Susan Vollenweider

Where any resemblance to a boring history class is purely coincidental.”  The History Chicks

“The History Chicks” can refer to either the two women who started these podcasts, Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider, or to the women in history they highlight with each episode.

Started in January, 2011, these podcasts are biographical sketches of fictional or actual women in history.  The reporting style is upbeat and chatty.  Ms. Graham and Ms. Vollenweider report together and appear to have a lot of fun in the process!  They have great senses of humor and take nothing too seriously. This is a great way to learn history! To date there have been 34 podcasts.  Listening to them is like having a friend regale you with her favorite story.

Each podcast begins with a 30 second summary of their subject. If you aren’t familiar with the subject, this allows you to decide if she sounds interesting.  After the summary they place the subject in her place in history, reminding you of what was happening in the world at the time.

If reading notes before or after you listen to the podcast is helpful to you, there are interesting “Shownotes” on the home page for each podcast with photographs and links to references.

These podcasts are fun to listen to while you are walking, cooking or driving.  They are highly entertaining, and, hey, you’re learning good stuff! You can intrigue people with new ideas at your next dinner party.

The History Chicks are happy to take suggestions of women you think they should feature.

http://thehistorychicks.com/

We’re big fans of podcasts and audiobooks and have more articles you’ll like. See Podcasts You Might Like Part 1 and Small Sound Bites of History for more great resources and ideas. Can’t decide on one? TED, the Technology, Entertainment and Design talks are varied and well done.

This article has been updated for accuracy, October 2016.