ILL REPUTE! with Sovereign Syre & Becky Poole

Writer and comedian Sovereign Syre teams up with comedian and feminist murder balladeer Becky Poole, to chronicle the lives of women and gender nonconformists that got a bad rap. Whether they were pioneers in male dominated fields, criminal masterminds, or just epic sl*ts, we here at ILL REPUTE! support women's rights, but more importantly we support women's wrongs.

Little Repute Minisode: Predictions 2025 01/06/2025

Little Repute Minisode: Last Episode of 2024 12/31/2024

Lil Repute Minisode: Merry X Mas! 12/26/2024

Lil Repute: Polarization 12/20/2024

Lil Repute Minisode: Sov's works through some new stand up material, Josh has some questions, and some stuff about class warfare 12/14/2024

Wonder Woman! 12/11/2024

Wonder Woman! This week Sov and Becky talk about the origins of Wonder Woman. Support Us: About Us: Credits: Hosted by Sovereign Syre and Becky Poole Compiled by Sovereign Syre Produced by Joshua Anderson Works Cited: Daniels, Les. Wonder Woman: The Complete History. Chronicle Books, 2000. A comprehensive history of Wonder Woman, exploring her creation, evolution, and cultural impact. Lepore, Jill. The Secret History of Wonder Woman. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. A detailed biography of Wonder Woman's creator, William Moulton Marston, and the feminist roots of the character. Marston, William Moulton. "Why 100,000,000 Americans Read Comics." The American Scholar, vol. 13, no. 1, 1943, pp. 35-44. Marston’s own essay on the psychological appeal of comics and the creation of Wonder Woman. All Star Comics #8. DC Comics, 1941. Wonder Woman’s debut issue, written by William Moulton Marston and illustrated by Harry G. Peter. Sensation Comics #1. DC Comics, 1942. Wonder Woman’s first solo story, where her mission and character are further developed. Wertham, Fredric. Seduction of the Innocent. Rinehart & Company, 1954. A critique of comics’ influence on youth, with specific references to Wonder Woman and her themes. "The Feminum Mystique." Wonder Woman (1975 TV series), season 1, episodes 1-2. Directed by Richard A. Colla, Warner Bros. Television. An exploration of Wonder Woman’s Amazonian roots in the TV series. Jenkins, Patty, director. Wonder Woman. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2017. The first Wonder Woman feature film, showcasing her origin and mission in a modern cinematic context. Jenkins, Patty, director. Wonder Woman 1984. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2020. The sequel to the 2017 film, exploring themes of power, greed, and humanity. Steinem, Gloria. "Wonder Woman." Ms. Magazine, vol. 1, no. 1, 1972. An article celebrating Wonder Woman as a feminist icon, reclaiming her place in the cultural zeitgeist. Lichtenstein, Roy. Crying Girl. 1963. A pop art painting reflecting comic book aesthetics, influenced by Wonder Woman's visual style. Carter, Lynda. "Lynda Carter Reflects on Wonder Woman’s Legacy." The Hollywood Reporter, June 2, 2017. An interview with Carter about her portrayal of Wonder Woman and the cultural significance of the character. Hanley, Tim. Wonder Woman Unbound: The Curious History of the World’s Most Famous Heroine. Chicago Review Press, 2014. An analysis of Wonder Woman’s evolution and the societal forces that shaped her stories. "No Man’s Land Scene Explained by Patty Jenkins." Entertainment Weekly, July 10, 2017. A discussion of the iconic scene in Wonder Woman (2017) and its impact. Dworkin, Andrea. Right-Wing Women. Perigee Books, 1983. A feminist critique that includes commentary on female representations in media, including Wonder Woman. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/34374350

Lil Repute Minisode: Free Hunter, Destiny's leaked sextape, RIP Hard Rock Nick 12/05/2024

