Her Culture: Books, Film, Music & Women in the Arts

Mallory MacGeehan
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Her Culture is a vibrant narrative podcast hosted by Mallory MacGeehan that celebrates the profound impact of women in the arts. Through intimate storytelling and sharp cultural critique, the show explores how books, film, and music shape our identities and challenge societal norms. Listeners are invited into a world where creativity meets conversation, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary culture and timeless artistic expression. Dive deep into discussions about influential female authors, groundbreaking cinema, and iconic musicians who redefine their industries. The show examines themes of gender equality, creative empowerment, and the intersection of art with social justice. Each episode unpacks the nuances of women’s contributions to literature, visual media, and soundscapes, providing rich context for fans of literary analysis, film criticism, and music journalism. Explore how these artists navigate personal struggles and professional triumphs while inspiring global audiences. Ideal for book lovers, cinephiles, and music enthusiasts, Her Culture offers Mallory MacGeehan’s warm, insightful voice guiding you through the most compelling stories in the arts. Released regularly, the podcast provides a consistent space for reflection and discovery, perfect for those seeking meaningful engagement with creative works. Join a community dedicated to appreciating and amplifying women’s voices in every artistic medium. Follow Her Culture today to stay updated on the latest episodes and join the ongoing celebration of women in the arts. Topics: women in the arts podcast, book reviews by women, female filmmakers discussion, music and feminism, literary analysis podcast, contemporary cinema women directors, creative empowerment stories, Mallory MacGeehan host, arts and culture commentary, gender equality in media, indie film recommendations, female author interviews, music industry women, storytelling podcast network, humanity media podcasts, cultural critique audio, entertainment news women, artistic expression voices #WomensStories #ArtsAndCulture #BookReviews #FilmCriticism #MusicHistory #FemaleAuthors #CinematicArt #CreativeEmpowerment #LiteraryAnalysis #IndieFilms #MusicIndustry #GenderEquality #Storytelling #PodcastCommunity

  1. 9h ago

    Finding Rhythm: How Drumming Taught Me to Listen to My Own Heartbeat | Her Culture

    In this episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan explores the transformative power of drumming as a tool for mental clarity, creative liberation, and emotional release. This narrative-driven episode is designed for listeners interested in personal development, arts therapy, mindfulness practices, and the intersection of physical movement with artistic expression. If you have ever felt paralyzed by perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or the pressure to be 'graceful' in your creative pursuits, this story offers a compelling alternative: the freedom found in making noise, being present, and embracing the messy, imperfect process of learning something new. Mallory shares her journey from a life of curated silence to the raw, physical experience of sitting behind a drum kit, discovering that rhythm is less about technical precision and more about listening—to yourself, to others, and to the moment. The episode delves deep into themes of somatic awareness and the cultural conditioning that teaches us to over-analyze rather than feel. Through vivid storytelling, Mallory describes the anxiety of being a beginner, the relief of dropping intellectual control, and the profound connection found in communal music-making. She highlights key insights such as finding your 'pocket,' the difference between talent and practice, and how drumming serves as a form of active meditation. The narrative weaves together personal anecdotes about overcoming social anxiety, observations on jazz culture, and reflections on family history to illustrate how rhythm can help syncopate against modern stress. It is a tribute to the idea that competence is a practice endured, not a destination arrived at, and that there is profound beauty in being publicly bad at something until you are good. Further exploring the therapeutic aspects of art, the episode discusses how physical creativity—specifically percussion—can act as a 'physical exorcism' for tension and anxiety. Mallory invites listeners to consider how their own bodies might be holding static hums of worry and how engaging in rhythmic activity can provide a tangible outlet for emotions that words cannot capture. The discussion touches on community dynamics, trust, and the metaphorical resonance of keeping time with others, drawing parallels between drum circles and supportive social networks. By sharing her experiences with a teacher named Elena and a fellow student named Sarah, the episode humanizes the struggle of learning an instrument, reminding us that everyone starts somewhere and that the goal is presence, not perfection. Join Mallory MacGeehan for this playful yet poignant exploration of sound, self-discovery, and the heartbeat within. Whether you are a musician, a writer, an artist, or simply someone seeking a way to quiet the noise in your head, this episode offers a gentle invitation to slow down, listen closely, and find your own rhythm. Support Her Culture by visiting our website and subscribing to the show for more conversations on books, film, music, and women in the arts. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: drumming for beginners, mindfulness through music, creative block solutions, overcoming perfectionism, art therapy benefits, personal growth stories, finding your voice, community and connection, stress relief techniques, embodied creativity, women in arts, mental health and music, learning new skills, self acceptance journey #drumming #mindfulness #creativity #personalgrowth #musictherapy #selfcare #artisticexpression #beginnermindset #communitybuilding #mentalhealthawareness #herculturepodcast #findingyourrhythm Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-21.txt

  2. 1d ago

    How I Curated a Gallery Show With Zero Dollars (And Why It Worked) | Her Culture

    In this episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan shares the inspiring story of how she curated a gallery show featuring emerging women artists with absolutely zero dollars. This narrative explores the transformative power of scarcity in the arts, demonstrating that budget constraints can actually fuel creativity, community engagement, and authentic connection rather than hinder it. If you are an artist, curator, or creative professional feeling stuck due to lack of funding, this episode offers a practical and philosophical roadmap for turning limitations into opportunities. It challenges the traditional museum model where value is equated with expenditure, proposing instead that the 'texture of scarcity' creates a more intimate and radical viewing experience. Mallory details the hands-on process of creating an installation without professional resources, from using rusty coat hooks and cotton twine instead of expensive mounting hardware to leveraging natural light and architectural shadows for dramatic effect. The discussion highlights specific techniques for low-budget curation, such as using negative space to create rhythm, arranging works to guide the viewer’s eye like chapters in a book, and embracing imperfection as part of the artwork's history. Key themes include the importance of community labor, the visibility of invisible work often performed by women in the arts, and the shift from solitary genius to collaborative ecosystem. Stories of artists like Elena and Maria illustrate how kinetic installations and shared repair moments fostered deeper emotional resonance than sterile, polished galleries ever could. The episode also delves into the psychology of creative constraint, arguing that having 'nothing' forces clarity and focus, whereas abundance can lead to distraction. By stripping away financial layers, the resulting exhibition became a confessional space where strangers connected over shared discovery, proving that art is an experience to be lived rather than a commodity to be stored. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own creative spaces, asking what assumptions they hold onto that do not serve them, and how they might remove barriers to entry for their own communities. This approach cultivates stillness and presence in an age of digital scrolling, offering a powerful antidote to creative burnout through active, messy, and deeply alive collaboration. Join Mallory as she unpacks these lessons on resourcefulness, storytelling through spatial arrangement, and the radical nature of temporary, human-made art. Whether you are planning your first pop-up show or looking to rethink your studio practice, this episode provides actionable insights and profound inspiration. Listen now to discover how to turn your constraints into co-conspirators. Support Her Culture and access exclusive content by visiting the link in the show notes. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: zero budget curation, emerging women artists, low cost art installation, community driven art, creative scarcity, alternative exhibition spaces, warehouse gallery show, DIY art mounting, art curation tips, women in the arts, creative entrepreneurship, improvisational design, collaborative art projects, anti-establishment art, resourceful creativity #zerobudget #curation #womenartists #communityart #scarcity #DIYgallery #creativeprocess #emergingartists #artinstallation #warehouseculture #collaborativecreativity #artwithoutlimits Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-20.txt

  3. 2d ago

    Why I Painted Through the Blizzard: Finding Light in Winter's Whiteout | Her Culture

    In this episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan explores the profound intersection of winter landscapes and artistic creation, specifically focusing on the meditative practice of painting through a blizzard. This narrative is designed for artists, creatives, and anyone seeking inspiration in stillness, offering a deep dive into how environmental silence can transform into creative presence. The episode unpacks the sensory experience of heavy snowfall, describing the 'muffled quiet' not as emptiness, but as a waiting state that dissolves boundaries between the interior self and the exterior world. Mallory shares concrete techniques for capturing the unique light of winter, such as mixing 'frozen breath'—a palette of ultramarine blue, titanium white, and burnt sienna—to convey the deceptive depth and soft diffusion of storm light. She discusses the physical adjustments required in brushwork during a snowstorm, where edges blur and strokes become short and hesitant, forcing the artist to abandon control and trust intuition. Drawing on the philosophy of painter Joan Mitchell, the episode argues that painting winter is about capturing the sensation of being small against vast weather, rather than documenting a scene. This approach serves as a metaphor for radical patience in an age of instant gratification, teaching listeners to sit with discomfort and find warmth within the cold. For women who often carry the emotional labor of caretaking and organization, the episode offers a perspective shift: winter’s lack of clarity is a relief, not a trap. By letting things blur, we release the need for clear answers and career paths, finding freedom in ambiguity. The narration invites listeners to view their own creative blocks or seasonal slumps as opportunities for humility and perspective, reminding us that our daily anxieties are temporary compared to the enduring power of nature. It is a story about finding light in the whiteout, using art to process the weight of the air and the beauty of stillness. Tune in to hear more about how winter painting fosters mental clarity and emotional release. If you enjoyed this exploration of arts, creativity, and mindfulness, please support the show by visiting the link provided below. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: winter landscape painting, creative process in snow, meditative art making, finding light in winter, joan mitchell painting philosophy, artistic patience, women in the arts, blizzard aesthetics, color theory frozen breath, mindfulness for creatives, overcoming creative block, studio practice tips #winterpainting #creativeprocess #mindfulart #herculture #artistlife #snowstorminspiration #meditationandart #womenartists #studiojournal #patienceinart #lightandshadow #arttherapy Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-19.txt

  4. 3d ago

    The Art of Doing Nothing: Navigating Creative Burnout in Your Late Thirties | Her Culture

    In this episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan explores the profound and often silent struggle of creative burnout specifically for women in their late thirties. This is not about being tired after a busy week; it is about marrow-level depletion where the spark that once fueled art feels like a demand or debt. If you are an artist, writer, maker, or creative professional feeling disconnected from your work, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap to navigating that exhaustion. It addresses the unique pressure women face during this life stage—juggling responsibilities while fearing they have missed their window to succeed—and reframes rest not as laziness, but as essential ecological maintenance for the creative spirit. Mallory unpacks why our culture insists on continuous production and how that narrative leads to shame and stagnation. Drawing on personal anecdotes and insights from admired filmmakers, she introduces the concept of 'composting'—allowing old stories to rot so new ones can grow. The discussion dives deep into the grief of losing the effortless creativity of youth, acknowledging that while the ease may be gone, the depth and truth of later work are richer. Key themes include overcoming the fear of making bad art, reconnecting with play, and distinguishing between performance and presence. Concrete takeaways include practical advice on scheduling rest as seriously as work, curating energy over breadth, and redefining success as sustainability rather than fame or output. This episode serves as a vital guide for anyone seeking to heal their relationship with creativity. It challenges the algorithm-driven need for constant content and instead advocates for intuition, integrity, and the power of stillness. By embracing dormancy and allowing space for silence, creators can restore their nervous systems and return to their craft with clarity and joy. Whether you are dealing with creative starvation, anxiety about your portfolio, or simply the weight of adult responsibilities, this conversation provides permission to slow down and trust the process of evolution. Tune in to find solace and strategy for your creative journey. Support the show and join the community by visiting the link below. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: creative burnout recovery, women artists late thirties, overcoming creative block, rest as productivity, artistic depression healing, mindfulness for creatives, redefining artistic success, creative self-care rituals, grief in the creative process, sustainable art practice, nervous system regulation art, finding creative play again #creativeburnout #womeninthearts #artistwellbeing #creativeintuition #restisproductive #artprocess #late30slife #creativehealing #mindfulmaking #artisticgrowth #sustainablecreativity #herculturepodcast Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-18.txt

  5. 4d ago

    Why I Named My Sourdough Starter After My Grandmother | Her Culture

    In this deeply personal and reflective episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan explores the intersection of grief, creativity, and culinary tradition by sharing the story of naming her sourdough starter after her late grandmother, Agnes. This episode is for listeners navigating loss, those interested in the therapeutic aspects of baking, and anyone seeking a meaningful connection to their heritage through everyday rituals. The narrative moves beyond simple recipe instructions to examine how maintaining a living culture can serve as a profound act of memorialization and emotional healing. Mallory unpacks the metaphorical weight of fermentation, describing it as an alchemical process where grief transforms rather than disappears. She discusses the discipline required to care for wild yeast and lactobacillus, drawing parallels between the patience needed for bread to rise and the non-linear journey of mourning. Key themes include the tactile feedback of dough, the importance of presence in a digital age, and the concept of 'discarding' as a necessary step for renewal. The episode highlights how shared vulnerability in the kitchen can build community, turning solitary acts of cooking into collective experiences of support and understanding. Through vivid storytelling, the episode illustrates how memory is dynamic and ferments over time, becoming sustenance for the future. It challenges the notion of mourning as a linear progression, instead framing it as a cyclical practice of persistence and surrender. Listeners will gain insights into how creative practices can anchor us during times of stagnation, offering a tangible way to honor loved ones who have passed. The conversation emphasizes that resilience is quiet and that creativity is a dialogue between past and present, giver and receiver. Join Mallory MacGeehan for this intimate exploration of love, loss, and the magic of making bread from flour, water, and time. Discover how a simple jar on the counter became a vessel for legacy and connection. Support Her Culture by visiting our website and subscribing to stay connected with more stories celebrating women in the arts and creativity. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: grief and healing, sourdough starter story, baking therapy, memorializing loved ones, fermentation metaphor, creative writing podcast, women in arts, mindful baking, loss and recovery, community building, her culture podcast, mallory macgeehan #griefjourney #sourdoughlife #bakingtherapy #healingprocess #heritagecooking #mindfulness #creativity #womeninarts #storytelling #legacy #fermentation #community Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-17.txt

