The History Chicks : A Women's History Podcast

Martha Gellhorn was one of the most influential war correspondents of the 20th century. Over the course of a 60-year career, she reported from nearly every major global conflict - the Spanish Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and more. In her work, she focused a compassionate eye on the lives of ordinary people caught up in turmoil beyond their control, and this made her coverage uniquely powerful. Her personal bravery and determination made her into a legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, an eleven-year-old girl named Sarah Rector struck it rich with a discovery that was perfectly timed for the rise of the automobile and the expansion of American manufacturing. After hitting the jackpot, she had to escape the minefields of greed, racism, politics, and public opinion in order to build a satisfying life for herself at last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American Revolution changed the way the world worked; the principles of governance in the new country laid the foundation for movements all over the world. On November 16th, Ken Burns and his team premiere their 6-part documentary series on PBS called, as you might have guessed, "The American Revolution" We had the opportunity to sit down with co-director Sarah Botstein to talk about the inspiration and impact of this conflict. This is the interview that we previously posted at the end of our Betsy Ambler episode, and we thought it was important to post it again as a standalone bonus episode, for easier access. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1860, Elizabeth Packard was committed to a mental institution by her husband - for YEARS - for the crime of speaking her mind . This practice was completely legal at the time, and she had no mechanism by which to free herself from confinement - despite the fact that she was completely sane. Her three-year ordeal would turn her into a powerful activist on behalf of rights for both the mentally ill and for married women, who at this time had few legal protections against those that would oppress them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine de Medici lived in a century defined by the the contributions of remarkable women, and she distinguished herself as one of the most remarkable of them all. No longer an apprentice in the art of intrigue, she was sharp and strategic and brave in ways that defied cultural expectations Whatever her reputation became, her capacity for calculated action was matched by her courage in the face of adversity, all focused on one goal; to be the custodian of her family's legacy on the throne of France - against all opponents. Registration is now open for our April, 2026 Field Trip to London! For more information and to register, visit LIKE MINDS TRAVEL! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's field trip time again! We took 50 listeners with us to the cradle of our country - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over the course of a long weekend, we absorbed the sites and stories we'd learned about in school, and learned about those figures whose vital contributions have faded over time. Through our exposure to the artifacts, places and people at the heart of our country's founding, we began to comprehend that the freedoms we enjoy today were the result of hard-won battles and sacrifices from those who have gone before us; a torch we must pass to those who follow. You'll also hear stories of ghosts, museums, ice cream, gallivanting, and that most hallowed of indulgences: the Philly Cheese Steak. Thanks to all of the travelers who made this field trip a success, and we hope to see every listener on the bus someday. We call the back seat! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The road to equality has never run smooth - in part 2, Alice Paul and the suffragists finally achieve their goal of a constitutional amendment giving women the vote - but not until a great deal of lobbying, schisms, sacrifice, and sheer willingness to go against the grain at every occasion. Never one to rest for long, Alice then had a greater aspiration - an Equal Rights Amendment that would enshrine equality for women in the constitution , which she co-wrote in 1923. One hundred years later, the ERA has yet to pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alice Paul was one of the most prominent activists of the 20th-century women's rights movement, who believed that moral authority always trumps the letter of the law; injustices must be called out and resisted as a matter of principle. By hook or by crook; with personal sacrifice, determination, and a talent for spectacle, she moved the needle of public opinion through acts of resistance. This episode is sponsored by: Blissy: Your hair and skin will thank you and save 30% with code HISTORYCHICKS at BLISSY Quince: Give your closet a luxury without the luxury price at QUINCE Flamingo: Keep smooth and save 25% off 1st order at SHOPFLAMINGO Us! Support the show and look great in the process at our new DASHERY merch shop! Thanks for listening and for supporting our work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices