Speaking of Phenomenal | Independent Journalism for Women cover art

Speaking of Phenomenal | Independent Journalism for Women

Speaking of Phenomenal | Independent Journalism for Women

By: Amy Boyle | Championing Inspirational Women and Empowering Voices
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Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast Independent podcast covering women mainstream media hasn't found yet. Hosted by multimedia journalist Amy Boyle, Northwestern Medill adjunct lecturer in photojournalism and visual storytelling.

Speaking of Phenomenal reports longform narrative conversations with women doing significant work the news cycle has yet to document. The work began in 2018 as the 52 Phenomenal Women Project, a portrait storytelling series that produced 104 reported profiles covered by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, and NBC5. Now in its sixth season with 65 episodes, the show has reached 99 countries and 774 cities. Every woman you'll hear has a story the world should know. And they sound like this. www.speakingofphenomenal.com.





© 2026 Speaking of Phenomenal | Independent Journalism for Women
Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Mental Health, Diplomacy & One Girl Named Comfort | Morgan DeNicola
    Jun 24 2026

    Morgan DeNicola accompanies U.S. senators into closed-door sessions in foreign embassies around the world. She also lives with borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety and she'll tell you those aren't separate facts. In this episode: the two-week trip to Africa that shattered her assumptions, why emotional wellness is the leadership skill most people are hiding, and what a two-year-old girl named Comfort taught her about what it actually means to change the world.

    Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. "Woman" by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission

    Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

    If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

    Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

    Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.



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    22 mins
  • Swimming Lessons: Teaching Children to Be the Heroes of Their Own Story
    Jun 17 2026

    When Kate Markland overheard strangers discussing "her" story in a market square without being asked, without needing their verdict she understood something about authentic leadership, creative resilience, and self-discovery. In this episode, Amy Boyle explores how Kate and and her son, Gabriel help children find their voice not through validation, but through vulnerability and the willingness to become the hero of their own narrative. A powerful conversation on self-awareness, storytelling, and the quiet confidence that emerges when we stop waiting to be noticed.

    Speaking of Phenomenal is created and produced by Amy Boyle.

    Kipling's If performed by actor Craig Duff. Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich. "Woman" by Tiffany Villarreal, used with permission

    Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

    If you're loving the stories and insights on the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Each 5 star review is appreciated, thank you!

    Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

    Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.



    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • From Five Seasons to Fearless | Women's Empowerment is in the Telling
    Jun 15 2026

    Women's empowerment starts with how we tell stories. After five seasons, host Amy Boyle reveals why the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast is evolving: creative resilience means reimagining format itself. Season 6 opens with impact first, the moment that matters most and then earns the full journey. Discover what it means to model the very resilience we celebrate in our guests, and meet Kate Markland, who is redefining heroism for the next generation. Season 6 will launch June 17, 2026.

    Podcast artwork by Amanda Eich

    Got something to say? Text the show. Click the link in the episode description and your message comes straight to me. I read every one and may share your note on a future episode. I'd love to hear from you.

    Thank you for joining us on this episode of Speaking of Phenomenal.

    Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review and share the podcast, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.



    Show More Show Less
    2 mins
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