The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Episode: TDS Time Machine | Best of Hist-HER-y
Release Date: March 8, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Desi Lydic takes listeners on a comedic yet insightful journey through various facets of women's history. From the evolution of female portrayals in media to the often-overlooked contributions of women in military history, the episode delves deep into topics that blend humor with educational content. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.

1. Evolution of Female Orgasm Portrayals in Media

Timestamp: 00:40 - 07:02

Desi Lydic opens the episode by celebrating Women's History Month, focusing specifically on the depiction of female orgasms in film and television. She traces the representation from early cinema to modern times, highlighting how these portrayals have mirrored societal attitudes towards female pleasure.

• Early Representations:

  • "Ecstasy" (1933): Lydic references Hedy Lamarr's groundbreaking but controversial portrayal of a female orgasm, noting the backlash from figures like Hitler and the Pope.
    • Quote: "Without her, no one would be orgasming because we wouldn't be able to watch porn on our cell phones in the bathroom." (01:50)

• Impact of the Hays Code:

  • The enforcement of the Hays Code in the late 1930s drastically reduced the on-screen depiction of female pleasure, relegating it to male fantasies when it reemerged in the late 1960s.

• Modern Portrayals:

  • "When Harry Met Sally" (1989): The iconic scene where Meg Ryan fakes an orgasm serves as a pivotal moment that brought the performative nature of female pleasure into mainstream conversation.
    • Quote: "This scene was groundbreaking for a few reasons..." (04:12)
  • "Bridgerton": Lydic praises the series for its authentic representation of female orgasms, crediting it with reshaping contemporary perceptions and depictions of women's pleasure.
    • Quote: "It's a show about 19th-century British society taking care of their little women." (05:22)

Insights:

• The portrayal of female orgasms has evolved from being taboo to becoming a normalized aspect of storytelling, though not without ongoing challenges.
• Modern media is beginning to adopt the "female gaze," leading to more authentic and respectful representations of women's sexuality.

2. Women in Military History

Timestamp: 07:02 - 11:48

Lydic shifts focus to the often underrepresented history of women in the U.S. military, highlighting their contributions from the Revolutionary War to World War II.

• Early Pioneers:

  • Deborah Sampson (Revolutionary War): The first known woman to enlist, posing as a man to fight and leading a successful raid that captured 15 men.
    • Quote: "She kicked ass. She led a raid that captured 15 men." (07:45)
  • Melinda Blaylock (Civil War): Served the Confederacy while secretly sympathizing with the Union, ultimately aiding the Union's victory.
    • Quote: "After Blaylock was discharged for the crime of having a vagina..." (07:47)

• World Wars:

  • Ofa Mae Johnson (World War I): The first woman to join the U.S. Marine Corps, part of the Marinettes, who paved the way for future female service members.
    • Quote: "They came to be known as the Marinettes. Although Marine officials distance themselves from that nickname." (08:59)
  • WASPs (World War II): Women Air Force Service Pilots who filled the pilot shortage, contributing significantly to the war effort.
    • Quote: "They were stepping up during the war to do jobs previously reserved for men." (09:02)
  • Charity Adams Earley: The first African American female army officer, leading the 1st Battalion of Black women overseas and contributing to critical war efforts.
    • Quote: "She was eventually promoted to lieutenant colonel..." (09:30)
  • Virginia Hall: A pivotal spy with a peg leg, renowned as the "Limping Lady of Lyon," who orchestrated major resistance efforts against the Nazis.
    • Quote: "Hall was truly a master of espionage, like James Bond, without all the pouting and STDs." (10:55)

Challenges Faced:

• Women veterans have historically been denied benefits and recognition, with official veteran status for women not achieved until the late 1970s.
  • Quote: "The war didn't even get veteran status until the late 70s, which is so messed up." (10:57)

Conclusion:

• The episode honors the resilience and bravery of women who served, emphasizing their critical role in shaping military history and influencing future generations of female service members.

3. The Cultural History of Bras

Timestamp: 11:48 - 17:14

Desi Lydic delves into the intricate history of bras, exploring their evolution from restrictive undergarments to symbols of liberation and fashion.

