Episode 374: Hoes of History: Pearl de Vere

Pearl de Vere was more than the most famous madam in Cripple Creek, Colorado—she was a woman who built power, mystery, and independence in a world that offered women very little of it. We step into the glittering, gritty world of the late 1800s American West to uncover the life of Pearl de Vere, the enigmatic owner of the luxurious Old Homestead House. Known for her beauty, intelligence, and strict rules, Pearl ran one of the most refined brothels in the region—where wealthy miners and elite visitors paid top dollar not just for companionship, but for an experience wrapped in elegance and secrecy. But Pearl's story is more than velvet curtains and whispered deals. It's a story of reinvention. Of a woman who may have fled a troubled past—possibly leaving behind a husband and child—to create a new identity on her own terms. At a time when women were expected to be silent and subservient, Pearl carved out authority, wealth, and influence in one of the most unlikely places. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Victoria MacKenzie-Childs was the visionary behind the iconic MacKenzie-Childs brand. From her early creative pursuits to co-founding a company known for its bold patterns, hand-painted ceramics, and unmistakable aesthetic, Victoria's journey was anything but conventional. Alongside her husband, Richard MacKenzie-Childs, she built a design empire rooted in artistry and storytelling—one that would become synonymous with eclectic luxury. But behind the enchanting designs was a more complicated story. We dive into the couple's unique lifestyle, including their time living aboard a ferry docked near Ellis Island, and examine the challenges that followed as their business faced financial strain, ultimately leading to bankruptcy and their departure from the company they created. Her creative spirit continues to influence design lovers and collectors around the world.  Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Lucy Hobbs Taylor broke barriers in dentistry and paved the way for generations of women in healthcare.  In the mid-1800s, women were largely shut out of professional careers—but Lucy Hobbs Taylor refused to accept that reality. Born in Constable, New York in 1833, Lucy began her career as a teacher before becoming determined to study dentistry. When dental schools repeatedly denied her admission because she was a woman, she trained through apprenticeship and began practicing anyway. Her persistence eventually paid off when the Ohio College of Dental Surgery admitted her, and in 1866 she became the first woman in the world to earn a dental degree. Despite resistance from male colleagues and professional societies, Lucy built a successful career and helped open the door for women to enter the field. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Step into the colorful, creative world behind one of the most iconic children's brands of the 1980s in this vibrant episode exploring the lives of G.G. Santiago and Muriel Fahrion. Before there was a global franchise, there was an idea—sparked by imagination, persistence, and a desire to bring more light into the world. G.G. Santiago dreamed up a little girl who would make the world brighter, a concept that would become Rainbow Brite. Her vision of color, hope, and emotional storytelling became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with a generation of children and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Muriel Fahrion's journey began in the art department at American Greetings, where she illustrated a simple greeting card character that would blossom into Strawberry Shortcake—complete with dolls, cartoons, and an entire universe of sweet, fruit-themed friends. Her work helped define the look and feel of 1980s girlhood, blending whimsy with warmth. It was at American Greetings that G.G. and Muriel first met—two creative women working inside a corporate system that would shape the future of children's entertainment. What began as a professional connection grew into a deep friendship, and they remained best friends for years, supporting one another as their creations grew into global franchises. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

In this empowering episode, we spotlight the Black women who have reshaped the narrative of winter sport and etched their names into Olympic history. From trailblazers in figure skating to champions on the ice track, their stories span decades of perseverance, excellence, and barrier-breaking achievement. We start with Debi Thomas, who in 1988 became the first Black American woman to win a medal at the Winter Olympics, taking home bronze in figure skating — a milestone that opened doors in a sport long dominated by others. Next, we celebrate Vonetta Flowers, whose gold medal in 2002 not only made her the first Black woman from any country to win Olympic gold at the Winter Games, but also paved the way for future generations of athletes in sliding sports. We then feature Erin Jackson, who, in 2022, made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics in the 500 m long-track speed skating event — a defining personal and cultural moment for the sport. The episode also honors Elana Meyers Taylor, one of the most decorated athletes in Winter Olympic history. Her multi-medal career, capped by gold in 2026, has set records and inspired a new generation of Black athletes to take on winter competition. And finally, we highlight a historic team achievement from 2026: Laila Edwards became the first Black American woman to win Olympic gold in ice hockey, a testament to how far Black female athletes have come — and how far they continue to push the boundaries of possibility. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, Toni Morrison rose from a working-class Midwestern childhood to become one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century. From her early days studying at Howard and Cornell to her trailblazing career as an editor at Random House—where she championed African American writers—Toni's path was as powerful as the stories she told. We dive into the emotional depth and historical weight of novels like Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon, examining how Toni centered Afrian American interior lives with lyricism, honesty, and unflinching truth. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, cementing her place in global literary history. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Henrietta Lacks is the woman behind one of the most important medical breakthroughs in modern history. In 1951, a young Black mother of five sought treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Without her knowledge or consent, doctors took samples of her cancer cells. Those cells—later known as HeLa cells—became the first human cells to survive and reproduce indefinitely in a lab. They went on to revolutionize science, contributing to the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, IVF, gene mapping, and countless medical advancements that have saved millions of lives. But while Henrietta's cells changed the world, her family remained in the dark for decades—unaware that a part of her was still alive in laboratories across the globe. This episode examines not only Henrietta's life and legacy, but the complex ethical questions her story raises about consent, race, medical exploitation, and who benefits from scientific progress. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Opal Lee is the grandmother of Juneteenth and a living symbol of perseverance, justice, and hope. Born in 1926 in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee's childhood was shaped by both love and trauma. At just 12 years old, she watched a white mob burn her family's home to the ground on Juneteenth—a moment that would mark her life, but never define her limits. Instead of turning away from the pain, Opal turned toward purpose. A longtime educator, counselor, and community organizer, Opal Lee spent decades advocating for equity in housing, education, and civil rights. But it was in her late 80s—when many people slow down—that she ignited a national movement. At 89, she began walking from Texas to Washington, D.C., to demand that Juneteenth be recognized as a federal holiday. Her determination, kindness, and moral clarity captured the nation's attention and helped lead to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Alice Ball was a chemical prodigy, the first woman and first Black person to earn a master's degree from the University of Hawaiʻi, and the mind behind what became known as the "Ball Method." Despite her groundbreaking discovery, credit was taken by others after her untimely death, and her contribution was erased from textbooks for decades. In the early 20th century, leprosy (Hansen's disease) carried not only devastating physical effects but also deep social stigma, forced isolation, and exile. While others had failed to find an effective treatment, a brilliant young chemist named Alice Ball succeeded—developing the first viable therapy that dramatically improved patients' lives. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Doris Day was more than Hollywood's sunny sweetheart. She was a survivor, a savvy businesswoman, and a trailblazer who quietly redefined what strength could look like in mid-century America. In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Doris Day, from her early dreams of becoming a professional dancer to her rise as one of the most bankable stars in film history. We unpack how a devastating car accident altered her path, how her wholesome on-screen persona often masked personal hardship and financial betrayal, and how she ultimately reclaimed her voice and autonomy. We also dive into her later years, when Doris stepped away from the spotlight to become a fierce advocate for animal welfare, building a legacy rooted in compassion rather than fame. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]