Best Dr. Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle Podcasts (2024)

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THE COUNTERFEIT COUNTESS Janina Mehlberg 1:01:16

6d ago1:01:16

1:01:16

When Jewish mathematician Pepi Mehlberg was offered a new identity as Countess Janina Suchodolska in Nazi-occupied Poland, she took that chance and used it - to join the underground resistance, feed thousands of Nazi prisoners every week, and eventually rescue over 10,000 Poles from Majdanek concentration camp. And she was just getting started. Our…

1
THE VOYAGER Hannah Masury Howe 51:35

23d ago51:35

51:35

By Dr. Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle

1
THE SOLID CITIZEN Frances Perkins 59:16

1M ago59:16

59:16

Frances Perkins, first female cabinet secretary in US history, was the mind (and the will) behind nearly every landmark policy of the Roosevelt administration's New Deal - so why doesn't anyone know her name? Bestselling author Stephanie Dray introduces us to this remarkable woman whose vision and relentless hard work would touch the life of every …

1
THE EQUESTRIAN Anna Sewell 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

"This was one woman with a very little life, who made the most enormous difference." Celia Brayfield shares with Katie the story of Anna Sewell who, on her death bed, wrote a story and changed the world. Black Beauty was no mere "horse book." It catapulted the cause of animal rights and became one of the bestselling books of all time. But Anna Sewe…

1
THE GUNG-HO ORIGINAL Helen Foster Snow 1:00:13

3M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

In 1931, a young American aspiring writer set off for what she thought would be a one-year adventure in China. Hoping to gain life experience so she could eventually write the Great American Novel - she would instead become famous as the "Voice of China" to the west, and improve the lives of millions of people in the process. Olivia talks with Hele…

1
CHRISTMAS IN SWEDEN Selma Lagerlöf 1:00:57

4M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Selma Lagerlöf poetically recorded old Norse fairytales and profoundly influenced Swedish identity. Her work was so brilliant, she was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1909. In old age, she turned her poetic pen to her own life, recalling winters in the 1860s at her beloved Varmland farmhouse, Mårbaka. For our annual Christm…

1
THE WILD CHILD Alice Roosevelt 1:02:29

5M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

When Alice Roosevelt's dad became President of the United States, her family became the center of attention for the entire country (and the world) - and that was just how she liked it. Whether smoking on the White House roof, racing her bright red motorcar through the streets of Washington DC, or wearing her snake Emily Spinach as jewelry while att…

1
THE BOSTON BRAHMIN Ethel Gibson Allen 58:36

5M ago58:36

58:36

Come with us to peak Gilded Age America! We'll watch a charmingly unconventional love story unfold, cure yellow fever, stare at some incredible wallpaper and explore fascinating reasons why women should NOT vote. Katie takes us on location to Ethel Gibson Allen's Boston mansion, now the Gibson House Museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p…

1
THE BLOOD COUNTESS Elizabeth Báthory 55:06

6M ago55:06

55:06

Countess Elizabeth Báthory was a monster - a sadistic, murderous, vampire-witch who, in her castle in Hungary in the early 1600s, tortured and murdered over 600 young girls, then bathed in the blood of her victims. Or did she? Was she truly the supreme supernatural evil of 500 years of legend? Or was she an innocent victim of witch-hunt hysteria an…

1
THE MONGOL KHATUN Genghis Khan's Daughters 1:03:33

7M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Without the daughters of Genghis Khan, there would have been no Mongol Empire. Four women ruled over North, South, East, and West, in what would become the largest land empire in the history of the world. It's a story you've never heard, because the sisters were literally cut out of the Mongol records. Join us with eminent Mongol scholar Jack Weath…

1
THE QUEEN OF HAITI Marie-Louise Christophe 50:51

7M ago50:51

50:51

Say you join a revolution in the name of liberty and equality. Then someone hands you a crown. Could you do more good, with that power? Or will everything fall apart? Come with us to Haiti and across Europe in the twisty-turny tale of THE QUEEN OF HAITI, Marie-Louise Christophe. Katie's guest is Vanessa Riley, author of Queen of Exiles. To learn mo…

