68 episodes

Women can be heroic. Women can be horrific. We run the gamut, just like men.

Hosted by Lavetta Cannon and Miriam Lipner-Brienik, Notorious Women is a weekly comedy podcast about some of history's most notorious women.

We set out to round out women's lives, to make the experience of being a woman as interesting and as complicated as it is in reality. We are not historians, but we are interested in educating ourselves, others, and be funny doing it! We thrive on expanding what it means to be a woman, and on sharing the stories of remarkable women's lives.

To all womanists — yes, that's a term — and feminists out there, if you have suggestions of notorious women (historical and contemporary) who fit this mold, from every walk of life, please write to us.

Notorious Women is produced by Lavetta Cannon and Miriam Lipner-Brienik, mastered by Shaun Hettinger and Greg Williams of Audivita Studios, and executive produced by Christian D. Bruun and May Eleven Projects.

email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com

instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/

patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen

website: https://notoriouswomenpodcast.com/

Notorious Women Lavetta Cannon and Miriam Lipner-Brienik

    • Comedy
    • 4.9 • 32 Ratings

Women can be heroic. Women can be horrific. We run the gamut, just like men.

Hosted by Lavetta Cannon and Miriam Lipner-Brienik, Notorious Women is a weekly comedy podcast about some of history's most notorious women.

We set out to round out women's lives, to make the experience of being a woman as interesting and as complicated as it is in reality. We are not historians, but we are interested in educating ourselves, others, and be funny doing it! We thrive on expanding what it means to be a woman, and on sharing the stories of remarkable women's lives.

To all womanists — yes, that's a term — and feminists out there, if you have suggestions of notorious women (historical and contemporary) who fit this mold, from every walk of life, please write to us.

Notorious Women is produced by Lavetta Cannon and Miriam Lipner-Brienik, mastered by Shaun Hettinger and Greg Williams of Audivita Studios, and executive produced by Christian D. Bruun and May Eleven Projects.

email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com

instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/

patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen

website: https://notoriouswomenpodcast.com/

    s6 e1 — MARTHA GELLHORN and LISA “LEFT EYE” LOPES: No Scrubs!

    s6 e1 — MARTHA GELLHORN and LISA “LEFT EYE” LOPES: No Scrubs!

    This week, the ladies are back from a much needed break to kick off Season 6 with a bang. Miriam takes us around the round with the fascinating life of reporter and all-around badass, Martha Gellhorn; and Lavetta takes us on a musical journey for Black Music Month with the amazing life of pop royalty, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
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    In this episode, Miriam introduces renowned journalist and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn (American, 1908–1998). The hosts' conversation highlights Gellhorn's fiery personality, her bravery, her travels to report on major events, and her relationships with notable figures including a tumultuous one with Ernest Hemingway. Next, Lavetta introduces rapper and singer Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (American, 1971–2002). The hosts discuss Lopes' upbringing and her journey to becoming a member of the popular girl group TLC. They revisit her personal and professional struggles throughout her life, including her battle with alcoholism, and her unstable relationship with her boyfriend where she burned down his house. Despite these challenges, TLC achieved great success with their albums 'Crazy Sexy Cool' and 'Fan Mail.' Lopes also embarked on a solo career but faced creative frustrations and conflicts with her group members. Tragically, she died in a car accident in 2002 and leaves behind a legacy of charitable work and a lasting impact on the music industry.
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    If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
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    email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
    instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
    patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
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    • 1 hr 25 min
    s5 e13 — VAVA and JANET GREEN: Mustard on the beat, ho!

    s5 e13 — VAVA and JANET GREEN: Mustard on the beat, ho!

    In this week’s season finale, in honor of the rap beef between Kendrick and Drake, Lavetta covers Chinese hip hop artist, Vava; and in honor of transformative filmmaking, Miriam covers British screenwriter, Janet Green.
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    In this episode, Lavetta introduces hip-hop artist Viva (Chinese, born 1995), who incorporates traditional Chinese elements into her music. The hosts discuss her upbringing, musical influences, and career trajectory. Specifically, they discuss the controversy surrounding Viva's use of blackface during a performance. Next, Miriam introduces actress and screenwriter Janet Green (British, 1908–1993) known for her progressive screenplays, and how she tackled controversial topics such as racism and homosexuality in her films during a time when they were considered taboo. They discuss her work on the film Sapphire, which tackles racial tension in 1950s London, and which was groundbreaking for its unsentimental portrayal of the experiences of black people. They discuss another film Green wrote, Victim, which was the first mainstream examination of homosexuality and shed light on the persecution and unfair laws faced by gay men. The hosts discuss how despite the risks involved in addressing social issues and religious intolerance, Green's work was recognized and nominated for awards.
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    If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
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    email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
    instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
    patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
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    • 1 hr 11 min
    s5 e12 — CLARA BOW and HOSOKAWA TAMA: Cuts both ways

    s5 e12 — CLARA BOW and HOSOKAWA TAMA: Cuts both ways

    This week, Miriam covers the original Hollywood “It Girl,” actress Clara Bow; and Lavetta covers the inspiration for the character Mariko-sama from the hit show “Shogun,” Hosokawa Tama.
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    In this episode, Miriam introduces silent film actress Clara Bow (American, 1905–1965). The hosts discuss Bow's difficult childhood, her entry into the film industry, and her rise to fame as the embodiment of the flapper. An iconic Hollywood actress known for her roles in silent films, Bow faced challenges in her personal life, including controlling producers and tabloid scandals, but she remained true to herself and was a trailblazer in portraying strong, independent women on screen. Next, Lavetta introduces legendary noblewoman Hosokawa Tama (Japanese, 1563–1600), also known as Hosokawa Gracia and Tomoko Gracia. Not much is known about her early life. She was the daughter of a powerful daimyo, raised in a castle, and married into the influential Hosokawa family. After her husband's death, she was caught in the power struggle between rival factions and was ordered to be taken hostage. However, to preserve her honor and the honor of her family, she chose to take her own life instead. Her story has been the inspiration for numerous works of Japanese historical fiction, including the novel Shogun.
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    If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
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    email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
    instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
    patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
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    • 1 hr 11 min
    s5 e11 — CAMILLE COSBY and KHUTULUN: Just put him in a headlock!

    s5 e11 — CAMILLE COSBY and KHUTULUN: Just put him in a headlock!

