Episode 298: Hoes of History: Florence Griffith Joyner aka Flo Jo

We dive into the remarkable stories of the first three women to receive patents in the United States, breaking new ground in their fields. We start with Hannah Wilkinson Slater, who in 1793 became the first woman to receive a U.S. patent for her revolutionary improvement in cotton-spinning technology. Next, we explore the work of Mary Dixon Kies, who patented a process in 1809 for weaving straw with silk or thread, transforming the hat-making industry. Finally, we highlight Hazel Irwin, who patented an innovative cheese press, contributing to advancements in food production. These pioneering women paved the way for future generations of female inventors, showing the world that innovation knows no gender. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Hypatia was one of the most extraordinary figures of the ancient world. Born in Alexandria around 355 AD, Hypatia was a pioneering mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who defied the constraints of her time to become a symbol of intellectual excellence and resilience. She is a key person credited with the preservation of classic textbooks that still have references that are used to this day. She was a prominent teacher and scholar in the Neoplatonic school of thought. As the political and religious climate in Alexandria became increasingly volatile, Hypatia found herself at the center of a conflict between emerging Christian beliefs and the traditional pagan philosophies she championed. We'll unfold how these circumstances led to her tragic death. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Who is Betty Crocker? A culinary icon, a trusted advisor, a brand name synonymous with home-cooked comfort—yet, Betty Crocker isn't a real person. In this episode, we unravel the fascinating story behind America's favorite fictional homemaker, born out of necessity and transformed into a cultural phenomenon. We dive into the 1920s, a time when American kitchens were evolving, and explore how the Washburn-Crosby Company (later General Mills) ingeniously created Betty Crocker as a marketing tool to connect with home bakers. Discover how she became the face of cookbooks, radio shows, and television appearances, shaping how generations of Americans cooked, ate, and lived. Join us as we trace Betty Crocker's journey from a corporate invention to a beloved symbol of American culinary tradition. Along the way, we'll meet the real women behind the name, learn how Betty adapted to changing times, and uncover the impact she's had on kitchens around the world. The main women behind Betty Crocker:  Majorie Child Husted Adelaide Hawley Cumming Blanche Ingersoll   Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Frida Kahlo was one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 20th century. From her tumultuous childhood in Mexico to her groundbreaking work that challenged conventions and captured the human spirit, Frida's story is one of resilience, passion, and unapologetic self-expression. We dig into the events that shaped her — including her near-fatal accident and complex relationship with Diego Rivera — and how they fueled her creative genius. Discover the symbolism behind her most famous works, her role in the feminist movement, and the legacy she left behind as an enduring symbol of strength and individuality. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]  

Janet Guthrie broke barriers in the male-dominated world of racing, becoming the first woman to qualify for both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500 in the 1970s. Her journey from aerospace engineer to a professional race car driver is a testament to her tenacity, skill, and fearless spirit. Join us as we explore Janet's early life, the challenges she faced in a sport that wasn't ready to embrace a female competitor, and the remarkable achievements that cemented her legacy. We'll discuss how her trailblazing efforts paved the way for future generations of women in racing, and reflect on her impact beyond the racetrack. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

We explore the life and impact of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a pioneering force in the fight for gender equality and a revered Supreme Court Justice. From her early days as a top law student facing gender discrimination to her groundbreaking work in landmark cases, Ruth's journey is one of resilience and determination. We'll discuss her most influential court opinions and dissents, her rise as a cultural icon, and the lasting legacy she left behind. Join us as we celebrate the "Notorious RBG" and her enduring influence on the pursuit of justice. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Hélène de Pourtalès was a woman of many firsts who made history as the first female Olympic champion. An American who was born into European aristocracy, Hélène’s life was one of privilege, yet she defied expectations by stepping into the world of competitive sailing—a male-dominated arena in the late 19th century. We'll explore her remarkable journey from the grandeur of Swiss society to the waters of the 1900 Paris Olympics, where she clinched gold, and examine how her legacy continues to inspire female athletes today. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionately known as "Flo Jo," is widely regarded as the fastest woman of all time. Flo Jo dazzled the world not only with her record-breaking speed on the track but also with her bold, trendsetting fashion. We'll explore her humble beginnings in Los Angeles, her rise to Olympic glory, and the indomitable spirit that propelled her to break barriers and set records that still stand today. We'll also unravel the mysterious details and circumstances around her untimely passing.  Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Gloria Struck was a true pioneer in the world of motorcycling. Born in 1925, Gloria’s passion for motorcycles began at a time when women were rarely seen on two wheels. Over the decades, she defied societal norms, becoming an iconic figure in the motorcycling community. Join us as we explore Gloria’s incredible journey, from her first ride at the age of 16 to becoming a legend at 95, still riding and inspiring countless enthusiasts around the world. We’ll talk about her early days with the Motor Maids, one of the first women’s motorcycle clubs in the United States, and how she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. Gloria’s story is not just about motorcycles; it’s about resilience, independence, and living life on your own terms. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Mary Surratt is a woman whose name is forever entwined with one of America's most infamous events—the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. As the first woman executed by the U.S. government, Mary Surratt's story is one of intrigue, loyalty, and a controversial trial that continues to spark debate more than a century later. We start by exploring Mary's early life, her marriage to John Surratt, Sr., and how the Surratt family became deeply involved in the Confederate cause during the Civil War. We'll take a closer look at her role as a boarding house owner in Washington, D.C., and how this seemingly mundane detail placed her at the heart of a deadly conspiracy. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]