Fighting Injustice and Telling Stories That Matter | Andrea Spinelli | Founder of Studio 27

Andrea Spinelli has spent her life asking “why” and refusing to accept injustice as the status quo. From protesting the Vietnam War to walking in the 2017 NYC Women’s March with her walker, her commitment to speaking up has never wavered. As the founder of Studio 27, she’s built a decades-long career in writing, producing, and filmmaking - all while navigating personal loss, sexism in the workplace, and the ever-changing landscape of media. In this conversation, Andrea shares how her curiosity became a lifelong compass, the role of powerful women in her family, and why boldness is the key to making big things happen. Chapters: 00:00 Growing up with big influences and bigger questions 01:25 The dinner table as a training ground for activism 03:10 Early signs of a storyteller 05:45 From college newspaper editor to Vietnam War protestor 08:15 Breaking into film and commercial production 11:00 The cost of speaking up in a male-dominated industry 14:20 Starting Studio 27 in 1973 17:35 Losing her husband and finding the strength to keep going 21:15 Working with Xerox and big corporate clients 24:40 Protesting with a walker at the 2017 Women’s March 27:15 Lessons from the women’s movement over decades 30:25 How to keep powerful women in your circle 33:10 Building family legacies through documentaries 36:00 The quote that guides her life 38:20 Advice for staying bold and curious The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices