Vulgar History

Dictionary of Canadian Biography

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Canadian History Minute(s): Esther Brandeau aka Jacques La Fargue

11 april 2025 | 29 min

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:

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Belle Elmore and the Music Hall Ladies Guild (with Hallie Rubenhold)

9 april 2025 | 59 min

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 joins us on the podcast to share Belle's story, and why she deserves to be seen as much more than just a murder victim.

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Learn more about Place Fort La Tour in modern-day New Brunswick.

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Vulgar History Canadian Minutes: Madame La Tour

5 april 2025 | 39 min

Françoise-Marie Jacquelin, Madame La Tour, was a French woman in the 17th century remembered for her heroic deeds after she moved to the French colony in modern-day New Brunswick, Canada.

Canadian voters: get info on strategic voting in your riding at https://smartvoting.ca/

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Joanna of Naples (Ann's Version)

2 april 2025 | 77 min

Joanna of Naples (1326-1382) was Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily for thirty action-packed and highly scandilicious years. This story has it all: kidnappings! Revenge murders! Evil popes! Evil husbands! Being trapped in an iron cage for fourteen years! The black plague!

References:

Queens of Infamy: Joanna of Naples by Anne Theriault on Longreads

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone

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Canadian Heritage Minute(s): Anahareo aka Gertrude Bernard

28 mars 2025 | 42 min

Anahareo, also known as Gertrude Bernard, was a Canadian writer, animal rights activist and conservationist of Algonquin and Mohawk ancestry. She also invented having a bob with bangs.

Canadians: get info on strategic voting for the federal election at SmartVoting.ca

Info on Grey Owl's cabin in Prince Albert National Park in Saskatchewan

References:

Anahareo, by Alison Wick

Anahareo (Wikipedia)

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Anne, Queen of Great Britain (Ann's Version)

26 mars 2025 | 67 min

Anne I (1665 – 1714), best known as the main character of the movie The Favourite, was Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland and then of Great Britain and Ireland for twelve years. Her life story is a gossip buffet of rivalry, death, and resiliency. But how will she score on the scandilicious scale??

References:

Queen Anne: Politics and Passion by Anne Somerset

The Favourite: The Life of Sarah Churchill and the History Behind the Major Motion Picture by Ophelia Field

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Get a copy of Mona Parsons: From Privilege to Prison, From Nova Scotia to Nazi Europe by Andria Hill-Lehr

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Canadian Heritage Minute(s): Mona Parsons

21 mars 2025 | 56 min

I'm back and as Canadian as ever, ready to share the nonstop twists and turns of the story of Mona Parsons! Featuring: my hometown, and maybe my ancestor? And also, hard launching What'shisface, my boyfriend! Elbows up, y'all.

Learn more about Mona Parsons at monaparsons.ca

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Eugénie of France, the Rebel Empress (with Nancy Goldstone)

19 mars 2025 | 99 min

Eugénie of France was one of the most influential and glamorous women in nineteenth-century Europe. Nancy Goldstone's new book Rebel Empresses explores Eugénie's efforts to rule amid the scandal, intrigue, tragedy, and violence of their era.

Order a copy of Nancy Goldstone's book The Rebel Empresses: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe.

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Buy a copy of Malinalli by Veronica Chapa.

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Canadian Heritage Minutes: Viola Desmond

13 mars 2025 | 27 min

Time to learn about Canadian history! In this first Canadian Heritage Minute(s) we learn about:

Why Canada has united in rage-patriotism
What "elbows up" means
And, most importantly, the story of iconic Canadian heroine Viola Desmond!

References:

Canadian History Ehx episode about Viola Desmond

'Elbows up' rallying cry evokes memories of Mr. Hockey by Alastair Steele, CBC

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What's The Real Story of Malinalli? (with Veronica Chapa)

12 mars 2025 | 93 min

A real-life historical figure, the woman known as Malinalli, Malintzin, La Malinche and Doña Marina is best known as the Nahua interpreter who helped Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés communicate with the native people of Mexico. But she was a whole person long before he arrived.

Mexican-American author Veronica Chapa has retold her story in the new novel Malinalli, and joins us to talk about the real history that inspired her book.

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Fagin the Thief: Live from Minneapolis with Allison Epstein!

10 mars 2025 | 69 min

Here's a recording of the event that I did last week in Minneapolis at Magers & Quinn booksellers with Allison Epstein! You may recognize a familiar voice from the audience, which is Minneapolis local and Vulgar History icon Lana Wood Johnson! Yes, this is the event where Lana, Allison and I all met each other in person for the FIRST TIME in front of twenty other people!

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Juana I: Legitimacy and Conflict in Sixteenth-Century Castile by Gillian B. Fleming

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Juana of Castile (Ann's Version)

5 mars 2025 | 65 min

Juana I of Castile (1479-1555) was the third child of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. She's remembered now for being "Juana La Loca/Juana The Mad" but, in fact, that reputation was just part of a larger scheme that found her caught between her ambitious and terrible husband and her ambitious and terrible father.

References:

Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile by Julia Fox

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Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey

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Introducing: Fear Daily

28 februari 2025 | 27 min

Greetings Vulgar History listeners! We're thrilled to bring you an episode of another show we hope you'll enjoy: Fear Daily!

Fear Daily takes you into the shadows of the past, unearthing the 1990's most terrifying tales of monsters, madness, and life after death. Join us as we explore the ghost stories and supernatural encounters left on an old online bulletin board that continues to operate somewhere in an unknown part of the Pennsylvania Rust Belt - a time capsule of society's greatest fears.

Written by Brennan Storr, creator of The Ghost Story Guys, and hosted by Brandon Schexnayder, creator of Southern Gothic... Fear Daily is guaranteed to be the stuff of nightmares.

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Isabella I of Castile (Ann's Version)

26 februari 2025 | 77 min

Isabella I of Castile was one of the most significant figures in world history in some of the worst possible ways. in this throwback episode from 2020, we follow her journey from little girl trapped in a ghost castle to teenage war mediator to PR stunt inventor to genocidal dictator! This is a heavy one, so get ready.

References:

Isabella of Castile: Europe's First Great Queen by Giles Tremlett

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Fredericka "Marm" Mandelbaum (with Allison Epstein)

19 februari 2025 | 127 min

Fredericka "Marm" Mandelbaum was a Jewish mother of four, a gracious society hostess, a beloved member of her community—and the first widely renowned crime boss in America. Friend of the podcast Allison Epstein joins us to discuss this historical icon. Plus: BIG NEWS!!

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Reference for today's episode:

The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum by Margalit Fox

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Matilda: Empress, Warrior, Queen by Catherine Hanley

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Empress Matilda (Ann's Version)

12 februari 2025 | 75 min

Empress Matilda (1102 - 1167) was the daughter, wife, and mother of Kings. She also should have been England's first crowned female monarch, but the patriarchy got in the way. She also once escaped by camouflaging herself in white cloaks in the snow!! A true legend.

References:

She-Wolves by Helen Castor

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Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, the Beyoncé of the Antebellum (with Tiffany L. Warren)

5 februari 2025 | 60 min

Before the American Civil War, Black opera singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield reigned supreme on Northern stages—even performing at Buckingham Palace. Novelist Tiffany L. Warren joins us this week to talk about the Beyoncé of the Antebellum, who features as the star of Tiffany's new novel The Unexpected Diva.

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Humans: A Monstrous History (with Surekha Davies)

29 januari 2025 | 66 min

In an age when corporations increasingly see people as obstacles to profits, Surekha Davies's book Humans: A Monstrous History traces the long, volatile history of monster-making to chart a better path for the future. The result is a profound, effervescent, empowering retelling of the history of the world for anyone who wants to reverse rising inequality and polarization. This is not a history of monsters, but a history through monsters.

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The Tits Out History Of Women's Bodies (with Helen King)

22 januari 2025 | 53 min

Breasts, clitoris, hymen, and womb. Across history, these body parts have told women who they are and what they should do. Although knowledge of each part has changed through time, none of them tells a simple story. Author Helen King is here to tell all, as we discuss her new book Immaculate Forms: A History of the Female Body in Four Parts.

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Reimagining Revolutionary Black British History (with Elle Machray)

15 januari 2025 | 54 min

Black British history reaches all the way back to the Roman age, so why do many people assume it began with the 20th-century Windrush generation? Author Elle Machray joins us to discuss the real Black British history that inspired their 18th-century historical novel Remember, Remember.

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Henry Christophe, the first and last King of Haiti (with Marlene L. Daut)

8 januari 2025 | 97 min

No discussion of 18th-century revolutions is complete without including the Haitian Revolution. We're joined this week by Marlene L. Daut to learn about Henry Christophe, a key leader in the Haitian Revolution and the only monarch of the Kingdom of Haiti.

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Founder, Fighter, Saxon Queen: Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians by Margaret C. Jones

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Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians (Ann's Version)

1 januari 2025 | 64 min

Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians was a significant figure in English history. Not only did she repel Viking invaders through the clever use of BOILING BEER and BEES, she also worked alongside her brother Edward to see through their father's goal of a united England. Also: BEES.

Episode image is a statue of Æthelflæd, erected in Tamworth in 2018. Artist is Luke Perry (not that one).

References:

Æthelflæd: Lady of the Mercians by Tim Clarkson

Æthelflæd: England's Forgotten Founder (A Ladybird Expert Book) by Tom Holland

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Vulgarpiece Theatre: A Knight's Tale (Ann's Version)

25 december 2024 | 146 min

As my gift to you all, enjoy this newly-edited (just for audio issues, not for content!) discussion of the 2001 movie A Knight's Tale with myself, Allison Epstein, and Lana Wood Johnson! Spoiler: we all LOVED it.

Want to hear more episodes of Vulgarpiece Theatre? Join the Patreon!

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Gráinne O’Malley aka Gráinne Mhaol aka Grace O'Malley (with Katie Charlwood)

18 december 2024 | 70 min

Gráinne Ní Mháille was a 16th-century woman who led the Ó Máille dynasty in the west of Ireland. She is an iconic heroine of Irish history, so we needed an iconic Irish-Scottish guest and that's why Katie Charlwood (from Who Did What Now?) is here to celebrate her in a crossover! Who Did What Vulgar History Now?

Learn more about Katie and Who Did What Now!

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Was Shakespeare's Dark Lady A Witch? (with Mary McMyne)

11 december 2024 | 58 min

William Shakespeare dedicated many of his sonnets to someone known only as the Dark Lady. Novelist Mary McMyne imagines that this was maybe a witch named Rose in her new novel, A Rose by Any Other Name. Mary joins us to talk about her book, and Shakespeare, in this week's episode!

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Cassie Chadwick, The Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age (with Annie Reed)

4 december 2024 | 61 min

Cassie Chadwick, one of history's most successful con artists, was a master of reinvention. In the dusk of the Gilded Age, she swept from town to town, assuming fresh identities to swindle a fortune so large that it rivaled the robber barons of the time.

Annie Reed, author of a new biography of Cassie Chadwick, joins us to share the saga of one of history's earliest scam goddesses.

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The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America (with Therese Oneill)

27 november 2024 | 58 min

Slut. Shrew. Sinful. Scold. The 19th- and early 20th-century American women profiled in Therese Oneill's new book Unbecoming A Woman were called all these names and worse when they were alive. And that’s just fine.

Therese joins us to celebrate these women who forever changed what women can become.

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Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (with Sean Lusk, author of A Woman of Opinion)

20 november 2024 | 72 min

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu was an English aristocrat, medical pioneer, writer, and poet. She learned about the practice of smallpox inoculation while in the Ottoman Empire, and lobbied to bring the practice to England. We're joined by Sean Lusk, author of A Woman of Opinion, a new novel about Mary's life.

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Hilary Mantel's essay on the importance of historical fiction.

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The Art of Crime: Princess Caraboo (with Gavin Whitehead)

13 november 2024 | 58 min

It's a crossover special! Last month, I went on The Art of Crime to share the story of Princess Caraboo (not her real name). And today, we're playing that episode here in the Vulgar History feed. Gavin Whitehead and I talk about the enigmatic Princess Caraboo, who claimed to be an exotic princess who washed up on English shores in 1817. But who was she really?

Learn more about Gavin's show The Art of Crime at artofcrimepodcast.com

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Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (with Bridget Quinn)

6 november 2024 | 109 min

Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, aka Adélaïde Des Vertus was one of the greatest female painters in 18th-century France. The path was not easy for female painters in 18th-century France, especially when you were born working-class like she was. But her knack at making friends, a PR rivalry with another painter, and the excellence of her work ensured she made a living in art... until the French Revolution.

We're joined by Bridget Quinn, author of the recent biography Portrait of a Woman: Art, Rivalry, and Revolution in the Life of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard.

Look at a gallery of Adélaïde's work on her Wikipedia page here.

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As mentioned in the extro, Leah Redmond Chang's Substack about pregnancy death.

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Madame Tussaud (with Gavin Whitehead)

30 oktober 2024 | 94 min

It's a Halloween special! While the French Revolution turned into The Terror, people still had to keep working their regular jobs, including today's heroine: Madame Tussaud. And along with her mentor, she managed to turn the Terror into big business for her wax museum, such that many people still know her name today!

Joining us is Gavin Whitehead, host of the Art of Crime podcast. Learn more about his show (including his Madame Tussaud series) at artofcrimepodcast.com

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As mentioned in the episode, here is more info on the French revolutionary calendar.

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Ann Is Writing A Book: Rebel of the Regency: The Napoleon of it all

25 oktober 2024 | 52 min

Bonus! I'm hard at work right now writing my book Rebel of the Regency, a biography of Caroline of Brunswick (coming in 2026 published by Hanover Square Press!). I want to share part of the journée with you all, which is why I'm posting short podcast updates about it on my Patreon.

This is a preview of one of the episodes, in which friend-of-the-podcast Allison Epstein joins me while I yell about how many Napoleon Bonaparte relatives show up in the Caroline saga.

Subscribe to hear more of these bonus episodes by joining my Patreon (for free) at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Marquis de Lafayette, part two (with Allison Epstein)

23 oktober 2024 | 78 min

In this instalment of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette, we wrap up the saga of a man who Marie Antointte truly hated, the Marquis de Lafayette. And joining us to share the legendary life of this dirtbag (complimentary) is friend of the podcast Allison Epstein!

Allison's new book Fagin the Thief comes out in February 2025. Click here to preorder a copy.

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Marquis de Lafayette, part one (with Allison Epstein)

16 oktober 2024 | 77 min

In this instalment of How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette, we look at a man who really annoyed her: the Marquis de Lafayette. And joining us to share the legendary life of this dirtbag (complimentary) is friend of the podcast Allison Epstein!

Allison's new book Fagin the Thief comes out in February 2025. Click here to preorder a copy.

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The Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Virtuoso of the Sword and the Bow by Gabriel Banat

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Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier of Saint-Georges (with Julian Ledford)

9 oktober 2024 | 98 min

As our discussion of Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution continues, we're looking at the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Saint-Georges was a mixed-race man born to an enslaved woman and her enslaver in Guadaloupe. Sent to Paris to be educated, his athleticism and musical gifts made him a celebrity.

We're joined today by Professor Julian Ledford, Assistant Professor of French and French Studies at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.

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References:

Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Man of Music and Gentleman-at-Arms: The Life and Times of an Eighteenth-Century Prodigy by Gabriel Banat

Joseph Boulogne, the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Problem With Black Mozart by Julian A. Ledford

—

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—

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—

Madame du Barry: The Wages of Beauty by Joan Haslip

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Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry aka Madame du Barry, part two (with Amanda Matta)

2 oktober 2024 | 84 min

We're back on the Marie Antoinette train, and in Season 7 Part 2 the topic is "Meanwhile, Back in France."

We're joined again by Amanda Matta to wrap up the scandalous saga of Madame du Barry.

Follow Amanda on:

TikTok

Instagram

Substack

And keep up with her podcast, The Art of History!

—

Reference:

—

Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at common.era.com/vulgar or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR at checkout

—

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—

Madame du Barry: The Wages of Beauty by Joan Haslip

—

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Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry aka Madame du Barry, part one (with Amanda Matta)

24 september 2024 | 73 min

We're back on the Marie Antoinette train, and in Season 7 Part 2 the topic is "Meanwhile, Back in France."

To explain the French royal court system that Marie Antoinette eventually joined, we're taking a look at notorious mistress Madame du Barry in a saga so iconic it can't be contained in one podcast episode.

Our guest this week is everyone's favourite TikTok royal commentator, Amanda Matta!

Follow Amanda on:

TikTok

Instagram

Substack

And keep up with her podcast, The Art of History!

—

Reference:

—

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—

Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

—

Boudica: Warrior Woman of the Roman Empire by Caitlin C. Gillespie

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So This Goofball: Louis XIV

23 september 2024 | 47 min

This used to be a Patreon-only bonus episode, but now everyone can hear it!

Since we'll be discussing Versailles in upcoming episodes, it felt appropriate to share this episode about Louis XIV aka The Sun King, who basically invented that whole scenario.

To hear more bonus episodes, subscribe at the $5/month or higher level at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

—

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Boudica, Queen of the Iceni (Ann's Version)

18 september 2024 | 61 min

It's a rerelease of a classic Vulgar History episode, now with better editing! Boudica was Queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe during the Roman conquest of Britain. She led a rebellion of united tribes against their Roman invaders, leaving a path of death and bloodshed in her wake.

Reference:

—

Intro ends/story starts 01:49

Ad break 21:34

Outro starts 44:58

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Agrippina the Younger (Ann's Version)

11 september 2024 | 86 min

This week, we're revisiting a classic Vulgar History episode. Agrippina the Younger was also the sister, wife/niece, and mother of three different Roman emperors and also one of the villainesses in the 1976 BBC miniseries I, Claudius!

—

Reference:

Agrippina: The Most Extraordinary Woman of the Roman World by Emma Southon (now available in paperback!)

—

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—

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

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Cleopatra Discussion (with Gina Berry)

4 september 2024 | 130 min

There was no way I could revisit the Cleopatra episode and score without getting Gina Berry's assistance! She was a guest on our epic Nefertiti and Hatshepsut episodes, and now she's here to talk all things Cleo. As ever, when the two of us get together, it will be at LEAST 2 hours of episode.

I recommend listening to the Cleopatra episode first before diving into this discussion, but you do you.

—

Reference:

—

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—

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

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Cleopatra VII (Ann's Version)

28 augusti 2024 | 85 min

Remember in early 2020 when we were doing the season Women Leaders and the Men Who Whined About Them? This was the first episode of that series, now remastered by Cristina for improved audio quality! Plus, a special new intro and extro!

Coming up next week: we revisit Cleo's score with a very special guest.

—

Intro ends: 04:07

Ad break: 34:54

Story ends: 1:13:58

—

Reference:

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—

Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

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Ona Judge Staines aka Oney Judge, part two

21 augusti 2024 | 84 min

Ona Judge Staines, also known as Oney Judge, was born in 1774 into enslavement at Mount Vernon, the plantation owned by George and Martha Washington. She travelled with the Washingtons to New York City and Philadelphia, where she would eventually escape. In this week's episode, we hear about how she made that happen.

—

Story starts: 02:15

Ad break: 49:53

Story ends: 1:10:09

—

The episode image is an interpretive panel from Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia PA.

—

Reference:

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—

Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

—

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Ona Judge Staines aka Oney Judge, part one

14 augusti 2024 | 68 min

—

Story starts 04:39

AD BREAK: 28:30

Story ends: 54:20

—

Reference:

—

The episode image is an interpretive panel from Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia PA.

—

Learn more about the Brister English Project, a non-profit passionate about connecting American descendants of chattel slavery with their ancestry.

—

Buy tickets to The Edinburgh Seven at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

GoFundMe to support The Edinburgh Seven Fringe show

—

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—

Defiant Brides: The Untold Story of Two Revolutionary-era Women and the Radical Men They Married, by Nancy Rubin Stuart

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Peggy Shippen, part two

7 augusti 2024 | 75 min

In the second part of Peggy Shippen's scandalous saga, we see Philadelphia throw one of its classic riots, and she and Benedict visit a variety of places including my own hometown in Nova Scotia!

—

Intro ends/story starts 04:07

Ad break: 30:11

Story ends/outro starts 1:01:04

—

Reference:

—

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—

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—

Defiant Brides: The Untold Story of Two Revolutionary-era Women and the Radical Men They Married, by Nancy Rubin Stuart

—

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Peggy Shippen, part one

31 juli 2024 | 62 min

Peggy Shippen was living a Revolutionary-era brat summer when she married the worst possible person, and things went buck wild from there. Featuring: most of the characters from Hamilton. And: the city of Philadelphia.

—

Intro ends/story starts: 03:47

AD BREAK: 21:11

Story ends/outro starts: 47:30

—

Reference:

—

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—

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—

Finding Your Roots “Fathers and sons”

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Nanye'hi aka Nancy Ward

24 juli 2024 | 85 min

Nanye'hi, also known as Nancy Ward, was a prominent leader and diplomat of the Cherokee Nation during the American Revolution.

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Intro over/story starts: 04:06

Ad Break: 36:05

Story ends/outro starts: 1:11:04

—

References:

Nancy Ward: American Patriot or Cherokee Nationalist? by Michelene E. Pesantubbee

Nanyehi's Experience of the American Revolution by Lillie Burke

Women in World History entry by Deborah Jones

Woman of Many Names by Debra S. Yates

Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival, Self-Determination, and Identity by Dr. Bob Blackburn, Dr. Duane King, and Dr. Neil Morton

Cherokees and British Sign Treaty of Whitehall

Nanyehi (Nancy Ward) episode of the Long May She Reign podcast

—

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—

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—

Peg Plunkett: Memoirs of a Whore by Julie Peakman

—

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Introducing BEEF with Bridget Todd

19 juli 2024 | 32 min

This week on Beef, the brilliant 17th century nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz dares to defy the Catholic Church with her scholarship and searing wit. Pick up Dr. Stephanie Kirk's fascinating book Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and the Gender Politics of Knowledge in Colonial Mexico.

Hosted by Bridget Todd

Written by Adrián Duston-Muñoz

The actors who voiced Sor Juana’s words are Luisa Sofia and Franco Machado-Pesce

Showrunning, Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto

Produced by James "Sam" Levine & Benjamin Austin-Docampo

Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah TittleFind out more about all of Next Chapter Podcasts' incredible content at nextchapterpodcasts.com!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peg Plunkett, part three (with Karyn Moynihan)

17 juli 2024 | 79 min

All good stories must come to an end, and so it is with Peg Plunkett. Guest co-host Karyn Moynihan (co-host of Double Love: The Sweet Valley High Podcast) joins us to wrap up this instantly iconic trilogy.

