Who Were History’s “Female Husbands”? with Professor Jen Manion

Who Were History’s “Female Husbands”? with Professor Jen Manion

Author: Sony Music Entertainment / Jonathan Van Ness April 27, 2022 Duration: 55:55
What was it like to trans gender if you were living in 18th or 19th century England or America? This week, Professor Jen Manion joins Jonathan to explore the world of “female husbands,” people who were raised as girls but lived as men. Listen in to learn about these resilient individuals’ lives; how they were treated by their partners and the press; and how they paved the way for queer and trans communities today.  Jen Manion is a writer, historian, and advocate whose work examines the role of gender and sexuality in American life. Jen was the first in their family to graduate from college and is now a Professor at Amherst College.  You can follow Professor Manion on Twitter @activisthistory, on Instagram @manionjen, and at www.jenmanion.com. And make sure to grab a copy of Female Husbands, published by Cambridge University Press. Want to learn more? Here are some resources referenced in the episode: Digital Transgender Archive Library of Congress Digital Archives Some additions to your watch (and reading!) lists: Gentleman Jack Albert Nobbs And more resources Professor Manion recommends: Transgender Children in Antebellum America (OutHistory.org) Histories of Sexuality and the Carceral State (NOTCHES) The Performance of Transgender Inclusion (Public Seminar) Don't Pop the Champagne Yet on “They” (Public Seminar) Why Do You Call Us Ladies? (Public Seminar) Join the conversation, and find out what former guests are up to, by following us on Instagram and Twitter @CuriousWithJVN.  Jonathan is on Instagram and Twitter @JVN and @Jonathan.Vanness on Facebook. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com.   Love listening to Getting Curious? Now, you can also watch Getting Curious—on Netflix! Head to netflix.com/gettingcurious to dive in. Our executive producer is Erica Getto. Our associate producer is Zahra Crim. Our editor is Andrew Carson.   Our socials are run and curated by Middle Seat Digital.   Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com.   Getting Curious merch is available on PodSwag.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know that feeling when you’re just trying to figure it all out, and you need a guide who’s equal parts insightful and hilarious? That’s the space where Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness lives. Hosted by the beloved Jonathan Van Ness of Queer Eye, this podcast turns genuine curiosity into a powerful engine for personal growth. Each episode feels like a vibrant conversation with a deeply empathetic friend who isn’t afraid to ask the big, awkward, or wonderfully silly questions. Jonathan sits down with a diverse array of experts, authors, and thinkers, weaving together discussions that are as enlightening as they are unexpectedly funny. The result is a unique blend of education, comedy, and culture that tackles everything from societal issues to the intimate details of self-improvement. You’ll find yourself laughing one moment and having a profound revelation the next, all while feeling less alone in the challenges of modern life. This isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about the ongoing, messy, and beautiful process of understanding ourselves and the world. Produced in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, the podcast delivers consistently engaging audio experiences that are both a lifeline and a joy. Tune in for a weekly dose of warmth, wit, and the kind of conversations that leave you feeling genuinely better equipped to navigate your own path.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness
Podcast Episodes
What’s The Deal With Tear Gas? with Professor Anna Feigenbaum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
You may have seen tear gas marketed as a “non-lethal” or “less lethal” weapon. The truth is more dangerous. This week, Professor Anna Feigenbaum breaks down what’s in tear gas, who manufactures it, and what its poisonous…
How Can We Put The “I” In LGBTQIA+? with Alicia Roth Weigel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:05
Have you ever met a redhead? Someone with green eyes? Someone with intersex traits? If you answered yes to the first two questions, you can likely answer yes to the third: being intersex is as common as having red hair o…
What’s The Cure For Vaccine Misinformation? with Dr. Kolina Koltai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:02
Chances are, you’ve been exposed to vaccine misinformation. And you could be at risk of believing it. This week, Dr. Kolina Koltai joins Jonathan to explore how vaccine misinformation travels online, why it’s so dangerou…
Are Dams Cute… Or Not So Cute? with Professor Heather Randell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
Dams, what’s their story? Are they scenic sites? Harmful structures? This week, Professor Heather Randell and Jonathan go on a journey through dam history, ecology, and sociology. Listen in to learn about why dams are bu…
How Do You Make Me LOL So Hard? with Amanda Seales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:21
You know those hangout episodes of your favorite TV shows? This episode’s like that, but in podcast form. Grab a seat and spend an hour with Jonathan and comedian, producer, writer, actor (and more!) Amanda Seales. The t…
What’s It Like To Survive An Earthquake? with Professor Ashly Cabas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:19
Even the best earthquake early warning systems will give you only five to eight seconds of notice before you experience ground shaking. This week, Jonathan and geotechnical engineer Ashly Cabas take more than an hour exp…
How Do You Bring It On? with Gabrielle Union [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:09
Actress, executive producer, activist, and best-selling author Gabrielle Union joins Jonathan to discuss radical transparency, allyship, and her new book You Got Anything Stronger? You can follow Gabrielle on Twitter @it…
Has Our Medicine System Expired? with Priti Krishtel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:32
America’s first medical patents date back to the 1790s—and patents still inform our every prescription, vaccine, and pharmacy run. This week on Getting Curious, Priti Krishtel joins Jonathan to break down the basics on m…
Is This What Harmony Sounds Like? with Demi Lovato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:48
This week, Demi Lovato joins Jonathan to discuss the difference between accomplishment and joy, finding serenity off stage, and Dolly Parton’s tour bus. You can follow Demi on Instagram and Twitter @ddlovato. If you love…
What’s Chemistry Got To Do With Haircare? with Ramya Viswanathan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:18
Some of us have our best ideas in the shower. Others have the best ideas for how to shampoo and condition while we’re taking those showers. This week, Jonathan sits down (in person!) with Ramya Viswanathan, chemist and p…