“They say when a woman reaches a certain age, she starts to disappear. But my guest today knows that being ‘lost’ is often just the beginning of a bigger story.
Today I’m joined by investigative powerhouse Rachel Hartigan. A veteran journalist with over a decade at National Geographic, Rachel has reported on everything from the road to women’s suffrage to complex genetics.
The former editor of the Washington Post’s Book World, she has spent her most recent years in the trenches searching for the truth behind a legend: Amelia Earhart. Her new book, Lost, doesn’t just look for a plane; it uncovers the fearless, extraordinary woman who refused to stay silent.
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Show Note:
Amelia Earhart’s Adventurous Spirit @ 0:00
Rachel Hartigan discusses how Amelia Earhart’s curious and adventurous spirit led her to try many different things, from learning the mandolin to flying experimental aircraft. Earhart saw flying as “for the fun of it” rather than needing to justify her dangerous flights.
Earhart’s Unconventional Path to Fame @ 9:25
Hartigan explains that Earhart did not immediately burst onto the world stage as a famous aviator. Instead, she had a circuitous journey, bouncing between various jobs and living in different cities before finally achieving fame in her 30s as the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger.
Earhart’s Complicated Personal Life @ 10:46
Hartigan describes Earhart’s complicated personal life, including her long engagement to an engineer who wanted her to be a traditional housewife, which she ultimately could not accept. Earhart later married her publicist but maintained a desire for independence and freedom.
Theories on Earhart’s Disappearance @ 13:00
Hartigan outlines the various theories about what happened to Earhart and her navigator when they disappeared during their attempted around-the-world flight, including the castaway theory, the capture by the Japanese theory, and the spy theory. She notes that the mystery of Earhart’s fate continues to captivate people.
Earhart as an Inspiration for Women @ 24:40
Hartigan reflects on how Earhart’s life and spirit can inspire women today, particularly her willingness to simply “do it for the fun of it” rather than feeling the need to justify her actions or conform to gender norms. Hartigan sees Earhart as a symbol of women’s fight for greater freedom and opportunity.
The Ongoing Fight for Women’s Equality @ 29:40
Hartigan and Jefferies discuss the parallels between the women’s suffrage movement and the ongoing fight for women’s equality, noting that progress takes time and sustained effort. They highlight the importance of sharing the stories of courageous women who refused to be silenced, as this can inspire and empower others to keep pushing for change.