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✦ ✦ Staff pick

Ages 8–12Ages 12+ World & Culture

Rebel Girls

About the show

Fun, inspiring stories of real-life extraordinary women, from athletes to fearless leaders, that help girls believe in themselves and take on the world.

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A podcast from Rebel Girls focused on building confidence in girls everywhere. Each episode explores the lives of real-life extraordinary women, from record-breaking athletes to fearless leaders. With empowering stories, interviews, news, and advice this show will inspire listeners to believe in themselves and take on the world. Formerly called Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.

Fast Facts

Audience
Ages 8+
Format
Listen in any order
Typical length
13 min
Episodes
442
Seasons
8 seasons
Topics
Stories For Kids, Education For Kids

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Episodes

442 episodes

Newest first Oldest first

  1. Carmen Amaya read by Tanja Babich

    22 min 28 July 2026

    Once upon a time, there lived a flamenco dancer who could break floorboards with her feet. Her name was Carmen. Everywhere she went, audiences were awed and shocked by her masterful dancing and the fury of her feet. She belonged to the Romany, a group of people in Europe known as gypsies and treated as outsiders. But Carmen would not allow her family to suffer prejudice and ignorance. Family was everything to her, and every penny she made, from dancing at taverns or in small market squares to performing in Carnegie Hall, went to support the people she loved most. The world would come to know Carmen Amaya as “The Gypsy Queen.” [This episode originally aired July 2019]. About the Narrator: Tanja Babich gives the term “early riser” a run for its money, waking up at 2:30 AM each weekday morning to deliver the day’s headlines at ABC 7 Chicago. Her work has afforded her the opportunity to do aerial stunts in an F-16 fighter jet, cover President Obama’s 2009 inauguration, and trail Pope Francis on his first trip to the United States. But the job she is most proud of is mom to two fierce and fun little girls...with one more daughter on the way! Tanja was born in Canada to immigrant parents from Serbia and Chile. She speaks four languages and finds tremendous joy traveling to cities near and far with her husband Paul and her rebel girls. Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane, with writing by Francesca Cavallo and narration by Tanja Babich. Jestine Ware edited all scripts and Janice Weaver fact-checked all scripts. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer. Special thanks to Clio McClure who coordinated all credit recordings and narrator donations.

  2. We’re back LIVE from the AUSL!

    13 min 24 July 2026

    This week we report live from Durham, North Carolina as the Spark battle for the last post season spot! Get ready as we bring you LIVE interviews and an inside look into the AUSL. We also cover our friends across all sports from Olympic and Paralympic celebrations in Las Vegas, jaw dropping looks at the Espys and the inaugural Time 100 Sports Gala, and more! Catch new episodes every Friday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  3. Get To Know Randi Zuckerberg

    6 min 23 July 2026

    Get to know Randi Zuckerberg, who narrated the story of computer programmer Grace Hopper. Randi, one of the early employees at Facebook, is the best selling author of four books, and producer of multiple television shows and theater productions to help kids have “aha moments” about technology. She tells us why it’s important to have even more girls getting into STEM fields, and what it takes for girls to make it in the tech world. [This episode originally aired January 2021.]

  4. Grace Hopper Read by Randi Zuckerberg

    20 min 21 July 2026

    In this episode, the Queen of Code! Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper was the third-ever programmer for the world’s first programmable computer, the Mark I. Through her years of service to the U.S. Navy and private business, including during World War II, Grace helped push the boundaries of the new computer industry by developing key innovations in computer programming. Known today as Amazing Grace, the Grandmother of Programming, and the Queen of Code, Grace’s contributions to computing continue to shape the way computers operate around the globe. [This episode originally aired January 2021.] About the Narrator Randi Zuckerberg likes to call herself “a professional mom to entrepreneurs”. She currently works with more than 20 early and mid stage companies as an advisor, investor, or board director, the vast majority started and run by female founders. Randi also has a passion for producing and creating media content that celebrates strong, smart women and girls. Through her company, Zuckerberg Media, she is the best selling author of four books, producer of multiple television shows and theater productions, and hosts a weekly radio show, Randi Zuckerberg Means Business, on SiriusXM. Randi has been recognized with an Emmy nomination, two Tony awards, a Drama Desk Award, and a Kidscreen Award. Prior to founding her own company, Randi was an early employee at Facebook, where she is best known for creating Facebook Live. Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Executive Producers are Jes Wolfe and Katie Sprenger. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. Sound design and mixing by Luis Miranda. Corinne Peterson is our Production Manager. This episode was written by Alexis Stratton. Proofread by Ariana Rosas. It was narrated by Randi Zuckerberg, who you can learn more about in the next Get to Know episode. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. For more, visit Rebel Girls dot com. Until next time, stay rebel!

