FLOTUS 4eva

We are ON THE ROAD. And what a thrill it is. We have the absolute pleasure of sitting down and talking to Michelle Guillon, the Director of Research and Collections at the First Ladies National Library in Canton, Ohio. Michelle, an incredible wealth of knowledge, facts and compassion. She tells us how she landed her dream job, which First Ladies have been the most consequential throughout history...

Eliza giving us quiet, gentle and smart behind the scenes. Martha giving us an entire portrait gallery. Insane that Eliza taught our 17 president to read and write and was basically chief of staff of Andrew Johnson's life. Martha, begging for parties but gratefully reading the room of a mourning America. We discuss reconstruction, the first impeachment and cows living on the White House front lawn...

We continue the saga of Mary Todd Lincoln in this part two episode. We discuss the infamous strawberry dress, how Abe only liked Mary when she was all dressed up (rude.) The sadness of her later years of life and her eventual escape to Europe. Mary, thank you for feeling your feelings. So sorry the world wasn't ready.  Also, Elyse has to calm Claire down after a recording snafu. 

Mary! A political, sassy, educated, fun women from the west. In our part one we talk about how Mary grew up as one of sixteen children, the drama of her stepmother and how she eventually meets the future 16th prez. We squash the rumors right up front that Mary was the dramatic one in the relationship and end this part just before the dynamic duo moves to Washington.  Plus- half marathon is right a...

In a surprise turn of events, we find out that James Buchanan was engaged and need to tell the tale. Ann, you lived your best PA life and we love you for it. James Buchanan finally get to the White House and brings along his charming niece with a great haircut. Harriet, doing the best she can making seating arrangements while the civil war rumbles and tumbles in the background. Trying to use her F...

William, a political giant of the time and the likely partner to our 15th president James Buchanan. We discuss the necessity for intimate male friendship and how these two brought DC nightlife back. Veering sightly from what you might expect on a FLOTUS pod, but this story of love, confidence, partnership and politics has got to be told. Also, we run 10 miles, Claire still can't find the matrix an...

A bit of a downer episode turned inspiring. Jane Pierce, an introverted melancholy kid reluctantly becomes First Lady when her husband gets he nomination for prez after trying to get a beer at the convention. We follow Jane's story through her turmoils with mental health but the inspiring message of always trying to heal and grow.  Also, Claire gets a golden couch, Elyse runs a triumphant 9 miles...

Another unknown VP stepping up to the plate.  Andrew Jackson is still scaring people into politics. Abigail is hobby queen who finally puts a library into the White House. We find out how cool Western New York was in the 1800's. The Compromise of 1850 yet again delays the not random Civil War. Elyse and Claire are still running a half marathon! Can you believe? Also, this is political.

Zachary Taylor reluctantly becomes president by first trolling Henry Clay. Peggy Taylor won't leave her house for fear of sin. Betty Bliss was stoked to be First Lady, but really just ended up being a new Taylor Swift hit song (we are hoping!!) It's Elyse's birthday and Claire finds out some revealing family news. And please: don't drink milk on a warm hot summer day. PLEASE. 

Another western girl getting the spotlight. A true political partner to her husband and decidedly childless. But for real, when will someone who is stoked to be prez actually be prez? Another Dolley Madison appearance, another Andrew Jackson appearance. And for the last time, the civil war was NOT random. Sarah, we love everything about you except your views, beliefs and passions. 

Absolutely the most chaotic FLOTUS to date. Only has the job for eight months, but still has parties with numbers in the 1000's and tells everyone she's responsible for the annexation of Texas. Later on she makes the move to Staten Island with a stint in Bermuda. Also, Claire makes a Elyse sign up for a half marathon and Elyse is super upset about the Bermuda Triangle. Julia: Do better. Is all we...

Letitia Sr.: rocked by stroke after stroke, never really getting her time to shine as FLOTUS. Priscilla: the ideal daughter-in-law. A former actress and fit for parties whose attendance numbered in the 1000's. LJ (Leticia Jr.): Sorry your time was cut short by your dad's secret wedding. Our 10th President, a little bit by accident, takes over the job in a flurry of parties, kids, marriage and tryi...

 Anna: Our first Jersey girl turned frontier mother. Though her husband was only president for 31 days, this incredible women is still the only First Lady to also be the grandmother of a President as well. Did you know you can get from Kentucky to Cincinnati by walking across a bridge? Anna did. 

Hannah: First Lady of Kinderhook. Never got to see the White House, but her name was Hannah- not Anna, Marty. The Panic of 1837 rages on while Anjelica spends everyone's money and goes to Europe. We wish there was more on these ladies, but here's what we got! 

The first time the FLOTUS becomes a job without a romance. One of them a slut shamer. The other a reluctant daughter-in-law. We remember what the petticoat affair was and eventually order a pizza. 

Her dad invented Nashville. A deeply religious women whose murdering husband defended her to the grave. She never wanted to live in the White House, good thing she never did. Rachel, everyone deserves second chances - we're so happy you got one. 

The first FLOTUS born outside the US. A true artist. So sorry your husband was such a curmudgeon. To Louisa: Your poetry lives on, your voice lives on. 

True, you weren't from France but we'd eat a croissant with you any day. On t'aime Elizabeth. Also, why didn't they have Wawa's during the Continental Congress? 

The Grand Dame in so many ways: Made DC the place to be, used a saber, snuff and worked 9-5 (pm-am). Dolley, please take us back in time to one of your parties. 

Hero of the 1700's, 1800's, 1900's and now. 

Martha Jefferson, first women to have hobbies in the colonies. Patsy Randolph, daughter of TJ, inheritor of nonsense. 

The first feminist. Wherever Abigail walked- it was the Women's March. Abigail, we'd walk anywhere with you. 

Married to a 6ft tall hunk, inventor of ice cream, knitter of socks: Martha, you are number one.