Jemima Wilkinson: Publick Universal Friend 12/02/2024

Jemima Wilkinson: Publick Universal Friend Jemima was born on November 29, 1752, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, She was the eighth of twelve children in a big, devout Quaker family. Her dad, Jeremiah Wilkinson, was super active in their local meeting house. Her mom, Amy's presence in Jemima’s life was cut tragically short—she died in 1764 when Jemima was about 12 or 13. According to accounts, Jemima was always a pretty girl, but after her mother passed away, she became lazy and combative. She would find anyway she could to get out of working, she would feign illnesses, argue and so on. She was just generally considered pretty but kind of mean and very entitled. Then at some point in 1776, she starts acting sick, she stays in her room and won’t talk to anyone. Her family calls the doctor, who says she’s not physically ill, but clearly has mental issues. This goes on for months, until she confines herself to her bed. While later accounts say she had typhus, contemporary accounts say there was never a physical illness. But one day she emerged from her bedroom, talking in a deeper voice, and proclaiming: That Jemima Wilkinson was dead. Their soul had left their body, and in its place was a new entity: the Publick Universal Friend, a genderless spirit sent by God to deliver a divine message to humanity. Visit us: Illreputepodcast.com support us: Parteon.com/illrepute Script by: Soveriegn Syre this weeks episode hosted by: Sovereign Syre and Josh Anderson Produced by: Josh Anderson Sources: Hudson, David. Memoir of Jemima Wilkinson: A Preacheress of the Eighteenth Century. London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy, 1821. A detailed early biography of Jemima Wilkinson, focusing on their transformation and the Society of Universal Friends. Wisbey, Herbert A., Jr. Pioneer Prophetess: Jemima Wilkinson, the Publick Universal Friend. Cornell University Press, 1964. A comprehensive modern analysis of the Friend’s life, teachings, and the community they founded. Brekus, Catherine A. Strangers and Pilgrims: Female Preaching in America, 1740–1845. University of North Carolina Press, 1998. Context on female religious leaders in early America and the challenges they faced. Schmidt, Leigh Eric. Hearing Things: Religion, Illusion, and the American Enlightenment. Harvard University Press, 2000. Examines religious movements like the Society of Universal Friends in the context of broader spiritual trends in 18th-century America. Butler, Jon. Awash in a Sea of Faith: Christianizing the American People. Harvard University Press, 1990. Provides context on religious diversity and dissent in colonial America. “Publick Universal Friend.” Wikipedia. Accessed [Insert Date]. Overview of the Friend’s life, teachings, and the Society of Universal Friends. Foster, Lawrence. Religion and Sexuality: The Shakers, the Mormons, and the Oneida Community. University of Illinois Press, 1984. Comparative analysis of celibate religious communities, including the Society of Universal Friends. Newspapers.com Quaker Faith and Practice. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). A source for understanding Quaker principles and their influence on the Friend’s early life. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/34254345

Lil Repute Minisode: Happy Thanksgiving! 11/28/2024

Susan Powter: STOP THE INSANITY! 11/26/2024

Lil Repute Minisode: The golden toilet, Is nihilism contagious? Working through the 2nd stage of grief 11/23/2024

53% of White Women 11/19/2024

53% of White Women This week we have a new friend joining us to cohost, Becky Poole. Originally from Minnesota, Becky is a very funny and talented, comedianne, improv actor, musician, and podcaster in her own right, as well as being just overall rad! She joins Sov as they profile and discuss the much maligned voting block of white american women who can't seem to let go of their narcissist billionaire boyfriend fantasy. They have a lot of ground to cover, and being white women themselves, do tiny bit soul searching to figure out what the heck is going ladies?! support us: illreputepodcast.com Hosted by: Sovereign Syre and Becky Poole script by: Sovereign Syre Produced and Edited by: Josh Anderson Works Cited Baldwin, James. Blues for Mister Charlie. 1964. A play exploring racial injustice, drawing on the term "Mister Charlie" as a representation of systemic oppression. Reynolds, Malvina. It Isn’t Nice. 1967. A protest song highlighting social justice themes, including references to "Mister Charlie." Hurston, Zora Neale. Glossary of Harlem Slang. A key text documenting African American vernacular, including terms like "Miss Ann." Angelou, Maya. Sepia Fashion Show. A poem addressing cultural and racial dynamics, mentioning "Miss Ann." Cassell, Jonathon. Cassell's Dictionary of Slang. 2005. Provides historical context for terms like "Mister Charlie" and "Miss Ann." Smitherman, Geneva. Black Talk: Words and Phrases from the Hood to the Amen Corner. 1994. Explores African American vernacular, including the cultural significance of "Miss Ann." Davis, Angela Y. Women, Race, and Class. 1981. A foundational text discussing white women's roles in systemic oppression and feminism’s historical limitations. Cooper, Brittney. Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower. 2018. Discusses white women's complicity in upholding white supremacy through feminism. Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. 2010. Examines systemic racism and how it intersects with social narratives around "law and order." Hochschild, Arlie Russell. Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right. 2016. Investigates the cultural and economic concerns driving conservative ideologies among white working-class communities. Du Bois, W.E.B. Black Reconstruction in America. 1935. Explores the roles of white women during Reconstruction and their complicity in maintaining racial hierarchies. Phillips, Anne. Gender and Culture. 2010. Analyzes the intersections of gender, race, and cultural expectations. Media and Current Events: Coverage of incidents like the Central Park birdwatching case (2020) and Emmett Till’s murder (1955) to contextualize the "Karen" archetype. Pew Research Center. Political Polarization in the American Public. 2014. Explores voting patterns and political alignment among demographic groups, including white women. Kendzior, Sarah. The View from Flyover Country: Dispatches from the Forgotten America. 2018. Provides insights into rural and working-class dynamics that inform voting behaviors. Crenshaw, Kimberlé. Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. 1991. Introduces the concept of intersectionality and its importance in understanding diverse experiences. Lorde, Audre. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. 1984. Critiques the centering of white women in feminist movements and the importance of inclusive activism. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/33991752

