Big Reputations

55. Witches

In this episode, we discuss a group of powerful and often misunderstood women: Witches. First we take you back to some ancient roots of witchcraft and early perspectives by different cultures, religions, and societies. Then we consider how society and pop culture mold our outlook on witches and vice versa by discussing common examples of witches in media. Then we dig into some 20th century controversies and realities surrounding witches and witchcraft, including how it is practiced today. Lastly we talk about the negative and positive impact that witchcraft has had on the world
 
Trigger warnings: child abuse, violence and death
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
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Sources:
Witches of Past and Present, a magazine
"Re-examining the Good Versus Bad Girl Binary," by Nadia Hammouda
“Modern Witchcraft: Empowerment, Feminism, and Rituals” by Kennedy Ryan
"The Devil Goes to DayCare: McMartin and the Making of a Moral Panic," by Mary de Young
"Witch Trials of the 21st-Century”, by National Geographic
The Witch Trope, Explained

54. Dawn Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

In this episode, We discuss a controversial fictional character:  Dawn Summers, little sister to Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. After explaining who she is and how she was included in the show, we consider the interactions she had with other characters and their opinions of her. Then we dig into some of the audience opinions of her that are out there, to see why she was even a character worth covering on this podcast. Finally we think about the world that Dawn shows up in, how she struggles with her role, her reality, and her grief when she loses those that she loves. And we suggest why maybe she doesn’t need to be included on any of those “TV’s worst character lists” after all!
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
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Sources:
"Why Buffy the Vampire Slayer Fans Hated Dawn," by James Hunt
"Hey Buffy Fans, Dawn Was Not the Worst," by Sarah Hagi
The Buffyverse Wiki at Buffy.fandom.com
Slayers: A Buffyverse Story
All seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are currently (as of October 20223) available on Hulu

53. Serena Williams

In this episode, we discuss the multi-record holding tennis superstar, Serena Williams. We look at her early life and experiences with the sport. Then we consider the ways in which the media has covered her over the years including comments on her size, race, and gender as it relates to the game and even beyond the tennis court. We follow this up by breaking down the realities behind the comments on her sportsmanship, the double standards she has been held to and how racism and sexism by reporters and more have twisted reality. And finally, we wrap up with a discussion of what Williams has achieved so far in her life, how she has given back to her community, and the different women she has inspired both on and off the court. 
Trigger warnings: Racism, sexism, body shaming
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
"Despite Decades of Racist and Sexist Attacks, Serena Williams Keeps Winning," by Jenée Desmond-Harris
"Serena Williams, Tennis Stars Discuss Body Image in New York Times Interview," by Adam Wells
On the Line, by Serena Williams
King Richard, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green

52. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, this week we are discussing Mexican icon and super-genius, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. From her rebellious childhood to her time in the royal court and later her life as a nun. Then we explore how she became known as the “The Tenth Muse” and how it affected her personal and professional life, including connections to other important figures in Mexico at the time. Later we dig into some rumors about her and how her writings made her enemy number one in the eyes of the church. Lastly we talk about her impact on literature, music, film, theater and more.
 
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
Complete Works, by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz
I, The Worst of All, directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg (on Kanopy)
A Life Without and Within: Juana Ramírez / Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, by Electa Arenal
Sor Juana: Or, the Traps of Faith, by Octavio Paz
“History’s Worst Nun,” a TED-Ed video on YouTube
“Sor Juana, Inside Out, and Saint Saiya” episode of Why Do We Read This?

51. Lauryn Hill

In this episode we learn about the actress, singer, songwriter and rapper Lauryn Hill from the start of her career at age 13 to today. Then we discuss the things that the media has said about her over the years regarding her musical performances, acting gigs, and romantic relationships. Next we break down some of these judgements and discuss what was really going on in Hill’s life and career. We address rumors that were started by twisting her words, and what really happened. Finally we look at the impact of her music on other creators and artists, as well as the ways in which she has given back to her community. 
Trigger warnings: grooming
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
The Mystery of Lauryn Hill by Toure
She Begat This: 20 Years of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Taking the rap by Sherryl Connelly
Ms Lauryn Hill's Unsung Music Story: Battle with the Music Industry and Her Legacy
Ms. Lauryn Hill Speaks in Depth About Fame, Racism, and ‘Miseducation’ by Brittany Spanos

50. Women’s Soccer

Welcome to our 50th episode!!!
 
