She Changed History

Cara Gardner, Simon Hurley and Vicky Payne
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Join us on "She Changed History," as we celebrate the unsung heroines who dared to challenge the status quo.This is the history you wish you had learnt in school.Every Tuesday, Vicky, Cara and Simon dive deep into the annals of history, unearthing the stories of incredible women who have been forgotten.From daring pirates to prolific inventors, we're uncovering the truth behind their remarkable journeys.Tune in every Tuesday, starting 19th November 2024

  1. 2D AGO

    50. Nadia Murad: From Captivity to Advocacy

    This conversation delves into the powerful story of Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman who survived the atrocities of ISIS and became a global advocate for human rights. The discussion covers her early life, the impact of the ISIS invasion on her community, her escape from captivity, and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the plight of Yazidi women and girls. The hosts reflect on the importance of empathy, advocacy, and the need to put humanity first in the face of adversity. Takeaways Nadia Murad's story is one of resilience and strength. The Yazidi community has faced centuries of persecution. The ISIS invasion in 2014 led to a calculated genocide against the Yazidis. Nadia's escape from captivity was a pivotal moment in her life. Advocacy for survivors of sexual violence is crucial for healing. Nadia's work emphasizes the importance of justice and accountability. Empowering women is essential for rebuilding communities. The role of the international community in supporting survivors is vital. Nadia's optimism serves as a beacon of hope for many. The need for kindness and humanity in times of crisis is paramount. Chapters 01:04 Transitioning to Serious Topics 04:06 Introducing Nadia Murad and Her Background 06:56 Understanding the Yazidi Community 09:11 The Invasion of ISIS and Its Impact 12:07 Nadia's Captivity and the Horrors Faced 14:52 The Aftermath and Nadia's Resilience 17:28 The Awakening of Defiance 20:54 The Journey to Freedom 21:43 Finding a Voice in Advocacy 24:37 Recognition and Impact 27:06 Building a Better Future 30:45 The Murad Code and Survivor Advocacy 32:14 A Message of Hope and Humanity

    39 min

  2. JAN 20

    49. Nzinga Mbandi: The African Queen Who Defied Empires

    Summary In this episode, Vicky and Cara delve into the remarkable life of Nzinga Mbandi, the warrior queen of Angola, who defied colonial powers and redefined leadership in the 17th century. The conversation begins with Vicky sharing her excitement about attending an event featuring notable personalities, including Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen. As they transition into the main topic, they explore Nzinga's early life, her upbringing as a strong and capable leader, and the socio-political landscape of Angola during her time. Vicky highlights Nzinga's strategic prowess, her resistance against Portuguese colonization, and her ability to negotiate peace treaties while maintaining her authority. The discussion also touches on her complex legacy, including her involvement in the slave trade and her innovative military tactics that inspired future generations of leaders. The episode emphasizes Nzinga's duality as a diplomat and a fierce warrior, showcasing her ability to navigate the patriarchal structures of her time. Vicky and Cara reflect on her lasting impact as a symbol of resilience and defiance, noting how her story continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about power and gender. The conversation concludes with a recognition of Nzinga's legacy, including her commemoration in modern culture and her status as a national hero in Angola. Keywords Nzinga Mbandi, warrior queen, Angola, Portuguese colonization, female leadership, guerrilla warfare, historical figures, resilience, women's history, African history Titles Nzinga Mbandi: The Warrior Queen Who Defied Empires Unyielding Spirit: The Legacy of Nzinga Mbandi Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Event Excitement 04:57 Celebrating Family and Personal Plans 10:09 Introducing Nzinga Mbandi 19:56 Nzinga's Early Life and Training 29:52 Nzinga's Rise to Power 39:56 Military Tactics and Resistance 50:05 Nzinga's Legacy and Modern Recognition

    45 min

  3. JAN 6

    49. Pamela Coleman-Smith: The Tarot Card Creator

    Keywords Pamela Coleman Smith, tarot, mysticism, cultural appropriation, art history, spirituality, women in art, Golden Dawn, suffragette, identity Summary This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Pamela Coleman Smith, an artist and mystic known for her work on the tarot deck that bears her name. The discussion explores her early life, artistic beginnings, and the influences that shaped her work, including her connections to mysticism and cultural appropriation. The hosts reflect on her theatrical career, her involvement with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and the impact of her art on contemporary spirituality. The conversation concludes with reflections on her recognition and the complexities of her legacy in the art world. Takeaways Pamela Coleman Smith was a multifaceted artist and mystic. Her life spanned significant historical events, including two world wars. She was influenced by both Swedenborgianism and Afro-Caribbean folklore. Smith's work included illustrations for over 20 books and theater designs. She created the most popular tarot deck in the world, yet received no credit. Her artistic style was influenced by the British Arts and Crafts Movement. Smith's life reflects themes of identity, belonging, and appropriation. She was involved in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn but left due to its demands. Her later life included a shift towards Catholicism and community service. Smith's legacy is increasingly recognized, with calls to credit her in the tarot community. Titles The Mystical Life of Pamela Coleman Smith Art, Identity, and the Tarot: A Deep Dive Sound bites "This is a really interesting story." "She had such a diverse life." "It's really uncomfortable." Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Personal Updates 03:05 Introducing Pamela Coleman Smith 05:54 Early Life and Artistic Beginnings 08:59 Theatrical Career and Spiritual Influences 12:06 Exploring Mysticism and Cultural Appropriation 15:00 The Golden Dawn and Artistic Expression 17:58 The Tarot Deck and Its Legacy 20:56 Later Life and Continued Influence 34:02 Reflections on Recognition and Legacy

