Episode 310: Hoes of History: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Rosalind Franklin was a brilliant yet underappreciated scientist whose work was instrumental in one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century - the discovery of the DNA double helix. Often overshadowed in the history books, Rosalind’s meticulous research in X-ray crystallography paved the way for the understanding of DNA’s structure, yet her contributions went largely uncredited during her lifetime. We explore Rosalind’s journey from her early education in England to her groundbreaking work at King’s College London. We’ll discuss her pivotal Photograph 51, which revealed the DNA double helix’s structure and the circumstances around how her data was shared without her consent. We’ll also highlight her character, scientific rigor, and resilience in a male-dominated field, as well as her impactful work on the structures of viruses before her untimely death. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]  

Step into the shadowy world of Maila Nurmi, better known as Vampira, the iconic horror hostess who took 1950s Hollywood by storm. In this episode, we unravel the life and legacy of the woman behind the character, from her Finnish immigrant roots to her meteoric rise as one of TV’s first gothic stars. Discover how Maila’s dark, witty persona captivated audiences and helped shape horror culture. We’ll explore her relationships with famous figures like James Dean, her groundbreaking yet tumultuous TV career, and her lasting influence on the horror genre. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, came from humble beginnings in small-town Kansas to the reigning queen of Halloween. Cassandra's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and daring to be different. We explore her early aspirations of stardom, her unexpected path to Hollywood, and the bold creation of Elvira—a campy, gothic, and delightfully irreverent character who became a pop culture sensation. With behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflections on her groundbreaking work, we’ll uncover how Cassandra turned Elvira into an enduring icon who has inspired fans for over four decades. Whether she was hosting late-night horror flicks, leading comic books, or starring in cult classic films, Cassandra’s wit and unapologetic style kept audiences coming back for more. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion of violence, death, and abuse of children. This is the haunting story of Enriqueta Martí, a figure whose crimes shook early 20th century Barcelona to its core. Known as "The Vampire of Barcelona," Martí lived a life shrouded in mystery and terror, preying on the most vulnerable in society. We’ll explore her troubled past, her descent into crime, and the twisted double life she led as both a healer and a kidnapper. Through the lens of history, we’ll unravel the rumors, urban legends, and horrifying truths behind the woman accused of unimaginable atrocities. How did she evade capture for so long? And what fueled her descent into darkness? Join us as we uncover the unsettling tale of one of Spain’s most infamous criminals. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Rachel Carson is the trailblazing marine biologist and author whose groundbreaking work forever changed the way we understand our environment. Best known for her 1962 book Silent Spring, Carson exposed the dangers of pesticides like DDT, catalyzing the modern environmental movement and leading to lasting changes in U.S. law and policy. But her story is about much more than one book. From her early fascination with the ocean to her tenacity in the face of intense industry backlash, we explore how Rachel Carson’s passion for nature and relentless pursuit of truth shaped not just the scientific community, but the world. Join us as we celebrate the life of a true environmental hero. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Country music legend, Tanya Tucker, is an icon who still rocks the stage. From her breakout hit "Delta Dawn" at just 13 years old, to her enduring influence on country music, Tanya has paved the way for a generation of artists with her fearless authenticity. We’ll explore her rise to stardom in the 1970s, the ups and downs of her personal life in the public eye, and how she continuously reinvented herself while staying true to her roots. Tune in to hear stories about her rebellious spirit, her fight for creative control, and her well-deserved comeback with her Grammy-winning album While I’m Livin'. Tanya Tucker is more than a country star—she’s a living legend.  Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

C.Z. Guest was an American socialite, author, and fashion icon whose effortless style and grace defined an era. From her early beginnings in Boston to her rise as a muse to legendary fashion designers, C.Z. Guest’s life was a blend of high society, horticulture, and timeless elegance. We'll dive into her friendships with the likes of Truman Capote and Salvador Dalí, her contributions to garden writing, and how she became a trendsetter who influenced decades of fashion. Join us as we uncover the fascinating story of a woman whose legacy continues to inspire the worlds of fashion and lifestyle today. 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 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]