Women in History

Manuela Saenz: Beyond Bolivar's Shadow

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:19:54 GMT

Manuela Sáenz is often remembered as Simón Bolívar’s passionate lover and as the woman who saved his life during an assassination attempt. However, there is far more to her story. A committed supporter of South American independence, Manuela became a politically influential figure in Bolívar’s inner circle, challenging the expectations placed on women in the revolutionary world of the nineteenth century. This episode explores her courage, political involvement, unconventional life, and the complicated legacy of a woman whose story deserves to be told.

Lakshmi Sahgal: The Forgotten Women of India's Independence

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:27:54 GMT

Lakshmi Sahgal was a doctor who left behind a successful medical career to fight for India's independence in the 1940s. As "Captain Lakshmi," she commanded the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-female unit of the Indian National Army during World War II. However, her story is more complicated than a simple tale of heroism. Her alliance with Subhas Chandra Bose and Imperial Japan raises questions about nationalism, war, and moral compromise. In this episode, we explore Lakshmi's remarkable journey from physician to revolutionary, and the woman who dedicated her life to serving others.

Fu Hao: An Ancient Tomb That Changed History

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:33:29 GMT

More than 3,000 years ago, Fu Hao commanded armies, advised a king, led sacred religious ceremonies, and became one of the most powerful women of China's Bronze Age. Yet her story remained buried for millennia until archaeologists uncovered her astonishingly intact tomb in 1976, rewriting what historians thought they knew about women in the ancient world.

In this episode of Women in History, we explore the life of this remarkable Shang Dynasty queen, the extraordinary artifacts found in her tomb, and how archaeology brought one of history's earliest recorded female military commanders back into the spotlight.

If you enjoy stories of forgotten women, ancient civilizations, and groundbreaking archaeological discoveries, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Princess Alice of Battenberg: Beyond the Crown - A Life of Compassion and Courage

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:27:54 GMT

Princess Alice of Battenberg is often remembered as Prince Philip's mother and the remarkable nun portrayed in Netflix's The Crown. However, her real story is even more amazing. Born into European royalty, Alice endured exile, personal tragedy, and years of institutionalization before risking her own life to shelter a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of Greece. In this episode, we explore the incredible true story behind The Crown, separating fact from fiction and discovering a woman whose life was defined kindness, service, and extraordinary courage.

Hatshepsut: The Pharaoh Erased From History

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:02:14 GMT

She wasn't supposed to become Pharaoh, but she did. In this episode of Women in History, discover the extraordinary story of Hatshepsut, the woman who ruled ancient Egypt as Pharaoh over 3,500 years ago. Explore her rise to power, her magnificent temple at Deir el-Bahri, her famous trading expedition to the Land of Punt, and the mystery of why later rulers tried to erase her from history. Was she a ruthless usurper or one of Egypt's greatest leaders? Join us as we uncover the remarkable life and enduring legacy of one of history's most fascinating women.

Hazel Ying Lee: The Pilot History Almost Forgot

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:27:45 GMT

Before women were accepted in military aviation, Hazel Ying Lee was breaking barriers in the skies. As the first known Chinese-American woman to earn a pilot's license, she overcame racism, sexism, and repeated rejection to become one of the elite Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Trusted to transport some of America's fastest fighter aircraft, Hazel played an important role in the war effort, however, her extraordinary story remained largely forgotten for decades.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: The Woman Who Challenged King and Empire

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:16:34 GMT

Discover this amazing story of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the fearless Nigerian educator, women's rights pioneer, and anti-colonial activist who led a successful nonviolent protest movement. Funmilayo organized thousands of market women to challenge British colonial rule and eventually, she helped force a powerful king to abdicate. In this episode of Women in History, we explore Funmilayo’s amazing story, from her education in England to her fight for women's rights and justice. She had such a lasting influence on Nigeria, including on her famous son, musician Fela Kuti. This is a story that deserves to be told.

Ida B. Wells: The Fearless Voice Against Lynching

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:36:38 GMT

In this episode of Women in History, discover the remarkable true story of the investigative journalist who risked everything to expose the truth about lynching in the United States. From her birth during the Civil War and her fight to keep her family together after being orphaned, to the destruction of her newspaper, her international anti-lynching campaign, and her role in the early civil rights movement, Ida B. Wells never stopped challenging injustice. Join us as we explore the life, courage, and lasting legacy of the woman who helped change journalism and the fight for racial equality forever.

Virginia Hall: The Untold Story of the Gestapo's Most Wanted Spy

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:29:05 GMT

Rejected by the U.S. State Department after losing part of her leg in a hunting accident, Virginia Hall refused to let adversity define her. Instead, she became one of the most courageous and effective Allied spies of the Second World War. Operating behind enemy lines in occupied France, she built resistance networks, rescued downed Allied airmen, coordinated acts of sabotage, and repeatedly outwitted the Gestapo, who considered her one of their most dangerous enemies. In this episode of Women in History, discover the remarkable true story of the American woman with the wooden leg whose bravery and determination helped change the course of the war. This is an incredible story that deserves to be told.

Marie Antoinette – What She Was Really Like

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 14:43:09 GMT

Step beyond the myths and discover the real Marie Antoinette. Often remembered as the extravagant queen who supposedly said, "Let them eat cake," her true story is far more complex. In this episode, we explore her life from Austrian princess to Queen of France, the pressures of Versailles, the scandals and propaganda that shaped her reputation, and her courage during the French Revolution. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and uncover the woman behind one of history's most enduring stories.

Lozen: The Apache Warrior Who Fought For Her People

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 15:25:21 GMT

Discover the incredible story of Lozen, the legendary Apache warrior, scout, and spiritual leader who fought alongside Victorio and Geronimo during the final years of Apache resistance. Learn how she became one of the most respected women in Native American history through her courage, military skill, and leadership. Join us as we uncover the life and legacy of a remarkable woman whose story deserves to be remembered.

Bertha von Suttner: The Woman Who Tried to Stop WWI

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:24:50 GMT

Long before the First World War devastated Europe, one woman dedicated her life to preventing it. In this episode of Women in History, we explore the remarkable story of Bertha von Suttner, an Austrian novelist, pioneering peace activist, and the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Discover how her bestselling book, her friendship with Alfred Nobel, and her tireless campaign for diplomacy made her one of the most influential voices for peace in the modern era and and why her extraordinary legacy deserves to be remembered.