  6. 5d ago

    Writing Movies That Will Never Be Made: The Joy of Unfunded Dreams | Her Culture

    This episode of Her Culture explores the profound creative freedom and therapeutic value of writing screenplays for movies that will never be funded, filmed, or seen by an audience. Host Mallory MacGeehan invites writers, filmmakers, and artists to embrace the joy of unfunded dreams, arguing that creating art without the pressure of external validation allows for pure, unadulterated expression. This guide is specifically designed for women in the arts who often struggle with the guilt of creating work that doesn't seek immediate approval, offering a perspective shift from performance anxiety to personal fulfillment. The discussion delves into the psychological benefits of private creation, highlighting how stripping away studio notes, box office expectations, and demographic pressures enables writers to take bold narrative risks. You will learn why writing for an imaginary audience fosters deeper character development and more authentic dialogue, free from the constraints of budgetary logistics or mainstream marketability. The episode features personal anecdotes about using scriptwriting as a tool for processing family dynamics and understanding complex emotions, demonstrating how these 'invisible empires' serve as a form of self-archiving and emotional healing. Furthermore, the conversation addresses the discipline required for private writing, explaining how the lack of production limits actually strengthens narrative muscle memory and structural integrity. By focusing solely on language and emotional resonance rather than runtime constraints or shooting feasibility, writers can develop sharper storytelling instincts. This practice honors the 'unlived lives' within us, allowing creators to curate their own mythology and protect vulnerable parts of their inner world. It is a reminder that creation is its own reward, independent of visibility or commercial success. Join us as we reclaim the joy of making art for the sake of self-care and spiritual grounding. Whether you are a seasoned screenwriter or someone curious about starting their first script, this episode offers permission to create without expectation. If you find value in this exploration of artistic integrity and mental wellness, please support the show through the link below to help keep these conversations alive. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: private screenplay writing, creative freedom for women, unfunded film projects, artistic self-care, overcoming creative block, screenplay structure tips, writing without validation, indie filmmaker mindset, emotional healing through art, solo creative practice, storytelling without budget, women in arts empowerment #screenwriting #creativity #selfcare #filmmaking #writerslife #arttherapy #womeninarts #indiefilm #journaling #creativeprocess #mentalhealth #storytelling Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-16.txt

  7. Oct 11

    Writing Obituaries for Your Fictional Characters After a Decade | Her Culture

    In this deeply reflective episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan explores the profound emotional practice of writing obituaries for fictional characters you created but never finished. If you are a writer, artist, or creative who has abandoned projects, lost inspiration, or felt grief over unpublished work, this episode offers a gentle, ritualistic framework for honoring those invisible creations. We discuss why we grieve people who never breathed air and how letting go of these characters is actually an act of self-compassion and identity evolution rather than failure. Mallory shares her personal journey of revisiting a character named Elara, an archivist from a decade-old journal, to demonstrate how to craft a meaningful farewell. The conversation delves into the concept of 'emotional labor' in creativity, challenging the societal lie that only published or monetized art matters. By focusing on human moments—like a character’s favorite food or unfulfilled dreams—rather than plot points, creators can achieve narrative closure. This process helps writers confront their own impermanence, acknowledging that as they change, their past selves and their old stories must also transform to make room for new growth. The episode provides a step-by-step guide for listeners to try this exercise themselves: identify one abandoned character, assign them a symbolic date of death, and write three things they loved, one regret, and one wish for them. This practice validates your inner life and imagination, turning private grief into a monument of gratitude. Whether you are struggling with creative burnout, perfectionism, or simply missing a part of your younger self, this episode invites you to be gentle with your heart and recognize that every story deserves its ending. Join us for this intimate exploration of art, memory, and release. If this episode resonated with you, please support the show via the link in the description to help keep these conversations about women in the arts alive. Thank you for listening, for keeping the stories alive, and for being part of this community. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: writing obituaries for fictional characters, creative grief and letting go, honoring unpublished work, writer's block and emotional labor, fictional character attachment, creative process and identity, art therapy for writers, narrative closure techniques, abandoned creative projects, mindfulness for artists, her culture podcast, mallory macgeehan, imagination and memory #writingcommunity #creativelife #fictionalcharacters #artistmentalhealth #unpublishedwork #storytelling #creativegrowth #writersofinstagram #podcastforcreatives #emotionalhealing #herculture #lettinggo Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-11.txt

