Skip to main content
GirlSpeak

GirlSpeak

By Girl Museum

Explore the art, history, and culture of girlhood around the world. Our monthly journeys include conversations and interviews about Girl Museum's exhibitions, projects and more on the topics of art, history, material culture, and social issues that center girls' points of view.

Episodes are narrated by members of Girl Museum, the first and only museum in the world dedicated to celebrating girlhood. Hosted by Ashley E. Remer and other members of the Girl Museum team. Our music is by Chan A-V.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

News Roundup - July 2016

GirlSpeakJul 31, 2016

00:00
12:38
Queerness & Girlhood: The Interviews
Mar 14, 202434:26
American Heroine: Poet Phillis Wheatley

American Heroine: Poet Phillis Wheatley

In this episode, Girl Museum resident scholar Elizabeth Dillenberg discusses American poet Phillis Wheatley in honor of Black History Month as well as to introduce the new ⁠Girl Museum⁠ exhibition for March Heroines of the American Revolution and actor Sarah Sulewski reads Wheatley’s ‘To the Right Honorable William Earl of Dartmouth’.


Poem: To the Right Honorable William Earl of Dartmouth

Actor details:

Sarah Sulewski is currently a second-year MFA Acting student at the University of Florida. She is originally from the sunny state of California, and she identifies as a Queer, Black, multi-hyphenate artist who believes in the power of art to change the world. Since attending UF, she has starred in five on-campus productions: Yemaya's Belly, Blood at the Root, The Solo Performance Festival, La Mar, and the musical The Prom. She is currently in rehearsals for her sixth UF production, The Pliant Girls, a feminist retelling of Aeschylus' The Suppliants.

Feb 15, 202418:09
Girlhood is a Spectrum

Girlhood is a Spectrum

Thanks for joining us for our first podcast of 2024. In this episode, Ashley and Glafira read their favorite pieces from the new ⁠Girl Museum⁠ exhibition Girlhood is a Spectrum. This community-created show celebrates the versatility of girlhood through the language of poetry, prose, and images.

Feel free to let us know your favorites too!


Content note: there are strong themes and a few words some might take offense to in these creative works. Listen accordingly.


Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/girlspeak/message

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/girlspeak/support

Jan 09, 202428:18
International Day of the Girl 2023
Oct 09, 202307:33
Fashion and Emancipation with Women's Museum Merano

Fashion and Emancipation with Women's Museum Merano

Judith Mittelberger of Frauen Museum (Women's Museum Merano) joins Ashley to discuss their work in preserving and interpreting fashion of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, especially for teenaged girls. Judith and Ashley dive deep into a recent museum workshop for teenage girls called "Can I really wear what I want?" that invited participants to discuss women's fashion as a tool for oppression and revolution by looking first-hand at historical costumes.

Aug 20, 202323:27
Trans across Time

Trans across Time

In honor of Pride 2023, Tiffany looks at three potential examples of transgender individuals in history that demonstrate the complexities of studying gender and the importance of recognizing LGBTQ histories.
Jun 21, 202318:09
Women in Protest Art with Bosla Arts
May 20, 202338:53
Child Photographers
Apr 21, 202326:50
Day of the Girl 2022

Day of the Girl 2022

Ashley reflects on ten years of celebrating International Day of the Girl Child.
Oct 11, 202209:06
Talking about Shopping Addiction

Talking about Shopping Addiction

In this episode we are going to explore shopping addiction from a psychological lens. Specifically, how our addiction to fast fashion, the modern world, and gender all play major roles in how we interact with and consume fashion.

TRIGGER WARNING: Before we dive into this podcast episode we want to give a quick trigger warning for the following topics: addiction, addictive behavior, and addictive substances. While this episode focuses on the complexities of shopping addictions, there will be other addiction related topics discussed. If any of these topics are at all triggering to you, please look after yourself and hold off from listening to this episode.

