Show Notes
This week we discuss the disturbingly frequent occurrence of men taking credit for women’s academic, scientific, and entrepreneurial work. It’s so common, in fact, that the phenomenon has a name : The Matilda Effect. Join us as we explore this topic and look at some of the notable women who have had their work stolen. Let’s give credit back to these amazing inventors and creators.
Show Notes Key Topics:
Women in science and art who were erased or underrecognized The Matilda effect and gender bias in history Stories of women like Hedy Lamarr, Mary Curie, and Artemisia Gentileschi The importance of acknowledging women's contributions to science and culture
Chapters: 00:00 Trolls and Feedback: Embracing Criticism 00:12 The Matilda Effect: Women in Science 04:47 Introduction to the Podcast Theme 04:58 Introduction and Light Banter 05:08 Historical Context and Examples of the Matilda Effect 07:56 The Matilda Effect and Historical Erasure 10:01 Women in Science: Unrecognized Contributions 12:50 The Legacy of Muleva Maric 15:41 Hollywood's Role in Highlighting Women's Contributions 17:19 Hedy Lamarr: Beauty and Brilliance 20:29 The Underappreciation of Women in History 23:04 The Impact of Role Models on Women in STEM 25:46 Artistic Contributions of Women: Artemisia Gentileschi 28:17 The Struggles of Female Artists and Writers 31:10 The Fight for Recognition and Credit 34:08 The Legacy of Women in Arts and Literature 44:36 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 44:51 The Impact of Social Media and Audience Engagement 47:27 Celebrating Women in Journalism: Nellie Bly 50:24 Athletic Achievements and Gender Inequality: Allison Felix 52:14 Historical Erasure and the Matilda Effect 55:06 The Role of Men in Feminism and Acknowledgment of Contributions
References: Abrahams, Harold Maurice. “Allyson Felix | Medals, Olympics, Biography, Nike, & Facts.” Britannica, 10 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Allyson-Felix. Accessed 9 February 2026. Cobb, Mathew, and Nathaniel Comfort. “What Rosalind Franklin Truly Contributed to the Discovery of DNA's Structure.” Nature, Springer Nature, 25 4 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01313-5. Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as an Inventor.” Ester Lianawati, Northern University of Iowa, 17 October 2019, https://esterlianawati.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/woman-as-inventor.pdf. Accessed 31 January 2026. Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as Inventor.” Collection Development Department, New York, Harvard Library, 1870, Persistent Link https://nrs.lib.harvard.edu/urn-3:fhcl:453551 Description Gage, Matilda Joslyn. Woman as inventor. [New York State?: s.n.], 1870. Repository Collection Development Department. Widener Library. HCL Institution Harvard University Accessed 01 . Gagnon, Pauline. “The Forgotten Life of Einstein’s First Wife, Mileva Marić.” Scientific American, 19 December 2016, https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/guest-blog/the-forgotten-life-of-einsteins-first-wife/. Accessed 1 February 2026. Kaplan, Judith. “Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Maurice Wilkins.” Science History Institute, 8 September 2025, https://www.sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/francis-crick-rosalind-franklin-james-watson-and-maurice-wilkins/. Accessed 31 January 2026. Krichbaum, Emily. “Alice Ball.” National Women's History Museum, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/alice-ball. Kuiper, Kathleen, and Jennifer Birkett. “Colette | French Writer & Feminist Icon.” Britannica, 24 January 2026, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Colette. Accessed 10 February 2026. Lamm, Lisa. “The Matilda Effect: How Women Are Becoming Invisible in Science.” Lost Women of Science, 10 February 2023, https://www.lostwomenofscience.org/news-events/the-matilda-effect-how-women-are-becoming-invisible-in-science. Accessed 31 January 2026. Lee, Jane J. “6 Women Scientists Who Were Snubbed Due to Sexism.” National Geographic,
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