Say It With History: Conversations That Shaped The Past with Holley Snaith

Historian Pamela Toler joins Holley in the first episode of Season 3 to explore the life and legacy of Sigrid Schultz, an American journalist who reported from Nazi Germany during one of the most turbulent periods of the twentieth century. Together, they discuss how Schultz navigated censorship, used a pseudonym to report dangerous truths, and became one of the most influential foreign correspondents of her time. Pamela also reflects on the broader role of women in journalism and why Schultz’s story reminds us of the vital connection between a free press and a healthy democracy.Pamela Toler Biography Armed with a PhD in history, a well-thumbed deck of library cards, and a large dose of curiosity, author, speaker, and historian Pamela D. Toler writes historical nonfiction for a popular audience. She moves beyond the familiar boundaries of American history to tell stories from around the world and from perspectives often overlooked—from the other side of the battlefield, the gender line, or the color bar.Toler is the author of ten books of popular history for children and adults, including Heroines of Mercy Street: Real Nurses of the Civil War, Women Warriors: An Unexpected History, and The Dragon from Chicago: The Untold Story of an American Reporter in Nazi Germany. Her work has appeared in The American Scholar, Aramco World, Calliope, History Channel Magazine, MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, Ms., Time.com, and The Washington Post, and has been featured by National Geographic.About The Dragon from ChicagoIn The Dragon from Chicago, historian Pamela Toler tells the story of Sigrid Schultz, an American journalist who spent years courageously reporting from Berlin, covering events from the revolts of 1919 through the Nazi rise to power and the Allied air raids over the city in 1941. At a time when women reporters rarely wrote front-page stories, Schultz consistently reported the truth about Nazi Germany despite censorship and the constant threat of expulsion, internment, or even death.The Nazis called Schultz “that dragon from Chicago.” One fellow correspondent described her as “Adolf Hitler’s greatest enemy.” Schultz herself simply insisted she was “just a reporter.” Her story is a powerful account of one woman standing up for truth in an era increasingly shaped by disinformation and propaganda fueled by hate.Connect with Pamela: Website | History in the Margins Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedInThe Dragon from Chicago: Bookshop | Beacon PressBooks Mentioned: Fighting Words by Nancy F. Cott HardcoverConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

In the final episode of Season 2, film historian Miles Eady joins Holley to explore how four landmark Hollywood musicals illuminate the shifting moods of twentieth-century America. Their conversation traces the evolution of the genre from Depression-era escapism to wartime unity, postwar disillusionment, and the rebellious energy of the 1960s. Together, they examine how song, spectacle, and storytelling captured the hopes, fears, and cultural currents of their time, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the musical as a mirror of American history.Miles Eady – Biography Miles Eady is a film historian, writer, and public speaker specializing in Hollywood musicals. His work explores the history, artistry, and cultural impact of the movie musical—from its vaudeville and Broadway origins to its golden age at MGM and beyond. Miles has presented at venues including the British Film Institute and has appeared on BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking. Known for his engaging style and deep knowledge of classic Hollywood, he brings to life the stories behind the stars, songs, and studios that shaped a century of cinematic magic.Movies Mentioned42nd Street (1933)This Is The Army (1943)It’s Always Fair Weather (1955) Hair (1979) Connect with Miles: WebsiteConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium | YouTube

Community builder Kat Smith joins Holley to explore the enduring legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette and the efforts behind the VA250 and Lafayette Bicentennial celebrations. They discuss Kat’s passion for public history, her work bringing these stories to life online, and how creative digital engagement is helping new generations connect with America’s Revolutionary past.Kat Smith – Biography Kat Smith is a sixth-generation Virginian and a passionate community builder. She serves as Senior Advisor for Social Media and Communications for the VA250 Commission and as Social Media Manager for the American Friends of Lafayette. A devoted admirer of the Marquis de Lafayette, Kat brings history to life through creative storytelling and digital engagement. She is a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Associated Daughters of Early American Witches. When she’s not creating content for VA250 and AFL, Kat enjoys spending time with her daughter, Victoria, and her fiancé, Andrew.VA250: WebsiteLafayette 200: Website Books MentionedRevolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette by Celine Castrovilla: Bookshop HardbackConnect with Kat: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTokConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium | YouTube

