HerStance

"If you can’t do great things, you can do small things in a great way."After a year of storytelling and connection, we reach the final chapter of the HerStance podcast. In this episode, we shift from the global stage to the internal one. Join us for a personal reflection on taming a "sizzling nervous system," finding compassion in a chaotic world, and the 32 lessons gathered from a year of podcasting. This isn't just an end; it’s an invitation to keep the flame alive in your own community.Listen to the finale and explore the full archive at HerStance.

The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house." These famous words by Audre Lorde continue to challenge how we approach activism and identity today. In this episode, host Sandra Koelle explores the legacy of the "Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet" who redefined intersectionality.  In this episode:Discover Lorde’s journey from Harlem to becoming the New York State Poet Laureate.  Learn about her role in co-founding Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press and her impact on the Afro-German movement in Berlin.  Explore her "Theory of Difference" and why she believed language is our most powerful tool for resistance.  Join the HerStance Challenge to turn your silence into language and action.  Audre Lorde taught us that without community, there is no liberation. Listen now to find your tools for change.Subscribe & Follow: Visit www.elevateherexistence.com to join the mission and sign up for our monthly newsletter.  #AudreLorde #HerStance #FeministPodcast #BlackHistory #Intersectionality #WomenEmpowerment

In this HerStance episode, we honor Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, the first Bhikkhunī and the woman who opened the Buddhist path to women. Through a feminist lens, we explore her persistence, spiritual authority, and lasting legacy—challenging patriarchal narratives in Buddhist history and re-centering women’s wisdom, resistance, and liberation on the path.

In the modern world, the winter solstice is often buried under neon lights, "shop till you drop" commercialism, and patriarchal narratives that distance us from the season’s primal power. But what happens when we strip away the tinsel and look into the dark?In this episode, we "peel the cosmic onion" to reclaim the Divine Feminine hidden within our winter traditions. From the ancient Anglo-Saxon Mōdraniht (Mother’s Night) to the biological truth of the Reindeer Mother—the actual antlered sun-bearer of the north—we explore how this season was once a sacred celebration of female ancestors and the wisdom of the Dark Goddess.Join us as we reject the "hustle" and embrace the "Hibernal Urge." Learn why the solstice isn't just a day on the calendar, but a three-day pause—a time for receptivity, gestation, and honoring the women who shaped us.In this episode, we discuss:The "Paint Stripper" Effect: Moving past the Victorian rebranding of St. Nicholas and the domesticating of Mrs. Claus.Mōdraniht: The ancient "Night of the Mothers" and the honoring of the Dísir.The True Sun-Bearer: Why the reindeer on your holiday cards are actually symbols of a powerful female deity.Coming Home to the Dark: How to find the "sacred" in the stillness and welcome the rebirth of the light from the womb of the night.Stop trying to cut through the noise. Sit in the silence with us. Let’s celebrate the feminine divine that rests at the heart of the dark.

Have you been keeping up with the headlines coming out of the Department of Education this week? Major fields like nursing, architecture, accounting, and education are risking reduced student loan access under the new "One Big Beautiful Bill." Critics argue this isn't just bureaucratic accounting—it's an attempt to limit advanced thinkers and future policymakers, disproportionately affecting women and women of color and crushing the dreams of first-generation college students.This urgent crisis makes the words of our luminary woman today hit so hard: “One of the best ways of enslaving a people is to keep them from education.”Join us as we explore the life and enduring impact of Eleanor Roosevelt: The First Lady of the World. Discover how she not only navigated the political landscape as an activist and diplomat but also tirelessly championed education and social justice, setting a global standard for human rights that is more relevant than ever.

