PLAY PODCASTS
Unsung Heroines: The Hidden Histories of LA Women

Unsung Heroines: The Hidden Histories of LA Women

Unsung Heroines: A Podcast for the Hidden Histori…

The Ebell of Los Angeles · Unsung Heroines: The Hidden Histories of LA Women

19 episodesEN

Show overview

Unsung Heroines: The Hidden Histories of LA Women has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 19 episodes. That works out to roughly 7 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence.

Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 12 min and 29 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 4 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 14 episodes published.

Episodes
19
Running
2024–2026 · 2y
Median length
14 min
Cadence
Monthly

From the publisher

Unsung Heroines: A Podcast for the Hidden Histories of LA Women, uncovers the untold stories of the trailblazing women who shaped Los Angeles into the dynamic city it is today. Each episode dives deep into their groundbreaking contributions to activism, art, and community-building, illuminating how their courage and vision transformed the cultural and social fabric of LA. Through captivating interviews and vivid historical accounts, Unsung Heroines brings these hidden legacies to life—ensuring these remarkable women are celebrated and their influence is never forgotten. Discover the vibrant history of LA through the voices and actions of its unsung heroines.

Latest Episodes

The Women of the YWCA and Hotel Fig with Lindsay Stidham

Sep 3, 202611 min

Built to Last - Women’s Civic Vision in LA

Aug 20, 202645 min

The Bold Voice of Corita Kent–Art, Activism, and Print Power, with Nellie Scott of the Corita Art Center

In this episode, recorded live during Ebell's Distinguished Voices series, Nellie Scott, Executive Director of the Corita ArtCenter, takes a deep dive into Corita's iconic heroes and sheroes series (1968–69), created during one of America's most turbulent chapters. Through these electrifying screenprints, Corita paid tribute to figures of courage and conscience—while challenging all of us to see the world with more compassion, curiosity, and care. ‍Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or someone seeking inspiration—this episode promises fresh discoveries about an artist whose revolutionary spirit transformed both art and activism.

Feb 10, 202636 min

Senator Susan Rubio : Justice, Journey and Leadership

In this episode, recorded live during Ebell's Distinguished Voices series, State Senator Susan Rubio, representing the 22nd district, shares her inspiring journey from public school teacher to groundbreaking state legislator. As the first Latina Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee and a tireless advocate for vulnerable communities, Senator Rubio discusses her path into public service and the issues that drive her work today—from her internationally recognized domestic violence legislation to her passionate fight against human trafficking. ‍ Drawing from her experience as both a survivor and advocate, Senator Rubio offers a unique perspective on creating meaningful change and protecting those who need it most.

Jan 27, 202633 min

Envisioning a Community- Bessie Bruington and the Shaping of Black Middle-Class Womanhood in Los Angeles withKimberly Nao, PhD

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Nov 18, 202512 min

Lana Clarke Phelan- The First Abortion Rights Activist in Los Angeles with Karen Weingarten

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Nov 11, 202512 min

Nourishment for the Soul- Sister Alice Marie Quinn and St. Vincent Meals on Wheels with Kristine Gunnell, PhD

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Nov 4, 202511 min

“Yetta Stromberg in ‘the land of orange groves and jails’” with Judy Branfman

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Aug 28, 202511 min

Early Women Aviators & the First Women’s Air Derby of 1929 with Victoria Bernal

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Jul 31, 202513 min

"Visionary Leader, Modernist Matriarch: The Life of Jean Roth Driskel" with Heather Goers

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Jun 5, 202511 min

“Shining Stars of the Ebell” with Sloan De Forest and Sarah Clothier (American Film Institute)

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

May 15, 202521 min

"Frescoes Uncovered" with Meredith Drake Reitan, Monica Jovanovich and Kiernan Graves

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

May 2, 202528 min

Every Shero Needs A Sidekick

Listen in as historic preservationist Jenna Snow introduces us to Ms. Florence Schmidt, who along with her sister Mary Louise, influenced residential housing construction in Los Angeles for decades. As we listen in on stories from Florence’s diary from 1935, we get an insight on how the two sisters, limited in their opportunities by their gender, ran several successful businesses and carved space for themselves on the margins of a male-dominated industry. While Mary Louise Schmidt was the innovator behind their endeavors, Florence was the implementor.

Mar 24, 202513 min

"Objectified" Part 2- Extraordinary Tales from Ordinary Objects at The Ebell‍

What can a cape, a drawing, and a fountain reveal about Los Angeles and the women who shaped its history? Listen-in as Ebell scholar-in-residence, Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan, shares her insights and discusses the upcoming "Objectified" video series, showcasing how seemingly ordinary items can illuminate extraordinary stories. Discover how these preserved pieces serve as powerful windows into the past, celebrating the resilience and creativity of women in Los Angeles.

Mar 16, 202513 min

"Objectified" Part 1 - Extraordinary Tales from Ordinary Objects at The Ebell‍

What can a cape, a drawing, and a fountain reveal about Los Angeles and the women who shaped its history? Listen-in as Ebell scholar-in-residence, Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan, shares her insights and discusses the upcoming "Objectified" video series, showcasing how seemingly ordinary items can illuminate extraordinary stories. Discover how these preserved pieces serve as powerful windows into the past, celebrating the resilience and creativity of women in Los Angeles.

Mar 10, 202521 min

Out of Oblivion: The Women of Early 20th Century Los Angeles Dance

In this talk, titled Out of Oblivion: The Women of Early 20th Century Los Angeles Dance, Dr. Alison D’Amato, a researcher, choreographer, and performer, guides us the history of women’s dance in Los Angeles, and those who shaped the scene as we know it.

Mar 3, 202511 min

The Women Who Built Hollywood - Hosted by the American Film Institute

The Women Who Built Hollywood - Hosted by the American Film Institute by The Ebell of Los Angeles

Feb 16, 202544 min

Creating the Culture of Los Angeles

Listen in as Dr. Andrea Thabet leads us through a story on Sheroes and Anti-Sheroes and tells us about Dorothy Chandler, Grace Simons and the Remaking of Postwar Los Angeles.

Jan 13, 202517 min

Conversation with Lisa See and Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan

Renowned author Lisa See speaks with the Ebell Scholar in Residence Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan on women’s experience and history expressed through collections and artifacts.

Dec 14, 202430 min
All rights reserved