Lil Repute Minisode: The left's "Joe Rogan", Blueanon, Trump and Elon 11/14/2024

Florence Joyner: The Fastest Woman in the World 11/11/2024

Florence Joyner: The Fastest Woman in the World Today we are talking about the one and only, Florence "Flo-Jo" Joyner, the woman who redefined speed, style, and success on the track. We’re diving into the life of one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. Not just because of her breathtaking world records—still unbeaten decades later—but because of the way she lived. Flo-Jo wasn't just a champion on the track; she was a force of nature in fashion, an icon for Black women, and a cultural trailblazer who challenged the expectations placed on women in sports. Support Us: Credits: Compiled by Sovereign Syre Hosted by Sovereign Syre and Josh Anderson Produced by Joshua Anderson Works Cited “Florence Griffith Joyner.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. This source provides a comprehensive biography of Florence Joyner, covering her early life, Olympic success, and post-Olympic career. “The Untold Story of Flo Jo, the Fastest Woman of All Time.” Olympics.com. International Olympic Committee. https://olympics.com/en/news/florence-griffith-joyner-flo-jo-world-records A detailed look into Florence Joyner's world records and the lasting impact of her Olympic achievements. Schmidt, Michael S. “Florence Griffith Joyner, 38, Champion Sprinter, Is Dead.” The New York Times, September 22, 1998. An obituary that reflects on her life, her legacy, and the controversies surrounding her sudden death. “Sha'Carri Richardson and the Legacy of Flo-Jo.” The New Yorker, July 2021. https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sha-carri-richardson-flo-jo This article draws parallels between Sha’Carri Richardson and Florence Joyner, focusing on how both athletes used fashion and self-expression as part of their identities in a highly scrutinized public arena. “Double Standard: How the Media Treated Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan Differently.” The Atlantic. January 2018. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/01/tonya-harding-nancy-kerrigan/549722/ This article discusses the media's contrasting portrayals of Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, focusing on the class and femininity narratives used to criticize Harding. “Serena Williams’s Legacy and the Body Politic.” The Guardian, September 2018. This piece highlights the racial and gendered criticisms Serena Williams has faced throughout her career, drawing connections to similar challenges faced by athletes like Florence Joyner. Duncan, Margaret Carlisle. “The Media Coverage of Women's Sport: Beyond Sexualization, Gender Stereotyping, and Misrepresentation.” Sociology of Sport Journal. 2012. This academic article discusses the media’s portrayal of female athletes, including critiques of femininity, strength, and how athletes like Florence Joyner, Serena Williams, and Tonya Harding have been framed in public discourse. “The 1980 U.S. Olympic Boycott.” History.com. A&E Television Networks. https://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/1980-us-olympic-boycott Background on the 1980 U.S. Olympic boycott and its impact on athletes like Florence Joyner who missed out on that opportunity. “Florence Griffith Joyner: Nails, Speed, and Style.” Track and Field News. https://trackandfieldnews.com/florence-griffith-joyner A profile of Florence Joyner that emphasizes her unique style and how she used fashion as part of her identity as an athlete. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/33884597

