting Medication35:17-42:43Medication: Side Effects42:44-46:04Disclosing Her Mental Illness46:05-51:57The Trauma of Mental Illness51:58-56:54Research into the Human Brain56:55-59:35Why Elyn Wrote the Book59:36-1:00:24Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Life in Motion is about Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, or ABT, in New York. The books winds its way from Misty’s childhood, when she first took up ballet at the local Boys and Girls Club at the urging of her Drill Team instructor, to her first competitions, her first auditions for prestigious summer programs, her entrance into the ABT Studio Team, her ascent to the corps de ballet, then to a soloist, and eventually to a principal dancer. Misty discusses not only her journey but the journey of her family through tumultuous years. Misty finds her way in life through ballet as well as through the guidance of mentors, who are themselves Modern Athenas. Throughout the book, Misty discusses lessons she has learned about life, about ballet, and about herself. It is these lessons that we are going to focus on today. 00:00-01:10 Intro and Background of the Book01:11-03:55 Discipline, No Shortcuts03:56-06:00 The Illusion of Perfection06:01-11:13 Freedom Through Performance11:14-14:37 Becoming Less Self-Judgmental14:38-17:14 Getting Noticed 17:15-21:40 Dichotomies of Life, Finding Balance21:41-26:02 Believing in Your Purpose26:03-30:51 Race & Identity30:52-33:40 Climbing the Ladder33:41-37:14 Self-Image, Self-Esteem37:15-42:07 Appreciating What You Have42:08-46:09 Running Away vs. Confronting Problems46:10-51:52 Misty's Modern Athenas51:53-52:47 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Life in Motion is about Misty Copeland, the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, or ABT, in New York. The books winds its way from Misty’s childhood, when she first took up ballet at the local Boys and Girls Club at the urging of her Drill Team instructor, to her first competitions, her first auditions for prestigious summer programs, her entrance into the ABT Studio Team, her ascent to the corps de ballet, then to a soloist, and eventually to a principal dancer. Misty discusses not only her journey but the journey of her family through tumultuous years. Misty finds her way in life through ballet as well as through the guidance of mentors, who are themselves Modern Athenas. Throughout the book, Misty discusses lessons she has learned about life, about ballet, and about herself. It is these lessons that we are going to focus on today. 00:00-01:10 Intro and Background of the Book01:11-03:55 Discipline, No Shortcuts03:56-06:00 The Illusion of Perfection06:01-11:13 Freedom Through Performance11:14-14:37 Becoming Less Self-Judgmental14:38-17:14 Getting Noticed 17:15-21:40 Dichotomies of Life, Finding Balance21:41-26:02 Believing in Your Purpose26:03-30:51 Race & Identity30:52-33:40 Climbing the Ladder33:41-37:14 Self-Image, Self-Esteem37:15-42:07 Appreciating What You Have42:08-46:09 Running Away vs. Confronting Problems46:10-51:52 Misty's Modern Athenas51:53-52:47 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Gertrude was a true Modern Athena in the way she took on risk, stereotypes, and challenging situations. Her work brought new archaeological finds, destroyed stereotypes of what women could be, brought closure to families during World War I, and ended up shaping the modern Middle East.Georgina Howell's book, Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations, is not just a historically accurate portrayal of Gertrude’s life, but it includes exquisite detail into each of her journeys, the people she met along the way, and the politics of each of the worlds she passed through. It also provides incredible detail on the history of the Middle East and why it looks the way it does today. We urge any of our listeners who have any interest in learning about why the modern Middle East has so much conflict to pick up this book.INDEX00:00-01:25 Intro01:26-03:59 Gertrude's Childhood through University04:00-09:45 Gertrude's Mountaineering Adventures09:46-14:38 Gertrude's First Global Trips14:39-17:52 World War I17:53-20:25 British Intelligence: Cairo20:26-21:41 History of Iraq Leading Up to the British Occupation21:42-24:41 Gertrude in Baghdad24:42-30:04 Working Towards Iraqi Independence30:05-33:45 After the Work Shaping Iraq is Done33:46-39:48 Gertrude's Death and Legacy: 192639:49-40:46 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Gertrude was a true Modern Athena in the way she took on risk, stereotypes, and challenging situations. Her work brought new archaeological finds, destroyed stereotypes of what women could be, brought closure to families during World War I, and ended up shaping the modern Middle East.Georgina Howell's book, Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations, is not just a historically accurate portrayal of Gertrude’s life, but it includes exquisite detail into each of her journeys, the people she met along the way, and the politics of each of the worlds she passed through. It also provides incredible detail on the history of the Middle East and why it looks the way it does today. We urge any of our listeners who have any interest in learning about why the modern Middle East has so much conflict to pick up this book.INDEX00:00-01:25 Intro01:26-03:59 Gertrude's Childhood through University04:00-09:45 Gertrude's Mountaineering Adventures09:46-14:38 Gertrude's First Global Trips14:39-17:52 World War I17:53-20:25 British Intelligence: Cairo20:26-21:41 History of Iraq Leading Up to the British Occupation21:42-24:41 Gertrude in Baghdad24:42-30:04 Working Towards Iraqi Independence30:05-33:45 After the Work Shaping Iraq is Done33:46-39:48 Gertrude's Death and Legacy: 192639:49-40:46 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Runner takes us along on Lizzy Hawker’s ultra running journey, from her first ultra race, the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, through her racing career, including five first place finishes in the UTMB, three runs from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu, Nepal, a Spartathlon win, and a 100km World Championship. Lizzy’s running journey is like many of the challenges and journeys we all face in our lives. Her perseverance in tough conditions, focus on her goals, willingness to take risks, and continuously overcoming the odds to achieve greatness make her a Modern Athena.INDEX00:00-01:40 Intro and Background of the Book01:41-07:26 Work on the British Antarctic Survey: Going South07:27-11:35 Work on the British Antarctic Survey: Stuck in Ice and Prep for her Ultra Career11:36-14:41 First Run on the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc: Background14:42-20:41 First Run on the UTMB: The Starting Line20:42-26:37 First Run on the UTMB: Running Through Darkness, Step by Step26:38-30:29 First Run on the UTMB: Winning30:30-33:02 Daily Disciplines in Everyday Life33:03-35:18 Living Simply, Pursuing a Dream35:19-40:37 The Himalayas: First Expedition to Kalang40:38-46:24 The Himalayas: From Everest to Kathmandu46:25-49:10 Life's Pilgrimages49:11-50:51 Knowing the "Why" 50:52-53:50 Overcoming Anxiety53:51-56:04 Dare to Dream56:05-57:01 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

Runner takes us along on Lizzy Hawker’s ultra running journey, from her first ultra race, the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, through her racing career, including five first place finishes in the UTMB, three runs from Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu, Nepal, a Spartathlon win, and a 100km World Championship. Lizzy’s running journey is like many of the challenges and journeys we all face in our lives. Her perseverance in tough conditions, focus on her goals, willingness to take risks, and continuously overcoming the odds to achieve greatness make her a Modern Athena.INDEX00:00-01:40 Intro and Background of the Book01:41-07:26 Work on the British Antarctic Survey: Going South07:27-11:35 Work on the British Antarctic Survey: Stuck in Ice and Prep for her Ultra Career11:36-14:41 First Run on the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc: Background14:42-20:41 First Run on the UTMB: The Starting Line20:42-26:37 First Run on the UTMB: Running Through Darkness, Step by Step26:38-30:29 First Run on the UTMB: Winning30:30-33:02 Daily Disciplines in Everyday Life33:03-35:18 Living Simply, Pursuing a Dream35:19-40:37 The Himalayas: First Expedition to Kalang40:38-46:24 The Himalayas: From Everest to Kathmandu46:25-49:10 Life's Pilgrimages49:11-50:51 Knowing the "Why" 50:52-53:50 Overcoming Anxiety53:51-56:04 Dare to Dream56:05-57:01 Outro and Next EpisodeVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.

As a young teenager, Sarah was a competitive figure skater with her sights set on the Olympics. Her parents both worked in law enforcement and continue to be strong role models for her. Sarah is a CPA and the CFO for a Veteran Owned business in Philadelphia, PA. Sarah has over 26 years in corporate finance, has run for public office, married for 24 years and is the Mother to two adult children. She volunteers with both the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network @PhillyVeterans and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation @MarineScholars and she encourages you to check them out.INDEX00:00-01:24Intro01:25-11:44Parent Role Models11:45-15:34Childhood Goals15:35-34:32Career in Finance, How Gender impacts the Workplace 34:33-39:56Running for State Legislature39:57-49:37Keys to a Strong Marriage and Work/Life Balance49:38-51:54Volunteer Work with Veterans51:55-1:02:28Closing Questions1:02:29-1:03:17 OutroVisit www.modernathenas.com for links to all episodes.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or YouTube.Follow us on Twitter/Facebook @modernathenasFollow us on Instagram @themodernathenaspodcastSend us feedback or leave a review! Thanks for listening.