Mike tells Sarah how a 20-year-old singer, actress and French horn player became Miss America with less than six months of practice. Digressions include Ted Bundy, Stephen King’s “It” and a bonus debunking of the "bra-burning feminist" trope. We're sorry to say that this episode includes a description of child sexual abuse. Support us: Subscribe on Patreon ... Show More
May 26
Rainbows with Lulu Miller
Why are there so many songs about rainbows (and what’s on the other side)? A bridge between worlds, a map to a pot of gold, the centerpiece of a Lisa Frank trapper-keeper, and of course, an ever-changing symbol of the LGBTQ+ community, the rainbow has been a profound part of the ... Show More
1h 12m
May 12
What to Carry, What to Burn with Blair Braverman
Ada Blackjack wants one thing: To make enough money to bring her son home from an orphanage. But good work is hard to find in 1920s Nome, Alaska, so when four strangers come to town, looking to hire someone for a secret yearlong expedition, Ada embarks on the trip—not knowing tha ... Show More
1h 4m
Apr 2023
Mischief Makers: Cécile Fatiman
Cécile Fatiman (1771-1883) facilitated a special ceremony that ignited the Haitian Revolution. This month, we’re talking about Mischief Makers: oddballs, chameleons, and nonconformists. Queens of quick wit. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we ... Show More
4m 43s
Mar 2020
159: Vanessa Williams, Whitney Houston and Hollywood’s Misogynoir Problem (Make Me Over, Episode 8)
In 1983, Vanessa Williams became the first black woman to win Miss America. In 1984, a few weeks from the end of her reign, she was forced to step down when she found out Penthouse was going to publish unauthorized nude images of her in their magazine. Williams went on to have a ... Show More
37m 5s
Apr 2024
Disappearing Acts: Marsha "Mudd" Ferber
Marsha “Mudd” Ferber (1941-unknown) was a hippie, a back-to-the-lander, a revolutionary, and an outlaw. She was also the owner of The Underground Railroad, an alternative music haven in Morgantown, West Virginia that hosted the likes of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Grateful ... Show More
5m 49s
Mar 2022
Smize Cream (feat. Tre'vell Anderson)
In 2003, reality television — and the world — changed forever when model, actress and now-mogul Tyra Banks launched America's Next Top Model (ANTM). This week, Fran & Rose are joined by journalist, social curator & ANTM devotee Tre'vell Anderson to discuss everything ANTM: the go ... Show More
1h 20m
Jun 2022
Pride on Stage: Cheryl Dunye
Cheryl Dunye (1966-present) was the first Black lesbian to direct a feature film. The movie, called The Watermelon Woman, established her as a leading voice in the New Queer Cinema movement of the 1990’s.Special thanks to our exclusive Pride Month sponsor, Mercedes-Benz! Mercedes ... Show More
6m 41s
Jun 2022
Pride on Stage: Suzanne Jeanne Baulé (Frede)
Suzanne Jeanne Baulé (Frede) (1914-1976) created a space for others to dance, perform, and be free. She was an androgynous queen of nightlife during one of the most liberated and frightening times in French history.Special thanks to our exclusive Pride Month sponsor, Mercedes-Ben ... Show More
5m 34s