1
THE ANTI-FASCIST Gerda Taro 46:16

8M ago46:16

46:16

How did a 25-year-old German Jewish refugee with no formal photography training become 'half of' the most celebrated war photographer in history? Returning guest Kip Wilson takes us right into the heart of the Spanish Civil War to meet Gerda Taro - subject of Wilson's newest novel One Last Shot and the most famous photojournalist you've never heard…

1
THE CLEANING LADY Seraphine of Senlis 57:24

10M ago57:24

57:24

How did a lifelong cleaning lady become one of the most beloved painters in French history? In 1905, the voice of the Virgin Mary told orphaned, uneducated maid Seraphine to paint, and she obeyed. Her small French town was on the front line of both world wars, and through it all she painted her kaleidoscopic view. She gave her paintings to everyone…

1
THE WESTERN WOMAN Rattlesnake Kate Slaughterback 1:02:02

10M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

The day "Rattlesnake Kate" Slaughterback (armed with only a rifle, 4 bullets, and a "No Hunting" sign) successfully shot, slashed and smashed her way through hundreds of rattlesnakes to save herself and her son, a legend was born. But that's just the beginning of her story... Olivia is on location at the Greeley History Museum with Grammy-nominated…

1
THE WOMAN KING Hatshepsut 59:15

11M ago59:15

59:15

The Pharaoh Hatshepsut is probably the most successful woman king Egypt ever had - so why doesn't anyone know how to say her name? Discover this enigmatic, fascinating woman with returning guest and fan-favorite Egyptologist Kara Cooney. Music featured in this episode used by kind permission of Michael Levy, Remon Sakr, Kevin MacLeod and Quincas Mo…

1
THE PUNA HELE Mary Kawena Puku'i 39:30

12M ago39:30

39:30

“I have only one favor to ask of people: to take care of their stories.” When Mary Kawena Puku’i was born, her grandmother named her the PUNA HELE, the one who would carry their Hawaiian tradition and culture into the future. Not an easy task, since she was born in 1895-- the year Hawaii was overthrown and annexed by the United States! But she rose…

1
THE ACCUSED Clara Ford 1:00:51

12M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

When Clara Ford - a poor, Black, cross-dressing, pipe smoking, single mother - was arrested for the murder of dashing, young, white Frank Westwood, nobody expected her to avoid the noose. So how did this unexpected heroine talk her way out of the death sentence - even after she confessed? Olivia takes us to 19th century Toronto for a wild True Crim…

1
THE DISCOVERY Naia 55:30

1y ago55:30

55:30

In a deep dark underwater cave, Mexican divers in 2007 found a mountain of prehistoric animal bones…and one human skeleton. It was Naia– the oldest skeleton ever discovered in the Americas. What can her bones tell us about our human origins? And more than that, what do they tell us about what it means to be human? Come with us on location to Dos Pa…

1
THE SUN QUEEN Maria Telkes 1:00:56

1y ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Her pioneering work on solar heat and solar energy would change science forever – but it was her passionate dedication to humanity that made her a true visionary. Meet the remarkable Maria Telkes, subject of the amazing American Experience documentary The Sun Queen, with Olivia’s guests: Writer/Producer Gene Tempest and Director Amanda Pollack. Mus…

1
THE PIRATE QUEEN OF CONNACHT Grace O'Malley 50:47

1y ago50:47

50:47

Her story was long consigned to legend and fantasy. An Irish pirate queen who commanded a fleet of ships from Spain to Scotland…in the 1500s?! Not likely. But in the 1990s, historian Anne Chambers found a trove of documents in a dusty old chest at Westport House, and the tales of Grace O’Malley were proven to be marvelously, fantastically, true. Jo…

