In a special bonus episode, Kelly is joined by Nathan from the podcast Silent Generation. Nathan tells us the fascinating love story between Emma Goldman and Ben Reitman, two radical people who lived very unconventional lives together in the early twentieth century. 

Once called “the most dangerous woman in America,” Emma was an anarchist revolutionary, writer, and political activist. Ben Reitman was a hobo-turned-doctor (for real!), the founder of a hobo college, and a notorious ladies’ man. When Emma and Ben met in 1908, it was perhaps love at first sight. Both believed in free love—or so Emma thought. 

Mentioned in the episode: 

• No Regrets: Dr. Ben Reitman and the Women Who Loved Him by Mecca Reitman Carpenter

• The Damndest Radical by Roger A. Bruns

• Emma Goldman: Revolution as a Way of Life by Vivian Gornick

• Marina and Ulay at MoMA (The Artist is Present)

About Significant Lovers

Significant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly, Melissa, and Kaitlyn. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, and contact us at [email protected].