Explore human stories that build connection and understanding — every other Thursday.

What do I know?! with Gillian Anderson

This week, sisters of the soil.

With many black women struggling through layers of unaddressed trauma, including medical inequality and prevailing stereotypes, homesteading - which promotes self-sufficiency dependent on the land - has seen a resurgence.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!'

Gillian Anderson is an award-winning film, television, and theatre actress.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson on the black female homesteaders

This week, the Wikipedia Troll Hunter.

After receiving malicious emails from trolls over a decade as a Wikipedia editor, 22-year-old medical student Emily Temple-Wood had finally had enough and took matters into her own hands. 

This week, Gillian discovers the remarkable story of how one woman turned the trolls' weapon of choice against them and joined the ranks of strong and resilient women scientists, which are steadily becoming more visible and accepted online.

This piece was originally published in 2016, so portions of the story may have been updated over time.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!'

Gillian Anderson on the Wikipedia troll hunter

This week, the gendered stigma of migraines.

Migraines are a relatively common health complaint associated with intense, throbbing headaches. However, for centuries they have been treated as a "women's issue", resulting in a stark difference in medical treatment that shows up not only in laboratories but also in the real world where the stakes are higher.

In this episode, Gillian discusses this pervasive issue by exploring how gender inequality can result in migraine sufferers not being taken with the degree of seriousness they deserve and argues that an examination of the language we use in the medical field is long overdue.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming wewe'llwe’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!'

Gillian Anderson discusses migraines

This week, the queer stars behind "A League of Their Own".

It's been three decades since the sports comedy-drama, "A League of Their Own" was released. But did you know that behind the glamour of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, were forbidden romances forced to remain hidden from a hostile world?  

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!'

Gillian Anderson discusses the queer hidden history behind baseball

This week, Jane Addams: a woman ahead of her time.

In so many ways, Jane Addams (1860 - 1935) - feminist, activist and social reformer -  was a woman who was ahead of her time. But, like so many of us, her path in life wasn't linear.

From struggling with depression in her youth to becoming the first woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. This week, Gillian is joined by leading historian, Louise W. Knight to discuss Jane Addams's incredible life story and reflect on finding purpose and power in fighting for social equality.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!'

Gillian Anderson discusses revolutionary woman, Jane Addams

This week, the women who fought for change.

Argentina has struggled through many financial crises, but in May 2020, the situation was critical. Compounded by the pandemic, the precarious economy hit women the hardest, and the majority female workforce of La Nirva biscuit factory had had enough.

This week, Gillian brings you the story of the Cookie Factory Revolución, adding to the long list of inspiring women who used collective action to affect change. After all, it wasn't just about a job; it was a fight for livelihoods and agency everywhere.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on revolución

This week, discovering the world of forgotten women philosophers.

Ask any philosophy student, and they'll tell you that the 19th century was one of the most exciting periods in the discipline's history. Ask them their favourite thinker, and the answer is likely to be male. But does this mean that women had no significant role to play? 

Within this episode, Gillian examines the contributions of all but forgotten philosophers such as Edith Stein, the injustice that suppressed women in academia and why it's time we rediscovered their work. 

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on a rescue mission for women philosophers

This week, the surprising origin of online dating.

Online dating may seem like a modern invention, but did you know that it's been around far longer than Tinder? Although, its earlier form wasn't quite as simple as scrolling through pictures on an app. Through Mar Hick's 2017 book, "Programmed Inequality: How Britain Discarded Women Technologists and Lost Its Edge in Computing", Gillian discovers the revolutionary technology changes and the forgotten history behind finding love online.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on computer dating

This week, the everyday magic of superstitions.

From black cats to breaking mirrors, superstitions, spiritualism, and everyday magic beliefs fulfill a crucial role in society, despite many understanding on some level that they can't be true. The evolutionary root of all things mystical is widely accepted, but with a third of Americans actively engaging with superstitions, why is it still so prevalent today? In light of the current mental health crisis with people desperately searching for something for a source of control, Gillian examines the latest research into what makes us believe the unbelievable. 

