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  • There is so much more to the elite sorority of first ladies than fashion and state dinners, and this podcast and its lineup of guest experts will explore this reality. Ladies, First will take an informative, and entertaining look at our first ladies’ legacies and how their leadership has shaped our nation and the international community.

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Featured Host

Natalie Gonnella-Platts
Natalie Gonnella-Platts

Director, Women's Initiative

George W. Bush Institute

Natalie Gonnella-Platts serves as the Deputy Director of the Women's Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. In this role, Natalie is responsible for research and programmatic efforts that empower women worldwide to lead in their communities and countries. The portfolio currently includes the First Ladies Initiative, the Afghan Women’s Project, and the Women’s Initiative Fellowship. Natalie leads the work of the First Ladies Initiative, which aims to enable and support First Ladies from around the world in effectively using their platforms to empower women and children in their countries.

Full Bio

Episodes

July 12, 2018

Ep. 11 The Controversies of Julia Gardiner Tyler

The media loved airing Julia Gardiner Tyler’s dirty laundry and after leaving the White House she fought to reclaim her title of first lady. Dr. Christopher Leahy and his wife and fellow historian, Sharon Williams Leahy, spoke with us about one of America’s most vivacious and strong-minded first ladies.

June 21, 2018

Ep. 10 Clementine Churchill: The Woman Behind the “British Bulldog”

Sir Winston Churchill remains one of the most well-known world leaders, but few realize the impact his wife had on his political career. Clementine Churchill both tamed and empowered the “British Bulldog”. We spoke with Sonia Purnell, author of Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill, to understand Clementine’s leadership and legacy.

June 7, 2018

Ep. 9 Service Above Self– The Leadership of Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush’s dedication to faith, family, and friends captured the hearts of Americans. We sat down for a conversation with her daughter, Doro Bush Koch, to celebrate a first lady and family matriarch who had an unwavering devotion to the United States and a commitment to service over self.

May 21, 2018

Ep. 8 The Celebrity Status of a First Lady

When Frances Clara Folsom married President Stephen Grover Cleveland on June 2nd, 1886, the media descended upon Washington. Frances garnered attention and scrutiny that no first family had seen before. A few years later, Edith Roosevelt, with six-children in tow, drew the line between her private and public life. We chatted with White House Historical Association Senior Historian Dr. Matthew Costello to understand the evolution of public intrigue around first spouses.