I’m always interested to learn about the inventors behind objects and products that seem so ubiquitous that it weirdly feels surprising that there was a single inventor. I’m even more interested when it turns out that the inventor is a women with a fabulous life story. Here are a few of those stories!
More than two hundred years ago in Napoleonic France, the business world was walled off to women, and champagne was a luxury reserved for the ruling class. So then how did a young widow take over her ...Show More
Kate, a “hair is life” kind of person, asks about the invention that keeps her hair out of her face. Guests: Hair stylist and hair archaeologist Janet Stephens; Scrunchie queen Rommy Revson. Thanks to...Show More
rmmiller364 recommended:
I loved this interview with the brilliant and charismatic inventor of the Scrunchie!
When it comes to tarot cards, there is an artistry to designing a world of emperors, fools, priestesses, hermits and other iconic figures. But few people know about Pamela Colman Smith, the woman who ...Show More
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Learn about the woman artist who created the iconic designs for the most popular tarot card deck in the world. Pamela Colman Smith is fascinating! She had synesthesia, was a member of various esoteric...Show More
What do millionaires, harlequins and cigarettes have to do with the iconic cat-eye frame? Tune in to find out! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.c...Show More
rmmiller364 recommended:
I loved learning about the woman who first made eye glasses chic! As a lifelong glasses wearer, three cheers for Altina Schinasi!
Since Jazzercise started over 50 years ago, hundreds of thousands of (mostly) women have come together to exercise and get fit. But if you think Jazzercise is just jazz hands and shoulder rolls, you’r...Show More
rmmiller364 recommended:
The mother of group fitness classes! I was especially fascinated by how the military helped to spread Jazzercise. The intersection of fitness and feminism was also thought provoking
From bird beaks to wrapping paper to bras, we follow the curious history of one of the most important defenses in our fight against COVID-19.
rmmiller364 recommended:
Did you know the same person invented the moulded bra cup, the N95 mask, Bugles (the corn snack), and glass top stoves?
Glove at First Sight
How a long-forgotten woman pioneered the first personal protective equipment (PPE) in history, rubber gloves for surgery, equipment that has been vital in fighting infections and pandemics ever since....Show More
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Wearing PPE has become a way of life for all of us over the past year and a half. Here is the story of the woman who invented rubber surgical gloves!
How do you advertise a product that's taboo? When Tampax became the first commercially-produced tampon in 1933, no one wanted to talk about menstruation. So the company embraced education as advertisi...Show More
rmmiller364 recommended:
The tampon as we know it was popularized by a German immigrant woman living in Denver in the early 20th century! Who knew?
Dr. Kin had charisma, a medical degree, and support from the USDA — but she still couldn't convince Americans to eat tofu.
rmmiller364 recommended:
While she didn’t succeed in getting Americans to accept tofu as a part of their diets, it’s amazing to hear the story of Yamei Kin, an advocate for soybeans long before the hippy health food movement ...Show More
rmmiller364 recommended:
Meet the 19th century business woman who basically created champagne as we know it.