In this episode, we talk about the fictional character Miranda Priestly from the novel and film, The Devil Wears Prada. We consider how the other characters saw Miranda, both the good and the bad. Then we look at what audiences thought of Priestly, especially with the release of the film, but also a bit about how those perceptions have changed or a…

There were five Wednesdays in October so we thought we'd record an extra Movie Rep Big Reels episode to release to the public. If you like this episode and want to hear more like it, you can subscribe to our Patreon for just $5 a month. There you can hear 10 more episodes just like this along with all of our Little Reputations episodes!…

This month's Little Reps release from the vault is someone we covered almost two years ago to the day, in October 2022: Lilly Ledbetter. We decided to release this episode to the public because we recently learned that Ledbetter passed away at age 86 just this past weekend on October 12, 2024. We thought sharing this episode with everyone would be …

In this episode we cover singer, actress, and reality TV star Jessica Simpson. We look back at everything the media had to say about her over the years including comments about her intelligence, weight, romantic partners, and more. Then we dig into some of the truths behind her behaviors and actions, and the effect that the media and the public can…

Hello everyone! Welcome back to our “Little Reputations Rewind” where we release a back catalog episode of our formerly exclusive “Little Reputations” Patreon content from the vault. These episodes are generally half an hour or so, and in them we discuss women who might not necessarily have a Big Reputation but who we think are cool to learn about,…

In this episode, we discuss a local (to us!) hero, Sonia Sotomayor, from her time growing up in the Bronx to her years and years of education, and her journey to the Supreme Court. We elaborate on the hurdles and bigotry she had to face while making her way to the highest court in the land and we talk about her views, how they have changed over the…

This month we will be sharing our Little Rep episode on body inclusive yoga instructor, Jessamyn Stanley. This episode was originally released on January 18th, 2023. Enjoy!Oleh Kimberly Kunkle, Rebecca Salois

In this episode, We discuss Lizzo and her early introduction into the world of music as well as her rise in the industry. Then we cover the release of the single that really brought her to the forefront of everyone’s attention and how the media reacted to her music and her image. Next we explore the controversies surrounding Lizzo from accusations …

Or maybe we should say Random Chit Chat w/bloopers... because there's not a lot of bloopers and PLENTY of chit chat. Kim shares her birth story and Rebecca makes a new friend! Okay, two if you count Kim's new baby!Oleh Kimberly Kunkle, Rebecca Salois

This month we will be sharing our Little Rep episode on 17th Century Midwife, Justine Siegemund, which was originally released September 27th, 2023. Enjoy!Oleh Kimberly Kunkle, Rebecca Salois

This episode we welcome our very first guest co-host, Rebecca's sister Brooke, and we give the month off to new mom, Kim. We discuss the role of stepmoms, in our own lives and in general. From the bad to the good, and everything in between. We define the term and explore how it has evolved over the past several centuries, including the introduction…

Enjoy this week's former Patreon Exclusive episode on Lily Tomlin! We originally released this episode in January 2023 and it was only our 11th episode. If you like this episode, you can subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/bigreputationspod and listen to any one of our 40 or so other episodes!Oleh Kimberly Kunkle, Rebecca Salois

In this episode, we discuss the history and origins of the most famous pig on the planet, Miss Piggy! From what people thought of her, to what she thought of herself, we explore how her image has changed over the years. From diva, who can do it all, to accusations of being a violent abuser, we chat about how her personality often rubbed people the …

Continuing with our Latina celebration and in conjunction with our Rita Moreno episode earlier this month, we bring you a fresh from the Little Reps vault, a rewind episode on Gloria Calderón Kellett! Enjoy!Oleh Kimberly Kunkle, Rebecca Salois

In this episode, we discuss a woman whose career has spanned 70 plus years, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down: Rita Moreno. We dive into how she got where she is and how she stayed there despite the rampant racism and sexism found in Hollywood. We let Rita speak in her own words about her motivations, and what success means to her and look at how…

This is a short one, but it was still a lot of fun to record. This is from when we were first starting with our Patreon content. In fact, this Little Rep Rewind #4, was originally Little Reps #4 back in October 2022. If you would like to hear more of our Little Reps episodes, including our entire back catalog of Little Reps episodes, subscribe to o…