1
THE USELESS HOUSEWIFE SCIENTIST Beverly Paigen 1:04:58

1y ago1:04:58

1:04:58

When the mothers of Love Canal learned that their neighborhood was built on a chemical dump, they began the fight of their lives. First for information, and then to escape their own homes. But without biologist Beverly Paigen - who put her reputation, her career, and maybe even her own safety on the line - it would never have happened. Discover thi…

1
THE WARDEN Maria van Nispen 43:19

1y ago43:19

43:19

We often hear about history’s various Golden Ages, but what about when good times were over? Maria van Nispen, a bricklayer’s daughter, came of age during the Dutch “Disaster Year,” 1672. Justice, stability, even the Republic itself seemed lost. If you can’t change the world, change yourself… Travel with Katie to Leiden archives to unearth this rem…

1
THE INAUGURAL BALLER Lusia Harris 42:50

1+ y ago42:50

42:50

When Lusia Harris convinced her parents to let her try out for High School basketball, she never could've anticipated she'd end up scoring the first basket in Olympic Women’s Basketball history. Facing unprecedented hurdles at every step of her career, she broke records, made history, and changed women’s sports forever... and that’s just the beginn…

1
A COUNTRY HOUSE CHRISTMAS Phyllis Sandeman - 2022 Christmas Special 44:25

1+ y ago44:25

44:25

The darkest time of year inspires us all to reflect on the meaning and power of Home. Experience Christmas in a grand country house through the eyes of an Edwardian child in this charming reading of Phyllis Elinor Sandeman’s memoir, A Country House Christmas performed by returning What'sHerName favorite Jay Stelling. Guest Jay Stelling is an illust…

1
THE QUEEN OF THE WEST Dale Evans 1:00:36

1+ y ago1:00:36

1:00:36

She always wanted to make it to Broadway. Instead she became Hollywood’s most iconic cowgirl, roping and riding (and most importantly – singing!) her way into the hearts of millions of fans. So when your life is one giant triumph – but not the triumph you aimed for – what do you do? Olivia interviews Theresa Kaminski, author of the wonderful new bi…

1
THE BRIDGE Brigid of Kildare 56:27

1+ y ago56:27

56:27

St. Brigid tended an eternal flame in Kildare, Ireland, while caring for people, animals, and the earth. And though she lived 1500 years ago, her story is seeing a huge resurgence in the 21st century. Come on location with Katie to the Solas Bhride Centre in Kildare to meet Brigidine nun, Sister Rita Minehan. We promise a balm for your weary soul! …

1
THE NURSE Mary Seacole 1:01:14

1+ y ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What would it look like to live a life without fear? Mary Seacole’s story may hold the answer! She spent her life rushing from one catastrophe to the next, doing anything she could to ease human suffering – without a single thought for her own safety. From disease-infested Panamanian goldmines to the horrific battlefield hospitals of Crimea – Mary …

1
THE POISONER Goeie Mie 40:36

1+ y ago40:36

40:36

The most prolific poisoner of all time couldn’t possibly have been a woman. Right??! Goeie Mie, “Good Maria,” was such a selfless and kindly nurse that desperate folks in 19th-century Leiden called her when they were sick, knowing she’d come even if they couldn’t pay. But they got worse, and worse, and usually died in misery. Goeie Mie had life ins…

1
THE GRATEFUL DUCHESS Harriot Mellon 56:08

1+ y ago56:08

56:08

The richest, most famous person you’ve never heard of is Harriot Mellon. An icon of the stage in Regency England, she rose from abject poverty and abuse to become the wealthiest woman in the country. More surprising still: she was the sweetest, most wholesome soul you’ll ever meet. Guest Dr Ian Mortimer is the author of over twenty books on the his…

1
THE CARPENTER Elizabeth Gregory 47:28

1+ y ago47:28

47:28

When Sir Christopher Wren was tasked with redesigning Westminster Abbey in 1697, his extravagant vision was brought to life by Head Abbey Carpenter Elizabeth Gregory. In an era when men ruled supreme, this remarkable woman oversaw every one of the hundreds of carpenters working for the Abbey – for over fifteen years. Discover the mysterious life of…

