Smithsonian Associate Philippa Gregory - Normal Women

The Normal Women of England: 900 Years of Making History: INTERVIEW WITH SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATE PHILIPPA GREGORY

The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast. I'm your host, Paul Vogelzang, and today we have a truly remarkable episode lined up for you. Get ready to embark on a journey through nine centuries of history, reimagined through the eyes of the women who lived it, shaped it, and often, redefined it.

Our guest today is none other than the bestselling author Smithsonian Associate Philippa Gregory. Smithsonian Associate Philippa Gregory will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, so please check out our show notes for more information, but we have Philippa Gregory today here with us.  Philippa Gregory’s works like The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen have captivated readers worldwide. But today, Philippa brings us something entirely different and profoundly impactful. Her latest book, Normal Women, is a groundbreaking exploration of the lives of women in England from 1066 to the present day.

Imagine women who rode in jousts, flew Spitfires during World War II, issued their own currency, and built ships and corn mills. Picture female soldiers, highwaywomen, pirates, miners, and even theater impresarios. These are not the stories of queens and noblewomen we often hear, but of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, women who have been the true backbone of English society.

In today’s episode, Philippa Gregory will share with us how she unearthed these incredible stories from the annals of history, revealing a tapestry of lives that are as diverse and varied as the women themselves. We'll delve into the challenges these women faced, the prejudices they overcame, and the indelible marks they left on history.

That of course is out guest today, Smithsonian Associate Phiippa Gregory, reading a brief passage from her new book. Philippa’s new book, Normal Women, offers a radical reframing of England's history, highlighting the persistence, ingenuity, and contributions of women throughout the centuries. It’s a narrative that not only celebrates the past but also inspires the present and future.

So, sit back and get ready to be enlightened, entertained, and moved by the stories of women who, though often overlooked, played a pivotal role in shaping the world as we know it. This is an episode you won’t want to miss. Welcome to The Not Old Better Show Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast, where today, history comes alive through the voices of Normal Women.

My thanks to  Smithsonian Associate Philippa Gregory will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, so please check out our show notes for more information,   Her latest book, Normal Women, is a groundbreaking exploration of the lives of women in England from 1066 to the present day. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.  My thanks always to Executive Producer Sam Heninger for all his work on the show and my thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast.  Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better on radio and podcast.  Thanks, everybody, and we’ll see you next week.

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