May 20, 202216:40
Teen Fashions of the 1950s-1960s

Teen Fashions of the 1950s-1960s

In this episode, we will be looking at the new, different, and exciting range of teenage fashions in the 1950s and 1960s. This was a particularly exciting period for teenagers, as they began to break away from their parents’ generation to develop their own distinct style and interests. Vogue stated that there was a “Youthquake” in the sixties, due to the overwhelming popularity of revolutionary new styles and trends brought in by teenagers. But why did the concept of the teenager develop? What changes were happening in society that brought about these changes in fashion? What were the most iconic clothes and why were they so popular? 

Apr 21, 202215:28
Girls in Creation Myths: Pandora

Girls in Creation Myths: Pandora

What do you know about the Greek myth of Pandora's box? In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first girl to be created. Her portrayal can tell us about how girls were viewed and treated in ancient Greek society. This podcast will explore Pandora's portrayal and her influence on girls in later popular culture, in order to understand why girls are so often taught to not be curious or ambitious. 

Mar 20, 202212:11
Wild girls: Artemis and the Festival of Arkteia

Wild girls: Artemis and the Festival of Arkteia

Why are girls discouraged from being wild, free and playful when they grow up? Can we ever regain this wildness? This podcast looks at the Festival of Arkteia in Ancient Greece, in order to explore where this idea of purging wildness in girls comes from. 

Feb 20, 202210:36
Honoring Nellie Bly

Honoring Nellie Bly

This month marks 100 years since the death of Nellie Bly. Remembered for her investigative journalism, most do not realize that Nellie was a *girl* when she began her remarkable career. We investigate.

Jan 20, 202210:56
Girl Powered Holidays

Girl Powered Holidays

How have girls and women contributed to popular holiday traditions? We do a quick recap!
Dec 20, 202112:28
Remembering Babi Yar

Remembering Babi Yar

Can we use the past to create a better world? We think so. As we begin to reflect on the past year, one anniversary stood out: 80 years since Babi Yar. This is their story.
Nov 22, 202115:47
The Fox Sisters

The Fox Sisters

In a season of spooks, where are the girls? We dive into story of Katie and Maggie Fox, whose tragic lives sparked an international movement
Oct 20, 202112:28
IDG 2021: Logging Off with Fabiana Romain

IDG 2021: Logging Off with Fabiana Romain

In this special episode for International Day of the Girl, Yuwen talks with Fabiana Romain, the LOG OFF movement’s podcast co-host and director of its Female Empowerment initiative. Learn about the beginnings of LOG OFF and Fabiana's insights into social media use during the pandemic and in light of recent news, such as the revelation of studies from Facebook showing that Instagram is harmful for teenage girls. 

Oct 10, 202130:53
Sitting Still with Dido Belle

Sitting Still with Dido Belle

Ashley and Amber reflect on the famous painting of Dido Belle, an 18th century Black girl raised in Britain. What does her portrait tell us about her and the time she lived in?
Sep 20, 202116:21
Virginia, don't you Dare
Aug 20, 202109:35
Defining Girls & Girlhood

Defining Girls & Girlhood

What is girlhood? What does it mean to be a girl? Girl Museum's curatorial and education interns Asha and Yuwen talk about their experiences in preparing for the upcoming exhibition, I Am A Girl.
Jul 20, 202114:11
Martyr of Baha’i: Mona Mahmudzidhad

Martyr of Baha’i: Mona Mahmudzidhad

The tale of Mona Mahmudzidhad is a sad one of religious persecution, reminding us of the ongoing fight for girls rights - including the right to worship - in the modern world.
Jun 20, 202122:36
Black Girls Lives Matter

Black Girls Lives Matter

Tiffany recounts historical and recent events in a call to action, to stop the war against Black girls.
May 22, 202113:18
Strong, Fearless, Magical

Strong, Fearless, Magical

What traits make girls great? What make them unforgettable? What draws us to their stories? junior Girls Megan and Josie provide a glimpse into one type of girl that inspires us - magical girls.
Apr 20, 202112:49
Placing Girls in Women's History
Mar 20, 202112:43
More than Pretty in the Ancient World

More than Pretty in the Ancient World

Our new exhibit 'More than Pretty: Girls and Body Decoration' is now live! Here we explore the history of body decoration the Ancient world and how girls who lived during this period would decorate themselves from the neck up. 

