She Changed History

She survived a mob attack, was accused of poisoning her classmates with aphrodisiacs, and ended up creating in Rome 🔥🗿

In this episode, we dive into the chaotic, mind-blowing, and deeply secretive life of Edmonia Lewis—the 19th-century Black and Ojibwe sculptor who refused to play by anyone’s rules.

Before she became an international art sensation, Edmonia was known as "Wildfire." She navigated post-slavery America with a gold-mining, banjo-playing brother 🪕✨ and weaponized mystery long before the internet existed. In an age of people trying to control her, she used smoke and mirrors to rewrite her own story whenever it suited her. And honestly? We respect it.

• The College Scandal: Why was she accused of poisoning her roommates with "Spanish Fly" in a dry town?! 🍷🍷
• The Gold Rush Success: How her brother made $200k in gold, joined the circus, and funded her rise to fame. 💰🎪
• The 3,000lb Sculpture: The story behind her famous Cleopatra sculpture featuring perkiness, rage from art critics, and a 100-year journey that involves a Chicago saloon and a racehorse tombstone! 🐎🪦
• Rome’s Ultimate Hustler: Why she refused to let Italian men touch her marble and did the hard labour all by herself. 🇮🇹🔨

Sources:

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/edmonia-lewis

MLA – “Edmonia Lewis.” National Women’s History Museum, 2021. Date accessed. 

Chicago – “Edmonia Lewis.” National Women’s History Museum. 2021. www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/edmonia-wildfire-lewis. 

Photo Credit: Henry Rocher, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8911218.

https://americanart.si.edu/artist/edmonia-lewis-2914

https://awarewomenartists.com/en/artiste/mary-edmonia-wildfire-lewis/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_gold_rush

https://www.tinworksart.org/chiselandrazor-edmonia-and-samuel

https://edmonialewis.org/elBlog/index.php/2021/02/19/edmonia-lewis-biography/

https://drrichardstemp.com/2024/07/18/a-new-life-for-the-death-of-cleopatra/
https://www.solisprints.co.uk/sv/pages/artist-edmonia-lewis

Chapters

• 00:00 Culinary Conversations: Cauliflower Soup
• 02:57 Heating Up: Central Heating Strategies
• 05:59 Edmonia Lewis: A Sculptor's Story
• 11:52 The Gold Rush and Family Ties
• 18:00 Challenges in Education and Prejudice
• 23:59 A Journey to Rome: New Beginnings
• 24:32 Journey to Artistic Freedom
• 27:11 Navigating Criticism and Prejudice
• 28:46 The Sculptor's Craft and Identity
• 35:36 The Death of Cleopatra: A Masterpiece
• 42:33 Legacy and Recognition of Edmonia Lewis

Real Women, Fake Women, and the Mother of Us All
Today we cover 4 stories on our whistle stop tour of how women constantly have pushed perceptions!

The conversation explores the blurred lines of history and fiction, focusing on characters who have impacted society despite their fictional or exaggerated origins. From the story of Princess Cariboo, a con artist who posed as royalty, to the concept of 'Mount Weasel' in literature, the discussion highlights how narratives shape our understanding of history. The conversation explores the historical significance of women during wartime, focusing on figures like Rosie the Riveter and Ruby Loftus, and delves into the scientific concept of Mitochondrial Eve as a metaphor for women's enduring legacy. Through art and history, the discussion highlights how these representations have shaped perceptions of women's roles and capabilities.

Sources for today:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg5z8xn8do

https://www.thoughtco.com/mountweazel-words-term-1691330

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rosie-the-Riveter

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Loftus_Screwing_a_Breech-ring

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2877732/

https://www.humanizinghistory.org/blog/whowasmitochondrialeve

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Updates
• 03:06 The Tale of Princess Caribou
• 14:58 The Concept of Mount Weasel
• 20:04 Rosie the Riveter and Cultural Icons
• 20:41 Rosie the Riveter: Icon of Empowerment
• 24:14 Women in War: Breaking Barriers
• 28:03 Ruby Loftus: A Real Heroine
• 31:58 Mitochondrial Eve: The Mother of Us All
• 36:05 Legacy of Women: Changing Perceptions

This 50 year old housewife didn’t have a degree or a team. Just a quiet steel, and a determination to give a voice to Ireland’s forgotten children.

