(Fe)male Dominated

Hannah Dunham & Tara Smith

Hosted by two engineers, Hannah and Tara, this podcast dives into the messy, mayhem-filled realities of being women in STEM — the kind of stories that make you say, ‘OMG, I thought that was just me.’ With humor, honesty, and a little irreverence, we unpack the highs, lows, and hard knocks of life as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and every episode sends you off to work with one practical, no-fluff strategy you can actually use that day.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 15. Real Stories from Real Women

    In this episode of (fe)male dominated, we reached out to our community and asked women working in STEM and male-dominated industries to share the moments that have stayed with them — the comments, assumptions, “jokes,” dismissals, and experiences that are so often brushed aside as “not a big deal.” What came back was honest, uncomfortable, validating, and deeply revealing. Together, Tara and Hannah unpack the ways micro and macro aggressions continue to shape women’s experiences at work — from subtle undermining and objectification to overt harassment and bias. They explore the emotional toll of constantly navigating environments where women are expected to quietly absorb discomfort to maintain the comfort of everyone else around them. In this episode, we dive into: The cumulative impact of “small” comments and behaviorsWhy so many women question themselves after uncomfortable interactionsThe pressure to laugh things off, stay quiet, or “pick your battles”Workplace dynamics that subtly reinforce exclusion and inequalityThe emotional aftermath of being humiliated, dismissed, or undermined at workHow women internalize blame for behavior that was never their faultWhy hearing other women’s stories can feel both heartbreaking and validatingThe complicated reality of navigating the “boys’ club”What it looks like to challenge bias in real time — even in small waysThe importance of community, nuance, and speaking openly about these experiencesOne of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is that these moments rarely happen in isolation. On their own, they can seem small enough to dismiss. But over time, the accumulation of these experiences shapes confidence, belonging, opportunity, and the way women move through their careers. This conversation is vulnerable, nuanced, frustrating at times, and ultimately a reminder that if you’ve experienced these things too — you are absolutely not alone. Don't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    36 min

  2. May 25

    Episode 14: Myra Betron (Gender Equality Strategist)

    Myra Betron is a feminist researcher, educator, and founder of @powherdata, where she works to bridge the gap between research, practice, and public understanding around gender equity, health, and systemic inequality. With more than 20 years of experience across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Myra has led groundbreaking initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence, addressing harmful gender norms, and building more equitable systems for women globally. Born in the Philippines and raised in the United States, Myra’s work is deeply personal — shaped by growing up in a home impacted by domestic violence and witnessing firsthand how systems of inequality silence women and constrain opportunity. In this episode, we dive into: The global realities of gender-based violence and systemic inequalityWhy patriarchy is not a “cultural issue” — it’s a structural oneThe rise of the manosphere and anti-feminist backlashWhy Gen Z attitudes toward gender equality are shiftingThe hidden workplace norms that continue to disadvantage womenEmotional labor, caregiving, and why women are opting out of traditional systemsHow AI, policy, and social media are shaping the future of gender equityWhy meaningful change happens through “1% shifts”The importance of raising boys and girls with healthier models of gender rolesHow women can interrupt bias and advocate for themselves in everyday momentsOne of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is that the “small moments” matter. The interruptions in meetings. The dismissive comments. The subtle objectification. The casual sexism. Myra reminds us that challenging those moments is how larger cultural change begins. This conversation is thoughtful, nuanced, validating, and incredibly timely. Connect with Myra & check out the PowHerCircles: @powherdata www.powherdata.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powherdata/ Resources for Gender-Based Violence & Support: 🇺🇸 National Domestic Violence Hotline Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233) Text: START to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org 🇺🇸 RAINN — Sexual Assault Support Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673) https://www.rainn.org 🇨🇦 ShelterSafe Canada https://www.sheltersafe.ca 🌎 UN Women — Global Resources https://www.unwomen.org 🌎 NO MORE Global Directory https://nomoredirectory.org If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or violence, support is available. You are not alone. Don't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    1h 1m

