Episode 118

full
Published on:

26th Mar 2025

118: Breaking the Mold: Jodi Bondi Norgaard on Transforming Gender Stereotypes

Have you ever noticed how the dolls on the toy market seem to prioritize fashion over the diverse qualities real young girls possess? In a world where toys often promote unrealistic standards and gender stereotypes, Jodi Bondi Norgaard stands out as a trailblazer advocating for change. Her mission? To design dolls that represent real-life girls and inspire confidence beyond appearances.

Jodi’s venture into creating sports dolls wasn’t just about introducing a new toy to the market. It was a bold move against deep-rooted gender stereotypes. Despite facing skepticism and resistance from retailers who doubted that anything other than fashion dolls would sell, Jodi persevered. Her journey transitioned from a business endeavor to a mission of social change, supporting gender equality and challenging the patriarchal norms that pervade our society.

In addition to her impactful doll line, Jodi authored "More Than a Doll," highlighting her fight against gender stereotypes in toys and media. As a recognized leader, she has engaged with influential platforms like the White House Gender Policy Council and spoken at forums, continuously advocating for gender equality.

Although progress remains slow and the fight for gender equality ongoing, Jodi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in one’s cause. It serves as a call to action for all of us to question the norms, break down barriers, and support movements that promote equality and freedom for every individual.

Jodi’s message is clear: Stay strong and stand tall. Recognize and trust in your inner strength and intuition. By fostering these values in the younger generation, we build a foundation where both girls and boys can grow up in a world unbound by gender stereotypes.

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:40 Jodi's Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship
  • 04:55 The Aha Moment: Realizing Gender Inequality
  • 12:16 Creating Go Go Sports Girls: The Inspiration
  • 18:49 Challenges in the Toy Industry
  • 21:21 Reflecting on the Journey
  • 21:33 Media Attention and Gender Equality
  • 22:03 Challenges and Persistence
  • 26:35 The Turning Point: Walmart Opportunity
  • 29:35 Publishing the Book
  • 35:26 Poem and Future Aspirations
  • 38:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources mentioned in this episode:

About the Host: 

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion of consciousness to the world. She is a Holistic Life Coach who supports women through one-on-one coaching, tailored groups, and workshops. 

Connect with Jodi

Connect with Maureen 

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Disclaimer: This information in this podcast is to be used for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose and treat any healthy problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific situation. For my full disclaimer, visit https://www.maureenspielman.com

Subscribe to the Podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Mystical Sisterhood

About the Podcast

Mystical Sisterhood
Mystical Sisterhood is a celebration of women interested in connection to themselves, community, and the Universe. If you are a woman seeking conscious conversations on modern spirituality, understanding your soul’s journey, contemplating new directions in life, and mystical practices, you are in the right place!

The weekly podcast is hosted by Maureen Spielman, a Transformational Life Coach, trained in the Art and Practice of Spiritual Psychology, as well as Integrative Wellness and Conscious Parenting.

Maureen boldly invites the questions we only feel safe enough to ask in the community of other curious women ready to shift the current paradigm and soar. These curated conversations marry what we think of as our mainstream lives with the mystical.

Each episode infuses everyday women with the strength and clarity to rise above the self-limiting beliefs we have all heard on repeat in our heads so we can step into the limitless possibilities for shining and thriving in this lifetime.

Through interviews with healers, intuitives, and other courageous women doing the work of developing our inner lives, Maureen explores how to leave the lack dance behind, reclaim our worthiness, honor our intuition, and let the light in so we can more clearly see the light in others (and ourselves).

If you want to join this global movement of healers and seekers creating a new paradigm convened by an authentic woman who embodies the transformation practices she promotes, subscribe and listen to the Mystical Sisterhood podcast today.

Follow Maureen on Instagram @maureenspielman
Support This Show

About your host

Profile picture for Maureen Spielman

Maureen Spielman

Maureen Spielman is the Founder of Mystical Sisterhood, a podcast dedicated to bringing more joy, healing and expansion to the world. She is a seasoned life coach who supports individuals through one-on-one coaching, groups and workshops.