How does a high-society British aristocrat run away to fight fascists, join the American Communist Party, and become the undisputed \"Queen of the Muckrakers\"? In this special bonus episode, we sit down with biographer Carla Kaplan to unpack the rebellious, unapologetic universe of Jessica \"Decca\" Mitford—the subject of her acclaimed biography Troublemaker!
Carla gives us the ultimate insider look at surviving 500 archival boxes to uncover the woman behind the legend. Packed with sharp insights, deep-digging historical nerdery, and plenty of outrageous Mitford mischief, this is a masterclass on the most formidable rebel of them all. 💩
Chapters:
0:00:00 Episode Teaser
0:00:40 Intro & Welcome Carla!
0:02:17 How did Carla come across Decca & the Mitfords?
0:08:29 500 boxes, a dogged nerd & life in the archive
0:14:28 Decca was Decca!
0:23:35 Decca’s life-changing decision at crisis point
0:29:35 The wild energy of the Mitford Sisters
0:33:00 Decca’s losses & grief and channeling it
0:38:12 Decca, Diana & Unity - choices and contradictions
0:47:23 Decca the Outlier (her sense of social justice)
0:53:32 The composure & love of a Duchess
1:00:55 The love & bond between the Mitford Sisters
1:03:08 Wrap & Outlook (Troublemaker!)
For everyone who wants to take a look at Carla’s fantastic book on Decca:
\"Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford\" by Carla Kaplan
And you can get all the news and updates on what Carla is up to on her website: https://carlakaplan.com/
You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod
And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com
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If you want to support them or care about women’s health, you can book a massage with Women + Health and help fund a woman's therapy.
Or organise a Team Event with them! Or just make a donation! ✨
💜 Look them up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk
Tags: #TheMitfords #JessicaMitford #Antifascists #WWIIHistory #BritishAristocracy #AmericanHistory #CivilRights #Muckraker #WomenInHistory
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