Rebel Girls

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Zainab Salbi Read by Philomena Kwao May 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we meet Zainab Salbi. Raised under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein by parents who were trapped among his inner circle, Zainab Salbi grew up knowing fear, war, and the pain caused by corrupt and powerful people. In response, at a young age, she committed herself to building a better world—especially for women. After moving to the United States, at age 23, Zainab founded Women for Women, an international organization that, since 1993, has provided financial support, job training, and other services to 500,000 women survivors of war. [This episode originally aired March 2021.]

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About the Narrator

Philomena Kwao grew up incredibly curious and highly focused on her education. She dreamt of becoming a health policy maker or global health agency which led her to get her masters in International Health management. Moving to NYC and ultimately signing with JAG in July 2013, made her grow as a person in many ways. She knows that she wants to do EVERYTHING in fashion and use it as a launching pad to work with healthcare in developing countries, especially Ghana.

Credits

This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls, Inc. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced, sound designed, and mixed by Camille Stennis, written by Alexis Stratton and proofread by Ariana Rosas. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi . Special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this podcast possible. For more, visit rebelgirls.com. Until next time, stay rebel!

Aces Get Their Rings & the WNBA Begins May 15, 2026

Show notes

The WNBA began their 30th season, the Aces got their 2025 WNBA Championship rings, and every team unveiled new jerseys. Plus, a 30-year old home run record was broken and the College World Series is set.

Get to Know Amy Landecker May 14, 2026

Show notes

This season, we invited our credit readers to interview our storytellers. Today, you'll hear from Amy Landecker who narrated the previous episode about Corrie Ten Boom. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, now is a good time to go back and check it out! Landecker reveals the guiding principles her parents communicated to her during her unconventional childhood, the meaning of resistance and more. [This episode originally aired May 2019.]

About Landecker:

Amy Landecker is known for her portrayal of Sarah Pfefferman on the award-winning Amazon original series "Transparent." Other TV credits include: Season 3 of "Sneaky Pete," recurring opposite Giovanni Ribisi, "Room 104," "Louie," "Revenge," "House M.D.," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "House of Lies." Amy Landecker began her career in Chicago as an intern at the Steppenwolf Theatre, where she later went on to perform, in addition to The Goodman and the Public Theatre in NY. She won an Obie Award for her work in Tracy Lett's BUG at the Barrow Street Theatre.

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.

Corrie Ten Boom read by Amy Landecker May 12, 2026

Show notes

Once upon a time, a girl risked everything to do what was right. Her name was Corrie. From the time she was a small child, Corrie learned two things from her parents: how to make a broken watch tick and how to care for people in need. Her family always took in those less fortunate than themselves, so when Jewish people knocked on their door asking for sanctuary, Corrie knew just what to do. Her courage saved more than 800 people from persecution during WWII. [This episode originally aired May 2019.]

About the Narrator:

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 Amy Landecker. 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.

From the Met Gala to the Kentucky Derby May 08, 2026

Show notes

A perfect pitch on senior night, the athletes are taking over the Met Gala and Sarah Gorden joins us for Pep Talk! We have it all on the Weekly Sports Show.

Get to Know Artist Angie Chua May 07, 2026

Show notes

Get to know Angie Chua, founder of Bobo Design Studio, and hear about what it really means to make art — and why everyone can do it.

She talks about finding her voice through drawing when school wasn't working, how boredom and humor are her two biggest creative triggers, and why sharing your art, even when it's scary, is the fastest way to build confidence.

Stay Rebel ⚡

Maria Callas Read by Our Lady J May 05, 2026

Show notes

Once upon a time, there was a nearsighted girl who could sing like no other. Her name was Maria Callas. She came from troubled beginnings but grew up to become the most famous soprano in opera. Soon, she traveled the world, known simply as La Divina, the divine one, and moved audiences wherever she went. [This episode originally aired March 2018.]

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. Piano transcription: Margherita Colombo

Our Lady J is a musician and writer known for her visionary gospel stylings and powerhouse pianist skills. In 2013, she released her first studio album, "Picture Of A Man," to critical acclaim and since then has delivered her new testament of post-religious gospel music to sold-out crowds around the world. OUT Magazine has named Our Lady J as one of their "Out 100," and the Huffington Post honors her on their list of “transgender icons.” She is now a writer on Jill Soloway’s ground-breaking television show, "Transparent" and Ryan Murphy's upcoming TV series "Pose."

The GOAT (Allyson Felix) Returns to the Track May 01, 2026

Show notes

On your mark…. Get set… GO! We are off to the races as the GREAT Allyson Felix has announced her return to the track to claim a spot at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. We cover it all in this new episode of 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

Get To Know Zozibini Tunzi Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Get to know model and beauty pageant titleholder, Zozibini Tunzi. Zozibini tells us what it means to have accomplished her dream of becoming Miss Universe, her continued hope for changes in the beauty industry, and how others can be changemakers. She also shares how you can change the world around you, no matter your age. [This episode originally aired February 2021.]

Miriam Makeba Read by Zozibini Tunzi Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Once there was a girl who sang from the heart, and fought for freedom through her music. Her name was Miriam Makeba. She was raised in South Africa in the 1930s, where laws oppressed Black people like her. She rose up in song to fight the racist system of Apartheid. She used her voice to travel the world and bring awareness about the injustices her people faced at home. Because of this, she was banned from returning to South Africa for many years. After moving to the United States her career was upended when she married a controversial leader of the civil rights leader. But she still used her fame as a platform for change, and came to be known as “Mama Africa”. [This episode originally aired February 2021.]

About the Narrator

Zozibini Tunzi is a passionate activist engaged in the fight against gender-based violence and a supporter of the #HeForShe social media campaign which is changing gender stereotypes. In 2019, Tunzi was the first Black representative from South African to be crowned Miss Universe. Zozi was also the first Miss Universe to be crowned wearing her natural curls, serving as an example to young girls to embrace their most authentic selves. She is using her voice as Miss Universe to encourage young women to “take up space” and hopes to bring more voices together to make change across the world.

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. Corinne Peterson is Production Manager. This episode was written by Grace Boyle. Proofread by Ariana Rosas. It was narrated by Zozibini Tunzi, who we will get to know better on Thursday’s episode! Sound design and original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. Final mix by Mattia Marcelli. For more, visit Rebel Girls dot com. Until next time, stay rebel!

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