Edith Cowan: A Life of Unyielding Advocacy and Public Service

In this episode, the hosts discuss the life of Edith Cowan, a notable figure in Australian history. Born in 1861, Cowan faced immense personal tragedies early in life, including the loss of her mother and witnessing the aftermath of her father's drunken violence. Despite these adversities, she went on to have a profound impact on public service, particularly focused on women's rights, child protection, and education. Cowan co-founded numerous organizations, was the first woman elected to an Australian parliament, and pushed for various legal reforms, including women’s legal rights and child welfare. Her legacy includes being featured on the Australian $50 bill and having a university named in her honor. This episode explores her journey from a tragic childhood to becoming a national symbol of hope and relentless advocacy.

00:00 Casual Conversations and Comfort Films
01:43 Introducing Edith Cowan: A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph
04:09 Early Life and Family Tragedies
11:08 A New Beginning: Marriage and Motherhood
13:15 Championing Women's Rights and Social Reforms
22:31 Edith's Remarkable Strength and Generosity
23:36 World War I and Australia's Role
27:04 Edith's Contributions During the War
28:53 Edith's Political Milestones
34:46 Edith's Legislative Achievements
40:03 Edith's Legacy and Final Years
45:46 Conclusion and Reflection

Sources today are:
https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/edith-cowan
https://www.ecu.edu.au/about-ecu/welcome-to-ecu/edith-dircksey-cowan
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edith-Cowan
https://candowisdom.com/politics/edith-cowans-inspiring-story#:~:text=Edith%20faces%20a%20new%20life,the%20Perth%20suburb%20of%20Guildford.
https://www.morethanourchildhoods.org/
https://www.karrakattaclub.com.au/history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_in_World_War_I
https://www.wa.gov.au/system/files/2021-01/IWD-Edith-Cowan-Factsheet.pdf
https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/WebCMS/webcms.nsf/content/edith-cowan-centenary-edc100parliamentarycareer
https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/WebCMS/webcms.nsf/content/edith-cowan-centenary-edc100communityservice

Games of Thrones, China's only female Emperor 

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' Cara and Vicky go behind the curtain and delve into the remarkable life and legacy of Empress Wu, the only female emperor in Chinese history. They explore her determined rise to power during the Tang Dynasty, navigating a complex patriarchal society, and the controversial and often dark rumours surrounding her ascent. The discussion highlights her significant reforms, including the promotion of meritocracy, economic improvements, and the advancement of women's rights, and her influence on the spread of Buddhism in China. Despite the attempts to erase her achievements, Wu's impact on Chinese history remains profound and enduring.

00:00 Crafting Halloween Decorations
00:40 Introducing the Story of Wu Zetian
02:46 Setting the Scene: Tang Dynasty
07:21 Wu Zetian's Early Life and Rise
12:24 Intrigues and Power Struggles
16:21 Wu Zetian's Ruthless Ascendancy
20:05 Empress Dowager to Emperor
21:12 Imperial Imagery and Self-Representation
22:56 Meritocracy and Government Reforms
24:52 Strengthening Borders and Diplomacy
26:23 Economic Reforms and Tax Policies
27:32 Promotion of Buddhism and Cultural Influence
30:57 Advancement of Women's Rights
33:31 Legacy and Historical Perception
36:43 Conclusion and Reflections

Mary Anning Facts and Fossils

This episode of 'She Changed History' delves into the remarkable life of Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist from the early 19th century. Now often in kids’ books and on the BBC, Mary made groundbreaking fossil discoveries on the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset England, including the first complete ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons, and the first pterosaur skeleton found outside of Germany. The episode highlights the numerous challenges Mary faced, from being excluded from scientific communities to having her work misattributed to male scientists. Despite these injustices, Mary's work fuelled public interest in palaeontology and left an indelible mark on the field. The episode also captures emotional moments, such as Mary's close bond with her dog Tray and her relentless dedication to her work, even under dangerous conditions. Mary Anning's legacy endures today, honoured by the Natural History Museum and a statue on the Jurassic Coast, celebrating her as a key figure in the history of palaeontology.

Other episodes mentioned: 36. Betsy Cadwaladr

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

00:53 Exciting News: A New Baby!

02:34 Introducing Mary Anning

03:37 Mary's Early Life and Challenges

11:58 Mary's First Major Discovery

15:21 The Ichthyosaurus: A Groundbreaking Find

18:21 Mary's Continued Success

20:36 Mary Anning's Remarkable Discovery

21:38 Sexism in Palaeontology

22:41 Recognition and Rejection

24:14 The Geological Society's Exclusion

27:41 Mary's Resilience and Companion

29:53 The Third Discovery: Pterodactyl

36:05 Mary's Contributions and Legacy

41:05 The Tragic End and Lasting Impact

The Daring Life of Texas Guinan: Bootlegger, Entertainer, and Hollywood Star

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Vicky and Cara dive into the adventurous life of Mary Louise Cecilia 'Texas' Guinan. 1920s America, Prohibition and fashion! Born in Waco, Texas, Guinan pursued her dreams of entertainment from a young age, transitioning from a vaudeville performer to a Hollywood star and nightclub hostess. Despite operating during the prohibition era, she ran illegal yet highly popular speakeasies, often escaping legal consequences with charm and backing from organized crime. The episode offers a nuanced look at her dual identity as both beloved entertainer and controversial figure in American history.

Sources are: 

Encyclopedia Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Texas-Guinan

Texas State Historical Association and Waco, Texas history blog
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/guinan-mary-louise-cecilia-texas
https://wacohistory.org/items/show/216

Vogue Magazine
https://www.vogue.com/article/texas-guinan-20th-century-actress-nasty-woman

Oxford American magazine
https://oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/texas-guinan-california-first-cowgirl

Columbia University’s Women Film Pioneers Project 
https://wfpp.columbia.edu/pioneer/ccp-texas-guinan/

https://www.robertloerzel.com/2024/09/02/texas-guinans-bang-up-green-mill-show/

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:44 Dogs
02:19 Podcast Rituals and Showbiz Talk
02:58 Introducing Texas Guinan
04:04 Early Life and Ambitions
08:14 Vaudeville and Broadway Journey
11:33 Hollywood Stardom and Prohibition Era
18:52 The Rise of Speakeasies
19:39 Texas Guinan: The Shrewd Businesswoman
20:33 The Glamorous and Scandalous Clubs
25:03 The Dark Side of the Nightlife
27:03 The Legal Battles and Public Persona
30:16 The Final Act: Guinan's Legacy
33:53 Conclusion and Reflections

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

Please note the sound quality takes a little hit throughout the guest speakers but the story is still incredible!

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