Episodes

  • Maritime Madams: Annie Edson Taylor
    Jul 7 2025

    Annie Edson Taylor (unknown –1921) was an American schoolteacher best known as the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

    For Further Reading:

    • Overlooked No More: Annie Edson Taylor, Who Tumbled Down Niagara Falls Into Fame - The New York Times’
    • Annie Taylor: First Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel

    This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
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    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    5 mins
  • Maritime Madams: Molly Malone
    Jul 4 2025

    Molly Malone is one of the most famous cultural figures in Ireland and in Dublin city, her legend stemming from the 19th-century ballad “Cockles and Mussels.” Described as a beautiful young fishwife, Molly is said to have roamed the cobbled streets of Dublin by day, crying “cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!”

    For Further Reading:

    • Tourists’ groping of Irish statue prompts ‘Leave Molly mAlone’ campaign
    • The Legend of Molly Malone
    • A Brief History of Dublin’s Mysterious Molly Malone.
    • Oldest known version of ballad of Molly Malone finds new home

    This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • Maritime Madams: Maria Klenova
    Jul 3 2025

    Maria Klenova (1898-1976) was a Russian and Soviet marine geologist who, over her nearly 30-year-long career, researched polar regions, marine geology, and advanced the field of Russian marine science. She was the first woman scientist to conduct research in Antarctica.

    For Further Reading:

    • The Legendary Maria Klenova
    • The First Women in Antarctica
    • Ten Pioneering Women of Antarctica

    This month, we’re talking about Maritime Madams. Whether through scientific study, aquatic exploration, or legendary prowess, they harnessed the power of the bodies of waters that cover our earth.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    5 mins
  • Outsiders: Patti Smith
    Jun 30 2025

    Patti Smith (1946-present) is an American singer, songwriter, poet, author, and visual artist. A pivotal figure in the New York City punk rock scene, her 1975 debut album “Horses” fused rock with poetic intensity. Patti Smith is also the author of the acclaimed memoir “Just Kids” about her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and her early years as an artist.

    For Further Reading:

    • Life’s Work: An Interview with Patti Smith
    • The Radical Hope of Patti Smith
    • Patti Smith Looks Back On Life Before She Became The Godmother Of Punk
    • Patti Smith Is Always Going to Be a Worker
    • Patti Smith

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    6 mins
  • Outsiders: Leonor Fini
    Jun 27 2025

    Leonor Fini (1907-1996) was an Argentine-Italian surrealist painter, designer, illustrator, and author. She produced an extensive body of work including paintings, drawings, and set and costume design — often centered around depictions of powerful and erotic women.

    For Further Reading:

    • Leonor Fini
    • Leonor Fini | Argentinian, 1907-1996
    • The Enduring Allure of Surrealist Leonor Fini
    • The Sphinx’s Gaze

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    5 mins
  • Outsiders: Gluck
    Jun 26 2025

    Gluck (1895-1978) was a mid-century queer painter from London. She showcased in dozens of solo shows throughout her career, ranging in style, technique, and topic. She is most famous for her painting, Medallion, which is still considered one of the most important lesbian portraits.

    For Further Reading

    • Gluck: A Forgotten Queer Artist of the 1920s
    • Stunningly Modern Paintings by a Gender Bending 1920’s Artist
    • Gluck by Gluck

    This month we're talking about Outsiders -- women who marched to the beat of their own drum and rejected stereotypes about what women "should" be. They are aesthetic pioneers, norm-benders, and often the only woman in their field.

    History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.

    Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

    Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, Luci Jones, Abbey Delk, Adrien Behn, Alyia Yates, Vanessa Handy, Melia Agudelo, and Joia Putnoi. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.

    Original theme music by Brittany Martinez.

    Follow Wonder Media Network:

    • Website
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    8 mins