The Cure for Women with Lydia Reeder and Sara Sheckells -...

What this episode covers

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story behind "The Cure for Women: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever." Host Theresa Bakken is joined by author Lydia Reeder and audiobook narrator Sara Sheckells to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi—a pioneering scientist and physician who broke barriers for women in medicine during the 19th century.Key Highlights:Mary Putnam Jacobi’s Journey: From a publisher’s daughter in New York to a trailblazing doctor, Jacobi overcame societal and institutional barriers, becoming a force in both science and women’s rights.Historical Context: The episode delves into the challenges women faced in accessing education and medical training, the suffrage movement, and the prevailing (often harmful) medical theories about women’s health.Scientific Breakthroughs: Jacobi’s research debunked myths about women’s bodies, especially regarding menstruation and fertility, and helped introduce evidence-based medicine to America.Personal Connections: Lydia Reeder shares how her own family history inspired her research, while Sara Sheckells reflects on the importance of telling women’s stories and the parallels between Jacobi’s era and today.Broader Impact: The conversation touches on the collective efforts of women in history, the importance of public education, and the ongoing relevance of Jacobi’s courage and scientific rigor.Audiobook Sample: Listeners hear a vivid scene from Jacobi’s youth, capturing her awe and inspiration as she peers through a microscope—a moment that set her on her groundbreaking path.Get The Cure for Women audiobook from Libro.fmhttps://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=25361&awinaffid=970873&ued=https%3A%2F%2Flibro.fm%2Faudiobooks%2F9781666681376Colorado Humanities Colorado Book Awardshttps://coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/Sara Sheckells narratorhttps://sarasounds.com/Lydia Reeder authorhttps://lydiareeder.com/

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Pt 1 History of the Discovery of the Mississippi River

Jun 18, 2026 ·21m

Pt 2 History of the Discovery of the Mississippi River

Jun 18, 2026 ·25m

Pt 3 History of the Discovery of the Mississippi River

Jun 18, 2026 ·22m

Pt 1 Life of Father James Marquette

Jun 18, 2026 ·25m

Pt 2 Life of Father James Marquette

Jun 18, 2026 ·23m

Pt 3 Life of Father James Marquette

Jun 18, 2026 ·24m

Similar Podcasts

Communication Desideratum Michele Buc, MSC How to Communicate without feeling like a lost bottle drifting in the vast ocean. Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley by John Gilmary Shea (1824 - 1892) LibriVox "It has long been a desideratum to have in English the early narratives, of the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi. Marquette's map and voyage have indeed appeared, but the narrative varies in no small degree from the authentic manuscript, and the map is not at all a copy of that still preserved, as it came from the hand of the great explorer. These published from original manuscripts, and accompanied by the narratives of the missionaries in La Salle's expedition, are now first presented in an accessible shape, and complete the annals of the exploration.The life of Marquette, and the history of the exploration itself, are the result of many years study of the early Spanish and French authorities, both printed and manuscript, some of which have never before been consulted." - Summary by the Author Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley John Gilmary Shea "It has long been a desideratum to have in English the early narratives, of the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi. Marquette's map and voyage have indeed appeared, but the narrative varies in no small degree from the authentic manuscript, and the map is not at all a copy of that still preserved, as it came from the hand of the great explorer. These published from original manuscripts, and accompanied by the narratives of the missionaries in La Salle's expedition, are now first presented in an accessible shape, and complete the annals of the exploration.The life of Marquette, and the history of the exploration itself, are the result of many years study of the early Spanish and French authorities, both printed and manuscript, some of which have never before been consulted." - Summary by the Author Discovery and Exploration of the Mississippi Valley John Gilmary Shea "It has long been a desideratum to have in English the early narratives, of the discovery and exploration of the Mississippi. Marquette's map and voyage have indeed appeared, but the narrative varies in no small degree from the authentic manuscript, and the map is not at all a copy of that still preserved, as it came from the hand of the great explorer. These published from original manuscripts, and accompanied by the narratives of the missionaries in La Salle's expedition, are now first presented in an accessible shape, and complete the annals of the exploration.The life of Marquette, and the history of the exploration itself, are the result of many years study of the early Spanish and French authorities, both printed and manuscript, some of which have never before been consulted." - Summary by the Author

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Desideratum?

This episode is 39 minutes long.

When was this Desideratum episode published?

This episode was published on August 24, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story behind "The Cure for Women: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever." Host Theresa Bakken is joined by author Lydia Reeder and audiobook...

Can I download this Desideratum episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.