There are quite a few parallels between Mary Mallon's story (a series of typhoid outbreaks) and our present day pandemic, and so there are things we can learn from it (not the least of which is wash your dang hands!)

But was Mary a villain?

Or simply a victim of circumstances?

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Much has been made of hair-care mogul Madam CJ Walker, but before the Walker empire existed, there was her mentor Annie Turnbo Malone, whose innovation, drive, and concern for her fellow humans have been overshadowed by her more flamboyant protegée. We're going to tell you both of their stories today.

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Isadora was the purest of unconventional free spirits and one of history's most unique dance innovators. Many people only know how she died, but how she lived is a much more inspiring and fascinating story.

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In this second installment in the life of Mary Church Terrell, the stage is bigger, the stakes are higher, and the gloves are off! Mary makes societal change happen with persistence, a propensity for making influential connections... and sheer nerve.

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Life got in the way of getting Mary Church Terrell Part Two out this week, we will post that episode as soon as possible, but Mary and Ida crossed paths several times so we thought a refresher of her life was in order.

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Mary Terrell was one of the first African American Women to graduate from college, and rose to prominence during the battles for universal suffrage and civil rights.

With fiery speeches and a push in the back, she demanded that we all to go forth and do some good. We have a responsibility to lift each other up as we climb, she said, in order to make the world a better place for all.

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Maria Montessori revolutionized education during the early 20th century with her approach to child-led learning, and was convinced that the children of the world were the key to peace on earth.

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Surprise! Our Traditional Bonus episode about the origins of Mrs. Claus, here for your listening pleasure on Christmas morning.

Preview it before you share with the North Pole true believers in your life - and have a great holiday!

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Just how biographical *is* Little Women? You'll see the echoes of Louisa May Alcott's real life within her most famous work after hearing this episode.

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Thanks to a couple of recent news stories about Rosa, we're heading back to 2012 and revisiting the life of this civil rights activist and icon.

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