The History Chicks

There are quite a few lines on a tennis court; sideline, baseline, service line - all of which have their functions. But beginning in 1950, a powerful and charismatic African American athlete named Althea Gibson began to smash tennis' color lines, one after another. Althea Gibson broke new ground and changed the world's perception of what was possible in the world of sports. Come join us live at the Missouri History Museum on March 7, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 PM, and March 8 from 11:30-12:00! Spaces are filling fast for our Field Trips to Paris and New York City! Visit Like Minds Travel for details! RocketMoney: rocketmoney.com/HISTORYCHICKS Factor Meals: Use code hc50 for 50% off at Factormeals.com/hc50 Lume: $5 off a starter pack with code CHICKS at LumeDeodorant.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maria Anna Mozart and Clara Schumann were talented and musically gifted women. They were both child prodigies and both dazzled audiences across Europe. While they were (and still are) often put in the shadow of a talented male relative, one woman quietly stepped out of the spotlight while the other fought to stay. Registration is open for our Field Trip to New York City in September of 2024! For information and to register, please visit Like Minds Travel. (While you're there, look at the itinerary for our Paris Field Trip in October, it's almost sold out.) Treat yourself to the best bras on the market and save 20% at Honeylove.com/HISTORYCHICKS, tell them we sent you! Come see us live at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, Missouri on March 7th! For more information visit mohistory.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alice Roosevelt Longworth was once the most famous woman in the world. She graduated from youthful frivolity into the deadly serious role of behind-the-scenes political engine and policy influencer; always the center of the action and (sometimes grudging) admiration wherever she went. Join us in PARIS! Registration is now open to travel with us to Paris in October, 2024! Check out the Field Trip itinerary and sign up at Like Minds Travel And, there are just two spots left for our Field Trip to Austria in June, learn more at Like Minds Travel! This episode is sponsored by: RocketMoney, stop wasting money on things you don't use. Quince, Luxury you deserve. Factor Meals, save 50% on with code hc50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Theodore Roosevelt had many challenges during his career? corruption in the New York police force, the creation of the Panama Canal , the Spanish American war, protecting the Grand Canyon and other national monuments, and groundbreaking anti-trust legislation But the greatest challenge he faced was a volcano in a blue dress, his eldest daughter - flouter of convention, spicy of demeanor, and perhaps the world?s first media superstar?who admirers across the world came to call America?s ?Princess Alice.? Join us on our Field Trip to Austria in June of '24! Only a few spots left, for information and to sign up visit Like Minds Travel This episode is sponsored by: Honeylove, treat yourself and get 20% off with code HISTORYCHICKS at honeylove.com/HISTORYCHICKS Lume Whole Body Deodorant, give it a try, get $5 off a Starter Pack with code CHICKS at lumedeodorant.com RocketMoney, stop wasting money on things you don't use, RocketMoney.com/HISTORYCHICKS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mrs. Claus has a history as colorful as her husband's so we spotlight it in our annual visit to her life! Originally, this episode is from 2014, but it's sort of a time-capsule episode: we've added things over the years, including this year, so if you hear Jingle Bells, there's still more to come! For our shownotes to this episode, visit The History Chicks There is just a handful of spaces left for our June 2024 Field Trip to Austria, it will sell out very soon, for details and to sign up, visit Like Minds Travel Thanks to the sponsor for this episode, visit them at RocketMoney.com/historychicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a child, La Malinche was sold into slavery by her own family. Through a series of curious circumstances, she began working as a translator and cultural interpreter for Hernán Cortés, and became one of the most famous (or infamous) characters in the story of Spain's conquest of Mexico. Join us in June '24 for our Field Trip to Austria! Filling fast, for more information visit Like Minds Travel This episode is sponsored in part by: RocketMoney BetterHelp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please join us and our fellow Field Trip Friends, as we all tell you about our adventures in France! From the glitter of Paris to the Champagne country caves, we share all the highlights of our trip. There's also a very special announcement at the beginning that we're pretty excited about! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy at try at BETTERHELP.COM/CHICKS Join us on our next Field Trip to Austria in June! Details at LIKE MINDS TRAVEL! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As is our annual tradition for both National American Indian Heritage Month and Thanksgiving, we present you with a bonus episode this month, our 2017 coverage of Pocahontas. She did save lives, but her story is far from the fairy tale often presented. For this episode's shownotes, visit us at The History Chicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frances Glessner Lee was the mother of modern forensic medicine; as an heiress and socialite, she might have been expected by her peers to live a staid, placid life. Her immersion into the gory and sometimes alarming world of post-mortem medical work led to remarkable scientific advancement in the field. Working on the famous "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death" - realistic miniature dioramas of crime scenes for training purposes - made her a household name, but her diligence in outreach and research made her irreplaceable. Thank you to our sponsors of this episode and to you for helping to support the show! HONEYLOVE BETTERHELP Visit our website for more information on Frances Glessner Lee! THE HISTORY CHICKS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The History Chicks met fifty listeners in London for the trip of a lifetime! From the coziness of Jane Austen's house to the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, we left no stone unturned in this magical city. We wanted you to hear from the chicks and roosters that accompanied us on our journey... and so we invited them to help make this episode. You'll hear tales of art, theater, adventure, and (of course) history - but perhaps the greatest experiences for the 50 people on this journey were the lifelong friendships we made along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While we're on a Field Trip, we turned the show over to the Roosters this week with a Veuve Clicquot adjacent subject: The History of Absinthe with The Gilded Gentleman, Carl Raymond. Keep an ear out for cameos from Bowery Boy Greg Young, and Chris Graham Beckett's husband. Carl talks with Don Spiro, creator of New York's Green Fairy Society to tell the truth, and bust the myths, surrounding this historic beverage. For show notes on this episode, visit The Bowery Boys New York History. Thank you, Carl, Don, Greg, and Chris! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbe-Nicole Clicquot built a luxury empire amid the turbulent politics of post-Revolution France. After years of battling everything from Napoleon to Mother Nature herself, she finally rocketed to worldwide fame after one daring escapade, Raise your glasses to the Grande Dame of Champagne! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dove into our archives for the story of Maria Montessori who revolutionized education during the early 20th century with her unique approach to child-led learning. Maria was convinced that the children of the world were the key to peace on earth, and her methods and techniques are still used in childhood education today. If you would like to join us on our Thames River Dinner Cruise in London on September 29th, 2023, or our Seine Dinner Cruise on October 8, 2023, visit Like Minds Travel for information and to sign up. We hope to see you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lillian Gilbreth should be remembered for any of her life accomplishments: psychologist, industrial engineer, author, inventor, and pioneer in the field of industrial psychology. From her collection of degrees to her equal partnership marriage to her work with Presidents and to the trailblazing example she set for us modern mothers...she should be remembered for a lot more than simply, "the mother on Cheaper by the Dozen". Let's do something about that. We selected this episode to replay today for a very important reason. Hear that reason when you hit PLAY. If you are going to be in either Paris or London early this fall, we would love to have dinner with you on our Seine or Thames River Dinner Cruises! For dates and to sign up, visit: LIKE MINDS TRAVEL LOCAL MEET-UPS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The live-action movie, Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig is opening and we're not only buying tickets and wearing our Barbie pink but we're also looking back on our coverage of this iconic figure and the woman who created her: Ruth Handler. If you're interested in joining us on our Thames or Seine River, Local's Meet-up Dinner Cruises this fall when we're in London and Paris, head on over to Like Minds Travel for information and to sign up! We hope to see you there! https://www.likemindstravel.com/local-meet-ups/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While we couldn't confirm that Queen Charlotte was a woman of color, we can tell you about two women who were and who lived aristocratic lives in Georgian and Victorian England: Dido Elizabeth Belle and Sarah Forbes Bonetta. There is a Little Ears warning for the beginning of the second half, the story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, for violence and trauma to a child. Those who are sensitive or have little kids in the room should skip or preview and pick up at about the 48:00 minute mark. If you would like to join us in London in September either on our Field Trip or the Thames Dinner Cruise, visit https://www.likemindstravel.com/the-history-chicks-field-trip-to-london-2/ for details! We hope to see you there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we bring you our traditional holiday coverage of the life and times of the Statue of Liberty; from her conception at a dinner party in France to the symbol of hope she has become for the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As her world turns from cozy to chaotic, we conclude our series on the real life of Queen Charlotte of Great Britain. The truth of her story is