Episode 349: Hoes of History: Kathryn Bigelow
The Homance Chronicles
Kathryn Bigelow is a trailblazing filmmaker who shattered glass ceilings in Hollywood. From her early days as a painter and experimental filmmaker to becoming the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director, Kathryn’s journey is one of ambition, creativity, and resilience. We explore her groundbreaking films, including The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, and her dramatic connection to James Cameron. Follow us on IG: Connect with us: Send us a Hoe of History request:
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Episode 348: Hoes of History: Theda Bara
The Homance Chronicles
Before Marilyn, before Madonna, before the femme fatales of noir, there was Theda Bara—the original “Vamp” of the silver screen. In this episode, we explore the life of the woman who seduced audiences in the silent film era, becoming one of cinema’s first true icons. From her carefully crafted mystique and exotic public persona to her trailblazing roles that challenged early 20th-century norms of femininity and sexuality, Theda Bara’s influence on Hollywood was as bold as it was fleeting. Though most of her films have been lost to time, her impact on culture and stardom lives on....
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Episode 347: Hoes of History: Eleanor of Aquitaine
The Homance Chronicles
Eleanor of Aquitaine was no ordinary queen—she was one of the most powerful and influential women of the Middle Ages. Born into immense wealth and power, she became Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, then twice a queen—first of France and later of England. Her life reads like a medieval epic: she led armies on crusade, was a patron of the arts who helped shape the courtly love tradition, and maneuvered through dangerous political rivalries that defined Europe for centuries. In this episode, we dive into Eleanor’s extraordinary journey—from her bold spirit as a young duchess to her...
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Episode 346: Hoes of History: Adèle Hugo
The Homance Chronicles
Behind the towering legacy of Victor Hugo lies a lesser-known, haunting tale—that of his youngest daughter, Adèle. Born into privilege and brilliance, Adèle possessed a vivid mind, a gift for writing, and an independent spirit. Yet her life took a tragic turn, marked by obsessive love, defiance of societal norms, and an unrelenting battle with mental illness. In this episode, we explore Adèle Hugo’s remarkable yet heartbreaking journey—from her childhood in the literary salons of Paris, to her daring pursuit of a British officer across oceans, to her final years in silence and...
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Episode 345: Hoes of History: Dr. Ruth
The Homance Chronicles
Before she was America’s most beloved sex therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer survived the Holocaust, trained as a sniper, and earned her doctorate in education. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and unexpected journey of Dr. Ruth—from a childhood shattered by war to her rise as a cultural icon who changed the conversation around sex, pleasure, and relationships. With her unmistakable voice, bold candor, and boundless enthusiasm, Dr. Ruth not only broke taboos—she built a legacy. Tune in as we explore how a 4’7” powerhouse helped generations feel more confident and connected...
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Episode 344: Hoes of History: Madame de La Fayette
The Homance Chronicles
Madame de La Fayette was one of the first women in history to publish a bestselling novel and forever change French literature. Born into nobility in 1634, Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne defied expectations of women in her era by wielding a sharp intellect and a quiet yet powerful pen. Her groundbreaking novel La Princesse de Clèves, published anonymously in 1678, is considered the first modern French novel and remains a cornerstone of literary study today. We trace her journey from the opulent salons of 17th-century Paris, where she mingled with the likes of La Rochefoucauld and...
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Episode 343: Hoes of History: Connie Francis
The Homance Chronicles
She was the voice of a generation—America's sweetheart with a heartbreaking soprano that defined the late '50s and early '60s. In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Connie Francis, the first female pop star to top the Billboard charts, whose emotional ballads and bilingual charm broke barriers across the globe. From her meteoric rise with “Who’s Sorry Now” to the deep personal tragedies that nearly silenced her career, we explore the resilience behind the icon. But Connie’s story doesn’t end in the past. Thanks to TikTok, her soulful hit “Pretty Little Baby”...
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Episode 342: Hoes of History: Lolo Ferrari
The Homance Chronicles
She was known around the world for her extreme plastic surgeries and headline-grabbing persona—but Lolo Ferrari was far more complex than the tabloid caricature she became. Born Eve Valois, she rose from a troubled childhood in France to international fame as an adult performer, singer, and TV personality. Behind the exaggerated image and surreal stardom, however, was a woman struggling with deep emotional pain, manipulation, and exploitation. In this episode, we dive into the tragic and fascinating life of Lolo Ferrari—how a quest for identity and love turned into a public spectacle, the...
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Episode 341: Hoes of History: MacKenzie Scott
The Homance Chronicles
MacKenzie Scott is best known as the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos—but that’s only a fraction of her story. In this episode, we explore the life of a woman who helped build Amazon, pursued her passion as a novelist, and is now transforming philanthropy through one of the most radical giving sprees in modern history. From working with Toni Morrison to anonymously donating billions to overlooked organizations, MacKenzie Scott is quietly rewriting the rules of power, wealth, and generosity. Follow us on IG: Connect with us: Send us a Hoe of History request:
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Episode 340: Hoes of History: Britain's Ruth Ellis
The Homance Chronicles
Ruth Ellis was a nightclub hostess, mother, and the last woman to be executed in the United Kingdom. From her difficult childhood to the turbulent relationships that shaped her future, we explore the events leading up to the 1955 murder of her lover David Blakely and the sensational trial that followed. But Ruth’s story is more than a crime; it’s a powerful lens into post-war Britain, gender roles, and the changing face of justice. Join us as we unpack the controversy surrounding her execution, examine the social pressures she faced, and reflect on how Ruth Ellis became an enduring symbol...
info_outlineClarice Cliff was a pioneering British ceramicist who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the Art Deco movement. Born into a working-class family in 1899, Clarice’s artistic talent and relentless ambition propelled her from a factory apprentice to an internationally celebrated designer.
We explore her groundbreaking “Bizarre” ware, the bold colors and geometric patterns that revolutionized pottery in the 1920s and ‘30s, and how she carved out a space for herself in a male-dominated industry. Her journey wasn’t just about creating beautiful ceramics—it was about innovation, resilience, and breaking societal norms.
Listen to the story behind the woman who turned everyday tableware into collectible works of art.
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