Modern Renaissance Woman®️ is your deep dive into the stories of extraordinary women who are redefining success doing 2 or more things professionally, across art, science, business, entrepreneurship and activism - and many more domains.
Hosted by Melanie Smith (a MRW herself), each episode features candid conversations with trailblazers who blend ambition with authenticity.
From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to visionary creatives, we explore how they navigate challenges, embrace change, and inspire you and the next generation.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, insight, or a fresh perspective, this podcast is your gateway to being a Modern Renaissance Woman®️!
NEW MERCH DROP!
MRW x Out The Darkness collaboration - https://everpress.com/profile/modern-renaissance-woman (https://everpress.com/profile/modern-renaissance-woman)
Resources:
World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/06/generalists-or-specialists-who-gets-hired/)
Techcrunch Jake Chapman - Specialization, Polymaths And The Pareto Principle In A Convergence Economy (https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/17/specialization-polymaths-and-the-pareto-principle-in-a-convergence-economy/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIvGxAJtF5XMw-xewADk1vOQU2GR87pEL8-7zMyfvPQh5ZMbMDkYUJGOCezNAAfSqAY35sDEHLnTIBH8U1p6OTaNv8M2Ihn01jNDFa40T3WU3N_KGkR10UFSfg4hP_qwIh5KMvyKDrJ6h-1nft9M8oyc4rL7qLfvLjN82RF_TxP7)
Forbes - Value of being a Generalist (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/06/03/the-value-of-being-a-generalist/?sh=6b10243b2fc8)
Why Some People are Impossibly Talented- BBC (https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191118-what-shapes-a-polymath---and-do-we-need-them-more-than-ever)
One Up One Down article - Where are all the women polymaths? (https://oneuponedown.org/blog-post/where-are-all-the-women-polymaths/#:~:text=Just%20to%20name%20a%20few,Elizabeth%20Gilbert%2C%20Dita%20Von%20Teese.&text=Sure%2C%20the%20number%20of%20formally,is%20far%20fewer%20than%20men)
Archetypes Renaissance Woman (https://beherenownetwork.com/archetypes-every-woman-renaissance/)
Polymath personality traits (https://www.historyoasis.com/post/polymath-personality-traits)
E18: Michelle Goodall - Community Specialist, Greetings Card Magnate, Cabaret Performer + former Kickboxing British Champion!
Send us a text Get ready for an uplifting, jovial episode with Michelle Goodall! We talk: - Feast or famine, and using those moments as drivers to succeed - Why community and communities are so important to our livelihoods and cultures - Tech, AI and maintaining the manual amongst the digital - Damn Fine Greetings, very sweary cards!* - Kickboxing! Being a former British Champion!! ... and more! *please note we do some sweary language from time to time, tastefully - but if not your thing, f...
27 Aug 2025
E17: Caroline Clark - Leadership coach, Speaker and Analogue Astronaut
Send us a text Today I'm taking you to lands far, far away - literally out of this world! Caroline and I talk: - Being a coach and helping ambitious leaders grow; - Socialisations we experience and drivers for social justice ambitions; - 'Enshitification' of tech platforms and potential barriers to reach your audiences; - AI and ChatGPT vs data biases; - What it means to be a space psychologist, and yes it's a real thing!; ...and so much more! You can find more about Caroline here: Linkedin...
22 Aug 2025
E16: Karla Morales-Lee - Entrepreneur, Mother + Co-Founder of Warrior Group
Send us a text Prepare to have your mind moved to bigger dimensions today, with Warrior Group co-founder and entrepreneur, Karla Morales-Lee. We talk: - The value of being an entrepreneur + why its so important to seek out others on the fringes; - Being a mother and instilling progressive + innovative values in systems to help your children; - Reflecting on not having a linear career path + the advantages this has brought; - The era of 'self ambition' + how this is popularised through digital...
16 Jun 2025
E15: Lucia Fox - Presenter, Actress, Voice Over Artist + Yoga Teacher
Lucia Fox, presenter and actress, discusses her multifaceted career, including acting, presenting on QVC, and teaching yoga, in an interview about overcoming imposter syndrome.
11 Jun 2025
E14: Peachy Poler - Medical Doctor + Professional Pole Dancer
Peachy Poler, a medical doctor and professional pole dancer, discusses carving her own path, advocating for marginalized communities, and breaking down stigmas associated with pole dancing in this interview.
