The Homance Chronicles

Ella Eaton Kellogg, often overshadowed by her famous husband, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, emerges as a force in her own right, contributing significantly to the fields of nutrition, wellness, and progressive education. From her early years as a teacher in Michigan to her pivotal role in the development of the renowned Battle Creek Sanitarium, Ella Eaton Kellogg's journey is a testament to determinati...

One of history's most captivating figures: Zheng Yi Sao, better known as Ching Shih – the Pirate Queen of China was born in 1775 in Guangdong Province, China. We recount Zheng Yi Sao's remarkable rise to power alongside her husband, the notorious pirate captain Zheng Yi, and the fateful events that propelled her to command the Red Flag Fleet, one of the most formidable pirate armadas to ever sail...

Suzanne Morrow Francis, affectionately known as Suzi, was born in Toronto, Canada where she took on figure skating to strength her leg after an injury and then dominated the skating world. Suzi's passion for figure skating propelled her to unparalleled success, culminating in historic victories at the 1948 Winter Olympics and the 1948 World Figure Skating Championships alongside her partner, Walla...

Born in Australia in the late 19th century, Annette Kellerman defied societal norms from a young age. Overcoming childhood illness, she discovered her love for swimming, a passion that would propel her to international fame. As one of the first women to attempt long-distance swims, Annette shattered records and captivated audiences with her daring feats. But Annette's impact extended beyond the po...

Janis Joplin was an iconic rock and blues singer whose raw talent and unapologetic spirit left an indelible mark on the music world. From her humble beginnings in Port Arthur, Texas, to her rise to fame as the queen of psychedelic rock in the 1960s, Janis Joplin's journey is one of resilience, passion, and ultimately tragedy.  You'll discover the struggles Janis faced as a woman in a male-dominate...

Angela Burdett Coutts was a philanthropist whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born into privilege in 1814, Angela defied societal expectations by dedicating her life to charitable endeavors. From a young age, Angela demonstrated a deep empathy for the less fortunate, advocating for social reform and championing various causes. As one of the wealthiest women in Victorian England, she ut...

Born in the 5th century, St. Brigid's journey is shrouded in myth and legend, yet her impact on Irish culture and spirituality remains profound to this day. Our exploration begins with the early years of Brigid, born into a pagan family but destined for greatness in the Christian faith. We uncover the miraculous stories surrounding her birth, where flames illuminated her presence, symbolizing her...

Melitta Bentz, the pioneering inventor behind the modern coffee filter. Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1873, Bentz's story is one of ingenuity, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings as a housewife frustrated with the bitterness of coffee grounds in her brew, Bentz embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the way we enjoy our morning cup of joe. With a simple idea and...

Bertha Benz, the wife and business partner of Carl Benz, played a pivotal role in the invention of the automobile and the success of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world's first automobile. Born in 1849 in Pforzheim, Germany, Bertha Benz defied the norms of her time by embracing her husband's passion for engineering and automobiles. Despite societal expectations, Bertha supported Carl's vision an...

The extraordinary story of Mamie Till, a mother whose profound grief transformed into a catalyst for change during one of the darkest periods in American history. Mamie Till's life is a testament to the power of maternal love and the pursuit of justice. Her son, Emmett Till, became a tragic symbol of racial violence when he was brutally murdered at the age of 14 in Mississippi in 1955. Mamie's dec...

Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress and earned the nickname "Fighting Shirley."  From her humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, to her historic achievements as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, Shirley Chisholm's journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. We get into her gro...

Phyllis Wheatley was a young African woman who defied the odds of her time to become one of America's most celebrated poets. Born in West Africa and enslaved at just seven years old, Phyllis Wheatley's trajectory is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit. Despite the harsh realities of slavery, Phyllis's intellect and poetic talent shone brightly. Her remarkable abilities caug...

From her early days as a mathematics prodigy to her groundbreaking work at NASA, Margaret Hamilton's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to advancing technology. We explore how her innovative approach to software development and her insistence on rigorous testing. Both helped ensure the success of the Apollo 11 moon landing, solidifying her place in history. We uncover the cha...

