The Folly Chronicles

Estranged from his family at 17 because of his sexuality, the artist Willem Arondeus struggled with the feeling that success had eluded him. Once the Nazis overthrew The Netherlands, however, he became a fierce fighter in the Resistance. He heroically led an amazing act of sabotage right under the Nazis' noses. Willem found his calling -- but it came at great cost. Resources: Online articles:...

Vivien Theodore Thomas’s dreams of becoming a doctor collapsed in the October 1929 financial crash. However, he still made an enormously important contribution to medicine, one that’s been used to this this day. For years, white doctors took the credit for it.

Chances are you've never heard of Ching Shih, "The Terror of the South Seas" in the 1800s, whose command of 1,200 pirate ships and 80,000 pirates puts the famous pirates to shame. Be prepared to be amazed! Sources: ·      Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Pirates Who Ruled the Seven Seas, by Laura Sook Duncombe ·      Atlas Obscura: Ching Shih: The Chinese Female Pirate...

A conclusion to the tale of Dr. James Miranda Barry. Check out part 1 first if you haven't already! Sources: Book: The Secret Life of Dr. James Barry by Rachel Holmes Online article: How History Keeps Ignoring James Barry/History.com by Brynn Holland Online article: The Extraordinary Secret Life of Dr. James Barry/History.com Online article: Hektoen International: A Surgeon and a Gentleman: T...

In the 1800s, this brilliant medical surgeon of the British Army traveled the empire from South Africa to Canada, setting standards of care still used today. He even performed one of the first C-sections -- and both baby and mother survived! So after his death, why did the British Army seal his records for 100 years? Sources: Book: The Secret Life of Dr. James Barry by Rachel Holmes Online article...

In Georgia Gilmore's pursuit of Black equality, she fought first with her fists and then with lawsuits – but always with a side of sweet potato pie! Jo Ann Robinson, a Civil Rights activist, president of the Women’s Political Council  (WPC) and a professor at Alabama State College, organized a one-day bus boycott after Rosa Parks’ arrest — which preceded and was crucial to the year-plus 1955...

In part 2 of our Elizabeth Packard tale, Gwen and Val continue to discuss the remarkable story of Elizabeth Packard. If you haven't listened to part 1, please do so! Packard, who is largely forgotten to history,  was a pioneer in women and mental health advocacy and a true testament of resilience in the face of oppression. Thanks for listening! Thanks to Wendy Berry of Wendy Berry Arts for ou...

In this episode, Gwen and Val discuss the remarkable story of Elizabeth Packard. Labeled as “incurably insane” by not fitting into the rigid standards of the mid-1800s of America, she was condemned to an asylum by her husband. Against all odds, Packard fought for and won her freedom.  Packard, who is largely forgotten to history,  was a pioneer in women and mental health advocacy and a true testam...

Val and Gwen take a look back on the life of Alan Turing.  Anne Diamond interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Wxpt2aFi4 Thanks for listening!