She proved that one voice can shatter decades of institutional silence. This is the story of Catherine Corless and the power of one.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b08k15lf

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/12/ireland-report-appalling-abuse-mother-baby-homes

https://www.britannica.com/question/What-role-did-Catherine-Corless-play-in-uncovering-the-truth-about-the-Tuam-babies

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54693159

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27970866

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/sep/25/liam-neeson-tuam-babies-film-ireland-catherine-corless-dogged-heroine-monica-dolan

https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2026/09/the-shame-of-a-nation/

https://observer.co.uk/news/international/article/catherine-corless-why-i-refused-to-give-up-until-i-learned-the-fate-of-those-lost-souls-in-tuam

https://gutterbookshop.com/product/belonging-a-memoir-by-catherine-corless/

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2021/15-january/news/world/report-on-ireland-s-mother-and-baby-homes-reveals-religious-attitudes-contributed-to-abuse

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/mother-and-baby-homes-commission-finds-that-978-children-died-at-tuam-facility-1.4456694

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Secours_Mother_and_Baby_Home

https://www.thejournal.ie/list-names-tuam-babies-children-3270019-Mar2017/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/25/a-stain-on-irelands-conscience-tuam-home-for-unmarried-mothers-gives-up-grimmest-of-buried-secrets

https://www.fox6now.com/news/catherine-corless-ireland-mass-grave-babies?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook

https://www.humanium.org/en/a-shameful-chapter-of-irish-history-mother-and-baby-homes/

The conversation covers a range of topics, including food preferences, literature festivals, and the life and career of Sabine Schmitz, a renowned racing driver. The discussion delves into Sabine's early life, her passion for racing, and her iconic role as a taxi driver at the Nürburgring. Sabine Schmitz was a trailblazing figure in motorsport, known for her love of speed and thrill-seeking nature. She defied gender norms and excelled in a male-dominated sport, leaving a lasting impact on the racing world. Her legacy extends beyond racing, as she was also involved in charity work and had a diverse range of interests.

Sources
Sources

Wikipedia

A youtube channel of a car fanatic called Misha

Charoudin

Road & Track Magazine

https://www.formula1.com

Rush Magazine

Chapters

• 00:00 Food Preferences and Nostalgia
• 03:38 Literature Festivals and Book Events
• 06:00 The Life and Career of Sabine Schmitz
• 16:57 The Thrill-Seeker
• 17:29 Racing and Mentorship
• 20:32 Legacy and Impact
• 22:59 Gender Diversity in Motorsport
• 26:15 Representation and Empowerment
• 29:29 Diversity and Inclusion in Motorsport

Today, we’re diving into the chaotic, controversial life of Benedetta Carlini, a 17th-century Italian nun who claimed to marry Jesus, ruled her convent with an iron fist, and sparked one of the earliest documented lesbian affairs in modern history.

Was she a holy visionary, a cunning manipulator, or a victim of her time? Grab a drink.
The conversation delves into the controversy within the Catholic Church, Benedetta's trance-like state and visions, her role as Abess, the investigations and allegations against her, the conclusion and her fate, and the aftermath and legacy of Benedetta. It sheds light on the complex and controversial life of Benedetta and the implications of her actions within the context of the church and society.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022bq7

https://headstuff.org/culture/history/benedetta-carlini-fallen-visionary/

https://bigthink.com/the-past/benedetta-carlini-catholic-saint-trial/

What do you know about Glassmaking in Venice? That it was a secret? That it was actually a prison? That once there you could not leave?! Today we take a detailed exploration of the Republic of Venice and the glassmaking guilds. We learn of Marietta Barovier, one of the first female glassmakers of Murano and learn the art of bead making. From the innovation of glassmaking, to the process and skill involved, the Rosetta bead, global trade and success, entrepreneurship and independence, enamel work and craftsmanship. The legacy and impact of Marietta Barrovier's work in the glass industry lives on, find out how.

Sources:

• https://www.glassofvenice.com

  The Corning Museum of Glass blog

  https://seductivevenice.wordpress.com/tag/marietta-barovier/

  https://blog.cmog.org/2021/finding-marietta-evan-turks-

  drawings-bring-story-rosetta-bead-life-0

  https://issuu.com/antefermaedizioni/docs/ant_bcc_interattivo/58

  ?e=67&o=1

  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=577256424333435

  https://patricianozell.com/2020/11/06/ppbf-a-thousand-glass-

  flowers-marietta-barovier-and-the-invention-of-the-rosetta-

  bead/

  https://www.coe.int/en/web/venice/news/-

  /asset_publisher/HO2G1g67croM/content/a-show-remembers-

  marietta-barovier

  https://www.atvo.it/en/blog/discover-the-magic-of-venetian-

  glassworks-art-craft

  the novel The Glass Maker by Tracey Chevalier

Chapters

• 00:00 The Fence Saga
• 02:23 The Glassmaking Legacy of Venice
• 05:09 The Republic of Venice and Glassmaking Guilds
• 18:08 The Life of Marietta Barovier
• 20:39 The Art of Bead Making
• 21:30 Innovation in Glassmaking
• 22:57 The Craft of Bead Making
• 23:25 The Process of Bead Making
• 24:23 The Skill of Bead Making
• 26:06 The Rosetta Bead
• 30:55 Global Trade and Success
• 31:49 Entrepreneurship and Independence
• 33:21 Enamel Work and Craftsmanship
• 36:14 Legacy and Impact

The conversation delves into the tragic events of one Northern English city. The conversation delves into the inspiring story of the Headscarf Revolutionaries, a group of courageous women who fought for impactful change in the fishing industry. Their activism, determination, and the lasting legacy they left behind teaches us that no matter who you are, what rooms you are allowed in, you can impact the world.

Sources:

https://www.scarboroughsmaritimeheritage.org.uk/article.php?article=764

http://tripletrawlertragedy.hulldailymail.co.uk/index.html

https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain/display/spotlights/after-industry-communities-northern-england-1960s-1980s

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hull_triple_trawler_tragedy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Eddom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Bilocca

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-42253251

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd737gdrlpno

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3csvtty - Witness Histroy Ep 2019

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj0pgq57z33o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-35735318

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-32888537

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-33034608

Chapters

• 00:00 The Sad City: Tragedy at Sea
• 19:35 The Women's Protest
• 27:36 The Headscarf Revolutionaries
• 28:10 The Campaign Gains Traction
• 28:38 The Big Lil Effect
• 30:00 The Misogyny Subplot
• 31:29 The Headscarf Revolutionaries' Legacy
• 32:36 The Women's Determination
• 33:00 The Women's Impact
• 34:26 The Aftermath
• 48:07 Recognition and Commemoration

Cara has been to Dubrovnik! And this week we deep dive into the life and work of journalist Ruth First, Nelson Mandela's buddy. We look at her impactful journalism and activism against apartheid in South Africa. The conversation delves into the life and work of Ruth First, highlighting her independence, directness, and activist research. It explores the impact of her death and the power of the written legacy she left behind.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Dubrovnik
• 18:16 Ruth First: Journalism and Activism
• 26:04 Activist Research and Legacy
• 36:30 The Written Legacy

60. Joan of Arc: The teenager who changed history

Joan of Arc's extraordinary life unfolds in three captivating chapters. We explore her humble beginnings in a turbulent France, her divine calling and mission, and her remarkable leadership in battle, challenging gender and social norms along the way. The conversation delves into Joan of Arc's rise to power, her strategic leadership, and religious significance. It explores Charles' reluctance, Joan's intelligence, and the impact of class bias. The coronation, political influence, and myths surrounding Joan are also discussed. The conversation then covers why was Joan of Arc put to death, what Joan of Arc is famous for, religious persecution, and the misconceptions about her. Finally, it explores the religious trial, execution, and its aftermath.

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc

https://www.historyhit.com/1412-joan-arc-born-france/

https://www.historyanswers.co.uk/history-of-war/8-joan-of-arc-myths-busted/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/joan-of-arc

https://www.biography.com/military-figures/joan-of-arc

Chapters

00:00 A Quiet Life in Turbulent Times

11:00 The Call to Destiny

18:49 Leading the Charge

26:08 Joan's Rise to Power

33:11 Trial and Religious Persecution

42:12 Religious Trial and Execution

We cover it all today wind, pottery, mischeief and pancakes! We learn about Barute's background and early life, how she ended up in Borneo, her connection with orangutans, challenges of outdoor living, and Barute's discoveries. The conversation delves into the behaviour and environment of orangutans, the challenges of caring for orphaned baby orangutans, the impact and legacy of conservation work, the threats to orangutans, and the power of curiosity and care in driving conservation efforts. It emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and responsibility in conservation, as well as the role of individuals in continuing conservation efforts.

Sources

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/birute-

galdikas-orangutans-borneo-october-1975

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/birut-mary-galdikas-knows-

orangutans

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/apr/09/birute-

galdikas-obituary

https://www.science.ca/scientists/scientistprofile.php?pID=7&pg

=3

https://archive.org/details/greatlivesfromhi0002unse_n5y6/page

/338/mode/2up?q=galdikas

https://orangutan.org

The book Reflections of Eden: my years with the orangutans of

Borneo by Birute G herself.

Chapters

• 00:00 Wind and Animal Mischief
• 05:49 Barute's Education and Mentorship
• 13:35 Barute's Interest in Orangutans
• 19:33 Barute's Discoveries
• 25:05 Impact and Legacy
• 31:50 Threats to Orangutans