Womanica

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Maritime Madams: Else Bostelmann Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Else Bostelmann (1882-1961) was a German-born scientific illustrator and painter known for bringing the deep sea to life through her vivid and accurate underwater artwork. Working with naturalist William Beebe in the 1930s, she painted marine creatures based on descriptions he gave from his dives in Bermude. Her work helped the public visualize the mysterious world of the ocean’s depths for the first time.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

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, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

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Maritime Madams: Yemaya Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Yemaya, also known as Yemoja, is one of the most revered and powerful divine spirits in various Afro-Caribbean religions, associated with fertility and motherhood. Yemaya is the goddess of the ocean and the mother of all living things, and is revered for her nurturing and protective nature. She is the source of and controller of all waters and is seen as the quintessential mother figure.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Mary Lacy Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Mary Lacy (1740-1801) was a British sailor, shipwright and memoirist who defied 18th century gender norms by disguising herself as a man to join the Royal Navy. Her memoir, The Female Shipwright, is a great glimpse into maritime life and women’s roles in naval history.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Mary Becker Greene Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Mary Becker Greene (1867-1949) was a steamboat pilot and captain who began her career in the late 1800s. A pilot for over 50 years, she was the only licensed female steamboat captain on the Ohio River. Along with her husband Gordon C. Greene, she also co-owned Greene Line Steamers, one of the most important steamboat companies of its time. She passed away at age 80, onboard the Delta Queen, the Greene Line’s most famous passenger ship.

For Further Reading:

Mary B. Greene: The Ohio River’s Leading Lady (Part 1) and (Part 2)
Captain Mary Becker Greene
Mary Greene took charge of steamer line
Mary Greene, Female River Pilot

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Naomi James Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Naomi James (1949-present) was the first woman to single-handedly sail around the world via the dangerous Cape Horn route. Her voyage broke Sir Francis Chichester's world record for fastest solo circumnavigation by just two days.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Ama Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Ama are Japanese female fisherwomen and free divers who plunge into the ocean without oxygen tanks, or other modern diving equipment. They dive for shellfish and seafood, particularly abalone. In recent years, their numbers have declined as climate change has taken its toll and the diving population has grown older. Today, they remind us of the importance of tradition and environmental stewardship.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Emma Kaʻilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Emma Kaʻilikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina (1847-1929) was a highly regarded authority on Hawaiian water rights law and unofficially considered Hawaii’s first female judge. Descended from an American sugar planter and a Hawaiian high chiefess, she was born a kaukau ali’i and educated in cultural customs and water rights from a young age. She was a curator of the Hawaiian National Museum, a Commissioner of Private Ways and Water Rights, a supporter of women’s suffrage, and a prolific writer on Hawaiian culture during the colonization of her homeland.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Tracy Edwards Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Tracy Edwards (1962 - Present), MBE skippered the first-ever all-female crew in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race. She is the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year trophy and has created many sailing crews to battle gender prejudice on the ocean.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Jeanne de Clisson Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Jeanne de Clisson (1300-1359)isknown as the “Lioness of Brittany.” She was a 14th-century French/Breton noblewoman who turned to piracy in order to avenge her husband’s death.

For Further Reading:

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maritime Madams: Mary Jane Rathbun Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Mary Jane Rathbun (1860-1943) was a marine zoologist who discovered thousands of species of crabs. Her work helped establish the basic taxonomy of crustaceans.

For Further Reading

This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

Follow Wonder Media Network:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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