The Riveting Rosies Podcast

Dive into the captivating life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, an enigmatic figure whose journey from Nantucket to San Francisco makes her a groundbreaking feminist icon. Born into mystery and uncertainty, Mary defied societal norms, becoming a pioneering force in business, civil rights, and the abolitionist movement.  Next is Marion Carpenter, the trailblazing photographer who defied gender norms to beco...

Greek mythology is well known for its dramatic twists & turns.  So buckle up for the ride of your life with Clytemnestra, a Spartan princess born to King Tyndareus and Queen Leda. From potentially divine parentage to a tumultuous marriage with King Agamemnon, Clytemnestra's life is a web of deceit, betrayal, and revenge.  While history has painted her as a villain, a closer examination of...

As we welcome 2024, The Riveting Rosies Podcast takes a moment to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of women throughout 2023. From breaking records to shattering glass ceilings, these Rosies have left an undeniable mark on history. Join us as we celebrate their triumphs and highlight the remarkable stories that unfolded in the past year. Subscribe now to The Riveting Rosies Podcast for mor...

WARNING: we both cried in the episode.  Maybe don’t listen to this episode if you need to look presentable right afterwards 😭😂  On March 4, 1977, Janna achieved historic milestones, becoming CG Aviator #1812 and the first female helicopter pilot in Coast Guard history. Janna Lambine's legacy lives on as a pioneer, breaking gender barriers in Coast Guard aviation and leaving her mark on the...

Ingrid Christensen was a remarkable explorer of courage, humor, and unwavering determination, who left an indelible mark on Antarctic exploration. In fact, she was the first woman in recorded history to see Antarctica, set foot on mainland Antarctica, & fly over Antarctica. In the early 19th century, a woman named Thuridur Einarsdottir defied societal norms to become a trailblazing figure in I...

Merneith is believed to be the first female pharaoh in recorded history, reigning in the First Dynasty of Egypt around 2950 BC.  Merneith, meaning "Beloved by Neith," was the great-granddaughter of Narmer, the founder of the First Dynasty and the daughter of Djer, the third pharaoh. Her royal lineage and connection to the early Egyptian goddess Neith, known as the prime creator, set the...

On October 24th, 2023, 100,000+ women and non-binary individuals in Iceland made a powerful statement against gender-based violence and called for pay equality by staging a full-day strike. This strike was inspired by the historic 1975 Icelandic women's strike, which we revisit in today’s episode & explore the last impact of the Women's Day Off on Icelandic society. Follow The Riveti...

In the world of rock 'n' roll, few names stand as tall as Ann and Nancy Wilson, the groundbreaking sisters who fronted Heart, the first hard rock band led by women.  Their journey from a childhood filled with music and British accents to the rock and roll hall of fame is a captivating tale of talent, resilience, and sisterhood.  In this episode of "The Riveting Rosies Podcast,"...

Janaki Ammal left an indelible mark on botany & environmental activism, during a time in which the literacy rate among women in India was less than 1%.  Her legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists, particularly women, as they navigate the often challenging landscapes of academia and environmental advocacy.  Ragnhild Tregagås is often overlooked in history, but certainly bears m...

“Fanny was the first all-female rock act to record an entire album for a major record label…and released five albums for major labels” (fannyrocks.com) This quote only BEGINS to sum up the incredible legacy of Fanny, the aptly-named Godmothers of Women Who Rock.  While we see women in all genres of music today, it was just a few years ago that Fanny was blasting through glass ceilings to become th...

Lady Florence Caroline Dixie, a remarkable Scottish feminist, writer, war correspondent, sports enthusiast, suffragette, and world adventurer, left an indelible mark on history. Yes, literally all of these things.  Listen for the #facts.  In a historic moment this month, Laphonza Butler shattered barriers as the first openly LGBTQ+ individual to be sworn in as a United States Senator. From her hum...

It’s (almost) Friday the 13th, so we’re celebrating the spooky vibes by honoring some incredible GODDESSES! In the rich tapestry of Aztec mythology, Coatlicue emerges as a formidable deity, embodying the dual forces of creation and destruction. Her name, meaning "she who has a skirt of snakes," evokes a vivid image of a goddess adorned with serpents and possessing a necklace made of huma...

