In this episode of HerStance, we pull back the curtain on the true architect of the New Deal: Frances Perkins, the woman who wasn't just the first female Cabinet Secretary but the driving force behind the most significant social reforms in American history.

Perkins believed that "The people are what matter to government," and this episode honors the quiet, tenacious revolutionist whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of American fairness and economic security.

This episode dives deep into the lives and work of women who have fundamentally shaped our world and our understanding of it. These are the scientists who made monumental discoveries for the sheer fun of doing physics, the writers who gave vital life to essential human complexities, and the peace advocates who never quit. 

This is the dramatic, controversial, and deeply moving story of María Eva Duarte de Perón—better known simply as Evita. Her ascent from rural poverty to become the most powerful woman in Argentine history is one of Latin America's most compelling tales. She forever changed her nation's political landscape, but was she a proto-feminist icon or an iron fist cloaked in glamour?

This week, we dive into the life and explosive legacy of Margaret Sanger—the radical nurse who coined the term "birth control" and took on a federal anti-obscenity law, the Comstock Act of 1873, to educate on and deliver reproductive health. We're calling her an "Empathy Engine" because her fight was born from a deep, human compassion for women suffering from unwanted pregnancies and dangerous, illegal abortions.

Welcome to Conversations with a Catalyst, a new series on the show! In these special episodes, we'll shift the format a bit to highlight incredible contemporary women who are not only reflecting on the legacies of our foremothers but also building a more equitable future for the generations to come.

For our very first Conversations with a Catalyst episode, we're joined by Dotty Delafield, a retired librarian and fierce community activist. Carrying on the work of the strong women who came before her, Dotty has long been a role model for young people, showing them how to find their voice, walk a life of faith, and stand up for the greater good.

From an aspiring playwright to the first woman to host her own variety show, Carol Burnett has been a trailblazer, a comedic genius, and a feminist icon. At 91 years old, she's still breaking ground as the oldest woman to be nominated for a comedy acting Emmy in 2024. A seven-time Emmy winner already, Burnett has been entertaining audiences since the 1960s with her blend of physical comedy, musical talent, and a signature tug of the ear.

Today, we're lacing up our sneakers and stepping onto the court with a woman who didn't just play the game—she changed it, for everyone. This is the story of Billie Jean King, not just as a tennis champion, but as a feminist revolutionary.

On this episode of HerStance, we confront a phenomenon with a name: The Matilda Effect. We'll uncover who Matilda was and explore the shocking practice of erasing women's contributions—not just an oversight, but a deliberate act to diminish their accomplishments or credit them to men. We also dive into the remarkable story of Margaret Rossiter, the historian who coined the term and dedicated her career to unearthing the forgotten contributions of women in science and technology. We'll also learn about Pat Stewart, the Cornell Trustee who made Rossiter’s groundbreaking research possible. Prepare to be disbelieving, outraged, and ultimately, inspired to help rewrite history. 

Born Sarah Breedlove in the challenging era of post-Civil War Louisiana, Madam Walker was a testament to unparalleled resilience, innovation, and determination. Her story, however, extends far beyond personal triumph. We'll explore her powerful commitment to using her wealth to empower others, connecting her groundbreaking philanthropy to the inspiring giving practices of today's richest Black women. Discover how affluent individuals, particularly women, are strategically shaping society through their values and resources. Most importantly, we'll underscore a crucial truth: you don't need a fortune to spark a movement. We'll reveal how every one of us is connected, and how even the smallest acts of kindness and contributions to community well-being hold immense power to create a ripple effect of positive change. 

You know the image: the "Lady with the Lamp," a beacon of compassion on the battlefields. But what if we told you Florence Nightingale, the foundational philosopher of modern nursing, was far more than just a quiet caregiver?

Welcome to HerStance, the podcast that dives deep into the lives of history's most impactful women. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on Florence Nightingale, revealing the statistician, social reformer, and visionary who transformed medical care as we know it. Did you know she had a rescued owl named Athena who joined her on rounds? It's these fascinating, lesser-known layers that reveal the true breadth of her influence—an influence still profoundly felt in 21st-century healthcare.

Today on HerStance, we honor the radical and impactful life of Susan Brownmiller, a prominent feminist and author of the 1960s and 1970s. We'll delve into her influential books, including her landmark bestseller "Against Our Will," and explore how her powerful legacy continues to resonate with us, the 'third wave,' as we carry the torch forward.

Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) – a mouthful, we know! But this cutting-edge wireless technology, where signals rapidly "hop" between different frequencies, is probably in your pocket right now. It's the secret sauce behind your Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth, and a vital tool for military security. Pretty cool, right?

But as usual, here on HerStance, we're about to unveil a little-known yet incredibly important aspect of this invention. Intrigued? What if we told you that the brilliant mind behind this groundbreaking technology was once known as "the most beautiful woman in the world"?

This episode explores the remarkable journeys of Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first and second women appointed to the Supreme Court. 

Forget what you think you know about Champagne! This episode of HerStance uncorks a hidden truth, challenging the long-held belief about who really invented the crucial riddling process of the Méthode Champenoise.

The remarkable journey of Dr. Maria Montessori reveals a woman who defied every boundary placed before her in 19th century Italy. This episode of HerStance explores how this determined pioneer transformed from a girl who wasn't considered exceptional in early grades to becoming one of Italy's first female physicians—facing hostility and harassment every step of the way.

Picture this: calloused hands, a voice forged in hardship, and a question that shattered the silence of a nation. 'Ain't I a woman?' Sojourner Truth wasn't asking for permission. She was demanding her place. Today, on HerStance, we're diving deep into the life of a woman who didn't just break barriers, she obliterated them. We'll trace her journey from slavery to the forefront of the women's rights movement, and examine how her fight for intersectionality fuels the fire of today's feminism.

HerStance isn't just about history. It's about drawing powerful parallels to the social issues we face now. We explore their challenges, their triumphs, and most importantly, their stance. And each episode culminates in a 'HerStance Challenge' – a practical step you can take to create change in your own community.
Join us every two weeks as we reclaim these narratives and build a legacy of true equality. Be inspired. Be informed. Be part of the movement.