Shows
Podcast Advertising PlaybookFrom Wonder to Acast: Where Branded Content is Headed NextThis week on The Podcast Advertising Playbook, host Heather Osgood sits down with Shira Atkins, Global SVP of Business Development & Partnerships at Acast and former Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer of Wonder Media Network. With Acast’s recent acquisition of WMN, Shira shares insights on the evolution of branded content in podcasting and where the industry is headed next.In this episode, Heather and Shira discuss:
The origins of Wonder Media Network and the market gap it aimed to fill.
What Acast’s acquisition means for the future of branded podcasting.
The...2025-03-1931 min
WomanicaRenaissance Women: Nella LarsenNella Larsen (1891-1964) was a novelist and writer who also worked as a librarian and nurse. She published two novels: Passing, for which she is best known, and Quicksand. The former explores themes of race and identity, and remains relevant today (it was adapted as a movie in 2021). For Further Reading: The New York Times: Nella Larsen WNYC: Get Lit: The Life of Nella Larsen NPR: 'Passing' — the original 1929 novel — is disturbingly brilliant The Performance of Racial Passing In Search of Nella Larsen: A Biography of the Color Line Michigan Public Radio: Stories of racial passing, from t...2025-02-0406 minWomanicaRenaissance Women: Regina M. Anderson AndrewsRegina M. Anderson Andrews (1901-1993) was a playwright, librarian, and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, known for her role in fostering Black arts and culture. As a librarian in New York City, she created spaces for emerging Black writers and artists, hosting salons that connected creatives like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. For Further Reading: Regina Anderson Andrews, librarian, playwright and patron of the arts Lost Voices in Black History: Regina M. Anderson The Dinner Party that Started the Harlem Renaissance The Librarian at the Nexus of the Harlem Renaissance This Black History M...2025-02-0309 minWomanicaDivas: Lillie LangtryLillie Langtry (1853–1929) was a renowned Victorian beauty, actress, and socialite who captivated high society with her charm, wit, and scandalous love affairs, including one with the future King Edward VII. Known as “The Jersey Lily,” she reinvented herself as a successful stage actress and entrepreneur, breaking social conventions of her time. For Further Reading: Fembio: Lillie Langtry Jerseyheritage: Lillie Langtry The Life of Lillie Langtry This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History classes can get...2025-01-3109 minWomanicaDivas: Jeanne MoreauJeanne Moreau (1928-2017) was a leading French actress of French New Wave cinema, as well as a singer, screenwriter, director, and socialite. Orson Welles once called her “the greatest actress in the world.” She often played complex, controversial female characters. She was also a signatory of the famous French Manifesto of the 343 (1971) which publicly announced that she had obtained an illegal abortion. For Further Reading: Jeanne Moreau and the new Femme Fatale Jeanne Moreau, Femme Fatale of French New Wave, Is Dead at 89 Jeanne Moreau: The cinema icon who defined French cool Like Acting and Loving, Hono...2025-01-3007 minWomanicaDivas: Luisa CasatiLuisa Casati (1881-1957) was an Italian socialite, muse, and eccentric fashion icon. Whether it was her costumes made from peacock feathers or extravagant parties involving live snakes, her unconventional attire and expensive taste pushed the boundaries of both art and fashion. For Further Reading: The Divine Marquise The extraordinary life of the 1920s Lady Gaga Luisa Casati (1881-1957) An Ode to the Singular Marchesa Luisa Casati This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History cl...2025-01-2907 minWomanicaDivas: Jane DigbyJane Digby (1807-1881) was an English aristocrat, who lived a life filled with adventure and scandal, mostly on her own terms. She had four husbands and many lovers, many of whom were royalty and nobility. Her divorce and infidelity shocked polite society and rendered her an outcast. In the deserts of Syria, she explored ancient ruins and fell in love with Bedouin life. She married Sheikh Medjuel el Mezrab, who remained her husband until death. For Further Reading: Jane Digby el-Mezrab: from ballroom conquests to bedouin camps | The Royal Scottish Geographical Society A Scandalous Life: The Bi...2025-01-2808 minWomanicaDivas: Maria CallasMaria Callas (1923-1977) was an iconic opera singer known for her “diva” antics. A soprano, she sang in opera houses around the world, until her sudden decline and premature death at the age of 53. For Further Reading: The biggest myth about Maria Callas? She was no tragic icon Maria Callas: The soprano of the century Cast a Diva: The Hidden Life of Maria Callas This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History classes can get a...2025-01-2706 minWomanicaDivas: Lana TurnerLana Turner (1921-1995) was an American actress who in a five decade career starred in over 58 feature films and several