Yvonne Lee Odom  etched her name in history as the first Black student to attend Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, FL, effectively ending segregation in Delray Beach public schools. Yvonne's commitment to civil rights, social justice, and educational rights has never waned & continues today through her family, including ANOTHER FAMOUS ROSIE.  Listen in for an amazing surprise reveal!...

Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías stands as a public health trailblazer and advocate for the most vulnerable members of society. She was the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Throughout her life, Dr. Rodríguez Trías forged a powerful legacy by expanding public health services for disadvantaged women and children across the globe. 2nd Lieutenant Emily Jazmin Tatum Per...

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!  We’re kicking off the month long celebration with two INCREDIBLE Latin Rosies, Ana Mendieta & Juana Inés de la Cruz. Ana Mendieta, a Cuban-American artist known for her groundbreaking works in sculpture, paint, video, and performance art, left an indelible mark on the art world. Often associated with the "earth-body" style, Mendieta's art explored...

Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed: Blood Countess or victim of political persecution?  Her story is a web of intrigue, privilege, and gruesome accusations that continue to captivate us to this day.  Rumors circulated that she tortured and killed over 650 women and girls.  But interestingly, some modern scholars argue that Elizabeth's alleged atrocities may have been exaggerated or even fabricated al...

In the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), there are trailblazers who defy conventions, shatter glass ceilings, and pave the way for future generations. Judith Love Cohen, born on August 16, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, stands as a shining example of resilience, determination, and passion in the face of adversity. Her journey from being the only girl in math classes to bec...

A true pioneer, Donyale Luna was the first Black model to grace the cover of British Vogue, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion world.  While Donyale Luna's impact on the fashion and artistic realms cannot be denied, her legacy is also a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity.  Donyale Luna's journey is one that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of generations...

Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment, is August 26.  The 19th Amendment is of course what granted women the right to vote in the United States, & came after a nearly century long civil rights movement.  The eventual passing of the 19th Amendment was only made possible by the activism of hundreds if not thousands of women over the years who contr...

From the flourishing cities to the towering pyramids, the Maya civilization holds countless tales of awe and wonder. However, today, we're shedding light on the often-overlooked story of Lady Sak K’uk’, a Mayan queen & mother of the great K’inich Janaab Pakal I.  With no male heirs, Lady Sak K’uk’ broke barriers as she ascended to power after her father's passing. Emma Clarke was Bri...

Mia Hamm's impact on women's soccer is immeasurable.  From being a three-time winner of the US Soccer Female Athlete of the Year award to her induction into multiple halls of fame, including the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the World Football Hall of Fame, Mia's contributions to the sport are etched in history. As the 20th century dawned, winds of change were sweeping through th...

Today we delve into the life and legacy of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the first democratically elected woman president in the world. From her early passion for languages and theater to her pivotal role in the Icelandic women's movement of the 1970s, we explore how Vigdís shattered barriers and became an influential global leader. Serving four terms as Iceland's president, she championed envi...

In the male-dominated wine industry, Isabelle Simi stood as a pioneering force, defying societal norms and leaving an indelible mark on the world of winemaking. As the daughter of Italian immigrants, Isabelle's journey began amidst the California gold rush in 1859. From humble beginnings, she transformed her family's winemaking venture into a thriving enterprise that has truly stood the...

Born in 1892, Dorothy Garrod shattered gender barriers, paving the way for future generations of women in academia. Her determination to break gender barriers, her remarkable archaeological discoveries, and her advocacy for women's rights make her a remarkable figure in the annals of history.  Dorothy's legacy as the first woman professor at Cambridge University and her tireless efforts...

In the early 20th century, when women were fighting for their rights and equality, Dr. Mary Grace Arthur emerged as a remarkable figure in the field of psychology. Her dedication to helping marginalized children, her groundbreaking work in intelligence testing, and her advocacy for equal educational opportunities made her a true trailblazer. Kitty O'Neil was an extraordinary woman who shatter...