Herstory

We're getting royal over here and covering Ladies in Waiting. Shelby discusses the scandal behind the British aristocrat and lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria's mother, Lacy Flora Hastings. Amy tells the salacious story of Catherine Dolgorukova, a Russian aristocrat, mistress to the Czar, and his wife's lady-in-waing.

Take 10 steps, turn around, and press play on this episode about women who settled disputes with a duel! Amy covers two exciting stories: a pistol duel between Marquise de Nesle and Comtesse de Polignac and an old fashioned sword duel between Miss Shelby (not the co-host!) and Madame Marie-Rose Astie de Valsayre. Shelby explains the lifestyle of Julie d'Aubigny, a bisexual, cross-dressing swordswoman who killed at least three men in duels.

Do you ever fantasize about owning a plot of land and growing your own food? Well, these women did it! This week, we cover homesteaders. Amy eductaes us on Annie Morgan, who was born enslaved but fled and headed west to make it on her own. Shelby discusses Fannie Quigley, an American pioneer, prospector, and cook who became involved in mining operations during the Klondike Gold Rush.

They're the sanctuary during a storm, and they save lives! Today, we talk about female lighthouse keepers, and these women do not disappoint. Amy covers the brave lady with an adorable name, Grace Darling. Shelby discusses Ida Lewis, who started saving lives at sea at a very young age.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This episode, we decided to shake things up. Instead of covering two cool ladies, we covered five! Ireland deserves it! Sit back and take a listen while Shelby and Amy give the abbreviated 411 on Peg Plunkett, Sarah Curran, Countess Markievicz, Margaretta Eagar, and The White Lady of Kinsale. Luck of the Irish to you all.

Being a muse has its ups and downs, as you will come to find out. Shelby covers Lou Andreas-Salomé, one of the most prolific women writers in Germany at the turn of the century, as well as a muse for many men she encountered. Amy educates us on Camille Claudel, a French sculptor known for her figurative works in bronze and marble and a sordid relationship with an older man.

These women don't care who they con, and we're here for it. Welcome to our episode on grifters. Shelby discusses Cassie Chadwick, who defrauded several American banks out of millions of dollars during the late 1800s and early 1900s by claiming to be an illegitimate daughter and heiress of industrialist Andrew Carnagie. Amy covers Linda Hazzard - the "Starvation Doctor" who was a swidler and convicted serial killer.

Time to get inked. Today, we explore female tattoo artists. Shelby (tattoo-free) covers Whang-od, a tattoo artist from the village of Buscalan who is often described as the "last" and oldest tattoo artist in her indenginous community. Amy (4 tattoos - and counting) tells us about the first prominent female tattoo artist in the UK, Jessie Knight.

There has been a family emergency within Herstory Headquarters. Unfotunatly, we do not have a shiny new episode for you, but Shelby does provide an explanation, gives some love to Kendrick Lamar, and has a recommendation. Thank you for understanding.

Some women are born to break hearts, and we're covering two of them this Valentine's Day week. First, Amy tells us about the fascinating Irish Spanish dancer Lola Montez. Shelby discusses the controversial existential philosopher and feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir.