Melita Norwood (1912-2005) was a little old lady who hid her career as a prolific Soviet spy behind the sculpted shrubs and perfectly mowed lawns of the suburbs; famous among government officials for her intelligence smuggling escapades, and among neighbors for her homemade chutney.

Spies: Melita Norwood

Thinking back to our history classes growing up, we had one question: Where the ladies at? Enter, Womanica. In just 5 minutes a day, learn about different incredible women from throughout history. On Wonder Media Network’s award-winning podcast, we’re telling the stories of women you may or may not know — but definitely should. 

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Clara Bow (1905-1965) was an American film star of the 1920s. Her flapper persona helped bring about the “it” girl and popularize the fads of the era. Her sudden retirement at the age of 28 essentially erased her from later films as the studio system grew, but she left an undeniable imprint on film history.

Disappearing Acts: Clara Bow

Irmgard Keun (1905-1982) was a best-selling novelist in Germany in the early 1930s. After she ran afoul of Nazi censorship, she became an exiled, “anti-German” expatriate hiding from the Nazi regime. That’s when she was reported dead by suicide. But was that really the full story?

Disappearing Acts: Irmgard Keun

Nadine Hwang (1902-1972) was a Chinese pilot, a lesbian writer’s driver, a foreign diplomat, and a resistance fighter. In 1944, she was captured by Nazisand vanished into the Ravensbruck concentration camp – where she endured inhumane conditions, and, met the love of her life.

Disappearing Acts: Nadine Hwang

Yda Hillis Addis (c.1857-unknown) was an American writer in the California literary scene. She was the first American person to translate traditional Mexican stories into English. Her career was derailed by a life of salacious legal drama that ended in her disappearing after her release from jail.

Disappearing Acts: Yda Hillis Addis

Petra Herrera (1887-1916) was a soldadera who dressed and lived under the name Pedro Herrera. While disguised as a man, she fought with the insurgent troops of the Mexican Revolution and reached incredible heights — but once it revealed she was a woman, she was refused military rank and removed from the army. Afterwards, she served undercover once again, this time, as a spy.

Spies: Melita Norwood

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