television shows. Touted as the Hollywood bombshell, she was famous for playing good girls gone bad and consistently being in the tabloids for her multiple marriages, famous affairs, and a murder trial. For Further Reading: Lana: The Public and Private Lives of Miss Turner Lana Turner: The volatile, legendary story of Hollywood’s first modern celebrity film star Two Survivors: The Scandalous Saga of Lana Turner and Cheryl Crane From the Archives: Lana Turner, Glamorous Star of...2025-01-2408 minWomanicaDivas: María FélixMaría Félix (1914-2002) was a Mexican actress who rose to fame at the height of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Her roles varied across genres and archetypes, breaking from the tradition of traditional, submissive female roles in the industry. For Further Reading: María Félix, 87, Feisty Heroine Who Reigned Supreme in Mexican Cinema, Dies María Félix: the life and story of one of the most famous Mexican actresses Art Muse: María Félix This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from...2025-01-2305 min
Podcast PerspectivesFrom Impact to Acquisition: Wonder Media Network Co-Founder and ACast SVP of Development Shira AtkinsWhat will Wonder Media Network look like after its acquisition by Acast?Co-founder of Wonder Media Network Shira Atkins joins the podcast to discuss the history and growth of WMN and its acquisition by Acast. Shira discusses Wonder’s early challenges in monetization and distribution and how the company adapted to find success. Shira and I also talk about WMN’s mission of amplifying underrepresented voices and how that will continue at Acast. She explains how they’ve balanced mission-driven content with commercial projects, how the Acast acquisition can lead to global expansion, but will a...2025-01-2241 minWomanicaDivas: Grace JonesGrace Jones (1948 - present) is a model, singer, actress, and performance artist. She has been on the cover of Vogue, Essence, and Interview Magazine. She released chart topping albums including Nightclubbing, Warm Leatherette, and Slave to the Rhythm. For Further Reading: The Power of Grace Jones The She-centaur: All the rage and outrage of Grace Jones and Jean-Paul Goude’s images Grace Jones This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History classes can get a bad...2025-01-2208 minWomanicaDivas: Maria MalibranMaria Malibran's (1808-1836) powerful operatic voice made her an international sensation. But her fame and talent hid a lifetime of pressure… and pain. This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we ex...2025-01-2107 minWomanicaDivas: Emma HamiltonEmma Hamilton (c. 1765 –1815) was an English model, maid, and dancer. She was the mistress of a series of wealthy men. She was the muse of painter George Romney and featured in more than 70 of his paintings. She had a very public affair with a war hero, Lord Horatio Nelson, that scandalized British high society. For Further Reading: Emma Hamilton: Seduction & Celebrity The love story of local-born Horatio Nelson & Emma Hamilton EMMA HAMILTON: Artist’s Muse The Attitudes of Lady Hamilton Lady Emma Hamilton This month, we're...2025-01-2006 minWomanicaDivas: Martha MitchellMartha Mitchell (1918-1976) was the wife of President Richard Nixon’s Attorney General and campaign chair John Mitchell. Dubbed “the Mouth from the South,” Martha was a political star in Washington until she fell from grace amid the Watergate Scandal. For Further Reading: Martha Mitchell: the woman who blew the whistle on the Watergate scandal Martha Mitchell: Capital's Most Talked‐About Talkative Woman - The New York Times Martha Mitchell (1918–1976) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas During Watergate, John Mitchell Left His Wife. She Called Bob Woodward. ‘They called her crazy’: Wa...2025-01-1708 minWomanicaDivas: Edith Bouvier BealeEdith Bouvier Beale (1917-2002), also known as "Little Edie," was an American socialite and the cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She gained fame from Grey Gardens, a documentary that explored her eccentric, reclusive life with her mother, "Big Edie," in their decaying East Hampton mansion. She was an icon of American counterculture and influenced film, theater, and fashion. For Further Reading: Edith Bouvier Beale, 84, 'Little Edie,' Dies A Return to Grey Gardens Why Fashion People Love Cult Film Grey Gardens This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of h...2025-01-1608 minWomanicaDivas: Mildred BaileyMildred Bailey (c.1900-1951) was a Native American jazz singer during the 1930s, known as "The Queen of Swing", "The Rockin' Chair Lady", and "Mrs. Swing.” She was a major pioneer of the “swing” style of singing that became synonymous with jazz vocals. For Further Reading: Weather Bird: Jazz at the Dawn of its Second Century Mildred Bailey: Queen of Swing Indigenous Pop: Native American Music from Jazz to Hip Hop “Mrs. Swing” Rocks the House – The Story of Mildred Bailey This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, exami...2025-01-1506 minWomanicaDivas: Blaze StarrBlaze Starr (1932-2015) was an American stripper and