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...
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Episode 339: Hoes of History: Ruth Ellis
The Homance Chronicles
Before Stonewall, before Pride parades, before the word “queer” was reclaimed—there was Ruth Ellis. Born in 1899, Ruth lived boldly and authentically as an out Black lesbian for over a century. Ruth Ellis was a trailblazer who ran her own printing business, built a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth in Detroit, and became a living legend in her 90s. We also dive into how her legacy continues today through the incredible work of the Ruth Ellis Center—one of the nation’s leading organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth of color. Follow us on IG: Connect with us: Send us a Hoe of...
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Episode 338: Hoes of History: Gladys Bentley
The Homance Chronicles
Gladys Bentley was a Harlem Renaissance trailblazer, unapologetic performer, and one of the first public figures to challenge gender norms in 20th-century America. With her signature tuxedo, top hat, and booming voice, Bentley captivated crowds at speakeasies and underground clubs, belting blues lyrics that were as bold as her presence. But behind the spotlight was a woman navigating the complex intersections of race, sexuality, fame, and personal identity in a deeply conservative era. From her rise to fame at the legendary Clam House to the pressures that led her to publicly renounce her...
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Episode 337: Itching for Answers: Nicole's Battle with Chronic Hives
The Homance Chronicles
We’re switching things up this episode. Instead of our usual stories about women in history, we’re pausing to bring awareness to Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (aka chronic hives). Nicole is opening up about her deeply personal ongoing health journey that’s basically become her personality over the last 10 months. Hives can be triggered by a wide range of issues, which makes them an incredibly frustrating and mysterious condition. They’re often a symptom of something deeper happening in the body. In Nicole’s case, the hives took over her entire body—not the tiny,...
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Episode 336: Hoes of History: Dr. Zaruhi Kavaljian
The Homance Chronicles
Long before women had a seat at the table in medicine, Dr. Zaruhi Kavaljian carved out a space of her own. She was the first Armenian women to become a physician—an educator, trailblazer, and advocate for women’s health and empowerment. From earning her medical degree at a time when few women even attended university, to shaping the future of public health and mentoring generations of students, Dr. Kavaljian’s legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering determination. Follow us on IG: Connect with us: Send us a Hoe of History request:
info_outlineBefore Stonewall, before Pride parades, before the word “queer” was reclaimed—there was Ruth Ellis. Born in 1899, Ruth lived boldly and authentically as an out Black lesbian for over a century.
Ruth Ellis was a trailblazer who ran her own printing business, built a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth in Detroit, and became a living legend in her 90s. We also dive into how her legacy continues today through the incredible work of the Ruth Ellis Center—one of the nation’s leading organizations supporting LGBTQ+ youth of color.
Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles
Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance
Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]