Podcast
The Homance Chronicles
Hosted by Nicole Bonneville and Sarah Ando · EN
Welcome to "The Homance Chronicles" podcast, where we celebrate women's history in the most captivating way – by sharing stories about incredible women we should all know but often don't.
Join us for our weekly series, "Hoes of History," where Nicole and Sarah discover the untold stories of women who defied expectations, shattered barriers, and paved the way for future generations.
BUT… if you start from episode 1, get ready for a surprise. This podcast isn't just about historical heroines. It's also a space for women to not be ashamed of their dating disasters, sex fails, and overall poor choices.
If you're into hearing lighthearted and mildly embarrassing hookup stories that might make you cringe and laugh simultaneously -- then you'll want to start from the beginning. There's a sprinkling of finding self-worth, personal growth, and coaching along the way too.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 377: Hoes of History: Cherie DeVaux
2w ago00:53:51Tap to summarizeCherie DeVaux is the trailblazing horse trainer who made history as the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby as a trainer. From her childhood roots and passion for horses to breaking into the male-dominated world of thoroughbred racing, Cherie's journey is one of resilience, grit, and determination. We explore the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including her early years in harness racing, the sacrifices she made to build a career in elite horse racing, and the challenges she faced as a woman working her way through one of sports' toughest industries. The episode also highlights the personal side of Cherie's story — her family life, mentorships, and the defining experiences that led her to the sport's biggest stage. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 376: Hoes of History: Cora Reynolds Anderson
3w ago00:55:30Tap to summarizeCora Reynolds Anderson was a quiet trailblazer whose legacy reshaped Michigan's political landscape, even if her name isn't widely known today. Born in 1882 in Baraga County, she was of Ojibwe descent and grew up deeply connected to her community and culture at a time when Native voices were largely excluded from public life. That didn't stop her from stepping into history. In 1924, Cora became the first Native American woman elected to a state legislature in the United States, serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. Long before Native Americans were granted full citizenship rights nationwide, she used her position to advocate for her community, championing issues like public health, education, and the welfare of Indigenous people. She worked to address the tuberculosis crisis affecting Native populations and pushed for better resources and representation, all while navigating a political system that wasn't built for her voice. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 375: Hoes of History: Sally Horner
Apr 1601:03:59Tap to summarizeIn 1948, a quiet 11-year-old girl from New Jersey made a small mistake that would change her life forever. What followed was not just a crime—it was a prolonged nightmare that exposed the vulnerabilities of children in plain sight. We uncover the haunting story of Sally Horner, a young girl abducted by a man posing as a figure of authority, who manipulated fear and trust to keep her captive for nearly two years. As we trace Sally's journey across state lines, we explore how she survived, the moments she nearly escaped, and the resilience she showed under unimaginable circumstances. But Sally's story doesn't end with her rescue. We also examine the aftermath—how her life was shaped by trauma, how the media portrayed her, and the ways her story has been referenced (and sometimes misunderstood) in popular culture. This is not just a story about a crime—it's about a system that failed, a child who endured, and a history that deserves to be remembered with care and clarity. Listener discretion is advised.
Transcribe →Episode 374: Hoes of History: Pearl de Vere
Apr 201:02:36Tap to summarizePearl de Vere was more than the most famous madam in Cripple Creek, Colorado—she was a woman who built power, mystery, and independence in a world that offered women very little of it. We step into the glittering, gritty world of the late 1800s American West to uncover the life of Pearl de Vere, the enigmatic owner of the luxurious Old Homestead House. Known for her beauty, intelligence, and strict rules, Pearl ran one of the most refined brothels in the region—where wealthy miners and elite visitors paid top dollar not just for companionship, but for an experience wrapped in elegance and secrecy. But Pearl's story is more than velvet curtains and whispered deals. It's a story of reinvention. Of a woman who may have fled a troubled past—possibly leaving behind a husband and child—to create a new identity on her own terms. At a time when women were expected to be silent and subservient, Pearl carved out authority, wealth, and influence in one of the most unlikely places. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 373: Hoes of History: Victoria MacKenzie-Childs
Mar 1900:51:19Tap to summarizeVictoria MacKenzie-Childs was the visionary behind the iconic MacKenzie-Childs brand. From her early creative pursuits to co-founding a company known for its bold patterns, hand-painted ceramics, and unmistakable aesthetic, Victoria's journey was anything but conventional. Alongside her husband, Richard MacKenzie-Childs, she built a design empire rooted in artistry and storytelling—one that would become synonymous with eclectic luxury. But behind the enchanting designs was a more complicated story. We dive into the couple's unique lifestyle, including their time living aboard a ferry docked near Ellis Island, and examine the challenges that followed as their business faced financial strain, ultimately leading to bankruptcy and their departure from the company they created. Her creative spirit continues to influence design lovers and collectors around the world. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 372: Hoes of History: Lucy Hobbs Taylor
