America's First Ladies | Podcast on Podbay

America's First Ladies

Risa Weaver-Enion

How much do you really know about America's First Ladies? This podcast takes a deep look at every woman who has served as First Lady, going chronologically and starting at the beginning, with Martha Washington. This is an easy listen, not like sitting through a boring lecture. These women led vibrant lives, and together, we can get to know them better. Each season is a long-form narrative covering the life of a different First Lady. New episodes released on Fridays.

Supplemental: The U.S. Constitution

The one where I read the Constitution of the United States of America to you. If nothing else, you can listen to it when you can't sleep! Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-3-supplemental-a/ Music by Matthew Dull

Mar 27

31 min

3.7 A Nomadic Life

This week we wrap up Martha Patsy Jefferson Randolph with a gallop through the final 18 years of her life. Transcript and the final portrait painted of Martha available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-7/ Music by Matthew Dull

Mar 6

34 min

3.6 The President's Daughter

This week we cover Thomas Jefferson's presidency and Patsy/Martha's admittedly minor role in it. Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-6/ Music by Matthew Dull

Feb 27

32 min

3.5 Marriage and Motherhood

This week, the Jefferson family returns to America, and Patsy almost immediately decides to marry and start having children. Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-5/ Music by Matthew Dull

Feb 20

28 min

3.4 The Jeffersons in Paris

This week we travel from Philadelphia to Boston, and then on to Paris. Thomas and Patsy spent about five years in Paris, leaving just as the French Revolution was getting underway in 1789. Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-4/ Music by Matthew Dull

Feb 13

29 min

3.3 The Death of Mrs. Jefferson

We'll make it to the end of the Revolutionary War this week, but Patty Jefferson doesn't live to see the end. Thomas Jefferson serves two terms as Virginia governor during the war, and the Jefferson family has to evade the British army after they invade Virginia. Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-3/ Music by Matthew Dull

Feb 6

28 min

3.2 Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson

This week we cover the majority of Patty and Thomas Jefferson's marriage, which happens to overlap with some signficant moments in the American Revolution, including the Declaration of Independence, which Thomas Jefferson wrote. Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-2/ Music by Matthew Dull

Jan 30

31 min

3.1 Little Patty Wayles

We kick off season 3 with background information on Martha "Patty" Wayles and her future second husband, Thomas Jefferson. Transcript and background materials available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-3-1/ Links to the books I used this season and some photos of the two Marthas at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-3/ Music by Matthew Dull

Jan 23

29 min

Supplemental: The Declaration of Independence

Before we kick off season 3, I want to read you the Declaration of Independence, which Thomas Jefferson wrote, and John Adams played such a large role in getting approved by Congress. I'm willing to bet you've never read it in full, so it's worth a listen! Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-2-supplemental/ Music by Matthew Dull

Jan 16

10 min

2.13 Retirement to Peacefield

We wrap up Abigail Adams's season with the final year of her husband's presidency and the years they spent post-presidency, finally getting to enjoy a private retirement. Programming note: we'll take a couple of weeks off to let listeners catch up. New episodes will resume on January 16, 2026. Transcript available at americasfirstladiespodcast.com/episode-2-13/ Links to books for Season 2 americasfirstladiespodcast.com/season-2/ Music by Matthew Dull

Dec 26, 2025

31 min