EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 21 MIN
FOX Journalist Uncovers a Secret Civil War Spy | TWN #36
from Talking with Natasha · host Fox 5 New York
FOX Business journalist Gerri Willis joins Natasha to reveal the hidden story behind her new book, Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster. During the isolation of the pandemic, Willis watched anxiety rise among young women in her newsroom — and went searching for a story of courage under pressure. She found it in Elizabeth Van Lew — a wealthy Southern belle, abolitionist, and secret Union spymaster operating from the heart of Confederate Richmond. In her new book Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster, Willis reveals how Van Lew used her status as a Church Hill socialite to build one of the most effective espionage networks of the Civil War — passing intelligence directly to Abraham Lincoln so powerful it's said to have been a contributing factor in winning the brutal war. We also talk about Gerri’s own journey from television journalism to historical storytelling, why the stories of women like Van Lew go untold, and how power, perception, and patriotism collide in moments that change a nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
FOX Business journalist Gerri Willis joins Natasha to reveal the hidden story behind her new book, Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster. During the isolation of the pandemic, Willis watched anxiety rise among young women in her newsroom — and went searching for a story of courage under pressure. She found it in Elizabeth Van Lew — a wealthy Southern belle, abolitionist, and secret Union spymaster operating from the heart of Confederate Richmond. In her new book Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster, Willis reveals how Van Lew used her status as a Church Hill socialite to build one of the most effective espionage networks of the Civil War — passing intelligence directly to Abraham Lincoln so powerful it's said to have been a contributing factor in winning the brutal war. We also talk about Gerri’s own journey from television journalism to historical storytelling, why the stories of women like Van Lew go untold, and how power, perception, and patriotism collide in moments that change a nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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FOX Journalist Uncovers a Secret Civil War Spy | TWN #36
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