Womanica

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Latest Episodes:

Divas: María Félix Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

María Félix (1914-2002) was a Mexican actress who rose to fame at the height of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Her roles varied across genres and archetypes, breaking from the tradition of traditional, submissive female roles in the industry.

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This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Hannah Bottum, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, and Vanessa Handy. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. Original theme music composed by Miles Moran.

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Divas: Grace Jones Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Grace Jones (1948 - present) is a model, singer, actress, and performance artist. She has been on the cover of Vogue, Essence, and Interview Magazine. She released chart topping albums including Nightclubbing, Warm Leatherette, and Slave to the Rhythm.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Maria Malibran Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Maria Malibran's (1808-1836) powerful operatic voice made her an international sensation. But her fame and talent hid a lifetime of pressure… and pain.

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Emma Hamilton Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Emma Hamilton (c. 1765 –1815) was an English model, maid, and dancer. She was the mistress of a series of wealthy men. She was the muse of painter George Romney and featured in more than 70 of his paintings. She had a very public affair with a war hero, Lord Horatio Nelson, that scandalized British high society.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Martha Mitchell Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Martha Mitchell (1918-1976) was the wife of President Richard Nixon’s Attorney General and campaign chair John Mitchell. Dubbed “the Mouth from the South,” Martha was a political star in Washington until she fell from grace amid the Watergate Scandal.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Edith Bouvier Beale Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Edith Bouvier Beale (1917-2002), also known as "Little Edie," was an American socialite and the cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She gained fame from Grey Gardens, a documentary that explored her eccentric, reclusive life with her mother, "Big Edie," in their decaying East Hampton mansion. She was an icon of American counterculture and influenced film, theater, and fashion.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Mildred Bailey Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Mildred Bailey (c.1900-1951) was a Native American jazz singer during the 1930s, known as "The Queen of Swing", "The Rockin' Chair Lady", and "Mrs. Swing.” She was a major pioneer of the “swing” style of singing that became synonymous with jazz vocals.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Blaze Starr Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

Blaze Starr (1932-2015) was an American stripper and burlesque star whose big stage presence and innovative use of props earned her the nickname “The Hottest Blaze in Burlesque.” She was also known for her affair with Louisiana Governor Earl Kemp Long, and later wrote a memoir about the relationship that turned into a movie starring Paul Newman.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Minnie Riperton Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Minnie Riperton (1947-1979) was an American soul singer, best known for the 1975 hit song “Lovin’ You.” From an early age, Riperton captivated audiences with her extraordinary five-octave vocal range and command of the whistle register. At the peak of her commercial success, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and became one of few celebrities to share her diagnosis publicly. She defied expectations for Black artists in the music industry and remained a beacon positivity until the end of her life.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divas: Leona Helmsley Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Leona Helmsley (1920-2007) was a real estate agent turned mogul after marrying Harry Helmsley. Leona served as the head and face of the Helmsley hotel empire, and her unapologetic wealth and antics earned her the nickname “queen of mean.” Later, Leona was convicted on charges of tax evasion and served more than a year in prison.

For Further Reading:

This month, we're diving into the "Divas" of history, examining how the label has been used from many angles, whether describing women pejoratively... or with admiration.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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