  8. Oct 10

    How Rain Sounds Saved My Creative Block: A Field Recording Review | Her Culture

    In this episode of Her Culture, host Mallory MacGeehan explores how field recordings of rain and thunder can dissolve creative blocks and restore presence for artists, writers, and creatives who struggle with perfectionism. The discussion moves beyond the myth that creativity requires sterile silence, arguing instead that embracing ambient noise and natural soundscapes can provide a necessary container for ideas. This is essential listening for anyone dealing with anxiety, distraction, or the pressure to produce in an always-on digital world. Mallory reviews a specific project built entirely from raw, unpolished storm sounds, highlighting how the tactile imperfections of nature—like the crack of thunder or the hiss of rain on tin—offer a mirror for our own messy creative processes. Unlike clean digital audio, these field recordings anchor us in physical reality, offering nostalgia and safety within chaos. The episode delves into the psychology of 'receiving' rather than 'doing,' suggesting that listening to storms can be a ritual of surrender that helps artists access deeper states of flow without judgment. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on women in the arts, examining how female sensitivity to environmental shifts is often dismissed as overthinking but is actually a fierce artistic intelligence. By reclaiming nature as an architect rather than just a muse, women can use sonic attunement to detect patterns others miss. The episode provides practical advice on curating auditory environments: stepping outside to listen to real rain, matching soundscapes to emotional moods, and using weather sounds as bridges between public and private selves. Join us for this playful-artful exploration of sound, mental health, and creative liberation. More from Her Culture: https://humanitymedia.org/her-culture Topics: creative block help, field recording review, rain sounds for focus, women in the arts, sound therapy anxiety, ambient music creativity, mindful listening practice, artistic inspiration tips, nature sounds benefits, overcoming writer's block, sonic landscape analysis, mental health for artists #creativity #fieldrecordings #womeninarts #soundtherapy #creativeblock #mindfulness #ambientmusic #artprocess #mentalhealth #listeningpractice #stormsounds #herculture Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/her-culture/2026-10-10.txt

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Her Culture is a vibrant narrative podcast hosted by Mallory MacGeehan that celebrates the profound impact of women in the arts. Through intimate storytelling and sharp cultural critique, the show explores how books, film, and music shape our identities and challenge societal norms. Listeners are invited into a world where creativity meets conversation, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary culture and timeless artistic expression. Dive deep into discussions about influential female authors, groundbreaking cinema, and iconic musicians who redefine their industries. The show examines themes of gender equality, creative empowerment, and the intersection of art with social justice. Each episode unpacks the nuances of women’s contributions to literature, visual media, and soundscapes, providing rich context for fans of literary analysis, film criticism, and music journalism. Explore how these artists navigate personal struggles and professional triumphs while inspiring global audiences. Ideal for book lovers, cinephiles, and music enthusiasts, Her Culture offers Mallory MacGeehan’s warm, insightful voice guiding you through the most compelling stories in the arts. Released regularly, the podcast provides a consistent space for reflection and discovery, perfect for those seeking meaningful engagement with creative works. Join a community dedicated to appreciating and amplifying women’s voices in every artistic medium. Follow Her Culture today to stay updated on the latest episodes and join the ongoing celebration of women in the arts. Topics: women in the arts podcast, book reviews by women, female filmmakers discussion, music and feminism, literary analysis podcast, contemporary cinema women directors, creative empowerment stories, Mallory MacGeehan host, arts and culture commentary, gender equality in media, indie film recommendations, female author interviews, music industry women, storytelling podcast network, humanity media podcasts, cultural critique audio, entertainment news women, artistic expression voices #WomensStories #ArtsAndCulture #BookReviews #FilmCriticism #MusicHistory #FemaleAuthors #CinematicArt #CreativeEmpowerment #LiteraryAnalysis #IndieFilms #MusicIndustry #GenderEquality #Storytelling #PodcastCommunity

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