    This week, Lavetta covers the fascinating life of producer and philanthropist, Camille Cosby; and Miriam covers the little known exploits of warrior and total badass, Khutulun.
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    In this episode, Lavetta introduces philanthropist Camille Cosby (American, born 1944), also known as the wife of comedian Bill Cosby. The hosts discuss her origin of an upper-class upbringing with expectations to marry well. Cosby dropped out of college to marry a struggling comedian, and then supported his career and managed their finances. His wandering eye resulted in a child, and Cosby moved the family to Massachusetts to shield them from his toxic behavior. She returned to school and earned a doctorate, and played a crucial role in helping him pivot to clean, family-friendly comedy, including the creation and success of The Cosby Show, which portrayed a middle-class black family and challenged stereotypes. Despite the allegations of his infidelity and sexual assault, Cosby remained loyal and defended her husband publicly. Next, Miriam introduces warrior princess and wrestler Khutulun (Mongolian, 1260–1306), daughter of Kaidu, the most powerful ruler of Central Asia, and niece of Kublai Khan, first Mongol ruler of China. The hosts discuss her strategic role in Mongol military campaigns and her male relatives' efforts to prevent her from succeeding her father.
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    If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
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    email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
    instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
    patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
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    • 1 hr 21 min
    s5 e10 — ESTHER PEREL and WALLIS SIMPSON: Booty calls all around!

    s5 e10 — ESTHER PEREL and WALLIS SIMPSON: Booty calls all around!

    This week, Miriam covers the career of Belgian-American psychotherapist and author who wants us to connect more, Esther Perel; and Lavetta covers the marriages of American socialite and Nazi sympathizer who stole the heart of the King of England, Wallis Simpson.
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    In this episode, Miriam introduces the life and work of renowned therapist and author Esther Perel (Belgian-American, born 1958), who is the daughter of Polish Jewish Holocaust survivors. The hosts explore topics most associated with Perel, such as community, monogamy, and the impact of virtual interactions on human connection. The conversation touches on issues of race and identity, highlighting the need for understanding and empathy in a diverse society. Next, Lavetta introduces Wallis Simpson (American, 1896–1986), a socialite who sought to marry into wealth and social status. Her first husband was US Navy pilot Earl Winfield Spencer Jr., followed by her second husband, Anglo-American shipping executive Ernest Simpson. During this time, Simpson became involved with the future King of England, Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, and they had a long affair. She captured his heart and led him to abdicate the throne. Their affair and subsequent marriage were met with controversy and disapproval from the British royal family and society. Simpson was seen as a gold digger and Nazi sympathizer. After Edward abdicated, they lived a luxurious yet nomadic life, supported by the British government. They eventually settled in France.
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    If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
    -----
    email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
    instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
    patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
    -----
    advertising inquiries: https://redcircle.com/advertisers

    • 1 hr 28 min
    s5 e9 — STORMY DANIELS and MARGARET SANGER: Always have a Plan B!

    s5 e9 — STORMY DANIELS and MARGARET SANGER: Always have a Plan B!

    This week, Lavetta covers the surprising background of adult film star turned presidential nemesis, Stormy Daniels; and Miriam covers the controversial life of social worker turned birth control activist, Margaret Sanger.
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    In this episode, Lavetta introduces pornographic film actress, director and former stripper Stormy Daniels (American, born 1979). Lavetta describes Daniels' early life growing up in a low-income household and experiencing abuse. The hosts discuss Daniels' entry into the adult entertainment industry and her success as a performer and director. She gained notoriety for her alleged affair with Trump and the subsequent legal battles that followed. Despite the challenges, she has become a symbol of resilience and has used her platform to advocate for women's rights and speak out against abuse of power. Next, Miriam introduces birth control activist, sex educator, writer, nurse, and the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger (American 1879–1966). Sanger's work in promoting birth control and challenging anti-contraception laws paved the way for the legalization of birth control in the US. She opened the first birth control clinic in the country and founded organizations that continue to advocate for women's health and reproductive rights today. Miriam explains how while Sanger advocated for women's reproductive rights and fought against censorship, she held problematic views on eugenics.
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    If you like this episode, please join us weekly for more discussions of notorious women.
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    email: notoriouswmpod@gmail.com
    instagram: instagram.com/notoriouswomenpodcast/
    patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NotoriousWomen
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    • 1 hr 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
32 Ratings

32 Ratings

Kendradbingham ,

Intelligent and fun!

I love these ladies, I feel like I’m in the room with them and I love it. I learn so much, and they look forward to hanging out with them every week.

15tvctvc ,

Must listen

Fascinating stories, told and dissected by two outstanding, insightful, hilarious hosts

Mirandammf ,

So great

This show is so interesting and great to hear about trans people in history. Lavetta and Miriam are also a whole lot of fun. Definitely a must listen.

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