Karyn has also designed an incredible Peg-themed merch design! Pick up a Peg Plunkett tee, mug, sticker, pin and more at:

Teepublic (better shipping for US people)

Redbubble (better shipping for non-US people)

—

Intro ends/story begins: 04:38

Ad break: 31:24

Story ends/outro starts: 1:06:37

—

Follow Karyn on Instagram @karynmoy and follow her podcast Double Love @svhpodcast

—

References:

Memoirs of Mrs. Margaret Leeson by Peg Plunkett aka Mrs. Leeson

—

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—

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—

Peg Plunkett: Memoirs of a Whore by Julie Peakman

—

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Peg Plunkett, part two (with Karyn Moynihan)

10 juli 2024 | 57 min

This week continues (but does not conclude) the tits out story of Irish icon, Peg Plunkett. Our guest is, again, Karyn Moynihan: Irish person, co-host of Double Love: The Sweet Valley High Podcast, and designer of several Vulgar History merch items.

Next week: the thrilling conclusion of the Peg saga. Herman, my pills!

—

Intro ends/story begins: 02:11

Ads: 23:08

Story ends/outro starts: 46:16

—

Follow Karyn on Instagram @karynmoy and follow her podcast Double Love @svhpodcast

—

References:

Memoirs of Mrs. Margaret Leeson by Peg Plunkett aka Mrs. Leeson

—

Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at common.era.com/vulgar or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR at checkout

—

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—

Peg Plunkett: Memoirs of a Whore by Julie Peakman

—

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Peg Plunkett, part one (with Karyn Moynihan)

3 juli 2024 | 56 min

We're headed to Ireland this week to talk about Peg Plunkett, a scandalous and influential figure in 18th-century Dublin. We're joined this week by Karyn Moynihan: Irish person, co-host of Double Love: The Sweet Valley High Podcast, and designer of several Vulgar History merch items.

Pace yourselves, because this is part one a multi-week extravaganza! Herman, my pills!

—

Intro Ends/story begins: 05:59

AD BREAK: 23:08

Story ends/Outro Starts 46:08

—

Follow Karyn on Instagram @karynmoy and follow her podcast Double Love @svhpodcast

—

References:

Memoirs of Mrs. Margaret Leeson by Peg Plunkett aka Mrs. Leeson

—

Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at common.era.com/vulgar or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR at checkout

—

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—

And here is more information about (and the recipe for) James Hemings's Mac and Cheese

—

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Sally Hemings, part two

26 juni 2024 | 105 min

Last time, we looked at Sally's family background and pre-Paris life. This time, we look at her return to Monticello from Paris, and what happened next.

0:00 Intro

04:55 Sally’s story begins

45:47 Ads

1:26:44 Extro

The image for this episode is from the multimedia installation The Life of Sally Hemings at Thomas Jefferson's plantation home, Monticello. Learn about the exhibit here.

—

As mentioned in the intro, here is the link for Ancestry's new resource: Articles of Enslavement on Ancestry

—

References:

The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed

The Life of Sally Hemings (Monticello.org)

—

Vulgar History: Black History podcast playlist on Spotify

—

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—

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—

The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed

—

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Sally Hemings, part one

19 juni 2024 | 76 min

Sally Hemings was born in 1773 to enslaved mother Elizabeth Hemings and Elizabeth's enslaver, John Wayles. She grew up alongside her mother and siblings in enslavement in Virginia at around the same time as the American Revolution.

In part one, we learn about Sally's family and childhood and how a series of coincidences led her to live in Paris just before the French Revolution.

—

0:00 Intro

10:34 Sally’s story begins

36:16 Ads

1:06:15 Extro

—

The image for this episode is from the multimedia installation The Life of Sally Hemings at Thomas Jefferson's plantation home, Monticello. Learn about the exhibit here (spoilers for part two of this podcast, if you don't already know her story!)

—

References:

The Life of Sally Hemings (Monticello.org)

—

Vulgar History: Black History podcast playlist on Spotify

—

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—

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—

Kit recommends supporting TransActual (UK)

—

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The Public Universal Friend (with Kit Heyam)

12 juni 2024 | 88 min

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of people who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century.

In honour of Pride Month, we're talking this week about the trans historical figure The Public Universal Friend. The Friend, aka PUF, grew up as a Quaker in late 18th-century Pennsylvania. Were they also a cult leader? Listen and find out!

We're joined this week by three-time returning guest Kit Heyam to talk about this fascinating historical figure.

—

Organizations to Support:

Ann recommends supporting:

Point of Pride (US)

Trans Care+ (Canada)

The Trevor Project (US)

—

References:

Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam

Public Universal Friend essay by Amanda Carson Banks from Women in World History

—

Vulgar Pride podcast playlist on Spotify

—

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—

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—

The Natural History of Sexuality in Early America by Greta LaFleur

—

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Deborah Sampson aka Robert Shurtleff (with Greta LaFleur)

5 juni 2024 | 108 min

In honour of Pride Month, this week we're talking about trans historical figure Deborah Sampson/Robert Shurtleff. Deborah/Robert fought in the American Revolution in a sort of Mulan scenario and their gender presentation has lots to discuss.

Greta LaFleur, associate professor of American studies at Yale University, is our guest this week to help explain Deborah/Robert's story and offer an introduction to the American Revolution.

—

Organizations to Support:

Greta recommends supporting the Trans Justice Funding Project (US)

Ann recommends supporting:

Point of Pride (US)

Trans Care+ (Canada)

The Trevor Project (US)

—

References:

Trans Historical: Gender Plurality Before the Modern, co-edited by Greta LaFleur

Deborah Sampson essay by Harry M. Ward from Women in World History

—

Vulgar Pride podcast playlist on Spotify

—

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—

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—

Thief, Convict, Pirate, Wife: The Many Histories of Charlotte Badger by Jennifer Ashton

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Charlotte Badger (with Jennifer Ashton)

29 maj 2024 | 81 min

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating the question How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of women who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century.

