The Queen of Tupperware
from Throughline
by NPR
Published: Thu Aug 21 2025
Show Notes
Who ushered housewives into the workforce and plastic storage containers into America’s kitchens? Today on the show, the rise and fall of Brownie Wise, the woman behind Tupperware's plastic empire — and a revolution in women’s work.
Guests:
Alison Clarke, author of Tupperware, the Promise of Plastic in 1950sAmerica
Bob Kealing, author of Life of the Party: The Remarkable Story of How Brownie Wise Built, and Lost, a Tupperware Party Empire
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Guests:
Alison Clarke, author of Tupperware, the Promise of Plastic in 1950sAmerica
Bob Kealing, author of Life of the Party: The Remarkable Story of How Brownie Wise Built, and Lost, a Tupperware Party Empire
To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy