Since her creation in 1941, Wonder Woman has become one of the most popular superheroes of all time, as well as an beloved icon of second-wave feminism. It also turns out she has a fascinating origin story that intersects with the Women's movement of the early 20th century, the lie detector, and even involves the founders of Planned Parenthood. Historian Jill Lepore tells Steve Paulson about these connections, and talks about Wonder Woman's eccentric creator.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Frank Schaeffer grew up in a Swiss Evangelical commune, the son of a fundamentalist theologian. He and his father helped found the Religious Right and were part of its power structure for many years, Then Schaeffer recanted. Today he's a liberal democrat who describes himself as "an atheist who believes in God." He outlines his disenchantment with Evangelical politics.
Mississippian Charlotte Hays is co-author of a cookbook called, “Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral.”
The three members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company visit with Jim Fleming and perform excerpts from their hilarious versions of the Bard’s plays.
Steve Kissing was sure he was possessed by the devil. He kept it secret for years. The truth emerged when he had a seizure and woke up in an ambulance: he had epilepsy.
John Cleese gave us Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Life of Brian, the Ministry of Silly Walks, and the neurotic hotel manager in Fawlty Towers. He looks back over it all in his new memoir, "So, Anyway."
Tom Farley, older brother of comedian Chris Farley, is the co-author (with Tanner Colby) of "The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts." He tells Jim Fleming that the young Chris was always funny, but was funnier when he was sober.
Sheenagh Pugh talked to Anne Strainchamps about sequels, but in her case the sequels are written by fans.
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