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Picture this: it’s the late 1800s, and women are expected to stitch samplers and sip tea, not chase stories. Enter Nellie Bly—born Elizabeth Cochrane in 1864, a gal who laughed in the face of “ladylike” and redefined what it meant to be a journalist. With a wit sharper than a tack and guts to rival any daredevil, Nellie didn’t just write stories; she lived them. Let’s break down why she’s the hero we all need.

The Spark: How Nellie Got Her Start

At 21, Nellie wasn’t exactly sipping champagne in a newsroom. She was a small-town girl from Pennsylvania, scraping by. But when a Pittsburgh newspaper ran a sexist column claiming women belonged in the kitchen, Nellie fired back with a letter so fiery it got her hired. Her first big piece? A deep dive into the grim conditions of factory women. She didn’t just report; she went undercover, working alongside them. Talk about commitment! This wasn’t some fluffy op-ed—she exposed real struggles, giving voice to the voiceless.

Journalism professor Dr. Jane Singer notes, “Bly’s immersive reporting was revolutionary. She didn’t just observe; she became part of the story, paving the way for investigative journalism.” I’d add that Nellie’s knack for blending empathy with edge made her stories slice like a knife through butter —you couldn’t look away.

The Asylum Exposé: Nellie Goes Full Method Actor

If you think undercover reporting sounds intense, James O’Keefe comes to mind. Buckle up. In 1887, Nellie faked insanity to infiltrate Blackwell’s Island Asylum in New York. For ten days, she lived among patients, enduring freezing baths, rotten food, and abusive staff. Her exposé, Ten Days in a Mad-House, blew the lid off the asylum’s horrors, sparking reforms.  Her work didn’t just sell papers; it led to increased funding and better oversight for mental health facilities. 

Why does this matter to you? Nellie showed that one person with a pen and a plan could change the system. As someone who’s all about shaking things up, I’m obsessed with how she turned her rage into results. Pro tip: Next time you’re mad about something, channel Nellie—dig deep, get the facts, and make some noise.

Around the World in 72 Days: Nellie’s Ultimate Flex

Not content with revolutionizing journalism, Nellie decided to one-up Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. 1889 she set off with a single bag, racing against time and a rival reporter. Spoiler alert: She smashed it, circling the globe in 72 days. She filed dispatches with readers glued to their papers, from rickshaws in Hong Kong to stormy seas. Her trip wasn’t just a stunt; it proved women could be fearless, independent, and—let’s be real—way cooler than any fictional Phileas Fogg.

Historian Dr. Brooke Kroeger, author of Nellie Bly: Daredevil, Reporter, Feminist, says, “Bly’s global journey was a masterclass in branding. She made herself a household name while challenging gender norms.” My thoughts? Nellie wasn’t just a reporter but a storyteller who knew how to keep you hooked. That’s the energy I’m bringing to Ashesonair—stories that grab you and don’t let go.

The Later Years: Nellie Keeps It Real

Nellie didn’t “grow old”. She covered women’s suffrage, interviewed anarchists, and even ran a steel company (because why not?). By the time she passed in 1922, she’d left a legacy that still inspires. Fun fact: The Nellie Bly Amusement Park in Brooklyn nods to her thrill-seeking spirit. If that’s not proof she’s a legend, I don’t know what is.

Why Nellie’s Your New BFF

So, why should you care about a journalist from over a century ago? Because Nellie Bly is the ultimate hype woman for chasing your dreams, no matter how wild. She didn’t wait for permission—she made her own rules. Whether battling imposter syndrome or trying to make a dent, Nellie’s got your back.

• Be bold: Like Nellie, take risks. Pitch that idea, call out that nonsense, or book that trip.
• Dig deep: Her reporting teaches us to look beyond the surface. Ask the tough questions.
• Own your voice: Nellie’s sass and heart made her unforgettable. Let your personality shine.

Here’s the deal: Nellie Bly wasn’t just a journalist; she was a movement. She showed us that one person, armed with curiosity and courage, can change the game. So, consider Nellie next time you’re scrolling your social or dodging deadlines. Then go out and make some waves.

Thanks for the inspiration, Jon Evans! This one’s for you. Keep rocking it, readers—Ashes, over and out.

Sources

1. Bly, Nellie. Ten Days in a Mad-House. New York: Ian L. Munro, 1887.
   • Where to find it: Library of Congress (loc.gov) or Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org).
2. Bly, Nellie. Around the World in Seventy-Two Days. New York: Pictorial Weeklies, 1890.
   • Where to find it: New York Public Library digital collections (nypl.org) or Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org).
3. The New York World, 1885–1890 (Various Articles by Nellie Bly).
   • Where to find it: Library of Congress microfilm or Chronicling America (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov).