Dr. Carla Ionescu joins us again, this time to talk about Spartan women!  The women of Sparta were unique in the Ancient Greek world for the level of freedom and power that they enjoyed.  Renown for their athletic skill and beauty, they were also reviled by some Greek writers for their learning, economic wealth and open sexuality.Drawing on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Sarah Pomeroy, Dr. Ionescu joins Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden to discuss these amazing women. 

A frank discussion about abortion. 

We're back for the 2024-2025 season!  And what better way to begin than to discuss the history of a sisterhood between the Haudenosaunee women and the American suffragists.  Join us as we interview Sally Roesch Wagner, noted feminist pioneer, activist and author as we discuss her book, Sisters In Spirit.The Iroquois, alternatively referred to by the endonym Haudenosaunee, are a confederacy of Native Americans and First Nations peoples in northeast North America.  Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Matilda Joslyn Gage, and Lucretia Mott had formed friendships with Haudenosaunee women that enabled them to see the real possibility of creating a very different structure for their American culture, a matriarchal one, like the one that their Haudenosaunee sisters had experienced for generations. We talk to Sally Roesch Wagner about this amazing story and how she discovered this overlooked pieced of American feminist herstory.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

A belated season-end thank you from the 34 Circe Salon to all of our listeners!  We concluded the 2023-2024 season with our Medusa episode and we'll be back again in October for the 2024-2025 season.  We're already recording, so get ready for discussions of all of your favorite topics from warrior women and goddesses to stuntwomen and Bad Marthas.  Thank you to all of you around the world who have supported us! You'll hear from us in a few weeks as we all Make Matriarchy Great Again!

In this episode, we delve into the matriarchal reinterpretation of the Medusa myth, contrasting it with the traditional patriarchal narrative of Ancient Greece. Starr Goode, Miriam Robbins Dexter and Joan Marler each bring their unique insights and years of scholarship to our understanding of this famous legend.Starr Goode is a noted writer and teacher as well as a scholar of matriarchal history with a particular emphasis on the Sheela na gig symbols.Miriam Robbins Dexter, Ph.D., holds a B.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies (comparative linguistics, archaeology and mythology), from the University of California, Los Angeles. Joan Marler is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Archaeomythology.  She worked closely with Marija Gimbutas as her personal editor from 1987-1994 and lectures internationally on Prof. Gimbutas’ life and work.  We will explore how Medusa's image as a monstrous figure has been transformed into a symbol of female empowerment and resistance. Drawing from feminist theory and historical analysis, we discuss the evolution of her story from a cautionary tale of male dominance to a rallying cry for women's autonomy and strength. Join us as we unravel the layers of Medusa's legacy and its significance in modern feminist discourse.Dawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe co-host.

Join Lauren Torres and Dawn "Sam' Alden as they welcome author Molly Remer and discuss (and praise) the Goddess Persephone. Goddess of spring and Queen of the Underworld, the myths of Persephone are familiar in the Western World.  In this episode, as always, we examine this goddess using a matriarchal rather than patriarchal lens. We also view Persephone from a more personal standpoint, with the work of Ms. Remer as a guide.In her book, Walking with Persephone, Ms. Remer weaves together personal insights and reflections with experiences in practical priestessing, family life, and explorations of the natural world and how the tales of Persephone have helped her. Come along with us and praise another goddess!

Just a brief message to our sponsors from the newest members of the 34 Circe Make Matriarchy Great Again family, Lauren Torres and Kimberly Rockwell.  Thank you all for your support and we look forward to bringing you more exciting matriarchal content in the coming seasons!

Taking care of new mothers by restoring their health through rest, bodywork, and nourishing foods can be found in every society, most in the not so distant past.  Why then does it become all about the new baby that has arrived?  Why don't we think of offering care and support to the parents?  New mothers are born into a new role and ceremonies like Closing the Bones help her transition into a new identity while also restoring her body.  Join us as we talk with Dr Sophie Messager - experienced perinatal educator, healer, retired doula and former research scientist about the four common (and global) elements of postnatal recovery.  Sophie's commitment and passion to educate birth professionals and families on the importance of the postnatal care of mothers has transformed the life of many women, laying the ground for healthy women and healthy families. Author of the book "Why Postnatal Recovery Matters." you can find Sophie at sophiemessager.com, and on Instagram @sophie_messager.

Join Dawn "Sam" Alden and Kimberly Rockwell as they discuss the female revenge film Peppermint (2018).  Starring Jennifer Garner, Peppermint tells the story of woman whose happy life is destroyed when a drug cartel kills her husband and daughter. The event turns her into a vigilante and she will not be satisfied until she has her revenge.Our hosts discuss not only the creative quality of the film, but also what it says about our culture's view of the intersection of gender, ethnicity and power.

