Womanica

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Latest Episodes:

Rebels: Elizabeth Freeman Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

Elizabeth Freeman (c. 1744-1829) was the first enslaved woman to file and win a freedom suit in the state of Massachusetts. Her case set the precedent for freedom suits across the state, more than 80 years before the Emancipation Proclamation.

You’re probably familiar with rebels without a cause, but what about rebels with a cause? This month on Womanica, we’re talking about women who broke rules that were meant to be broken. From the “Godmother of Title IX” Bernice Sandler, to the most prominent figure of the People Power Revolution, Corazon Aquino, to the “Queen of Civil Rights” Ruby Hurley, these women took major risks to upend the status quo and create meaningful change.

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 Liz Smith, Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Ale Tejeda, Sara Schleede, Abbey Delk, and Alex Jhamb Burns. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.
Original theme music composed by Miles Moran.

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Rebels: Eleanor Flexner Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

Eleanor Flexner (1908-1995) wrote what became the preeminent book women's rights, during an era when “feminist” was a dirty word.

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Rebels: Dorothy Ferebee Jan 06, 2023

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Dorothy Ferebee (1898-1980) provided healthcare to vulnerable communities when they needed it most. She worked tirelessly across the United States and around the globe, advocating for civil rights and public health.

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Rebels: Corazon Aquino Jan 05, 2023

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Corazon Aquino (1933-2009) rose above her fears to become the first female president of the Philippines. She led the country to democracy in a way that set a precedent for other countries around the world.

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Rebels: Charlotta Bass Jan 04, 2023

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Charlotta Bass (c. 1880-1969) was the first Black woman to run for vice president of the United States. She was also a lifelong journalist and activist, who made it her life’s work to end segregation and discrimination.

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Rebels: Charity Adams Earley Jan 03, 2023

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Charity Adams Earley (1918-2002) stood up against racism in the American military. Through her service as one of first Black female officers in the U.S. army, she contributed to the eventual desegregation of the American military.

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Rebels: Bernice Sandler Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

Bernice Sandler (1928-2019) was the godmother of Title IX, a woman who was fed up with gender discrimination she faced and decided to do something about it.

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Mothers: Ruth Batson Dec 30, 2022

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Ruth Batson (1921-2003) was a mother, educator, and civil rights leader who worked tirelessly to desegregate public schools in Boston.

While motherhood can take many forms, to mother is to usher forth new generations through care, work and imagination. For the entire month of December, we’re celebrating mothers — including those who raised children who went on to lead the civil rights movement and school desegregation efforts, such as Alberta King and Louise Little, as well as mothers of movements like Lorena Borjas who started the Latinx trans movement. All of the women featured this month were dedicated to the survival of children in their work and to imagining better futures for the next generation.

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Mothers: Queen Idia Dec 29, 2022

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Queen Idia (c. 1500s) rewrote the rulebook on mothering in ancient Benin. She fought for her son’s life and place on the throne – and made herself a queen in the process.

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Mothers: Norma Gabler Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

Norma Gabler (1923-2007) turned her motherhood into a weapon, bending the American educational landscape to fit her own moral compass.

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