A Conversation with Melinda French Gates

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

Welcome to the fifth season of ShiftMakers. In these challenging times – whether we’re dealing with concerns about the current political landscape, global issues, or personal struggles – part one of this special two-part episode features an impressive collection of renowned women from host Marianne Schnall’s archival interviews, offering wisdom and advice for meeting challenges with strength and resilience. The following thought leaders share powerful insights on viewing hard times as opportunities to learn and grow, drawing on history for encouragement, taking time for self-care, holding onto hope, and much more: Stacey Abrams, Maya Angelou, Cori Bush, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, Roshi Joan Halifax, Anita Hill, Arianna Huffington, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Elizabeth Lesser, Wangari Maathai, Amy Poehler, 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.  To learn more about Marianne Schnall, please visit MarianneSchnall.com Podcast Art by Kyle Hollingsworth kyle-creative.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Marianne Schnall shares a collection of insights on "What would it mean for the U.S. to finally elect a woman president?” from her recent interviews with an esteemed group of thought leaders about Kamala Harris's historic run for President. They each share their perspectives on what the possible impact of finally breaking that glass ceiling would be (1:23), how it could open doors for women and girls (5:46), and also broaden our cultural perceptions of leadership across generations (13:12). They also elaborate on the potential global impact of a Harris Presidency (16:31), what it would mean for the U.S. to join the ranks of other nations who have women heads of state (17:44), and much more. With quotes from Ted Bunch, Glynda Carr, Jasmine Crockett, Anita Hill, Carol Jenkins, María Teresa Kumar, Barbara Lee, Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Nancy Pelosi, Ai-jen Poo, and Erin Vilardi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the country is poised to possibly elect our first woman president who is also a woman of color, host Marianne Schnall asks law professor and activist Anita Hill to share her insights on the historic moment we’re in. Hill discusses the engagement she’s seeing from women and the younger generation in this election (3:10), the sexism and racism VP Harris has been facing (11:31), how our perceptions of leadership are evolving (16:09), the importance of diversity in leadership and politics (22:57), the significance of Black women leaders throughout history (20:08), her advice for young people today (35:14), and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Marianne Schnall shares highlights from her recent conversation with former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who, being a trailblazer herself as the first woman Speaker, offers her insights on the upcoming election and the Kamala Harris campaign (3:00), as well as what it will take — and what it will mean — for Harris to be elected (9:30 & 15:15). Pelosi also discusses her new book, The Art of Power (11:46), offers advice for women leaders (13:48), and reflects on her time in Congress and what she wants to be remembered for (18:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Marianne Schnall takes a historical look at the feminist trailblazers and political milestones that helped advance women and chart the course to this pivotal moment. As we approach the 2024 election and the possibility of electing our first woman president seems closer than ever, this episode pulls from Marianne's new and archival interviews to share insights and stories from women who helped pave the way, including quotes from Carol Moseley Braun, Nancy Pelosi, Madeleine Albright, Pat Schroeder, Barbara Lee, Gloria Steinem, Kirsten Gillibrand, Nicholas Kristof, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Cecile Richards, Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Glynda Carr, Melissa Etheridge, and Maya Angelou. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices