What happened to the women who defined the soundtrack of our lives?

In this episode, Jen dives into the rise, disappearance, and long-overdue resurgence of the women in music who shaped the ‘90s and early 2000s. From Meredith Brooks to Tori Amos to Missy Elliott, this is a conversation about truth-telling, industry bias, cultural memory, and why so many iconic women were labeled, dismissed, or erased—while their music lived on.

But this isn’t just about the past. It’s about what’s changing now—and why midlife women are leading the charge in reclaiming these artists and giving them the recognition they’ve always deserved.

This one is part nostalgia, part cultural critique, and fully fired up.

🎶 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

The moment “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks hit differently—and why it still does
The pattern: how women in music were celebrated, then quietly pushed aside
Why artists like Tori Amos still aren’t getting the recognition they deserve
The double standard between male and female artists (and why it still exists)
Missy Elliott’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction—and what took so long
How streaming and TikTok are rewriting the rules of music longevity
Why midlife women are reclaiming the narrative (and refusing to stay quiet)
The question we should be asking: who are we overlooking right now?

💥 Key Takeaways

The music never disappeared—the industry just moved on from the women who made it
Women in music have historically been judged differently, labeled faster, and supported less
Cultural recognition doesn’t always come when it should—but it can come later
We’re in the middle of a shift—and women (especially in midlife) are driving it
Two things can be true: progress is happening, and there’s still a long way to go

🖤 A Note From Jen

This episode started with a song on the radio… and turned into something much bigger.

Because it’s not just about music—it’s about voice.
It’s about being complicated. Loud. Emotional. Honest.
And refusing to shrink just because someone decided your moment was over.

Spoiler: it’s not.

📣 Call to Action

This week, go back and listen to a deep cut—not just the hit.

Then ask yourself:
👉 Who are we doing this to right now?

Come tell me:
Who deserves more flowers than they’ve gotten?

📲 Instagram & TikTok: @TheJenWeinstein
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🎤 Share the Episode

If this one hit for you, send it to:

Your music-obsessed friend
Your sister
Your teenage daughter
Anyone who needs a reminder that women’s voices don’t expire

⭐️ Don’t Forget

Follow, rate, and review The Midlife Edit—it helps more women find these conversations (and keeps them going).