Dive into the captivating life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, an enigmatic figure whose journey from Nantucket to San Francisco makes her a groundbreaking feminist icon. Born into mystery and uncertainty, Mary defied societal norms, becoming a pioneering force in business, civil rights, and the abolitionist movement. Next is Marion Carpenter, the trailbla…

Greek mythology is well known for its dramatic twists & turns. So buckle up for the ride of your life with Clytemnestra, a Spartan princess born to King Tyndareus and Queen Leda. From potentially divine parentage to a tumultuous marriage with King Agamemnon, Clytemnestra's life is a web of deceit, betrayal, and revenge. While history has painted he…

As we welcome 2024, The Riveting Rosies Podcast takes a moment to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of women throughout 2023. From breaking records to shattering glass ceilings, these Rosies have left an undeniable mark on history. Join us as we celebrate their triumphs and highlight the remarkable stories that unfolded in the past year. Su…

WARNING: we both cried in the episode. Maybe don’t listen to this episode if you need to look presentable right afterwards 😭😂 On March 4, 1977, Janna achieved historic milestones, becoming CG Aviator #1812 and the first female helicopter pilot in Coast Guard history. Janna Lambine's legacy lives on as a pioneer, breaking gender barriers in Coast Gu…

Ingrid Christensen was a remarkable explorer of courage, humor, and unwavering determination, who left an indelible mark on Antarctic exploration. In fact, she was the first woman in recorded history to see Antarctica, set foot on mainland Antarctica, & fly over Antarctica. In the early 19th century, a woman named Thuridur Einarsdottir defied socie…

Merneith is believed to be the first female pharaoh in recorded history, reigning in the First Dynasty of Egypt around 2950 BC. Merneith, meaning "Beloved by Neith," was the great-granddaughter of Narmer, the founder of the First Dynasty and the daughter of Djer, the third pharaoh. Her royal lineage and connection to the early Egyptian goddess Neit…

On October 24th, 2023, 100,000+ women and non-binary individuals in Iceland made a powerful statement against gender-based violence and called for pay equality by staging a full-day strike. This strike was inspired by the historic 1975 Icelandic women's strike, which we revisit in today’s episode & explore the last impact of the Women's Day Off on …

In the world of rock 'n' roll, few names stand as tall as Ann and Nancy Wilson, the groundbreaking sisters who fronted Heart, the first hard rock band led by women. Their journey from a childhood filled with music and British accents to the rock and roll hall of fame is a captivating tale of talent, resilience, and sisterhood. In this episode of "T…

Janaki Ammal left an indelible mark on botany & environmental activism, during a time in which the literacy rate among women in India was less than 1%. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists, particularly women, as they navigate the often challenging landscapes of academia and environmental advocacy. Ragnhild Tregagås is often …

“Fanny was the first all-female rock act to record an entire album for a major record label…and released five albums for major labels” (fannyrocks.com) This quote only BEGINS to sum up the incredible legacy of Fanny, the aptly-named Godmothers of Women Who Rock. While we see women in all genres of music today, it was just a few years ago that Fanny…

Lady Florence Caroline Dixie, a remarkable Scottish feminist, writer, war correspondent, sports enthusiast, suffragette, and world adventurer, left an indelible mark on history. Yes, literally all of these things. Listen for the #facts. In a historic moment this month, Laphonza Butler shattered barriers as the first openly LGBTQ+ individual to be s…

It’s (almost) Friday the 13th, so we’re celebrating the spooky vibes by honoring some incredible GODDESSES! In the rich tapestry of Aztec mythology, Coatlicue emerges as a formidable deity, embodying the dual forces of creation and destruction. Her name, meaning "she who has a skirt of snakes," evokes a vivid image of a goddess adorned with serpent…

Yvonne Lee Odom etched her name in history as the first Black student to attend Seacrest High School in Delray Beach, FL, effectively ending segregation in Delray Beach public schools. Yvonne's commitment to civil rights, social justice, and educational rights has never waned & continues today through her family, including ANOTHER FAMOUS ROSIE. Lis…

Dr. Helen Rodríguez Trías stands as a public health trailblazer and advocate for the most vulnerable members of society. She was the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Throughout her life, Dr. Rodríguez Trías forged a powerful legacy by expanding public health services for disadvantaged women and children acros…

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! We’re kicking off the month long celebration with two INCREDIBLE Latin Rosies, Ana Mendieta & Juana Inés de la Cruz. Ana Mendieta, a Cuban-American artist known for her groundbreaking works in sculpture, paint, video, and performance art, left an indelible mark on the art world. Often associated with the "earth-body" …

Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed: Blood Countess or victim of political persecution? Her story is a web of intrigue, privilege, and gruesome accusations that continue to captivate us to this day. Rumors circulated that she tortured and killed over 650 women and girls. But interestingly, some modern scholars argue that Elizabeth's alleged atrocities may h…

