S2E5: A Banana Skirt and a Gold Piano - How Josephine Baker Seduced Secrets from the Nazis

Women of War

She made her name dancing in a banana skirt, some pearls, and nothing else, but it was her actions as a spy for the French Resistance during WWII that earned Josephine Baker full military honours on her death. The Harlem Renaissance, the Années folles, WWII, the Civil Rights Movement...if it was a key period of the 20th century, chances are Josephine Baker was in the middle of it. A life of incredible achievements but also some questionable decisions, listen to Hannah and Nicola as they discuss the incomparable Josephine Baker. Who else could make a troupe of monkeys appear in an episode on the French Secret Service?

Women of War is recorded on Wurundjeri land. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded.

This episode contains references to physical and sexual abuse, miscarriage, medical procedures, hysterectomies, racism, war crimes, slavery and Nazi ideologies. It also contains some naughty language. It may not be suitable for all listeners.
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this podcast however with the nature of historical research, there may be mistakes or inconsistencies.

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Intro and Outro Music: Frosty Forest by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com