The Daily Show: Ears Edition - "TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month" Summary

Release Date: March 1, 2025
Host: Trevor Noah, with contributions from Desi Lydic and Dulce Sloan
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

Introduction

In the "TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month" episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Trevor Noah, along with senior gender issues correspondent Desi Lydic and guest Dulce Sloan, delves into the multifaceted contributions of women throughout history. Celebrating Women's History Month, the trio explores both the celebrated and often overlooked roles women have played, weaving humor with insightful commentary to highlight the complexities of gender dynamics in historical and contemporary contexts.

Unveiling Overlooked Women in History

The episode opens with Desi Lydic emphasizing the importance of recognizing women who have significantly impacted history but remain underappreciated.

Desi Lydic [00:34]: "During this month, I like to celebrate the stories of impressive women that have been overlooked."

Lydic critiques the tendency to focus solely on women's positive contributions while neglecting those who may have played controversial or negative roles. She cites historical figures such as Peggy Shippen Arnold, who influenced her husband Benedict Arnold's betrayal during the American Revolution, underscoring how women's actions have shaped pivotal historical events.

Desi Lydic [00:53]: "Everyone pays attention to the women who did great things. But no one speaks about women who did bad things."

The discussion extends to Queen Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great, highlighting her ruthless pursuit of power which led to her husband’s assassination to secure her son's ascent to the throne.

Desi Lydic [01:47]: "Olympias inspired me to break into my son's school and destroy the other kids' science projects."

Women Behind Notorious Figures

Desi further explores the hidden influences of women associated with notorious men, such as Catherine Kelly, the wife of Machine Gun Kelly. She attributes her husband's infamy partly to Catherine's active role in his criminal endeavors.

Desi Lydic [02:51]: "Catherine Kelly... helped sell. She helped plan his kidnappings. She even gave him the gun he was named after."

This segment underscores the broader narrative of women's contributions to both commendable and nefarious aspects of history, challenging the often one-dimensional portrayal of female figures.

Celebrating Female Piracy and Resilience

Transitioning to more unconventional historical figures, Desi Lydic introduces listeners to Zheng Yi Sao, the most successful female pirate of all time. With a fleet of 1500 ships and 80,000 sailors, Zheng Yi Sao's strategic prowess and eventual transition to a legitimate businesswoman exemplify the resilience and adaptability of women leaders.

Desi Lydic [04:52]: "Zheng Yi Sao... took more pirate fortune than Johnny Depp's lawyers."

Her ability to negotiate amnesty and transform her life post-piracy is likened humorously to a "reverse Donald Trump," highlighting the unpredictable paths women have navigated throughout history.

Spotlight on Black Women's History

Dulce Sloan takes center stage to shed light on influential Black women who have shaped various facets of society. She introduces notable figures such as:

• Shirley Chisholm: The first Black woman to run for president for a major party in 1972 and a dedicated congresswoman representing Brooklyn.

  Dulce Sloan [16:45]: "Shirley Chisholm... chiseled her way into history by being the first black woman to run for president for a major party in 1972."

• Dr. Shirley Jackson: The first Black woman to earn a doctorate from MIT, instrumental in developing touch-tone phones, portable fax machines, and caller ID.

  Dulce Sloan [17:00]: "Dr. Shirley Jackson... she's the only reason long-distance relationships work."

• Missy Elliott: Renowned for her innovative contributions to music, proving that Black women can create hits with complex structures.

  Dulce Sloan [17:20]: "Missy Elliott for proving that black women can make a hit song while singing forwards and backwards."

• Kamala Harris: The first female Vice President and a prominent figure poised for future presidential aspirations.

  Dulce Sloan [17:50]: "Ms. Kamala Harris... the first female VP and one bad bike ride away from being president."

• Mae Jemison: The first Black woman in space, symbolizing groundbreaking achievements in STEM fields.

  Dulce Sloan [18:00]: "Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space in 1992."