Lil' Repute Minisode: Election 2024 Wrap Up 11/07/2024

Circassian Beauties 11/04/2024

Circassian Beauties Today we are talking about Circassian Beauties. For a period of time, Circassian women were considered the epitome of beauty. With their fair skin, blue or green eyes, and delicate features, they became an idealized standard of feminine beauty in both the Ottoman Empire and 19th-century Western Europe. But this admiration was deeply entwined with systems of power, slavery, and the commodification of beauty. Support Us: Credits: Compiled by Sovereign Syre Hosted by Sovereign Syre and Josh Darling Produced by Joshua Anderson Sources: Alloula, Malek. The Colonial Harem. University of Minnesota Press, 1986. This work explores how Western colonial powers constructed and eroticized the idea of the harem, particularly through photographs and art, drawing connections to the exploitation and objectification of Eastern women. Bell, James Stanislaus. Journal of a Residence in Circassia. London: Edward Moxon, 1840. A travelogue by a British explorer who spent time in Circassia, providing firsthand accounts of the people, customs, and the widespread Western fetishization of Circassian women. Carnes, Mark C. American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press, 1999. A detailed entry on P.T. Barnum and the cultural phenomenon of the “Circassian Beauty” sideshow act, examining how Barnum commodified these women as part of his freak show empire. Davidson, Alastair. Russia and Circassia: Diplomacy, War, and the Tragedy of the North Caucasus. Bloomsbury Academic, 2011. This book explores the historical background of the Russo-Circassian War and the impact of Russian imperialism on Circassia, including how the displacement and enslavement of Circassian women became part of the slave trade. Faroqhi, Suraiya. The Ottoman Empire and the World Around It. I.B. Tauris, 2004. A comprehensive look at the Ottoman Empire, including the role of the harem and the political influence of women, particularly those who were slaves or concubines like many Circassian women. Gilman, Sander L. Creating Beauty to Cure the Soul: Race and Psychology in the Shaping of Aesthetic Surgery. Duke University Press, 1998. This work examines how race and beauty ideals influenced the development of aesthetic surgery, tracing the origins of Eurocentric beauty standards back to the fetishization of women like the Circassians. Gilman, Sander L. Making the Body Beautiful: A Cultural History of Aesthetic Surgery. Princeton University Press, 1999. A cultural history that explores how the pursuit of beauty, especially within Western standards, has been shaped by racial and colonial influences, with Circassian women serving as early examples of these ideals. Hirsch, Francine. Empire of Nations: Ethnographic Knowledge and the Making of the Soviet Union. Cornell University Press, 2005. Explores how Circassians and other Caucasian groups were racialized and fetishized, both during the Ottoman and Russian empires, and later in Soviet ethnography. Ingres, Jean-Auguste-Dominique. The Turkish Bath. 1862. Louvre Museum, Paris. This painting is one of the most famous representations of the harem fantasy in Western art, depicting pale-skinned, sensual women lounging in a bathhouse—emphasizing the eroticization of Eastern women in European culture. Pierce, Leslie. The Imperial Harem: Women and Sovereignty in the Ottoman Empire. Oxford University Press, 1993. A foundational text for understanding the political and social roles of women in the Ottoman harem, detailing how women of Circassian descent, despite being enslaved, could rise to powerful positions. Robnett, Belinda. How Long? How Long? African-American Women in the Struggle for Civil Rights. Oxford University Press, 1997. Although focused on civil rights, this book provides useful comparisons in how women of color, including Circassians, have been racialized and fetishized across different societies. Said, Edward. Orientalism. Pantheon Books, 1978. The seminal work on Orientalism, explaining how the West constructed the East as a place of sensuality, decadence, and mystery, with the harem—and its women—becoming central to this fantasy. Spencer, Edmond. Travels in Circassia, Krim-Tartary, &c., Including a Steam Voyage Down the Danube, from Vienna to Constantinople, and Round the Black Sea, in 1836. London: Henry Colburn, 1839. This 19th-century travel account played a large role in popularizing the myth of the Circassian Beauty, romanticizing the appearance and demeanor of Circassian women while ignoring the harsh realities of their lives. Wolf, Naomi. The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women. Harper Perennial, 1991. This feminist classic deconstructs how beauty standards, including those rooted in historical myths like the Circassian Beauty, have been weaponized to control women’s bodies and autonomy. Ze'evi, Dror. Producing Desire: Changing Sexual Discourse in the Ottoman Middle East, 1500-1900. University of California Press, 2006. This work delves into the shifting discourses of sexuality and the erotic in the Ottoman Middle East, with a particular focus on the harem and how enslaved women, including Circassians, were both sexualized and politicized. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/33782017

🎃HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃 Ruthie Mae McCoy | 2: A Life In The Projects 10/29/2024