In this episode of HerStance, we pull back the curtain on the true architect of the New Deal: Frances Perkins, the woman who wasn't just the first female Cabinet Secretary but the driving force behind the most significant social reforms in American history.We explore her journey from a strict, conservative upbringing to a radical social reformer, tracing the moment her conscience was awakened—specifically, by the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—which cemented her lifelong commitment to labor reform.As Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor, Perkins fought tirelessly for the structural safety nets that define modern America, including Social Security, the minimum wage, and the 40-hour work week.Discover the strategic genius of the woman who navigated a hostile, male-dominated cabinet, famously filing away her observations in a folder labeled "Notes on the Male Mind." We delve into the intense backlash she faced, including an impeachment attempt, and how she used her position to "establish the right of others... to sit in the high seats."Perkins believed that "The people are what matter to government," and this episode honors the quiet, tenacious revolutionist whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of American fairness and economic security.

The Nobel Prize honors monumental achievement, a recognition that inspires us to uphold the ideals of knowledge, compassion, and courage. But for countless women, that recognition has been slow to arrive, even as their work fundamentally shaped our understanding of the world. This episode dives deep into the lives and work of women who have fundamentally shaped our world and our understanding of it. These are the scientists who made monumental discoveries for the sheer fun of doing physics, the writers who gave vital life to essential human complexities, and the peace advocates who never quit. 

Today, we're diving into the dramatic, controversial, and deeply moving story of María Eva Duarte de Perón—better known simply as Evita. Her ascent from rural poverty to become the most powerful woman in Argentine history is one of Latin America's most compelling tales. She forever changed her nation's political landscape, but was she a proto-feminist icon or an iron fist cloaked in glamour? Stay until the end for two HerStance challenges to put Eva Peron's inspiration into action.

Sanger’s revolutionary work fundamentally changed the world for millions, giving women bodily autonomy. But her legacy is undeniably complicated. In her pursuit of a revolutionary public health concept, she embraced and supported the American eugenics movement, aligning herself with the deeply flawed rhetoric of her era.We are here not to apologize for the messiness of history, but to unpack it—examining a true revolutionary not as a saint or a demon, but as a person whose actions brought both profound progress and at times, harm.In this episode, you can expect us to discuss sensitive and hard-hitting topics:Reproductive rights and the historical weaponization of law.The shame surrounding unwanted pregnancy and lack of access to care.The thorny, unsettling history of the American eugenics movement.How Sanger's radical empathy drove her to fight the establishment.The modern-day stakes of information sharing and empathy in public discourse, especially as facts become harder to access and divisive arguments grow louder.This is a history lesson with real-world, modern stakes. If you need to hit pause, please do, but we encourage you to stay for a discussion that is more relevant now than it has been in decades.

Welcome to Conversations with a Catalyst, a new series on the show! In these special episodes, we'll shift the format a bit to highlight incredible contemporary women who are not only reflecting on the legacies of our foremothers but also building a more equitable future for the generations to come.For our very first Conversations with a Catalyst episode, we're joined by Dotty Delafield, a retired librarian and fierce community activist. Carrying on the work of the strong women who came before her, Dotty has long been a role model for young people, showing them how to find their voice, walk a life of faith, and stand up for the greater good.Inspired by her parents and even her own daughter, Dotty rebooted her career after reading the book I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was. Now, she is a daily activist in Central Pennsylvania, sharing resources with subscribers on her website and through her email newsletter, "What We Can Do Now for Central Pennsylvania."Join us as we dive into Dotty's incredible story and hear her insights on activism, legacy, and creating a better world.

From an aspiring playwright to the first woman to host her own variety show, Carol Burnett has been a trailblazer, a comedic genius, and a feminist icon. At 91 years old, she's still breaking ground as the oldest woman to be nominated for a comedy acting Emmy in 2024. A seven-time Emmy winner already, Burnett has been entertaining audiences since the 1960s with her blend of physical comedy, musical talent, and a signature tug of the ear.In this episode we'll explore how she redefined what it meant to be a woman in comedy and how her philosophy of lifting others up and having fun is not only a  testament to her enduring optimism but can inspire us to take action today.

