She Changed History

In this episode, the hosts share preparations for the Christmas season before delving into the inspiring stories of three remarkable women. 

First is Ms Sanae Takaichi the first female Prime Minister of Japan, known for her multifaceted personality and groundbreaking achievements. 

Next is Alison Westwood from rural Wales, who launched a successful initiative to divert surplus food from landfills, creating community pantrie...

Eliza Acton: The Pioneer of Modern Cookbooks

This episode discusses the life and contributions of Eliza Acton, a Victorian poet who unexpectedly authored the world's first cookbook aimed at home cooks. The hosts highlight Acton's significant innovations in recipe writing, emphasizing practical and detailed instructions that were revolutionary at the time. The episode also touches on the history of publishing, the...

The Curious Case of Mary Magdalene: From Sinner to Saint

Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=1285143176741563 Luisa Omielan 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/history/marymagdalene.shtml
https://broadview.org/mary-magdalene-easter-story/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-mary-magdalene-119565482/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene
https...

Celebrating Carmen Beckford: A Legacy of Unity and Cultural Celebration

In this heartfelt episode, Cara and Vicky discuss the incredible life and legacy of Carmen Beckford, a Jamaican-born midwife and social activist. Despite initial adversities as part of the Windrush generation, Carmen's tireless efforts in fostering community relationships and cultural pride in Bristol earned her significant recognition. Known for ...

Queen Nanny: The Maroon Leader Who Defied the British Empire

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts explore the captivating story of Queen Nanny of the Maroons. Set against the backdrop of early 18th century Jamaica, Nanny led the Windward Maroons in a prolonged and successful resistance against British colonial forces. Known for her strategic brilliance, spiritual guidance, and unique use of guerril...

Celebrating Women Inventors: Pioneers of Change

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable contributions of women inventors who revolutionized the world. From Mary Anderson’s windshield wiper and Josephine Cochran’s dishwasher to the unnoticed yet impactful paper coffee filter by Melitta Bentz, we highlight how these innovations transformed daily life. The episode also touches on the wider social changes brought by bicy...

Who was Elizabeth Fry?

This episode dives into the life and legacy of Elizabeth Fry, a pioneering Quaker who transformed prison conditions in the 19th century. The narrative begins with Elizabeth's discovery of horrendous prison conditions at Newgate Prison. She implemented groundbreaking reforms, including appointing female officers for women prisoners, introducing craft activities, and providing basic education. Her...

Maryam Mirzakhani: The Trailblazing Mathematician

This episode of 'She Changed History' delves into the life and legacy of Maryam Mirzakhani, an extraordinary Iranian mathematician and the first woman to win the basically the math olympics. Discussing her journey from a childhood during the Iran-Iraq war to her groundbreaking work in hyperbolic geometry, the episode highlights her resilience, optimism, and the cr...

Edith Cowan: A Life of Unyielding Advocacy and Public Service

In this episode, the hosts discuss the life of Edith Cowan, a notable figure in Australian history. Born in 1861, Cowan faced immense personal tragedies early in life, including the loss of her mother and witnessing the aftermath of her father's drunken violence. Despite these adversities, she went on to have a profound impact on public service, partic...

Games of Thrones, China's only female Emperor 

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' Cara and Vicky go behind the curtain and delve into the remarkable life and legacy of Empress Wu, the only female emperor in Chinese history. They explore her determined rise to power during the Tang Dynasty, navigating a complex patriarchal society, and the controversial and often dark rumours surrounding her ascent. Th...

Mary Anning Facts and Fossils

This episode of 'She Changed History' delves into the remarkable life of Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist from the early 19th century. Now often in kids’ books and on the BBC, Mary made groundbreaking fossil discoveries on the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset England, including the first complete ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons, and the first pterosaur skeleton found outside of Germa...

The Daring Life of Texas Guinan: Bootlegger, Entertainer, and Hollywood Star

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Vicky and Cara dive into the adventurous life of Mary Louise Cecilia 'Texas' Guinan. 1920s America, Prohibition and fashion! Born in Waco, Texas, Guinan pursued her dreams of entertainment from a young age, transitioning from a vaudeville performer to a Hollywood star and nightclu...

The Untold Story of Betsy Cadwaladr: A Trailblazing Woman in History

Please note the sound quality takes a little hit throughout the guest speakers but the story is still incredible!

This episode dives deep into the life of Betsy Cadwaladr, an adventurous Welsh woman whose captivating life story was brought to the stage by the Her Story Theatre Company. Founders Adele Corder and Claire Drewitt discuss their theater com...

Nona Gaprindashvili: The Chess Prodigy Who Fought Back

In this episode, the host discusses Nona Gaprindashvili vs Netflix, a Georgian chess prodigy who rose to prominence in the 1950s. Known for her aggressive playing style, she broke gender barriers by competing and winning against both women and men in the international chess arena. The episode covers her early influences, rigorous training under mentor Tigran Petrosian,...

In this update, Vicky announces a change in the release schedule for the 'She Changed History' podcast. Going forward, episodes will be released fortnightly to ensure high-quality storytelling about remarkable women whose stories are not widely known. The team is dedicated to delivering inspiring and exciting content that goes beyond mere recitation of facts, aiming to uplift and provide listeners with intriguing new fact...

Exploring African History with Luke Pepera

In this episode, Cara and Vicky welcome guest Luke Pepera, a Ghanaian-born, Oxford-educated historian and author of African History book 'Motherland.' Luke discusses his journey into African history and mythology, African American history, sharing insights about influential female figures and the rich oral traditions of the continent. The conversation highlights African ...

Exploring the World's First Known Author: Enheduanna

In this episode of 'She Change History,' hosts Cara and Vicky delve into the remarkable life and contributions of Enheduanna, the world's first known named author and poet. An ancient Taylor Swift if you will! Set against the backdrop of ancient Mesopotamia, they explore Enheduanna's role as a high priestess, her pioneering use of written languag...

The Defiant Poet: Qiu Jin's Revolutionary Journey

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Vicki and Kara delve into the life of Qiu Jin, a trailblazing Chinese feminist, poet, and revolutionary who defied societal expectations in the late Qing Dynasty. From her unhappy arranged marriage and struggles with foot-binding, Qiu Jin's fierce determination led her to Japan, where she embraced new ideol...

Octavia Butler: Visionary of Afrofuturism and Perseverance

This episode explores the life and legacy of Octavia Butler, an influential science fiction author renowned for her role in pioneering Afrofuturism. Raised in poverty and facing numerous challenges, including dyslexia, Butler's journey is one of remarkable self-belief, dedication, and groundbreaking vision. The hosts delve into her early influences, her determ...