inventHERS Podcast
From research to dinosaurs, there is a lot to cover in the world of invention! My rants on information range from commentary on academic noticings throughout my PhD journey, centered on women's inventor identity, to a passion for making intellectual property and inventor storytelling more relevant to kids. Check out my stories below!
Women-Focused Invention Research
Why Women Are the Most Underestimated Inventors
Women have always been inventors. Windshield wipers. Kevlar. Wi-Fi. Liquid Paper. The inventions are there, the names just got left out of the story.
In this episode of inventHERS, we start at the beginning: why women are the most underestimated inventors on the planet, what three invisible walls are still holding women back in 2026, and what invention actually looks like (spoiler: it doesn't require a lab). This is the series for every woman who has ever thought, "there has to be a better way".
AUDIENCE TARGET: Women, ages 12+
The Invention Industry Has a Woman Problem
She invented a blood test that detects when cancer patients reject bone marrow transplants. She had multiple patents. And for nearly five years, almost none of her friends knew. Dr. Arlyne Simon's story isn't the exception. It's the pattern.
In this episode, we dig into one of the most underreported gaps in STEM: women hold fewer than 13% of U.S. patents and that number has barely moved in decades. We talk about why, what pathways exist (and where they fall short), and what it would actually take to change this.
AUDIENCE TARGET: Women, ages 12+
Black History Month & Women in Invention
In this special Black History Month episode, we explore the theme "Everyday Problems. Extraordinary Invention." - connecting Black women inventors across generations who redesigned daily life through patented solutions and real-world engineering.
Featuring:
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Sarah Boone: Patented a redesigned ironing board in 1892 to better fit women’s clothing
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Valerie Thomas: NASA scientist and patent holder of the Illusion Transmitter, influencing 3D imaging and visualization
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Gabrielle Goodwin: Young inventor and patent holder of the Double Face Barrette, designed to work with natural hair
AUDIENCE TARGET: All audiences
Intellectual Property & Pop Culture
Explaining IP Through Jurassic Park
In this episode, we break down how Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Dominion aren’t just about science gone wrong...they’re about ownership, invention, and the real decisions creators have to make.
What you’ll learn: What intellectual property actually is (in simple terms) How patents, trade secrets, and brands show up in movies Why controlling an invention can be powerful… and dangerous
AUDIENCE TARGET: Ages 10+
Trademarks Explained Through Teen Titans Go!
In this episode, we break down a surprisingly real idea hidden inside Teen Titans Go!, how a simple catchphrase like “Titans, Go!” could actually be owned. Yep. Owned. ™️ 💡 I
n this video, you’ll learn: What a trademark really is (in simple terms) How phrases, logos, and even sounds can be protected Why identity = value (and why people try to own it)
AUDIENCE TARGET: All ages