  5. What Do Golf, Tennis & Softball Have In Common This Week?

    11 min 17 July 2026

    This week, historic records are broken by athletes AND fans. The lowest round in LPGA history was played, the WNBA and NWSL broke attendance records, and memorable comebacks in the AUSL and LOVB. The Weekly Sports Show has it all, plus a new, nostalgic A’Two rendition, AUSL competition, and more! Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  6. Get to Know Olympic Runner Alysia Montaño

    10 min 16 July 2026

    Alysia Montaño, Olympic bronze medalist, world champion, and American record holder, talks about the story behind wearing her iconic flower, running while eight months pregnant, and what it took to win the national championship just six months after having a baby. She also talks about speaking out for women's sports equality, raising her daughter to be a hero, and why you are the author of your own story. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  7. Get To Know Funmilola Fagbamila

    6 min 15 July 2026

    This season, we invited our credit readers to interview our storytellers. Today, you'll hear from Funmilola Fagbamila who narrated the previous episode about the life of Queen Nanny. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, now is a good time to go check it out! Funmilola reveals how her art and activism collide, the skills it requires to be a successful organizer and why Queen Nanny's story personally resonated. [This episode originally aired March 2019.] About Funmilola: Funmilola Fagbamila is a Nigerian American scholar, activist, playwright and artist. She currently serves as an adjunct professor of Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. As an original member of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Funmilola has been organizing with BLM since its inception in 2013. Her most recent theatrical production was featured in the 2018 Netflix Documentary, Feminists. Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer. Special thanks to Clio McClure for coordinating our credit readers and interviewers.

  8. Queen Nanny Read by Funmilola Fagbamila

    22 min 14 July 2026

    Once upon a time, there was a girl who couldn’t be captured. Her name was Nanny. In the jungles of Jamaica, escaped slaves called maroons lived together in colonies, and “Queen Nanny,” as they called her, was one of their leaders. Helped along by her ancestors and the strength of her people, Nanny taught slaves to use the environment to their advantage and fight back. Queen Nanny’s legacy continues to inspire activists and rebels to this day. [This episode originally aired March 2019.] About the Narrator: Funmilola Fagbamila is a Nigerian American scholar, activist, playwright and artist. She currently serves as an adjunct professor of Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. As an original member of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Funmilola has been organizing with BLM since its inception in 2013. Her most recent theatrical production was featured in the 2018 Netflix Documentary, “Feminists.” Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane, with writing by Corinne Purtill and narration by Funmilola Fagbamila. Jestine Ware edited all scripts. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi.

  9. A Solo Row, a Swimming Record & Tennis History

    11 min 10 July 2026

    This week, records fell across the board. A 43-day solo row across the Pacific. A Wimbledon run that made history for the Philippines. A women's sports ticket record in New York City — before the game even starts. The Weekly Sports Show has all of it, plus WNBA All-Star starters, AUSL league records, and a Pep Talk from a boat. Catch new episodes every Friday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  10. Get To Know Hana Baba

    9 min 9 July 2026

    Get to know journalist and podcaster Hana Baba, who brought us the story of politician, writer, and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. Hana tells us how she fell in love with journalism, what it is like to break the expectations placed on her by her Sudanese family, and break the mold as a journalist who wears a headscarf. And, she explains what sees as Stacey Abrams’ biggest impacts on the world. [This episode originally aired March 2021.]

  11. Stacey Abrams Read By Hana Baba

    21 min 7 July 2026

    In 2018, politician, lawyer, writer, and activist Stacey Abrams became the first Black woman nominated by any major political party to run for state governor in the U.S. when she made a bid to become governor of Georgia. She lost that election—just barely—but afterwards, she only became more passionate about ensuring that every eligible American can exercise their right to vote. Since then, Stacey has worked tirelessly to register hundreds of thousands of voters and to remove barriers to voting—resulting in record voter turnout in Georgia in 2020 and 2021, especially among communities of color. About the Narrator Hana Baba is an award-winning radio journalist- host of "Crosscurrents"- the daily newsmagazine on NPR station KALW Public Radio in San Francisco. She is also cohost/co-producer of The Stoop podcast, telling stories from across the Black Diaspora. A Sudanese American, she enjoys exploring intersectionality and the richness of experiences in the African diaspora overall. Her work also appears on NPR, PRI, BBC, OZY, and others, and she has interviewed personalities like Levar Burton, Jimmy Carter, Stacey Abrams, David Oyelowo, Uzo Aduba and more. [This episode originally aired March 2021.] Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Executive Producer is Katie Sprenger. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. It was sound designed and mixed by Camille Stennis. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! This episode was written by Alexis Stratton. Proofread by Ariana Rosas. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com.

