"This was one woman with a very little life, who made the most enormous difference." Celia Brayfield shares with Katie the story of Anna Sewell who, on her death bed, wrote a story and changed the world. Black Beauty was no mere "horse book." It catapulted the cause of animal rights and became one of the bestselling books of all time. But Anna Sewell -a quiet, humble Quaker- didn't change the world by preaching: she changed the world by listening . You can find Celia Brayfield's new book, Writin...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr•Season 17Ep. 129
In 1931, a young American aspiring writer set off for what she thought would be a one-year adventure in China. Hoping to gain life experience so she could eventually write the Great American Novel - she would instead become famous as the "Voice of China" to the west, and improve the lives of millions of people in the process. Olivia talks with Helen Foster Snow's great-nephew Adam Foster and her friend and translator Professor An Wei in this unexpected and inspiring episode. Learn more about you...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr•Season 16Ep. 128
Selma Lagerlöf poetically recorded old Norse fairytales and profoundly influenced Swedish identity. Her work was so brilliant, she was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1909. In old age, she turned her poetic pen to her own life, recalling winters in the 1860s at her beloved Varmland farmhouse, Mårbaka. For our annual Christmas Special, we bring her poignant memoirs to life, accompanied by an audio feast of traditional Swedish music. God Jul! Music featured in this episode...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr•Season 16Ep. 127
When Alice Roosevelt's dad became President of the United States, her family became the center of attention for the entire country (and the world) - and that was just how she liked it. Whether smoking on the White House roof, racing her bright red motorcar through the streets of Washington DC, or wearing her snake Emily Spinach as jewelry while attending Congressional Balls - Alice scandalized her parents and delighted the nation. But that was just the beginning. Olivia interviews Shelley Fraser...
Dec 02, 2023•1 hr•Season 16Ep. 126
Come with us to peak Gilded Age America! We'll watch a charmingly unconventional love story unfold, cure yellow fever, stare at some incredible wallpaper and explore fascinating reasons why women should NOT vote. Katie takes us on location to Ethel Gibson Allen's Boston mansion, now the Gibson House Museum . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 15, 2023•59 min•Season 16Ep. 125
Countess Elizabeth Báthory was a monster - a sadistic, murderous, vampire-witch who, in her castle in Hungary in the early 1600s, tortured and murdered over 600 young girls, then bathed in the blood of her victims. Or did she? Was she truly the supreme supernatural evil of 500 years of legend? Or was she an innocent victim of witch-hunt hysteria and political scheming? Or was she something else entirely? Dig into the mysteries of this gruesome, complicated tale with our guest, legal historian Ki...
Oct 12, 2023•55 min•Season 16Ep. 124
Without the daughters of Genghis Khan, there would have been no Mongol Empire. Four women ruled over North, South, East, and West, in what would become the largest land empire in the history of the world. It's a story you've never heard, because the sisters were literally cut out of the Mongol records. Join us with eminent Mongol scholar Jack Weatherford, who went searching for the missing story... and found it. Illustrations by Brooke Smart. Want to help us “make history”? Become a Patron or Do...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 16Ep. 123
Say you join a revolution in the name of liberty and equality. Then someone hands you a crown. Could you do more good, with that power? Or will everything fall apart? Come with us to Haiti and across Europe in the twisty-turny tale of THE QUEEN OF HAITI, Marie-Louise Christophe. Katie's guest is Vanessa Riley , author of Queen of Exiles . To learn more about the sound recordings by anthropologist Alan Lomax, check out CulturalEquity.org , and the American Folklife Center . We featured "Valtz Cre...
Sep 13, 2023•51 min•Season 16Ep. 122
How did a 25-year-old German Jewish refugee with no formal photography training become 'half of' the most celebrated war photographer in history? Returning guest Kip Wilson takes us right into the heart of the Spanish Civil War to meet Gerda Taro - subject of Wilson's newest novel One Last Shot and the most famous photojournalist you've never heard of. Music featured in this episode was provided by Trialogo, The Mini Vandals, Sir Cubworth, Doug Maxwell, Aaron Kenny, and Esther Abrami. Want to he...
Aug 30, 2023•46 min•Season 16Ep. 121
How did a lifelong cleaning lady become one of the most beloved painters in French history? In 1905, the voice of the Virgin Mary told orphaned, uneducated maid Seraphine to paint, and she obeyed. Her small French town was on the front line of both world wars, and through it all she painted her kaleidoscopic view. She gave her paintings to everyone in town...who promptly tossed them in the fireplace. She died penniless and unknown, but when a film about her aired on French television a couple ye...
