The Untold Story of Betsy Cadwaladr: A Trailblazing Woman in History

This episode dives deep into the life of Betsy Cadwaladr, an adventurous Welsh woman whose captivating life story was brought to the stage by the Her Story Theatre Company. Founders Adele Corder and Claire Drewitt discuss their theater company's mission to elevate women's narratives through original plays, focusing on their current production 'Daughter of Bala.' The episode explores Betsy's incredible journeys, her clash with Florence Nightingale, and her unapologetic pursuit of justice and compassion. It also touches on Her Story's research process and their next project about Mary Frost. Adele and Claire share insights on bringing history to life, the struggles and rewards of working in period costumes, and the importance of giving voice to women's stories that have long been overlooked.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:01 Meet Our Guests: Adele Corder and Claire Drewitt
01:52 The Story of Betsy Kader
02:31 Founding Her Story Theater Company
05:50 Betsy Kader's Adventures and Achievements
09:25 Betsy Kader vs. Florence Nightingale
14:33 Betsy's Determination and Journey to Crimea
16:43 Betsy's Early Life and Global Travels
20:03 Betsy's Strong Moral Compass
21:25 Adventures and Travels
22:08 Journey to the Crimea
22:47 Challenges of Historical Costumes
24:50 Betsy's Cleanliness and Self-Respect
27:03 Exploring Other Historical Women
29:53 Theatrical Production Insights
31:35 Audience Engagement and Reactions
34:18 Betsy's Legacy and Recognition
36:14 Upcoming Performances and Final Thoughts

Nona Gaprindashvili: The Chess Prodigy Who Fought Back

In this episode, the host discusses Nona Gaprindashvili vs Netflix, a Georgian chess prodigy who rose to prominence in the 1950s. Known for her aggressive playing style, she broke gender barriers by competing and winning against both women and men in the international chess arena. The episode covers her early influences, rigorous training under mentor Tigran Petrosian, and significant victories that earned her the titles of World Women's Chess Champion and Chess Grandmaster. The discussion further highlights the controversy surrounding Netflix's 'The Queen's Gambit,' which inaccurately portrayed her legacy and pitted her against fictional Beth Harmon, leading to a successful lawsuit by Gaprindashvili. The episode underscores the importance of protecting and celebrating women's achievements in male-dominated fields.

00:00 Introduction to 'Other Parents' by Sarah Stave
00:42 Nicole Kidman's Influence in Adaptations
02:15 Summer Heat and Casual Conversations
03:26 Introducing Nona Garrin Philly: The Real Chess Queen
04:48 Nona's Early Life and Chess Beginnings
10:13 The Rise of Nona in the Chess World
20:09 The Lengthy Chess Championship
21:13 Nona's Rise to Mastery
22:40 Soviet Dominance in Women's Chess
25:13 Breaking Barriers in Men's Tournaments
30:05 The Queen's Gambit Controversy
34:50 Nona's Fight for Recognition
36:09 Lessons from Nona's Legacy
38:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this update, Vicky announces a change in the release schedule for the 'She Changed History' podcast. Going forward, episodes will be released fortnightly to ensure high-quality storytelling about remarkable women whose stories are not widely known. The team is dedicated to delivering inspiring and exciting content that goes beyond mere recitation of facts, aiming to uplift and provide listeners with intriguing new facts to share. Thank you so much for your continued support and engagement. Please do suggest future episode topics through social media or email.

Exploring African History with Luke Pepera

In this episode, Cara and Vicky welcome guest Luke Pepera, a Ghanaian-born, Oxford-educated historian and author of African History book 'Motherland.' Luke discusses his journey into African history and mythology, African American history, sharing insights about influential female figures and the rich oral traditions of the continent. The conversation highlights African queens like Injinga Mbande and Amanirenas, significant for their leadership and warrior roles. Luke also touches on his passion for storytelling, and how his work aims to broaden perspectives on African culture and history. The episode concludes with information on Luke's book and where to purchase it.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/motherland/luke-pepera/9781398707368

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:43 Welcoming the First Guest: Luke Peper
00:59 Diving into African History
06:35 Luke's Journey into African History
10:52 From Blogging to Publishing: The Making of 'Motherland'
13:32 The Evolution of Storytelling and African Folklore
18:45 Anansi: The Trickster's Journey Across Cultures
22:40 The Role of Oral Storytelling in African Cultures
27:02 Warrior Queens of Africa: Stories of Resilience and Power
34:14 The Influence of African Female Figures in History
42:00 Conclusion and Book Synopsis

Exploring the World's First Known Author: Enheduanna

In this episode of 'She Change History,' hosts Cara and Vicky delve into the remarkable life and contributions of Enheduanna, the world's first known named author and poet. An ancient Taylor Swift if you will! Set against the backdrop of ancient Mesopotamia, they explore Enheduanna's role as a high priestess, her pioneering use of written language for storytelling, and her emotional and political influence. The episode also covers her temporary fall from grace, her eventual reinstatement, and the legacy of her literary works. With insights into Mesopotamian society, religion, and early innovations, this episode showcases the profound impact of one woman on the history of literature and beyond.

Other eps mentioned Grace O'Malley and Octavia Butler

Sources
1 https://www.bbc.co.uk/culture/article/20221025-enheduanna-
the-worlds-first-named-author
2 TedEd video
http://facebook.com/watch/?v=1258413257681012
3 https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-struggle-
to-unearth-the-worlds-first-author
4 She Who Wrote exhibition notes
https://www.themorgan.org/blog/she-who-wrote-enheduanna-
and-women-mesopotamia
5 https://www.aramcoworld.com/articles/2022/was-
enheduanna-the-worlds-first-author

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
01:04 Weekend Plans and Early Morning Adventures
03:03 Ancient History: Setting the Stage
04:00 Introducing Enheduanna: The First Author
10:23 The Role of Women in Mesopotamia
14:05 Enheduanna's Literary Contributions
19:34 The Roaring Storm: A Passionate Priestess
20:46 Mesopotamian Marvels: Gods and Warriors
22:04 The First Comic Book: Ishtar's Story
23:23 Exile and Return: Anana's Desert Journey
26:48 Rediscovering Anana: From Ancient Texts to Modern Translations
28:49 The Legacy of Anana: Literature and Humanity
35:47 Fun Facts and Final Thoughts

The Defiant Poet: Qiu Jin's Revolutionary Journey

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Vicki and Kara delve into the life of Qiu Jin, a trailblazing Chinese feminist, poet, and revolutionary who defied societal expectations in the late Qing Dynasty. From her unhappy arranged marriage and struggles with foot-binding, Qiu Jin's fierce determination led her to Japan, where she embraced new ideologies and returned as a revolutionary leader. Exploring her poignant poetry, involvement in secret societies, and ultimate sacrifice, this story reveals Qiu Jin's indelible impact on Chinese history and women's rights.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
00:38 Spa Experience Gone Wrong
02:50 Introducing Chu Gin: A Rebel Poet
04:10 Chu Gin's Early Life and Struggles
05:17 The Painful Tradition of Foot Binding
08:06 Unhappy Marriage and Poetic Expression
09:50 The Boxer Rebellion and Chu Gin's Concerns
12:46 A New Life in Beijing
14:12 Chu Gin's Transformation and Feminist Awakening
16:56 Breaking Free: Leaving Her Husband
17:29 Chyna's Nora and Her Poetic Regrets
18:43 Arrival in Tokyo and the Rise of Feminism
19:54 Joining the Anti-Manchu Rebel Group
20:55 Influence of Japanese Military Spirit
21:47 The Revolutionary Alliance and Secret Societies
23:34 Return to China and Feminist Journalism
26:47 Training Young Revolutionaries
28:20 Final Years and Cross-Dressing
29:45 Capture and Execution
33:45 Legacy and National Heroine

Octavia Butler: Visionary of Afrofuturism and Perseverance

This episode explores the life and legacy of Octavia Butler, an influential science fiction author renowned for her role in pioneering Afrofuturism. Raised in poverty and facing numerous challenges, including dyslexia, Butler's journey is one of remarkable self-belief, dedication, and groundbreaking vision. The hosts delve into her early influences, her determination to become a writer, and the significant impact of her works, particularly 'Kindred' and 'Parable of the Sower.' Butler's story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of diverse voices in literature.

Sources today are:

1 https://www.womenshistory.org/education-
resources/biographies/octavia-estelle-butler
2 https://www.octaviabutler.com/theauthor
3 https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/remembering-afrofuturist-
octavia-butler
4 https://writershq.co.uk/10-iconic-quotes-to-celebrate-octavia-
butlers-birthday/
5 https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/07/10/535879364/o
ctavia-butler-writing-herself-into-the-story
6 https://commongood.cc/reader/a-few-rules-for-predicting-the-
future-by-octavia-e-butler/
7 https://www.vulture.com/article/octavia-e-butler-profile.html

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
01:16 Casual Conversation and Weekend Plans
01:53 Inspirational Quote and Introduction to Octavia Butler
04:23 Early Life of Octavia Butler
07:48 Octavia Butler's Writing Journey
13:22 Octavia Butler's Work Ethic and Habits
18:15 The Challenges of Being a Writer
19:28 Octavia Butler's Bold Beginnings
21:30 Defining Afrofuturism
23:27 Butler's Impactful Works
27:29 Prophetic Visions in Butler's Writing
31:53 Butler's Legacy and Advice
36:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

Catherine the Great (and her Mum!) - more than just a scandal

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts delve into the fascinating life of Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia. Dispel the myths and rumours surrounding her, and discover the remarkable achievements and challenges Catherine faced during her reign. Learn about her early life, her tumultuous marriage to Peter III, her ascent to power, and her transformative rule marked by progressive reforms in education, social welfare, and international diplomacy. This episode showcases Catherine's enduring legacy, her intellect, ambition, and significant contributions to modernizing Russia.

Sources today are:

• Mainly - Liana Miate https://www.worldhistory.org/Catherine_the_Great/
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/catherine_the_great.shtml
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Catherine-the-Great/Legacy
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-catherine-great-180974863/
• https://medium.com/@HMHbooks/seven-of-the-most-maligned-women-in-history-ea1228cc160
• https://historythings.com/historys-nutcases-peter-iii-of-russia/
• https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldhistory2/chapter/the-age-of-enlightenment/#:~:text=There%20were%20two%20distinct%20lines,systems%20of%20power%20and%20faith.

00:00 Introduction and Banter
01:16 Celebrating Milestones
01:29 Unveiling the Real Catherine the Great
03:35 Catherine's Early Life
05:45 Joanna's Ambitious Plans
10:55 Catherine's Marriage to Peter
11:16 Peter's Struggles and Catherine's Adaptation
16:50 Peter's Reign and Downfall
18:51 Catherine's Bold Moves Against Peter
20:44 The Coup and Catherine's Rise to Power
21:15 Catherine's Lovers and Political Maneuvering
23:52 Catherine's Coronation and Symbolic Crown
26:09 Enlightenment Ideals and Reforms
29:31 Catherine's Educational and Social Reforms
32:18 Challenges and Rebellions During Catherine's Reign
33:27 Catherine's Diplomatic Achievements
36:17 Catherine's Legacy and Final Years