Dive back into 1980s children's biographies as podcasting siblings Bambi and Jamie Chambers explore The Value of Determination: The Story of Helen Keller. Bambi reads us the tale of an adorable baby named Helen who becomes a "nasty" little girl after being stricken blind and deaf by a fever. (Hey, it's their word not ours!) But with the help of a trio of imaginary leprechauns and a small assist from Anne Sullivan our heroine is able to overcome her disabilities and learn to communicate and somehow become a vaudeville performer. It's all about DETERMINATION in this kids' book that completely ignores Keller's political activism as a pacifist, feminist, and open socialist.

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The Chambers siblings return from summer break to take a buzzsaw to the memory of Anthony Comstock. He was a self-appointed moral crusader and postal inspector from the 19th century whose legacy lingers in modern politics—including references in Project 2025 to ban mailing abortion medications, contraception, and pornography.

Learn how one boy's mommy issues are inflicted on an entire nation as Comstock's Connecticut Puritan upbringing sends him on a mission to hunt mad dogs, go full Batman on an illegal saloon, and makes him the least popular soldier in the Civil War. His obsessive, self-critical journaling offers a window into his world of shame and personal struggles with one-handed temptation. (Ahem.)

It's another awful person telling everyone else how to live! Join Jamie and Bambi while they wonder aloud why Comstock's laws and moralizing mission should have any relevance in the 21st century.

In this episode we encourage you to consider a donation to Planned Parenthood, which provides education and support services for sexual and gender related health. Learn all the ways they assist men, women and families at www.plannedparenthood.org.

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Bambi concludes her deep dive into Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton—the only American so far to have been shot dead by the sitting Vice President of the United States. Using the Hamilton musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda as a touchstone, we explore Eliza's happiest years, heart-wrenching tragedies, lifelong grudges, and many charitable works before her death at 96 years old. Most notably, we delve into her tireless efforts to house and educate orphans in New York City.

Why did Eliza hate James Monroe for the rest of her life? Did she burn her husband's letters out of anger, or was it part of a cover-up? Did the Reynolds Affair actually happen, or was it an elaborate lie? Why did Benedict Arnold travel around Europe with a portrait of Alexander Hamilton? These burning questions and more will be answered as we ask, "Who tells your story?" when it comes to Eliza Hamilton.