Agrippina the Younger lived a dramatic and dangerous life as the sister of an emperor, the wife and niece of another, and mother of a third in ancient Rome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we were researching Mary Lincoln we both admired her friend, Elizabeth Keckly, so much that we knew that had to talk about her. She was born a slave, eventually bought her freedom and built a very successful business (twice) all before she, too, realized her own White House dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the musical Hamilton opened on Broadway, we've been getting a lot of requests to cover the Schuyler sisters, Angelica, Eliza and Peggy. (You sang that, right?) But we couldn't make it work because there wasn't enough material available to us to fill a whole show in the way we would want to...so we met someone who could:.Author Amanda Vaill.Amanda has written several award winning biographies, scripts, articles and...be still our hearts...has been contracted to write a biography on the two most famous Schuyler sisters, Angelica and Eliza. She's begun her research and graciously agreed to talk with us and dish Schuyler. We talk about the three sisters, the family that they came from, the families that they created, the rumors that surrounded them...basically who lived, who died and with Amanda's help, we get to tell their story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our last episode we talked about Mary's childhood, education and life as the wife of Abraham Lincoln. She was described as, "amiable, accomplished, gracious and a sparkling talker," by members of the Republican Party before she got to Washington...so what happened afterward that left her without this glowing impression? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Todd Lincoln's life can't be defined by who she married and her husband's legacy--she was a lot more than simply a southern born wife of a president. Actually, she wasn't simple at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Madam C.J. Walker solved one of her own personal problems, she also created an opportunity to leave behind a life as a laundress for one as a successful businesswoman, philanthropist and civil rights activists and she was able to take thousands of women with her. Alaia Williams from the 18 to 49 Podcast graciously fills in as guest co-host with Beckett to talk about the life of this trailblazing role model who began to change her fate by changing the condition of her hair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you serve Dorothy Parker for dinner? What are your favorite things from pop culture? When will you cover the Schuyler Sisters? Listeners' burning questions, answered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zelda Fitzgerald - the original Manic Pixie Dream Girl, muse of F. Scott, has been remembered as a trophy, a fashion icon, a mental patient, an author, and an artist. This unique woman lived a complex life that defies simple labels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We cannot get enough Beatrix Potter! Here is our coverage of the 2006 movie "Miss Potter," starring Renee Zellweger in the title role.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though she's chiefly known for her charming illustrations, Beatrix Potter was more than an artist and author; she was a scientist, conservationist, and a philanthropist who used her talent to better the world.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices