The 1977 Women's Conference That Changed America

Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating and largely forgotten story of the 1977 National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas - a pivotal moment when the federal government funded a massive gathering to figure out how to advance women's rights in America. The episode explores how this conference became both the high-water mark of second-wave feminism and the unexpected birthplace of the modern religious right, as opposing groups of women clashed over issues like the Equal Rights Amendment, abortion rights, and traditional gender roles. You'll discover how this single weekend in November helped shape the political landscape we still live with today, featuring key figures like Gloria Steinem, Phyllis Schlafly, and Bella Abzug in what one historian called "the most important event nobody knows about."