This week, we're headed to New Zealand (via England and Australia) to learn how the Industrial and American Revolutions contributed to the adventurous life of a convicted thief named Charlotte Badger. This week's guest is Jennifer Ashton, author of Thief, Confict, Pirate, Wife: The Many Histories of Charlotte Badger.

---

References:

Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at common.era.com/vulgar or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR at checkout

Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

Learn about the Grove Music Online website of the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Project

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Constanze Mozart (with Kristin Franseen)

22 maj 2024 | 139 min

This week, Kristin Franseen joins us to discuss Constanze Mozart, best known as the wife and then widow of Amadeus Mozart.

Kristin's references:

Mozart's Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music by Jane Glover

1791: Mozart's Last Year by H.C. Robbins Landon

"Salieri's Cosi fan tutte" by Bruce Alan Brown and John Rice, Cambridge Opera Journal 8, no. 1

Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life edited by Robert Spaethling

A Mozart Pilgrimage by Vincent and Mary Novellos

—

Operation Olive Branch

Operation Olive Branch Instagram

Operation Olive Branch TikTok

—

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The Hanging of Angélique: The Untold Story of Canadian Slavery and the Burning of Old Montréal by Afua Cooper

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Marie-Josèphe Angélique

15 maj 2024 | 90 min

It's season seven! This year we're investigating the question How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? Marie Antoinette was famously executed during the French Revolution. To understand how that happened means understanding the French Revolution, which means understanding the spirit of revolution that occurred around the world in the 18th century. This is why the first part of season seven is sub-titled Age of Revolution.

Things kick off with the story of Marie-Josephe Angelique, an enslaved Black Portuguese woman who may or may not have burned down Montreal in 1734.

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References:

https://globalnews.ca/news/211853/montreal-to-honour-slave-marie-josephe-angelique-with-park-name/

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-hanging-of-angelique-book-review

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/marie-joseph-angelique

https://this.org/2017/03/27/new-film-takes-a-much-needed-glance-into-canadas-uncomfortable-past-with-racism-and-slavery/

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Buy a copy of A Crane Among Wolves from bookshop.org

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Author Interview: June Hur (A Crane Among Wolves)

8 maj 2024 | 44 min

Today's guest, June Hur, is the author of historical novels that read like K-dramas. Her latest, A Crane Among Wolves, is set in Joseon-era Korea during the reign of tyrant King Yeonsan.

Learn more about June and her books at junehur.com

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Buy a copy of The Map That Led to You

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Author Interview: Ella McLeod (author of The Map that Led to You)

30 april 2024 | 39 min

We're talking about pirate history this week with Ella McLeod, author of the new YA novel The Map That Led To You! In her research, Ella dove into the world of folklore, pirateology, nautical history, and the voices of people left out of history.

Ella's Instagram

Ella's podcast, Comfort Creatures

Theme music by The Severn Duo

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Soldaderas in the Mexican Military: Myth and History by Elizabeth Salas and Elizabeth Blackshear Flinn

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Las Soldaderas of the Mexican Revolution (with Cristina Lumague)

24 april 2024 | 66 min

We're getting into a revolutionary, pants-on vibe this week with a look at Las Soldaderas: women who fought during the Mexican Revolution and whose contributions to victory often go uncredited.

Guiding us through their pants-wearing ways is Cristina Lumague, longtime editor of Vulgar History!

References:

Revolutionary Women of Texas and Mexico: Portraits of Soldaderas, Saints, and Subversives

Cristina's podcasts:

Historias Unknown https://www.historiasunknown.com/episodes/

Espooky tales https://www.espookytales.com/follow

Espooky Tales socials: tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@espookytales IG https://www.instagram.com/espookytales

A Little Bit de Todo (short daily podcast, available May 5th) https://episodes.fm/1735794761

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The Legend of Thanadelthur: Elders’ Oral History and Hudson’s Bay Company Journals by Rosalie Tsannie-Burset

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Thanadelthur (with Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth)

17 april 2024 | 72 min

Today we're talking about Thanadelthur, 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. Today's guest, Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth is a member of the Hatchet Lake Dënesųłiné First Nation in Treaty 10 territory.

---

References:

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Episode image by Wai Tien from The Peacemaker: Thanadelthur by David A. Robertson

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Learn more about Missing Matoaka: The True Story of Pocahontas

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Matoaka aka Pocahontas (with Lauren DeLeary)

10 april 2024 | 69 min

We're joined today by Lauren DeLeary to talk about the true story of Matoaka, commonly known as Pocahontas. Her story has been misinterpreted countless times from the 16th century through today, perhaps still best known from the animated Disney film. Lauren was the screenwriter of Missing Matoaka, an alternate audio track to the Disney film, presenting her as the first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman.

Learn more about the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

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References:

Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma by Camilla Townsend

The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History by Dr. Linwood “Little Bear’ Custalow and Angela L. Daniel “Silver Star”

Savage Kingdom: The True Story of Jamestown, 1607, and the Settlement of America by Benjamin Woolley

The True Story of Pocahontas: Historical Myths Versus Sad Reality by Vincent Schilling (Indian Country Today)

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The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney

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Hatshepsut (with Gina Berry)

3 april 2024 | 211 min

We're joined by friend of the podcast Gina Berry to discuss the longest-ago figure ever discussed on the show: Hatshepsut! It's a long one, so pace yourselves because you want to hear every detail of this remarkable King's life and reign.

References:

Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam

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La Quintrala aka Catalina de los Ríos y Lísperguer (with Maria Marsilli)

27 mars 2024 | 117 min

La Quintrala is well-known in Chile as a monstrous woman from colonial history. Her alleged murderous rampage killed over 1,000 enslaved people, and her ghost is still causing havoc today. But who was the real-life inspiration of this myth? We're joined by Dr. Maria N. Marsilli from John Carroll University to separate the bloody legend from the real-life history of a 17th-century Chilean noblewoman.

