No Ordinary Women

S2 E5: Julia Child

This week Lynn tells us about the hysterically funny culinary genius, Julia Child! Julia's legacy in the culinary world is nothing short of revolutionary. Her unapologetic wit shaped her persona, making her relatable, approachable, and an empowering figure in the culinary world. With boundless passion for French cuisine, she transformed the way Americans approached cooking and eating, turning it into a delightful art form.
Born on August 15, 1912, in Pasadena, California, Julia's journey was anything but ordinary. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches, her adventurous spirit set her apart from a young age. Her height and exuberance paved the way for her fearless approach to life. While her family's wealth spared her from the kitchen, her passion for food grew while working with the OSS during World War II. Her time in China ignited her interest in food, sparking her culinary exploration.
Her love for French cuisine truly bloomed in Paris during her time with her husband Paul Cushing Child. Together, they embarked on a gastronomic adventure that led her to Le Cordon Bleu and the creation of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle.
Julia's charm extended to television, where she broke new ground with her show "The French Chef." Her unedited, one-shot episodes showcased her genuine personality and the fun of learning from mistakes. Her humor and fearless attitude resonated with viewers, making French cuisine accessible and inspiring confidence in every cook.
Beyond the kitchen, Julia's impact was profound. She co-founded the American Institute of Wine & Food, emphasizing the importance of food appreciation. Her perspective on embracing mistakes as opportunities for innovation is a true testament to her empowering influence. Her courage through a breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy was another instance of her unapologetic approach to life.
As a true icon, Julia's influence transcended the kitchen. Her unique voice, towering height, and vibrant personality made her a cultural figure. Her achievements, from being the first woman inducted into The Culinary Institute of America's Hall of Fame to receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, left an indelible mark.
Julia's journey was as diverse as her culinary creations. From her early life to her culinary exploration, her impact on American culture, and her fearless attitude towards mistakes, Julia Child reshaped the world of cooking and inspired a generation of chefs. As she once said, "The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you've got to have a what-the-hell attitude." Let's celebrate her legacy and approach the kitchen with that same spirit!
Thank you to our sources!!
https://protectmypublicmedia.org/blog/2015/08/15/11-fascinating-facts-julia-child/
https://www.eatthis.com/julia-child-facts/
Book: Appetite for Life; The Biography of Julia Child, By Noel Riley Fitch, January 11, 2001, Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Photos:
Lee Lockwood/Getty Images: https://www.foodandwine.com/thmb/5MvzJSIVwIpZc7HXlN5zPGZ12DQ=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/cocktails-with-julia-child-FT-MAG1118-b1cfe21880334f2a98536712085272d0.jpg
Southernliving.com:
https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/YO_eTLnB9VcB_gLXQQFp2QgEofY=/750x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/image-2-20caed10bab24db3ba1b579c268c4625.jpg
Everett Collection: 
https://assets.bonappetit.com/photos/59a89f2fc2fcdd7f0564f275/16:9/w_1920,c_limit/julia-child-food-tv-french-chef-color.jpg

S2 E4: Oprah Winfrey

This week Rose dives into the life of the amazing trailblazer Oprah Winfrey. Oprah's life story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Born into adversity, she overcame a difficult childhood marked by challenges that seemed insurmountable. From growing up in poverty on an isolated farm to enduring abuse and trauma, Oprah's early years were a far cry from the success she would later achieve. Through her determination, resilience, and unyielding spirit, she transformed her pain into purpose.
She found solace in books, education, and her own voice, rising above the circumstances that sought to define her. Oprah's evolution from a young girl without electricity to a global media powerhouse is an inspiring reminder that our past does not define our potential. Her courage to speak out about her past struggles and her journey towards healing has ignited conversations on trauma, resilience, and the power of self-discovery.
As the first African American female billionaire, media mogul, and philanthropist, Oprah has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for countless others to dream big and achieve greatness. Her iconic talk show touched hearts, empowered minds, and showcased her unyielding commitment to sharing stories that matter.
From Oprah's Book Club to her empowering initiatives like OWN and the Leadership Academy for Girls, she has consistently used her platform to uplift and inspire. Her unbreakable bond with her best friend Gayle King, her partnership with Stedman Graham, and her deep love for her late mother all reveal the multifaceted layers of her life.
Oprah's legacy is not just about her immense success, but about her dedication to giving a voice to the voiceless, advocating for meaningful change, and showing us all that we have the power to shape our own destinies. Her journey from pain to power serves as a guiding light, reminding us that our stories, no matter how challenging, can be rewritten into stories of triumph, resilience, and endless possibility.
Thank you to our sources!!
https://www.notablebiographies.com/We-Z/Winfrey-Oprah.html
Documentary: Oprah Winfrey: Fight for a Better Life
https://www.thelist.com/346339/the-tragic-story-of-oprahs-childhood/
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a26965035/oprah-and-gayle-friendship/
https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a27455057/oprah-stedman-relationship-timeline/
https://www.oprah.com/relationships/oprahs-family-oprah-on-meeting-her-sister-patricia_1
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/local/2011/01/24/oprah-winfreys-secret-sister-she-never-knew-she-had/15917207007/

S2 E3: Ruth Coker Burks

Lynn takes us on an emotional journey as we dive into the extraordinary life of Ruth Coker Burks, the fearless woman who became a beacon of hope during the 1980s AIDS epidemic. With unparalleled courage and empathy, Ruth's love and cooking literally extended the lives of countless men who had been abandoned by their families and friends. Such an amazing story about an amazing woman!
Thank you to our sources!!
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Coker_Burks
Book: All the Young Men, by Ruth Coker Burks (Author), Kevin Carr O'Leary
Podcast: Headliners, 02/03/2021
Podcast: Grief Cast, Episode #127, 02/02/2021
Podcast: Homo Sapiens, Episode #154 (Part 1 & Part 2), 12/02/2021
Photos: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRGSKpxVEmj4JzVWzRu5wSatMzHpepgNDzPYA&usqp=CAU
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqaSzGzVhL5n_usfOgeSjrAtPnUIYYtApmnw&usqp=CAU
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRGSKpxVEmj4JzVWzRu5wSatMzHpepgNDzPYA&usqp=CAU
 

S2 E2: Morgan Harrington

On October 17, 2009, Morgan Harrington was all set for a Metallica concert – her dad bought the tickets, and they had been proudly displayed on the fridge for months.
Morgan, described by her mom as "bubbly and cause for celebration," was the life of the party. In her third year of college, she was an aspiring teacher, and had a close bond with her parents but that fateful night took an unexpected turn. After having a great time with her friends, she mysteriously disappeared from the concert.
Months went by, and the search continued relentlessly. The love of her parents kept her story alive in the news until, finally, five years after her disappearance there was a break in the case, but the outcome was devastating. 
But let's not focus on the darkness that took her away. Let's remember Morgan for the light she brought into this world. Her parents' efforts to promote personal safety and education are a testament to her legacy. 
Thank you to our sources!!
Disappeared: Heavy Metal Mystery 
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2736488-Hannah-Graham-Statement-of-Facts 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Hannah_Graham
https://kileystruecrime.squarespace.com/kileystruecrimeaddict-blog/the-murder-of-hannah-graham
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2022/09/vtcsom-harrington-retirement.html#:~:text=In%20honor%20of%20Morgan's%20life,the%20need%20for%20safety%20and
http://helpsavethenextgirl.com/about/history/
 

S2 E1: Q&A with Lynn and Rose

Join us for a Q&A to kick off season two! Thank you for all the questions!

40: Natalia Grace

This is our 40th episode and the end of season one of No Ordinary Women and Lynn takes us out with a bang! In this episode she tells us about the insane story of Natalia Grace whose adoptive parents accused her of being an adult and kicked her out of her house forcing the eight year old to live ON HER OWN! This is a crazy story with a lot of twists and turns. See you in two weeks for season two!
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.jconline.com/story/news/local/lafayette/2022/02/20/kristine-michael-barnett-natalia-update/6802645001/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12124317/Our-adopted-daughter-6-adult-dwarf-conned-way-family-terrorized-us.html
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/inside-natalia-grace-trial-see-103435778.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFpFtezexzbgiVDVoRLUhO-s87ukVkOWfXh1BRu4LurqhcAhwtSYvO0L5QCjzAsKFsQAvbxQHc0wPSNYqwx7NWUF-KHwsBhXbQu8aTKDveobaop0vYnhVls32YAROT92TSgQfqiN4e1MSG8vpbFJeiDOqrBNF54qUs7xbefaT6rO
Documentary: The Curious Case of Natalia Grace; Investigation Discovery; May 2023
Podcast: The Tilted lawyer Podcast; Episodes released on June 8, 2023 and June 16, 2023
Photos: 
https://i.insider.com/647090c03be3b50019f6f23f?width=1000&format=jpeg&auto=webp
https://i.insider.com/6470926e085acb0018fe995b?width=800&format=jpeg&auto=webp
https://i.insider.com/6470946b085acb0018fe99a2?width=800&format=jpeg&auto=webp

39: Zheng Yi Sao

From a brothel to a pirate queen. Rose tells us about Zheng Yi Sao, the fearless woman who defied expectations and took control of the Red Flag Fleet. Her marriage to pirate lord Zheng Yi was just the beginning of her remarkable journey. She demanded equality, power, and a share of the loot, and thus became the force behind the confederation of fearsome pirate squadrons. With colored flags and a fleet of junks, she led her pirates to seize control of Guangdong Province. Zheng Yi Sao's rule was brutal, but it brought immense wealth and power. Her audacious escape from a Sino-Portuguese blockade and her domination of the salt industry cemented her criminal empire. She was a master manipulator, a military genius, and a shrewd businesswoman. Discover the extraordinary tale of the pirate queen who commanded the seas.
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/ching-shih-chinese-female-pirate#:~:text=Ching%20Shih%20died%20in%201844,rule%20has%20penetrated%20popular%20culture.
http://www.cindyvallar.com/ZhengYiSao.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zheng_Yi_Sao#
https://www.worldhistory.org/Zheng_Yi/

38: Dolly Parton

Living Life the Dolly Way! Get ready to be dazzled as Lynn tells us about the incredible journey of the one and only Dolly Parton! From her humble beginnings to becoming an iconic singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and all-around inspiration, Dolly's life is a true rollercoaster of excitement, passion, and pure talent.  Join us as we celebrate this extraordinary woman and her indomitable spirit! 
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/country-music/dolly-parton-biography
https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200152702/
https://www.advocate.com/music/2018/12/07/8-times-dolly-parton-cemented-her-status-lgbtq-icon#rebelltitem3
https://www.billboard.com/lists/dolly-parton-good-deeds-timeline/1991-eagle-mountain-sanctuary-at-dollywood/

37: Catherine the Great

This week Rose tells us all about the amazing Russian Empress, Catherine the Great. From a Prussian princess to the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great's journey was filled with determination, ambition, and controversy. At just 15, she embarked on a path that would lead her to the Russian throne. Despite a tumultuous marriage to Grand Duke Peter, Catherine persevered, learning the Russian language and immersing herself in the culture. Never underestimate a woman determined to be queen. As Empress, Catherine left a complex legacy, embracing Enlightenment ideals while suppressing peasant rebellions. Her efforts to abolish serfdom faced challenges, but she made strides in improving public health and education. Her love for the arts birthed the renowned Hermitage museum. Catherine the Great's reign was a testament to her ambition and the complexities of power.
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/10/8579561/who-was-catherine-the-great-russian-empress-hbo-show
https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/catherine_the_great.shtml
https://www.thoughtco.com/catherine-the-great-p2-3528624
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_III_of_Russia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_the_Great
https://www.historyofroyalwomen.com/catherine-the-great/anna-catherine-the-greats-daughter/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow_Orphanage
https://www.rbth.com/history/332526-count-bobrinsky-catherine-the-great-bastard-son
https://www.knowledgesnacks.com/articles/catherine-the-greats-biggest-failure-serfdom/

36: Tina Turner

From adversity to triumph, Tina Turner's life is an inspiration to us all. Her unwavering spirit, unmatched talent, and resilience have shaped her into an icon who defied the odds and conquered the world. This week, Lynn tells us all about the indomitable Queen of Rock 'n' Roll and her extraordinary journey of love, strength, and unforgettable music. 
Thank you to our sources!
https://www.tina-turner.nl/biography.php
https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a35878496/tina-turner-erwin-bach-relationship-timeline/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Turner
https://slate.com/culture/2023/05/tina-turner-death-songs-documentary-musical-ike.html
https://www.biography.com/musicians/tina-turner
https://news.amomama.com/405736-tina-turners-mother-zelma-priscilla-left.html
https://www.insider.com/tina-turner-husband-ike-relationship-timeline-2023-5#ike-later-admitted-to-abusing-turner-12