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women, and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on magical thinking

This week, the case for superheroes.

William Moulton Marston was a Harvard educated psychologist and the creator of the Wonder Woman comic book series. His academic pursuits involved studying the noticeable psychological differences between masculine and feminine personality traits. This psychological background uniquely qualified him to identify a certain feminine gap in the market. This week, Gillian shares an article discussing the enduring public appetite for the consumption of superheroes and why the creation of the first female superhero became the powerful feminine archetype the world needed. 

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on the rise of Wonder Woman

This week, embracing naturism.

Although being naked is natural, we've culturally evolved since our ancestors first ventured into Europe, resulting in many people today being uncomfortable with showing their skin. But why is this? With recent research demonstrating that practising naturism positively affects our physical and psychological well-being, this week, Gillian explores the changing attitudes towards non-sexual nudity and the potential reasons why we've become increasingly shy.  

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on nudity and the great outdoors

This week, the woman who discovered the Greenhouse Effect.

The morning of August 23rd 1856, could have changed the course of history as Eunice Foote presented her research that discovered and defined the greenhouse effect. However, like many female scientists of her era, her results were disregarded. This week, Gillian discusses the centuries of subtle sexism that kept women sidelined in science and the importance of inspiring young women to pursue STEM subjects through the story of Eunice Foote. 

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on the pioneering climate scientist, Eunice Foote

This week,  visual storytelling.

Art isn’t just decorative. Humans have used images and colour for thousands of years to communicate beyond linguistic limitations. This week, Gillian’s pick contemplates the myriad of ways art serves as a time capsule for memory, time and place long after it’s slipped from our minds, binding us to the artists who created them and all the people who collected them for generations. 

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on the stories art can tell

This week, climate change.

After a week of heatwaves across Europe, Gillian's pick this week reflects on the impact of our changing climate and the urgent and important work ingenious and dedicated scientists and conservationists are doing to rectify it. Coral reefs house over 1500 species, and they have the potential to teach scientists about human regeneration and longevity. So, why are we destroying them? And, is it reversible? Listen and find out. 

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on the race to save the world's coral reefs

This week, Scarlett's story.

With more and more people struggling with mental health and in need of support, Gillian picks this week's story from writer, activist, and journalist Scarlett Curtis. They discuss anxiety, mental health, and the importance of knowing you're not alone. In this deeply personal and moving episode, we traverse the constant ebb and flow of maintaining positive mental health.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson in conversation about her own mental health battles

This week, the women behind HBO's latest documentary.

As we anticipate the Supreme Court ruling on Roe vs Wade, Gillian chooses this story which has captured many people across multiple mediums. Offering a window - and a reminder of collective strength and action - into a not-so-distant future. This is the story of an underground organization in Chicago that helped women safely access abortion, which at the time was generally illegal in all but four states. The women behind the network risked their freedom to offer people who found themselves with an unwanted pregnancy to “call Jane.”

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson on The Janes: an abortion underground network

This week, is there an alternative circle of life?
 
Gillian’s pick for you: a short biography of human excrement and its value. From Aeon magazine, award-winning poo researcher Lina Zeldovich argues that we should consider human excrement as a natural, fully renewable and sustainable resource. Here she reveals why we should praise ourselves as its potent producers, just like the thriftier societies did before us.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson discusses the power of shit

This week, Jodie's story.
 
In this week’s episode, Gillian is joined by writer Jodie Hare. In a world that promotes equality and fairness, Gillian picks Jodie’s story to ask what that means in society today. 

First, we’ll hear Jodie’s piece originally published in Refinery29 about the universal human feeling of being accepted exactly as you are. After, in an honest and moving conversation with Gillian, they discuss the power of early diagnosis, gender bias in medicine, and some of the names worth following in this space.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson in conversation about autism and bias

This week, Gladys' story.

In episode 7 of the series, Gillian spotlights one of history's forgotten women; the incredibly talented Gladys Bentley who was an American entertainer rising to fame in the New York City nightclub scene of the 1920s and 30s. Listen in as Gillian takes a closer look at her story.