Feb 20, 202125:01
First American Girls
Jan 20, 202111:55
Decora and Gothic Lolita Fashion with Kurebayashi and Rei

Decora and Gothic Lolita Fashion with Kurebayashi and Rei

Dr. Megan C. Rose talks with guests Kurebayashi and Rei about decora and gothic lolita fashion in Harajuku. From discussing the rise of these fashions as distinct Japanese social phenomena to building a cafe that appeals to decora and gothic lolita audiences, our guests provide unique insights into these subcultures and how girls participate within them.

-----

Dr. Megan C. Rose is an Adjunct Associate Lectuerer in Sociology and Social Science and Policy at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Her research explores the value of creativity, cute theory, critical femininities and inclusion. She is currently investigating the experiences of kawaii and gothic alternative communities in Japan, as well as marginalised groups in the Australian Higher Education system. Megan is currently developing a new portfolio of postdoctoral research that involves collaboration and co-authorship with stakeholders in kawaii and gothic alternative communities, as well as a study of feminist activism that uses kawaii imagery to mobilize political actors. 

Haruka Kurebayashi is an internationally known model and mentor for Decora-chan girls via her blog, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture, Kurebayashi launched her brand 90884 in 2013 and is a frequent model for fashion magazine KERA

Rei Saionji is a Tokyo native and explorer of Japanese culture and tradition. She is the author of 2 Hours Drive from Tokyo.

Dec 20, 202016:25
Female Goddesses of Chinese Mythology

Female Goddesses of Chinese Mythology

In today's episode, our junior girl Seav Lov recounts the fascinating stories of females goddesses present in Chinese mythology.

Nov 20, 202019:33
Young Witches

Young Witches

What do the Pendle Witch Trials, Wurzburg witch trials, and today's Democratic Republic of Congo have in common? Join us to explore the stories of girl witches...and how their circumstances reveal much about how we picture girlhood.

Oct 20, 202022:31
A Brave New World: COVID-19 and Life Afterwards

A Brave New World: COVID-19 and Life Afterwards

Tia Shah presents a special episode for International Day of the Girl 2020, focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it presents an opportunity to foster a "brave new world."

Oct 11, 202015:25
Greta Garbo's Girlhood

Greta Garbo's Girlhood

What role did Greta Garbo's girlhood in Stockholm play in her life and career? In exploring Greta's biography, Tiffany reveals the secret power of introverts.

Sep 20, 202012:18
Young Girls in Advanced Education

Young Girls in Advanced Education

Is there one way or a right way to learn? Education Adviser Hillary Rose explores the stories of young girls achieving advanced educations to answer our inquiry.

Aug 20, 202012:50
First Girls: Recent Administrations

First Girls: Recent Administrations

In the second of our First Girls mini-series, Sophie looks at more recent 'First Girls', up to the present day. From Helen Taft to Ivanka and Tiffany Trump, these girls' stories illustrate how the role has changed in recent decades and prompt questions about sexism, racism and the future of girls in politics. 

Jul 24, 202033:08
First Girls: The Early Administrations

First Girls: The Early Administrations

Sophie takes a look back into the history of girls in the White House. Discussing how the role of 'First Girl' developed, this episode spans from Nelly Parke Custis through to Alice and Ethel Roosevelt.

Jun 20, 202023:56
Why Museums Need Girlhood

Why Museums Need Girlhood

Why do museums need girlhood? We reflect on an earlier episode and hear answers from our team.

May 20, 202011:54
Together Now

Together Now

In response to the global COVID pandemic, we're sending our well wishes, top tips, and thoughts on how acting together - and supporting one another - will help us emerge into a brighter future. Tune in to hear contributions from our Junior Girls around the world.

Apr 20, 202020:25
Young Suffrage: Mothers, Girls, and Growing Up Activists

Young Suffrage: Mothers, Girls, and Growing Up Activists

Karen Robertson details her research into the mother-daughter pairs who advocated for women's suffrage. Identifying a common theme of "focusing on future generations" in suffrage work, Karen details the mothers who fought for their daughters' rights - even if it meant they would not live to see those dreams fulfilled.

Karen is a museum professional in the United States, who has spent the past years preparing for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. She has spent time working with modern activists and researching historic activists. 

Mar 20, 202022:10
20 Minutes with Lisa Lamson

20 Minutes with Lisa Lamson

Elizabeth Dillenburg interviews Lisa Lamson, whose work focuses on black girlhood. Specifically, Liss's doctoral dissertation explores Baltimore City’s educational system as a case study of the intersections of race, gender, class, and age in nineteenth century America.
Feb 20, 202025:27
Top 5 Incredible Girls of 2019

Top 5 Incredible Girls of 2019

Sage recaps her 2019 blog series, Incredible Girls, and talks about her Top 5.
Jan 20, 202012:02
Degas’ Girls

Degas’ Girls

What were the girls that Degas painted like? Who were they? How can we reinterpret these paintings to talk about girls and their world? Jennifer Lee, Curator of our ‘Impressionist Girls’ show, answers.
Dec 20, 201911:37
Pilgrim Girls

Pilgrim Girls

What was life like for the girls aboard the Mayflower? What did they witness on the First Thanksgiving? Tiffany deep dives into the evidence to find out.
Nov 20, 201917:06
Girl Saints

Girl Saints

Ashley explores one of our earliest exhibitions and discusses what it means for girls who are canonized as saints. 

Oct 20, 201920:15
Across Time and Space
Sep 20, 201920:15
Changes in Girl Entrepreneurship

Changes in Girl Entrepreneurship

Tia Shah explores what infographic statistics can tell us about female entrepreneurship, what changes we have seen, and what changes we might see in the future. She also provides suggestions on what governments, business, existing entrepreneurs, the venture capital industry, and the media can do to better support future girl entrepreneurs.

Aug 31, 201923:06
Struggles of Girl Entrepreneurs

Struggles of Girl Entrepreneurs

Being an entrepreneur is not easy and being a female one is even harder. Historically and in the current day, female entrepreneurs face many challenges to starting and sustaining businesses. Not only do female entrepreneurs have to face inequality, limited access to education, familial pressure, sexism and more in many patriarchal societies– but women also have to tackle funding biases’, a lack of role models and supportive networks in the business world as well. Despite these challenges, female entrepreneurs can and are emerging, and their ranks are growing each day. 

Tia Shah explores the many struggles that girl entrepreneurs have historically had to overcome, and the ones that they currently face – seeing how a changing environment and world has eliminated some challenges while perpetuating others. 

Aug 20, 201920:23
Vaginas, Museums, and Empowerment with Florence Schechter

Vaginas, Museums, and Empowerment with Florence Schechter

Interview with Florence Schechter, science communicator and founder of The Vagina Museum. Here,  Head of Contemporary Art Scarlett Evans speaks with Florence about the museum's mission to empower and educate people about one of the most controversial parts of the body. 

Jul 20, 201925:27
Girl Activists

Girl Activists

We’re feeling so inspired by the slew of girl activists in the news lately, that we’ve decided to round them up! We discuss some of our favorites and the surprising insights we’re learning about girl activism along the way.
Jun 20, 201920:29
Girl Queens of Luxembourg Gardens

Girl Queens of Luxembourg Gardens

Have you visited Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, France? Tiffany leads us on a journey to uncover the stories of incredible girl queens represented by the 20 statues in the gardens. Hear their stories of marriage, piety, war, and more!
May 20, 201920:45
IGSA Conference Report

IGSA Conference Report

Hillary, Libby, and Tiffany reflect on their experiences at the International Girl Studies Association at Notre Dame conference. 

Apr 20, 201909:58