Vulgar History: Regency Era
A feminist women's history comedy podcast that examines historical events through a feminist lens, focusing on the women often removed from the narrative. The show covers the Regency era with humor and critical analysis.
Episodes
What Accent Did People Really Have in Shakespeare's Time?
English accents have been evolving ever since the first people started speaking this very strange language. People in historic films often speak with a modern British accent, and when they don't, people think it's inaccurate. But what did people really sound like during Shakespearean times? Or American Revolution times?
Author and linguist Valerie Fridland joins us to discuss all these questions
Wallis Simpson vs Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
Wallis Simpson was an American divorcee who won the heart of Prince Edward. In 1935, Edward abdicated as King so that he could marry Wallis. Meanwhile, his brother Prince Albert married Scottish noblewoman Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. For most of their lives, Elizabeth and Wallis hated each other.
This dramatic real-life rivalry inspired The Windsor Affair, a new novel by Melanie Benjamin. Melanie joins
Did Doctors Really Prescribe Vibrators To Victorian Women? And Other Sexual Myths (with Kate Lister)
Vulgar History x Betwixt The Sheets: the collab you never knew you needed! I was so excited to chat with Dr. Kate Lister of Betwixt the Sheets about her new book: Flick: A Brief History of Female Pleasure.
Flick shares the story of female sexual pleasure from ancient Mesopotamia to the 1960s so-called sexual revolution and right up to modern day. Have you heard that proper British ladies would "
Why Is Jane Austen Still Popular Today? (with June Hur)
Jane Austen remains the most famous person who lived during the Regency Era. As a finale of our Regency Era podcast series, we look at why her books (and life) are still so popular today.
Our guest is June Hur, a lifelong Jane Austen fan. June's newest book, Behind Five Willows reimagines Pride & Prejudice in 18th-century Korea, and features several Easter Eggs for Austen fans.
Buy a copy of Jun
ArtMuse: Mary Robinson, part one
ArtMuse is a podcast about the women who inspired great works of art: the muses, whose names often go unknown.
This episode about Mary Robinson fits in perfectly with our Regency Era series, because she interacted with so many notable people of that era (like Emma Hamilton and trigger warning, Prinny). This is part one of two, so make sure to listen to part 2 on ArtMuse, wherever you get podcasts
How Ada Lovelace Predicted The Rise of AI
Ada Lovelace was born during the Regency Era, the daughter of Annabella Milbanke and (trigger warning) Lord Byron. Her story brings us from the Georgian era into the Victorian era as she wielded her father's charisma and her mother's love of math to (very accurately) predict the dangers of AI. And also start a horse race gambling ring, pawn the family jewels, and invent a flying machine!
Returnin
Lady Caroline Lamb: Regency Era Manic Pixie Dream Girl
Lady Caroline Lamb was an author, party hostess, and occasional hot mess. Best known for her short affair with (trigger warning!) Lord Byron, she powered through Regency London with main character energy.
Romance author Alexandra Vasti joins us to celebrate the audacious and Bravo TV-coded life of Lady Caroline Lamb.
Preorder Alexandra's book Scandal of the Summer (affiliate link)
Support our R
Regency Era Trans Icon Chevalière d'Éon (revisited)
Chevalière d'Éon was a French spy, championship fencer, soldier, and absolute icon. No wonder the Ton of Regency England became obsessed when she moved there.
In this episode, originally from 2022, author Maya Deane joins us to explain d'Éon's audacious story and the importance of her life to queer and trans history.
Buy a copy of Maya's book Wrath Goddess Sing
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Regency Era Grifter "Princess Caraboo"
The mysterious woman known as Princess Caraboo took Regency Era England by storm. Speaking a language no one understood, she captivated the Ton... until her true identity was revealed.
In this revisited episode (with 45 minutes of new content!), we're joined by Gavin Whitehead (The Art of Crime podcast) to discuss the audacious schemes of "Princess Caraboo."
Learn more about Gavin's podcast The
Regency Era It Girl Emma Hamilton (part two)
Watch this episode as a video.
Emma Hamilton was the ultimate artist's muse, posing for more portraits during her life than anyone before or after. She was also a political operative, helping the royal family during the Naples reverse-revolution, and facilitating ties between Britain and Naples. She was also, perhaps most famously, the lover of Lord Nelson (the military hero). And then she was er
Regency Era It Girl Emma Hamilton (part one)
Click here to watch this episode as a video.
Emma Hamilton was born as Amy Lyon, a poor girl with a murky background. Through a mixture of ambition and luck, her gorgeousness helped her rise out of poverty and into high society as the mistress of a powerful man. And her story was only starting.
Guest co-host Amanda Matta joins us to discuss the incredible first part of Emma Hamilton's life story
Regency Era Witch Mary Bateman
Click here to watch this episode as a video.
The Regency Era is known for its gowns, balls, and Bridgerton-style love stories. But England at this time was also very superstitious, which is how Mary Bateman aka The Yorkshire Witch found numerous ways to grift people. From fortune-telling to magical hens to herbal remedies, Mary found ways to scam people by using their spiritual beliefs against th
What If Anne Boleyn Sewed Her Head Back On?
Rebecca Lehmann's new book The Beheading Game begins with Anne Boleyn, post-execution, waking up and reattaching her head. From there, this book explores life in Tudor era England, Anne Boleyn's quest for revenge (and to reunite with her daughter), and so much more.
Rebecca joins us this week to talk about how she got the idea for this book, her research process, and what she really thinks about
Was the Real Queen Charlotte Black? (Revisited)
Queen Charlotte on Bridgerton is inspired by the real-life Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. On Bridgerton, Charlotte is shown as a Black woman living in Regency England. There have long been rumours about Charlotte’s real-life Black ancestry. To understand this complex situation, I sat down with two experts to learn more.
In interviews recorded in 2023 and r
Margaret Beaufort, The Original Tudor Icon
Margaret Beaufort was one of the most important women in Medieval England. Her story has been twisted to make her a villain, even a murderer, but who was she really?
Lauren Johnson joins us to discuss Margaret Beaufort's remarkable life - and bust some of the most pervasive myths about her. Learn more in Lauren's new book Margaret Beaufort: Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker.
Buy Margaret Beaufort: Surv
Disabled Regency Era Artist Sarah Biffin
Watch this as a video
Sarah Biffin was one of the most sought-after portrait artists of the Regency Era, painting members of the royal family, including the King. How did a farmworker's daughter born without hands reach such success?
Joining us to celebrate Sarah Biffin's iconic saga is special guest Kristen Lopez.
Learn more about Sarah Biffin's work (and view some of her paintings) at the "
Regency Era Spy Grace Dalrymple Elliott
Grace Dalrymple Elliott was a courtesan in London, a spy in French Revolutionary Paris, the lover of two of history's most annoying Princes, and finally, a memoir-writer in the Regency Era. Our guest today, Gavin Whitehead (from The Art of History podcast) joins us to talk about the unending twists and turns of this woman's life!
Listen to Gavin's new podcast, Raven, wherever you get podcasts!
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Elizabeth Bathory: Serial Killer?
Elizabeth Bathory is currently in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most prolific female serial killer. But was she?
Author Shelley Puhak's new book The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster interrogates how and why Elizabeth Bathory got such a killer reputation, and what may have really happened all those years ago in her castle.
Buy a copy of The Blood Countess
The Brontë Sisters: Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë
Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë were all accomplished novelists. Charlotte's famous work is Jane Eyre, and Emily's is Wuthering Heights. But how did three sisters all become popular authors at the same time? Could it have been the cemetery water they grew up drinking??
Jane Eyre superfan Lana Wood Johnson joins us to discuss the tuberculosis-laden lives of these Northern English authors (with I
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (part two)
Last time, we discussed the first part of Georgiana's life. This time, we get into all the illegitimate children of it all, with bonus visits to Revolution-era Paris and also Earl Grey tea time. With special guest, royal commentator Amanda Matta (matta_of_fact on social media).
Watch this episode as a video.
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Georgiana, Anne Damer, and Elizabeth Lamb's wit
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (part one)
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire is a key person connecting the French Revolution era to the Regency Era, because she was besties with Marie Antoinette, wore poufs, and then became besties with the Regent himself, George, Prince of Wales.
We're joined by Vulgar History returning guest Amanda Matta (matta_of_fact on social media) to talk about the first part of Georgiana's wild life.
Watch this e
A Regency Era Sapphic Schoolteacher Scandal
In the Regency Era, reputation was all many working-class women had. When Edinburgh schoolteachers Marianne Woods and Jane Pirie were accused of sapphic behaviour by their student Jane Cumming, they lost everything. So they decided to sue their accuser's wealthy grandmother for libel. The legal case, Pirie and Woods vs Cumming Gordon, only fanned the flames of the scandal.
This week, our guest I
Queen Marie-Louise Christophe: A Black Regency Era Queen
It's our Regency Era, which means we had to get Vanessa Riley (current Queen of Regency era fiction) on the podcast. This week we're revisiting out conversation from 2023 about her novel Queen of Exiles, about the life of Haiti's Queen Marie-Louise Christophe.
It's interesting to revisit this now, after discussing the Haitian Revolution last series, and seeing Marie-Louise in the context of the R
Jacquotte Delahaye: The Real Pirate of the Caribbean
The real Pirates of the Caribbean were Black, and women! And Jacquotte Delahaye was the most famous of them all.
Author Vanessa Riley's new novel, Fire Sword and Sea, is a sweeping, immersive saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye. Vanessa joins us on the podcast to talk all about this lesser-known figure, and how she managed to research this stor
Regency Era Sex Ed: Round Two
To round out this year on Vulgar History, I want to revisit this instant classic episode with Regency Era romance author Alexandra Vasti, all about Regency Era Sexy Times!! Now that the podcast is in our Regency Era, it bears repeating.
Enjoy!! And can't wait to spent 2026 with you all.
Buy Alexandra's sapphic Regency romance Ladies in Hating (affiliate link)
Info on Alexandra Vasti and her bo
Hortense Mancini: It Girl of Restoration England
Hortense Mancini was the It Girl of 17th-century France, then put on a pair of pants and ran away from her awful husband. She then became It Girl in exile around the European continent, finally winding up in London as mistress to the Merry Monarch, Charles II. And then her life really began, as for the next two decades she hosted an influential salon in London.
Author and historian Annalisa Nicho
Rachel: The One-Named Jewish Actress And Her Many, Many Lovers (revisited)
For this year's Hanukkah special, we're revisiting the timeless saga of RACHEL, the Jewish actress so iconic she needed only one name. It's so interesting to look at her story again after the French Revolution series, because it shows that Market Ladies: The Next Generation were just as riot-happy as the original Sans-Culottes Squad.
We're joined by Allison Epstein, our French Revolutionary histo
Mary Shelley's Scandalous Sister, Claire Clairmont (Revisited)
We're in our Regency Era and just finished Mary Shelley Month, and Claire Clairmont REFUSES TO BE IGNORED. We're revisiting the story of this iconic woman, whose story feels even more meaningful now that we've learned about her (kind of) stepmother Mary Wollstonecraft, as well as more about the Regency Era in which Claire made her mark.
Plus, our guest Lesley McDowell's book Clairmont is now avai
The Regency Era and Consent
Ever since the novel was invented, women have used it as a platform for sharing ideas about sexual consent. In her new book Courting Disaster: Reading Between the Lines of the Regency Novel, Dr. Zoë McGee reveals how Jane Austen and other women writers from this time used their stories to try to change society's mind about rape culture - and to reassure survivors they were not alone.
Zoë joins us
Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, and America's 250th Anniversary
It's (American) Thanksgiving, so here's a special American History episode! In this, you can hear my discussion with Dr. Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Monticello/The Thomas Jefferson Foundation.
We talk about how Monticello strives to continually engage visitors with the complex history of enslavement, how Monticello honours Sally Hemings, how Monticello plans to celebrate America's upcomin
Regency Era Cottagecore Lesbians: The Ladies of Llangollen
Click here to watch this episode as a video!
The Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, were Regency-era Irish women who ran off to Northern Wales to live their cottagecore lesbian domestic dream.
To discuss their adventurous youth and middle-aged Hobbit eras is superstar history podcaster and content creator Katie Charlwood from Who Did What Now!
Learn more about Katie and W
Regency Era Heiresses and the History of Enslavement
Regency Era heiresses are a part of most Jane Austen novels, as women with fortunes men want to marry into. Some of these fortunes were from old family money, but many of them were new wealth founded on human exploitation on Caribbean plantations.
Our guest, Dr. Miranda Kaufmann, reveals what she's found in her research about heiresses as well as the stories of the people the heiresses enslaved.
Anne Lister: Regency-Era Power Lesbian
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Anne Lister was many things: secret sex diarist, land-owner, mountain climber, womanizer, power lesbian. How did she find a way to thrive during the patriarchal Regency Era, and what does her life story mean to today's queer community?
We're joined by returning guest Kit Heyam and new guest Sarah Wingrove to dish all about Anne Lister's wild lif
Jane Austen: The Life of a Regency Era Literary Icon
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of England's best-loved and most-read authors. This year is the 250th anniversary of her birth in December 1775, and her works are as popular as they ever were. But her own story is far less known than that of her heroines. So we're here today to learn all about Jane Austen.
Our guest this week is Paula Byrne, one of the world's leadi
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Mary Shelley Month: Lord Byron, The Original F***boi of Literature
Mary Shelley famously wrote Frankenstein while on a summer-long sleepover party with her husband, sister, and her husband's friend, Lord Byron.
To close out Mary Shelley Month, it's time for a deep dive on Lord Byron. Joining us is podcast legend Emily Edwards (from F***bois of Literature and Ticklish Business fame).
Learn more about Emily's work at msemilyedwards.com
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Mary Shelley Month: Why Frankenstein Still Matters
Mary Shelley is still most famous for writing FRANKENSTEIN, and with good reason! Her story was adapted into a play shortly after it was first published, and has been adapted and retold nonstop ever since.
Horror author Claire Fitzpatrick joins us to talk about Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and what makes this story so timeless.
Learn more about Claire and her work at her website.
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The Wild Life of Mary Shelley, Author of Frankenstein
It's Mary Shelley Month, which requires us to revisit this classic Vulgar History episode about Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend. And honestly, it hits different now that we know more about her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft.
Shop Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend merch! (US)
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Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (part two)
In last week's episode, Mary Wollstonecraft decided to head over to Paris as the French Revolution was turning into The Terror, just for the vibes. This week, we learn what she did when she got there (and which of our faves she ran into!), and what happened next.
Trigger warning: discussion in this episode includes depression, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide.
Next time: we get into the
Mary Shelley Month: Slashed Beauties, with Allison Rushby
Mary Shelley's influence can be felt in countless feminist body horror novels written in the past two hundred years. But how many of those books are about anatomical wax figures who come to life to KILL THE MEN WHO PREYED UPON THEM??
Allison Rushby's novel Slashed Beauties is about just that. We talk about the real (grotesque) history behind her novel, how Mary Shelley inspired her, and how she r
Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (part one)
It's Mary Shelley Month on Vulgar History! For Halloween season, we're looking at goth icon Mary Shelley and her friends and family. And we'e starting with her equally iconic mother, Mary Wollstonecraft!
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Why do we still care about Marie Antoinette?
Marie Antoinette feels as present today as she was in her life, with a new V&A exhibit, a TV series, the recent five-episode podcast series of Vulgar History and a new biography! Why do people continue to be intrigued by this 18th-century Queen?
Author Melanie Burrows, a lifelong fan of Marie Antoinette (and author of the new book Marie Antoinette: Teen Queen to Guillotine) joins us for a chat ab
How Benjamin Franklin Tried (And Failed) To Conquer Canada
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Benjamin Franklin nursed a not-so-secret desire to annex Canada and make it American. But he failed, over and over again.
Author Madelaine Drohan has written all about this in her new book, He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin's Failure to Annex Canada. And she joins us on the podcast to tell all!
Buy a copy of He Did Not Conquer (affiliate link)
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Marie Antoinette (part five): It's Brutal Out Here
It's the epic conclusion to the season! In this season finale, Marie Antoinette moves into her final era, and makes a final major fashion statement.
Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video!
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Marie Antoinette (part four): The Escape Plan
Last time on HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIE ANTOINETTE: The mob forced Marie Antoinette, Berry, and their family to leave Versailles. Marie Antoinette knew nothing good would come of this, and worked with her hot Swedish lover to figure out an escape plan featuring a party bus, false identities, and Monsieur Sauce.
Historical fiction author (and returning Vulgar History guest) Allison Epst
Marie Antoinette (part three): Reputation's Never Been Worse
Last time on HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIE ANTOINETTE: the Affair of the Necklace trial made Marie Antoinette realize her reputation's never been worse. But Axel von Fersen likes her for her, which is something, right? Meanwhile, the Market Ladies head out on a momentous march.
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Marie Antoinette and the Affair of the Necklace (rerelease)
The last Marie Antoinette episode ended with how Marie Antoinette herself experienced the weird drama of The Affair of the Necklace. It makes sense to revisit this classic episode about Jeanne de la Motte and History's Ugliest Necklace, now that we all know more about the context of the heist.
Shop The Affair of the Necklace: The Necklace: The T-shirt at the Vulgar History store
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Marie Antoinette (part two): Teenage Drama Queen
When we left off last time, Marie Antoinette became Queen of France at age eighteen. Hater Nation lost their minds as she could now set up her favourites in sweet jobs, and distance herself from the haters. What was life like during the reign of Marie Antoinette and her woodworking enthusiast husband, Berry? Well, it included a LOT of AMAZING WIGS as our girl channelled 2023-2024 Jojo Siwa with th
Marie Antoinette (part one): Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman
We've been building up to this all season. Time to begin our discussion of the iconic French Queen, Marie Antoinette! Before she was Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, she was Maria Antonia, ADHD-coded youngest daughter of a formidable mother (who mostly ignored her).
Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video!
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Marie Antoinette's BFF, La Princesse de Lamballe
It's Marie Antoinette Month on Vulgar History! This week, we're talking about her BFF La Princesse de Lamballe. This basic bitch (complimentary) was always there for Marie Antoinette, even as the Queen's favour waxed and waned.
Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video!
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Marie Antoinette's Best Friend, the Duchess of Polignac
Marie Antoinette Month continues with a discussion of Marie Antoinette's bestie, Gabrielle de Polastron, Duchess of Polignac. The Elizabeth Taylor of her era (looks-wise, not multiple husbands-wise), Gabby brought joie de vivre and fun to Marie Antoinette's Queen Era. But did Gabby survive the Reign of Terror??
Returning guest Amanda Matta (The Art of History podcast) joins us to explain the Vers
Marie Antoinette's Mother, Empress Maria Theresa
We're in our Marie Antoinette era, and you can't understand her story without knowing about her mother, Empress Maria Theresa! Because Maria Theresa is largely responsible for what happened to Marie Antoinette! Because she was not a good mother!
But what Maria Theresa was skilled at was ruling over a truly perplexing number of territories. All the most impressive when you realize Maria Theresa go
Marie Antoinette's Favorite Painter, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
We're getting into the Marie Antoinette of it all! From today and until we're done, every week will be a Marie Antoinette event!
Marie Antoinette's appearance was a big part of her reputation (good... then less good) and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun was her Law Roach in that respect, helping craft an image for the people of France to recognize. And Elisabeth's life was tumultuous and fascinating as we
The Vice President's Black Wife
You may not have heard of America's ninth Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson (he served one term under Martin Van Buren). And you almost certainly have not heard of his enslaved Black wife, Julia Chinn. Until now!!
Everything we know about Julia is thanks to the decade of research Amrita Chakrabarti Myers dedicated to piecing her story together. Amrita joins us this week to discuss Julia's st
Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome
Now that we've learned about expectations for Ancient Roman women, time to learn about a woman who broke all the rules!
You may not have heard of Fulvia, but you've heard of her third husband (pre-Cleopatra Marc Anthony!). And get ready to enjoy the downfall of her number one hater, Cicero (the John Knox of his time).
We're joined by returning guest Jane Draycott (who was previously on to discus
Livia Drusilla, Ancient Rome's (Allegedly) Murderous Empress
Our friend Gina Berry is back for part two of our Ancient Rome discussion! Last time, we discussed women's roles in the era. Now, it's time to learn how Empress Livia worked within those confines to live a legendary life.
Did she really murder as many people as I, Claudius (and other portrayals) made it seem? We investigate!
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What Was The Roman Empire Like For Women?
The Roman Empire inspired the (male) leaders of the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions. But what was that era like for women?
Classical history enthusiast (and Vulgar History all-star returning guest) Gina Berry is here to talk all things Roman Empire.
The video we mention about female gladiators.
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How One Woman Survived the French Revolution (By Getting Out Of Town)
Germaine de Staël was a wealthy woman in Paris during the French Revolution. But unlike so many others, she made it through alive! Because she was smart enough to leave town and not return until it was safe! Which means we get to finally talk about what happened in France post-1794.
Special guest Allison Epstein joins us, because Napoleon Bonaparte comes up, and if Napoleon has no haters that bec
French Revolution: The Messy Bitches Who Brought Down the Monarchy
We've reached a point in our French Revolution discussion where we can no longer tell the story through the lives of women, because women were excluded from leadership roles. So instead, special guest Allison Epstein joins us to explain who were the men who led the French Revolution (badly).
Time to learn about the Spice Boys: Danton, Marat, Saint-Just, Robespierre, and Desmoulins!
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The Sex Lives of Regency England
Did people in the 18th century know about contraception? How did young women learn the facts of life before their wedding nights? How accurate is Bridgerton? What do we know about queer people from this era? We answer all these questions and more in a chat with romance novelist Alexandra Vasti!
Learn more about Alexandra's books: alexandravasti.com/books
Preorder Alexandra's upcoming sapphic rom
Canadian History: Who Was Laura Secord?
Laura Secord was a 19th-century Canadian woman known mostly for a) the chocolate store named after her now and b) her iconic Canadian Heritage Minute, recounting her heroic walk.
We break down her real story (and what's the connection to the chocolate company?) in this Canada Day Special! Featuring the debut of the Celine Dion Canadian History Scoring Scale!
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Connecting the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution
The American and French Revolutions inspired people in Haiti to rise up. Yet the Haitian Revolution is not always included in discussions of the revolutionary 18th century.
Here to untangle this knot of connections is author Zoe Sivak, whose novel Mademoiselle Revolution is about a woman navigating her way through this revolutionary era.
Buy Zoe's book Mademoiselle Revolution from Bookshop (affi
Haitian Revolution: The Complex Legacy of Jean-Jacques Dessalines
Jean-Jacques Dessalines was one of the major figures in the Haitian Revolution. He was vilified and demonized during his life and afterwards. Julia Gaffield has written a new biography reckoning with his complex legacy, and she joins us this week to explain his importance to history.
Buy a copy of I Have Avenged America: Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Haiti's Fight for Freedom by Julia Gaffield (aff
Trans History: The Teenage Roman Emperor
Last year, we dropped this bonus episode talking with Kit Heyam about the horny teen trans Roman Emperor Elagabalus. It fits so well in this month's Pride specials, the time felt right for a rerelease!
After all, the French Revolution crowd were obsessed with ancient Rome and this story is a good reminder that the Romans were just as chaotic as anyone else in any other era. Plus, we're now in a p
Sex Scandals of an American Founding Father
Gouvernour Morris is a lesser-known American Founding Father (that was his name btw, not his job title). He was so full of BDE that he headed over to France in the midst of the Revolution to a) be the Ambassador and b) fuck.
We're joined by historian Cassandra Good to discuss Gouvernour's sex scandal-filled life.
Learn more about Gouvernour and other founding fathers sexy shenanigans in Cassand
Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Diversity in human sex and gender is not a modern phenomenon. People have been living beyond the binary since the earliest recorded human civilizations, and authors Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett are here to celebrate all these transcestors in their new graphic novel Trans History: From Ancient Times to Present Day.
Alex and Andrew join us for this celebration of trans history (the concept) and
Women and Genderqueer People Who Ruled Over Africa
From warriors to tyrants and everything in between, the lives and reigns of Africa’s female and genderqueer rulers have long been shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding and misogyny. We're joined today by Paula Akpan to discuss several of these people, including Njinga of Ndongo and Ranavalona I of Madagascar.
Paula's new book, When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors
Trans History: The Lieutenant Nun
Antonio de Erauso* was a trans man from Spain who went to South America in the 17th century, looking for adventure. The story of his life is full of murder, narrow escapes, and llamas.
Author Gabriela Cabezón Cámara joins us to discuss her novel, We Are Green and Trembling, which examines the saga of Antonio de Erauso.
* We previously discussed Antonio on this podcast under his birth name, Cat
Giving Credit To History's Disregarded Women
Women's accomplishments across history are often dismissed as exceptions. But why are most scientists, reporters, sports stars, politicians, and businesspeople all men?
