SYMHC Classics: Sor Juana Ines de la Cru...

Edwin Howard Armstrong isn’t exactly a well-known inventor, but his work in radio literally changed communications around the globe. But his most famous invention – FM radio – became a source of constant frustration after he developed it. Research: Armstrong, Edwin H. “Frequency ... Show More

Before the ballpoint pen, people used their hands, reeds, bamboo, brushes, quills, and eventually nibs to write or draw. But how did things evolve from there to get to things like the fountain pen, and eventually, a ballpoint? Research: "pen." Britannica Library, Encyclopædia Bri ... Show More

This 2022 episode starts with the story of John Bibb, credited with cultivating Bibb lettuce. But his family’s legacy, good and bad, is all tied to having enslaved people build their familial wealth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Poet Emily Dickinson has often been painted as a recluse and an oddball by history, though she had a passionate nature and a rich inner life. She wrote some of the most beloved and enduring poetry in the world during her introspective lifetime, but her audience didn't find her un ... Show More

Once upon a time, in ancient Egypt, a princess was born. But before her happily ever after, she had to live a challenging life of servitude, duty, and a deep belief in her own character. The long life of the woman that we discuss in this episode crosses cultural, territorial and ... Show More

Marlene Dietrich cemented her status as a Hollywood legend with a series of iconic performances that flouted traditional women's roles and ignited the screen. But it's her passionate support for the United States, her adopted homeland, and the troops fighting in World War II that ... Show More

Selena Quintanilla was a force of nature. But when a loyal friend betrayed her, she met a fate she never deserved. Even the Rich is a podcast from Wondery that tells you the stories of the crazy lives of the greatest family dynasties to pop culture superstars. In their new season ... Show More

Isadora was the purest of unconventional free spirits and one of history's most unique dance innovators. Many people only know how she died, but how she lived is a much more inspiring and fascinating story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 

As the daughter of Josef Stalin, it's safe to say Svetlana Iosifovna Alliluyeva was never destined for a normal life. Still, no one could have predicted the bizarre globe-trotting adventures she would take as she escaped the Soviet Union and became the world's most famous defecto ... Show More

Marilyn Monroe. She's got to be one of the most famous people of all time, hasn't she? But what happens when an investigative war reporter dedicates years of his life to finding out who real Marilyn was, interviewing hundreds of people who knew her, from her co-stars, to her psyc ... Show More

Hilda Matheson (1888-1940) was the Director of Talks at the BBC for several years, greatly shaping the content and style of talk radio. She revolutionized the way people spoke into microphones on air and represented women and queer people in the broadcasting space. For Further Re ... Show More

Donna Summer (1948 - 2012) was a musician who provided the soundtrack for America’s disco era. Her breathy voice and sensual music gave her the title of the queen of disco, but Donna wasn’t a one-genre diva – she cranked out hits in rock, R&B, hip hop, and gospel over the span of ... Show More

Isabelle Kelley (1917-1997) was an American social worker. She was the principal author of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and the first director of the Food Stamp Program — making her the first woman to run a national social program or lead any Division of a federal agency.    For Fu ... Show More