History Rage

239. There is more to Josephine Baker than a banana skirt with Hanna Diamond


Listen Later

In this eye-opening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Professor Hanna Diamond, a leading expert in French history and author of "Josephine Baker's Secret War." Together, they uncover the remarkable and often overlooked wartime contributions of the iconic entertainer and spy, Josephine Baker, who defied expectations and played a crucial role in the Second World War.

Episode Highlights:

  • - The Real Josephine Baker: Hanna passionately debunks the myth of Baker as merely a performer in a banana skirt, revealing her as a brave spy and activist who used her fame to fight for justice.
  • - Unseen Wartime Activities: Discover the extent of Baker's involvement in espionage, including her vital contributions to the Allied efforts in North Africa and her work with General de Gaulle.
  • - Celebrity and Intelligence: Explore how Baker's celebrity status allowed her to navigate dangerous territories, gathering intelligence while performing for troops and dignitaries alike.
  • - Intersection of Race and War: The discussion highlights Baker's experiences as a woman of colour in a predominantly white intelligence world, and how her identity both aided and complicated her efforts.
  • - Post-War Activism: Hanna shares insights into Baker's transformation into a civil rights activist, advocating for equality and using her platform to address segregation in America.

Join us for a compelling journey through history that not only celebrates Josephine Baker's extraordinary life but also challenges us to reconsider the narratives we hold about historical figures. For those eager to learn more, Hanna's book "Josephine Baker's Secret War" is a must-read.

Connect with Professor Hanna Diamond:

- Follow Hanna on Twitter: @hannaediamond

- Follow Hanna on Instagram: @hdiamond2010

- Find her on Bluesky: hdiamond.bsky.social

Buy the Book: Josephine Baker’s Secret War: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780300279986


Support History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive content, and the chance to engage with future guests at patreon.com/historyrage.


Stay connected with History Rage on social media:

- Twitter: @HistoryRage

- Instagram: @historyrage

- Facebook: HistoryRage


Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!

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

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

History RageBy Paul Bavill

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

31 ratings


More shows like History Rage

View all
History Extra podcast by Immediate Media

History Extra podcast

3,185 Listeners

The History of England by David Crowther

The History of England

4,395 Listeners

The WW2 Podcast by Angus Wallace

The WW2 Podcast

1,225 Listeners

Dan Snow's History Hit by History Hit

Dan Snow's History Hit

4,797 Listeners

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk by Goalhanger

WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

1,367 Listeners

The Ancients by History Hit

The Ancients

3,233 Listeners

The Rest Is History by Goalhanger

The Rest Is History

14,672 Listeners

History of the Germans by Dirk Hoffmann-Becking

History of the Germans

451 Listeners

Gone Medieval by History Hit

Gone Medieval

1,826 Listeners

Not Just the Tudors by History Hit

Not Just the Tudors

2,038 Listeners

Battleground by Goalhanger

Battleground

329 Listeners

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society by History Hit

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

1,333 Listeners

WW1: Not So Quiet On The Western Front! | A Battle Guide Production by Dan Hill and Dr. Spencer Jones

WW1: Not So Quiet On The Western Front! | A Battle Guide Production

116 Listeners

Willy Willy Harry Stee... by Charlie Higson

Willy Willy Harry Stee...

27 Listeners

Journey Through Time by Goalhanger

Journey Through Time

325 Listeners