Mar 1200:51:04Tap to summarizeLucy Hobbs Taylor broke barriers in dentistry and paved the way for generations of women in healthcare. In the mid-1800s, women were largely shut out of professional careers—but Lucy Hobbs Taylor refused to accept that reality. Born in Constable, New York in 1833, Lucy began her career as a teacher before becoming determined to study dentistry. When dental schools repeatedly denied her admission because she was a woman, she trained through apprenticeship and began practicing anyway. Her persistence eventually paid off when the Ohio College of Dental Surgery admitted her, and in 1866 she became the first woman in the world to earn a dental degree. Despite resistance from male colleagues and professional societies, Lucy built a successful career and helped open the door for women to enter the field. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 371: Hoes of History: G.G. Santiago and Muriel Fahrion
Mar 501:08:57Tap to summarizeStep into the colorful, creative world behind one of the most iconic children's brands of the 1980s in this vibrant episode exploring the lives of G.G. Santiago and Muriel Fahrion. Before there was a global franchise, there was an idea—sparked by imagination, persistence, and a desire to bring more light into the world. G.G. Santiago dreamed up a little girl who would make the world brighter, a concept that would become Rainbow Brite. Her vision of color, hope, and emotional storytelling became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with a generation of children and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. Muriel Fahrion's journey began in the art department at American Greetings, where she illustrated a simple greeting card character that would blossom into Strawberry Shortcake—complete with dolls, cartoons, and an entire universe of sweet, fruit-themed friends. Her work helped define the look and feel of 1980s girlhood, blending whimsy with warmth. It was at American Greetings that G.G. and Muriel first met—two creative women working inside a corporate system that would shape the future of children's entertainment. What began as a professional connection grew into a deep friendship, and they remained best friends for years, supporting one another as their creations grew into global franchises. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 370: Hoes of History: Black Women Who Made Winter Olympic History
Feb 2700:51:51Tap to summarizeIn this empowering episode, we spotlight the Black women who have reshaped the narrative of winter sport and etched their names into Olympic history. From trailblazers in figure skating to champions on the ice track, their stories span decades of perseverance, excellence, and barrier-breaking achievement. We start with Debi Thomas, who in 1988 became the first Black American woman to win a medal at the Winter Olympics, taking home bronze in figure skating — a milestone that opened doors in a sport long dominated by others. Next, we celebrate Vonetta Flowers, whose gold medal in 2002 not only made her the first Black woman from any country to win Olympic gold at the Winter Games, but also paved the way for future generations of athletes in sliding sports. We then feature Erin Jackson, who, in 2022, made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics in the 500 m long-track speed skating event — a defining personal and cultural moment for the sport. The episode also honors Elana Meyers Taylor, one of the most decorated athletes in Winter Olympic history. Her multi-medal career, capped by gold in 2026, has set records and inspired a new generation of Black athletes to take on winter competition. And finally, we highlight a historic team achievement from 2026: Laila Edwards became the first Black American woman to win Olympic gold in ice hockey, a testament to how far Black female athletes have come — and how far they continue to push the boundaries of possibility. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 369: Hoes of History: Toni Morrison
Feb 1901:00:04Tap to summarizeBorn Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, Toni Morrison rose from a working-class Midwestern childhood to become one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century. From her early days studying at Howard and Cornell to her trailblazing career as an editor at Random House—where she championed African American writers—Toni's path was as powerful as the stories she told. We dive into the emotional depth and historical weight of novels like Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon, examining how Toni centered Afrian American interior lives with lyricism, honesty, and unflinching truth. In 1993, she became the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, cementing her place in global literary history. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Episode 368: Hoes of History: Henrietta Lacks
Feb 1201:00:59Tap to summarizeHenrietta Lacks is the woman behind one of the most important medical breakthroughs in modern history. In 1951, a young Black mother of five sought treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Without her knowledge or consent, doctors took samples of her cancer cells. Those cells—later known as HeLa cells—became the first human cells to survive and reproduce indefinitely in a lab. They went on to revolutionize science, contributing to the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, IVF, gene mapping, and countless medical advancements that have saved millions of lives. But while Henrietta's cells changed the world, her family remained in the dark for decades—unaware that a part of her was still alive in laboratories across the globe. This episode examines not only Henrietta's life and legacy, but the complex ethical questions her story raises about consent, race, medical exploitation, and who benefits from scientific progress. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com
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