Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Rebel Girls

A fairy tale podcast for kids about real life extraordinary women from all over the world. Based on the bestselling series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, each episode explores the lives of women from the books, encouraging young listeners to ask questions and explore their interests. read less

Our Editor's Take

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls offers true tales about amazing women. This podcast is for parents who want to send their kids to bed feeling empowered. Based on the bestselling books of the same title, each episode highlights a woman from the series.

Fans of the books may enjoy learning more about their favorite women, like Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton. Kids with all interests and identities may find a piece of themselves in these episodes. What is unique about this show is that some of the women reading the stories are formidable in their own right. “Oprah Winfrey Read by Gayle King” tells the story of her best friend. Winfrey, a poor girl in Mississippi, became the most popular talk show host of all time. King is a top TV personality as well. The podcast then has a separate episode about King's life.

Other podcast episodes tell amazing stories. “Joan Jett Read by Donita Sparks” tells the tale of the “Godmother of Punk.” Sparks is also a punk musician. Then Jett herself reads a story about punk singer Kathleen Hanna. Young athletes may enjoy "Goaling for Gold," featuring soccer player Megan Rapinoe. "Chloe Kim: Queen of the Halfpipe," shows how a young snowboarder overcame bullying to win a gold medal. In “Poorna Malavath: Reach for the Top,” fans will meet a girl who scaled Mount Everest at only 13 years old!

An LGBTQ-themed episode discusses Marsha P. Johnson. The transgender activist's story teaches the importance of self-expression. In discovering her true self, she found a loving community. Young environmentalists will meet Greta Thunberg, narrated by Jameela Jamil.

Young Black girls will find inspiration in many of these episodes. A story about Beyoncé Knowles and Blue Ivy Carter celebrates the singer and her daughter. Another episode talks about tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.