We're back with the long-awaited follow-up discussion to our foundational episode on Amazons and Matriarchy.  In Part I, we discussed the movements of the Old Europe matriarchies in the third millennium B.C., as well as Vicki's concept of the "Double-Goddess," its significance for matriarchy and it's connection with the Amazons. In this episode we pick up in the second millennium B.C., and discuss the final eras of the matriarchies of Old Europe and the rise and end of what could be called the "resistance movement" of bands of warrior women called "Amazons."  Vicki Noble, once again, leads the way and shares her knowledge of Amazons and the Matriarchal world from which they'd sprung.  Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden host.

Has it been four years already? Why, yes, it has! Join us as we celebrate our fourth anniversary and take a trip down memory lane.  Favorite episodes and stories from Dawn, Sean, Laruen and Kimberly... and a VERY BIG thanks to all of our listeners!

They are the daring action women that we all adore, but what is it really like to be a stuntwoman? Join us for a really fun discussion with four Hollywood stuntwomen: Katie Rowe is the head of the Hollywood Stuntwomen's Association and an amazing stuntwoman of more than two decades.  Angela Meryl is also legendary stuntwoman who has doubled such luminaries as Beyonce and Viveca Fox.  Indus Alelia a stuntwoman who has worked on several independent movies and is renown for her fire stunts.  Devavani Conroy is a stuntwoman and actress who is fairly new on her stuntwoman journey and already making a name for herself.  All four women represent the best of the stuntwoman community.Join us as we celebrate these female action heroes!Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

In preparation for our upcoming part 2 episode, we bring you the uncut version of part 1 of Vicki Noble's discussion of the matriarchal origins of the women called "Amazons."  This was the first episode that we recorded for our "Make Matriarchy Great Again" podcast and you can tell as we're still introducing ourselves to all of you. :-)Here we go... The first installment in our series on the birth of the historical women called "Amazons." Who were their ancestors? Where did they come from? We talk about the destruction of the Old Europe matriarchy by the warrior men from the Eurasian steppes and how it was the spark that produced the matriarchal resistance movement of the Amazons. The concept of an "Amazon" begins to develop as the millennia pass and the descendants of the Old Europe matriarchies are forced to take up arms to protect their people and culture. Vicki Noble leads the way and shares her extensive knowledge of the era. Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden host.

Join us for the first episode in our Founding Mother Series! Viola Spolin developed a complete system of education which she called Theater Games and her methods are the roots of contemporary improv.  While the power of Viola's system is widely recognized in the theater education community, her fundamental contribution to improvisation is just beginning to get full recognition. Spolin's non-authoritarian methods are about direct personal expression and are used in diverse fields to foster creativity, empathy, and self-knowledge.Our Hosts Lauren Torres and Dawn "Sam" Alden talk with Aretha Sills (Viola's grandaughter) about Spolin's fascinating history. We also discuss a powerful second Founding Mother: Neva Boyd.  Aretha was featured on the PBS Documentary about Viola Spolin Inventing Improv, to view visit: https://www.pbs.org/video/inventing-improv-fjrunv/ To learn more about Viola Spolin, find her books, or take workshops in her empowering methods visit: https://www.violaspolin.org/Photo courtesy of the Estate of Viola Spolin, www.violaspolin.org. All rights reserved.

We welcome back Professor Walter Penrose, specialist in gender and sexuality in the Ancient World, to discuss everyone's favorite Amazon: Wonder Woman!Fans had demanded a Wonder Woman movie for decades, so when the movie reached theaters in 2017, the reactions were huge. With Professor Penrose, Dawn and Sean look back on that moment, as well as the comic book genesis and the life of the family who created her. (With a nod, of course, to the legends of the Amazons that we so love.)

It's no secret that Artemis is beloved at the 34 Circe Salon Make Matriarchy Great Again podcast, so this episode is a match made in heaven for us.... because it's all about Artemis!Our guest is Dr. Carla Ionescu who is one of the leading experts in the worship and ritual of Artemis. In the summers she scavenges new locations and cities world wide, digging through the remains of grave sites, ruins, and abandoned buildings, trying to uncover the long lost mystery that is Artemis, The Great Mother.We discuss Artemis in her many incarnations and in her many locations.Arise, Amazons, and praise Artemis!Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

People speak of virginity as if it’s a thing. It’s not. It’s not a thing. Kimberly and Dawn talk about the science and the myth of virginity, and why it can be useful, but mostly isn’t.

