Strong Female Lead

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Have you ever wondered what goes into Netflix' category algorithms? Does it simply take a woman in glasses, a pant suit, and an achievable uphill battle to make it to their list of female empowerment movies? Join Comedian Tessa Davidson and Writer Tricia Donelan as they discuss the the Strong Female…

Strong Female Lead


    • Jun 12, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 7m AVG DURATION
    • 99 EPISODES

    4.8 from 34 ratings Listeners of Strong Female Lead that love the show mention: 1991, tessa, tricia, cuz, love the banter, clever, ladies, tv, movies, women, chemistry, feel like, funny, review, need, show, new, great, listening, armmie ronaldo.


    Ivy Insights

    The Strong Female Lead podcast is a must-listen for anyone who loves movies and TV shows and wants to engage in thought-provoking discussions about their favorite pop culture content. Hosted by Tricia and Tessa, this podcast not only analyzes the themes of femininity and masculinity across a wide range of films and TV shows but also provides insightful commentary on various aspects of these media forms. Listening to this podcast is not only entertaining but also educational, as each episode presents new perspectives and ideas that will leave you pondering long after it's over.

    One of the best aspects of The Strong Female Lead podcast is the chemistry between Tricia and Tessa. Their dynamic is engaging, with seamless transitions between banter and serious discussions. They effortlessly switch gears between joking around and delving into more profound topics, creating an enjoyable listening experience. Furthermore, their personal experiences are interwoven into the discussions, adding depth and relatability to the conversation.

    Another highlight of this podcast is the diverse range of movies and TV shows covered. From cult classics to recent releases, Tricia and Tessa explore a broad spectrum of content. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone, regardless of their taste or preferences. Moreover, they delve deep into each piece of media they discuss, providing thorough analysis that uncovers hidden layers and themes.

    However, one minor downside to The Strong Female Lead podcast is the lack of advanced notice regarding which movies or TV shows will be discussed in upcoming episodes. While this might not be an issue for some listeners who enjoy surprises, others may prefer to have prior knowledge so they can watch or re-watch the content before tuning in.

    In conclusion, The Strong Female Lead podcast is an absolute gem for movie buffs looking for insightful discussions on gender representation in film and television. Tricia and Tessa's chemistry combined with their witty banter make for an entertaining listen that will leave you laughing out loud while also learning something new. Whether you're a fan of the specific movies and TV shows discussed or simply interested in exploring diverse perspectives, this podcast is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.



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    Latest episodes from Strong Female Lead

    S4 E5: Necro

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 69:13


    Tricia and Tessa talk about Necro from American Horror Stories.

    S4 E3: Yellow Jackets - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 104:14


    And here's the second part of our long lost Yellow Jackets episode!     Rate - Review - Subscribe! IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago

    S4 E2: Yellow Jackets - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 88:18


    As promised, we present to you our Yellow Jackets - Part 1 episode from last year!  In this episode, Tessa and Tricia discuss the first 5 episodes of Season 1.  Tricia is obsessed with the nostalgia of it all, Tessa empathizes with Misty...you know the drill :)

    Season 4 - The One About Vanderpump?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 58:12


    Welcome back to Strong Female Lead. We missed you! 

    S3 E23: Promising Young Woman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 77:00


    Join Tessa and Tricia as they discuss Promising Young Woman, starring Carey Mulligan.  They both agree that Cassie is an SFL, but that's pretty much it.  Also, Tessa has a theory on ghosts and women and Tricia dreams of being a spy/Elf Ambassador.     Rate - Review - Subscribe!  IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago

    S3 E22: Happiest Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 55:51


    Did we miss it? Hopefully, everyone has a little extra holiday spirit and will indulge us with the Happiest Season starring our GOAT(?) Kristen Stewart???    Rate - Review- Subscribe!  IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago

    REPOST: Booksmart - "The one that broke the scale"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 62:25


    Since there are no good Thanksgiving movies out there, we've decided to repost the only movie so far that broke the SFL scale!     Happy Thanksgiving from SFL

    S3 E21: Family Stone

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 69:09


    This week, Tessa and Tricia discuss The Family Stone.  It's not a Thanksgiving movie but no one cares.  We've got a "super liberal" boho family (a slightly cluttered home with books stacked on the nightstand).  We've got a conservative (she wears suits and a tight bun).  We've got a feminist (she wears a long sleeve shirt under a short sleeve shirt).  And we've got Luke Wilson (being Luke Wilson) and Diane Keaton (being amazing as always). Also, Tessa is a winter fairy!  You heard it here first.   Follow SFL on all the socials!  And remember to rate, review, and subscribe! IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago    

    S3 E20: Halloween Kills

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 101:17


    Welcome back to Haddonfield,IL. In this weeks episode Tessa & Tricia revisit Halloween night 2018 and have A LOT to say in this XL episode of SFL.   

    S3 E 19: Halloween (2018)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 83:14


    It's spooky season and this week Tessa & Tricia visit the sleepy town of Haddenfield, IL to check out the local lore of knife wielding man in a William Shatner mask vs a doomsday pepper turned final girl. We have so many fan theories, most of which involve large nets.  Next week's film is Halloween Kills, in theaters now!

    S3 E18: Clickbait

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 102:18


    On this week's episode, Tessa and Tricia discuss Clickbait - the super bingeable Netflix miniseries starring Zoe Kazan and Adrian Grenier.     Follow SFL on all the socials!  And remember to rate, review, and subscribe! IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago  

    S3 E17: Fleabag

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 105:13


    SFL is BACK!  On this week's episode, Tessa and Tricia discuss Fleabag, the brainchild of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, SFL icon.  Fleabag is an SFL favorite and has come up during many an episode, but this week - it will finally get the attention it deserves.      Follow us on all the socials!  And remember to rate, review, and subscribe! IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago  

    S3 E16: Pose

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 76:51


    LIVE.WORK.POSE.    IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago  

    S3 E15: But I'm A Cheerleader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 76:48


    Tessa & Tricia are back this week with another GEM! But I'm a Cheerleader is a 1999 American satirical romantic comedy film that has converted SFL into HUGE FANS!    Enjoy!  Find us on socials!  IG: StrongFemalePOD TW: SFL_Chicago

    S3 Ep14: Million Dollar Baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 67:19


    Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama film directed, co-produced, and scored by Clint Eastwood. NOT a movie about a women's struggle to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to dominate a sport later in life.  We have THOUGHTS and a special medical fact checking from Zach the Dr./Husband to the pod.  Check us out on socials IG: StrongFemalePod TW: SFL_Chicago

    S3 E13: She's the Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 99:16


    All rise - the Church of Latterday SFLs is now in service.  This week, Tessa and Tricia are joined by a very special guest and superfan of the pod, Aram Ronaldo, to discuss She's the Man - the second installment of SFL's "You __ Like a Girl" series.   Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E12: I, Tonya

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 95:47


    This week, Tessa and Tricia discuss I, Tonya.  This movie is a must-see; you can't make this s&%t up.  Plus, all the 90s feels and the use of Gillooly as a verb.  Doesn't get any better than that.     Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E11: Step UP

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 62:52


    Tessa & Tricia take it WAY BACK to 2006's epic Step UP! This is the last movie in our "You Dance Like A Girl Series" and this episode like the movie begins with a first step. Enjoy!   Follow us on social TW: @SFL_Chicago IG: @StrongFemalePOD

    Black Swan (PT.2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2021 69:55


    This weeks episode on 2010's Black Swan is a CROSSOVER episode with our friends over at Movie Time! with Ang and Ari (@movietime_pod)!  This episode is WILD but you've got to start from the beginning! Check out part one over on their feed below. Movie Time! with Ang and Ari: Black Swan-Part 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/movie-time-with-ang-and-ari/id1525147855?i=1000517739622 Follow us on social!  IG: @Strongfemalepod TW: SFL_Chicago

    S3 E9: Showgirls (YOU DON'T NOMI)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2021 83:06


    This week, Tessa and Tricia discuss Showgirls, an experience from which they are still in deep recovery mode.  Is this a satire, a social commentary, or just a terrible flop? Either way it’s campy AF, raises a million questions, and worth a (re)watch.  Also, SFLanon conspiracies, hopeless misogyny and much more! #longliveNOMI #soyouthinkyoucandance   Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E8: Dirty Dancing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 63:19


    This week, Tessa & Tricia kick off SFL's So You Think You Can Dance series with 80s classic Dirty Dancing and both agree that the movie is still.that.good.  They also chat about that very special Patrick Swayze brand of masculinity (RIP), traveling abortionists, family camp class warfare, THAT SOUNDTRACK, and much more. Is Baby an SFL?  You'd better believe it.   Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E7: Sharp Objects

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 62:03


    Bless their Hearts, this week on SFL, Tessa & Tricia tackle all things Sharp Objects.    Next Week: Dirty Dancing 

    S3 E6: Ex Machina

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 59:40


    This week on SFL, Tessa and Tricia take on Ex Machina in a classic Woman vs. Machine showdown. Honestly, we're not even really that mad that the machines won. 