🎃HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃 Ruthie Mae McCoy | 2: A Life In The Projects In Part One, we dove into the tragic story of Ruthie Mae McCoy, whose death exposed the harsh realities of life in Chicago's ABLA housing projects and inspired the urban legend of Candyman. We talked about the myth, its real-life origins, and how systemic neglect allowed horrors to happen within these communities. We covered how Ruthie Mae's call to 911 about someone breaking in through her bathroom mirror eerily mirrored the Candyman story. And it wasn't just about ghosts—it was about real, tangible fear and danger that residents had to live with every day. In Part Two, we explore how the systemic issues within the ABLA projects—rampant drug trade, violence, and neglect—created an environment where Ruthie Mae’s tragic story wasn’t just a one-off incident. We’re also going to look at how Ruthie Mae herself fought to survive in this environment, trying to find a way out while battling her own mental health challenges. It’s not just about one person’s fear; it’s about an entire community struggling against conditions that seem insurmountable. We’re going to read more about what life was like in ABLA, and how, despite her best efforts, Ruthie Mae was let down by every system that was supposed to protect her. This part of the story shows just how deeply rooted the problems were—and how the system failed to address them. Support Us: Credits: Compiled by Sovereign Syre Hosted by Sovereign Syre and Josh Darling Produced by Joshua Anderson Sources: "They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror: A Murder in the Projects" by Steve Bogira, September 3, 1987 Barker, Clive. Books of Blood: Volume 5. HarperCollins Publishers, 1985. Barker, Clive. The Forbidden. Razorline Press, 1985. Bernardi, Daniel Leonard. The Persistence of Whiteness: Race and Contemporary Hollywood Cinema. Routledge, 2007. Clover, Carol J. Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film. Princeton University Press, 1992. Davis, Mike. City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles. Verso, 1990. Dika, Vera. Games of Terror: Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the Films of the Stalker Cycle. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1990. Glass, Ira, and Cecil Adams. “They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror.” Chicago Reader, 1987. Hunt, Darnell M. Screening the Los Angeles 'Riots': Race, Seeing, and Resistance. Cambridge University Press, 1997. Kotlowitz, Alex. There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America. Doubleday, 1991. Koven, Mikel J. Film, Folklore, and Urban Legends. Scarecrow Press, 2008. Perry, Imani. More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States. NYU Press, 2011. Turner, Patricia A. I Heard It Through the Grapevine: Rumor in African-American Culture. University of California Press, 1993. Zipes, Jack. The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales. Oxford University Press, 2000. “Schizophrenia.” American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 2013. Siegel, Steven. “Mental Health Services in Low-Income Urban Communities.” Journal of Urban Health, vol. 65, no. 2, 1987, pp. 305-312. Hahn, Jeffrey. “Drug Trade and Violence in Public Housing.” Criminology & Public Policy, vol. 4, no. 3, 1996, pp. 187-209. Becker, Howard. Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press, 1963. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/33674422

🎃HALLOWEEN SPECIAL🎃 Ruthie Mae McCoy | 1: Candyman, Candyman, Candyman! 10/28/2024

🎃HALLOWEEN SPECIAL🎃 Ruthie Mae McCoy | 1: Candyman, Candyman, Candyman! Today we’re talking about Ruthie Mae McCoy, the real-life inspiration for the urban legend of Candyman. We’re going to read the article that started it all and react to it as we go. But before we dive into the real-life case that inspired Candyman, let's set the stage by talking about the legend itself—how it started, where it came from, and why it freaks people out so much. Support Us: Credits: Compiled by Sovereign Syre Hosted by Sovereign Syre and Josh Darling Produced by Joshua Anderson Sources: "They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror: A Murder in the Projects" by Steve Bogira, September 3, 1987 Barker, Clive. Books of Blood: Volume 5. HarperCollins Publishers, 1985. Barker, Clive. The Forbidden. Razorline Press, 1985. Bernardi, Daniel Leonard. The Persistence of Whiteness: Race and Contemporary Hollywood Cinema. Routledge, 2007. Clover, Carol J. Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film. Princeton University Press, 1992. Davis, Mike. City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles. Verso, 1990. Dika, Vera. Games of Terror: Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the Films of the Stalker Cycle. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1990. Glass, Ira, and Cecil Adams. “They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror.” Chicago Reader, 1987. Hunt, Darnell M. Screening the Los Angeles 'Riots': Race, Seeing, and Resistance. Cambridge University Press, 1997. Kotlowitz, Alex. There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America. Doubleday, 1991. Koven, Mikel J. Film, Folklore, and Urban Legends. Scarecrow Press, 2008. Perry, Imani. More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States. NYU Press, 2011. Turner, Patricia A. I Heard It Through the Grapevine: Rumor in African-American Culture. University of California Press, 1993. Zipes, Jack. The Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales. Oxford University Press, 2000. “Schizophrenia.” American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 2013. Siegel, Steven. “Mental Health Services in Low-Income Urban Communities.” Journal of Urban Health, vol. 65, no. 2, 1987, pp. 305-312. Hahn, Jeffrey. “Drug Trade and Violence in Public Housing.” Criminology & Public Policy, vol. 4, no. 3, 1996, pp. 187-209. Becker, Howard. Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance. Free Press, 1963. 3. /episode/index/show/illrepute/id/33646547