  3. May 18

    Episode 13: Emily Soloby (Founder of Juno Jones Shoes)

    Emily Soloby is the founder of Juno Jones Safety Footwear, a mission-driven company creating stylish, properly fitting safety footwear designed specifically for women. With a background in law, women’s advocacy, and the trucking industry, Emily recognized a major gap in PPE for women working in male-dominated industries and decided to do something about it. In addition to leading Juno Jones, Emily serves as a founding board member of the Alliance of Women’s Safety Apparel Manufacturers and has held leadership roles with NAWIC Philadelphia, Women in Trucking, and Empowering Women in Industry. She is also the creator and host of the top-ranked Hazard Girls Podcast. Emily has been featured in more than 100 media outlets, including Women’s Wear Daily and ABC TV, and has earned honors such as National Safety Council Best in Show, EWI Empowering Woman of the Year, and Women in Trucking Top Woman to Watch. As a mother of two, Emily is passionate about building a future where women feel empowered, represented, and equipped to succeed in every industry. About this Episode In this episode of Female Dominated, Hannah and Tara sit down with Emily Soloby, founder of Juno Jones Safety Footwear, to talk about entrepreneurship, advocacy, motherhood, and creating real change for women in male-dominated industries. Emily shares the story behind launching Juno Jones after experiencing firsthand the lack of properly fitting safety footwear for women in trucking and industrial environments. From her background in law and women’s advocacy to learning shoemaking and navigating entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic, Emily’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. The conversation dives into:  Why “shrink it and pink it” doesn’t work for women’s PPE  The hidden emotional impact of not being considered in workplace design  Building confidence and belonging for women in the trades and STEM  Entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and finding opportunities in industry gaps  Motherhood, ambition, and redefining “mom guilt”  Raising sons and daughters to become allies and advocates  The growing movement demanding PPE designed specifically for women Emily also shares moving stories from customers whose Juno Jones boots became symbols of confidence, resilience, and empowerment far beyond the job site. This episode is a powerful reminder that representation matters — and that when women build solutions for women, entire industries begin to change. Connect with Emily Soloby & Juno Jones  Juno Jones Safety Footwear: “@JunoJonesShoes”  Hazard Girls Podcast Hazard Girls Community on FacebookDon't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    45 min

  4. May 11

    Episode 12: Author Stephanie O'Connell on The Ambition Penalty

    Stefanie O'Connell is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and author of The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up and Then Pushes Them Down. Her work explores the intersection of ambition, money, power, and gender equity, using data-driven storytelling to unpack why women continue to face systemic barriers to leadership, pay, and influence despite decades of empowerment messaging. Her reporting has appeared in major outlets including Bloomberg, CNBC, Slate, Newsweek, USA Today, Business Insider, and more. Stefanie also hosted and co-produced Money Confidential for Real Simple, a Webby Award-winning podcast focused on the emotional realities of money. Through her newsletter Too Ambitious and a social audience of more than 100,000 followers, she has become a leading voice challenging the myths surrounding meritocracy, confidence, and workplace culture.  Episode Summary In this episode of Female Dominated, Hannah and Tara sit down with journalist and author Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez to unpack the systemic realities behind gender inequity in the workplace. Drawing from the research behind her new book The Ambition Penalty, Stefanie explains why women are still penalized for ambition, leadership, and visibility — even when they follow every rule they’ve been told will lead to success. The conversation dives into workplace double standards, the myth of meritocracy, gendered expectations around leadership, emotional labor, burnout, motherhood, household inequity, and why “leaning in” was never enough to dismantle structural barriers. Stefanie shares the research behind how corporate cultures reward and punish behavior differently based on identity, and why true progress requires collective action, community-building, and systemic change — not just individual self-optimization. This episode is equal parts validating, infuriating, and empowering for women navigating male-dominated industries. Key Topics Discussed  The myth of meritocracy in corporate culture  Why women are punished for ambition differently than men  Gender double standards in leadership and communication  How “self-help” narratives place structural problems onto women  The widening gender pay gap and post-COVID workplace inequities  Why confidence and competence are rewarded differently across gender  The “paradox of meritocracy” and hidden workplace bias  Women in leadership and the importance of critical mass representation  The invisible labor women carry at work and at home  Community-building, accountability, and systemic change  Why collective action matters more than individual optimization  The role of men, organizational culture, and workplace norms in perpetuating inequity Resources & Links The Ambition Penalty: How Corporate Culture Tells Women to Step Up and Then Pushes Them Down by Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez  Stefanie’s newsletter: Too Ambitious Follow Stefanie on social media for research and commentary on gender equity, work, ambition, and moneyDon't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    56 min