It is our pleasure, once again, to present a fascinating conversation with Max Dashu!Max Dashu has championed the various lost histories of women and championed female-centric civilizations for decades. Max Dashu founded the Suppressed Histories Archives in January of 1970 to research and document women's history on a global scale.In today's episode, we discuss chapter one of Max's new book Women In Greek Mythography.  Focused on the Titanides, the pre-Olympian goddesses, chapter one explores their original stories and the later patriarchal revisions.  Female-centric, the mythology of the Titanides explained how the universe came into being, with goddesses central to that understanding.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

Join new Make Matriarchy Great Again host Lauren Torres as she talks with Lucy Pearce, the founder of Womancraft Publishing. Lucy is a multi-faceted creative whose work spans the expressive arts, exploring the lost archetypes of the feminine and symbols of the soul. She is the author of multiple life-changing non-fiction books, including Nautilus Award silver winners Medicine Woman, Burning Woman, and Creatrix: she who makes. Lucy founded Womancraft Publishing, publishing paradigm-shifting books by women for women, in 2014. Listen in as we celebrate the transformative power of the stories of women by women!

As with so many women in Greek mythology, Medea has seen her nature, persona and story changed pejoratively with every retelling by the men who spoke her name.  In today's episode, we chat with guest Miriam Robbins Dexter and our regular host and founding member of the podcast, Vicki Noble, about the origin of Medea and the true nature of her story. Miriam Robbins Dexter, Ph.D., holds a B.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies (comparative linguistics, archaeology and mythology), from the University of California, Los Angeles.  Her friend and colleague, Vicki Noble, is a regular member of the Make Matriarchy Great Again team and is the author of such seminal works of women's history as Double Goddess and Shakti Woman. Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

Women talking to each other - how dare they? Kimberly and Dawn talk to each other about the origin of the campaign against gossip, and how most of it is actually very good for all of us. Let’s chat!

The founder of the Academy Hagia and one of the strongest voices in the Modern Matriarchal Studies movement, Heide Göttner-Abendroth has written books and articles and given amazing talks on historical and extant matriarchy around the globe. It is her definition of what makes a matriarchy that we use on our podcast. We are SO thrilled to be able to speak to her about her own history, and what in her life brought her to matriarchal studies. Join us for a fascinating discussion!

Time for a shout-out to two great Amazon warriors, Penthesilea and Hippolyta. Join old-school hosts, Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden, as they welcome one of our new hosts, Lauren Torres, to discuss these fabulous warrior women.   It's good to be back!

We're back for the new season (finally) and we're introducing our new hosts as well. Join us as we get back into action making matriarchy great again!

Hey, everyone!  There are some changes afoot for the podcast.  We are going to reorganize in order to keep bringing you content that helps make matriarchy great again! 

Greer “G.R.” Macallister is an author of historical fiction and science fantasy. Under her full name, "Greer MacAllister," she has written the historical fiction novels The Magician’s Lie, Girl In Disguise, Woman 99 and Arctic Fury.  Her historical novels put a spotlight on the lives of women whose stories have not fully been told.  With her new “Five Queendoms” series, and under the name "GR MacAllister," Ms. MacAllister ventures in the world of science fantasy and gynarchy-- female-dominated worlds.  Beginning with the work Scorpica and continuing wither latest novel Arca, we are introduced to the stories of women powerful in war, queenship and magic. We are delighted to share our interview with her.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

This one was definitely worth an encore: Join us as we take a fun dive into the history of the British suffrage movement and the untold story of the women who became martial arts experts and protectors of the movement.  Tony Wolf, author of the graphic novel "Suffrajitsu: Mrs. Pankhurst's Amazons," talks to us about his novel and the marvelous and colorful history of these Suffrajitsu women. Dawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe co-host.

According to Marija Gimbutas, "During the sixth millennium B.C., the Old Europeans developed a writing system; like many other Old European achievements, writing grew out of religious symbols and signs."  How did this writing system work and what was its function?  And why has its primacy and importance been overlooked by scholars?Join us as we discuss this topic with Miriam Robbins Dexter, Ph.D., who holds a B.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies (comparative linguistics, archaeology and mythology) from the University of California, Los Angeles.  Her friend and colleague, Vicki Noble, a regular member of the Make Matriarchy Great Again team, joins the discussion.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host

In this podcast takeover, we're delighted to turn over the reins to the Subject To Power Podcast.  Hosted by Elle Kamihira, Subject To Power focuses on how women of the world ended up subjugated and exploited, and on what universal male domination has done to humanity and to our planet. In this episode, "The Oldest Trauma," Elle talks with trauma specialist Christine Fournier who poses the following questions: What if misogyny is not the hatred of women - but a phobia? What if patriarchy is not a power structure - but a pathology? And what if we could trace these twin phenomena back to their point of origin like we can trace the eruption and evolution of a virus?Join us as we present the Subject to Power podcast and its fascinating responses to these probing inquiries.

In a classic recording, Vicki Noble joins Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden to discuss the matriarchal roots of Western Civilization. "Old Europe" is the term given to a set of advanced cultures that lasted for thousands of years west of the Black Sea. The topic so controversial, mainstream scholarship often refuses to address it. Vicki's knowledge and detail of this history (or "herstory") is not to be missed.This was initially presented in five parts.  It has now been edited in long-form for your listening pleasure. 

Join us as we discuss the fascinating story of the Tarim Basin mummies with Miriam Robbins Dexter.  The Tarim Basin mummies are naturally mummified human remains that were discovered in China's Tarim Basin dating from around 2,000 BC to AD 200.  Their origins have attracted international attention over their “Western” physical appearance.  Where did these people come from and how do they relate to the migrations of both the matriarchal civilizations and Indo-European invaders that we've discussed on other podcasts?Miriam Robbins Dexter, Ph.D., holds a B.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies (comparative linguistics, archaeology and mythology), from the University of California, Los Angeles.  Her friend and colleague, Vicki Noble, a regular member of the Make Matriarchy Great Again team, joins the discussionDawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe co-host.

Join us as we discuss the role of women in Hawaiian martial arts and traditional combat with stuntwoman and martial artists Michelle Manu.  Ms. Manu is a native of Hawaii and is a stuntwoman and a teacher of the Hawaiian martial art called "Lua."Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host. 

The second part of our talk with Joan Marler about her mentor Marija Gimbutas.  Joan is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Archaeomythology.  She is the editor of The Civilization of the Goddess (1991) by Marija Gimbutas and From the Realm of the Ancestors: An Anthology in Honor of Marija Gimbutas (1997). Joan lectures internationally about the work of Maria Gimbutas and she is working on a biography of Dr. Gimbutas.Vicki Noble joins us to share her experiences with Dr. Gimbutas and her work as well.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

The Amazons are our inspiration and we thought it would be good to introduce our new listeners to some of discussions on the topic. In a wonderful, spirited discussion, we present and encore episode in which Max Dashu discusses her research into the warrior women called "Amazons." How did the Ancient Greek conception of femaleness shape the stories of Amazons that we know today? What is the relationship of Amazon concept to the warrior tribes that existed in the Black Sea region? Was there really a standalone tribe of warrior women? Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden discuss these concepts with Max.

Join us as we talk with Joan Marler about her mentor Marija Gimbutas.  Joan is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Archaeomythology.  She is the editor of The Civilization of the Goddess (1991) by Marija Gimbutas and From the Realm of the Ancestors: An Anthology in Honor of Marija Gimbutas (1997). She worked closely with Marija Gimbutas as her personal editor from 1987-1994 and lectures internationally on Prof. Gimbutas’ life and work.  Joan is working on a biography of Dr. Gimbutas and discusses with her legacy and continued influence.Vicki Noble joins us to share her experiences with Dr. Gimbutas and her work.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

What is the source of creativity?  Where do poems come from?  How does an artist come into being?Join us as we chat with Mary Mackey about her new book Creativity.  Mary Mackey  is the author of eight collections of poetry and fourteen novels, including the New York Times best-seller A Grand Passion and The Village of Bones, The Year The Horses Came, The Horses At The Gate, and The Fires of Spring, four sweeping historical novels that take as their subject the earth-centered, Goddess-worshiping cultures of Neolithic Europe.  In her new book Mary takes on her personal journey as an artist and how that journey reflects the journey that all artists take.Sean Marlon Newcombe, Dawn "Sam" Alden and Vicki Noble join Mary. 

Easily one of our favorite episodes, this extraordinary and little-known bit of history always amazes.Deliberately erased from history, the story of the women of the Mongol Empire was one of tremendous achievement.  Genghis Khan encouraged equality of the genders and his daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law took advantage of that to great success.  Prof. Jack Weatherford is one of the foremost scholars of Mongol history and a New York Times Best Seller author.  He has recovered the stories of these powerful women and shares the tales of their amazing lives with Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden. 

Join us as we celebrate the history and relevance of International Women's Day (IWD).  From it's inception as an outgrowth of socialist labor movements in the early 20th Century to it's modern incarnation as a global day of awareness of the struggles of women, International Women's Day has provided an annual opportunity to focus on female empowerment.  We will touch upon the United States Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and whether this could be the year that American women will have their equal rights enshrined in the US Constitution.  Also, we will talk about this year's UN theme for IWD: "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."  Women have made many historical contributions to technological development in culture and we will focus on a few of them including those of Ada Lovelace, the mother of modern computing. Vicki Noble, Dawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe discuss.

We present an encore presentation of John Colarusso's discussion of the the fabulous Nart Sagas.  As our following has grown, we'd like to acquaint our new listeners with some of the foundational topics of this podcast.  The Nart Sagas touch upon many of the foundational concepts explored in this podcast.  These sagas are a collection of heroic tales from the Black Sea Region and the Caucasus which are notable for their stories of warrior women and mystical matriarchs.  In the Classical World, Caucasia was known as the land of the fearsome female fighters whose name would pass into history as "Amazons."   Join us as we talk with John Colarusso, renown linguistic professor and the translator of these fabulous tales, as he introduces us to the history of these people, to their languages and to their stories. The tales of these powerful women will amaze. Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

While there is still a chill in the air, let us take a moment a praise the Goddesses of Winter! Join Dawn "Sam" Alden as she regales us with tales of the Frosty Feminine Divine.  You'll hear stories of winter goddesses from cultures around the world-- including a few places that you might not expect!Sean Marlon Newcombe co-hosts.

The Lenape people are the original inhabitants of a region that stretched from southern New York State through New York City to the state of Delaware. (They are also known as "The Delaware Nation.")  They were eventually displaced to Oklahoma by colonialist encroachment, but their cultural legacy is still powerful in both locations. One aspect of that culture that is rarely discussed is its matriarchal character.  Jeremy Johnson, Cultural Education Director of the Delaware Tribe, joins us to tell us about this matriarchal heritage.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

An exploration of why we want to "make matriarchy great again," with our own Dawn "Sam" Alden and Vicki Noble joining Liz Childs Kelly on her "Home To Her" podcast.  Liz Childs Kelly created the Home To Her podcast in order to, in her words, "Remember and reconnect with the Sacred Feminine, an ancient Divine force known intimately by ancestral peoples around the world."  Please listen here and then go over to Liz's podcast as well to enjoy the great discussions she has about the feminine divine:https://www.hometoher.com/

Make Matriarchy Great Again returns for 2023 and our first episode of the new year is part of the Feminine Divine series.  In this episode we interview the Rev. Dr. Kate Cress, an Episcopal priest who talks to us about her journey from a non-religious upbringing to a life of faith and the role that women have played in that journey. Dawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe co-host.

What was the oracular tradition like in Ancient Greece and what were its matriarchal roots?  Join us we talk with Max Dashu about this incredible tradition.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

The iconic film Thelma & Louise debuted in 1991 and changed the cinematic landscape forever.  Join Vicki Noble, Dawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe as they examine this legendary female revenge film and its effect on culture. 

We present an encore presentation of Vicki Noble's discussion of the Marija Gimbutas Symposium from 2021.  As our following has grown, we'd like to acquaint our new listeners with some of the foundational topics of this podcast.  Without question, the matriarchal scholarship of Marija Gimbutas is a guiding force of Make Matriarchy Great Again-- as is the matriarchal scholarship of Vicki Noble! In fact, Vicki is teaching a course on the matriarchal origins of civilization.  You can find out more here:https://www.yogaandthemoon.fr/vicki-waitlistCelebrating the centennial of Marija Gimbtutas' birth, the Association for the Study of Women & Mythology held a symposium on her life and works.  "Make Matriarchy Great Again" inspiration and charter member, Vicki Noble, chaired one of the discussions and joins us to talk about the symposium and the celebration of the life of Marija Gimbutas.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

Vicki Noble & Marilu Shinn - Women's Blood MysteriesVicki and Dawn speak with Marilu Shinn about menstrual blood - its beginning, its end, and how it is entangled with the cycles of life and death, our connection with Mother Earth and the moon, and with the powerful shadow aspect of the Goddess, which our society has tried to banish. 

Dawn "Sam" Alden talks with Sean Marlon Newcombe about the myriad of women warriors throughout history and how their stories have been erased. What we talk about in this episode is in many ways foundational to what we’d like to achieve in this podcast.  These are the stories we’d like to tell about women and truths about them that we wish to uncover.  Please also take a look at a video excerpt of this episode: https://youtu.be/B4EA8BwdCJk