  12. Your Favorite Show, On Location?!

    11 min 3 July 2026

    We record live from the Chicago Bandits sold out game, Gotham FC raises another cup, Catherine Breed sets a legendary goal, and an exclusive look in the AUSL! Catch new episodes every Friday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  13. Grace O'Malley Read by Allison Mosshart

    18 min 30 June 2026

    Grace O'Malley was a fierce, Irish pirate who fought for her people and sailed all the way around Great Britain and up the Thames to meet with Queen Elizabeth I in person. When they met, Grace convinced the Queen to revisit her policies and to turn against the English politician she had sent to conquer Grace's territories. How did she do it? Let yourself be transported to the stormy, west coast of Ireland and inside the life of one of the most inspiring pirates of all times. [This episode originally aired May 2018.] This episode was produced by Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli with writing by Corinne Purtill and sound design by Elettra Bargiacchi. Allison Mosshart is an American artist, songwriter, and lead vocalist for the rock band The Kills.

  14. Trinity Rodman is Here, There, Everywhere!

    11 min 26 June 2026

    History is made at the FIFA World Cup, Aja Wilson joins a list of legends with her new cover, Caitlin Clark debuts her new shoe, and Trinity Rodman has been BUSY! Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  15. Get to Know Pro Table Tennis Player Yasiris Ortiz

    10 min 25 June 2026

    Yasiris Ortiz, professional table tennis player and Dominican Republic national team member, joins us to talk about leaving home at nine to train at a table tennis academy, moving to New York, and what table tennis can do for kids. She also talks about being featured in the 2025 film Marty Supreme and how the sport is waaay more than just a ping pong ball.

  16. Amelia Earhart Builds a Rollercoaster

    14 min 23 June 2026

    Before Amelia became a world-famous aviator, she was a curious girl who loved to build inventions with her sister, Pidge. Hear the story of Amelia and Pidge building their very own roller coaster. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This story was produced by Katie Sprenger with sound design and mixing by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. It was written by Caitlin Madrigal. Fact-checking by Joe Rhatigan. Narration by Jenise Morgan. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Thank you to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. Stay rebel!

  17. 28 Olympians Declared for the Draft

    10 min 19 June 2026

    Iconic makeup looks hit the diamond, New York was filled with major celebrations, and a busy evening for the PWHL draft with 28 olympians declaring! Catch new episodes every Friday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  18. Get to Know Camille Stennis

    9 min 18 June 2026

    Meet one of the audio producers and sound designers behind some of your favorite Rebel Girls episodes, Camille Stennis. Camille talks about her own creative process and journey to discovering her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Living happily in Los Angeles with her wife and 2 dogs, Camille shares how important it is to do what you love. [This episode originally aired August, 2021.]

  19. Audre Lorde Read by Camille Stennis

    24 min 16 June 2026

    Born in Harlem in 1934 to a family of Caribbean immigrants, Audre Lorde grew up to become a Black feminist icon and celebrated American poet, writer, and activist. Best known for her works exploring her own multifaceted identity, Lorde both struggled with and embraced the differences that made her unique—and the ones that drew her to others. A poet and self-described “warrior,” Lorde created a space for herself in America by writing about her personal experiences and advocating for freedom for people of color, the LGBTQ community, women, and oppressed communities around the globe. [This episode originally aired in August, 2021.] About the Narrator Camille Stennis is an audio editor, music composer and sound designer based out of Los Angeles, CA. She has a BFA in Music Production & Sound Design for Visual Media from the Academy of Art University, and has also interned at companies such as Jingle Punks, Unified Films, and was previously the Head of Production at Jam Street Media supporting various creative productions in podcasting, music publishing and audio visuals. She worked as an Audio Producer and Sound Designer for Rebel Girls. Camille is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, living happily with her wife and dogs. Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and is based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Camille Stennis. Sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. This episode was written by Alexis Stratton and fact checked by Joe Rhatigan. Executive Producer was Katie Sprenger. Haley Dapkus was our production manager. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A big thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this show possible! For more, visit rebelgirls.com. And if you like what you heard, don’t forget to rate and review this episode, and share it with your friends! Until next time, stay REBEL!

  20. The NCAA back-to-back champions, softball summer, and a French Open champion!

    11 min 12 June 2026

    A legend secures her first win back, champions are crowned, and fashion statements outside of the box, you won’t believe it. Pepper covers it all this week on the Weekly Sports Show. Catch new episodes every Friday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  21. Billie Jean King Read by Jessica Valenti

    15 min 9 June 2026

    Once upon a time, there was a bespectacled girl who loved tennis. She was resourceful and figured out a way to get tennis lessons for free since her family didn't have a lot of money. When she became a national champion, she began to fight for equal rights within the tennis circuit: equal pay for men AND women. This led to a revolution in the sport, paving the way for future female superstars like Venus and Serena Williams. [This episode originally aired in April 2018.] About the Narrator Jessica Valenti is a columnist for the Guardian US and the author of multiple books on feminism, politics, and culture. Her most recent book, Sex Object: A Memoir, was a New York Times bestseller. Her award-winning blog, Feministing.com, has been praised by Columbia Journalism Review as “head and shoulders above almost any writing on women’s issues in mainstream media.” Credits This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo, with writing and operation support by Darby Maloney and Elyssa Dudley. Sound Design and Original Theme Music by Elettra Bargiacchi.

