Katie Nelson

Dr. Katie Nelson is a historian, author, and podcaster passionate about uncovering hidden stories from history. She earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of Warwick in the UK and has taught history for nearly 15 years at Weber State University. Her courses have spanned world history, European and American history, and even an innovative honors class titled The Meaning of Life. She has also led study abroad programs, offering students immersive experiences in historical learning.

Outside the classroom, Katie served as Executive Director of the Weber County Heritage Foundation, where she worked on community heritage projects and historic preservation. These roles reflect her deep commitment to making history accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences.

Katie is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the award-winning podcast What’sHerName, which she produces with her sister, Olivia Meikle. The podcast shines a spotlight on remarkable but often forgotten women from history, blending scholarly research with engaging storytelling and historical soundscapes. Since its launch in 2018, the show has reached millions of listeners in more than 150 countries and is widely used in educational settings.

As an author, Katie has co-written several acclaimed children’s nonfiction books, including The Book of Sisters, an International Literacy Association Honor Book; Tales of Pirates; A Stinky History of Toilets; and A History of the World in 80 Lost Women. Each book reflects her mission to make history both educational and entertaining, while highlighting diverse and overlooked voices.

Today, Katie also curates historical travel experiences, combining her love for adventure and storytelling. She lives in a historic wild-west Victorian cottage with her family and a beloved rescue schnauzer. Through teaching, writing, podcasting, and travel, Katie Nelson continues to make history come alive for audiences of all ages.