When you think of Billie Jean King, the mind often goes straight to 1973. The "Battle of the Sexes." The media spectacle. The iconic image of her holding a racket, a triumphant grin on her face, having just defeated Bobby Riggs, the self-proclaimed chauvinist pig. But to understand the true impact of that moment, you have to look at what she was fighting for, long before she stepped onto that court.In this episode of HerStance, we go beyond the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" to explore the full, powerful legacy of Billie Jean King. Her story isn't just about 39 Grand Slam titles; it's about the seismic shifts she created for women everywhere. We delve into her relentless fight for equal prize money, which paved the way for the opportunities female athletes have today. We examine how her activism, from pushing for Title IX to founding the Women's Tennis Association, extended far beyond the court and into the halls of power. Billie Jean King was a fierce competitor and a brilliant athlete, but above all, she was a feminist warrior who understood that her personal struggle was political. Join us as we explore how she didn't just win a match—she hit back at a world that tried to put women in their place, clearing a path for all of us to stand a little taller, with our heads held high.

Some names are forever cemented in history for their infamy. But what about the brilliant women whose names should be celebrated, yet have been deliberately silenced? On this episode of HerStance, we confront a phenomenon with a name: The Matilda Effect. We'll uncover who Matilda was and explore the shocking practice of erasing women's contributions—not just an oversight, but a deliberate act to diminish their accomplishments or credit them to men. We also dive into the remarkable story of Margaret Rossiter, the historian who coined the term and dedicated her career to unearthing the forgotten contributions of women in science and technology. We'll also learn about Pat Stewart, the Cornell Trustee who made Rossiter’s groundbreaking research possible. Prepare to be disbelieving, outraged, and ultimately, inspired to help rewrite history. 

How does a woman rise from the depths of poverty and orphanhood to become America's first female self-made millionaire, and what can her journey teach us about creating lasting change? In this episode of HerStance, we dive into the incredible life and profound legacy of Madam C.J. Walker. Born Sarah Breedlove in the challenging era of post-Civil War Louisiana, Madam Walker was a testament to unparalleled resilience, innovation, and determination. Her story, however, extends far beyond personal triumph. We'll explore her powerful commitment to using her wealth to empower others, connecting her groundbreaking philanthropy to the inspiring giving practices of today's richest Black women. Discover how affluent individuals, particularly women, are strategically shaping society through their values and resources. Most importantly, we'll underscore a crucial truth: you don't need a fortune to spark a movement. We'll reveal how every one of us is connected, and how even the smallest acts of kindness and contributions to community well-being hold immense power to create a ripple effect of positive change. 

You know the image: the "Lady with the Lamp," a beacon of compassion on the battlefields. But what if we told you Florence Nightingale, the foundational philosopher of modern nursing, was far more than just a quiet caregiver?Welcome to HerStance, the podcast that dives deep into the lives of history's most impactful women. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on Florence Nightingale, revealing the statistician, social reformer, and visionary who transformed medical care as we know it. Did you know she had a rescued owl named Athena who joined her on rounds? It's these fascinating, lesser-known layers that reveal the true breadth of her influence—an influence still profoundly felt in 21st-century healthcare.Join us as we explore how Nightingale championed not only physical recovery but also the dignity and psychological well-being of patients, laying the groundwork for the modern hospital and the standards of care we expect today.But our journey doesn't end in the past. We'll also confront the stark realities faced by today's Registered Nurses on the frontlines of volatile environments. From recent deployments abroad to the immense sacrifices and complex challenges in war and conflict zones, these healthcare heroes are vital in saving lives—yet often face woefully inadequate preparation and a lack of decision-making power. We'll delve into the physical and emotional toll, the constant struggle against overwhelming odds, and the profound moral and ethical dilemmas that define their extraordinary service.