    S3 E5: The Invitation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 73:46


    This week on SFL, Tessa and Tricia talk about The Invitation. Tessa envokes her training, Tricia confronts her emotional porn addiction, and "escape plans" are hatched. Also, if you want to hear about Tricia's real-life invitation story - keep listening for the **bonus clip** at the end of the episode.   Coming up on SFL: Ex Machina Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E4: Gone Girl

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 60:51


    Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the scariest Karen of all? This week, Tessa and Tricia discuss Gone Girl and SFL Amy Dunne aka Amazing Amy, and her epic long game journey.  They chat privilege, mind f&%kery, emotional porn, selling a dream, toxic femininity, and much more.  Shout out to Chicago's own Gillian Flynn for creating such a darkly complex female lead.   Coming up on SFL: The Invitation Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E3 The Perfectionists

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 53:29


    Tessa & Tricia take another look into the Pretty Little Liars universe but this time focusing on The Perfectionists. The cast is a little older, the setting is a little darker but Mona is still Mona and we STAN her!  Coming up on SFL: Gone Girl    Follow us on Social Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: SFL_Chicago

    S3 E2: Pretty Little Liars

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 72:51


    On this week's episode, Tricia and Tessa are joined by friend-of-the-pod, Leslie Robinson, to chat all things Pretty Little Liars.  And it's troubling to say the least.  Everyone feels gaslit by the recaps, no one understands why Ezra isn't in prison, and fire science doesn't even begin to explain the Jenna situation.   Follow us on social! Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S3 E1: Woosah

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 46:47


    The break is over and Tessa & Tricia have a ton to catch you up on from vacation favorites and sustainable fashion to run-ins with the Rona. Welcome to Season 3 of Strong Female Lead!   Next time on SFL: Pretty Little Liars - Season 1   Follow us on social! Instagram: @StrongFemalePOD Twitter: @SFL_Chicago  

    S2 E19: Black Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 78:23


    I'd like to formally apologize to Tricia, Laura and our listeners for the ocular and audible trauma caused by the consumption of the BONKERS film Black Christmas (2019).  -Tessa Just Kidding! This movie is 100% insane but WE'RE HERE FOR IT!   

    S2 E18: Christmas with a Prince

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 79:49


    This week, Tessa and Tricia are joined by Dr. of the Pod, Laura Retson, to discuss Christmas with a Prince.  While Tessa's "rules" for royalty help make sense of the gaping plot holes, Dr. Laura's insight into the medical field leaves everyone wondering WTF is going on at this hospital.  Teddy bear problems, anyone?   Rate ~ Review~ Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: @SFL_Chicago      

    S2 E17: Love Actually

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 78:36


    We've all seen it.  We all thought we loved it.   This week, Tessa and Tricia discuss "Love Actually," one of the most popular holiday movies of the early '00s, and tear it to shreds.  If you haven't already, a re-watch is in order.  Happy Holidays!   Rate ~ Review~ Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: @SFL_Chicago            

    S2 E16: Booksmart

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 62:25


    So, I guess that it. 2019's Booksmart just might be perfect so there's nothing left to say....   JUST KIDDING! Tessa & Tricia have A LOT to say about this movie that proves Diversty & Inclusion along with great writing and directing DOES exist in Hollywood! 

    S2 E15: Now & Then

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2020 72:36


    Tricia and Tessa go back to 1995 with a CLASSIC coming of age film Now & Then.  The film follows four lifelong friends through an unforgettable summer in the 1970s and stars Christina Ricci, Gaby Hoffmann, Thora Birch, Ashleigh Aston Moore. Just a warning, this movie is NOTHING like Speed, also available on VHS in 1995.   

    S2 E14: Pen15

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 78:21


    On this week's episode, Tessa and Tricia discuss Season 1 of Pen15, the seriously nostalgic, coming-of-age comedy created by and starring SFLs Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine.  They chat about discovering porn, vandalizing BOP magazines, childhood racism, and more!  Oh, and Tessa learns for the first time what Pen15 actually means.   Rate ~ Review~ Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S2 E13: Ma

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 65:01


    Craving a horror flick with a crazy plot twist that you NEVER saw coming?  Ma is the exact opposite of that.  But recapping it was fun as hell.   Join Tessa and Tricia as they chat about basement drinking, toxic femininity, Fabergé eggs, murder photos and more!  Also, Tessa isn't sold that Octavia Spencer (Ma) actually works at the clinic and Tricia regrets forcing her mother to watch this s&!t show.  