Historian, educator, and The History Queen Madison Givens joins Holley to explore the women of the Black Panther Party—the organizers, educators, and community builders who powered the movement. Their conversation highlights how these women’s leadership, care, and courage redefined what revolution could look like and continue to inspire change today.Madison Givens – Biography Madison Givens is a historian, educator, and the creator behind The History Queen and the Women Walked series. A PhD candidate in History at the University of Memphis, she specializes in the intersections of race, gender, and power in modern history—examining how stories of the past continue to shape our present. Beyond her research, Madison teaches history at multiple levels, from middle school to college, and is passionate about making the past accessible, engaging, and relevant for every audience. Through The History Queen, she brings history to life with creativity, empathy, and unapologetic storytelling.Books MentionedKilling the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts: Bookshop Paperback | EbookConnect with Madison: LinkedIn | InstagramConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Biographer and film historian Lara Gabrielle joins Holley to uncover the real Marion Davies — the brilliant actress, comedienne, and philanthropist who helped shape Hollywood’s Golden Age. Drawing from years of meticulous research, Lara shares how Davies built her own career, defied the limitations placed on women in early Hollywood, and left behind a legacy of generosity and strength. Their conversation explores the myths surrounding Citizen Kane, the truth about Davies’s partnership with William Randolph Hearst, and the enduring impact of a woman who was far more than the legend — she was, as Lara’s book reminds us, the captain of her soul.Lara Gabrielle – Biography Lara Gabrielle is a biographer and film historian, and the host and curator of Movies at Mechanics’, the weekly film program at San Francisco’s Mechanics’ Institute. Widely recognized as “the reigning expert on Marion Davies,” she has served as a consultant on Davies’s life and legacy for numerous books, dissertations, and film projects.Her work on Davies has appeared in Alta, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Missouri Review, The Wall Street Journal, and on PBS’s American Experience. Gabrielle has spoken at festivals and retrospectives around the world and has collaborated on screenings and initiatives with the American Film Institute, the New York Public Library, Film Forum, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.Her acclaimed biography, Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies, was shortlisted for the 2023 Northern California Book Award. She lives in Oakland, California.Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies – SummaryFrom Marion Davies’s humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her rise to fame alongside press baron William Randolph Hearst, the public story of the film star has long played like a modern fairy tale — one shaped by gossip columnists, fan magazines, and Hollywood mythmaking. Yet the real Marion Davies remained largely hidden from view, wary of interviews and trusting few with her true story.In Captain of Her Soul, biographer Lara Gabrielle peels back those layers of legend to reveal a complex, fiercely independent woman ahead of her time. Drawing on meticulous research, unprecedented archival access, and interviews with those who knew Davies, Gabrielle counters the familiar narrative to show a woman who navigated disability, social stigma, and a male-dominated Hollywood to become one of its brightest comediennes.More than a star, Davies was a shrewd businesswoman and dedicated philanthropist whose proudest achievements were offscreen — from her wartime efforts to her advocacy for children. Captain of Her Soul brings her out of the shadows of the Hearst legacy and restores her rightful place as a dynamic woman who lived life entirely on her own terms — and truly was, as she once said, the captain of her soul.Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion DaviesBookshop: Hardback | Ebook | CD-AudioBooks MentionedClara Bow: Runnin’ Wild by David Stenn: Bookshop Paperback | EbookConnect with Lara: Website | Instagram | X | BlueskyConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Author Gigi Berardi joins Holley to explore the world behind Bianca’s Cure — a story where science, intrigue, and the hidden corners of Renaissance Florence come vividly to life. Drawing on years of research and her own background in science, Gigi reveals how women like Bianca navigated a world of suspicion, discovery, and power. Their conversation uncovers the real Florence beyond the romantic image, examines the long and winding path of medical knowledge, and highlights the essential yet often overlooked role of women in shaping scientific history. At its heart, this episode celebrates a woman who refused to fade into the shadows and a story that reminds us there is always more than one history — and more than one science.Gigi Berardi - Biography Gigi Berardi hails from Hollywood and holds degrees in biology, resources and planning, and dance. A Fulbright scholar in Italy and a professor at Western Washington University, she also teaches in Florence. She has written more than 400 reviews and articles for print media and has been featured on numerous podcasts and broadcast programs. Beyond writing, her passions include dance, cheesemaking, and travel. She divides her time between Bellingham, Washington, and Shaw Island.Bianca’s Cure – Summary Bianca’s Cure is the third in Gigi Berardi’s series of science-focused books written during her tenure at Western, following Finding Balance (Routledge, 2005) and FoodWISE (North Atlantic Books, 2020), the latter of which earned twelve writing awards. Like her earlier work, this novel is a call to action — championing observation, systematic thought, and science as essential ways of understanding the world. “Science is under attack now more than ever,” Berardi notes. “My book is an anthem to science, a Renaissance version of Lessons in Chemistry, revealing the secrets and strategies women used to break through even then.” Central to the story is the herb artemisia and the medical mystery of malaria — a disease long believed to be caused by “bad air,” or mal aria in Italian.The novel also draws a powerful contemporary connection: in 2015, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who, without a doctorate or medical degree, led the discovery of artemisinin, an anti-malaria drug derived from artemisia — what she called in her Nobel lecture “a gift from traditional Chinese medicine to the world.”At the heart of the book is the passionate relationship between Francesco de’ Medici and Bianca, set against a gripping backdrop of medicine, politics, love, and death in Renaissance Florence. Malaria claimed many members of the Medici family, yet modern analysis revealed traces of arsenic in Francesco’s remains — and Bianca’s body has never been found. What ultimately happened to them remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of the Italian Renaissance.Early reviews describe the novel as “imaginative and persuasive,” praising its portrayal of Bianca’s intelligence and the vivid Florentine setting “where innovation and suspicion co-existed, especially for non-conforming women like Bianca.” Readers are reminded that in the same rooms “bright with fresco dust and furnace light, medicine and poison look dangerously alike.” Critics also highlight the story’s emotional depth, calling it “a confrontation with the limits of will and the costs of refusing to recede into the shadows.”As Jude Berman, author of The Vow and a 2024 Kirkus Best Indie Book, writes:“In the tradition of the best historical fiction, Gigi Berardi takes a little-known woman shrouded in mystery and imagines the emotional glue for a riveting story. As the alchemy of Berardi’s writing breathes life into the alchemy of Bianca’s cure, you will be held under her spell.”Biance’s CureBookshop: Paperback | EbookBooks MentionedDaughters of Alchemy by Meredith Ray:  Amazon Hardcover | KindleThe Only Woman in the Room: A Novel by Marie Benedict: Bookshop PaperbackThe Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell: Bookshop Paperback | EbookConnect with Gigi: Website | X | Instagram  Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

Author and historian Margaret Porter joins Holley to explore the remarkable life of Phyllis Fraser, the young woman who traveled from Oklahoma to 1930s Hollywood and carved out a path uniquely her own. Drawing from her novel The Limits of Limelight, Margaret illuminates Phyllis’s early years alongside her cousin Ginger Rogers and her aunt Lela Rogers, her move from aspiring actress to influential literary figure, and the demanding realities faced by women in the studio era. Their conversation shines a light on the overlooked women who shaped Hollywood’s Golden Age and the enduring power of reinvention in a world built on glamour and illusion.Margaret Porter – BiographyMargaret Porter is the author of contemporary novels A Change of Location (2024) and Sequins and Starlight (2025). Her historical fiction titles include The Myrtle Wand (2022), The Limits of Limelight (2021), Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr, twelve additional novels, and various foreign-language editions. She studied British history in the U.K., completed theatre training in the U.S., and earned her M.A. in Radio-Television-Film.A USA Today bestseller and recipient of numerous writing awards, Margaret worked as a freelance writer and producer for film and video projects and on location for three feature films and a television series. She has also written newspaper columns, book reviews, lifestyle features, and articles on history, travel, and writing. At national and regional writers’ conferences, she presents workshops on historical research and writing techniques.A member of the Authors Guild, Novelists Inc., Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, London Historians, and other organizations, she has been recognized by Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Authors, Editors and Poets, and Who’s Who in Entertainment. Margaret and her husband live in New England with their dog, dividing their time between an architecturally unique, book-filled home in a small city and a waterfront cottage on one of the region’s largest lakes.The Limits of Limelight – SummaryPretty Oklahoma teenager Helen Nichols accepts an invitation from her cousin, rising movie actress Ginger Rogers, and her Aunt Lela to try her luck in motion pictures. Her relatives, convinced that her looks and personality will ensure success, provide her with a new name and help her land a contract with RKO. As Phyllis Fraser, she swiftly discovers that Depression-era Hollywood’s surface glamour and glitter obscure the ceaseless struggle of the hopeful starlet.Lela Rogers, intensely devoted to her daughter and her niece, outwardly accepting of her “stage mother” label, is nonetheless determined to establish her reputation as screenwriter, stage director, and studio talent scout. For Phyllis, she’s an inspiring model of grit and persistence in an industry run by men. While Ginger soars to stardom in musicals with Fred Astaire, Phyllis is tempted by a career more fulfilling than the one she was thrust into. Should she continue working in films or devote herself to the profession she’s dreamed about since childhood? Which choice might lead her to the lasting love that seems so elusive?The Limits of LimelightAmazon: Paperback | KindleBookshop: PaperbackBooks MentionedA History of the English-Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill: BookshopConnect with Margaret: Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook | TikTokMargaret’s Novels: View her booksConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Journalist and author Jennifer Barnhill joins Holley to explore the often overlooked world of military family life, as revealed in her powerful new book The Military Stories You’ve Been Told & the Ones You Need to Hear. They discuss the hidden challenges faced by military families, the strength and advocacy of women like Sybil Stockdale and the League of Wives, and the importance of preserving these untold stories. Jennifer shares how personal experience and rigorous reporting shaped her work, offering a deeper understanding of service, sacrifice, and the voices so often left out of the narrative.Jennifer Barnhill – Biography Jennifer Barnhill, MPA, is a journalist, researcher, and advocate amplifying the stories of military families. A former columnist for Military.com and host of Military Dinner Table Conversations—a monthly reverse town hall that elevates the voices behind military life—Jennifer was named the 2025 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year and is a 2023 Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Scholar.Her reporting on military family policy has appeared on CNN, informed discussions on Capitol Hill, and been cited by the White House, featured by NPR, and presented before Congress. Drawing on her lived experience navigating the military ecosystem, Jennifer reveals how policies affect families in practice.Her debut book, The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear, challenges readers to reconsider what they know about service, sacrifice, and the voices too often left out of the story.The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear – SummaryThe Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear pulls back the curtain on the Department of Defense’s polished narratives to reveal the lived experiences of military families too often left out of the conversation. Through deeply reported stories and unflinching analysis, Jennifer Barnhill challenges what Americans think they know about military life—and shows why understanding the truth is essential if we’re serious about supporting those who serve.Blending rigorous research, personal testimony, and historical context, Barnhill confronts long-held assumptions about service, sacrifice, and support, urging readers to question the systems that shape military family life and to advocate for lasting change.From the unseen labor of military spouses to the overlooked grief of Gold Star families, this is both a tribute and a blueprint for reform. Featuring insight from political leaders and real military families, Barnhill calls on all Americans to acknowledge, record, and honor the full story of military life.The Military Stories You’ve Been Told and the Ones You Need to HearBookshop: Paperback | Ebook  Connect with Jennifer: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedInConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Podcast host Brandon Davis joins Holley to explore the Golden Age of Broadway and its powerful influence on American culture. Together, they trace how mid-century musicals reshaped storytelling and reflected shifting social values. Brandon discusses iconic shows such as Oklahoma! and West Side Story, sharing why these productions still resonate today and how they helped define a transformative era in American entertainment.Brandon Davis Biography Brandon Davis is the host of Front Row Classics, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the timeless artistry and cultural impact of classic cinema. Born in East Point, Georgia, and raised in Lincoln, Illinois, Brandon has lived in Springfield, Illinois, since 2023. He launched Front Row Classics in June 2015, and the show has been part of NPR Illinois since 2019, where he continues to share his passion for entertainment history with audiences across the country.Connect with Brandon: Front Row Classics Podcast | Instagram | X | Bluesky | FacebookConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Author and historian Katy Clark joins Holley to explore the powerful stories in African Women of the Ancient World: Queens, Consorts, and Warriors. Their conversation highlights the courage, leadership, and resilience of women who shaped African history and continue to inspire generations today.Katy Clark – BiographyKaty Clark is a respected historian and author known for her modern approach to historical narratives. Originally from Illinois, she relocated to East Tennessee after earning her bachelor’s degree in history, followed by a magna cum laude master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Specializing in women’s history, Katy runs the website Remember the Ladies, where she highlights the contributions of women throughout history.African Women of the Ancient World – SummaryDiscover the untold stories of Africa’s warrior queens—rulers who defied empires, led armies, and shaped the course of history. In African Women of the Ancient World: Queens, Consorts, and Warriors, journey through millennia to uncover the lives of powerful women like Queen Amanirenas, who challenged the might of Rome; Queen Nzinga Mbande, who fought against the Portuguese slave trade; and Dahia al-Kahina, who defended North Africa from Arab invasion.These extraordinary women, often overshadowed by their male counterparts, ruled with unparalleled strategy, pride, and ferocity, guiding their nations through battles and sweeping change. From the great Pharaoh Hatshepsut of Egypt to Queen Makeda of Sheba—whose legacy intertwines with the legends of King Solomon—these rulers stand as the unsung champions of ancient history.African Women of the Ancient World: Queens, Consorts, Warriors, WomenBookshop: HardbackConnect with Katy: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | MediumConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Author Nina Roosevelt Gibson joins Holley to explore the intimate and inspiring stories behind her memoir Growing Up Roosevelt. Their conversation offers a rare glimpse into life with Eleanor Roosevelt, from cherished moments at Val-Kill to travels around the world, revealing the warmth, compassion, and quiet strength that defined one of the most influential women of the twentieth century. Through personal memories and historical insight, Nina reflects on a remarkable legacy and the values that continue to resonate today.Nina Roosevelt Gibson – Biography Nina Roosevelt Gibson is the daughter of John Roosevelt, the youngest child of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Anne Roosevelt. A psychologist and author, Nina earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from The Ohio State University and spent much of her career working in the public sector with disadvantaged families. She is a founding member and former board chair of the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center and serves as a Trustee of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. In her book Growing Up Roosevelt, Nina reflects on her family’s remarkable legacy and her formative years spent at Val-Kill and traveling alongside her grandmother, Eleanor Roosevelt.Growing Up Roosevelt – Summary When Nina Roosevelt was just seven years old, her family moved from California to live with her grandmother at the small cottage, Val-Kill, in Hyde Park, New York. It was at Val-Kill Farm that Nina shared her childhood years with her remarkable grandmother, the woman who would change her life. To Nina, she was Grandmère, but, to most everyone else, she was Eleanor Roosevelt. Few people realize how important Val-Kill was for Eleanor Roosevelt. Returning "home again" nourished her, allowed her time for reflection, planning, and rejuvenation so that she could continue pouring her heart and soul into the needs of so many people the world over.Growing Up Roosevelt gives an intimate picture of life at Val-Kill as well as Nina's wide-ranging experiences traveling as a teenager with her grandmother. Included are portraits of the family, staff, famous friends, people in need, and world leaders as disparate as Nikita Khrushchev, Haile Selassie, and John F. Kennedy. This book will appeal to anyone interested in the life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt, her work as a trailblazing political and feminist leader, and the intimate behind-the-scenes details that only her granddaughter can tell.Growing Up RooseveltAmazon: Hardcover | KindleBookshop: Hardback | EbookThe Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill: https://ervk.org/growing-up-roosevelt/The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill: Learn More About Their Work & MissionBooks MentionedExodus by Leon Uris: Bookshop PaperbackConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Historian and author Elizabeth Reese joins Holley to explore the complex life of Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth. Their conversation traces his rise as one of America’s greatest Shakespearean actors, his efforts to reclaim his family’s legacy after the Lincoln assassination, and how fame, grief, and redemption intertwined on and off the stage.Elizabeth M. Reese – BiographyElizabeth M. Reese is a historian based in Washington, D.C., whose work explores public memory, family ties, and grief. A longtime public historian, she has interpreted sites such as Hamilton Grange and the U.S. Capitol and currently serves as Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House. Her writing has appeared in TIME, The New York Times, and the Journal of the American Revolution. Her first book, Marquis de Lafayette Returns, was published in 2024. She is currently writing a manuscript exploring how Edwin Booth transformed American theatre and contributed to national healing after Lincoln’s assassination.Books Mentioned America’s Original Sin by John Rhodehamel: Amazon Hardback | Kindle | BookshopBooth by Karen Joy Fowler: Bookshop Paperback | Bookshop EbookOthello Recording from Edwin Booth: YouTubeConnect with Elizabeth: Website | Instagram | Bluesky | SubstackConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Author Eliza Knight joins Holley for the first episode of Season 2 to explore the captivating life of Adele Astaire, Fred Astaire’s talented and trailblazing sister. They discuss Adele’s dazzling career on the stage, her enduring bond with Fred, and the remarkable spirit that made her a star of her time and an inspiration for generations to come.Eliza Knight – BiographyEliza Knight is an award-winning USA Today and international bestselling author of historical fiction. She is the creator of the popular historical blog History Undressed and a host of the History, Books and Wine podcast. Through her richly researched novels, Eliza brings history’s most fascinating women to life, captivating readers around the world.Starring Adele Astaire – SummaryUSA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight returns with a dazzling tale that delves into the life of Adele Astaire—who served up smiles and love both on and off the stage, with and without her equally famous brother, Fred Astaire—alongside the story of a determined young dancer with rags-to-riches dreams.A spirited rising stage star…Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous performer, dancing with her brother Fred and enchanting audiences from New York to London. Toasted by royalty and adored by fans, Adele has dreams beyond the spotlight—a loving husband and a home full of children. When she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her dreams may finally come true—but at what cost?A determined young dancer…Ever since Violet Wood could walk, she’s wanted to dance on the London stage. Befriended by Adele and filled with ambition, she’s willing to make any sacrifice to see her name in lights. But the road to fame is never easy.Two women with unquenchable spirit…From the fast-paced world of Roaring Twenties New York to the horrors and heartaches of wartime London, Adele’s and Violet’s lives intertwine in this sweeping novel of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams.Starring Adele AstaireAmazon: Paperback | KindleBookshop: Paperback | EbookBooks mentionedThe Frozen River by Ariel Lohan: Bookshop Paperback | Bookshop EbookConnect with Eliza: Website | History, Books & Wine Podcast | Facebook |  Instagram | Amazon Author PageConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Holley is excited to announce that Season 2 of Say It With History will be here on Friday, January 2, 2026. This season, Holley will be exploring a wide range of stories spanning entertainment, political, and military history—from Broadway and Hollywood to Washington, D.C., and Italy. Each Friday, she will bring listeners thoughtful, engaging conversations filled with stories, scholarship, and the voices keeping history alive today. Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

When we think of welfare history, most accounts center on policy or the experiences of recipients. But the story is much richer—and far more gendered—than we often realize. In this episode, historian Alycia Asai joins me to uncover the overlooked women who built, administered, and shaped America’s social safety net. From early charity work to the emergence of professional social work, we explore how women’s community care evolved into a career path during a time of limited economic opportunity.Alycia Asai is an independent historian and the host of Civics and Coffee: A History Podcast, a weekly show exploring the people and events that shaped American history. She earned her master’s degree from Sonoma State University, where she studied the evolution of the social safety net in the United States with a focus on women in welfare administration. Trained in oral history, Alycia’s writing has appeared in Inside History and Nursing Clio.Our conversation connects past to present—revealing how the debates surrounding welfare and public assistance funding continue today. We also highlight trailblazers like Frances Perkins, the visionary behind much of the Social Security Act of 1935, and the generations of women whose labor and leadership built the foundation of modern social work.Alycia's Masters Thesis: Beyond Bureaucrats: The Sonoma County Women Behind Implementing Welfare Reform & the Affordable Care ActNursing Clio Piece: Hidden CasualtiesBooks MentionedCreating a Female Dominion in American Reform, 1890-1935 by Robyn Muncy:  BookshopConnect with Alycia: Website | Substack | Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Patreon | YouTube  Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium 

Ancient Egypt is full of stories beyond Cleopatra, Tutankhamun, and the pyramids—and Melissa in De Nile is here to share them. An Egyptologist, archaeologist, and museum educator, Melissa has built a platform that makes history approachable, fun, and accessible to audiences everywhere. In this episode, we talk about her journey from a childhood fascination with Ancient Egypt to her work as a museum educator and content creator. We explore the daily lives of ordinary Egyptians, her surprising research on dogs in Egyptian culture, and the enduring fascination with the city of Amarna. Melissa also reflects on the importance of combating myths and misinformation while opening doors for people who love history but may feel shut out of academia.Melissa launched Melissa in De Nile in 2020 to share Ancient Egyptian art, archaeology, and history with the public in engaging and creative ways. She creates content across TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and other platforms, while also working as a museum educator to connect audiences of all ages with the past.Books mentioned⁠Mummies in the Morning⁠ by Mary Pope Osborne: Amazon | Bookshop⁠Mummies and Pyramids⁠ by Mary Pope Osborne & Will Osborne: Bookshop⁠Come, Tell Me How You Live⁠ by Agatha Christie Mallowan: BookshopNefertiti: A Novel ⁠by Michelle Moran: Amazon | BookshopConnect with Melissa: ⁠Website ⁠| ⁠TikTok ⁠| ⁠Instagram ⁠| ⁠YouTube ⁠| ⁠Twitch⁠ | ⁠Facebook ⁠| ⁠Patreon⁠Connect with Holley: ⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠ | ⁠Website ⁠| ⁠LinkedIn ⁠| ⁠Bluesky⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Medium ⁠

Civics often feels abstract or overlooked, yet it shapes the very core of how citizens understand democracy and engage in public life. In this episode, Paul Rader—educator, writer, and nonpartisan political analyst—explores the intersections of civics, history, and modern polarization.Through personal stories, historical reflections, and a call for stronger civic education, Paul sheds light on how understanding our past can help bridge divides and empower citizens to build a healthier democracy.Paul is the creator and host of the Politics with Paul podcast and the author of Why Independents Rarely Win Elections: And How They Could Become More Competitive (2021). He is also the founder of Detoxify American Politics, a civics education initiative offering tools to help citizens move beyond division and re-engage with democracy in healthier ways.Based in Florida, Paul has spent his career teaching politics in a nonpartisan, nonideological manner, dedicated to enhancing civic awareness and engagement.Connect with Paul: Linktree | Website | Detoxify American Politics | Politicswith Paul Podcast | LinkedInPaul’s Book: Why Independents Rarely Win Elections: And How They Could Become More Competitive | Kindle VersionReads mentioned: Why Parties?: The Origin and Transformation of Political Parties in America by John Aldrich | The Federalist PapersConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

Behind every song lies a story of memory, place, and the people who shaped it. In this episode, Melissa Ziobro—historian, curator, and Director of Curatorial Affairs at Monmouth University’s Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music—shares her work preserving and interpreting the Boss’s legacy.We talk about her path with the Archives, from curating its first traveling exhibit Springsteen: His Hometown to her upcoming book on Springsteen and the Vietnam War, honoring two of his close friends who were killed in action. Along the way, Melissa reflects on New Jersey’s broader history, from Fort Monmouth’s technological innovations to the ways music and memory intertwine in American culture.Melissa began her career in 2004 as a historian, archivist, and curator for the U.S. Army at Fort Monmouth before joining Monmouth University’s faculty. In 2023, she was appointed curator of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, and in 2025 promoted to Director of Curatorial Affairs.Connect with Melissa: LinkedIn | Springsteen Archives | Monmouth ProfileMelissa’s Books: Fort Monmouth: The U.S. Army’s House of Magic (2024) | The Battlin’ Bastards of Bravo (2025)Books mentioned: Don’t Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours by Alan LightConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

Every hidden story deserves a voice—and Aly Riley is here to tell it. In this episode, we talk about the overlooked world of female espionage in the American Revolution. Aly, historian and author of She Spies, shares how women shaped the Revolutionary cause through intelligence networks, the enduring mystery of Agent 355, and the challenges of reconstructing lives history tried to forget.From her beginnings as a graduate student to her path as a published author, Aly’s work highlights the persistence it takes to uncover untold stories and restore women to the historical record.Aly Riley is an American historian and author who earned her master’s degree in history from Monmouth University in 2021. Her debut novella She Spies was released in September 2023 to critical acclaim, and her second, Spirits and Secrets, is set for release in Fall 2025.Connect with Aly: LinkedIn | Instagram | She SpiesBooks mentioned: Invisible Ink: Spycraft of the American Revolution by John A. Nagy | 1776 by David McCulloughConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

History often feels segmented—political events in one corner, cultural icons in another—but the stories that endure most powerfully are those that reveal unexpected connections. In this episode, historian Matthew Hild explores the Gilded Age’s lasting grip on American imagination and how it resonates through modern pop culture.From railroads and labor struggles to the lives of Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John, we discuss how his research bridges academic history and popular biography, showing the timeless drive to tell stories that connect past to present.Matthew Hild is the Civic Education and Learning Initiatives Manager and Lecturer of History at Georgia Tech. He is the author or co-author of seven books on American labor, political, and cultural history. His work spans the Gilded Age through today, with a recent focus on music legends Andy Gibb and Olivia Newton-John.Connect with Matt: LinkedIn | Georgia Tech Profile | Amazon Author Page | Andy Gibb BookBook mentioned: Equality: An American Dilemma, 1866-1896 by Charles PostelConnect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

Pat Nixon’s public image was polished and reserved, but behind the scenes she carried the weight of diplomacy, duty, and personal sacrifice. Too often dismissed as quiet or overlooked, her story reveals a First Lady of resilience, independence, and influence.In this episode, we explore the hidden depths of Pat Nixon’s life with biographer Heath Lee, author of The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon. From her Western roots to her role in shaping global diplomacy and quietly advancing women’s rights, Heath paints a portrait of a woman who defied easy labels. This conversation uncovers the challenges Pat faced in the public eye and the enduring legacy she left behind.Key HighlightsPat Nixon’s groundbreaking role in global diplomacy, traveling to 83 countries and serving as a goodwill ambassador.Her quiet but firm support for women’s rights, including the ERA and reproductive rights.How media misrepresentation obscured her warmth, capability, and true character.The evolving dynamics of Pat and Richard Nixon’s marriage under the weight of public life.How her Western upbringing shaped her resilience, independence, and outlook on politics and family.Debunking myths about Pat Nixon and uncovering her stabilizing influence during turbulent times.Heath Hardage Lee BiographyHeath is an award-winning historian, biographer, and curator. Her narrative nonfiction book The League of Wives: The Untold Story of the Women Who Took on the U.S. Government to Bring Their Husbands Home from Vietnam (St. Martin’s Press, 2019) is currently being developed as a television series.Her new book, The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: Washington’s Most Private First Lady, is the first commercial biography of First Lady Pat Nixon in almost 40 years.Heath currently serves on the Boards of FLARE (the First Ladies Association for Research and Education) and BIO (Biographers International Organization).Heath’s LinksWebsite: https://heathleeauthor.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heath_hlee/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathleeauthorThe Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: Amazon link Connect with Holley: Buy Me A Coffee | Website | LinkedIn | Bluesky | Instagram | Medium

Behind every neighborhood, there's a story waiting to be told—and someone brave enough to listen.In this episode, we have a conversation with Shae Corey, a public historian, preservationist, and the creator of the Holy Local Podcast.We talk about the role of oral history in capturing lived experience, the impact of spiritual activism on D.C. neighborhoods, and how Shae’s work blends archival research, public memory, and digital storytelling. From navigating perceptions around misunderstood communities to preserving the voices of everyday people, this episode explores how local histories can illuminate broader truths.It’s a reflection on voice, place, and the power of community storytelling to reshape how we see the past—and the present.Key HighlightsShae's journey into public history and her light bulb moment in college.The importance of personal and community histories in enriching broader narratives.Insights into Shae’s podcast, The Holy Local, and its focus on the Church of the Saviour community.The challenges and rewards of balancing archival research, lived experience, and digital storytelling.Shae's upcoming PhD research on the role of nuns in providing social services in urban areas.Shae Corey BiographyShae Corey is a first-year PhD student in History at George Mason University. She received her Master’s in Public History from American University in 2022 and her B.S. in Education from Samford University in 2020.For the past five years, she has lived and worked in Washington, D.C., where her research focuses on religious activism and its role in shaping the city’s 20th-century neighborhoods.Shae’s LinksWebsite: www.shaecorey.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaecatherinecorey/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shae-corey-34902a168/Holy Local Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39seO22mrCfssARdiRF8Bz?si=ed96b9090aad4a33Books Recommended by Shae Foul Bodies: Cleanliness in Early America by Kathleen M. Brown Amazon linkHolley’s LinksBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhistoryWebsite: www.holleysnaith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holleysnaith.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holleysnaith/Medium: https://holleysnaith.medium.com 