12 May 2025
E13: Tracy Sharp - Part 2: How to Take Your Career Global
Send us a text She's back! This week Tracy Sharp joins me for Part 2 to discuss all the things we didn't have time for back in December! We talk: Going global: China/Italy + beyond - if you don't ask, you don't get! Acclimatising leadership + authority to new culturesStarting from (another) place of learning in a new cultureBurnout, unhealthy relationships with work + tips to help you avoid or get through Coping with + suggestions for precarious employment/redundancyFunsee hats! Re...
Send us a textThis week I am joined by Tracy Sharp of SharpMinds Coaching + 'Beginners Guide to Design Thinking' Podcast!Whats your KPI on happiness?!We talk:- Living to your values- Burnout + rethinking your relationship to work- 5 types of Imposter Syndrome (yes 5!)- Navigating male dominated spaces- Mechanisms for self promotion + what is sustainable for you and your values- Funsee hats + maintaining joy...- Points for reflection into 2025...... and much more!Website: www.sharpminds.coachL...
Send us a textThis week we talk:- Amplifying the voices of culturally and linguistically diverse women in STEM- Microbusiness woman of the year- Failing well + having faith to keep going- Discipline over motivation- DNA for Modern Renaissance Women!- Being a role model - TEDx Canberra Giggly Wiggly BalloonsWebsite: www.gigglywiggly.com.auFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gigglywigglyballoonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigglywigglyballoons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigglywigg...
9 Dec 2024
E10: Dr Shama Rahman - Neuroscientist, Neurodesigner, Creativity AI Practitioner + Musician
Send us a textThis week we talk:- Neurodesign for creativity + flow - Working + living a multidisciplinary life- Being open to the unknown - ANTARCTICA!- 'Environmental Empathy' + applying AI as new ways to address climate change... and much much more...CEO and Founder at NeuroCreate Ltd - startup at the junction of AI, Neuroscience and Design. Using the approach of neurodesign we develop products, spaces and experiences for longevity and lifespan, optimising for healthy life and work, creati...
2 Dec 2024
E9: Laura Jordan Bambach - Digital Feminist Creative Icon
Laura Jordan Bambach shares her journey as a digital feminist creative icon, leveraging coding and AI to drive inclusive business innovation and provocative advertising campaigns.
25 Nov 2024
E8: Brittney Stewart - Former US Diplomat paving her own way
Former US Diplomat Brittney Stewart shares her origin story, navigating family expectations, and embracing her identity as a Modern Renaissance Woman who takes opportunities and values empathy.
15 Jul 2024
E7: Intense Experiences + The Paradoxical World of the MRW with Dr Carrie Goucher
Slow motion, high energy multitasking to systematise your life. How do you create new structures to get stuff done? Dr Carrie Goucher can tell you how.
This week we discuss:
- Growing up in a Vicarage
- Checking one's privilege
- The drive to generate and go faster*!
- Dismantling flawed systems + rebuilding them for culture change
- Slow motion, High Energy Multitasking
- Paradoxes of life
- Power of the MRW - how to move forward
... and more!
*now going slower
Links
FewerFasterBolder (http://www.fewerfasterbolder.com/) - Carrie's website
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriebedingfield/)
Get Carrie's newsletter here (https://www.fewerfasterbolder.com/contact)
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
8 Jul 2024
E6: Hybrid Identities with Dr Sarahbeth Berk Bickerton
What an enlightening conversation! What intersection are you at?!
In today's episode we discuss:
What is a Hybrid Identity and its origins;
How can we integrate and provide a relatable USP to the world & workplace;
What does the future of a 'Hybrid Professional' look like;
What's next for Sarahbeth's research
Advice for the 'Hybrid Woman...
... and much more!
Resources & useful references:
Watch Speaker Reel (https://youtu.be/_l-y0HmHGpY?si=YcWSOMvQnXhSlEgm)
Buy the Book (https://a.co/d/aq6wqfg)
Buy the Workbook (https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Title-Workbook-Professional/dp/1944027688/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/134-9131768-7689231?pd_rd_w=Lk9l6&content-id=amzn1.sym.7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_p=7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_r=S8X555BB77C8BQ3YZH8S&pd_rd_wg=LNLWc&pd_rd_r=4303e30c-2ecd-4b2e-91e4-edc3851df054&pd_rd_i=1944027688&psc=1)
Watch the TEDx (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZg6jaMIvIE)
Follow on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabethberk/)
sarabeth@morethanmytitle.com (mailto:sarabeth@morethanmytitle.com)
www.morethanmytitle.com (http://www.morethanmytitle.com/)
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
1 Jul 2024
E5: Making Impact at the Bottom of the Food Chain with Military Spouse, LaPora Lindsey
Rejection, tenacity and keeping on, keeping on! What an inspirational conversation with LaPora this week.