How we dress, hold ourselves and present in public still informs so much of both our place in the world and how we see ourselves in relation to it. But, when we look back in time, this trend is not a new one. Reflecting on the fashion of Gladys Bentley, Eleanor Medhurst contextualizes Bentley through her clothing as an openly out Lesbian over 100 years ago.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson profiles a blues singer who broke all the rules

This week, Miranda's story.

Gillian picks a story about the conflicts between domestic and creative life. Stay tuned for the end as she'll also be discussing the challenges women continue to face when balancing careers and motherhood.

At 15, Miranda felt like she needed her mother more than ever. Instead, her mother went away on a writer's retreat. Now, Miranda's a successful novelist too and realises that perhaps her mother's pursuit of not only her career but of herself, wasn't selfish. Rather, she was trapped by the same system of oppression Miranda finds herself in today: inequality.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson reflects on motherhood and careers

This week, Jan's story. 

Gillian shares this piece by the Norwegian writer and scholar, Jan Grue. As a toddler, he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

Reflecting on living in a vulnerable body and how the pandemic has exacerbated the pitfalls of a disabling society, he explores why, for all the advances that have happened, the world is far from equal for disabled people.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson asks how disability discrimination can be eliminated

This week, what makes sex just so magnificent?

In today's episode, Gillian selects two different stories that shed some light on the questions we're dying for answers about.

In the first story this week, Alexandra Jones in The Guardian, wants to know if there's more to good sex than complicated positions or wild lust. This story takes a methodological approach borrowing research from Dr Peggy J. Kleinplatz and her colleagues at Ottawa University who have discovered what really makes it great.

And, for a slightly naughtier story, the second piece is from Jaimie Seaton in Narratively. Recounting a night she and her 'paramour' James gave way to the heady, passionate, throes of their youth; rebelling against the stereotype of age.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Gillian Anderson discusses Magnificent Sex

This week, Chloe's story.

When you look back at the milestones of your life, you'll often find it littered with the people - and pets - that held you, loved you, and ultimately, helped you to learn a little more about who you are. Gillian's pick this week is a beautiful and heart-warming story about our four-legged friends.

Chloe Shaw is a self-described "Mom; Dog Mom; Wife; Tuff Girl; Writer", and the author of What Is a Dog? A Memoir, which is a meditation on one woman's life through the dogs she's loved and lost. In this story originally published in The American Scholar, Chloe reflects on hers — and Booker's — story.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we'll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, "What do I know?!"

Gillian Anderson on falling in love with our dogs

This week, Jason's story. 

In the second episode of this series, Gillian picks this transformative story of love and freedom, and is joined by the author for a discussion following the reading.

Jason Okundaye, is a rising culture writer based In London. In this article originally published in The Guardian, Jason dwells on an affecting moment in time, when he found out his father had passed away: and he came out to his family.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we'll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, "What do I know?!"

Gillian Anderson in conversation with a queer writer on love and freedom

This week, Rita's story.

In this first episode, find out what revered scientist, Rita Levi-Montalcini, discovered, how she did it, and why Gillian wants you to hear her story.

In this article originally published in Nautilus magazine, Bob Goldstein, the head of a biology research lab at the University of North Carolina, pieces together the life and works of Levi-Montalcini; unfurling her incredible perseverance despite adversity.

This is What Do I Know?! with Gillian Anderson. Over the coming weeks, we'll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, "What do I know?!"

Gillian Anderson on a woman who's inspired a generation of scientists

Introducing: Gillian Anderson exclusively on Curio.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to a series of curated audio articles, exploring a range of deeply human stories of social challenges, sexual liberation, phenomenal women and much more. Join us every other Thursday for new episodes as we go on a collective journey of discovery, asking ourselves to truly question, ‘What do I know?!”

Discover Curio Originals
Plus 10,000+ audio articles from 50+ world-leading publications.

Latest episode

Previous episodes

Discover Curio OriginalsPlus 10,000+ audio articles from 50+ world-leading publications.

Latest episode

Previous episodes

Discover Curio Originals
Plus 10,000+ audio articles from 50+ world-leading publications.