Throughout history, roughly 50% of the human population has identified as female, while women only occupy around .05% of written history. In many cases from the past, even when women were referenced in history books it was written by men.

In today’s episode, I will be discussing the lives of four Medieval women who not only wrote but put their names to their work; insuring they would be remembered for generations to come. Joining me to discuss Marie de France, Julian of Norwich, Christine de Pizan and Margery Kemp, is Hetta Howes, author of Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women.

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Rogers and Hammerstein, George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rogers, Leonard Bernstein: these are just a few names of composers and lyricists who changed the landscape and at times defined an entire era of Broadway. But what of the women who were writing shows at the same time? Why have some stories been included in the history books and others left out?

In today’s episode I’ll be discussing these questions and more with Jennifer Ashley Tepper, a musical theater historian and producer and author of the book Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out.

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The bloody visage of Mary I has existed in the public imagination since her death. Depicted as an abused daughter, a murderous maniac, an inept queen, a cruel sister, and a pathetic wife, Mary I has rarely received a positive portrayal. In recent years, scholars have worked on rehabilitating the image of a woman so often called Bloody Mary.

In today’s episode, we go into the realm of fiction, and how it can help in breaking down stereotypes and humanize individuals from history. Joining me is Amanda Schiavo, author of the new book In Her Own Right: A Novel of Lady Mary Tudor.

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The year was 1850. Manhattan was thriving, beginning to urbanize and expand in new ways. In lower Manhattan, a woman named Fredericka Mandelbaum moved into the neighborhood of Kleindeutchland (later known as the Lower East Side) to start a new life. Few could have guessed that out of the teeming streets of Little Germany, one of the most infamous underworld figures of the era would be born out of an unassuming Jewish housewife named Mrs. Mandelbaum.

For 25 years, Mrs. Mandelbaum controlled a multi-million dollar criminal enterprise. She has been mainly lost to history…until now.

Continue listening as I discuss this fascinating and much-overlooked woman with Margalit Fox, author of The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized Crime Boss.

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Bugsy Siegel, Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Clyde Barrow…these are just a few of the most recognizable American gangsters, men who robbed, killed, racketeered, and launched themselves into legend. But what of the women who stood by these men’s sides and at times exceeded the men’s criminal abilities?

In today’s episode, I will highlight several powerful women from the underworld: Kathryn Kelly, Bonnie Parker, Stephanie St. Clair, Virginia Hill, Geri Rosenthal, and Liz Renay. Joining me for a conversation is Lissa Rodgers, the author of the recent book "Shameless: Women of the Underworld" who will share insights about these remarkable women and more.

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Just in time for Halloween, an episode dedicated to discussing the lives and legacy of Britain’s female murderers.

Women throughout history have been seen as the weaker sex both physically and emotionally. While women have been blamed for the fall of men since Eve in the Garden of Eden, their crimes usually centered around sexuality. When women murder, this breaks all the expectations of what women are capable of. Rage, violence, cunning, and vengeance are traits often prescribed to men. In the new world of women’s history, these women complicate the narrative by providing anything but a role model for future generations. But they still provide an essential part of human history. Continue listening as I am joined by Erin Fetterly, author of the recently published book Women Who Kill, as we discuss some of Britain’s most notorious female murderers.

Intro music: Wicked Women Theme by Kieren Peatling and A Singular Perversion - Darkness by Kevin MacLeod

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Margaret Tudor was the eldest daughter of King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth of York and the elder sister of King Henry VIII. Margaret witnessed some of the most significant moments in her father’s later and her brother’s early reigns. A story filled with political intrigue, personal tragedy, and drama, Margaret has been largely left on the sidelines in later interpretations of Tudor history. Seen as insignificant at best and whiney and manipulative at worst, historian Linda Porter’s latest book, The Thistle and the Rose: The Extraordinary Life of Margaret Tudor looks to remedy that legacy and bring to light the truly remarkable life of Margaret Tudor. Keep listening to learn more.

Featured guest: Historian and author Dr. Linda Porter

Intro Music: Renaissance by Audionautix is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.