Jul 12, 2023•59 min•Season 15Ep. 120
The day "Rattlesnake Kate" Slaughterback (armed with only a rifle, 4 bullets, and a "No Hunting" sign) successfully shot, slashed and smashed her way through hundreds of rattlesnakes to save herself and her son, a legend was born. But that's just the beginning of her story... Olivia is on location at the Greeley History Museum with Grammy-nominated musician and composer Neyla Pekarek (formerly of The Lumineers ), whose musical Rattlesnake Kate premiered in 2022 at the Denver Center for the Perfo...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 15Ep. 119
The Pharaoh Hatshepsut is probably the most successful woman king Egypt ever had - so why doesn't anyone know how to say her name? Discover this enigmatic, fascinating woman with returning guest and fan-favorite Egyptologist Kara Cooney . Music featured in this episode used by kind permission of Michael Levy, Remon Sakr, Kevin MacLeod and Quincas Moreira. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 15Ep. 118
“I have only one favor to ask of people: to take care of their stories.” When Mary Kawena Puku’i was born, her grandmother named her the PUNA HELE, the one who would carry their Hawaiian tradition and culture into the future. Not an easy task, since she was born in 1895-- the year Hawaii was overthrown and annexed by the United States! But she rose to the task, working tirelessly her entire life to record Hawaiian language and culture...with magnificent and inspiring results! Guest Dr. Eve Okura...
May 10, 2023•40 min•Season 15Ep. 117
When Clara Ford - a poor, Black, cross-dressing, pipe smoking, single mother - was arrested for the murder of dashing, young, white Frank Westwood, nobody expected her to avoid the noose. So how did this unexpected heroine talk her way out of the death sentence - even after she confessed? Olivia takes us to 19th century Toronto for a wild True Crime adventure with Carolyn Whitzman, author of the fascinating new book Clara at the Door With a Revolver . Join us as we uncover the truth (or do we?) ...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 15Ep. 116
In a deep dark underwater cave, Mexican divers in 2007 found a mountain of prehistoric animal bones…and one human skeleton. It was Naia– the oldest skeleton ever discovered in the Americas. What can her bones tell us about our human origins? And more than that, what do they tell us about what it means to be human? Come with us on location to Dos Palmas cenote in Mexico, as Katie interviews returning guest Gabo Cemé. Music featured in this episode by Kevin McLeod, ELPHNT, Jimena Contreras, Patric...
Apr 12, 2023•54 min•Season 15Ep. 115
Her pioneering work on solar heat and solar energy would change science forever – but it was her passionate dedication to humanity that made her a true visionary. Meet the remarkable Maria Telkes, subject of the amazing American Experience documentary The Sun Queen, with Olivia’s guests: Writer/Producer Gene Tempest and Director Amanda Pollack. Music featured in this episode provided by: Amanda Setlik Wilson, The Mini Vandals, Esther Abrami, I Think I Can Help You, and Joel Cummins. Want to help...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 15Ep. 114
Her story was long consigned to legend and fantasy. An Irish pirate queen who commanded a fleet of ships from Spain to Scotland…in the 1500s?! Not likely. But in the 1990s, historian Anne Chambers found a trove of documents in a dusty old chest at Westport House, and the tales of Grace O’Malley were proven to be marvelously, fantastically, true. Join Katie on location in Ireland for a swashbuckling tale like no other! Music featured in this episode included Kevin MacLeod, Doug Maxwell, David Lim...
Mar 15, 2023•50 min•Season 15Ep. 113
When the mothers of Love Canal learned that their neighborhood was built on a chemical dump, they began the fight of their lives. First for information, and then to escape their own homes. But without biologist Beverly Paigen - who put her reputation, her career, and maybe even her own safety on the line - it would never have happened. Discover this remarkable and infuriating story with returning guest Keith O'Brien , New York Times bestselling author of author of Paradise Falls. Music featured ...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 14Ep. 112
We often hear about history’s various Golden Ages, but what about when good times were over? Maria van Nispen, a bricklayer’s daughter, came of age during the Dutch “Disaster Year,” 1672. Justice, stability, even the Republic itself seemed lost. If you can’t change the world, change yourself… Travel with Katie to Leiden archives to unearth this remarkable tale with guest Susan Suer. Music featured in this episode includes Jimena Contreras, Doug Maxwell, Sir Cubworth, Emmit Fenn, Wahneta Meixsell...
Jan 25, 2023•43 min•Season 14Ep. 111
When Lusia Harris convinced her parents to let her try out for High School basketball, she never could've anticipated she'd end up scoring the first basket in Olympic Women’s Basketball history. Facing unprecedented hurdles at every step of her career, she broke records, made history, and changed women’s sports forever... and that’s just the beginning! Olivia interviews guest Andrew Maraniss , author of Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First Us Women's Olympic Basketball Team (a 2002 Boo...
Jan 11, 2023•43 min•Season 14Ep. 110
The darkest time of year inspires us all to reflect on the meaning and power of Home. Experience Christmas in a grand country house through the eyes of an Edwardian child in this charming reading of Phyllis Elinor Sandeman’s memoir, A Country House Christmas p erformed by returning What'sHerName favorite Jay Stelling. Guest Jay Stelling is an illustrator, doll maker and storyteller from North Yorkshire, England, and an assistant at Mother Shipton’s Cave . She graduated in 2018 from Leeds Arts Un...