even more dramatic than the fictional retelling in the Bridgerton Netflix series! Our Field Trip to London this September is almost full. If you would like to join us or learn more, visit our friends at Like Minds Travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Season is now upon us, all the elegant individuals of the ton await news regarding their beloved queen. With scandalous fabrications confusing even the most learned members of our society, we feel that it is our duty to distinguish aspersion and misrepresentations from veracity in the tale of this 18th Century matriarch. In many regards, we assure you, the fact is as dramatic as the fiction. Yours very truly - The History Chicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dozens of listeners joined us in our nation's capital for a whirlwind long weekend to visit sites, marvel at objects, learn from experts, and make new friends. Here, in their own voices, are the stories from our DC travelers in an episode we're calling an "audio postcard"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only the most iconic of women are known simply by their first name, and Jackie is one of them. Her life was a complicated collage of privilege, challenge, balance, and reinvention. We've combined and remastered our two previous episodes on Jackie for this one mega-episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ona Judge defied one of the most revered historical figures in America in order to escape the institution of slavery. Though she spent the rest of her life as a fugitive, she managed to direct her own existence on her own terms; answering to no one, free at last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some called her The Mother of the Country, some curtseyed and called her Lady Washington, but no one could doubt that she was uniquely capable to shoulder the responsibilities and rigors of both war and diplomacy. Martha Washington's philosophy of "duty over inclination" became the template for future First Ladies in the newly-formed United States of America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By modeling, educating, and encouraging others, Mrs. Bethune spent her life carrying a torch that shed a light on actionable ways to change hearts and minds and build bridges to education and equality for all. Her mission touched lives across the globe, while she cherished those closest to her heart in Daytona, Florida. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary McLeod Bethune was born to carry the light for others to follow. Now known as "The First Lady of the Struggle", Mrs. Bethune dedicated her entire life to the causes of education and equality for all. She swept everyone she met, from sharecroppers to the President of the United States, into her vision for a better world. Would you like to join us on our Field Trip to London? Go to: Like Minds Travel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nzinga was the warrior queen who held back Portuguese colonization in her African kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, kept many of her people from being captured and traded, offered refuge to anyone who needed it, and used every move at her disposal (including shifting alliances, religions and some pretty gruesome tactics) to rule for almost 40 years of the 17th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miss Perkins travels to Washington to become Madam Secretary - and the architect of The New Deal. Her ferocious battles with the status quo during these years later led President Kennedy to call her "one of the most controversial, dangerous figures who ever roamed the United States." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of our three-part coverage, Frances Perkins was galvanized by the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire tragedy to turn her talents for research into reform. Her reputation for intelligence, thoroughness and honesty (and the connections she made along the way) led to a meteoric climb into the highest echelon of state government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once again, we are dropping in to bring you the history of an unsung Christmas hero - Mrs. Claus. Where did she come from? What is her role in the festive season? We'll tell you all about her in this annual minicast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Line by line over the course of her life, Frances Perkins drew the blueprint for a better society; one that protected the weak, curbed the unethical, and provided a humanist framework for government. As the first woman ever to serve in a Presidential cabinet, Ms. Perkins was officially empowered to go ahead and build her vision of a better country, enacting reforms that affect each of us, even today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pocahontas did save lives... just not the way (or the one) that you've been taught. For both Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving, we revisit this 2017 episode to tell her real, not Disneyfied, story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She was just a teen when she took on lighthouse keeper responsibilities and bravely began saving lives--and risking her own--while doing what she looked at as her daily responsibilities. She attracted (not necessarily welcome) worldwide attention, but would she ever get official recognition and compensation for her work? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forty travelers, four hosts, and thirty seagulls headed out to experience podcast-based adventures in historic and iconic New England. We laughed, we cried, we learned a lot - and made friends (and memories) that we'll keep for life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've combined our previous coverage of Empress Sisi of Austria because she's getting a lot of screen time these days and we found ourselves in need of a refresher, so we thought you might be, too. Both the Netflix series, The Empress, and a theatrical release, Corsage, cover different time periods in the life of this young noblewoman who was plucked from obscurity and shoved onto the world stage. She found the limelight a difficult place in which to live, but her beauty and her genuine concern for the common people earned her the status of a reluctant icon. Sisi's ultimate death shocked the whole world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a deprived childhood bereft of opportunities, Nell Gwynn endeavored to parlay her charm and talent in order to improve her lot in life. She captured the attention of a king, delighted the public both onstage and off, and became a folklore heroine who is still remembered today as the "pretty, witty" personality who might have been created especially to put her world into a good humor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, we both chat with Liza Powel O'Brien, host of Significant Others Podcast. We talk about a lot, but it's mostly like listening to a great conversation at the next table in a coffee shop where the people talking are all female history podcasters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Britain's Queen Elizabeth 2 - we offer this homage, from our second show The Recappery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Mary Walker challenged society's ideas of what a woman should look like, how a woman should think, and what a woman could become. During her military service, and within the suffrage movement, she often had to seize what she wanted from unwilling hands... and her rivals in both realms attempted to erase her from history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth Van Lew and Belle Boyd had a lot in common: They were born in the same state, they died the same year and they both were spies during the same war...but for opposing sides! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The beautiful and charming Elizabeth Chudleigh had society wrapped around her little finger... until she made a fateful mistake. One night's impulsive decision to marry the man she met on vacation turned her life into a game of secrets, strategy, and spectacle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After three years of planning (and changing those plans) we embarked on a trip of a lifetime! With over 50 of our friends from the other side of the mic, we visited places we've only talked about for years! Join us and our traveling companions as we report on the places we visited and the lessons we learned. It's our How We Spent Our Summer Vacation report! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Covid has sidelined us this week, so instead of talking, we've remastered and combined our 2012 coverage of all the wives of Henry VIII into this one supersized episode. Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love the Gilded Age here at The History Chicks! We have a special treat for you: a guest appearance by historian Carl Raymond of the Gilded Gentleman Podcast. In Act 1,"Invisible Magicians," he pays tribute to the world of the domestic servant, and in Act 2, "Golden Plates and Dinners on Horseback," he'll give you a peek into the over-the-top social events of the moneyed few. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a modern queen prepares for her Platinum Jubilee this month, we take a look back at another queen, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth Taylor emerged from personal turmoil with a new mission; to be an advocate for the victims of AIDS. Her name became synonymous with humanitarian efforts for this cause. Not content with just one reinvention, she also put her tremendous energy into the foundation of a global perfume empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth's story isn't even close to over! We have several marriages, lots of drama, even more movies, some scary medical issues, and some very bold and brave moves ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One word simply won't do - Elizabeth Taylor was a daughter, an actor, a wife (a wife, a wife, a wife, a wife-wife, a wife, and a wife), an activist, a jewelry collector, an entrepreneur... and an icon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of Susan's mom, and as a refresh as we all dive into the new HBO Max series, Julia, we revisit the life of this iconic and effervescent television personality and cookbook author who brought French cooking into American homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kidnapped as a young girl and sold into slavery in a foreign land, Hurrem Sultan captured the heart of a king... and transformed the course of an empire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to National Women's History Month and International Women's Day in March, we also celebrate National Social Work Month. With all that in mind, we've re-mastered and edited our coverage of Jane Addams, the Mother of Social work into one episode...an LP if you will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices