The Homance Chronicles

Catherine de Medici, born in 1519, was a member of the renowned Italian Medici family. Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Henry II of France and became Queen of France in the mid-16th century. Despite her humble beginnings as an Italian noblewoman, Catherine quickly rose to prominence and played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of a nation. We unravel her early years in Italy, whe...

Clara Barton was an educator and nurse who assisted soldiers during the American Civil War. She became the founder of the American Red Cross in 1881. She's a remarkable woman whose unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes forever changed the landscape of healthcare, disaster relief, and women's rights in 19th-century America. Clara Barton, known as the "Angel of the Battlefield," is renowned f...

oin us for a captivating journey through the life of the enigmatic Hedy Lamarr, a woman whose beauty was as striking as her intellect. Hedy Lamarr was more than just a silver screen legend. Her journey from a young Austrian actress to a groundbreaking inventor is one of beauty, brilliance, and resilience. We explore the early years of Hedy's career in Vienna, where she caught the eye of industry g...

Known as the "Queen of Code" and the "Mother of COBOL," Grace Hopper left an indelible mark on the world of computer science and the U.S. Navy. Grace Hopper defied societal norms by pursuing a career in mathematics and science at a time when opportunities for women in these fields were scarce. Her unwavering determination led her to become one of the most influential figures in the history of comp...

Mileva Marić is a brilliant and often overlooked scientist whose contributions to physics remain shrouded in history. Mileva's story is one of talent, determination, and the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated world of science at the turn of the 20th century. She is a woman whose genius was often overshadowed by her famous partner, Albert Einstein.  Mileva Marić showed an early aptitud...

Amy Winehouse is one of the most iconic voices in modern music history. Join us as we journey through the highs and lows of her tragically short but profoundly impactful life. Amy Winehouse, a gifted jazz and soul singer-songwriter, captured the hearts of millions with her soulful voice and candid lyrics. Born in North London, Amy's rise to fame was meteoric, earning her critical acclaim and a leg...

Empress Elisabeth of Austria, fondly known as Empress Sisi, was a royal icon whose beauty, mystique, and unconventional spirit continue to captivate audiences around the world. She had an enchanted Bavarian upbringing and fairy-tale marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I. Her transformation from carefree duchess to empress thrust her into a world of grandeur, but also stringent court protocols that ch...

Edith Wilson's influence transcended the traditional role of First Lady.  She navigated the corridors of power with grace, resilience, and determination. Edith Wilson captured the heart of President Woodrow Wilson, but her life took an unexpected turn when her husband suffered a debilitating stroke during his second term, leaving him incapacitated. Unbeknownst to many, Edith would rise to the occa...

Nellie Bly, a trailblazing journalist, adventurer, and advocate who shattered barriers and changed the face of journalism forever. Nellie Bly's life was an incredible journey marked by courage, tenacity, and a relentless pursuit of truth. In the late 19th century, Nellie Bly burst onto the scene with her groundbreaking investigative reporting. She fearlessly tackled societal issues, from exposing...

This week's episode is inspired by a penile piercing called a "Prince Albert." Prince Albert was husband to one of history's most iconic monarchs - Queen Victoria. She took the throne at 18 years old and had the second longest monarch reign in the United Kingdom that spanned 63 years.  She was a sheltered princess who was forced to transform into a formidable queen. Her reign is known as the "Vict...

Mary Kenner, an unsung hero whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of household and personal care products with her groundbreaking innovations. Mary Kenner's journey was marked by both ingenuity and adversity. From a young age, she displayed a remarkable curiosity and a desire to make a difference. As an African American woman navigating a world plagued by racial discriminati...

This is the dark history behind Barbie. Step into the time machine and travel back to the post-war era as we uncover the captivating origin story of the world's most iconic fashion doll. We dig into the intriguing journey of the Bild Lilli doll and how it paved the way for the creation of Barbie. We unravel the tale of Lilli, a sassy and stylish doll who made her debut in the late 1950s. Explore t...

Policarpa Salavarrieta aka La Pola was no ordinary woman. Born in Guadas, New Granada (modern-day Colombia) in the late 18th century, she was destined to become a symbol of courage and determination in the struggle for liberty. As Colombia sought to break free from Spanish colonial rule, she became a key figure in the resistance movement. We take you through the various stages of La Pola's life: h...

Often overshadowed by her renowned literary creation, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley's own remarkable life story is nothing short of a gripping tale of love, tragedy, and groundbreaking literary achievements. In the early 19th century, amidst a society that restricted women's roles and ambitions, Mary Shelley defied all odds and emerged as one of the most influential figures in the history of literatu...

Miriam Makeba is a legendary icon who left an indelible mark on the world of music, civil rights, and African culture. She's known as "Mama Africa." Miriam comes from very humble beginnings. Her mom actually went to jail shortly after she was born due to making illegal beer. Miriam literally started off her life in jail. Thankfully, as a child she quickly discovered her mesmerizing voice and began...

Legendary jazz vocalist, Billie Holiday, known for her soulful voice, captivating stage presence, and raw emotional performances. She remains an icon in the world of music. We trace the journey of Billie Holiday from her humble beginnings in Baltimore to her rise as one of the most influential jazz singers of all time.  We explore Billie's groundbreaking recordings, including her signature song "S...

Step into the enchanting world of Madame Tussaud, where history, artistry, and fame converge in a mesmerizing tale. We delve into the fascinating life of the legendary woman behind the renowned wax museums that have delighted millions worldwide. Marie Grosholtz, later known as Madame Tussaud, had humble beginnings in 18th-century Paris. She rose to be one of history's most celebrated sculptors. Ma...

Carmen Dell'Orefice is 92 years old and the world's oldest model still actively working and gracing magazine covers. She's had the longest modeling career in history; a true icon and trailblazer in the world of fashion. Her daily motto is to enjoy herself at no one else's expense. She has had a remarkable journey - defying the odds and shattering conventional norms to become the epitome of eleganc...

Agnès Sorel, was a woman who defied convention and left an indelible mark on French history. We explore the life, intrigue, and scandalous affairs of one of the most influential mistresses of the 15th century. Agnès became King Charles VII's favorite mistress, so much so that he appointed her to royal court. She let all of that power go to her head. She gained unprecendented authority and immense...

We're exploring the captivating life of Florence Kelley, a pioneering reformer and advocate for social justice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From her upbringing in the midst of industrialization to her tireless efforts in improving labor laws and championing the rights of women and children, Florence Kelley's story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination. Join u...

We're diving into the second half of the remarkable life of Emma Goldman, one of the most influential figures in the history of anarchism and women's rights. From her forties until her death, Emma Goldman's unwavering dedication to her ideals shaped her journey and left an indelible mark on society. From her relentless advocacy for individual freedom and social justice, to her tireless efforts in...

Emma Goldman was one of the most influential figures of the early 20th century. In this first part of a two-parter, we're diving deep into Emma Goldman's life, unearthing the defining moments and rebellious spirit that shaped her into a force to be reckoned with. Emma came from humble beginnings in Kovno, Lithuania. She went from innocent young girl to a formidable advocate for anarchism and women...

We dive into the extraordinary life and career of Norma Shearer, a trailblazing actress whose name became synonymous with Hollywood glamour and resilience. From her humble beginnings to her reign as the "First Lady of MGM," Shearer's journey is an inspiring tale of determination, talent, and breaking barriers. Join us on this mesmerizing journey through the life of Norma Shearer—a woman who defied...

Josephine Butler was a social reformer, women's rights activist, and an abolitionist. Her tireless efforts to advocate for the rights of women and marginalized communities have left a lasting impact on society. It was during her time as a mother that Josephine became acutely aware of the lack of reproductive rights and health care for women. She became a passionate advocate for women's rights, fig...

Jane Addams was the eighth of nine children in a prominent family. Her father was a wealthy businessman and politician, who was connected to Abraham Lincoln. Her mother was a homemaker who instilled in Jane a sense of duty to help others. After attending college in Illinois, Jane traveled to Europe and was deeply moved by the poverty and suffering she witnessed there. Upon returning to the United...