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nathalia holt author
Photo: nathaliaholt.com

New York Times bestselling author Nathalia Holt, Ph.D., is no stranger to uncovering amazing stories. She enthuses audiences with her inspiring narratives of women who have defied the odds, broken barriers and made history. In her previous books — Rise of the Rocket Girls and The Queens of Animation — she introduced readers to women who were trailblazers at NASA and pioneers of the Walt Disney Company.

In her latest book, Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage, Holt examines the lives of four female agents who were critical in helping build a new organization that we now know as the CIA. Nicknamed the “wise gals” by their male colleagues because of their sharp sense of humor and even quicker intelligence, each woman played a vital role on the international stage throughout the Cold War era.

With meticulous research from a treasure trove of personal artifacts—diaries, photographs, scrapbooks, and more—from the families of the female agents, Holt brings to the light the courageous and instrumental work the women performed in service to their country.

In this discussion with Dr. Alan Campbell, host of Watching America, she introduces listeners to Adelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeier and shares stories of their lives and bravery. She also discusses how, in some instances, the families of these groundbreaking pioneers are still seeking the credit these women deserve from the CIA.

You can learn more about Holt at her website nathaliaholt.com

Listen to the full interview.