• Lisa Leslie: A basketball legend who became the first woman to dunk in the NBA, challenging gender norms in sports.

  Dulce Sloan [18:10]: "Lisa Leslie, the first woman to dunk in the NBA... which is way more impressive."

Sloan's vibrant portrayal celebrates these women’s achievements while infusing humor to engage listeners.

Investigating the Pink Tax: Gender Price Discrimination

Desi Lydic shifts the conversation to a pressing contemporary issue: the Pink Tax, which refers to the higher prices often charged for products marketed towards women compared to identical or similar products for men. Through a comedic yet incisive investigation, she highlights the everyday economic disadvantages women face.

Desi Lydic [18:29]: "If you're a woman, just about everything costs you more than similar products marketed for men."

She conducts practical tests by comparing products such as razors and painkillers:

• Razors: Identical razors marketed in blue and pink were priced differently despite having no functional differences.

  Desi Lydic [18:35]: "Two razors. One blue, one pink. Otherwise identical."

• Painkillers: Comparing painkillers marketed for "lady cramps" versus generic versions revealed price discrepancies.

  Desi Lydic [19:46]: "Two painkillers, one marketed for lady cramps. Question is, which is more effective."

The investigation culminates in a critique of corporate marketing strategies that exploit gender differences for profit, emphasizing the systemic nature of such discrimination.

Legislative Efforts Against the Pink Tax

In a pivotal segment, Desi Lydic engages with Congresswoman Jackie Speier, a longstanding advocate against gender discrimination, to discuss legislative measures aimed at abolishing the Pink Tax.

Jackie Speier [20:17]: "Get rid of the gender tax. Women, on the average, pay $5 more for a haircut than does a man."

Speier introduces the Pink Tax Repeal Act, advocating for federal protection against gender-based price discrimination. The dialogue highlights the pervasive nature of the Pink Tax, affecting everything from personal care products to essential services like dry cleaning.

Jackie Speier [20:24]: "The pink tax is an insidious institution in America... women are still making 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man to do the same job."

Desi extends the conversation by illustrating the cumulative financial burden on women, likening it to everyday struggles and societal expectations.

Desi Lydic [21:04]: "Women literally have to pay more to breathe."

The exchange underscores the urgent need for collective action and legislative reform to address and eliminate gender-based economic disparities.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Desi Lydic and Jackie Speier advocate for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat the Pink Tax, encouraging women to voice their frustrations and demand equitable treatment. Trevor Noah concludes by reinforcing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating women's historical and ongoing contributions across all spheres.

Desi Lydic [23:24]: "Got it. Be outraged. Make our voices heard."

This episode effectively balances humor with critical social commentary, providing listeners with both entertainment and education on the significant yet often unrecognized roles women have played—and continue to play—in shaping history and modern society.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Recognition: Women's roles in both commendable and controversial historical events are often underrepresented.

• Black Women's Contributions: Highlighting influential Black women reveals the diverse and impactful roles they have played in various fields.

• Economic Disparities: The Pink Tax exemplifies ongoing gender-based economic discrimination, necessitating legislative action.

• Advocacy and Reform: Legislative efforts, such as the Pink Tax Repeal Act, are crucial in addressing systemic gender inequalities.

Notable Quotes:

• Desi Lydic [00:34]: "During this month, I like to celebrate the stories of impressive women that have been overlooked."

• Desi Lydic [02:51]: "Catherine Kelly... helped sell. She helped plan his kidnappings. She even gave him the gun he was named after."

• Dulce Sloan [17:00]: "Dr. Shirley Jackson... she's the only reason long-distance relationships work."

• Desi Lydic [18:35]: "Two razors. One blue, one pink. Otherwise identical."

• Jackie Speier [20:17]: "Get rid of the gender tax. Women, on the average, pay $5 more for a haircut than does a man."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "TDS Time Machine | Women's History Month" episode, providing a thorough overview for those who haven't listened while maintaining the engaging and informative essence of The Daily Show: Ears Edition.