Womanica

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Latest Episodes:

Maritime Madams: Lagertha Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Lagertha was a Viking shield-maiden who is said to have ruled in the 9th century AD in what is now Norway She was the first wife of Ragnar Lothbrok, King of the Vikings and a skilled warrior and sea commander. In one such instance, Ragnar sent to Norway for support in a battle he was losing, and Lagertha came to his aid with 120 ships playing a decisive role in the victory of this battle.

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: Lehua Kamalu Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Lehua Kamalu (c. 1980-present) was the first woman in modern history to captain and navigate a voyaging canoe using the traditional Polynesian practice of wayfinding. Without maps or GPS, she navigated the Pacific Ocean using cues from the currents, the winds and the stars.

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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Maritime Madams: Radhika Menon Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Radhika Menon is the first female captain in the Indian Merchant Navy. In 2016, she became the first woman to receive the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea following a successful rescue mission that saved the lives of seven fishermen.

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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Maritime Madams: Annie Edson Taylor Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Annie Edson Taylor (unknown –1921) was an American schoolteacher best known as the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

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: Molly Malone Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

Molly Malone is one of the most famous cultural figures in Ireland and in Dublin city, her legend stemming from the 19th-century ballad “Cockles and Mussels.” Described as a beautiful young fishwife, Molly is said to have roamed the cobbled streets of Dublin by day, crying “cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!”

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: Maria Klenova Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Maria Klenova (1898-1976) was a Russian and Soviet marine geologist who, over her nearly 30-year-long career, researched polar regions, marine geology, and advanced the field of Russian marine science. She was the first woman scientist to conduct research in Antarctica.

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: Sedna Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Sedna is known as the powerful Inuit sea goddess who rules over all marine animals. Hunters must honor and appease her to ensure a successful catch, as she controls the availability of seals, whales, and other sea creatures. She remains a central figure in Inuit spirituality, symbolizing the deep connection between humans, animals, and the sea.

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: Ida Lewis Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Ida Lewis (1842-1911) was an American lighthouse keeper for the Lime Rock Lighthouse, in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island. She was renowned for her swimming and rowing skills which she employed to save the lives of many civilians, most famously, the lives of two soldiers in 1869.

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.

Outsiders: Patti Smith Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Patti Smith (1946-present) is an American singer, songwriter, poet, author, and visual artist. A pivotal figure in the New York City punk rock scene, her 1975 debut album “Horses” fused rock with poetic intensity. Patti Smith is also the author of the acclaimed memoir “Just Kids” about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and her early years as an artist.

For Further Reading:

This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

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Outsiders: Leonor Fini Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

Leonor Fini (1907-1996) was an Argentine-Italian surrealist painter, designer, illustrator, and author. She produced an extensive body of work including paintings, drawings, and set and costume design — often centered around depictions of powerful and erotic women.

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Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

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