We talk:
Being "Bottom of the Food Chain" - the origin story
Reality of being a Military Spouse
Coaching, inspiring others + making an impact
Advice for the MRW
Burnout + 'Social Snacks'
... and more!
Links:
LaPoraLindsey.com (https://laporalindsey.com)
LaPora's Book - Bottom of the Food Chain: A Fresh Perspective on How Your Career Impact Goes Beyond Your Job Title (https://www.amazon.com/Bottom-Food-Chain-Perspective-Career/dp/B0B5H866GH/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OE0VIKVMUUZW&keywords=bottom+of+the+food+chain&qid=1656968427&sprefix=bottom+of+the+food+chain%252Caps%252C80&sr=8-2&_encoding=UTF8&tag=laporalindsey-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=3c075a59cc0d5ef01aea6977e71507d2&camp=1789&creative=9325)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lapora-lindsey/)
Instagram
(https://www.instagram.com/laporalindsey/)
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
24 Jun 2024
E4: Contemporary Art Practice, Cults & Artistic Realities with Michaela 'Clover' Cullen
Shall we join a cult or start a revolution? Some big thoughts and feelings from today's episode with Clover!
We talk:
- Contemporary art practice, Cults + 'place, identity and time' concepts
- Main characters in our work
- Our responsibilities being Artists - why do we do what we do?
- Societal barriers + succeeding in the art world
- Neurodivergence and running with how we're naturally programmed
- Surprises of the non-linear life, burnout and staying aligned
- Creating "content" that doesn't jeopardise our artistic endeavours...
... and more!
Links:
Clover's Art Practice (https://michaelacullen.myfreesites.net)
@clovercullen (https://www.instagram.com/clovercullen/)
'Never Had Funds!' (https://neverhadfunds.myportfolio.com)
Melanie's Art practice - outthedarkness.com (https://www.outthedarkness.com)
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
17 Jun 2024
E3: Superpower of the Generalist with Julie Lavergne
What a delight to have Julie on the podcast, Ottawa <-> London!
We discuss the power of being a Generalist, including:
Context switching & mental fatigue
Not having a 5 year plan!
Not having that '1' thing
Future of work for the Generalist
Jumping 'iceberg to iceberg'
Pinballing & pivoting
...and so much more...
You can find Julie here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/)
and here - https://8ballclarity.com/ (https://8ballclarity.com/)
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
10 Jun 2024
E2: Intersection of Design + Tech, Inclusive AI and Women in Leadership with Ve Dewey
We talk:
Discourse of design + 'the collective'
Curiosity, cultures and communities
Not having a 5 year plan
Being an introvert - motivations, not caring what other people think
Culture, women, leadership + quiet agency
Inclusive AI, what does this mean for women
Burnout - boundaries + health is wealth
References:
vedewey.com (https://www.vedewey.com)
Concurrency.uk (http://concurrency.uk)
'Orbiting the Giant Hairball' by Gordon Mackenzie
'Rise of the DEO: Leadership by Design' - Christopher Ireland and Maria Giudice
Suhair Khan - Substack
(https://suhairk.substack.com)
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
24 Apr 2024
Intro Trailer: Modern Renaissance Woman
24 Apr 2024
E1: Welcome to the Modern Renaissance Woman
Do you often feel drawn to multiple interesting pursuits, yet feel a sense of conflict, shame or confusion around how the heck can I do all those interesting things?
When is the right time for me to start? Where do I start? Who gives a shit?
Well, I do.
I'm Melanie, founder of MRW, an Artist, Writer, builder of new innovative ventures, Head of Operations and now Podcast host, kickboxer and runner (amongst many passions). But most of all, I’m a woman trying to navigate a personal and professional life armed with multiple strings to my bow and daily wearing multiple hats.
17 years of a pretty squiggly path to date has turned into the culmination of the birth of the MRW, for every woman out there doing multiple things, striving in a patriarchal society whilst feeling that tension between the both handcuffs and a sense of freedom...
If you're someone who's looking to start your week revved up with conversations from interesting multifaceted women, then subscribe now to Modern Renaissance Woman - wherever you get your podcasts.
Find us @modern.renaissance.woman on Instagram
Don't forget to rate, 5* review wherever you get your podcasts! The more reviews, the better the guests for you!
Listen on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0FgCluHDSv93eJXNRAG7zd?si=215afcb1a65443f4), Apple, Deezer + more - NOW!
Music by Orel Pierre Louis - (https://audiojungle.net/attributes/composer/orel%20pierre%20louis%20-%20bmi%20ipi:%2001002229525)Audio Jungle
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
20
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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