Episode
Starre Vartan: The Stronger Sex — Women's Bodies, Endurance, and the Science We've Been Missing
- Podcast
- Tough Girl Podcast
- Published
- Feb 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3127
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Summary
In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, I'm joined by Starre Vartan — science and environment writer, author, and lifelong question-asker whose work sits at the powerful intersection of the human body and the natural world. With a background in geology and biology, Starre began her career as an environmental geologist before pivoting into journalism to tell the stories behind the science. Over the past 15+ years, she's written for publications including National Geographic, Scientific American, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and New Scientist , becoming known for her ability to make science both rigorous and deeply human — especially when it comes to women's bodies. We dive into Starre's latest book, The Stronger Sex: What Science Tells Us About the Power of the Female Body , a myth-busting, research-driven celebration of women's endurance, longevity, adaptability, and strength. From the messages girls receive about their bodies at a young age, to puberty, bone density, menopause, and why women often excel in endurance sports, Starre unpacks the science that has been overlooked — and what it means for women's health, sport, and everyday life. We also talk about Starre's upbringing between Australia and the U.S., the influence of her formidable grandmother, growing up active and outdoors, and how reconnecting with strength training later in life has left her feeling more powerful than ever. This conversation is about listening to your body, trusting its wisdom, and reclaiming strength — physically, mentally, and scientifically. If you've ever been told women are the weaker sex, this episode will change how you think about the female body forever. *** New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you n…