I Don't Know Her

In which our intrepid podcasters update you all about what's been going on and where things are going.

At the top, the hosts talk about all of the big changes they experienced in 2022 and what they hope to accomplish in 2023. Then Avery tells part two of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld's tale. Hirschfeld was the founder of the first gay rights organization as well as the world's first sex institute. In part two, learn about what happened when the Nazis rose to power & about Hirschfeld's partner Li Shui Tong.  

The hosts start the show talking about Tyre Nichols and giving an update on Rita's ex-husband Nic before diving into the story of Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved woman who became one of the first African-American women to own real estate in Los Angeles. Over her life Biddy amassed an impressive fortune and was known for her philanthropy.

At the top, the hosts talk about all of the big changes they experienced in 2022 and what they hope to accomplish in 2023. Then Avery tells part one of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld's tale. Hirschfeld was the founder of the first gay rights organization as well as the world's first sex institute. His progressive ideas about sexuality and gender are mind blowing for the time.

The hosts talk about their Christmas traditions then Rita tells the story of Felicitas Méndez, a Puerto Rican civil rights activist who scored a major legal victory in California schools, which played a part in ending de jure segregation in the United States.

Avery and Rita read The Great British Baking Show for filth for the infamous Mexican episode. Then Avery tells a tale close to their heart. Karl M. Baer was born an intersex child whose parents raised him to be a girl, causing years of internal and external strife for him. As a young adult he meets Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld, who changes his life forever. 

The hosts start the show talking about recording in the new podcast studio at the Spokane Central Library, and about their favorite episodes. Then Rita tells the story of Millicent Patrick, an actress, animator, makeup artist, and special effects designer who blazed a trail through Hollywood that included stints working for Disney and creating an iconic movie monster.

The hosts discuss monetized feminism and then dig into the story of Prohibition and the woman who helped overturn it. Pauline Morton Sabin was a wealthy woman who switched political parties and became the voice and face of the movement to end Prohibition.

In honor of Anna May Wong being featured on the US quarter we are sharing her story again. 

The hosts give an update on what they did with their summer vacations. Then Rita tells the story of Boudica, a Celtic warrior who battled the Romans in Great Britain in 1st century AD. 

The hosts discuss brutal honesty at the top & then Rita dives into the story of Antonia Novello, the first woman to become U.S. Surgeon General. A native of Puerto Rico, Antonia overcame health challenges & rejection to rise to the top of her field (with a few bumps along the way).

Rita shares a moment of personal growth at the top of the show. Then Avery does something unprecedented for the show–they cover the origins of the character Wonder Woman and the first woman to ever write her, Joye Hummel, who went unacknowledged for 70 years.

At the start of the show, Avery discusses gender affirming speech therapy & Rita has a revelation about her queer journey. Then Rita tells the story of Mary McMillan, often coined the mother of physical therapy. Mary pioneered the physical therapy model & established standards of care. She took her knowledge abroad to China, where she ended up in the crosshairs of WWII, landing her in a prisoner-of-war camp.

Rita contemplates when she should do the emotional labor of white people and when to step away. Then Avery tells the story of Barbara Waxman Fiduccia, a disability rights activist who focused her work on reproductive rights for disabled women and sexual health education. She also fought against eugenicist views on pregnancy and child-rearing among disabled women.

The hosts start the show discussing why an eye for an eye isn't the way to solve misgendering. Then Rita introduces us to Mildred "Babe" Didrikson, female athlete of the twentieth century. Babe was a powerhouse athlete who competed in track and field, baseball, basketball, golf, and more, winning tournaments, medals, and everything in between.

Rita & Avery have a tough conversation about a mistake Rita made that resulted in an accidental outing. Then Avery tells the story of Tanya Zolotoroff Nash, a Ukrainian immigrant who became an advocate for Deaf people and worked towards better Deaf accommodations in New York City for 35 years.

Rita talks about her bucket list & Avery (yes, that's right!) shares their philosophy on credit card debt (spoiler: who cares!). Then Rita tells the inspirational story of Mexican American activist, writer, teacher, nurse, and journalist Jovita Idar. Jovita spent her life fighting for the rights of Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants, and helped unite folks across the Southwest.

This week we are sharing our March Patreon Bonus episode, where AV and Rita sit down with Dr. Carlee Purdum, a research scientist at Texas A&M University who studies how hazards and disasters impact prisons and incarcerated people. The hosts learn a ton from Carlee, like the fact that Texas is one of 13 states that doesn't provide air-conditioning to all of its prisons (and is one of the hottest states in the country). Carlee is working on multiple levels to address the inequities among incarcerated people, including working with local grassroots organizations like the Texas Prisons Community Advocates and the Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons.   If you are doing something cool/interesting/important in your community, we'd love to hear about it. Please reach out on Patreon, social media, or email us at [email protected]. To find out more about how you can help with prison conditions, visit Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons and/or donate to Texas Prisons Community Advocates.

AV talks about the next step in their transition (hint: it starts with T!). Then the hosts talk about a woman who should have had a stellar career in classical music, but, instead, was shut out again and again. Antonia Brico was a world-class symphony conductor who was the first woman to graduate from one of the most prestigious conducting schools in the world & was the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic, but that wasn't enough. Also, there is a special bonus after the credits you don't want to miss.

AV talks about the grueling training they're putting their wife through to become a firefighter. Then Rita tells the somewhat kooky story of Helen Martini, the first female zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo. Don't forget that we have released our March bonus episode on Patreon, featuring an interview with Carlee Purdum, a research scientist working on improving the conditions in Texas prisons. You won't want to miss it!

AV & Rita address criticism from a listener at the top of the show. Then AV discusses the complexities of body politics through the story of Charmion, a strongwoman who defied social norms through her body and her art.

In honor of Mary Cronk Farrell's book release next week, we are re-releasing AV's interview with her. Mary is the author of 8 books about women you've probably never heard of, but you should have. The two talk about why they're drawn to telling these stories, revisit Irena Sendler (S1:E17), and discuss Mary's new book, Close-Up on War: The Story of Pioneering Photojournalist Catherine Leroy in Vietnam. The book is available in stores on March 22. Visit https://www.marycronkfarrell.net/ for more.

AV shares about some upsetting events that took place over the weekend. Then Rita introduces us to Viola Smith, one of the first professional female drummers and known as the "Fastest Girl Drummer in the World." Viola made her mark in the Big Band and Swing era, but continued to be a successful professional drummer well into the 1960s and 70s.  Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to exclusive content and swag.  LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

The hosts have a mini therapy session that begs the question: how much of yourself should you give to others? Then AV talks about Barbara Hillary, the first Black woman to reach the North AND South Poles. She was an inspirational, but complicated, person and some of her spicy comments got the hosts talking about some of the exclusivity in feminism.  Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to exclusive content and swag.  LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

The hosts discuss the bystander effect at the top of the show, then Rita tells the short, but impressive story of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin. Cecilia was a scientist and astronomer whose work is the foundation of what we know about the composition of stars today. She was also the first woman to become a full professor at Harvard University.  Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to exclusive content and swag.  LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

AV is fired up over a local media outlet giving a platform to a man accused of domestic violence by multiple women. Then they tell the story of the adventurous and feisty Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick, the first woman to jump from a plane and the accidental inventor of the ripcord.    Subscribe to our Patreon to get access to exclusive content and swag.

We update all of you on what's been holding us up the past few weeks. Then Rita tells the hilarious, weird & sometimes really gross story of Helen Duncan, known for being the last person imprisoned for witchcraft in Scotland. Her story begs the question, what do you believe?

Kim Hak-Sun was the first Korean comfort woman to break her silence about the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. Her story is difficult but important. Content warning for sexual violence, physical violence, war, suicide and substance abuse. Take care of yourself. https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

The hosts pontificate on the importance of clothing & finding joy in your appearance. Then Rita tells the story of Rebecca Lukens, an American businesswoman & the first woman industrialist. She took over & reinvented her father's steel business, steering it to become a leader in the new science of boilerplate steel. LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

Calling all readers & TV watchers! The hosts start off the show with their favorite books & shows from this year. Then AV tells the story of Inge Ginsberg, a Holocaust survivor, spy & journalist turned Death Metal Grandma. Thank you, again, for your support this year. Find us online: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

AV and Rita are back! Catch up with our intrepid hosts as they talk about the extended production break and tell the story of Betty Reid Soskin - the oldest living Park Ranger. There is way more to her story than wearing Park Service green though. 

The hosts start the episode with a discussion on the double standards applied to female bosses. Then Amanda digs into the story of the first woman to become a professional surfer--Margo Godfrey Oberg. Margo paved the way for women to become big wave surfers.  Please support us on Patreon:  https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

 Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits? Psychics? The hosts discuss the supernatural and the spiritual world at the top. Then Rita tells the adventurous tale of Annie Smith Peck, a professor and mountaineer who proves that it's never too late to make your dreams come true.

Rita ushers in the new season with some insights into apologies and why they're so damn hard. Then Amanda tells the story of the infamous Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the Most Hated Woman in America. You think you know her story, but you have no idea. Please support us on Patreon & consider purchasing our merch. https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

Rita and Amanda update folks on all the goings-on in their lives since the last season and there is A LOT to say. Amanda had top surgery, Rita's son started junior high, and there were some unexpected twists and turns, including the loss of two important people. Catch up with them in this first episode of the fourth season of IDKHer!

