Big Reputations

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 of these female superheroes. Spoiler alert, they’re...

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 relationship with her mother and how it affects he...

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 now with her life, controversial opinions on choice...

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 mainstream pop-culture. Finally we consider the impact...

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 influenced others throughout time. Trigger warnings: brie...

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     Follow the podcast: Twitter: @BigRepPod Instag...

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 number of examples throughout history of female rivalr...

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 Jenny. They saw her as a tramp, a junkie and a us...

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 battle that was Chisholm's political career (spoiler...

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 industry) have felt entitled to Megan’s fame and money a...

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 has done them, and what she has done for the worl...

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 its hold on us as a society. To wrap up, we look at...

In this episode, we look back at 2022. We started in July 2021, so this is our first full calendar year making this podcast and sharing it with you all. We recap our thoughts and experiences from the year, discuss our favorite episodes, look at some of the fun statistics about you, our listeners, and talk about the episodes we are looking forward to in the first half of next year. Then we drop in...

In this episode we discuss the character of Sofia from The Color Purple. We talk about her characteristics, her views on life, and her overall determination. Then we consider the different perspectives of characters such as Harpo, Celie, and the townspeople regarding Sofia and her behavior. Next we discuss the reception of this character in the context of both the novel and the film. Beyond lookin...

As Native American History Month comes to an end, we wanted to cover an incredible indigenous woman, Madonna Thunder Hawk. Madonna Thunder Hawk is a Native American civil rights activist. She is known for her leadership in the American Indian Movement (or AIM) and for her organization work against the Dakota Access Pipeline among other things. In this episode, we look at her work as an activist, p...

In this episode we discuss the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. We spend some time on her early life before she turned to art, and her life leading up to her accident. Then we talk about her healing journey, her early art career, and her tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera. Next we break down some of the labels that were assigned to Kahlo throughout her life and discuss why there might be more to...

In this episode we discuss the one and only Eartha Kitt, an American actress and singer from the mid-twentieth century. We cover her rise to fame, from her early singing career to her role as Catwoman and beyond. Then we look at some of the factors that led to her being ostracized by Hollywood including one particular interaction with a certain first lady. Finally we talk about her involvement wit...

In this episode, we discuss women in leadership. Specifically women in leadership positions in the workforce. We cover the history of women in the workforce, particularly in the US, including some of the first women in CEO positions. Then we consider the role that the media plays in perpetuating and breaking stereotypes of women in positions of leadership. We address words and terms that are often...

In this episode we discuss a legendary biblical figure, and the first women, Eve. We talk about her “alleged” sins and how it affected her and future generations. Then we cover how she has been depicted in both history and modern day pop-culture. Finally we wrap up by considering how different translations, literary studies, and science have challenged this biblical figure.   Follow the podcast: T...

In this episode we discuss the woman who Filippinos refer to as “The Mother of Democracy.” The first female president in Asia, Corazon Aquino. We cover her run for president, the reaction of her opposition, and the struggles she faced in terms of her background and her policy decisions. Then we address the changes that actually took place under her rule, including the establishment of democracy, a...

This week we will discuss the iconic singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer: Janet Jackson. We cover her early career, the steps she took to establish control and an independent career, the struggles she faced, and the scandals she has endured. Then we dig into some of the truths behind her experiences including her relationships with family members, being a Jackson and dealing with the tabloids,...

In this episode, we cover one of our all time favorite Supreme Court justices, the one and only, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We discuss her education, her early career, the support she had from her partner, a couple of the many cases she tried, and her appointment to the Supreme Court. Then we talk about how she came to be known as RBG, her overall celebrity, her sharp yet articulate dissents, and how an...

We had a lot going on recently and with such a heavy topic last episode, we figured we'd lighten things up with another round of bloopers. We hope you find them as funny as we did or that they at least made you laugh once or twice. We'll be back in two weeks with a new episode on another fantastic woman. In the meantime, enjoy the two of us cracking each other up and having a great time.   Follow...

In this episode we discuss an unfortunately timely topic, Roe v. Wade. We dig into the history of the case, including how it came to be, who supported it, how it was challenged over the years, and the eventual overturning of the law. Then we take a look at how the media has approached the subject over the years, from the initial reporting in 1973 on the evening news, to film and television portray...

In this episode we discuss the famous (or perhaps, infamous) DC villain/antihero, Harley Quinn. We look at her relationship with the Joker, her friendship (and/or romantic relationship) with Poison Ivy, her involvement in The Suicide Squad, and her role in the creation of the Birds of Prey. Then we consider the different iterations of Harley Quinn over the years and how these changes, both physica...