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.