1
THE ONE WHO STAYED Caty Taylor 38:35

2y ago38:35

38:35

What really matters in life? Family, love, kindness, freedom…? And if you had to pick just one, which would it be? Caty Taylor, enslaved at Montpelier Plantation, had to choose. Her brother was sold, her sister joined the largest escape attempt in American history… but Caty stayed. They all took different paths but – miracle of miracles – found a h…

1
THE QUEEN OF CHOCOLATE Luisa Spagnoli 58:36

2y ago58:36

58:36

Luisa Spagnoli overcame childhood poverty – and the infamously misogynistic fascism of Mussolini’s Italy – to become one of the most famous and influential chocolatiers (and fashion designers!) in European history. But how did she do it?! Olivia interviews Dr. Diana Garvin, author of Feeding Fascism. Diana Garvin is an Assistant Professor of Italia…

1
THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 100 WOMEN: 100th Episode Special 1:46:46

2y ago1:46:46

1:46:46

For too long, the story of human history has been a story of men. But how would the story change if we put the ‘lost women’ center stage? In our 100th Episode Special, we tell the whole history of the world, in one sweeping narrative, through all 100 What’sHerName women! Find links to every episode of What'sHerName on our website, or order Katie an…

1
THE TEACHER Lois Meek Stolz 46:08

2y ago46:08

46:08

When Lois Meek Stolz became a teacher, “children as small silent robots”-style education ruled the day. But her innovative vision, empathy for her students, and bold refusal to “do what had always been done” helped change American education forever – but that was only the beginning! Meet the “model teacher” who became one of the most influential Ch…

1
THE GLEANER Judith Sargent Murray 49:19

2y ago49:19

49:19

In 1790, Judith Sargent Murray became the first American to publicly argue that men and women were equal. Hailing from seafaring Gloucester Massachusetts, she educated herself, weathered some of life’s cruelest storms, and published hundreds of bold, brave essays. She expected to rock the boat, steering her new American nation toward equality. And …

1
THE CONSTANT SCANDAL Valeska Gert 53:04

2y ago53:04

53:04

Even in the wildly eccentric cabaret culture of 1920s Berlin,Valeska Gert stood out. And though it would take nearly fifty years for society to “catch up” with Valeska’s vision – this unique and irrepressible dancer would eventually (and against all odds) become revered as the “Mother of Punk”! Olivia interviews dancer and dance historian Janet Col…

1
THE GOOD WIFE Elizabeth Bray Allen 44:42

2y ago44:42

44:42

What makes a good wife? In 1700s Virginia, there was one clear path for colonial women: Marry. Have children. Preserve the family wealth. Fail at this, and you’ve failed at life. But what if the family wealth you were tasked to preserve was an old mansion…and a slave plantation? Katie takes us on location to Bacon’s Castle, one of America’s oldest …

1
THE PHOTOJOURNALIST Catherine Leroy 49:14

2y ago49:14

49:14

When 21 year-old Catherine Leroy hopped on a plane in Paris, headed for Vietnam, she had no idea what she was getting herself into. Despite having no experience of either war or photography, Leroy was determined to make her mark as a world-class combat photojournalist. And somehow, against all odds – and against massive opposition from most of her …

1
THE NATURALIST Maria Sibylla Merian 54:39

2y ago54:39

54:39

Germany was still burning witches when Maria Sibylla Merian daringly filled her 17th-century home with spiders, moths, and all kinds of toxic plants. Bold choices saved her from accusations of witchcraft–and from a mundane life. Merian’s fascination with metamorphosis led her all the way to the rainforests of South America, where she recorded count…

1
THE MOTHER OF FORENSIC SCIENCE Frances Glessner Lee 56:31

2y ago56:31

56:31

Frances Glessner Lee was 52 years old when she discovered the mission that would become her legacy – to “convict the guilty, clear the innocent, and find the truth.” After five decades as a prominent social hostess (and innovative part-time artist) this indomitable woman took on centuries of entrenched medical and legal tradition to become the Moth…