  22. A Legend Returns and Softball Summer Takes Off

    11 min 5 June 2026

    Serena Williams is BACK, Triple Espresso returns, and a NCAA Softball Champion is crowned. Plus Sky Brown skates into fashion, literally. Pepper covers it all this week on the Weekly Sports Show. Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  23. Get to Know Basketball Coach Molly Miller

    11 min 4 June 2026

    Molly Miller, Head Coach of the Arizona State University Women’s Basketball team, joins Rebel Girls for a conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to build a winning team. She talks about coining the term "Benergy," how she handles being underestimated, and why you don't have to fit someone else's mold to lead– you just have to be your true authentic self. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  24. Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju: Love is Love

    18 min 2 June 2026

    Lawyers Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju made history in 2018 when they helped overturn a law in India that said love between people of the same gender was illegal. They worked hard to show India’s Supreme Court that love is love.

  25. Billie Jean King Just Made History AGAIN

    12 min 29 May 2026

    Diplomas, diamond chains, and championships. Pepper covers it all this week from the GOAT Billie Jean King making history once again, to records being broken on the track, lacrosse field, and basketball court. Catch new episodes every Thursday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  26. Get to Know Kat Taylor

    4 min 28 May 2026

    Today, you'll hear from Kat Taylor who narrated the previous episode about Temple Grandin. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, now is a good time to go back and check it out. [This episode originally aired May 2020.] About Kat: Kat Taylor is a philanthropist dedicated to restoring social justice and environmental well-being, and building a more inclusive world. Kat is active in a variety of social enterprises and currently serves as Co-Founder and Board Chair of Beneficial State Bank, whose mission it is to spread prosperity in communities. Kat is also a Founding Director of TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation (TKREF), dedicated to inspiring sustainable food systems. Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, John Cheary, Sarah Storm, and Robin Lai. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer. Special thanks to our credit readers and interviewers.

  27. Temple Grandin Read by Kat Taylor

    22 min 26 May 2026

    Once upon a time, there was a girl who thought in pictures instead of words. Her name was Temple. When Temple was a girl, her parents realized she was different. Her mind was full of pictures of everything she’d ever seen or experienced. Temple was then diagnosed with autism. In the 1950s, doctors didn't know much about her condition, so they recommended that Temple be sent away. Temple’s mother insisted that she would thrive at home with the right support and the right education. Because of that courageous act, Temple grew up to change the world for millions of animals. Tune in to find out how she did it. [This episode originally aired May 2020.] Our narrator this episode is Kat Taylor, a philanthropist dedicated to restoring social justice and environmental well-being, and building a more inclusive world. Kat is active in a variety of social enterprises and currently serves as Co-Founder and Board Chair of Beneficial State Bank, whose mission it is to spread prosperity in communities. Kat is also a Founding Director of TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation (TKREF), dedicated to inspiring sustainable food systems. This podcast is based on the book series also titled Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Our Executive Producers are Elena Favilli and Joy Fowlkes. This season was produced by John Marshall Cheary, Sarah Storm, and Robin Lai. This episode was written by Alexis Stratton and edited by Pam Gruber. Maithy Vu proofread. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi who has also sound designed this episode. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer.

  28. The Greatest College World Series Comeback of All-Time?

    9 min 22 May 2026

    A Gucci handbag makes an on-court appearance, the PWHL crowns a champion, Mal Swanson returns and Pepper talks College World Series Super Regionals. Catch new episodes every Friday as we bring you all of the news in Women’s Sports. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  29. Get to Know Sports Journalist Arielle Chambers

    10 min 21 May 2026

    Ari Chambers, journalist, sports commentator, and the woman behind the viral phrase "The WNBA Is So Important," joins us for a conversation about women's sports, self-confidence, and walking through life with audacity. She talks about covering the Olympics, the importance of preparation, and the one thing every girl can practice today to build unshakeable confidence. Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

  30. Get to Know Philomena Kwao

    7 min 20 May 2026

    Get to know Philomena Kwao, a plus size model who lives in London and New York, and is also an ambassador for Women for Women International. She shares with us the impact Zainab’s story has had on her, the importance of representation and how important it is to share our stories. [This episode originally aired in March 2021.] Go to knixteen.com and use code REBELGIRLS for 15% off.

Showing the 300 most recent episodes. Open the show in the app for the full back-catalogue.

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