In this episode we talk about Greta Thunberg, a climate activist who got her start at the age of 15. We discuss how her fears of climate change, while very valid, have been dismissed by the media and global leaders. Then we follow the path that Greta had to take to be taken seriously and the lack of media coverage other young activists have dealt w…

Please enjoy this month's Little Rep Rewind on Keke Palmer!Oleh Kimberly Kunkle, Rebecca Salois

In this episode we discuss the singer-songwriter and vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey. We look into how her record labels, fans, and media perceived her over the years and break down the truths behind her childhood, relationships, mental health, and more. Finally we wrap up by considering the impact she has had on the music industry and beyond. Trigge…

Welcome back to our "Little Rep Rewind" episode for February. In connection with our coverage of the Women of the Civil Rights Movement episode we thought we'd look back at a little rep episode in which we discussed a Native American women's organization that fought for Native American civil and reproductive rights that was established in 1974. Loo…

In this episode, we're talking about women, but not just any women. Women of the Civil Right Movement, we are kicking off Black History month. We discuss the history of the Civil Rights Movement including some of the well-known events and then talk about how women were not only involved in these events but also often held leadership roles. Then we …

Hello everyone! Welcome to our first ever "Little Rep Rewind" episode. In 2024, we're doing one new Big Reputations episode each month (because life and baby!) and have decided to provide you with a "rewind" episode from our Patreon exclusive content to help fill the gap. Our first episode is Hedy Lamarr! Let us know what you think and if you want …

In this episode, we discuss Cruella deVil and all of her origin stories throughout various forms of media. We talk about how other characters viewed and treated her, and how those relationships or lack there of affected her and influenced her actions. Then we dive into how audiences viewed her over the years, depending on the adaptations they grew …

In this episode, We look back at 2023. We have been doing this podcast for two and a half years and we want to thank all of you who have been here since the beginning but also those of you who have recently joined. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy making the episodes Those of you who have been here with us for a while might remember …

In today's episode we talk about American singer-songwriter and pop star, and Time’s latest person of the year, Taylor Swift. We explore how she got her start, her early career, her different albums and songs, her tours, and how the media reacted to her rise to fame. Then we push back against the haters and explore her relationship with her record …

In this episode, we talk about American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author Stacey Abrams. We discuss how she is viewed by the world of politics, and pop culture (spoiler alert for Misogyny and Racism). Then we cover Stacey’s rise to political fame, and the passion that keeps her there. Lastly we discuss her plans for the future …

In this episode, we cover a woman whose death often overshadows her life, Ms. Natalie Wood. We talk about her star power from her childhood, through her teenage years, and into adulthood, along with how the media perceived her. Then we focus on her home life, from being the sole provider for her family from a young age to the imposter syndrome she …

In this episode, we discuss a group of powerful and often misunderstood women: Witches. First we take you back to some ancient roots of witchcraft and early perspectives by different cultures, religions, and societies. Then we consider how society and pop culture mold our outlook on witches and vice versa by discussing common examples of witches in…

In this episode, We discuss a controversial fictional character: Dawn Summers, little sister to Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. After explaining who she is and how she was included in the show, we consider the interactions she had with other characters and their opinions of her. Then we dig into some of the audience opinions of her that are out there, t…

In this episode, we discuss the multi-record holding tennis superstar, Serena Williams. We look at her early life and experiences with the sport. Then we consider the ways in which the media has covered her over the years including comments on her size, race, and gender as it relates to the game and even beyond the tennis court. We follow this up b…

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, this week we are discussing Mexican icon and super-genius, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. From her rebellious childhood to her time in the royal court and later her life as a nun. Then we explore how she became known as the “The Tenth Muse” and how it affected her personal and professional life, including connections …

In this episode we learn about the actress, singer, songwriter and rapper Lauryn Hill from the start of her career at age 13 to today. Then we discuss the things that the media has said about her over the years regarding her musical performances, acting gigs, and romantic relationships. Next we break down some of these judgements and discuss what w…

Welcome to our 50th episode!!! In this episode we discuss the history of women in soccer from creation to today. We talk about the women who pioneered the sport and the challenges they have faced. We, of course, dig into the judgments, the scandals, and the media coverage (or lack there of), when it comes to the women who play. Then we consider how…

In this episode, we discuss the plastic woman with a heart of gold, Barbie. We talk about why she was created and the changes she’s been through over the years. Then we look at her many many careers and consider what the media had to say about her and her body. Then we will breakdown some of the missteps made by her creator Mattel, and how Barbie w…

In this episode, we discuss Anna Nicole Smith, from her early life to her first marriage, and from the moment she meets her second husband until her untimely death. We look at her career in modeling and film and consider what the media had to say about her and her body. Then we break down some of the names she was called and labels she was assigned…

In this episode, we discuss the Queen of Power Ballads, Ms. Celine Dion. We cover some of her early life and what got her into the music industry. Then we explore some of the things the media has said about her over the years, especially in regards to the most epic of all of her power ballads, "My Heart Will Go On," written and sung for the Titanic…

In this episode we discuss the Queen of Soul, the one and only, Aretha Franklin. We talk about the influence of her family life on her career, the ups and downs of her experiences in the music industry, and how she has been perceived as a diva - both in the positive and negative sense of the word. Then we cover some of the reasons she may have made…

We're taking a little break from our regularly scheduled content this week to do a fun AMA (ask me anything) episode and dropping our bloopers from the first half of the year. Thank you to all who sent in questions and to all of you for continuing to listen! We really do love this podcast and love that you all seem to enjoy it as well. Special than…

In this episode we talk about female superheroes, focusing on the women of Marvel and most specifically, the women in the MCU. We cover some of the history of women in comics and discuss the ways in which women have been depicted in the different phases of the MCU. Then we consider some of the hot takes from different media outlets regarding some o…

In this episode, we discuss the literary character Waverly Jong, from the book and film The Joy Luck Club. We talk about how she was seen by her mother, and other women in the book. We dive into how audiences reacted to Waverly’s conflicts and relationships, both the good and the bad. And lastly, we ​analyze Waverly’s motivations, and dig into her …

In this episode, we discuss the Nobel Peace Prize winning Pakistani education activist, Malala Yousafzai. We consider how she was perceived and treated by Taliban terrorists in her own country and how she ended up in the UK. Then we look at the reasons she fought for education and how she continues to do so today. Finally, we explore where she is n…

In this episode, we discuss the tejana music star, Selena Quintanilla Perez. We look at her history in the music industry, the reactions of audiences, and the reception of her music in Mexico and the United States. We then talk about her death, especially as it relates to fan reactions and how, in some ways, her death overshadowed her life in mains…

In this episode we discuss Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the western world's first women’s rights activists. We talk about how the world reacted to her, her writings, and Enlightenment era ideas. Then we discuss the culture of the 1700’s and how Wollstonecraft's ideas impacted her daily life in this society. Lastly we reflect on how her words influen…

In this episode of Big Reputations, we discuss the well-known actor, Keanu Reeves. We share some of the things that the media has said about him over the years, then we discuss how awesome he really is. Finally we update you all on where he is now and what he has done and is doing for the world. Trigger warnings: drug overdose and accidental death …

In this episode we discuss feuds and rivalries between women. We briefly discuss our own experiences with rivalries we had with other girls and women and address the history of rivalries in the workplace, the concept of women fighting over men, and the history of feuds, rivalries, and “catfights” in Hollywood and pop-culture. Next we provide a numb…

In this episode we discuss the fictional character, Jenny Curran. Jenny is the friend, love interest and reluctant villain of the 1986 novel Forrest Gump, and the 1994 movie adaptation of the same name. We talk about how she was treated by the men of the film and how she was perceived by film goers. People were, and some still are, not very keen on…

In this episode we discuss the first African American woman in the US Congress and the first African American woman to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties. We consider the role that the media and other politicians played in her bid for candidacy and then we talk about the huge uphill ba…

In this episode we discuss the unapologetically pro-woman rapper, Megan Thee Stallion. We talk about how she got into rapping, her relationship with her record label, and the ways in which the media has judged her based on how she looks and the lyrics to her songs. Then we consider how men (especially those in positions of power in the music indust…

In this episode we discuss the phenomenal singer-songwriter, actress, and activist that is Dolly Parton. We consider some of the ways in which the media and audiences have perceived her over the years, especially as it relates to her socio-economic background and physical appearance. Then we look deeper into the things she has done, the reasons she…

In this episode we define and discuss Diet Culture, how it has affected us, and how it has affected and others. We tackle the history and origins of Diet Culture including how it has evolved to continue to terrorize us in modern times. Then we take a look at the impact the media has on our ways of thinking about Diet Culture, and the truth behind i…