Episodes

  • Katherine Johnson
    Jul 18 2024
    In this episode of "Women of War," we delve into the extraordinary life of Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician whose brilliance and determination helped propel the United States to new heights during the Space Race. Born in 1918 in segregated West Virginia, Johnson overcame immense racial and gender barriers to join NASA's ranks, where her unparalleled skills in mathematics were crucial to the success of historic missions like John Glenn's orbital flight and the Apollo moon landings. Join us as we explore her journey from a prodigious young girl to a trailblazer in aerospace, highlighting her significant contributions and enduring legacy in science and civil rights.
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    13 mins
  • Mary W. Jackson
    Jul 4 2024
    In this compelling episode of the "Women of War" podcast, we delve into the inspiring life and groundbreaking achievements of Mary Jackson, NASA's first black female engineer. Join us as we explore how Jackson's pioneering work in aerodynamics and supersonic flight not only advanced the field of aerospace engineering but also had profound implications for military aviation. We'll uncover the challenges she faced in the segregated South, her relentless pursuit of education, and her pivotal role at NASA's Langley Research Center. Learn how her expertise in boundary layer effects and wind tunnel testing contributed to the development of faster, more efficient military aircraft. Through interviews with historians and aerospace experts, we celebrate Jackson's enduring legacy and her contributions to creating a more inclusive environment in STEM fields. Tune in to discover how Mary Jackson's story continues to inspire new generations of engineers and innovators, both in military and civilian aerospace sectors. Join us for an episode that honors a true trailblazer whose work helped shape the future of aviation and whose impact resonates far beyond the boundaries of NASA.
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    12 mins
  • Behind this Summer’s episodes!
    Jun 27 2024
    Come with me on this journey and me explaining why I chose some of the episodes I did for this summer. I hope you enjoy.
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    6 mins
  • Mae C. Jemison
    Jun 20 2024
    In this episode of "Women of War," we spotlight Mae Carol Jemison, a trailblazing figure whose contributions to space exploration, medicine, and science education have left an indelible mark on history. Born in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Chicago, Mae Jemison's journey from a young girl with a love for science to becoming the first African-American woman in space is a story of perseverance, intelligence, and breaking barriers. Jemison's illustrious career began with her education at Stanford University, where she earned degrees in Chemical Engineering and African and African-American Studies. She then pursued a medical degree at Cornell University Medical College, followed by impactful work as a Peace Corps medical officer in West Africa. Her diverse experiences culminated in her historic spaceflight aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, where she conducted critical scientific experiments. Beyond her NASA achievements, Jemison has dedicated her life to advocating for diversity in STEM fields, founding technology consulting firms, and establishing the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence. Her initiatives, such as The Earth We Share science camp, inspire young minds worldwide. Join us as we delve into the life of Mae C. Jemison, exploring her contributions to science, her role as an educator and advocate, and her enduring legacy as a pioneer who continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
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    11 mins
  • Hedy Lamarr - The Ingenious Beauty
    Jun 13 2024
    In this episode of "Woman of War," we delve into the fascinating life of Hedy Lamarr, a Hollywood icon and technological pioneer. Known for her stunning beauty and captivating screen presence, Lamarr was much more than a glamorous actress. During World War II, she co-invented a revolutionary frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, aiming to secure Allied communications against enemy interference. Join us as we explore Hedy Lamarr’s dual legacy: her rise to fame in the golden age of Hollywood and her groundbreaking contributions to modern communication technologies. We'll discuss her early life in Austria, her escape from an oppressive marriage, her ascent to stardom, and the ingenious mind behind her most significant invention. Discover how Lamarr's invention laid the groundwork for today's wireless communications and why her scientific achievements were overshadowed for so long. Tune in to learn about the woman who defied stereotypes, merging the worlds of glamour and innovation in a remarkable tale of resilience and ingenuity.
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    9 mins
  • Edith Clarke
    Jun 6 2024
    In this episode of "Women of War," we delve into the remarkable life and career of Edith Clarke, a pioneering electrical engineer whose innovations played a crucial role in advancing military technology and infrastructure. Born in 1883, Clarke broke barriers as the first woman to earn an electrical engineering degree from MIT and later became a key figure at General Electric. During World War I, she served as a "human computer" for the U.S. Army Signal Corps, performing complex calculations vital for wartime communication systems. Her groundbreaking development of the Clarke Calculator revolutionized power transmission, ensuring reliable electricity for military installations. Join us as we explore how Clarke's intellect, perseverance, and engineering genius helped shape the modern world and contributed significantly to military technology.
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    14 mins
  • Lillian Gilbreth
    May 30 2024
    In this episode of The Women of War we dive into the life and legacy of Lillian Moller Gilbreth, a trailblazing psychologist, industrial engineer, and management consultant whose work revolutionized the study of human efficiency. Join us as we explore how Lillian, pioneered time and motion studies that transformed both industrial practices and home economics. From her groundbreaking research in ergonomics to her advocacy for the human side of management, Lillian's contributions have left an indelible mark on various fields. We'll also discuss her remarkable journey as a woman in a male-dominated industry and how her insights continue to shape our understanding of workplace efficiency and human resource management today. Tune in to learn about the life of this extraordinary innovator whose influence reaches far beyond the factory floor.
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    19 mins
  • Mileva Marić
    May 23 2024
    In this episode, we dive into the remarkable life of Mileva Marić, a brilliant physicist and mathematician who played a crucial yet often overlooked role in the early development of modern physics. Best known for her marriage to Albert Einstein, Marić was a trailblazer in her own right, overcoming significant societal and personal challenges to pursue her passion for science. Join us as we explore Marić's journey from her early education in Serbia to her groundbreaking studies at the Zurich Polytechnic, where she met Einstein. We unravel the complexities of their partnership, examining the extent of her contributions to Einstein's early work and theories. Through personal letters, historical documents, and expert interviews, we aim to shed light on Marić's intellectual legacy and the broader context of women's contributions to science in the early 20th century.
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    12 mins