ShiftMakers

In this special tribute episode of Shiftmakers, host Marianne Schnall revisits her memorable interview with Dolly Parton, celebrating the extraordinary artist, philanthropist, and trailblazer whose timeless messages continue to inspire us. With her signature warmth and humor, Dolly shares heartfelt insights on staying true to yourself, overcoming adversity, finding joy and purpose, giving back, and what it means to measure success by the difference we make in the lives of others. She also discusses the inspiration behind her Imagination Library, the enduring message of her song “Coat of Many Colors,” themes of women's equality in the workplace in the film 9 to 5, and her hopes for a world rooted in greater love, acceptance, understanding, and compassion. Listen to all episodes of Shiftmakers on Apple, Spotify or Pandora. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this candid conversation, host Marianne Schnall speaks with activist, bestselling author, Girls Who Code founder, and Moms First CEO Reshma Saujani about her new documentary No Country for Mothers, why motherhood in America has become a cultural battleground, and what it will take to build a society that truly supports women, mothers, and families. Together, they explore the barriers mothers face, including the lack of paid leave and affordable childcare, and a culture that too often pits women against one another. They unpack false divides—from "girl boss" versus "trad wife" to the outrage-driven algorithms of social media—that distract from the systemic changes that could unite families across political and cultural lines. Their wide-ranging conversation also explores what courage looks like in this moment, why women's voices and leadership matter more than ever, the critical role women must play in shaping the future of AI and technology, and why supporting mothers may be one of the greatest opportunities to bring Americans together across divides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, host Marianne Schnall—founder of Feminist.com, now celebrating 30 years as an online hub for feminist voices and action—draws from her rich archive of interviews with some of the most influential feminists of our time: Gloria Steinem, Anita Hill, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Jane Fonda, and many others. Their insights frame a journey through the past and present of feminism—highlighting defining cultural moments, the movement’s ongoing evolution, and addressing common misconceptions about what feminism really means. Also featuring: Clara Bingham, LaTosha Brown, Ted Bunch, Jimmy Carter, Jasmine Crockett, Melissa Etheridge, Carol Gilligan, Carol Jenkins, Nicholas Kristof, Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi, Amy Poehler, Cecile Richards, Pamela Shifman, Jessica Valenti, V (formerly Eve Ensler), and Raquel Willis. Created in partnership with Feminist.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this inspiring conversation, host Marianne Schnall interviews businesswoman and philanthropist Melinda French Gates who shares insights and advice on navigating life's transitions, embracing change, letting go of perfection, taking time for self-care, and many other topics featured in her new bestselling memoir The Next Day. As a longtime global advocate for women and girls, Gates also discusses the importance of advancing gender equality, what women bring to leadership, and how we can all take action to contribute to positive change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In part two of our Voices on Strength and Resilience episode, host Marianne Schnall shares more timely wisdom from her archival interviews with remarkable women who provide insights and inspiration for overcoming challenging times. They offer advice on turning pain into power, the importance of community, developing inner courage, the healing nature of empathy and compassion, finding strength in activism, and more. Featuring Stacey Abrams, Madeleine Albright, Maya Angelou, Cori Bush, Jasmine Crockett, Abigail Disney, Jane Fonda, Jane Goodall, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Barbara Lee, Wangari Maathai, Natalie Merchant, Dolly Parton, Amy Poehler, Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem, V (formerly Eve Ensler), and Oprah Winfrey. This episode is also available in video form, featuring archival video clips and captions, which can be found on Spotify or Marianne Schnall’s YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices