Joan Smith
Journalist and author of 'Unfortunately, She Was a Nymphomaniac: A New History of Rome's Imperial Women'. She has spent a lot of her life as a journalist writing about violence against women and girls and also working with the Mayor of London.
Best podcasts with Joan Smith
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15 snips
May 20, 2025 • 37min
Were Roman women done dirty by modern translations?
Joan Smith, a journalist and author of 'Unfortunately, She Was a Nymphomaniac: A New History of Rome's Imperial Women', delves into the portrayal of women in ancient Rome. She discusses how misogyny and mistranslation have created flawed narratives around powerful figures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, notably the misunderstood Livia. Smith also highlights the harsher realities of women’s lives, exposing societal constraints that challenged notions of empowerment. This thought-provoking conversation connects historical misrepresentation to contemporary issues surrounding women's rights.
Dec 13, 2024 • 20min
In Defence of Julia the Elder
Joan Smith, an English journalist and author with a keen focus on ancient Roman history, dives deep into the lives of women from Rome’s Julio-Claudian dynasty. She addresses the enduring propaganda against figures like Julia, challenging the misogynistic narratives that have distorted their legacies. Smith draws compelling parallels between ancient stories and contemporary gender issues, revealing how women's roles were shaped by political ambition and societal control. Her insights invite listeners to rethink history’s treatment of women.
