This podcast episode explores the historical significance of Barbie dolls as a reflection of women's progress in the workforce. Barb Flowers, a former coordinator in economic education, developed a lesson plan using Barbie dolls to teach students about women's labor history. The lesson includes analyzing data on women's workforce participation and ordering career Barbie cards chronologically. Barbie's careers have often been a leading indicator of women's progress, such as the introduction of Astronaut Barbie before the first American woman went to space. However, Barbie has also reflected jobs where women were already well represented. The episode also delves into the experiences of women in economics and education and discusses the role of gender in retirement.