In the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), there are trailblazers who defy conventions, shatter glass ceilings, and pave the way for future generations. Judith Love Cohen, born on August 16, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY, stands as a shining example of resilience, determination, and passion in the face of adversity. Her journ…

A true pioneer, Donyale Luna was the first Black model to grace the cover of British Vogue, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion world. While Donyale Luna's impact on the fashion and artistic realms cannot be denied, her legacy is also a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity. Donyale Luna's journey is one that resonates with the …

Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment, is August 26. The 19th Amendment is of course what granted women the right to vote in the United States, & came after a nearly century long civil rights movement. The eventual passing of the 19th Amendment was only made possible by the activism of hundreds if not…

From the flourishing cities to the towering pyramids, the Maya civilization holds countless tales of awe and wonder. However, today, we're shedding light on the often-overlooked story of Lady Sak K’uk’, a Mayan queen & mother of the great K’inich Janaab Pakal I. With no male heirs, Lady Sak K’uk’ broke barriers as she ascended to power after her fa…

Mia Hamm's impact on women's soccer is immeasurable. From being a three-time winner of the US Soccer Female Athlete of the Year award to her induction into multiple halls of fame, including the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the World Football Hall of Fame, Mia's contributions to the sport are etched in history. As the 20th century dawned, winds …

Today we delve into the life and legacy of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the first democratically elected woman president in the world. From her early passion for languages and theater to her pivotal role in the Icelandic women's movement of the 1970s, we explore how Vigdís shattered barriers and became an influential global leader. Serving four terms as …

In the male-dominated wine industry, Isabelle Simi stood as a pioneering force, defying societal norms and leaving an indelible mark on the world of winemaking. As the daughter of Italian immigrants, Isabelle's journey began amidst the California gold rush in 1859. From humble beginnings, she transformed her family's winemaking venture into a thriv…

Born in 1892, Dorothy Garrod shattered gender barriers, paving the way for future generations of women in academia. Her determination to break gender barriers, her remarkable archaeological discoveries, and her advocacy for women's rights make her a remarkable figure in the annals of history. Dorothy's legacy as the first woman professor at Cambrid…

In the early 20th century, when women were fighting for their rights and equality, Dr. Mary Grace Arthur emerged as a remarkable figure in the field of psychology. Her dedication to helping marginalized children, her groundbreaking work in intelligence testing, and her advocacy for equal educational opportunities made her a true trailblazer. Kitty …

It’s Independence Day - so no matter how you’re celebrating today, this episode’s Rosie wants you to “get some.” Join us in this episode as we delve into the incredible life story of Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a renowned sex therapist, educator, and cultural icon. Born in Germany during a time of upheaval, Ruth's childhood was abruptly cut short by the a…

Henrietta Smith Bowers Duterte was the first woman mortuary owner in 19th-century America. From her fashionable upbringing to her marriage to Haitian American undertaker Francis Duterte, Henrietta's story is one of resilience and advocacy. After tragic losses, Henrietta fearlessly took over her husband's undertaking business, becoming America's pio…

Barbara Gittings was an indomitable force in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Despite facing societal and personal obstacles, she dedicated her life to education, activism, and advocacy. Through her work with organizations like the Daughters of Bilitis and the American Library Association, Barbara Gittings paved the way for greater u…

Myrtle Gonzalez blazed a trail in Hollywood as the industry's first Latina film star. Her remarkable talent, coupled with her proud embrace of her Latin heritage, shattered stereotypes and opened doors for future generations of actresses. Although her life was tragically cut short, her impact on the early film industry remains significant. Myrtle G…

Marie Tharp was a trailblazing geologist & oceanographer who mapped THE ENTIRE OCEAN FLOOR. Even in the face of tremendous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field (same shit, different episode amirite?), Marie's groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of the ocean floor and continental drift. Despite initial lack of recognition…

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu shattered barriers and emerged as a remarkable figure, leaving an indelible mark on scientific achievements and gender equality. Throughout her career, Dr. Wu made significant contributions to various fields of physics. Notably, she confirmed Enrico Fermi's theory of beta decay, leading to her authoring the book "Beta Decay," wh…

Buckle up for an incredible Rosie, y’all…because it’s Malala time. As a child & teenager, Malala seized every opportunity to advocate for the right to education and girls' empowerment. Her efforts soon attracted international attention & accolades, including that of terrorists. On October 9, 2012, Malala survived an assassination attempt (AT 15 YEA…

Sylvia Dorothy Lawler was a trailblazer in genetics & transplantation. Her research focused on rhesus blood-groups, HLA typing, the Human Genome Project, & more. Her pioneering work continues to shape our understanding of human genetics and offers hope for innovative medical treatments. Follow The Riveting Rosies Podcast on Instagram: https://www.i…

