Ona Judge, 2026

Ona Judge defied one of the most revered historical figures in America in order to escape the institution of slavery. Though she spent the rest of her life as a fugitive, she managed to direct her own existence on her own terms; answering to no one, free at last. This episode was recorded just before our 2023 Washington D.C. Field Trip where we were able to visit Mount Vernon and pay our respects at the African American Burial Ground and Memorial. For more information on that, visit Mount Vernon's website and our shownotes for this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mother Jones lived one of the most dramatic second acts in American history. Though her early life was shaped by poverty, immigration, and repeated personal tragedies, she reinvented herself in middle age as a warrior for justice. She was a fearless labor organizer - an electrifying speaker who rallied coal miners, steelworkers, railroad shopmen, and exploited children to stand up for their rights. She once earned the label “The Most Dangerous Woman in America” for standing firm against powerful corporate and government pressures. Her work can still be felt in the labor protections, organizing strategies, and economic justice movements around the world. Mother Jones proved that one single, relentless voice... armed with purpose, strategic fury, and above all stamina - could shake the foundations of society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martha Gellhorn was one of the most influential war correspondents of the 20th century. Over the course of a 60-year career, she reported from nearly every major global conflict - the Spanish Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and more. In her work, she focused a compassionate eye on the lives of ordinary people caught up in turmoil beyond their control, and this made her coverage uniquely powerful. Her personal bravery and determination made her into a legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a tie-in to our coverage of Betsy Ambler and Ken Burns' American Revolution documentary we decided to revisit Martha. Some called her The Mother of the Country, some curtseyed and called her "Lady Washington," but no one could doubt that she was uniquely capable to shoulder the responsibilities and rigors of both war and diplomacy. Martha Washington's philosophy of "duty over inclination" became the template for future First Ladies in the newly-formed United States of America. This episode sponsored by: Hungryroot: Use code CHICKS at Hungryroot.com for 40% off your first box and a free item for life. Honeylove:Use code HISTORYCHICKS at Honeylove.com/HistoryChicks for 20% off your order. BLISSY: Use code HISTORYCHICKS at Blissy.com/HistoryChicks for 30% off and a 60-nights risk-free. Quince: Go to Quince.com/CHICKS for free shipping and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once upon a time, an eleven-year-old girl named Sarah Rector struck it rich with a discovery that was perfectly timed for the rise of the automobile and the expansion of American manufacturing. After hitting the jackpot, she had to escape the minefields of greed, racism, politics, and public opinion in order to build a satisfying life for herself at last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viva l'Italia! We took 50 listeners on an epic journey filled with history, architecture, camaraderie and SO MUCH delicious food! From the ancient layers of Rome through the castles and hilltop villages of Tuscany, the art and influence of the Medici in Florence, to the romance of Venice, this trip was unforgettable! The travelers join us, in their own voices, to tell you all about our adventures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The American Revolution changed the way the world worked; the principles of governance in the new country laid the foundation for movements all over the world. On November 16th, Ken Burns and his team premiere their 6-part documentary series on PBS called, as you might have guessed, "The American Revolution" We had the opportunity to sit down with co-director Sarah Botstein to talk about the inspiration and impact of this conflict. This is the interview that we previously posted at the end of our Betsy Ambler episode, and we thought it was important to post it again as a standalone bonus episode, for easier access. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Life during the Revolutionary War was more than military strategy; there were plenty of battles to be fought at home. Betsy Ambler was a young teenager during the turbulent years, and through her records and letters, we can see the conflict though a perspective that has been little examined. We also interview Sarah Botstein, the co-director (with Ken Burns) of the new documentary The American Revolution, premiering on PBS on November 16th, 2026. This series brings forward voices that have been under-represented - as well as those figures that we think we already know- giving us a more complete picture of American life during the birth of our nation. Our subject Betsy Ambler is voiced by Maya Hawke during this six-part series. Registration is now open for our June 3-7, 2026 Field Trip to Chicago! Visit Like Minds Travel for more information and to register! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1860, Elizabeth Packard was committed to a mental institution by her husband - for YEARS - for the crime of speaking her mind . This practice was completely legal at the time, and she had no mechanism by which to free herself from confinement - despite the fact that she was completely sane. Her three-year ordeal would turn her into a powerful activist on behalf of rights for both the mentally ill and for married women, who at this time had few legal protections against those that would oppress them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're going back to our 2013 coverage of this iconic artist who turned her pain, passion, fear, and unique outlook on life into remarkable and memorable art. Her bold subject and color choices (as well as her bold life choices) defied convention and sent her to the heights of international acclaim. Our 2026 Field Trip to London sold out in record time, but you can get your name on the waitlist at Like Minds Travel. Thanks to our sponsors: Audible: Listen to the new Pride and Prejudice at audible.com/janeausten Wayfair: Every style, every home. Wayfair.com Honeylove: Comfortable and innovative bras and shapewear, 20%off at honeylove.com/historychicks Blissy: Silk pillowcases for improved hair and skin, 30%off at blissy.com/historychicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices