Until recently, scientists assumed humans were the only species in which females went through menopause, and lived a substantial part of their lives after they were no longer able to reproduce. And they had no idea why that happens, and why evolution wouldn’t push females to keep reproducing right up to the end of their lives. But after a close look at some ... Show More
Jun 2024
Wordsmiths: Paula Gunn Allen
Paula Gunn Allen (1939-2008) was an American poet, literary critic, activist, professor, and novelist. With works that often explored Indigeneity and feminism, she helped establish a Native American literary presence in the United States. For Further Reading: Paula Gunn Allen Cha ... Show More
3m 45s
Oct 27
Women's Brain Health: Environment, Hormones, Menopause & Neuronal Pruning with Dr. Sarah McKay
Dr. Sarah McKay, a brilliant neuroscientist, takes us on a thrilling adventure into the intricate dance between hormones and the female brain during menopause. She shares her personal quest to unravel how those mischievous hormonal shifts tweak women's brains from 40 onwards, rev ... Show More
1h 36m
Mar 2024
Women of Sound: Jean Ritchie
Jean Ritchie (1922-2015) was the mother of folk music. She was an instrumental voice in the American folk music revival of the 1940s and 60s, and introduced a traditional dulcimer sound to a wider audience. For Further Reading: Jean Ritchie, Lyrical Voice of Appalachia, Dies at 9 ... Show More
7m 44s
Feb 2025
159: Sadism, Sex Potions, & Deer Musk?? History’s Most Disturbing Aphrodisiacs
Hi friends, happy Wednesday!Since ancient times, people have sought out aphrodisiacs—those mysterious foods, herbs, and even animal parts thought to ignite desire, spark passion, and awaken romance. But do these so-called love enhancers really work? Are they based on science or j ... Show More
45m 47s
Aug 2025
Create (Peri) Menopausal Confidence: Cut the Noise with Tamsen Fadal
It's time to unlock the wisdom, power, and leadership potential that accompanies menopause. Join our guest, Tamsen Fadal, as we explore how this stage of life has transformed from a taboo subject into a prominent conversation. The episode delves into social media trends, legislat ... Show More
1h 13m
Oct 3
Jane Goodall, In Memoriam — What It Means to Be Human
The great primatologist and humanitarian, Jane Goodall, died on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. It is a joy and a comfort to revisit our last broadcast of her 2020 conversation with Krista. Jane Goodall began her epic work studying chimpanzees in the Gombe forest without even ... Show More
50m 51s
Oct 2023
Goddesses: Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Today, she is venerated during Diwali, the festival of lights. This month, we're talking about Goddesses: mythical figures who have shaped culture, history, and imagination around the world. History classes can get a ... Show More
3m 57s