Lucille Ricksen, a luminary of the silent film era whose promising trajectory was cut short by tragedy. Born in Chicago in 1909, Ricksen's entrance into the world of entertainment was early and marked by exceptional talent. We trace her journey from child actress to leading lady, exploring her significant contributions to the burgeoning film industry. Lucille's early success, including notable col...

Nail polish dates all the way back to Babylonian times starting in Egypt, then making it's way to China and India. It didn't make it's way to Europe and the United States until the 1800's. Throughout history it was used as an identifier of wealth, royalty, and the upper class. Often times, certain colors depicted which class of people you were.    The first nail salon opened in Paris in the late 1...

Bessie Coleman, a trailblazing aviator who defied racial and gender barriers to become the first African American woman to hold a pilot's license. Join us as we explore Bessie's humble beginnings in Texas, her determination to overcome obstacles, and her relentless pursuit of a dream that would change aviation history. From working as a manicurist to save money for flying lessons to traveling to F...

Women have dominated the real estate industry in recent years, but it definitely didn't start out that way. For a long time women couldn't buy or own property in their name. They couldn't join the National Association of Realtors. They couldn't get financing without their husband.  There a handful of women we highlight in this episode who said f*ck you to the patriarchy and made it possible for wo...

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree.  Dr. Crumpler's journey began in a society where racial and gender inequalities were deeply entrenched. Born in 1831, she faced formidable obstacles as an African American woman aspiring to become a physician. Yet, against all odds, Dr. Crumpler demonstrated extraordinary resilience and det...

It's Christmastime, so we're talking about the iconic, Donna Reed. She played Mary Bailey (the wife) in the timeless classic, "It's a Wonderful Life."  As a natural born beauty she was quickly identified by Hollywood producers and started appearing in films at just 20 years old. During World War II, she quickly became a leading lady in Hollywood. She was typecast into playing the "girl next door"...

Minerva Parker Nichols is one of the first feamle architects and was the first woman to own her own architecture firm. From her early years as a trailblazer in education to her groundbreaking work as a pioneering suffragist, Minerva Parker Nichols defied societal norms and shattered glass ceilings. In addition to create success for herself she was also determined to empower other women and contrib...

Anna Sutherland Bissell was a Canadian-American businesswoman who was the first female CEO in the United States.   Anna became a teacher at just 16 years old and then married Melville Bissell three years later. They had five children together. They moved from Wisconsin to Kalamazoo, Michigan to Grand Rapids, Michigan where they settled and had a successful crockery business.    Anna was involved i...

Mata Hari is an infamous exotic dancer and accused spy whose life was shrouded in intrigue and seduction. Her name became synonymous with espionage during the early 20th century. Born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle in the Netherlands, Mata Hari's life took unexpected twists and turns that led her from a tumultuous marriage to becoming the toast of Parisian society as a celebrated dancer. Her exotic p...

Sarah Josepha Hale is known as the "Mother of Thanksgiving," but she's so much more than that. She was an American writer, activist, and editor. At the age of 18, in 1806, she started teaching at a school; however, women were not allowed to be teachers at that time and most women weren't even being taught how to read.  She married David Hale and they shared a similar love for learning and reading,...

Ever wonder where the term "Sugar Daddy" came from? We have Mrs. Alma Spreckels to thank for that. She was married to a man 24 years older than her and he actually owned Spreckels Sugar Company.  Born into modest beginnings in 1881, Alma de Bretteville aka Alma Spreckels emerged from the shadows to become a prominent figure in the social and cultural landscape of early 20th-century America. She wa...

Betty White's story is one for the ages. Born in 1922, she witnessed the rise of the entertainment industry from its earliest days. From her early beginnings in radio to her groundbreaking work on television, Betty's versatility and talent made her a household name. We explore her early days as a model and radio personality, her transition to television, and her numerous hit shows, including "The...