No Ordinary Women

S2 E25: Hannelore Schmatz

In May 1973, after conquering Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain, Hannelore Schmatz and her husband set their sights on a new challenge—Mount Everest.
Tragically, exhaustion overcame Hannelore and American climber Ray Genet in the Death Zone. Despite sherpas advising them to press on, Genet chose to stay, leading to his death from hypothermia. Hannelore's descent continued but ended in her passing at 39, becoming the first woman and German to die on Everest.
Her lifeless body, eerily well-preserved, remained on Everest, known as the "German Woman." In 1984, an attempt to recover her body ended in more tragedy. Finally, a gust of wind sent her body over the Kangshung Face, lost forever.
Hannelore's story sheds light on the challenges of Everest, where fatigue, harsh conditions, and risky decisions can lead to tragedy. With over 200 bodies on the mountain, it serves as a stark warning to those daring to venture into the Death Zone.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://allthatsinteresting.com/hannelore-schmatz
https://www.tranquilkilimanjaro.com/about-hannelore-schmatz-the-first-german-and-first-woman-to-die-on-mount-everest/
https://thoughtnova.com/hannelore-schmatz-the-first-woman-to-die-on-everest-and-the-dead-bodies-on-mount-everest
http://www.mounteverest.net/expguide/permit.htm
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/climbing-mount-everest-1
https://www.businessinsider.com/dead-bodies-on-mount-everest-are-hard-to-get-down-2019-5
https://basecampmagazine.com/2020/01/18/requirements-climbing-mount-everest/
https://www.globaladventurechallenges.com/journal/mind-blowing-facts-about-mount-everest
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/12-extreme-facts-about-mount-everest/CAX46UUCXLFBWBUVKLK7RHTHHU/
 

S2 E24: Belva Lockwood

In an era when women faced societal restrictions in the legal field, Belva Lockwood emerged as a fearless advocate for justice and equality. Born in 1830, she overcame adversity to become the first woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court.
From a humble beginning in Royalton, New York, Belva lacked social status and riches. Widowed at 22 with a toddler, she fought for education and persuaded Genesee College to admit her. Despite societal norms, she became a prominent lawyer, challenging gender stereotypes.
Belva's vibrant household in downtown Washington became a legal hub. She fearlessly commuted on her bike, challenging societal norms. Her legal career saw notable cases, including being the first woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court in Kaiser v. Stickney.
In her 70s and 80s, Belva continued her legal career, advocating for peace and representing the Eastern Cherokee in a successful Supreme Court case. An advocate for women's suffrage, she marched for the cause until her passing in 1917 at 86.
Belva Lockwood's legacy lives on as a pioneer for women in law and politics.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/belva-lockwood/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belva_Ann_Lockwood
https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/belva-lockwood/
https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/women-on-stamps-part-1-political-firsts/belva-ann-lockwood
https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/spring/belva-lockwood-1
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2023/03/22/niagara-county-pioneer-belva-lockwood-first-to-shatter-glass-ceiling
https://nwculaw.edu/belva-ann-lockwood-biography
 PHOTOS:
https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/images/tps/images/116095cae06490f5c23.89344126.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT_fm02HfrLuqIXxbg4yjPX3-e4HoC3UJMoEg&usqp=CAU
https://i0.wp.com/nursingclio.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Belva-Lockwood-1915-LOC.jpg?ssl=1

S2 E23: Susan Kuhnhausen

In January 1988, Susan, an ER nurse, embarked on a journey to find love. Little did she know, her path would lead her through highs and lows, testing her strength and resilience.
After a whirlwind romance, Susan and Michael's marriage took a dark turn. Facing financial conflicts, anger issues, and strained relationships, Susan bravely confronted the challenges head-on. Her decision for a trial separation marked the beginning of a life-altering event.
Fast forward to September 6, 2006 – a night that would redefine Susan's strength. A brutal attack in her own home by a man named Ed Haffey, linked to a haunting past of conspiracy and murder. In a gripping 14-minute struggle, Susan fought for her life, emerging victorious against all odds.
The aftermath revealed a sinister plot involving her ex-husband, Michael, offering money for Susan's murder. The weight of the evidence led to Michael's conviction, yet he never acknowledged guilt until his passing.
Susan's resilience shines through as she took precautions against potential threats, sought justice through legal means, and became an advocate for crime victims. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure, overcome, and inspire.
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.wweek.com/news/2016/08/17/a-hit-man-came-to-kill-susan-kuhnhausen-she-survived-he-didnt/
https://www.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/03/woman_who_strangles_attacker_w.html
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2014/06/portlander_who_hired_hitman_to.html
https://original.newsbreak.com/@true-crime-mysteries-megan-1588233/2807116309578-man-sends-a-hitman-to-kill-his-wife-but-she-strangled-her-attacker
https://www.wweek.com/news/2016/08/17/a-hit-man-came-to-kill-susan-kuhnhausen-she-survived-he-didnt/
https://blurredbylines.com/articles/susan-kuhnhausen-walters-survivor-hitman-portland/

S2 E22: Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard

This week Lynn tells us about the haunting story of Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Growing up in the shadow of family disdain, it became clear that Dee Dee, was a master manipulator and an alleged criminal.
Dee Dee's journey into deception began when Gypsy was just three months old, with claims of sleep apnea. Her history of fraud and petty crimes extended to falsely diagnosing Gypsy with numerous illnesses, using her past as a nurse's aide to deceive doctors. With a deep understanding of medical terminology, she fabricated conditions and subjected Gypsy to surgeries, including the removal of salivary glands.
The illusion of Gypsy's illnesses persisted until her teenage years, as Dee Dee kept her out of school and continued to play the role of a devoted caregiver. The public, unaware of the deception, showered the Blanchard’s with sympathy and support.
Gypsy's escape attempts, including a secret online romance with Nicholas Godejohn, led to the shocking murder of Dee Dee. The truth unraveled, exposing Gypsy's years of abuse and unnecessary medical treatments. Gypsy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a 10-year sentence, while Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison. Recently released, Gypsy maintains remorse for her actions and seeks a fresh start, leaving behind the twisted legacy of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.aetv.com/tags/dee-dee-blanchard
https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/crime-history/5-disturbing-bizarre-facts-about-dee-dee-blanchard-gypsy-rose
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/who-is-nicholas-godejohn-what-to-know-about-the-man-who-killed-gypsy-rose-blanchards-mom/3313667/
https://www.oxygen.com/crime-news/the-gypsy-rose-blanchard-murder-case-everything-to-know
https://www.biography.com/crime/gypsy-rose-blanchard-mother-dee-dee-murder
Podcast: Mystery and Murder Analysis by Dr. Phil; Season 1, Episodes 1-5
PHOTOS:
https://people.com/thmb/odoqnFJdv9voqzZgqk_Yi-JWVIk=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(943x192:945x194):format(webp)/gypsy-rose-blancharde-1-4db9f6b24eaa4df6988ba3aa2a890c26.jpg
https://people.com/thmb/Lb60sqaK-15U3OjYOkmy9_CM1FE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(539x0:541x2):format(webp)/gypsy-rose-blanchard-010424-310bc9ef39c94de29ec77e2b6a9946b8.jpg
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/the-act-hulu-gypsy-rose-1553033713.jpg?crop=0.564xw:1.00xh;0.224xw,0&resize=1200:*
https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/12/27/USAT/72038494007-xxx-img-mommy-dead-and-deare-3-1-4-ric-0-t-9-m.JPG?width=660&height=372&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp
https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-560w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2023-12/231228-Gypsy-Rose-Blanchard-al-0757-01ff79-8fb05c.jpg 

S2 E21: Gloria Vanderbilt

This week Lynn tells us about the remarkable life of Gloria Vanderbilt. From a tumultuous childhood and Hollywood glamour to artistic pursuits and motherhood, her journey was as complex as it was fascinating. A socialite, artist, and designer, she defied expectations and embraced life on her own terms. Her legacy lives on through her son, Anderson Cooper, and her impact on art and fashion.
Thank you to our sources!!
Sources:
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a28067965/gloria-vanderbilt-children-family/ 
https://flashbackdallas.com/2019/06/19/gloria-vanderbilts-4-husbands-and-their-dallas-connections/
https://www.biography.com/celebrities/gloria-vanderbilt 
https://people.com/tv/who-is-gloria-vanderbilt-anderson-cooper-mom/ 
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gloria-Vanderbilt 
Photos:
Gloria as a baby:
https://people.com/thmb/uBChFxeZcExscgqQ4uCaPjgPOvw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)/gloria-vanderbilt-1-25c07c7e79f7476096b40749c4880db5.jpg
10 year old Gloria:
https://media.womanmagazine.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/b0aad93009b2b7565d439053c8b2ae2cd918c968-1285x1600-1-822x1024-1.png?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=88&webp=85&sharp=1&w=1920&ssl=1
1st Husband: https://people.com/thmb/PZv3eM9_7WgIQmNLBfDCt25IQLk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)/gloria-vanderbilt-3-d5d4aa65d2b940f2a17201edab1bdd8c.jpg
2nd Husband: https://flashbackdallas.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/stokowski_vanderbilt_1950_pinterest.jpg
3rd Husband:
https://flashbackdallas.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/lumet-sidney_vanderbilt_wedding_w-mag.jpg?w=274
4th Husband:
https://flashbackdallas.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/gloria-vanderbilt_wyatt-cooper_wikipedia_ebay-photo_101170.jpg?w=227
Gloria:
https://people.com/thmb/xzy_zMM0SGUHOUibrlcR2oUsIbs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2):format(webp)/gloria-vanderbilt-4-6fc5af139c9f44279461b69f7fc9289f.jpg
Gloria, Anderson & Carter:
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/swiss-born-socialite-gloria-vanderbilt-poses-with-her-two-news-photo-52694489-1560804606.jpg?crop=0.679xw:1.00xh;0.163xw,0&resize=1200:*
Gloria & Anderson:
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/journalist-anderson-cooper-and-artist-gloria-vanderbilt-news-photo-519146800-1560803670.jpg?resize=980:*

S2 E20: Lisa Nowak

This week Rose tells us about a crazy love triangle. From a delayed airport arrival to a chilling encounter in the dark, the night took a bizarre turn for Colleen Shipman. Unbeknownst to her, a stranger in disguise trailed her every move. What started as a peculiar observation escalated into a harrowing pursuit, leaving Colleen shaken. The twist? The pursuer was none other than Lisa Nowak, an astronaut entangled in a love triangle that led to a shocking incident at an Orlando parking lot.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.texasmonthly.com/true-crime/lust-in-space/
https://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/10/florida.astronaut.trial/

S2 E19: Alva Vanderbilt

This week Lynn tells us about a remarkable woman. Alva Erskine Smith, born on January 17, 1853, in Mobile, Alabama was the seventh of nine children and stood out as the only surviving girl among her siblings. From a young age, she exhibited a fiery spirit, unafraid to challenge societal norms.
Alva's upbringing in a wealthy family involved summers in Rhode Island, where she bonded with high-ranking socialites like Consuelo Yznaga. The aftermath of the Civil War prompted her family's move to England and later France, exposing Alva to diverse cultural experiences.
Known for her love of conflict, Alva confronted gender constraints, despising the limitations imposed on women. Her unconventional childhood included beating up boys who teased her and nearly taking a life over such taunts. Alva, described as "homely" in a world valuing beauty and wealth, defied expectations with her cunning and ambition.
Alva's marriage to Willie Vanderbilt faced challenges, marked by infidelity and a public divorce in 1895. Her revenge against Willie resulted in a temporary social exile. Undeterred, Alva orchestrated her daughter Consuelo's marriage to the Duke of Marlborough, a union built on financial considerations rather than love.
Alva’s journey, marked by highs and lows, reflects a relentless pursuit of justice and equality for women.   
Thank you to our sources!!
Sources:
https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/mansion/moments-in-vanderbilt-history/
https://www.npr.org/2006/02/01/5159494/consuelo-and-alva-an-early-story-of-celebrity
https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/alva-vanderbilt-belmont/
https://www.dontdiewondering.com/alva-vanderbilt-the-it-girl-of-the-gilded-age/
 
Photoshttps://epqkkxb65h3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/m-9853.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&w=259&ssl=1
https://www.factinate.com/storage/app/media/factinate/2023/04/Alava_E_Belmont.jpg
https://www.factinate.com/storage/app/media/factinate/2023/04/Mrs._O.H.P._Alva_Belmont_Cropped-1024x754.jpg
https://backend.dontdiewondering.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/alva-mansion-.jpg

S2 E18: Liz Golyar

This week, Rose shares what might be our craziest story yet!!
In the fall of 2012, a chance encounter at an auto body shop in Omaha sparked a connection between Dave Kroupa and Cari Farver. Little did they know, this would lead to a web of deception and a chilling murder mystery.
As their casual relationship evolved, Cari's sudden disappearance left Dave puzzled and Cari's family worried. Messages from Carrie took a dark turn, hinting at a troubled mind. Was it a mental health crisis or something more sinister?
The investigation took unexpected twists. Dave and Liz Golyar, his ex-girlfriend, were thrust into a chilling game orchestrated by an unseen puppeteer. Threats, stalking, and even a house fire unfolded, leaving everyone on edge.
Liz, once thought to be a victim, emerged as a suspect, pointing fingers at Dave's long-time ex, Amy. The detectives played a strategic game, allowing Liz to believe they bought her story. Little did she know, the noose was tightening around her own web of lies.
This twisted tale serves as a stark reminder that truth can be stranger than fiction, and the line between reality and deception is thinner than we think. 
Thank you to our sources!!
https://allthatsinteresting.com/cari-farver
https://podcasts.musixmatch.com/podcast/dateline-nbc-01gtf92be0fz4vdzkbc8g9h3dr/episode/scorned-01gyh2xy40f0m4vqy1z4e8m723

S2 E17: Amy Fisher

This week Lynn tells us the crazy story of the Long Island Lolita. Amy Fisher's life story is a fascinating and captivating narrative that has captured the attention of millions over the years. From a notorious figure known as the "Long Island Lolita" to a woman who has sought redemption and turned her life around, her journey is both intriguing and inspiring.
Amy's affair with Joey Buttafuoco, a family friend and auto body shop owner, became the focal point of her notoriety. Their relationship, marked by a significant age difference, led to a tragic incident that shocked the nation.
Amy's life took a dark turn when, in 1992, she shot Joey's wife, Mary Jo Buttafuoco, in an attempt to eliminate her romantic rival. The incident not only changed her life but also ignited a media frenzy that lasted for years.
Amy Fisher was convicted and served time in prison for her actions. However, her journey towards redemption began during her incarceration. She sought education and therapy, which allowed her to grow and change.
The life of Amy Fisher is a testament to the human capacity for change, redemption, and resilience. While her early actions brought her infamy, her later efforts to turn her life around are a reminder that personal growth and transformation are always within reach. This story continues to intrigue and inspire those who seek to understand the complexities of human nature.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/crime-history/5-things-to-know-about-amy-fisher-long-island-lolita
Podcast: Crimes of Passion; Amy Fisher and Joey Buttafuoco, 
Pt. 1, Episode 40, November 20, 2019;
Pt. 2, Episode 41, November 27, 2019;
Pt. 3, Episode 42, December 4, 2019
Podcast: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Podcast. The Amy Fisher Story, May 11, 2021
Photos:
Amy going into court https://www.rollingstone.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/long-island-lolita-65ae5a1e-6fa3-4d9b-8d4d-3f277a395e9b.jpg?w=1401&h=788&crop=1
Joey and Mary Jo
https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-97299654-1573249823.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.801xh;0,0.0518xh&resize=1200:*

S2 E16: Interview with Biz Velatini from mybizzykitchen

Exciting News! 
We're thrilled to announce that Biz Velatini otherwise known as My Bizzy Kitchen (@mybizzykitchen) will be joining us as a special guest on this week's episode!
Get ready to dive into the world of food blogging, social media shenanigans, and the life of an empty nester who will not tolerate bullying or BS on her platform. 
In this episode, we'll explore the two cookbooks she’s released, her favorite and worst jobs, the highs and lows of her journey, and the stories behind the mouthwatering recipes that have captured our hearts. Plus, discover the behind-the-scenes saga of what people say from behind a computer screen, the amazing gifts, unforgettable trips, and incredible rewards she's experienced along the way. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation with My Bizzy Kitchen. I promise you will feel like you have a new BFF while you listen to her story, which is as flavorful as it is fascinating! Biz shines bright like a diamond, there is no doubt!
 
Instagram for mybizzykitchen:
https://www.instagram.com/mybizzykitchen/?hl=en
Skinny Pizza Dough Cookbook:
https://www.amazon.com/Skinny-Pizza-Dough-Kitchen-Cookbook/dp/B0BN1MGHR9/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=skinny+pizza+dough+cookbook&qid=1698715227&sr=8-1
Cooking for One Cookbook:
https://www.amazon.com/Cooking-One-Bizzy-Kitchen-Cookbook/dp/B0B7K4FBS8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cooking+for+one+bizzy+kitchen&qid=1698715274&sr=8-1