  5. May 4

    Episode 11: Angela Jamieson, P.Eng - A former COO's take on Living More (Not Doing Less) through Relaxed Productivity

    🎧 Episode Description In this episode, we sit down with Angela Jamieson to unpack the myth of hustle culture and introduce a radically different approach: relaxed productivity. From high-powered executive in oil & gas to redefining success on her own terms, Angela shares how a life-altering moment forced her to rethink everything—and how you can too. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in overdrive, or like your worth is tied to how much you do… this conversation will hit. 👤 About our incredible Guest: Angela Jamieson Angela Jamieson is a former petroleum engineer and COO turned keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur. After building a successful international career across Canada, the Netherlands, and Brunei, Angela reached the top—only to realize something was missing. Following the loss of her father, she began questioning the way we define success, productivity, and fulfillment. Now, she teaches “relaxed productivity”—a science-backed, practical approach to achieving more without sacrificing your life. Through her books, membership community, and speaking, Angela helps high achievers rethink their relationship with work, time, and themselves. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 — Season 2 Kickoff: A New Way to Work Why this season is about challenging the rules—and rewriting them. 00:31 — Meet Angela Jamieson: From COO to Reinvention Her journey from global executive to redefining success on her own terms. 02:25 — The Moment That Changed Everything How personal loss forced a complete re-evaluation of life and priorities. 05:29 — High Performers Don’t See Burnout Coming Why “I’m fine” is often the biggest red flag. 08:16 — What Is “Relaxed Productivity”… Really? Why it’s not about doing less—but doing what actually matters. 12:00 — The Guilt, The Noise, and the Constant Overload How modern life keeps us overwhelmed—and stuck in cycles we can’t break. 14:25 — The Type of People Who Need This Most Why high achievers (especially in technical fields) are drawn to this work. 18:09 — You Actually Have More Choice Than You Think The mindset shift that puts you back in control of your life. 19:29 — There Is No Finish Line (And That’s the Point) Why the “end goal” mentality is keeping you from enjoying your life. 22:20 — Feeling Helpless? Start Smaller Than You Think How small, controllable actions create real impact (and relief). 33:37 — Be Where Your Feet Are A simple but powerful practice to reconnect with your life. 39:30 — The Life Satisfaction Audit A practical starting point to rebalance your time, energy, and focus. 43:28 — Final Thought: You’re Already Enough Why self-acceptance might be the most productive thing you can do. Resources + Learn More  Learn more about Angela Jamieson at her website: https://www.angelajamieson.com/  Explore Angela’s coaching, membership, speaking, and Relaxed Productivity resources on her site  Buy Angela’s books, including Relaxed Productivity and Number Two to Get to Number One, through her website or on Amazon Follow Angela Jamieson on Instagram: @angelajamiesonfung  Connect with Angela Jamieson for insights on burnout, mindset, productivity, and redefining success Don't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    45 min

  6. May 2

    Episode 10: Janine Rogan (CPA, CEO, Author, TedX speaker) on Financial Feminism, the Pink Tax, & Building Wealth as Women