• Early Developments:

  • Middle Ages: Women wore fabric bags over their breasts, prioritizing practicality over fashion.
    • Quote: "These ladies didn't have time for cute underwear. It was the 1300s." (12:02)
  • Erminie Cadal (Late 19th Century): Designed the first modern bra by modifying a corset, allowing greater freedom and comfort.
    • Quote: "Erminie Cadal had designed the first modern bra... on Euphoria, it gave women more freedom." (13:11)

• Bra Innovations:

  • Caress Crosby (1914): Invented a comfortable bra using handkerchiefs and ribbon, which gained popularity at debutante balls.
    • Quote: "She made one herself out of two handkerchiefs tied together with a ribbon." (13:16)

• 1950s Boom:

  • Bras became integral to fashion, with styles featuring underwires and padding inspired by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe.
    • Quote: "Bras became an intrinsic part of fashion, with underwires and padding allowing women to emulate the stars of the era." (14:00)

• Feminist Movements and Decline:

  • The late 1960s saw a shift with the feminist movement advocating for going braless as a statement of liberation.
    • Quote: "Going braless became a fashion statement. Boobs were free to hang and move around." (15:32)
  • Bra Burning Myth: While often depicted in protests, Lydic clarifies that bras were seldom actually burned, debunking a common misconception.
    • Quote: "They never actually set them on fire. That's just a myth." (15:34)

• Modern Era:

  • Contemporary bra designs prioritize comfort and variety, reflecting women's diverse needs and preferences.
    • Quote: "Bra designers are no longer telling women what they should be wearing. Instead, they're listening to what women want to wear." (16:01)

Insights:

• The evolution of bras mirrors broader societal changes regarding women's autonomy, fashion, and comfort.
• Modern innovations continue to challenge traditional norms, offering women more choices and freedom of expression.

4. Historical Perspectives on Childbirth

Timestamp: 17:14 - 22:09

In a candid and humorous examination of childbirth practices, Lydic discusses the historical control men have exerted over women's birthing experiences and the ongoing struggles for women's autonomy in this deeply personal aspect of their lives.

• Ancient Misconceptions:

  • Plato's Theory: Plato erroneously believed the womb could wander the body, a notion that endured in male-dominated medical fields for centuries.
    • Quote: "He thought the womb could literally wander around the body like one of those DVD screensavers." (17:46)

• Historical Obstacles:

  • Male Aversion: Men historically avoided witnessing childbirth, leading to dangerous and uninformed medical practices.
    • Quote: "Male doctors refused to even watch a woman give birth. They avoided the delivery room like it was an idea." (18:07)
  • Punitive Measures: Women who sought better childbirth conditions or pain relief often faced severe punishments, including being burned at the stake.
    • Quote: "In 1591, a woman from Edinburgh... she was burned at the stake for it." (19:50)

• Modern Advancements:

  • Pain Relief Acceptance: Queen Victoria's use of chloroform popularized pain relief during childbirth, though resistance persisted.
    • Quote: "Thanks to Queen Victoria, drugging women during childbirth became much more acceptable." (20:33)
  • Ongoing Challenges: Despite progress, women still encounter systemic issues in childbirth, including non-consensual medical procedures and lack of supportive care.
    • Quote: "There are OBGYNs who refuse to work with a doula... and unnecessary C-sections being pushed on women." (21:30)

Conclusion:

• The segment underscores the importance of women reclaiming control over their childbirth experiences, advocating for informed consent and prioritizing women's needs and preferences in medical settings.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Desi Lydic combines sharp wit with thorough research to shed light on often overlooked aspects of women's history. By intertwining humor with factual storytelling, she not only entertains but also educates listeners on the strides made and the challenges that persist in the ongoing journey toward gender equality.

Key Takeaways:

• Representation Matters: Accurate and respectful portrayals of women in media can influence societal attitudes and empower viewers.
• Recognition of Contributions: Acknowledging women's roles in history, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the past.
• Autonomy and Choice: Whether in fashion or childbirth, empowering women to make choices about their bodies and lives is fundamental to progress.

The Daily Show: Ears Edition successfully navigates complex topics with humor and insight, making history accessible and relatable to its audience.