burlesque star whose big stage presence and innovative use of props earned her the nickname “The Hottest Blaze in Burlesque.” She was also known for her affair with Louisiana Governor Earl Kemp Long, and later wrote a memoir about the relationship that turned into a movie starring Paul Newman. For Further Reading: Blaze Starr, Burlesque Queen Who Was Linked to a Governor, Dies at 83 Blaze Starr dies at 83; stripper known for affair with Gov. Earl Long Blaze Starr; who put the tease in stri...2025-01-1405 minWomanicaDivas: Minnie RipertonMinnie Riperton (1947-1979) was an American soul singer, best known for the 1975 hit song “Lovin’ You.” From an early age, Riperton captivated audiences with her extraordinary five-octave vocal range and command of the whistle register. At the peak of her commercial success, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and became one of few celebrities to share her diagnosis publicly. She defied expectations for Black artists in the music industry and remained a beacon positivity until the end of her life. For Further Reading: Her Story: Minnie Riperton Minnie Riperton: 'Perfect Angel' Leaves Legacy of Love ...2025-01-1306 minWomanicaDivas: Leona HelmsleyLeona Helmsley (1920-2007) was a real estate agent turned mogul after marrying Harry Helmsley. Leona served as the head and face of the Helmsley hotel empire, and her unapologetic wealth and antics earned her the nickname “queen of mean.” Later, Leona was convicted on charges of tax evasion and served more than a year in prison. For Further Reading: Leona Helmsley, Hotel Queen, Dies at 87 Behind Queen of Mean Leona Helmsley, a $5B estate and her dog Trouble These pets inherited millions: A look at the rising trend of pet wills...2025-01-1007 minWomanicaDivas: Ruan LingyuRuan Lingyu (1910-1935) was a Chinese silent film actress known as the “Greta Garbo of China.” Considered one of the most prominent film stars of the 1930s, her roles, exceptional acting, and her suicide at the age of 24 led to her status as an icon of Chinese Cinema. For Further Reading: Ruan Lingyu: The Greta Garbo of China The Tragic Life and Career of Ruan Lingyu Meyer, Richard J. Ruan Ling-Yu: The Goddess of Shanghai. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press, 2006 This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of histo...2025-01-0907 minWomanicaDivas: Ava GardnerAva Gardner (1922-1990) was an American actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She first gained notoriety for her appearance in the 1946 film noir “The Killers.” For Further Reading: The Wild Life and Many Loves of Ava Gardner Ava's Story The Reluctant Star This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help w...2025-01-0807 minWomanicaDivas: Sinéad O'ConnorSinéad O’Connor (1966-2023) was a singer and activist who reached peak popularity in the 1990s. She is best remembered for her cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” and for ripping up a photo of Pope John Paul II on SNL. For Further Reading: Sinead O’Connor Condemned Church Abuse Early. America Didn’t Listen. Sinéad O’Connor, acclaimed Dublin singer, dies aged 56 Sinéad O’Connor obituary, a talent beyond compare This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether desc...2025-01-0705 minWomanicaDivas: Anita O'DayAnita O’Day (1919-2006) was an Irish-American jazz singer known for her distinct and agile voice, and for her vices. She was dubbed the “Jezebel of Jazz,” and had a successful musical career that spanned decades. For Further Reading: High Times Hard Times Anita O’Day, 87, Hard-Living Star of the Big-Band Era and Beyond, Dies Anita O’Day The Life of A Jazz Singer This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. ...2025-01-0605 minWomanicaDivas: Sophia LorenSophia Loren (1934 - present) is an Italian actress and sex symbol with a career spanning more than 70 years. She is widely considered to be one of the last surviving major stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema. For Further Reading: Sophia Loren: The Story of the Most Iconic Italian Actress Sophia Loren - TCM Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: My Life Bellissima: Sophia Loren’s Love-Filled Life This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing wom...2025-01-0305 minWomanicaDivas: Anita MuiAnita Mui (1963-2004) was a Hong Kong singer and actress whose contributions to the Cantopop music scene earned her the nicknames “the Madonna of the East” and the “daughter of Hong Kong.” For Further Reading: The Guardian: Anita Mui SCMP: ‘Daughter of Hong Kong’: the life and times of Cantopop icon Anita Mui The Telegraph: Anita Mui This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration. History classes can get a bad rap, and...2025-01-0206 minWomanicaDivas: Yoshiko YamaguchiYoshiko Yamaguchi (1920-2014) was a Japanese actress and singer who rose to fame in China during the 1930s and 1940s. Her Japanese identity was hidden and used in propaganda films to promote Japanese influence in occupied territories. After the war, Yamaguchi became a prominent Japanese politician and advocate