    🔥 Episode Overview In this episode, Hannah and Tara sit down with financial feminist, author, and entrepreneur Janine Rogan to unpack the real reasons behind the wealth gap—and what women can actually do about it. From the pink tax to salary negotiations to investing, this conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and dives into the systemic barriers women face—and the practical steps to build financial power anyway. If you haven’t yet heard of Janine Rogan, here’s why you should. She’s a CPA, TEDx speaker, author of The Pink Tax—an instant #1 Amazon bestseller in feminist theory—and CEO of The Wealth Building Academy Inc., an organization dedicated to helping women build wealth, understand money, and navigate the systemic barriers that too often stand in the way. Her work has reached thousands globally through keynote stages, publications, and financial education designed to give women the knowledge and confidence to pursue financial equality. She’s also the force behind Calgary’s annual Wealthy(HER) Conference, bringing together hundreds of women from across Canada to talk money, power, and financial empowerment. Globally, women hold just 30% of all wealth.  Janine is working to change that.  And trust us—you’ll want to hear how you can be part of that change. Chapters: 00:00 — We’re Back (And We’re Tired) Season 2 kicks off with a raw take on why women in male-dominated industries are done playing by the old rules. 00:43 — Meet Janine Rogan: The Voice of Financial Feminism Janine’s story, her work, and why she’s leading the conversation on women and wealth. 02:22 — The Pink Tax Is Costing You $200K+ What the pink tax really is—and how small price differences quietly add up over a lifetime. 04:05 — The System Is Rigged (But No One Says It Like This) Connecting the dots between wage gaps, higher costs, and the global wealth gap. 07:12 — “Women Spend Too Much”… Actually? Breaking down the double standard and why this narrative doesn’t hold up. 10:44 — Overwhelmed? Start Here Instead Simple, practical first steps to take control of your finances—without spiraling. 12:02 — The Salary Conversation You’re Avoiding Why negotiation matters—and how to start advocating for what you’re worth. 20:13 — Build Your Receipts (a.k.a. Your Hype Folder) How to track your wins, prove your value, and walk into negotiations with confidence. 30:34 — Saving Won’t Make You Wealthy—This Will Why investing is the real game changer—and how to start, even with small amounts. 35:07 — No One Is Coming to Save You Financially The case for financial independence—and why it’s essential, not optional. 51:28 — Stop Making $3 Decisions—Start Making $30K Ones Shift your focus to the financial moves that actually change your life. Books + Resources Mentioned The Pink Tax by Janine RoganThe Automatic Millionaire by The Automatic MillionaireSay Less, Get More by Fotini IconomopoulosHaving It AllListen + Follow  Listen to The Pink Tax Podcast wherever you get your podcasts  Follow Janine Rogan for financial feminism + wealth-building education  Follow Allison Venditti / Moms at Work for workplace equity advocacy  Follow Fotini Iconomopoulos for negotiation strategies Don't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    57 min

  7. Apr 20

    Episode 9: Julie Harrish (Engineering Tech + Yoga Instructor) on Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention

    Julie Harrish left oil and gas, opened a spin studio, lost it during COVID, went back to the industry, and now leads global sales — all while proving that resilience is a skill you build, not a trait you’re born with. Today we’re talking about risk, resilience, reinvention, and what happens when your worst-case scenario actually comes true… and you survive it. Julie Harrish has done just about everything:  Worked wireline in the Alberta oil fields  Managed crews offshore in Angola  Became the only woman on site — repeatedly  Quit the industry to open a fitness business  Lost that business during COVID  Came back stronger and rebuilt her career And through all of it, she followed one simple rule: Say yes. Then figure it out. 👩‍🔧 Meet Julie Julie Harrish is a petroleum engineering technologist and technical sales leader whose career has spanned continents, industries, and some seriously uncomfortable situations. She started her career in the oil fields of Alberta as a wireline engineer — often the only woman on site — before moving offshore to Angola, where she led crews in high-pressure environments miles from help. Then she did something most people only talk about. She walked away from the industry. Julie sold everything, moved to Toronto, and co-founded a spin studio that later expanded into a yoga business. It ran successfully for five years — until COVID shut it down. So she pivoted again. Today, Julie is a Regional Sales Manager in Houston, helping expand reservoir diagnostics and geochemistry services into global markets — and teaching yoga on the side. Her career is proof that you can start over. More than once. And still win. 🔥 What We Talk About In this episode, we dive into what it really looks like to build confidence in male-dominated industries, especially when you’re the only woman in the room — or on the rig. Julie shares how she learned to speak up, prove herself, and lead in environments where the rules often felt different for her than for her male counterparts. We talk about taking risks before you feel ready, pivoting careers during uncertain times, starting and losing a business, and rebuilding confidence after failure. Julie also reflects on leadership lessons from working offshore in Angola, the resilience that comes from navigating tough environments, and how learning to sit with discomfort — rather than avoid it — can change the trajectory of your career and your life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Female Dominated Podcast 01:10 Julie Harrish: A Journey Through Male-Dominated Industries 04:36 Pivoting Careers: From Oil and Gas to Entrepreneurship 08:53 Resilience and Adaptability in Challenging Environments 12:56 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Workplace 16:55 Building Confidence and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 20:35 Asking Questions and Embracing Knowledge Gaps 21:03 Experiences in Angola: Lessons Learned 25:12 The Importance of Risk-Taking 28:28 Navigating Career Pivots 31:07 Yoga and Mindfulness: Finding Balance 34:51 Manifestation and Visualization Techniques 39:05 Embracing Opportunities and Overcoming Fear Don't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    42 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Episode 8: Guest Heather Morrison on Public Speaking & Authentic Connection

    In this episode, Hannah and Tara sit down with Heather Morrison, public speaking coach and founder of Deliver Your Best, who also happens to be a theatre grad, CBC broadcaster, and national sideline reporter. Heather shares how she went from dreading community events and replaying every mistake in her head… to coaching professionals all over the world to use their voices without abandoning who they are. Together we dig into the real reasons public speaking feels so awful (spoiler: it’s not because you’re “bad at it”), why traditional public speaking advice is wildly outdated, and how women in male-dominated workplaces can start small, build skills, and stop turning every awkward moment into a character flaw. If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “I regret not saying what I wanted to say”, this one’s for you. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why traditional public speaking training doesn’t work for many womenInternal vs external cuesFear, regret, and that awful post-meeting spiralBeing a woman in a male-dominated roomThe “coin jar” of skill buildingLaddering your fearJudgment, reality checks, and more generous assumptionsExecutive presence (aka: the diet culture of corporate)The moment it ‘suddenly’ worksAbout Our Guest – Heather Morrison Heather Morrison is the founder of Deliver Your Best, where she helps professionals who are terrified of public speaking build the skills and self-trust they need to actually use their voices. With a degree in theatre and a career spanning CBC radio, broadcasting, and national sideline reporting for basketball and lacrosse, Heather has lived both the performance world and the corporate world—and she knows firsthand what it feels like to dread a microphone. After realizing that most public speaking advice didn’t work for her (or for a lot of women), she developed her own approach focused on internal cues, nervous system regulation, and self-talk that doesn’t destroy you after you leave the room. Now, she coaches clients around the world to stop chasing perfection and start aiming for connection. Find Heather here: Instagram: @deliver.your.bestDon't forget to head on over to Instagram and follow @Fe_maledominated to join the community. You can also follow Hannah @stemwithhannah and Tara @simplysortedstem

    55 min
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About

Hosted by two engineers, Hannah and Tara, this podcast dives into the messy, mayhem-filled realities of being women in STEM — the kind of stories that make you say, ‘OMG, I thought that was just me.’ With humor, honesty, and a little irreverence, we unpack the highs, lows, and hard knocks of life as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and every episode sends you off to work with one practical, no-fluff strategy you can actually use that day.

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Dunham & Tara Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 (Fe)male Dominated
  • Show Website
    (Fe)male Dominated

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