Bedtime will bring the possibility to meet lesser-known changemakers too. Listeners can hear about Esther Okade, a passionate mathematician. In "Edmonia Lewis Read By Dana King," listeners meet a sculptor with massive talent. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls proves girls can do anything, especially when uniting for change.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Mary Kom Read by Poorna Jagannathan
4d ago
Mary Kom Read by Poorna Jagannathan
Once upon a time, there was a girl who grew up to be the most successful boxer in India’s history. Her name was Mary Kom. Mary was an energetic child who was naturally drawn towards sports. So she enrolled herself in a sports academy where she discovered her love of boxing, but her trainers thought she was too small. Still, Mary sparred until she improved her technique, showing up early and staying late to train. She was terrified her parents would stop her, but they eventually grew to be her biggest supporters. With her nation and family’s support, Mary boxed her way to the Olympic Games and inspired generations to come. [This episode originally aired March 2019.] About the Narrator: Poorna Jagannathan is an award-winning actress and producer. Critically acclaimed for her performance on HBO's "The Night Of," Jagannathan will soon be seen in season 2 of HBO's "Big Little Lies," and on Hulu's two most anticipated shows of 2019: "The Act" and "Ramy." Her past work on HBO's "Room 104" and AMC's Better Call Saul" garnered critical attention and some of her recent film credits include A24's "Share," directed by Pippa Bianco, Peter Berg's “Mile 22,” and Aamir Kahn’s trailblazing Bollywood comedy, “Delhi Belly,” for which she won a Stardust and a L’Oreal Femina award for best supporting actress. Jagannathan is the winner of the 2013 Amnesty International Award for the play “Nirbhaya” by Yael Farber, which she initiated, produced and acted in. The play was called by The Telegraph as “One of the most powerful pieces of theater you’ll ever see." Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane, with writing by Grace Boyle and narration by Poorna Jagannathan. Jestine Ware edited all scripts. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer.
Anna May Wong Read By Ann Makosinski
07-05-2024
Anna May Wong Read By Ann Makosinski
Hailed as the first Asian American movie star, Anna May Wong’s groundbreaking career spanned from the silent film era to 1950s TV, when she starred in her own television show. Though bound by the racist and sexist stereotypes of Hollywood in the 1900s, including laws forbidding on-screen interracial relationships, Anna May Wong carved a path for herself in Hollywood and beyond, eventually appearing in 60+ films and performing on stages around the globe. [This episode originally aired May 2021.] About the Narrator Ann Makosinski is a 23 year old Filipina-Polish Canadian inventor, global keynote speaker, and aspiring writer. She is best known for her invention of the Hollow Flashlight, a flashlight that runs off the heat of the human hand, and the eDrink, a coffee mug that harvests the excess heat of your hot drink and converts it into electricity to charge your phone. Ann has given 5 TEDx talks, is one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30, Times Magazine’s 30 Under 30 World Changers, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Young Millionaires, and Glamour Magazine’s College Women of the Year. She recently completed her work on a line of children's toys that run off of green energy.  Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner, sound designed and mixed by Camille Stennis. This episode was written by Alexis Stratton. Proofread by Ariana Rosas. Executive Producer is Katie Sprenger. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com.
Hazel Scott Read By Andra Day
23-04-2024
Hazel Scott Read By Andra Day
Today we meet the incredible jazz and classical pianist, Hazel Scott. Hazel was a musical prodigy as a child and started at The Juilliard School of Music when she was just 8 years old! By her teen years she was playing piano all over New York City and eventually found her way to film and television. Her skills and talents were undeniable but it’s her bravery and willingness to stand up for what she believed in truly make her a Rebel Girl! [This episode originally aired November 2020.] About the Narrator Andra Day is from San Diego, California, where she studied singing at the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Cultivating soul, jazz, and R&B through her voice, she is able to tell her stories through captivating music and engaging performances. Andra has recently performed a number of performances, including a duet with Ellie Goulding at the 2016 Grammy's, showcasing her talent at the Bonnaroo's and Essence's festivals, as well as being nominated for: two Grammy's (Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance for "Rise Up"), three BET Awards (Best New Artist, Best R&B/Pop Artist, and the Centric Award), and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist.   Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and Boom Integrated, a division of John Marshall Media. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Our Executive Producers are Jes Wolfe and Katie Sprenger. This season was produced by John Marshall Cheary, Sarah Storm, and Robin Lai. Corinne Peterson is our Production Manager. This episode was written by Alexis Stratton and edited by Katie Sprenger. Proofread by Ariana Rosas. Elettra Bargiacchi created sound design, and composed and performed the original theme. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer.
Rosa Parks Read By Anita Hill
18-04-2024
Rosa Parks Read By Anita Hill
In December 1955, Mrs. Rosa Parks made history by standing up to unjust segregation laws in Montgomery, Alabama, when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man—a courageous act that helped launch the now-famous Montgomery bus boycott. In the years that followed, Parks was often characterized as a seamstress who was simply tired after a long day. However, Parks wasn’t tired from work—she was tired of being mistreated! While Parks is best known for that brave act of resistance, her activism spanned decades—and she continues to be a role model for rebel girls throughout the world today. [This episode originally aired June 2021.]   About the Narrator Anita Hill grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, the youngest of 13 children. She graduated from Oklahoma State University and received her J.D. from Yale Law School. Starting her career in Washington, D.C., Hill worked in private practice as well as at the Education Department and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In 1989, Hill, was the first African American tenured at the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. Currently, she teaches courses on gender, race, policy and law at Brandeis University and serves as counsel to the law firm of Cohen, Milstein, Sellers and Toll, where she advises on class action discrimination cases. Professor Hill leads the Hollywood Commission working with entertainment industry companies and unions to eradicate harassment, discrimination and power abuse. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and has authored a variety of publications, offered television and radio commentary, and presented to hundreds of audiences around the globe Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and is based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Isaac Kaplan-Woolner. Sound design and mixing by Camille Stennis. This episode was written by Alexis Stratton and proofread by Simi Kadirgamar. Executive Producer is Katie Sprenger. A big thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this show possible! Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. For more, visit www.rebelgirls.com. Until next time, stay REBEL!
Lady Gaga Read by Hayley Kiyoko
09-04-2024
Lady Gaga Read by Hayley Kiyoko
Stefani Germanotta, also known as Lady Gaga, is a musician, artist, and activist who has used her voice to create a revolution of love. From teaching herself to play piano at the age of three, to marching on Washington to demand equality for all genders, Lady Gaga has become not only a musical icon, but a leader in fashion and fearlessness. [This episode originally aired October 2021]. About the Narrator Hayley Kiyoko has become one of the most celebrated pop artists since releasing 2018’s landmark debut album EXPECTATIONS, which according to Rolling Stone, placed her “at the forefront of an unapologetically queer pop movement.” In #20GAYTEEN, Kiyoko was nominated for two VMAs where she performed “Curious” and won Push Artist Of The Year. Since her 2015 debut, Hayley has amassed over 780 million global streams, over 2.1 million YouTube subscribers and has accrued over 730 million lifetime YouTube views, in addition to selling out numerous venues across the country and abroad on her previous headline tour. Lauded as one of “The 21st Century's Most Influential Women Musicians” by NPR among other milestones, Hayley continues to impact and inspire her community. Through her honest storytelling and lyricism, she encourages hope as her resounding message, showcased on her collection of songs. Earlier this year, Hayley launched her gender-inclusive fragrance, “HUE,” available to order now at huebyhayley.com. Most recently, the trailblazing pop star ushered in a new era with her powerful anthem of self-reliance, “Found My Friends,” and kicked off Pride month with the romantically hopeful new single “Chance” both available now alongside self-directed music videos shot on 16mm film. Credits This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls and is based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was produced by Camille Stennis. Sound design and mixing by Bianca Salinas. This episode was written by Abby Sher and fact checked by Joe Rhatigan. Executive Producer was Katie Sprenger. Haley Dapkus was our Production Manager. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A big thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team who make this show possible! For more, visit rebelgirls.com. And if you like what you heard, don’t forget to rate and review this episode, and share it with your friends! Until next time, stay REBEL!