logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
31m 17s

First Ladies of the United States

History Hit
About this episode

Don talks to former White House reporter Kate Andersen Brower about how the role of First Lady has changed - and stayed the same - since the 1960s. Supporting their husband's presidency, while pursuing their own agenda. Each putting their stamp on their time in office - while often forming stronger bonds than their male counterparts.


Produced and mixed by Benjie Guy. Senior Producer: Charlotte Long.


For more History Hit content, subscribe to our newsletters here.

If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts, and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today!



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
The People's Founding Father
Signatory of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, James Wilson was a sitting Supreme Court justice when he died. So why is he missing from popular history?From inspiring the phrase 'we the people' to starting the ball rolling on the Electoral College, Jesse ... Show More
40m 34s
Aug 31
The Truth About the Louisiana Purchase
We're all taught in school about the Louisiana Purchase, supposedly the greatest bargain in American history. Napoleon's deal with the Americans is widely remembered as a triumph for the United States… but is this history really as simple as we’re often taught?Our guest today is ... Show More
43m 16s
Aug 27
Did Lee's Surrender End the Civil War?
When and where did the Civil War end? Was it really over when Lee surrendered at Appomattox?Don is joined for this episode by Caroline E. Janney, Professor at the University of Virginia and author of 'Ends of War: The Unfinished Fight of Lee’s Army after Appomattox'.Listen to hea ... Show More
40m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
America’s First Ladies: Their Changing Role and Influence | Beyond the Scenes
America’s First Ladies have historically been expected to champion social causes, be style icons, and serve as the nation’s matriarch. In this episode, host Roy Wood Jr. sits down with CNN Contributor Kate Andersen Brower, and Daily Show Senior Producer Jeff Gussow to discuss how ... Show More
52m 23s
May 2025
The First Ladies of the United States
The First Ladies of the United States—women of grace, influence, and quiet power who have shaped the nation from behind the scenes. From Martha Washington to the modern era, each brought her own voice, vision, and legacy to the role. But who were these remarkable women, how did t ... Show More
59m 2s
Jul 2024
First Ladies | No Handbook | 6
There’s no job description for the role of First Lady of the United States. Betty Ford described it as being “much more than a 24-hour job.” First Ladies move into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue along with the President and have to forge their own path. They are scrutinized for what th ... Show More
41m 25s
Sep 2022
Women in Power
What do Hatshepsut and Hillary Clinton have in common?Well, what do they have in common with the vast majority of women who have been so successful as to gain power? Women like Britain’s new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, just the third woman to hold the title.They have been subject ... Show More
33m 44s
Apr 2023
Bond Girls
‘Bond girl’ is quite a loaded term. Why aren’t they women? What makes them part of this homologous team? And what does it mean if they have red hair?In this episode, Kate speaks to Dr Lisa Funnell, award winning author and expert on all things Bond. She is here to tell us about t ... Show More
49m 53s
Jul 2018
Welcome to The Exploress
Time traveling through women's history, one era at a time. 
2m 29s
Nov 2024
Sex Lives of Presidents
With the US election happening, we wanted to take a look back at the presidents from the past what we know about their sex lives.Which president was well-endowed and supposedly presented it to staff in the Oval Office? Which president had an affair on his honeymoon? And which had ... Show More
36m 57s
Apr 2009
Is first lady the hardest job in the world?
<p>The position of first lady is one of the most unique and complex jobs in the United States. Tune in as Molly and Cristen take a close look at the first lady's intricate balance between innovation and protocol in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.</p><p> </p> Learn more about ... Show More
14m 7s