About this episode

In this live episode, four women share their life experiences and insights on courage, friendship, and aging.

In this special live episode of the Tend HER Wild Podcast, recorded at the James Theatre with the Water Bearer Collective, four remarkable women share stories and insights gathered across decades of life. Together they reflect on courage, friendship, aging, and the power of crone wisdom—showing how experience deepens our capacity to lead, love, and keep evolving. Guests Marcia Akin – Educator and Psychotherapist Connie Benton Wolfe – Social Entrepreneur and Innovative Leader Peg Burke – Former University of Iowa professor and former president of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Lark Birdsong – First women’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa, leader, artist, and lifelong learner Marcia Akin & Connie Benton Wolfe Early Years & Self-Discovery Both Marcia and Connie describe themselves as shy girls who eventually stepped beyond their comfort zones to share their gifts. Marcia reflects on the influence of strong Quaker women and pursuing advanced degrees in education and social work. Connie recalls being excluded from a school play because of her shyness, but credits her grandmother’s encouragement to trust herself and stay open to life’s…

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Betsy Rippentrop, Kate Moreland

Guests: Marcia Akin, Connie Benton Wolfe, Peg Burke, Lark Birdsong

Topics covered

• courage
• friendship
• aging
• crone wisdom
• self-discovery

Keywords

• wisdom
• life stories
• community support
• women's empowerment
• personal growth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Water Bearer Collective, University of Iowa, Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women

Places: James Theatre

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