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Saint Margaret of Scotland (with E.K. McAlpine)

20 mars 2024 | 143 min

In a long-awaited crossover between pale-skinned history nerds with glasses and long reddish hair, whose cats like to make guest appearances in their content, Hepburn and I are joined by I'm joined by E.K. McAlpine (and Minnie) to talk about her all-time fav: Saint Margaret of Scotland!

Support E.K. on Patreon

Follow E.K. on Instagram

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Anna May Wong (with Katie Gee Salisbury, author of Not Your China Doll)

13 mars 2024 | 97 min

We're joined today by Katie Gee Salisbury, author of the new Anna May Wong biography Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong. Katie helps guide us through a discussion of Anna May Wong's life from childhood through Hollywood and European stardom, her trip to China, and her final comeback era.

Learn more about Katie and her book at notyourchinadoll.com

Click here to order Not Your China Doll from bookshop.org (North America) and click here to order from uk.bookshop.org (UK)

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Patreon link (book club discussion is free!)

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Author Interview: Flora Carr (Author of The Tower)

6 mars 2024 | 84 min

This week we're talking about Mary, Queen of Scots AGAIN because (drumroll please) she's the topic of the latest Vulgar History book club book! We're joined by author Flora Carr to talk about her new book, The Tower. It's a historical fiction novel about Mary, Queen of Scots and the Lochleven Scenario and it includes faves like Mary Seton and Yung Willy, with a bunch of other names you'll recognize from the MQoS season.

Join in all month in the Vulgar History Book Club on Instagram and Patreon! There will be weekly discussion questions as we all dive into this incredible book!

Instagram link

Buy a copy of The Tower by Flora Carr from bookshop.org (North America) or using this link (UK)

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Click here to order Clairmont from bookshop.org (UK)

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Claire Clairmont (with Lesley McDowell, Author of Clairmont)

28 februari 2024 | 86 min

Time to talk about a longtime Vulgar History fav, this time in her own episode! Claire Clairmont is mostly known as the third-wheel stepsister of Mary Shelley. But as you will soon find out, she was also a Goth Queen in a different way.

We're joined by author Lesley McDowell, whose new novel Clairmont makes Claire the main character for once.

Click here to preorder Clairmont (North America)

Get your Claire Clairmont merch here!! (or here for people outside the US!!)

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Follow Princess's podcast Badass Women of History

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The Queen of Sheba (with Princess O'Nika Auguste)

21 februari 2024 | 65 min

We're joined by return guest Princess O'Nika Auguste, here to share the story of The Queen of Sheba. Princess explains this Queen's connection to Ethiopian, Rastafarian, Yemeni, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and Black history.

Support Princess on Patreon

All other ways to follow and support Princess online

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Download the intro to her book for free with this link.

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Mary Ann Shadd Cary (with Nneka D. Dennie)

14 februari 2024 | 63 min

Mary Ann Shadd Cary is recognized as a national hero in both Canada and the United States. I'm joined by Nneka D. Dennie, author of Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Essential Writings of a Nineteenth-Century Black Radical Feminist to discuss Mary Ann's life and legacy.

Buy a copy of her book here -- and use code AAFLYG6 for 30% off!

Learn more about Nneka and her work at nnekadennie.com

Learn more about the Mary Ann Shadd Cary stamp

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Buy a copy of The Mayor of Maxwell Street and support Vulgar History by using this link.

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Author Interview: Avery Cunningham (Author of The Mayor of Maxwell Street)

7 februari 2024 | 41 min

We're joined this week by Avery Cunningham, author of The Mayor of Maxwell Street. This historical fiction novel has it all: old timey gangsters! Lady journalists! Noir-adjacent gangland rivalries! And: 1920s outfits. It's also a story about the Black elite of 1920s Kentucky and Chicago, using fictional characters to highlight this lesser known aspect of Black American history.

Learn more about Avery and her books at averycunninghamauthor.com

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Buy a copy of The American Queen and support Vulgar History by using this link.

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Author Interview: Vanessa Miller (Author of The American Queen)

30 januari 2024 | 40 min

Talking with Vanessa Miller, author of the historical fiction novel The American Queen. This novel is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 - 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life.

Learn more about Vanessa and her books at vanessamiller.com

The resources Vanessa mentioned to look up the age of words are:

etymonline.com

merriam-webster.com

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Author Interview: Andrea Penrose (Author of The Diamond of London)

24 januari 2024 | 38 min

Born into an illustrious family of swashbuckling war heroes and brilliant political leaders, Lady Hester Stanhope was a Regency-era adventuress who lived on her own terms and refused to conform. Author Andrea Penrose took Hester's life as inspiration for her new historical fiction novel, The Diamond of London.

Learn more about Andrea and her work at andreapenrose.com

Read Andrea's blog posts at Word Wenches

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Sweet Valley Sagas by Francine Pascal

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Lucy Percy Hay, Countess of Carlisle (Ann's Version)

17 januari 2024 | 63 min

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 6 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the Wizard Earl's Daughter, Frances Howard's protegee, that's right: lady spy Lucy Percy Hay!

This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro.

Mentioned in this episode:

Court Lady and Country Wife: Royal Privilege and Civil War: Two Noble Sisters in 17th-century England by Lita-Rose Betcherman

Invisible Agents: Women and Espionage in Seventeenth-Century Britain by Nadine Akkerman

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Mary Toft (Ann's Version)

10 januari 2024 | 66 min

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 5 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the Imposteress Rabbit Breeder, Mary Toft!

This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro.