    S2 Ep: 12 Midsommar

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 75:13


    The church of Latter Day SFL's would like to invite you to a viewing of 2019's Midsommar as just a sampling of what we're able to provide in our Inverted Triangle small business programs.  Peace be with you. 

    S2 E11: Ready or Not

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 60:35


    It's Spooky Season, and Tessa and Tricia are here with their first HORROR movie, 2019's Ready or Not. Grace maybe in over her head during a game of hide and seek with her killer in-laws BUT in the end it's all worth it to get the guy... right? 

    S2 E10: Mistress America

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 53:22


    This week, Tessa & Tricia discuss Mistress America, starring Mumblecore QUEEN, Greta Gerwig, and Lola Kirke.  Who's story is this - Tracy's or Brooke's?   Who's the SFL and who's the muse?     Rate ~ Review~ Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S2 E9: Let Bernadette BERNADETTE!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 66:28


    On this week's episode, Tessa and Tricia discuss "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," all of the reasons why Cate Blanchett is queen, and bernadette-ing as an art form.  Just let her LIVE, Elgie.  Jesus.   Rate ~ Review~ Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    50 Shades of Bull$&!T

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 47:31


    This week on SFL,Tessa and Tricia enter the red room and talk all things BDSM & 50 Shades of Grey. Is this life imitating art or fan fiction gone wrong?    Rate ~ Review~ Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: @SFL_Chicago

    S2 E7: Twilight

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2020 76:55


    There are only a few things that Tessa & Tricia KNOW about Twilight. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was part of him — and We didn’t know how potent that part might be — that thirsted for our blood. And third, this was the lowest rated SFL movie to date.” Oh yeah, and Bella was there.  Rate - Review - Subscribe Instagram: @StrongFemalePod Twitter: SFL_Chicago

    S2 E6: Bad Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 74:24


    This week, Tessa and Tricia feel duped by Bad Education - why was Alison Janney only in a minute of it? Also, Ray Romano's "big dad energy," secret facelifts, and more.  

    S2 E5: Mad Max: Fury Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 51:13


    This week on the podcast, Tessa and Tricia's minds EXPLODE over Mad Max Fury Road but for very different reasons.    Like Follow Subscribe Instagram: @strongfemalepod Twitter: SFL_Chicago

    S2 E4: I May Destroy You

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 76:25


    On this week’s Podcast, Tessa & Tricia discuss HBO's I May Destroy You. This series masterfully uses wit and candor to look at themes like sexual consent, liberation and exploitation within contemporary dating & relationship culture. Catch up for the season finale Monday Aug. 24 @ 9pm CT.    Instagram: @strongfemalepod Twitter: SFL_Chicago Like ~ Review ~ Subscribe ~

    S2 E3:The Farewell

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 52:12


    On this week's episode, Tessa and Tricia discuss the SFLs of The Farewell, starring Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen.  They chat about collectivism, lying, and professional crying; and the ultimate matriarch that is Nai Nai.  And yes, they know the sound quality of this ep sucks.   Instagram @strongfemalepod Twitter @SFL_Chicago Rate.Review.Subscribe

    S2 E2: Brittany Runs a Marathon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 56:59


    This week on SFL, Tessa and Tricia talk about Brittany Runs a Marathon, starring Jillian Bell.  Did Hollywood get it right this time?     Keep up with the conversation on instagram @strongfemalepod and on twitter @SFL_Chicago.    And remember to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

    S2 E1: Aaaand We're Back!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 67:51


    Tessa and Tricia are back (finally) with Season 2 of Strong Female Lead.  Tune in to hear about their thoughts on the new season and what they've learned on their SFL journey.

    Ep. 50: Can't take my eyes off of YOU 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 92:09


    "I like a strong sociopath. A real Dexter vibe. Who just owns what they do. I don't like this whole..puzzling, like, 'I don't kill people. That's not who I am.' YES IT IS." Tessa and Tricia celebrate SFL's 50th episode with s2 of You and another love story for the ages. Thank you, Netflix!! Keep up with the conversation on instagram @strongfemalepod and on twitter @SFL_Chicago.  New episodes available end of February 2020.

    Ep. 49: Can't take my eyes off of YOU.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2020 66:38


    We found You.  Keep up with the conversation on instagram @strongfemalepod and on twitter @SFL_Chicago.   

    Ep. 48: The Laundromat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2020 66:41


    Join Tessa and Tricia as they discuss Netflix newest film that has completely infiltrated my Instagram feed forcing me to watch a movie that I frankly did not like all that much. More importantly, Tessa tells us how she really feels about this "documentary". On the bright-side, we recap some really great new movies and TV shows that we hope you will dive in to. 

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