Allison Tyra joins us to discuss the 600 women she's re-inserting into the historical narrative with her book Uncredited: Women's Overlooked, Misattributed and Stolen Work.
Get a copy of Allison's book (affiliate link)
Learn mor
Canadian History: Thanadelthur, the Peacemaker
Because of wildfires affecting northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, I'm re-releasing this episode about a woman who lived in these areas: Thanadelthur. She was a Dene woman who had a profound impact on the Dene people in Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the eighteenth-century fur trade. Much of Thanadelthur’s story is shared through oral storytelling among the Dene community. Our guest for
Movie Discussion: Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Dangerous Liaisons (1988) is a movie based on a play based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's novel from 1782. What does this have to do with the French Revolution? Lots, including that Marie Antoinette herself owned a copy of this novel.
I'm joined by Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times movie reviewer and co-host of Unspooled to talk about this movie and also the pros and cons of how movies are the wa
French Revolution: Radicals (part 6): The Secret Female Journalist
Manon Roland was a super-smart bookworm who amazed those around her from an early age with her intelligence (and strong opinions). When the French Revolution kicked off, she sent letters from Lyons to Paris to keep people updated on the latest news. She also got on the wrong side of Robespierre, which didn't go well.
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French Revolution: Radicals (part 5): The Triple Agent
Etta Palm d'Aelders was a Dutch woman so sexy that she got hired as a spy for three different countries (simultaneously). One of these countries was France, which is how she wound up in Paris during the French Revolution.
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Movie Discussion: Conclave (2024)
To celebrate Pope Leo XIV, I pulled this out of the Patreon vault so everybody can enjoy our spoiler-filled discussion.
Last year when the movie Conclave came out, Allison and I both went bananas. Little did we know, it would later be nominated for numerous Academy Awards, or that there would be an IRL conclave, or that the new Pope would be from Chicago WHERE ALLISON LIVES???
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French Revolution: Radicals (part 4): She Killed Him In The Bathtub
Charlotte Corday is a notorious figure from the French Revolution, best known for assassinating Jean-Paul Marat. Who was she, why did she do this, what art was inspired by her act, was she the Luigi of her time, and must we stan?? Special guest Gavin Whitehead from The Art of Crime podcast joins us to talk about the ribbons of it all.
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French Revolution: Radicals (part 3): A Toxic Bisexual Love Story
Let’s go girls! Claire Lacombe and Pauline Léon came from different backgrounds: Claire was an actress from the countryside, and Pauline grew up in Paris the daughter of chocolatiers. But what they had in common was a passion for the French Revolution, women's rights, and attacking anyone who disagreed with them. And they were also Historically Very Good Friends if you know what I mean, and I'm su
French Revolution: Radicals (part 2): The Actress With A Sword
Anne-Josèphe Théroigne de Méricourt was one of the most notorious people in the French Revolution. She arrived in Paris ready for revolution, used her theatrical experience to design unforgettable outfits, and did her best to fight for women's rights (with a sword by her side).
We're joined by Claire Mead to talk about the gender shenanigans of Théroigne's saga, and why she deserved much better.
French Revolution: Radicals (part 1): The Feminist Writer
For the next seven weeks, we'll be looking at women who were actively involved on the Revolution side of the French Revolution in a miniseries we'll call Liberté, égalité, sororité: You Can't Stop The Women of the Revolution!
We're starting off with one of the most well-known women of this era, Olympe de Gouges. Guiding our discussion/ explaining the French Revolution (because it's very confusin
Canadian History (part 5): The First Jew In Canada Was Trans
Esther Brandeau was a Jewish teen from France who (in true Catalina/Antonio de Erauso style) dressed in boy's clothes, chose a very fun pseudonym, and got a variety of jobs on ships. This is how they became the first Jewish person to set foot in Canada (though they didn't stay long).
Image is from the cover of Sharon E. McKay's novel Esther (artist unknown).
References:
Dictionary of Canadian Bi
Author Interview: Hallie Rubenhold (Story of a Murder)
Belle Elmore was born in a Brooklyn tenement and became a star on London's music hall scene. She devoted herself to fundraising for the Music Hall Ladies Guild and formed close friendships with her fellow performers. And then she was murdered by her husband.
Author Hallie Rubenhold explores Belle's life and death in her new book Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen. Hallie
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