Episode 380: Hoes of History: Liz Sheridan

Liz Sheridan, the actress best known for her memorable roles as Jerry Seinfeld's mother on Seinfeld and the lovable neighbor Mrs. Ochmonek on ALF. But long before she became a familiar face on television, Sheridan was a talented dancer and performer pursuing her dreams on the stages of New York City. We'll trace her journey from her early years growing up in New York, through her career in theater and entertainment, and the challenges she faced as a woman building a career in show business. We'll also discuss her fascinating romance with James Dean years before he became a Hollywood icon—a relationship she later chronicled in her memoir. From Broadway productions and television guest appearances to her late-career success in two of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Liz Sheridan's story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and finding success on her own timeline. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Alice Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the women's suffrage movement. From her Quaker upbringing in New Jersey to her education in England, where she learned militant protest tactics, Alice Paul dedicated her life to securing equal rights for women. We'll follow her journey as she organized historic marches, endured arrests and force-feeding while imprisoned, and played a pivotal role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. But her fight didn't end there. Alice Paul continued advocating for gender equality through the Equal Rights Amendment and spent decades pushing for legal protections for women around the world. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Emily Warren Roebling helped build one of America's most iconic landmarks while quietly redefining what women were capable of in the 19th century.  Long before women were recognized in engineering or leadership roles, Emily stepped into a world dominated by men after her husband, Washington Roebling, became severely ill during construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. With no formal engineering education, she taught herself advanced mathematics, bridge construction, materials science, and project management to serve as his eyes, ears, and voice on-site. Through intelligence, resilience, and determination, Emily became the critical link that kept the project alive and ultimately helped bring the bridge to completion in 1883. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Cherie DeVaux is the trailblazing horse trainer who made history as the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby as a trainer. From her childhood roots and passion for horses to breaking into the male-dominated world of thoroughbred racing, Cherie's journey is one of resilience, grit, and determination. We explore the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including her early years in harness racing, the sacrifices she made to build a career in elite horse racing, and the challenges she faced as a woman working her way through one of sports' toughest industries. The episode also highlights the personal side of Cherie's story — her family life, mentorships, and the defining experiences that led her to the sport's biggest stage. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Cora Reynolds Anderson was a quiet trailblazer whose legacy reshaped Michigan's political landscape, even if her name isn't widely known today. Born in 1882 in Baraga County, she was of Ojibwe descent and grew up deeply connected to her community and culture at a time when Native voices were largely excluded from public life. That didn't stop her from stepping into history. In 1924, Cora became the first Native American woman elected to a state legislature in the United States, serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. Long before Native Americans were granted full citizenship rights nationwide, she used her position to advocate for her community, championing issues like public health, education, and the welfare of Indigenous people. She worked to address the tuberculosis crisis affecting Native populations and pushed for better resources and representation, all while navigating a political system that wasn't built for her voice. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

In 1948, a quiet 11-year-old girl from New Jersey made a small mistake that would change her life forever. What followed was not just a crime—it was a prolonged nightmare that exposed the vulnerabilities of children in plain sight. We uncover the haunting story of Sally Horner, a young girl abducted by a man posing as a figure of authority, who manipulated fear and trust to keep her captive for nearly two years. As we trace Sally's journey across state lines, we explore how she survived, the moments she nearly escaped, and the resilience she showed under unimaginable circumstances. But Sally's story doesn't end with her rescue. We also examine the aftermath—how her life was shaped by trauma, how the media portrayed her, and the ways her story has been referenced (and sometimes misunderstood) in popular culture. This is not just a story about a crime—it's about a system that failed, a child who endured, and a history that deserves to be remembered with care and clarity. Listener discretion is advised.

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]