She Changed History

She Changed History

Join us on "She Changed History," as we celebrate the unsung heroines who dared to challenge the status quo. This is the history you wish you had learnt in school. Every Tuesday, Vicky, Cara and Simon dive deep into the annals of history, unearthing the stories of incredible women who have been forgotten. From daring pirates to prolific inventors, we're uncovering the truth behind their remarkable journeys. Tune in every Tuesday, starting 19th November 2024

Episodes

April 29, 2025 37 mins

bell hooks: Challenging Society

In this episode, the hosts discuss the life and impact of Gloria Jean Watkins, famously known as Bell Hooks. They explore where is bell hooks from, who bell hooks is, her early life in segregated Kentucky, her academic journey, and her groundbreaking work on intersectionality, feminism, and social critique. Hooks’ prolific writing and influential theories, especially on feminism and the comp...

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Exploring Artemisia Gentileschi: A Tale of Resilience and Artistic Mastery

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts discuss the inspiring story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a pioneering Baroque painter from 16th century Italy. Born into a family of artists, Artemisia overcame personal trauma and societal challenges to make a significant impact in the art world. The episode delves into her major works, suc...

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Grace O'Malley: The Pirate Queen of Ireland

In this lively episode, the hosts delve into the fascinating life of Grace O'Malley, also known as Gráinne Ní Mháille or the Pirate Queen of Ireland. Born in 1530, Grace defied the social norms of her time to become an accomplished mariner, fearless leader, and shrewd political tactician. The episode explores her early life, her rebellious spirit, her encounters with th...

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Queen Amanirenas: The Fierce Leader Who Resisted Rome

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Vicky and Simon delve into the story of Queen Amanirenas, an iconic ruler from the Kingdom of Kush in ancient Africa. They explore her remarkable resistance against the Roman Empire under Augustus, detailing her leadership, strategic prowess, and the societal and historical context of her reign. The episode highl...

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The Unveiling of Judith Leyster: A Forgotten Dutch Master

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Cara and Vicky delve into the overlooked story of Judith Leyster, a remarkable female painter from the Dutch Golden Age.  Despite her significant contributions to art, Judith was nearly erased from history due to a combination of gender bias and fraudulent attribution of her work to more famous male contempor...

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The Intriguing Legacy of Dr. James Barry: Medicine, Identity, and History

This episode introduces the compelling story of Dr. James Barry, a pioneering medical professional in British history whose gender identity remains a topic of speculation. Born Margaret Ann Bulkley in 1795 in Cork, Ireland, Barry pursued a successful medical career by presenting as a man, despite women being barred from such roles at the time. Known ...

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Caroline Norton's Battle: Reforming Women’s Rights in Victorian England

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Cara and Vicky dive into the life and relentless struggle of Caroline Norton, a Victorian-era woman whose tragic marital circumstances led her to become a pivotal figure in legal reforms for women's rights in England. The episode discusses Norton's unfortunate marriage with George...

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She Changed History Live: Celebrating Revolutionary Women

In this special live episode recorded at the Open University's International Women's Day celebrations, hosts Vicki and Simon of the 'She Changed History' podcast present two inspiring stories of women who have shaped history. Vicki shares the extraordinary life of Savitribai Phule, an Indian social reformer who championed education for lower cast...

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The Untold Story of Geraldine 'Jerrie' Cobb: Pioneering Female Aviator and Space Advocate

This episode of 'She Changed History' dives into the remarkable life of Geraldine 'Jerrie' Cobb, an extraordinary American aviator who paved the way for women in aviation and space exploration. Cobb's story is one of unrelenting determination and self-belief. Despite passing all the physical and psyc...

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Recorded July 2024 (One of our first ever episodes!) 

Althea Gibson: A champion against the odds 

In this episode, hosts Simon and Vicky dive into the inspiring life and career of Althea Gibson, the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament. They explore her challenging upbringing in a sharecropping family, her move to Harlem, and the various obstacles she overcame due to segregation and racism. Despite numero...

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The Remarkable Reign of Queen Zenobia: Defying Rome and Commanding an Empire

Got a story? Emails us at shechangedhistory@gmail.com

Other episodes mentioned today: Ching Shih and Empress Matilda

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' we dive into the extraordinary story of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra, who lived nearly 2000 years ago. Zenobia challenged the might of the Roman Empire, expanding her territory. Known fo...

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Elizabeth Garrett Anderson: Pioneering Doctor and Women's Rights Advocate

Got a story? Emailed shechangedhistory@gmail.com

In this episode, we delve into the life and achievements of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman to qualify as a doctor in the UK. Despite the societal and institutional barriers of the Victorian era, Anderson's determination and intellect allowed her to pave the way for women in medici...

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Victoria Woodhull: The Unstoppable Force

Got a story? Email shechangedhistory@gmail.com

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Victoria Woodhull, who transitioned from a poverty-stricken childhood to become a pioneer in finance, journalism, and women's rights. We explore her journey from being a fortune teller to the first female Wall Street tycoon, her radical beliefs in free love, and her ...

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Jane Addams: Trailblazer for Social Reform

Got a story? Email shechangedhistory@gmail.com

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' hosts Simon and Vicky explore the life and lasting impact of Jane Addams, one of the most influential figures in American social reform. Born in 1860, Addams was a pioneer in social work, founding the Hull House in Chicago to support immigrants and the working class with edu...

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The Champagne Lady: How Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Revolutionized an Industry

Got a story? Email shechangedhistory@gmail.com

In this episode, Vicky and Simon dive into the remarkable story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, also known as the 'Champagne Lady.' Amid personal loss and political turmoil in the early 1800s, Barbe-Nicole took over her late husband’s failing wine business and transformed it into a global c...

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Unveiling Strength: From Hyperemesis Gravidarum to Giselle Pelicot's Fight for Justice

Trigger warnings: Baby loss, medical neglect and sexual violence

In this episode, the hosts tackle two intense stories centered on women's health and resilience. First, they highlight the work of Marlena Fejzo, an American geneticist who dedicated her research to understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) after her own...

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Celebrating Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo: A Pioneering Woman of 2024

In this episode of 'SheChangedHistory,' Vicky speaks from her mom's spare bedroom, sharing an inspiring story despite her co-host Simon's absence due to illness. Vicky highlights Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico's first female president and former climate scientist, as a remarkable woman of 2024. The episode delves into Claudia's u...

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The Unstoppable Empress Matilda: Chains, Castles, and Courage

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts delve into the story of Empress Matilda, an inspiring historical figure who fought valiantly for her rightful place on the English throne. Despite living in a time dominated by men, Matilda's perseverance, strategic mind, and leadership qualities led her to challenge King Stephen in a prolonged c...

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The Remarkable Journey of Lise Meitner

In this episode of 'She Changed History', hosts Vicky and Simon delve into the extraordinary life of Austrian physicist Lise Meitner. From her early years in Vienna and her groundbreaking scientific contributions to her dramatic escape from Nazi Germany, the episode highlights Meitner's perseverance in the face of adversity. The discussion covers her significant role in...

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December 10, 2024 36 mins

The Night Witches: Soviet Women's Bravery in WWII

In this episode of She Changed History, Simon and Vicky explore the remarkable story of the Night Witches, an all-female Soviet bomber regiment during World War II. The episode details the challenges these women faced, from ill-fitting uniforms to outdated equipment, and showcases their unmatched bravery and resilience. It highlights key figures like Marina Raskova, th...

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