Perhaps some of the most recognizable American photos of the early 20th century. A young woman poses in front of a car with a cigar between her teeth and a gun on her hip. In another she points a rifle at the chest of a man who stares back at her without fear. Bonnie and Clyde made headlines in ways few couples have before or will again. There have been films, tv series, books, Broadway musicals, and even psychology terms based off of their story. But as is too often the case with media celebrities today, the real people behind the famous photos, hollywood films and power ballads are far more ..read more

It is a horror story stained with blood. A Hungarian noblewoman tortures and murders her female servants out of jealousy and sadistic need for violence. After the grisly deed, she bathes in the blood of her victims to gain eternal youth and beauty. Some claims put her kill count in the range of 600 young women to thousands, making her possibly the most prolific female serial killer in history. Lady Gaga has played her, Brahms Stoker used her as inspiration for Count Dracula, the Grimms Brothers based the Evil Queen in Snow White off of her, and countless books, movies, operas, and television s ..read more

On an endlessly bright summer night in St. Petersburg in 1777, a glamorous three masted ship sailed into harbor. On board the yacht was a lone woman, responsible for scandalizing the British public and ready to make her name known at the court of Catherine the Great. This inconspicuous woman on the regal yacht had quickly become the anti-hero of a Georgian society desiring a headline other than the War of Independence an ocean away. As Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston (or so she called herself) sailed into St. Petersburg, she had every intention of making a name for herself as she had ..read more

On today’s episode I will be chatting Maria the creator of Herstorical Walking Tours, a theatrical walking tour company that focuses on the stories of women in and around London, England through a feminist lens. Tours include "Hex and the City", "Harlots, Strumpets, and Tarts, Oh My!", and "Goal Birds of London". Continue listening to learn more about the tours and the process of bringing villainized women to captivating and nuanced light.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more

In the remnants of a burned out farmhouse were the bodies of three children in the arms of a woman. What made this a more grisly scene was the fact that the woman had no head. Headlines praised the woman for selflessly comforting her children in the last agonizing moments of life. However, the following days would reveal a far darker and violent story. Spread amongst the farm were the dismembered bodies of around 14 men, lured to the farm with promises of marriage. The woman went from being a tragic mother to a murderer. Reporters called her the Indiana Ogre, Black Widow, Mistress of the Castl ..read more

Perhaps best known as the long-standing Royal Mistress for King Louis XV of France, Madame de Pompadour has become synonymous with a debauched period of French history. Known for her astounding beauty, wit, and charm, much of Madame de Pompadour's legacy is wrapped up in her supposed frivolity and manipulation. But who was the woman behind that glittering mask? Prof. Jones discusses a woman who deserves far more credit for her brilliant politicking and unique relationship with a womanizing king. Featured Guest: Prof. Collin Jones, a scholar of cultural and social history in 18th century Franc ..read more

Fashion History is an integral part of our understanding of the past. It provides a visual marker of societal changes over time. It is also an accessible avenue into the study of history. We all wake up in the morning and put on clothes. We have plans, thoughts, and intentions behind what we choose and what we scorn. This can be a thread that connects us to other people throughout thousands of years of history. In particular it also provides a unique look into women’s history. Many women throughout the past have used clothes and accessories as a representation of political opinions or loyaltie ..read more

“I marvel that Aspasia, who is only a woman, should be able to compose such a speech; she must be a rare one.” –Menexenus by Plato  The ancient Greeks loom large in history. Responsible for architectural wonders, cultural institutions, and historic figures However, there is one woman who loomed large on the Greek political and philosophical stage who has been relegated to the shadows of history, Aspasia. A highly educated woman who married the powerful politician, Pericles, became a mentor and teacher to Socrates, and faced ridicule from society and her husband’s political opponents. She ..read more

When people think about wicked women, Anne Boleyn is usually one of the first names to come to mind. It seems that every generation has its own version of Anne: Slutty Anne, Religious reformer Anne, Innocent Anne, Manipulative Anne, Sexy Anne, Evil Anne, Educated Anne, Feminist Anne, the list goes on. Thousands of people flock annually to locations Anne once walked (Hampton Court, Hever Castle, The Tower of London) and documentaries, films, and tv series come out regularly devoted to her story. Henry VIII may have tried to eradicate Anne’s memory after her downfall but that only seemed to fan ..read more

Behind every powerful King has stood a Queen. And some women have filled the role of both King and Queen in their own right. Some quiet, others fiery, some powerful, others left powerless, some revered, others forgotten. What creates the legacy of one Queen but erases another? Listen to this episode as I discuss that question and more with the brilliant historian Dr. Valerie Schutte. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more