Huda Sha'arawi was an Egyptian feminist and nationalist who played a significant role in the women's rights movement in Egypt and the Arab world during the early 20th century. She founded the first women's organization in Egypt and was a vocal advocate for women's education and political participation. Sarah Chapman was a trade unionist and one of …

When we think of powerful women in ancient history, figures like Cleopatra and Catherine the Great often come to mind. But one woman who deserves more recognition for her political savvy and intelligence is Valeria Messalina, the third wife of Emperor Claudius in ancient Rome. Previously known only as the biggest slut in Roman history, a modern-day…

“The Motorcycle Queen of Miami,” Bessie Stringfield was the first African American woman to ride across the United States as a solo motorcyclist. Her countries took her across the world, performing in carnival shows & serving as a citizen courier for the U.S. Army in WWII. Her determination, grit, and courage to challenge societal norms and pursue …

Dr. James Barry, born Margaret Anne Bulkley, was a pioneering physician and military surgeon who made significant contributions to the field of medicine during a career spanning over 50 years. Their story challenges traditional notions of gender and identity and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women and other marginalized groups in …

It’s Corissa’s birthday this week, so we’re celebrating with a Thorny Rosies Episode! Christiana Edmunds, the Chocolate Cream Poisoner, began a poisoning rampage in the late 1800s in England, after her affair with a local physician was cut short. Going so far as poisoning her paramour’s wife, local politicians, & HERSELF, she was eventually caught,…

Happy Women’s History Month! We are continuing to celebrate amazing Rosies here on the podcast, so enjoy these incredible women’s stories! Follow The Riveting Rosies Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therivetingrosies/ Support the showThe Riveting Rosies

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is the first African American woman to receive a doctorate from MIT in any subject, and the second African American woman to receive a doctorate in physics in the United States. But her contributions to the field of physics and the broader scientific community go well beyond her academic achievements. Queen Tiye’s many royal…

Krystyna Chojnowska Liskiewicz was a Polish yachtswoman & the first woman to sail around the world solo. She faced many challenges during her journey, including rough seas, equipment failures, and loneliness, but she persevered and completed her journey after 401 days at sea. Bessie Coleman is known as the Queen of the Skies who defied the odds. Be…

Irena Sendler was a Polish social worker who risked her life to save the lives of thousands of Jewish children during the Holocaust. She developed a secret network of individuals who helped to smuggle children out of the Warsaw Ghetto, and she managed to maintain her courage and determination even in the face of extreme danger. Margaret "Molly" Bro…

This week on the podcast, we’re continuing our conversation on Mercury 13. If you haven’t listened to Ep. 51 yet, make sure you do that first, then jump back into this episode. Mercury 13, also known as First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs), were thirteen women selected for a privately funded program to select and train women to travel into space. …

Mercury 13, also known as First Lady Astronaut Trainees (FLATs), were thirteen women selected for a privately funded program to select and train women to travel into space. Despite the disappointing conclusion to the FLATs program, these brave women boldly paved the way for those who would go on to become official NASA astronauts (including previou…

Goesaert v. Cleary was a 1948 US Supreme Court case challenging the Public Acts of Michigan 1945, which limited women’s ability to be a licensed bartender. After WWII ended, men returned home to find that women were serving in all the roles they left behind, including bartending, & were doing it better. Many states then began to pass laws and acts …

Lin Siniang was a young concubine turned martial arts instructor & military leader in 1600s China. Lucille Mulhall was America’s first cowgirl, nicknamed Queen of the Range & Champion Lady Steer Roper of the World. Follow The Riveting Rosies Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therivetingrosies/ Support the show…

Tawakkol Karman is a Yemeni human rights activist, journalist, and politician. She is the first Arab woman and the second Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work. Known as “The Tenth Muse,” Sappho was a Greek lyric poet…

Katherine Switzer is a former American marathon runner who is best known for being the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered entrant. During the marathon, a race official attempted to physically remove Switzer from the course, captured in a now-famous photo. Switzer managed to complete the race and her participation in …

Mary Anning was an English paleontologist who discovered the ichthyosaurus, the Plesiosaurus, and many other Jurassic era fossils. Ada Lovelace was a 19th century English mathematician, writer, & first computer programmer. Ada’s work laid the foundation for the eventual development of the computer, the creation of modern computers, & the computer s…

Previously considered nothing more than legend, the very real-life Scythian warriors were skilled horse-women & archers of antiquity. These badass women have long been discounted by historians, probably because they were so badass: they may have invented pants, tattooed their skin, & were feared enemies of Greek heroes. Follow The Riveting Rosies P…