logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
41m 25s

First Ladies | No Handbook | 6

Wondery
About this episode

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 they wear, what they say, and how they raise their children. Perhaps because of that, it tends to be a tight-knit sorority, regardless of political party. Today, Lindsay is joined by journalist Kate Andersen Brower. She’s the author of many books, including First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies, and she wrote the introduction to the American History Teller’s book, The Hidden History of the White House.


Order your copy of the new American History Tellers book, The Hidden History of the White House, for behind-the-scenes stories of some of the most dramatic events in American history—set right inside the house where it happened.


Listen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Today
Evolution on Trial | A Clash of Giants | 1
In 1925, the famous politician and presidential contender William Jennings Bryan returned to the limelight to lead a new crusade against the teaching of evolution. With Bryan’s support, Tennessee became the first state to ban the teaching of evolution in public schools.The Americ ... Show More
38m 28s
Jul 2
Typhoid Mary | Cook, Carrier, Captive | 3
In 1906, a New York health department investigation into an outbreak of typhoid fever led to the discovery that a cook, Mary Mallon, was an unsuspecting ""healthy carrier"" of the deadly bacteria. This discovery forever altered Mallon’s life, thrusting her into a national spotlig ... Show More
41m 2s
Jun 25
Typhoid Mary | Destroying Angel | 2
After spending two years in forced isolation on a remote island in the East River, Mary Mallon fought back, insisting that she posed no danger to the public and city officials had overstepped their authority in keeping her against her will. She finally managed to secure her freed ... Show More
34m 28s
Recommended Episodes
May 20
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Judge's Daughter | 1
In the early 20th century, a young woman named Georgia Tann begins her career in social work and becomes determined to change adoption in America—even if it means destroying lives and tearing families apart.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendat ... Show More
38m 58s
Jun 10
The Woman Who Sold Babies | The Cold Hard Hand | 4
As the 1940s draws to a close, Georgia Tann is still making thousands from her black-market baby ring. But although she’s been untouchable for the last two decades, a shift in Memphis’s political climate signals trouble.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curate ... Show More
37m 13s
Jun 17
Georgia Tann Interview | Guest T.J. Raphael "Liberty Lost" Podcast Host | 5
Decades after Georgia Tann’s black market adoption ring was exposed, similar patterns of coercion and control are still unfolding across the U.S. At the Liberty Godparent Home in Lynchburg, Virginia, young pregnant women are isolated, shamed, and pressured into giving up their ba ... Show More
42m 56s
Feb 2024
Encore: History fails when it ignores the BIPOC women who made it
In honor of Black History Month, Untextbooked is sharing a favorite episode from our archive. Women of color have been at the forefront of many movements, yet are often neglected, demonized, or ignored. Your history class probably didn’t teach you about Josephine Baker, who was n ... Show More
35m 9s
Jun 27
ENCORE: Watergate | The Fifth Man | 3
Woodward and Bernstein uncover a shocking revelation about President Nixon's chief of staff. But when their story is published, the reporters find themselves backed into a corner.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now ... Show More
42m 13s
Jun 26
ENCORE: Watergate | The President's Daughter | 2
The Washington Post begins investigating a mysterious crime. President Nixon confronts a crisis. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery ... Show More
41m 24s
Jul 2024
Listen Now: American History Tellers, First Ladies
The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that ... Show More
7m 55s
Aug 2024
Life Lessons From Historical Women
When women's stories aren't being flat-out ignored from the history books, they can often be sidelined. Well not here! Joining Kate today is the comedian and author of Life Lessons from Historical Women, Eleanor Morton, to share some of her favourite stories of inspirational wome ... Show More
35m 48s
Apr 15
Quiz Show Rigging | The Pressure Cooker | 5
Television producers Howard Blumenthal and Bob Boden weren’t old enough to experience the quiz show scandal of the 1950s firsthand, but it had a major impact on their lives and careers. Blumenthal’s father helped produce the rigged quiz show Twenty-One, and Boden worked alongside ... Show More
34m 56s
Jul 3
ENCORE Watergate | The Smoking Gun | 5
President Nixon fights the release of his secret tapes. But with the country thrust into a constitutional crisis, Nixon has to make a gut-wrenching decision.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/ ... Show More
43m 59s