1
THE UNVEILED Huda Shaarawi 55:27

2y ago55:27

55:27

An Egyptian child bride awakens to the reality of life in a harem, and dreams of revolution. And that’s just the beginning! Huda Shaarawi led thousands of women in a movement to liberate themselves from the harem, the veil, and all inequality. But in 1920s Egypt, how far could they get? Our guest Professor Ayfer Karakaya-Stump was born and raised i…

1
THE WARRIOR QUEEN Chand Bibi 48:08

2+ y ago48:08

48:08

Chand Bibi served as regent of two different Sultanates in the 16th century Deccan peninsula, and ruled over some of the most important – and tumultuous – years in the region’s history. Versions of her story have been told and retold in India for generations – but what really happened to this enigmatic queen? Our guest Dr. Sarah Waheed helps us unr…

1
VERSAILLES CHRISTMASTIDE Mary Stuart Boyd 43:54

2+ y ago43:54

43:54

Mary Stuart Boyd spent Christmas 1900 in Versailles, not on a festive tour of the grand palace, but to stay with her 13-year-old son, quarantined there with scarlet fever. Her Versailles experience seems worlds away from today’s tourist mobs. The author of eight novels and three travel narratives, her delightful insights leave us amazed that no one…

1
THE SCREENWRITER Frances Marion 52:24

2+ y ago52:24

52:24

Frances Marion was one of the most important, influential, and well-paid screenwriters in Hollywood. Her films moved audiences to tears and brought out the best in every actor for whom she ever wrote. And when the switch to ‘talking pictures’ left most other silent film writers in the dust, Frances continued to astonish, creating dozens of the most…

1
THE ORGANIZER Celia Sánchez 45:56

2+ y ago45:56

45:56

Celia Sánchez Manduley was probably the most important woman in the Cuban Revolution – yet outside of Cuba, almost nobody knows her name. The first woman to fire a shot in the revolution, and the brains behind the revolution’s complex logistics, she is known in Cuba as the powerful heart of a movement to “make people’s lives better.” Discover this …

1
THE FIRST ACCUSED Tituba 48:50

2+ y ago48:50

48:50

Some say Tituba was the easy target in 1692, as an enslaved woman of color. But surprise! She confessed to witchcraft, offering elaborate descriptions of a widespread Satanic conspiracy. Her tales launched Salem, Massachusetts into an unparalleled witch mania. No one was safe…except Tituba herself. How did she start it all, and how did she escape? …

1
THE PIRATE Ching Shih 43:20

2+ y ago43:20

43:20

She was the most powerful pirate in the history of the world – and you’ve probably never heard her name. How did this brilliant, ruthless, utterly unstoppable woman manage to dodge the Chinese, British and Portuguese navies for a decade, and still end up left out of the history books? Guest Dr. Jamie Goodall, author of Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Lost Women of England Tour 2021 43:49

2+ y ago43:49

43:49

Come along with us on a virtual version of our September 2021 “Lost Women of England” Tour! Hear highlights from the trip, with context, commentary and other fun bonus content from Katie and Olivia, and “armchair travel” your way around the history of England with us in this special bonus episode. (Watch a video version of this episode with photos …

1
THE RANI OF JHANSI Lakshmibai 39:19

2+ y ago39:19

39:19

Rani (Queen) Lakshmibai of Jhansi never wanted to be a rebel. She did everything she could to stay on the right side of the law. But when the British East India Company finally pushed her too far, she took up the sword – literally – to fight for her kingdom, her son, and her life! Return guest Pamela Toler is back to tell us about this incredible, …

1
GONE TO THE ENEMY Eve 42:19

2+ y ago42:19

42:19

What if you got to witness the birth of the American Revolution personally? If you got to hear the founding fathers debating liberty, rights, and the pursuit of happiness around the dining table? Eve heard and saw it all…because she was enslaved by one of the founding fathers. Eve kept her ears open, her eyes down, and then, she made her move. Join…

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