Rebel Girls

Latest Episodes:

Celia Cruz Read by Justina Machado Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Once upon a time, a girl learned to sing before she could talk. Her name was Celia. She began singing to her siblings and cousins at bedtime, but a voice like that needed to be shared. Everywhere she went, she sang. She sang when she was in pain and she sang when she felt incredible joy—shouting an exuberant “¡Azúcar!” to her adoring fans. In glittering gowns and extravagant, ruffled ensembles, Celia filled the airwaves with her unique sound. Her talent earned her the name “The Queen of Salsa” as she spread Cuban music throughout the world. [This episode originally launched August 2020.]

About the Narrator:

Justina Machado is a talented and versatile actress, known for her roles across TV and Broadway.

Credits:

This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane, with writing by Tori Telfer and narration by Justina Machado. 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.

Jordan Chiles goes for LA 28 & WNBA Changes Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Jordan Chiles announces her LA 2028 comeback with Michael Jordan, USA Basketball's win streak hits 33, tennis star Alex Eala shines, NWSL history is made, US Open fashion, and a pep talk from bikepacker Tegan Phillips. Play Rebel, Stay Rebel!

Get to Know Chef Hetal Vasavada Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

She traded in one career for a rolling pin and never looked back. Meet Hetal Vasavada, cookbook author and the creative force behind Milk & Cardamom. In this episode of Get to Know a Rebel, we sit down with Hetal for real talk about baking disasters, finding your path, and what it actually takes to build a career doing what you love.

In this episode:

🍪 Hetal's #1 tip for fixing cookie fails (hint: it involves a kitchen scale!)

⚖️ Why baking is really just science in disguise

🌶️ Her advice for any girl who dreams of becoming a chef

Hetal is featured in the new Rebel Girls cookbook, Family Favorites. Be sure to get the book and give her recipe a try!

Stay Rebel ⚡

Margaret Hamilton Read by Poorna Jagannathan Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Once, there was a girl who put a man on the Moon. Her name was Margaret Hamilton. When she was young, girls didn't study computers. But Margaret was curious about space, and she was smart. Really smart. She never thought twice about being the only woman in the room. With her cool-headedness and brilliant programming skills, she was able to avert disaster and maneuver the first successful American moon landing, Apollo 11. [This episode originally launched March 2018.]

Poorna Jagannathan is an actress and the producer of "Nirbhaya" ('Fearless'), the critically-acclaimed play written and directed by Yael Farber. Based on real-life events, the play breaks the silence around sexual violence and was called by The Telegraph as one of the "most powerful pieces of theater you’ll ever see.”

Jagannathan gained international recognition for her portrayal of a journalist in the 2011 Bollywood film "Delhi Belly" and has appeared as series regular on HBO's "The Night Of" and Netflix's "Gypsy." She is currently a member of the ensemble cast of HBO's "Room 104," created by the Duplass brothers.

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.

Stronger Than Ever: Ashley Hatch Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

This is episode 2 of Stronger than Ever, a show about big dreams, unexpected obstacles and the rise to becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Ashley Hatch is a forward for the Washington Spirit. She’s an NWSL champion, the 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year and the 2021 NWSL Golden Boot winner. She’s one of the league’s most prolific goal scorers ever, with 59 career goals.

But her story goes far beyond the stats.

In this interview, Ashley opens up about one of the toughest moments of her career, being the final cut from the 2023 USWNT World Cup roster, and how she found her way back to loving the game.

From redefining success to letting go of outside expectations, she shares what she’s learned about identity, resilience, and choosing to love soccer again on her own terms.

Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Stronger Than Ever: Julia Donlin Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

Before Julia Donlin was a beach volleyball All-American and two-time collegiate national champion, she was navigating the effects of multiple concussions suffered while playing indoor volleyball. Her comeback didn’t just take her to a new court, but on a journey to find herself and what’s truly important. A hopeful for LA28, Julia is now stronger than ever.

Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Stronger Than Ever: Jordan Larson Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

This is episode 6 of Stronger than Ever, a show about big dreams, unexpected obstacles and the rise to becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Four-time Olympic medalist Jordan Larson is the most decorated American indoor volleyball player ever. When her professional career was just getting started, her mother received a devastating diagnosis. On her journey to the top of the volleyball world, Jordan also learned how to overcome her grief and balance life and volleyball without her mom. That path made her Stronger than Ever.

Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Stronger Than Ever: Jordan Chiles Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

Introducing Stronger than Ever, a show about big dreams, unexpected obstacles and the rise to becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Jordan Chiles is a three-time Olympic medalist, a world champion, and one of Team USA’s most electrifying gymnasts. She closed out her career at UCLA as a 16-time All-American, NCAA Champion, and a New York Times best-selling author, but she’s so much more than that.

In the debut episode of Stronger than Ever, Jordan opens up about who she is beyond the sport. From prioritizing her mental health to redefining what strength really means, she shares what she’s learned about failure, finding her support systems, and discovering herself outside of being an athlete.

Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Stronger Than Ever: Faatimah A Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

This is episode 7 of Stronger than Ever, a show about big dreams, unexpected obstacles and the rise to becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Before basketball became Faatimah A's profession, it was her escape; giving her control and a path forward while spending her middle school years in a shelter as a young Muslim girl in a post-9/11 world. That journey has made her Stronger than Ever.

Today, she is shaping the next generation of basketball players as a member of the Jamaican National Team, and the founder of the Women’s Premier Basketball Association.

Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Stronger Than Ever: Holly Aitchison Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

This is episode 5 of Stronger than Ever, a show about big dreams, unexpected obstacles and the rise to becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Holly Aitchison is one of the best women’s rugby players in the world, starting at fly-half for the England national team. But that’s only part of her story. Throughout her adolescence, she battled acne. That journey reshaped and redefined her confidence, but left her stronger than ever, and starring at the Rugby World Cup and Six Nations for her country.

Play Rebel ⚡ Stay Rebel

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected