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The History Chicks | QCODE

Two women. Half the population. Several thousand years of history. About an hour. Join us on an award-winning journey through herstory! The History Chicks celebrates the lives of remarkable women from ancient times to the modern day, exploring women’s history in engaging episodes full of deep research, pop culture references, and the occasional tumble down a rabbit hole.

The History Chicks

As a tie-in to our coverage of Betsy Ambler and Ken Burns' American Revolution documentary we decided to revisit Martha. Some called her The Mother of the Country, some curtseyed and called her "Lady Washington," but no one could doubt that she was uniquely capable to shoulder the responsibilities and rigors of both war and diplomacy. Martha Washington's philosophy of "duty over inclination" became the template for future First Ladies in the newly-formed United States of America.

This episode sponsored by:

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Martha Washington, 2025

Once upon a time, an eleven-year-old girl named Sarah Rector struck it rich with a discovery that was perfectly timed for the rise of the automobile and the expansion of American manufacturing. After hitting the jackpot, she had to escape the minefields of greed, racism, politics, and public opinion in order to build a satisfying life for herself at last. 

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Sarah Rector

Viva l'Italia! We took 50 listeners on an epic journey filled with history, architecture, camaraderie and SO MUCH delicious food! From the ancient layers of Rome through the castles and hilltop villages of Tuscany, the art and influence of the Medici in Florence, to the romance of Venice, this trip was unforgettable!

The travelers join us, in their own voices, to tell you all about our adventures.
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ITALY TRAVELOGUE - 2025

The American Revolution changed the way the world worked; the principles of governance in the new country laid the foundation for movements all over the world. 

On November 16th, Ken Burns and his team premiere their 6-part documentary series on PBS called, as you might have guessed, "The American Revolution"

We had the opportunity to sit down with co-director Sarah Botstein to talk about the inspiration and impact of this conflict. 

This is the interview that we previously posted at the end of our Betsy Ambler episode, and we thought it was important to post it again as a standalone bonus episode, for easier access. 
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BONUS - The American Revolution on PBS - Our interview with co-director Sarah Botstein

Life during the Revolutionary War was more than military strategy; there were plenty of battles to be fought at home. Betsy Ambler was a young teenager during the turbulent years, and through her records and letters, we can see the conflict though a perspective that has been little examined. 

We also interview Sarah Botstein, the co-director (with Ken Burns) of the new documentary The American Revolution, premiering on PBS on November 16th, 2026. This series brings forward voices that have been under-represented - as well as those figures that we think we already know- giving us a more complete picture of American life during the birth of our nation. Our subject Betsy Ambler is voiced by Maya Hawke during this six-part series. 

Registration is now open for our June 3-7, 2026 Field Trip to Chicago! Visit Like Minds Travel for more information and to register!
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Betsy Ambler - and an interview with Sarah Botstein from the PBS documentary The American Revolution

In 1860, Elizabeth Packard was committed to a mental institution by her husband - for YEARS - for the crime of speaking her mind . This practice was completely legal at the time, and she had no mechanism by which to free herself from confinement - despite the fact that she was completely sane. Her three-year ordeal would turn her into a powerful activist on behalf of rights for both the mentally ill and for married women, who at this time had few legal protections against those that would oppress them. 
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Elizabeth Packard

We're going back to our 2013 coverage of this iconic artist who turned her pain, passion, fear, and unique outlook on life into remarkable and memorable art. Her bold subject and color choices (as well as her bold life choices) defied convention and sent her to the heights of international acclaim.

Our 2026 Field Trip to London sold out in record time, but you can get your name on the waitlist at Like Minds Travel.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Audible: Listen to the new Pride and Prejudice at audible.com/janeausten

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Honeylove: Comfortable and innovative bras and shapewear, 20%off at honeylove.com/historychicks

Blissy: Silk pillowcases for improved hair and skin, 30%off at blissy.com/historychicks

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Frida Kahlo, 2025

Catherine de Medici lived in a century defined by the the contributions of remarkable women, and she distinguished herself as one of the most remarkable of them all. No longer an apprentice in the art of intrigue, she was sharp and strategic and brave in ways that defied cultural expectations Whatever her reputation became, her capacity for calculated action was matched by her courage in the face of adversity, all focused on one goal; to be the custodian of her family's legacy on the throne of France - against all opponents. 

Registration is now open for our April, 2026 Field Trip to London! For more information and to register, visit LIKE MINDS TRAVEL! 
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Catherine De Medici Part 2

As the last legitimate heir to a powerful family, Catherine de Medici was married at only 14 into one of the most powerful royal houses in Europe. The two halves of her story are VASTLY different, and here in Part 1, we are going to tell you about how she had no resources but INNER resources - and the character that developed from the circumstances in which she was placed. 

This episode is sponsored by:

OSEA: Use code CHICKS at OSEAMALIBU.COM for 10% off your first order.

HONEYLOVE: Use this link HONEYLOVE.COM/HISTORYCHICKS for 20% off

WAYFAIR: Get organized and refresh your home for less at WAYFAIR.COM

BLISSY: Better hair, skin, and sleep for 30% off with code HISTORYCHICKS at BLISSY.COM/HISTORYCHICKS

And always, look fabulous while supporting the podcast at our shop: The History Chicks on Dashery

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Catherine de Medici, Part 1

It's field trip time again! We took 50 listeners with us to the cradle of our country - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Over the course of a long weekend, we absorbed the sites and stories we'd learned about in school, and learned about those figures whose vital contributions have faded over time.

Through our exposure to the artifacts, places and people at the heart of our country's founding, we began to comprehend that the freedoms we enjoy today were the result of hard-won battles and sacrifices from those who have gone before us; a torch we must pass to those who follow. 

You'll also hear stories of ghosts, museums, ice cream, gallivanting, and that most hallowed of indulgences: the Philly Cheese Steak. 

Thanks to all of the travelers who made this field trip a success, and we hope to see every listener on the bus someday. 

We call the back seat!
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Philadelphia 2025 Travelogue

Heeeeere’s your seven word summary: We asked, you responded and we answer. For the first time in the five years that we have been doing this show we sat down with a couple of glasses of wine to deviate from our normal format and answer some of your questions. 

 
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Q & A and Random Bits Show

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