Last month, May 2025, the feminist movement lost a titan. We said goodbye to a 'second wave' pioneer whose relentless writing, fearless protesting, and groundbreaking national conversations fundamentally reshaped our understanding of sex, marital reproductive rights, workplace harassment, and domestic violence. These are sensitive topics, and we urge you to listen with care.Today on HerStance, we honor the radical and impactful life of Susan Brownmiller, a prominent feminist and author of the 1960s and 1970s. We'll delve into her influential books, including her landmark bestseller "Against Our Will," and explore how her powerful legacy continues to resonate with us, the 'third wave,' as we carry the torch forward.Books by Susan Brownmiller:  Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape; Femininity; In Our Time: Memoir of a Revolution; Waverly Place; Seeing Vietnam: Encounters of the Road and Heart; My City Highrise Garden; *Shirley Chisholm: A Biographyhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/list/35623.Susan_Brownmiller

Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) – a mouthful, we know! But this cutting-edge wireless technology, where signals rapidly "hop" between different frequencies, is probably in your pocket right now. It's the secret sauce behind your Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, and a vital tool for military security. Pretty cool, right?But as usual, here on HerStance, we're about to unveil a little-known yet incredibly important aspect of this invention. Intrigued? What if we told you that the brilliant mind behind this groundbreaking technology was once known as "the most beautiful woman in the world"?Join us as we dive into the incredible, often overlooked, legacy of Hedy Lamarr – inventor, actress, and true visionary. 

We'll trace O'Connor's steady, often subtle, path to incremental social change and Ginsburg's more expansive vision of the Constitution as a dynamic, living document of American inclusivity. Discover how these "sisters in law," though diverging in their approach, were united in their pursuit of justice for women. Join us as we uncover their inspiring legacies and encourage you to read the Constitution for yourself, gaining a crucial new perspective on how our government functions in a world they could never have envisioned. For an interactive resource to engage with the US Constitution and landmark cases of the US Supreme Court, visit https://www.annenbergclassroom.org/constitution/

Forget what you think you know about Champagne! This episode of HerStance uncorks a hidden truth, challenging the long-held belief about who really invented the crucial riddling process of the Méthode Champenoise. Join us as we journey from the vineyards of Reims, France, to the inspiring story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the "Grande Dame of Champagne." Discover how this visionary woman not only revolutionized bubbly but also became a savvy international businesswoman, proving that the future of wine – and innovation – is undeniably female. Plus, stick around for this week's HerStance Challenge to unlock your own inner innovator!

Dr. Montessori's revolutionary educational method was born from her work with marginalized children in Rome's slums, where she created child-sized environments that put learning directly in children's hands. What began as an experiment with "practically feral" children blossomed into a global movement that continues to shape education across continents today. We trace her fascinating path from Italy to Spain to India, including her complex relationship with Mussolini and her eventual exile for refusing to compromise her beliefs about peace and education.Beyond her educational innovations, Montessori developed a profound philosophy linking peace within individuals to peace in society. "Establishing lasting peace is the work of education. All politics can do is keep us out of war," she famously declared. Her vision resonates with ancient wisdom traditions and modern psychology that recognize the connection between inner harmony and outer peace.

Today, on HerStance, we're diving deep into the life of a woman who didn't just break barriers, she obliterated them. We'll trace her journey from slavery to the forefront of the women's rights movement, and examine how her fight for intersectionality fuels the fire of today's feminism. HerStance delves into the lives of extraordinary women who shaped our world, revealing their vital contributions to culture, industry, education, and art. Stay tuned to the end for a HerStance challenge inspired by Sojourner Truth to take action in your community today.

HerStance isn't just about history. It's about drawing powerful parallels to the social issues we face now. We explore their challenges, their triumphs, and most importantly, their stance. And each episode culminates in a 'HerStance Challenge' – a practical step you can take to create change in your own community. Join us every two weeks as we reclaim these narratives and build a legacy of true equality. Be inspired. Be informed. Be part of the movement.