for Sino-Japanese reconciliation. For Further Reading: Yoshiko Yamaguchi, 94, Actress in Propaganda Films, Dies Yoshiko Yamaguchi: The Singer, Actress and Politician Who Loved Japan and China Looking Back on My Days as Ri Koran (Li Xianglan) This month, we're diving into the "...2025-01-0107 minWomanicaGo-Getters: Ann BannonAnn Bannon (1932 - present) is a lesbian pulp fiction author. The height of her success was in the late 50s and early 60s with her paperback books like Odd Girl Out, which gave a voice to closeted queer women around the country. For Further Reading Ann Bannon, the Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction, Reveals Her Own Amazing Story Interview with Ann Bannon Beebo's Significant Other This month we're talking about Go-Getters. Women who purposefully—or accidentally!—acquired life-changing wealth, good fortune, or influence. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good re...2024-12-3107 minWomanicaGo-Getters: Jovita IdarJovita Idar (1885-1946) was a Mexican-American journalist, editor, and educator who dedicated her life to pursuing civil rights for her local community on the Mexico-Texas border. She protested for women’s education, Tejano rights, and held back a group of Texas Rangers from destroying her newspaper’s printing press. For Further Reading: UnLadyLike: Jovita Idar ¡Que Viva Jovita! - Smithsonian Overlooked No More: Jovita Idár This month we're talking about Go-Getters. Women who purposefully—or accidentally!—acquired life-changing wealth, good fortune, or influence. History classes can get a bad r...2024-12-3005 minWomanicaGo-Getters: June MathisJune Mathis (1887-1927) was an American screenwriter who became the first female executive for MGM. For Further Reading: June Mathis Dies While at Theatre June Mathis: An Eye for Talent June Mathis The Dark Lover This month we're talking about Go-Getters. Women who purposefully—or accidentally!—acquired life-changing wealth, good fortune, or influence. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories miss...2024-12-2704 minWomanicaGo-Getters: WuhshaWuhsha (c. 1095) was a successful broker and banker based in Cairo at the turn of the 12th century. Documents recovered centuries after her death reveal her unusually vast wealth and independence as a businesswoman in medieval Jewish society. For Further Reading: Wuhsha Al-Dallala A Jewish Business Woman of the Eleventh Century Wuhsha the Broker Jewish Women in the Medieval Economy Henry Abramson Wuhsha the Broker: Excavations from the Cairo Geniza - Unpacked Medieval Lives 6: Wuhsha the Broker — Human Circus This month we're talking about Go-Getters. Women who purpose...2024-12-2606 minWomanicaGo-Getters: Hetty GreenHetty Green (1834-1916), known as the "Witch of Wall Street," was one of the wealthiest financiers of the 19th century. Famous for her extreme frugality, she built an enormous fortune by making investments in real estate, railroads, and bonds, often capitalizing on others’ financial missteps. She defied social expectations for women of her time, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in American finance. For Further Reading: The Peculiar Story of the Witch of Wall Street How Hetty Green Became ‘The Richest Woman In America’ During The Gilded Age Meet the ‘Witch of Wall St...2024-12-2506 minWomanicaGo-Getters: Helena RubinsteinHelena Rubinstein (1872-1965) was a Polish-American businesswoman, art collector, and philanthropist. She was the founder of Helena Rubinstein Incorporated cosmetics company, which made her one of the world’s richest women. For Further Reading: Helena Rubinstein The Color of Money How One Woman Built an Empire on Lipstick and Lotion This month we're talking about Go-Getters. Women who purposefully—or accidentally!—acquired life-changing wealth, good fortune, or influence. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help won...2024-12-2406 minWomanicaGo-Getters: Nell GwynEleanor (Nell) Gwyn (c. 1650-1687) was an English actress and mistress of Charles II. Touted as a celebrity figure of the Restoration Period, she was praised for her beauty, recklessness, wit, and generosity. Nell is considered a folk heroine whose story mirrors the rags-to-riches story of Cinderella. For Further Reading: Nell Gwyn: Mistress to a King: By Charles Beauclerk, Atlantic Monthly Press, 2005 London’s Own Cinderella: The Story of Nell Gwyn Nell Gwyn Brittanica This month we're talking about Go-Getters. Women who purposefully—or accidentally!—acquired life-changing wealth, good fortune...2024-12-2306 minWomanicaGo-Getters: Julia FelixJulia Felix was a prominent businesswoman in Pompeii. She owned the House of Julia Felix, a collection of gardens, baths, and shops, from 62-79 AD. Historical records suggest that she was a very savvy business owner and well-respected by her community for her work. For Further Reading: The House of Julia Felix The Sacrarium of Isis in the Praedia of Julia Felix in Pompeii in Its Archaeological and Historical Contexts House of Julia Felix, Pompeii Pompeii’s Real Life Heroines Pompeian Women Pompeii in Pictures...2024-12-2004 min