The Homance Chronicles

Long before women had a seat at the table in medicine, Dr. Zaruhi Kavaljian carved out a space of her own. She was the first Armenian women to become a physician—an educator, trailblazer, and advocate for women's health and empowerment. From earning her medical degree at a time when few women even attended university, to shaping the future of public health and mentoring generations of students, Dr. Kavaljian's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering determination.

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Ava Gardner lived a dazzling yet complicated life. She was a timeless beauty, a fierce spirit, and one of Hollywood's most unforgettable icons. From her humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to becoming an MGM starlet and international sensation, Ava's journey was anything but ordinary.

We explore her rise to fame, the roles that defined her, and her tempestuous relationships with legends like Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra.

🔮 Content warning: This episode contains references to violence, addiction, and abortion. Listener discretion is advised.

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We step into the shadowy corridors of 17th-century Paris to uncover the life and legacy of Catherine Monvoisin—better known as La Voisin. Fortune-teller, midwife, poisoner, and alleged sorceress, La Voisin rose from modest beginnings to become a central figure in the notorious Affair of the Poisons—a scandal that shook the court of King Louis XIV to its core.

We explore her double life: by day, a respected healer and diviner; by night, a dealer in black masses, love potions, and fatal poisons. How did she build such a powerful underground network? What drew noblewomen and royals to her services? And what ultimately led to her fiery downfall?

Join us as we unravel the dark mystique of one of history's most infamous femmes fatales—and examine the fear, desperation, and superstition that fueled her rise and fall.

🔮 Content warning: This episode contains references to murder, occult practices, and violence. Listener discretion is advised.

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we dive into the chilling and mysterious history of Aqua Tofana—a deadly poison that quietly haunted 17th-century Italy. Said to be undetectable, tasteless, and odorless, this lethal concoction was reportedly created by Giulia Tofana and distributed to women desperate to escape abusive marriages in a time when divorce was not an option.

We explore the woman behind the formula, the whispered network of apothecaries and midwives that helped it spread, and the cultural and social conditions that turned poison into power. Was Giulia Tofana a cold-blooded murderer or a misunderstood feminist icon? And how did Aqua Tofana go from secret weapon to legend?

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Sally Ride catapulted from telescope‑toting kid in Encino to NASA trailblazer, winning collegiate tennis titles, earning dual Stanford degrees, and acing a Stanford Ph.D. before joining the first astronaut class to admit women. On June 18, 1983 she rode Challenger into orbit, silencing skeptics, mastering the shuttle's robotic arm, and becoming America's first—and youngest—woman in space.

She co‑authored award‑winning kids' books with longtime partner Tam O'Shaughnessy, and served on the Columbia accident board—making her the only person on both shuttle investigations. Fiercely private until her 2012 obituary revealed her 27‑year partnership, Sally's legacy endures in classrooms, laboratories, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom that underscores a simple truth: for Dr. Sally Ride, the sky was just the starting line.

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Deborah Sampson defied 18th-century gender norms by disguising herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Born into poverty and bound by the limitations of her time, Deborah's courage and resilience propelled her into a life of espionage, injury, and honor on the battlefield.

We explore her motivations, the double life she led as "Robert Shurtliff," and the challenges she faced both during and after the war. From battlefield bravery to her historic pension request and lecture tours, Deborah Sampson's legacy is one of radical defiance and quiet heroism.

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Malala Yousafzai is an activist and when she was a young girl from Pakistan's Swat Valley she stood up to the Taliban and became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate. From her early advocacy for girls' education under the shadow of terrorism, to surviving a near-fatal attack at just 15 years old, Malala's courage has ignited a global movement.

We explore her rise from anonymous blogger to international symbol of resistance and resilience, her journey to Oxford University, and her continued fight for education through the Malala Fund. You'll hear how she navigates fame, faith, feminism, and forgiveness — all while staying grounded in her roots and values.

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Anna Der-Vartanian was a true trailblazer in the U.S. Navy and beyond. From her early days of service during World War II to making history as the first woman to achieve the rank of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer in 1959.

Anna shattered glass ceilings in a male-dominated field, but her dedication to serving her country didn't stop there—after retiring from the Navy, she embarked on a second career with the CIA. We explore her resilience, leadership, and the legacy she left behind for future generations of women in the military and intelligence communities.

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Naomi Feil was the pioneer behind Validation Therapy for dementia care. Born in 1932, Naomi dedicated her career to improving communication with older adults experiencing dementia, challenging traditional caregiving approaches with empathy and understanding. Raised in a nursing home where her father was an administrator, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of elderly residents, shaping her lifelong mission to bring dignity and connection to those often forgotten.

We'll dive into how her groundbreaking Validation Method empowers caregivers to meet dementia patients in their reality rather than forcing them into ours. Through personal stories, key principles, and the lasting impact of her work, we'll uncover how Naomi's compassionate techniques continue to shape dementia care worldwide.

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Mary Ellen Pleasant was an entrepreneur, abolitionist, and one of the most powerful women of the 19th century. From her early years navigating the Underground Railroad to amassing a fortune in San Francisco, Mary Ellen used her wealth and influence to fight for civil rights, challenge racial injustice, and shape the future for Black Americans. But history hasn't always been kind to her legacy—was she a fearless activist, a savvy businesswoman, or something more? Join us as we unravel the fascinating, and often overlooked, story of the woman known as the "Mother of Civil Rights in California."

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