    37 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    48. She Changed History 2025 | 3 women changing history today!

    In this episode, the hosts share preparations for the Christmas season before delving into the inspiring stories of three remarkable women.  First is Ms Sanae Takaichi the first female Prime Minister of Japan, known for her multifaceted personality and groundbreaking achievements.  Next is Alison Westwood from rural Wales, who launched a successful initiative to divert surplus food from landfills, creating community pantries that support thousands of households.  Lastly, the episode highlights 14-year-old Sheyna Patel from Florida, who designed a hydrogel capable of removing 93% of microplastics from water, potentially revolutionizing marine ecosystems. These stories emphasize that remarkable change can come from individuals of any age and background, driven by a commitment to benefit communities and the environment. Sources: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/21/who-is-sanae-takaichi-japans-iron-lady-and-first-female-prime-minister https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crkj5e73xkmo https://baobab-bach.org/about-us/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM-2_9mWHTY https://www.globalsociety.earth/post/young-scientist-s-hydrogel-breakthrough-offers-hope-against-microplastic-pollution https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/everything-you-should-know-about-microplastics https://youngscientistlab.com/annual-challenge/finalists-mentors-judges/finalists/sheyna-patel-2025-finalist 00:00 Getting Ready for Christmas 00:59 Holiday Preparations and Traditions 02:20 Creative Christmas Hacks 03:53 Inspirational Women of 2025 05:46 Spotlight on San Aka Chi 11:46 Allison Westwood's Impact in Rural Wales 15:21 Alison's Pilot Program: A Clever Strategy 16:07 Community Impact: Affordable Food Initiative 17:48 Scaling Success: From Pilot to Formalized Program 18:30 The Baobab Vision: More Than Just Food 22:32 Shayna Patel: A Young Innovator 24:13 The Hydrogel Breakthrough: Tackling Microplastics 29:34 Future Aspirations: Shayna's Vision 31:19 Conclusion: Empowering Communities and Individuals

    34 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    47. Eliza Acton: Christmas Pudding Recipe and Cookbook pioneer!

    Eliza Acton: The Pioneer of Modern Cookbooks This episode discusses the life and contributions of Eliza Acton, a Victorian poet who unexpectedly authored the world's first cookbook aimed at home cooks. The hosts highlight Acton's significant innovations in recipe writing, emphasizing practical and detailed instructions that were revolutionary at the time. The episode also touches on the history of publishing, the eventual overshadowing of Acton's work by Mrs. Beeton's plagiarized book, and how Acton's legacy is being revived today. The discussion is filled with various anecdotes, historical context, and humorous commentary. Sources for today are: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/72482/72482-h/72482-h.htm https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/discovery/history- stories/first-woman-eliza-acton-writer-of-the-first-cook-book- aimed-at-the-home-cook/ https://www.tonbridgehistory.org.uk/people/eliza-acton.htm https://www.mentalfloss.com/food/eliza-acton-cookbooks- food-history The Language of Food by Anabel Abbs 00:00 Charlie's Delivery Job  02:14 Introducing Eliza Acton 04:17 The Golden Age of Publishing 09:07 Eliza Acton's Early Life and Poetry 15:13 The Birth of Modern Cookery 17:43 Revolutionizing Recipes: The Birth of Modern Cookbooks 19:02 The Poet and the Pragmatist: Eliza Acton's Unique Approach 19:54 Lessons in Chemistry: The Science Behind Cooking 20:35 Charming Illustrations and Personal Touches 21:39 Preventing Food Waste: A Vision Ahead of Its Time 23:27 Sassy Recipes: The Poor Author's Pudding vs. The Publisher's Pudding 24:06 The Legacy of Modern Cookery 27:16 The Unexpected Rival: Mrs. Beaton's Plagiarism 28:51 Eliza Acton's Enduring Influence 30:26 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    36 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    46. Mary Magdalene: From sinner to saint!