Dec 14, 2022•44 min•Season 14Ep. 109
She always wanted to make it to Broadway. Instead she became Hollywood’s most iconic cowgirl, roping and riding (and most importantly – singing!) her way into the hearts of millions of fans. So when your life is one giant triumph – but not the triumph you aimed for – what do you do? Olivia interviews Theresa Kaminski , author of the wonderful new biography Queen of the West: The Life and Times of Dale Evans . Music featured in this episode included: Aaron Kenny, Jesse Gallagher, Zacharaiah Hickm...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 14Ep. 100
St. Brigid tended an eternal flame in Kildare, Ireland, while caring for people, animals, and the earth. And though she lived 1500 years ago, her story is seeing a huge resurgence in the 21st century. Come on location with Katie to the Solas Bhride Centre in Kildare to meet Brigidine nun, Sister Rita Minehan. We promise a balm for your weary soul! _________________________ We're going back to Kildare for St. Brigid's Day 2026 and YOU'RE INVITED ! Music featured in this episode included: “Karitas...
Nov 14, 2022•57 min•Season 14Ep. 107
What would it look like to live a life without fear? Mary Seacole’s story may hold the answer! She spent her life rushing from one catastrophe to the next, doing anything she could to ease human suffering – without a single thought for her own safety. From disease-infested Panamanian goldmines to the horrific battlefield hospitals of Crimea – Mary spent her life being “relentlessly useful” … but how on earth did she do it? Olivia interviews historian Helen Rappaport , author of the fascinating n...
Nov 03, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 15Ep. 106
The most prolific poisoner of all time couldn’t possibly have been a woman. Right??! Goeie Mie, “Good Maria,” was such a kindly nurse that desperate folks in 19th-century Leiden called her when they were sick, knowing she’d come even if they couldn’t pay. But they got worse, and worse, and usually died in misery. Goeie Mie had life insurance on all of them. Travel on location to Leiden, The Netherlands with Katie in this spooky Halloween Special ! ___________________ Goeie Mie Gin has branched o...
Oct 17, 2022•41 min•Season 14Ep. 106
The richest, most famous person you’ve never heard of is Harriot Mellon. An icon of the stage in Regency England, she rose from abject poverty and abuse to become the wealthiest woman in the country. More surprising still: she was the sweetest, most wholesome soul you’ll ever meet. Guest Dr Ian Mortimer is the author of over twenty books on the history of England, which have sold more than a million copies and been translated into fifteen languages. He’s been described by The Times as ‘the most ...
Aug 16, 2022•56 min•Season 13Ep. 104
When Sir Christopher Wren was tasked with redesigning Westminster Abbey in 1697, his extravagant vision was brought to life by Head Abbey Carpenter Elizabeth Gregory. In an era when men ruled supreme, this remarkable woman oversaw every one of the hundreds of carpenters working for the Abbey – for over fifteen years. Discover the mysterious life of Elizabeth Gregory, on-location with Westminster Abbey Community Learning Officer Aaron Paterson. Take a virtual tour of the Queen’s Gallery at Westmi...
Aug 03, 2022•47 min•Season 13Ep. 103
What really matters in life? Family, love, kindness, freedom…? And if you had to pick just one, which would it be? Caty Taylor, enslaved at Montpelier Plantation , had to choose. Her brother was sold, her sister joined the largest escape attempt in American history… but Caty stayed. They all took different paths but – miracle of miracles – found a happy ending. Learn more about Caty and many of the plantation’s other enslaved residents at Montpelier’s wonderful Naming Project . Discover more ama...
Jul 19, 2022•39 min•Season 13Ep. 102
Luisa Spagnoli overcame childhood poverty – and the infamously misogynistic fascism of Mussolini’s Italy – to become one of the most famous and influential chocolatiers (and fashion designers!) in European history. But how did she do it?! Olivia interviews Dr. Diana Garvin, author of Feeding Fascism . __________________ Travel with us in the footsteps of Luisa Spagnoli! We're headed to the Perugina chocolate factory and so much more on our LOST WOMEN OF ITALY TOUR -- now open for registration! D...
Jul 07, 2022•59 min•Season 13Ep. 101
For too long, the story of human history has been a story of men . But how would the story change if we put the ‘lost women’ center stage? In our 100th Episode Special, we tell the whole history of the world, in one sweeping narrative, through all 100 What’sHerName women ! Find links to every episode of What'sHerName on our website , or order Katie and Olivia's new book The Book of Sisters from our Bookshop or anywhere books are sold. Music featured in this episode was provided by Tower of Light...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 47 min•Season 13Ep. 100
