Nona Gaprindashvili: The Chess Prodigy Who Fought Back

In this episode, the host discusses Nona Gaprindashvili vs Netflix, a Georgian chess prodigy who rose to prominence in the 1950s. Known for her aggressive playing style, she broke gender barriers by competing and winning against both women and men in the international chess arena. The episode covers her early influences, rigorous training under mentor Tigran Petrosian, and significant victories that earned her the titles of World Women's Chess Champion and Chess Grandmaster. The discussion further highlights the controversy surrounding Netflix's 'The Queen's Gambit,' which inaccurately portrayed her legacy and pitted her against fictional Beth Harmon, leading to a successful lawsuit by Gaprindashvili. The episode underscores the importance of protecting and celebrating women's achievements in male-dominated fields.

00:00 Introduction to 'Other Parents' by Sarah Stave
00:42 Nicole Kidman's Influence in Adaptations
02:15 Summer Heat and Casual Conversations
03:26 Introducing Nona Garrin Philly: The Real Chess Queen
04:48 Nona's Early Life and Chess Beginnings
10:13 The Rise of Nona in the Chess World
20:09 The Lengthy Chess Championship
21:13 Nona's Rise to Mastery
22:40 Soviet Dominance in Women's Chess
25:13 Breaking Barriers in Men's Tournaments
30:05 The Queen's Gambit Controversy
34:50 Nona's Fight for Recognition
36:09 Lessons from Nona's Legacy
38:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this update, Vicky announces a change in the release schedule for the 'She Changed History' podcast. Going forward, episodes will be released fortnightly to ensure high-quality storytelling about remarkable women whose stories are not widely known. The team is dedicated to delivering inspiring and exciting content that goes beyond mere recitation of facts, aiming to uplift and provide listeners with intriguing new facts to share. Thank you so much for your continued support and engagement. Please do suggest future episode topics through social media or email.

Exploring African History with Luke Pepera

In this episode, Cara and Vicky welcome guest Luke Pepera, a Ghanaian-born, Oxford-educated historian and author of African History book 'Motherland.' Luke discusses his journey into African history and mythology, African American history, sharing insights about influential female figures and the rich oral traditions of the continent. The conversation highlights African queens like Injinga Mbande and Amanirenas, significant for their leadership and warrior roles. Luke also touches on his passion for storytelling, and how his work aims to broaden perspectives on African culture and history. The episode concludes with information on Luke's book and where to purchase it.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/motherland/luke-pepera/9781398707368

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:43 Welcoming the First Guest: Luke Peper
00:59 Diving into African History
06:35 Luke's Journey into African History
10:52 From Blogging to Publishing: The Making of 'Motherland'
13:32 The Evolution of Storytelling and African Folklore
18:45 Anansi: The Trickster's Journey Across Cultures
22:40 The Role of Oral Storytelling in African Cultures
27:02 Warrior Queens of Africa: Stories of Resilience and Power
34:14 The Influence of African Female Figures in History
42:00 Conclusion and Book Synopsis