Fame in Classic Hollywood was dazzling, but it rarely came without sacrifice. Beneath the glamour, the studio system demanded perfection—at a high personal cost to the people who lived in its spotlight.In this episode, we dive into the untold side of Hollywood’s Golden Age with historical fiction author Martin Turnbull. Through his meticulously researched novels, Martin brings to life the emotional truth behind the silver screen—where image was everything, and authenticity often came at a price.Key HighlightsMartin's journey from Australia to Los Angeles and his fascination with Hollywood.The meticulous research behind The Garden of Allah series.Insights into the personal and professional lives of Hollywood legends.The high cost of perfection in the studio system.Martin's upcoming projects and where to find his work online.Martin Turnbull BiographyFrom his beginnings in Australia to his deep immersion in the history of Los Angeles, Martin shares how his love for Old Hollywood became a mission to uncover the lives, myths, and struggles behind the dream factory.We explore how the studios tightly controlled their stars, how truth and fiction blur in storytelling, and why understanding these histories still matters today. You’ll hear about the real people who inspired his fiction, the emotional toll of fame, and the legacy of an era that shaped American celebrity culture as we know it.Martin Turnbull is a historical fiction author and Classic Hollywood expert. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, where his lifelong passion for travel, storytelling, and classic cinema came to life.With a background as a private tour guide and researcher—including work with the Los Angeles Conservancy and Warner Bros.—Martin developed a deep knowledge of Hollywood’s Golden Age. His novels, including The Garden of Allah series, bring to light the emotional and cultural layers of classic Hollywood while honoring the people whose stories were often hidden behind the screen.This episode is a reflection on myth, ambition, and the human cost of building legends.Martin’s LinksWebsite: https://martinturnbull.com/X: https://x.com/TurnbullMartinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinturnbullauthor/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/martinturnbull.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardenofallahnovelsPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/turnbullauthor/Garden of Allah NovelsAmazon linkBooks MentionedBy Myself and Then Some by Lauren BacallHolley’s LinksBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhistoryWebsite: www.holleysnaith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holleysnaith.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holleysnaith/Medium: https://holleysnaith.medium.com

Historic preservation is more than saving buildings—it’s about honoring stories, communities, and the legacies that shaped who we are.In this episode, we delve into the inspiring story of the Eleanor Roosevelt School—the last of the Rosenwald Schools, born from a visionary partnership between philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and educator Booker T. Washington.Located in Warm Springs, Georgia, this historic institution was built with the support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the local community. We explore its origins, its impact, and the remarkable efforts of Voncher and her brother Debron, who are working tirelessly to preserve this vital piece of Black history.You’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced, the rich legacy of the Rosenwald School movement, and the enduring influence of Eleanor Roosevelt’s advocacy for human rights and education.This episode is a tribute to resilience, community, and the power of preserving our shared history.Key HighlightsVoncher Walker shares her passion for historic preservation and the significance of the Rosenwald Schools.The role of Eleanor Roosevelt in supporting Black education during the Jim Crow era.Insights into the challenges and triumphs of restoring the last Rosenwald School.The importance of community investment and strategic partnerships in transforming communities.Voncher Walker BiographyVoncher Walker is an entrepreneur and investor who, along with her brother Debron Walker, purchased the historic Eleanor Roosevelt School in Warm Springs, Georgia, in 2020.This National Registry landmark is one of the original Rosenwald Schools built with funding from the Julius Rosenwald Fund and personal contributions from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.As the owner of The Eleanor Roosevelt School, Walker is transforming the 1936 school into a museum, event space, and educational tourism destination while preserving its legacy as part of the network that educated over 660,000 Black children across the South.LinksEleanor Roosevelt School: http://erso1936.comYouTube Video: Siblings acquire a National Treasure, Eleanor Roosevelt - Last Rosenwald SchoolVoncher’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_voncher/Voncher’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@its_voncherBooks Recommended by VoncherThe Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Godwin WoodsonAmazon linkNotes of a Native Son by James BaldwinAmazon linkGrowing Up Roosevelt by Nina Roosevelt GibsonAmazon linkHolley’s LinksBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/sayitwithhistoryWebsite: www.holleysnaith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holleysnaith.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holleysnaith/Medium: https://holleysnaith.medium.com

I am Holley Snaith—historian, writer, and your host. Say It With History is a show about the people, stories, and unexpected threads of the past that shape how we think, create, and connect today.In each episode, I sit down with authors, artists, podcasters, educators, and creatives whose work is rooted in history—but always speaking to the present. From overlooked historical figures and cultural movements to the way history shows up in books, films, classrooms, and everyday conversations, we’ll explore it all with curiosity, depth, and a little bit of fun.If you love a good story, enjoy thoughtful conversations, and want to see how history lives in the world around us, you’re in the right place.Follow or subscribe so you never miss a conversation. Thanks for being here—I cannot wait to explore the past with you.Website: www.holleysnaith.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holleysnaith/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/holleysnaith.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holleysnaith/Medium: https://holleysnaith.medium.com