Betty Friedan: podcast appearances and interviews

Betty Friedan (February 4, 1921 – February 4, 2006) was an American feminist writer and activist recognized as a leading figure in the women's movement in the United States. Her 1963 book The Feminine Mystique is credited with sparking the second wave of American feminism. Friedan co-founded the National Organization for Women in 1966 and served as its first president, aiming to foster full and equal partnership between women and men within American society. In 1970, after stepping down from her role at NOW, she organized the Women's Strike for Equality, which drew over 50,000 participants in New York City alone and helped broaden the feminist movement. The following year, she helped establish the National Women's Political Caucus and was a supporter of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which passed both houses of Congress with strong bipartisan support. Friedan also founded the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, though she later expressed criticism of certain abortion-centered positions held by some liberals. Throughout her career, she remained engaged in politics and advocacy, authoring six books and voicing critiques of extremism and polarization within feminism. Widely regarded as an influential intellectual, Friedan's work and leadership contributed significantly to advancing women's rights and shaping public discourse on gender equality.