Takeaways From Greg Deshields Podcast Featuring Monica Ohlinger
by Rachel Ryan, Enlight Media
Monica Ohlinger, founder of Ohlinger Studios and co-creator of In Context, joined Greg Deshields on his podcast, Something to Say. They talked about how history, identity, and inclusion come together in the video-based learning series, In Context.
Monica shared how In Context evolved from a deep academic foundation and a creative spark: combining Ohlinger Studios’ expertise in educational publishing with Enlight Media’s video storytelling strengths. In Context’s newly launched series, Women Rising: Overcoming Patriarchy in America, is the focus of this conversation.
Listen to the full Greg Deshields “Something to Say” podcast at https://somethingtosaywithgregdeshields.com/
Here’s a recap of what was discussed.
More than Victims: The Agency of Women Throughout U.S. History
Monica explains that Women Rising is rooted in two core themes: persistence and resilience. Far from portraying women as passive victims of history, the series celebrates how women have continuously found ways to fight back,; working within and against systems that sought to limit them.
“Women have always wanted the rights that we have now and have fought for those rights. When they hit barriers, they found ways to work around them.”
Women Rising isn’t only about the famous names we recognize such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Eleanor Roosevelt. The collection also celebrates the everyday women who defied expectations and shaped history in their own communities. From WWII factory workers to modern-day advocates like Lilly Ledbetter, Women Rising lifts up the stories of women whose quiet resistance changed the world.
Frances Beal and the Roots of Intersectionality
One story in particular stands out to Monica: Frances Beal. A Black woman who found herself marginalized in both the civil rights and feminist movements, Beal became a trailblazer by articulating the concept of intersectionality before it had a name.
“She wrote Double Jeopardy: To Be Black and Female, and she really started the conversation that feminism must include Black women, poor women, and queer women too,” Monica says.
That multidimensional understanding of identity—and the systemic forces at play—runs throughout Women Rising and is part of what makes the series so resonant.
Why Historical Context Still Matters
The podcast explores why history remains such a necessary (and sometimes uncomfortable) tool in today’s social climate. Monica reflects on how even well-educated friends were unfamiliar with key events highlighted by In Context collections, like the Tulsa massacre or redlining. That gap in knowledge isn’t just academic—it affects our ability to be effective allies.
“When you give people the history, they’re more open to the solutions. It’s not about ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ when you realize people have had a boot on their neck.”
Monica challenges listeners to reject the “Hallmark card version” of American history and embrace a fuller, more inclusive narrative—one that doesn’t erase the contributions of marginalized groups but enriches the story of who we are.
Know Your Story. Tell Your Story.
As the episode closes, Monica shares a deeply personal message:
“Talk to your mom, your grandma, your aunt. Get your story. Know it. I guarantee there are stories you’ve never heard that will change your mind about things.”
Right now, backlash against inclusion and belonging efforts reminds us that reclaiming history isn’t just about looking back; it’s about shaping a more equitable future.
Explore the Something to Say Podcast Series
Learn more about Greg DeShields Something to Say podcast at https://somethingtosaywithgregdeshields.com/
Explore the Series
Learn more about Women Rising: Overcoming Patriarchy in America and the broader In Context platform at www.InContextNow.com