In this episode we discuss the history of women in soccer from creation to today. We talk about the women who pioneered the sport and the challenges they have faced. We, of course, dig into the judgments, the scandals, and the media coverage (or lack there of), when it comes to the women who play. Then we consider how the double standards and comparisons to the men's team can effect the sport. Lastly we explore the future of soccer, and the impact that women have had on the game.
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
The History of Women’s Football, by Jean Williams
National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer, by Caitlin Murray
Unsuitable for Females, by Carrie Dunn
“The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Women’s Football,” by Jake Hall
“‘Soccer Goes Sexy South Of Border’ — A History Of Misogyny In Women’s Soccer Coverage,” by Travis Yoesting
“Sports Magazine Covers Sexualize Female Athletes,” by Tom Jacobs
“The Forgotten History of Women’s Football” on YouTube
“At Least 96 Out LGBTQ Athletes Competing in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, a Record,” by OutSports

49. Barbie

In this episode, we discuss the plastic woman with a heart of gold, Barbie. We talk about why she was created and the changes she’s been through over the years. Then we look at her many many careers and consider what the media had to say about her and her body. Then we will breakdown some of the missteps made by her creator Mattel, and how Barbie was able to rise above it all. Lastly we consider how Barbie is working to reflect the ever changing world around her.
Trigger Warnings: unrealistic expectations of women’s bodies, brief mentions of anorexia and eating disorders
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie, a documentary on Hulu
“Barbie’s Got a New Body,” by Eliana Dockterman
“Barbie and Her Playmates,” by Don Richard Cox, in the Journal for Popular Culture
Barbie’s media website: barbiemedia.com 
If you’re interested in learning more about the Barbie conventions, you can check out barbieconvention.com 

48. Anna Nicole Smith

In this episode, we discuss Anna Nicole Smith, from her early life to her first marriage, and from the moment she meets her second husband until her untimely death. We look at her career in modeling and film and consider what the media had to say about her and her body. Then we break down some of the names she was called and labels she was assigned to uncover the realities of her life. Finally, we look back at her untimely death and the circumstances that might have put her in that situation in the first place. 
Trigger warnings: Mentions of sexual assault and eating disorders
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me directed by Ursula Macfarlane
“Tragic Beauty: Anna Nicole Smith” 20/20
“Inside the Tragically Short Life of Anna Nicole Smith” by Natalie Finn 
“How Anna Nicole Smith Became America's Punchline,” by Sarah Marshall
“When Cameras Were Off, Anna Nicole Smith Was Still Vicki Lynn, Friends Say” by Allie Yang

47. Celine Dion

In this episode, we discuss the Queen of Power Ballads, Ms. Celine Dion. We cover some of her early life and what got her into the music industry. Then we explore some of the things the media has said about her over the years, especially in regards to the most epic of all of her power ballads, "My Heart Will Go On," written and sung for the Titanic soundtrack. Next we dig into some truths behind her life experiences and choices. We consider why people stigmatize her based on the genre she sings, and the issues they have with the fact that she expresses her emotions. We question the concerns people have with the age difference between her and her husband and the fact that she is unapologetically herself at all times. Finally we talk about where she is now, what she’s up to, her relationship with fans, and her philanthropic efforts.  
Trigger warnings: Cancer, death, miscarriage, brief mention of rape, and VERY bad French pronunciations
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
The Oral History of Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’: Controversies, Doubts & ‘Belly Pains’ In the Studio By Mickey Rapkin
Let's Talk About Love: Why Other People Have Such Bad Taste by Carl Wilson
People Who Like Céline Dion Are People, Too By Ian Crouch
Celine Dion: My Story, My Dream by Celine Dion
The Céline Dion Snub: Ignorance, or a ‘Rolling Stone’ bid for hate clicks?

46. Aretha Franklin

In this episode we discuss the Queen of Soul, the one and only, Aretha Franklin. We talk about the influence of her family life on her career, the ups and downs of her experiences in the music industry, and how she has been perceived as a diva - both in the positive and negative sense of the word. Then we cover some of the reasons she may have made the decisions she did both in her personal life and her career. Finally, we look at her activism, awards, and influence on the world of music today. 
Trigger warnings: Domestic violence, sexual assault, teen pregnancy, alcoholism
 
Follow the podcast:
Twitter: @BigRepPod
Instagram: @BigReputationsPod
 
Become a Patreon supporter: patreon.com/bigreputationspod
 
Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/86669619
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois
Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo
Music: Shawn P. Russell
Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell
Research: Kimberly Kunkle
Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
"Aretha Franklin: The Little-Known Traumas That Fueled Her Music", by Julie Miller
Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin, by David Ritz
"The Counterfeit Queen of Soul," by Jeff Maysh
"How Aretha Franklin Earned, and Deserved, Her Diva Reputation," by Lisa Robinson