Episode 337: Itching for Answers: Nicole's Battle with Chronic Hives

We’re switching things up this episode. Instead of our usual stories about women in history, we’re pausing to bring awareness to Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (aka chronic hives). Nicole is opening up about her deeply personal ongoing health journey that’s basically become her personality over the last 10 months.  Hives can be triggered by a wide range of issues, which makes them an incredibly frustrating and mysterious condition. They’re often a symptom of something deeper happening in the body. In Nicole’s case, the hives took over her entire body—not the tiny, bug-bite-style ones, but massive, intensely itchy welts from head to toe. She’s tried nearly everything: parasite treatments, supplements, antibiotics, Xolair, prednisone, and even a grueling cleanse. While she’s experienced moments of relief, the hives keep coming back and they like to switch it up every time.  If you’ve ever felt isolated in your health struggles, been dismissed by doctors, or left without answers, this episode is for you. Nicole’s not a doctor and isn’t offering medical advice, just an honest account of her experience, in hopes of finding answers or supporting someone else on a similar path. Send us your story, comments, or questions and put "Pissed Off Patient" in the subject line: [email protected] Follow, comment, or DM us on IG: @homance_chronicles

Long before women had a seat at the table in medicine, Dr. Zaruhi Kavaljian carved out a space of her own. She was the first Armenian women to become a physician—an educator, trailblazer, and advocate for women’s health and empowerment. From earning her medical degree at a time when few women even attended university, to shaping the future of public health and mentoring generations of students, Dr. Kavaljian’s legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering determination. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Ava Gardner lived a dazzling yet complicated life. She was a timeless beauty, a fierce spirit, and one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable icons. From her humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to becoming an MGM starlet and international sensation, Ava's journey was anything but ordinary. We explore her rise to fame, the roles that defined her, and her tempestuous relationships with legends like Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra. 🔮 Content warning: This episode contains references to violence, addiction, and abortion. Listener discretion is advised. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

We step into the shadowy corridors of 17th-century Paris to uncover the life and legacy of Catherine Monvoisin—better known as La Voisin. Fortune-teller, midwife, poisoner, and alleged sorceress, La Voisin rose from modest beginnings to become a central figure in the notorious Affair of the Poisons—a scandal that shook the court of King Louis XIV to its core. We explore her double life: by day, a respected healer and diviner; by night, a dealer in black masses, love potions, and fatal poisons. How did she build such a powerful underground network? What drew noblewomen and royals to her services? And what ultimately led to her fiery downfall? Join us as we unravel the dark mystique of one of history’s most infamous femmes fatales—and examine the fear, desperation, and superstition that fueled her rise and fall. 🔮 Content warning: This episode contains references to murder, occult practices, and violence. Listener discretion is advised. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

we dive into the chilling and mysterious history of Aqua Tofana—a deadly poison that quietly haunted 17th-century Italy. Said to be undetectable, tasteless, and odorless, this lethal concoction was reportedly created by Giulia Tofana and distributed to women desperate to escape abusive marriages in a time when divorce was not an option. We explore the woman behind the formula, the whispered network of apothecaries and midwives that helped it spread, and the cultural and social conditions that turned poison into power. Was Giulia Tofana a cold-blooded murderer or a misunderstood feminist icon? And how did Aqua Tofana go from secret weapon to legend? Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Sally Ride catapulted from telescope‑toting kid in Encino to NASA trailblazer, winning collegiate tennis titles, earning dual Stanford degrees, and acing a Stanford Ph.D. before joining the first astronaut class to admit women. On June 18, 1983 she rode Challenger into orbit, silencing skeptics, mastering the shuttle’s robotic arm, and becoming America’s first—and youngest—woman in space.  She co‑authored award‑winning kids’ books with longtime partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, and served on the Columbia accident board—making her the only person on both shuttle investigations. Fiercely private until her 2012 obituary revealed her 27‑year partnership, Sally’s legacy endures in classrooms, laboratories, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom that underscores a simple truth: for Dr. Sally Ride, the sky was just the starting line. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Deborah Sampson defied 18th-century gender norms by disguising herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Born into poverty and bound by the limitations of her time, Deborah's courage and resilience propelled her into a life of espionage, injury, and honor on the battlefield. We explore her motivations, the double life she led as "Robert Shurtliff," and the challenges she faced both during and after the war. From battlefield bravery to her historic pension request and lecture tours, Deborah Sampson's legacy is one of radical defiance and quiet heroism. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Malala Yousafzai is an activist and when she was a young girl from Pakistan’s Swat Valley she stood up to the Taliban and became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate. From her early advocacy for girls’ education under the shadow of terrorism, to surviving a near-fatal attack at just 15 years old, Malala’s courage has ignited a global movement. We explore her rise from anonymous blogger to international symbol of resistance and resilience, her journey to Oxford University, and her continued fight for education through the Malala Fund. You’ll hear how she navigates fame, faith, feminism, and forgiveness — all while staying grounded in her roots and values. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]  

Anna Der-Vartanian was a true trailblazer in the U.S. Navy and beyond. From her early days of service during World War II to making history as the first woman to achieve the rank of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer in 1959. Anna shattered glass ceilings in a male-dominated field, but her dedication to serving her country didn’t stop there—after retiring from the Navy, she embarked on a second career with the CIA. We explore her resilience, leadership, and the legacy she left behind for future generations of women in the military and intelligence communities. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Naomi Feil was the pioneer behind Validation Therapy for dementia care. Born in 1932, Naomi dedicated her career to improving communication with older adults experiencing dementia, challenging traditional caregiving approaches with empathy and understanding. Raised in a nursing home where her father was an administrator, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of elderly residents, shaping her lifelong mission to bring dignity and connection to those often forgotten. We’ll dive into how her groundbreaking Validation Method empowers caregivers to meet dementia patients in their reality rather than forcing them into ours. Through personal stories, key principles, and the lasting impact of her work, we’ll uncover how Naomi’s compassionate techniques continue to shape dementia care worldwide. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]