    The Curious Case of Mary Magdalene: From Sinner to Saint Sources: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=1285143176741563 Luisa Omielan  https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/history/marymagdalene.shtml https://broadview.org/mary-magdalene-easter-story/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-mary-magdalene-119565482/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/192913/1/Final%20Submitted%20Mary%20Magdalene%20-%20Warren.pdf This video explores the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, a significant yet often misunderstood figure in Christian history. Originating from biblical texts, Mary Magdalene was a wealthy, loyal disciple who witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The script delves into how her reputation was tarnished over centuries, notably by Pope Gregory I, who labeled her a sinful prostitute. The narrative also uncovers Mary Magdalene's leadership role and significant influence through the rediscovery of the Gospel of Mary in 1896. The discussion highlights the enduring impact of patriarchal narratives and the importance of revisiting historical figures to uncover their true contributions. 00:00 Thanksgiving and Grand Prix Dilemma 01:13 A Coffee Shop Story 02:36 Introducing Mary Magdalene 03:48 Mary Magdalene's Role in Christianity 08:06 Pope Gregory's Influence 15:28 Mary Magdalene in Art and Culture 17:24 The Many Marys in the Bible 17:56 Confusion and Misidentification 19:29 Cultural Impact and Misconceptions 19:51 Modern Reassessment of Mary Magdalene 23:22 The Gospel of Mary: A Hidden Text 25:07 Mary's Leadership and Influence 26:10 Controversy and Jealousy Among Disciples 31:54 Mary Magdalene's Legacy and Modern Interpretations 37:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    38 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    45. Carmen Beckford: Bristol’s Courageous Windrush Star

    Celebrating Carmen Beckford: A Legacy of Unity and Cultural Celebration In this heartfelt episode, Cara and Vicky discuss the incredible life and legacy of Carmen Beckford, a Jamaican-born midwife and social activist. Despite initial adversities as part of the Windrush generation, Carmen's tireless efforts in fostering community relationships and cultural pride in Bristol earned her significant recognition. Known for co-founding the world-renowned St. Paul's Carnival, Carmen's work transcended entertainment; it brought communities together and advocated for racial equality. Her story exemplifies the power of authenticity, unity, and perseverance in effecting lasting social change. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitch 00:32 Casual Chat and Local Job Opportunity 02:23 Exploring Bristol: Haunted Bookshop and Cemetery Tour 03:33 Introducing Carmen Beckford 04:39 Carmen's Early Life and Journey to the UK 07:11 Challenges Faced by the Windrush Generation 11:45 Carmen's Career and Activism in Bristol 18:04 Founding the St. Paul's Carnival 19:01 Trust Your Inner Compass 19:36 Creating Unity Through Art 20:20 Celebrating Cultural Pride 21:02 The Organizational Effort Behind Carnival 22:28 Facing Racism with Steely Determination 25:58 Empowering the Younger Generation 29:10 Recognition and Legacy 34:04 Lessons from Carmen Beckford's Life 36:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

    37 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    44. Nanny of the Maroons: Defeating the British Empire

    Queen Nanny: The Maroon Leader Who Defied the British Empire In this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts explore the captivating story of Queen Nanny of the Maroons. Set against the backdrop of early 18th century Jamaica, Nanny led the Windward Maroons in a prolonged and successful resistance against British colonial forces. Known for her strategic brilliance, spiritual guidance, and unique use of guerrilla warfare, Nanny's legacy as a symbol of resistance and empowerment endures to this day. The episode delves into the complexities of her leadership, the eventual treaty with the British, and her lasting impact on Jamaican culture. Sources: Goodnight stories for rebel girls https://www.blackheroesfoundation.org/people/nanny-of-the-maroons/ https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/colonialism-and-resistance/queen-nanny-the-iconic-leader-of-the-maroons/ https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/maritime-history/nanny-maroons https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-africa-45680992 https://enslaved.org/fullStory/16-23-126814/ 00:00 Introduction and Apologies 00:44 Casual Catch-Up 01:56 A Journey to Jamaica 02:36 Historical Context of Jamaica 03:44 Nanny of the Maroons: The Legend Begins 08:34 The Maroon Communities 11:45 Nanny's Leadership and Strategy 15:41 Psychological Warfare and British Fear 19:06 Facing the Unknown: British Soldiers in the Jungle 20:05 The Power of Rumours and Spiritual Beliefs 21:47 Nanny's Strategic Brilliance in Guerrilla Warfare 23:53 The Unyielding Stronghold: Nanny Town 28:51 The Treaty and Its Complex Legacy 35:24 Nanny's Enduring Legacy and Recognition 40:08 Conclusion and Call to Action

    41 min
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About

Join us on "She Changed History," as we celebrate the unsung heroines who dared to challenge the status quo.This is the history you wish you had learnt in school.Every Tuesday, Vicky, Cara and Simon dive deep into the annals of history, unearthing the stories of incredible women who have been forgotten.From daring pirates to prolific inventors, we're uncovering the truth behind their remarkable journeys.Tune in every Tuesday, starting 19th November 2024

Information

  • Creator
    Cara Gardner, Simon Hurley and Vicky Payne
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cara Gardner, Simon Hurley and Vicky Payne
  • Show Website
    She Changed History