The hosts talk about the disappointment of a respected local business owner and ally dropping a bad hot take. Then Rita tells the story of Inji Efflatoun, and Egyptian artist and political activist in this season-ending episode. Support us on Patreon and get sweet merch at TeePublic: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

Rita shares her love for makeup YouTuber Jaime French. Then Amanda dives into the complex story of Kitty Cone. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 15, Kitty eschewed her conservative upbringing to become a political organizer and disability rights activist best known for her work on the 504 Sit In. 

Rita & Amanda discuss the #metoo moment in the beer industry. Then Rita tells the tale of Hypatia, a philosopher, mathematician and astronomer who taught a generation of prominent thinkers, but whose life was tragically cut short.

We're switching things up this week! Amanda interviews Mary Cronk Farrell, author of 8 books about women you've probably never heard of, but you should have. The two talk about why they're drawn to telling these stories, revisit Irena Sendler (S1:E17), and discuss Mary's new book, Close-Up on War: The Story of Pioneering Photojournalist Catherine Leroy in Vietnam. You can pre-order the book now! Visit https://www.marycronkfarrell.net/ for more.

The hosts lambast the current fashion trends at Target & bemoan the fashion mistakes of their youth (that are currently being repeated!). Then Amanda tells the tragic & inspirational tale of Tempest Storm, the Queen of Burlesque, who was born into poverty in rural Georgia & rose to the height of burlesque, crossing paths with Elvis, JFK, and Marilyn Monroe along the way.   Support us on Patreon and TeePublic! https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

At the top of the show, Amanda shares a demoralizing experience being misgendered at work. Then Rita tells the surprising story of Sybil Stockdale, a Navy Commander's wife who organized a grassroots campaign to take on the U.S. government & hold them accountable for the missing & imprisoned during the Vietnam War.   Support us on Patreon and TeePublic! https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

On this special crossover episode, the hosts talk with Kathy Barron of Women Who Sarcast about podcasting, queerness, labels, and of course, Britney Spears. Enjoy this scintillating conversation about feminism, politics and more.

The hosts talk about inappropriate questions. Then Amanda tells the tumultuous story of Fanny Brice, the original comedienne who paved the way for all female comics who came after, and whose life story was memorialized in one of the most iconic Broadway shows of all time--Funny Girl. Before Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, there was Fanny Brice.   Support us on Patreon and TeePublic!

At the start, the hosts talk about the tragedy in Georgia and we have some good news for our Patreon subscribers! Then Rita tells the story of punk rocker Poly Styrene. Before Bikini Kill and Kathleen Hanna was Poly Styrene, a biracial teen girl who single handedly changed the face of punk in the 70s and paved the way for the Riot grrrl movement of the early 90s.   Support us on Patreon and TeePublic!

After the killings of 6 women of Asian descent in Georgia, Amanda & Rita decide to revisit the stories of two Asian women you should know, but perhaps have forgotten. Anna May Wong was a brilliant, beautiful actress who was the first Chinese-American Hollywood movie star who became the first Asian American to ever be the lead of a television show. Then, Masako Katsura was a trailblazer in the world of billiards, competing among some of the most talented men in the industry and cementing her title of "The First Lady of Billiards."   Support us through Patreon & Tee Public: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

The hosts talk about workplace double-standards and how sometimes we assume people are allies when they aren't. Then Amanda tells the story of Toni Stone, who became the first woman to ever play professional baseball. Support us through Patreon and Tee Public! Find out more on https://www.idkher.com/.

The hosts talk about where the line is between bearing witness & reliving trauma. Then Rita tells the story of Ani Pachen Dolma, nicknamed the "Tibetan Warrior Nun." Ani became the tribal leader of her clan after her father's death, helping to fight the invading Chinese. She was imprisoned and tortured for many years, but miraculously didn't give up. Support us through Patreon & Tee Public: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

At the jump, the hosts discuss murder shows--why we like them & why they're problematic. Then Amanda tells the story of Belva Ann Lockwood, educator, activist, attorney & the first woman to run for U.S. President.  If you'd like to support us, please follow us on social media, subscribe to our Patreon, or purchase our merch! You can find all of them on our Linktree.

The hosts discuss monogamy & its challenges at the start. Then Rita tells about Debora Moore, a glass artist based in Seattle who is one of the first Black women to work in the field at a professional level. If you like our show, please support us: https://linktr.ee/idkher_podcast

At the top of the show, Amanda shares an infuriating incident of "pushback" in her school against Black History Month. Then they tell the story of Melba Liston. Liston was the first woman to play trombone in a big band (that wasn't an all-female band), and went on to become a respected and prolific jazz arranger, who worked with the most well-known and beloved musicians in the game. From Dizzy Gillespie to Quincy Jones, Liston is the one who arranged the music that made these men as famous as they are. Like our show? Please support us!