Content warnings: animal cruelty/killing, nonconsensual gynecological procedures, Nathanael St. Andre

References:

The Imposteress Rabbit Breeder: Mary Toft and Eighteenth-Century England by Karen Harvey

What Mary Toft Felt: Women’s Voices, Pain, Power and the Body by Karen Harvey (History Workshop Journal)

Why Historians Are Reexamining the Case of the Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits by Sabrina Imbler (Atlas Obscura)

Imagining Monsters: Miscreations of the Self in Eighteenth-Century England By Dennis Todd

Lore, episode 45: First Impressions (Lore Podcast)

Mary Toft and Her Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbits by Niki Russell (The Public Domain Review)

An Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbits by Edward White (The Paris Review)

The Curious Case of Mary Toft (University of Glasgow Special Collections)

The confessions of a rabbit woman and other recently digitized tales from the Osler Library by Mary Yearl (McGill University Library News)

Mary Toft or Tofts (Godalming Musem)

The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits by Lucas Reilly (Mental Floss)

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Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed (Ann's Version)

3 januari 2024 | 66 min

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 4 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of Elizabeth Báthory aka The Blood Countess aka #JusticeForBettyBats!

This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro.

References:

Countess Dracula: The Life and Times of Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess by Tony Thorne

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Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy, Comtesse de la Motte (Ann's Version)

27 december 2023 | 50 min

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 3 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the Affair of the Necklace and Jeanne de la Motte!

This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro.

References:

How To Ruin A Queen by Jonathan Beckman

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Email your US rep to demand a ceasefire

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Frances Howard, Duchess of Somerset (Ann's Version)

20 december 2023 | 90 min

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 2 of Vulgar History, telling the scandalicious saga of OG tits out icon/ our patron saint, Frances Howard.

This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a bunch of new updates about Frances, two other people ALSO called Frances Howard, what is Bobby Duds doing in this narrative, and: Lettice Knollys! I also reassess Frances's score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandilicious Scale.

Iṣmat ad-Dīn Khātūn

17 december 2023 | 41 min

Iṣmat ad-Dīn Khātūn was a 12th-century Muslim woman who lived in the Levant. She lived during the Frankish Wars aka The Crusades, and made a name for herself through her bravery and diplomacy.

Call for de-escalation and ceasefire (for US people)

Template for UK people to email your MP

Take action to call for a ceasefire (for US, UK, Canada, and international people)

Booklist to learn more about the history of the Levant

Donate to MSF (Doctors Without Borders)

Donate to World Central Kitchen

Donate to PCRF (the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund)

Podcasts mentioned:

The History of the Crusades

The Islamic History Podcast

PreOccupation: A Not-So-Brief History of Palestine

Head On History

Historias Unknown

Jewitches

References:

Wikipedia

The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf

Queens of Jerusalem: The women who dared to rule by Katherine Pangonis

The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin by Jonathan Phillips

https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/crusades

Saladin episode of You're Dead To Me podcast

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Caroline of Brunswick (Ann's Version) (with Lana Wood Johnson)

13 december 2023 | 118 min

Revisiting where it all began! This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 1 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the rebel of the regency: Caroline of Brunswick!

This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and one hour of new content, INCLUDING a reappraisal of Caroline's score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandilicious Scale.

References:

Caroline and Charlotte: Regency Scandals by Alison Plowden

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Tragic Muse: Rachel of the Comédie-Francaise by Rachel H. Brownstein

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Rachel (aka La Grande Rachel aka Mademoiselle Rachel aka Rachel Félix) (with Allison Epstein)

6 december 2023 | 114 min

My name is Ann, joined this week by Allison, to talk about a tits out women who only needs one name: RACHEL.

References:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09571558211045052

https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/rachel-eliza-rachel-felix

https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/6068-felix-elisa-rachel

As mentioned in the episode, here are images of Rachel's tomb.

And here is Wikimedia Commons's page of images of Rachel, almost entirely in various togas, her signature look.

Learn more about ALLISON and their books at allisonepstein.com

Subscribe to Allison's Substack at rapscallison.substack.com

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Brunhild of Austrasia (with Shelley Puhak)

29 november 2023 | 128 min

Remember awhile ago, we did three episodes about the iconic Queen Fredegund? And she was so iconic we re-named the scandilicious scale after her? WELL

By popular request, we're back to look at Fred's arch-nemesis, Brunhild of Austrasia. To keep my #TeamFred energy from overwhelming things, our guest this week is Shelley Puhak, author of The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Formed The Medieval World aka, the person who introduced Fred and Brun into all our lives!!

Learn more about Shelley and her work at shelleypuhak.com.

Buy The Dark Queens from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781639730759

Here's the Radegund book Shelley spoke about. Radegund: The Trials and Triumphs of a Merovingian Queen by E.T. Dailey (published by Oxford University Press).

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Author Interview: Katherine Howe (A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself )

22 november 2023 | 49 min

Today we're joined by Katherine Howe to talk about her pirate-y new novel, A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself.

Learn more about Katherine and her work at katherinehowe.com

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Mary Ann Bugg (with Meg Foster)

15 november 2023 | 71 min

This week, it's a Foster duet as we're joined by Dr. Meg Foster (no relation) to talk about Australia's legacy of bushrangers, and her recent book Boundary Crossers: The Hidden History of Australia's Other Bushrangers. If you don't know who the bushrangers were, don't worry, that's the first thing Meg explains.

Our discussion focuses on Mary Ann Bugg, a mixed-race Worimi woman often left out or misrepresented in bushranger sagas.

Learn more about Meg and her work at hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-meg-foster

Buy Boundary Crossers from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781742237527

Listen to the Patreon bushrangers super spectacular featuring Allison Epstein, here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/so-these-guys-82314035--

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Author Interview: Emma Southon (A Rome Of One's Own: Forgotten Women of the Roman Empire)

8 november 2023 | 67 min

Today, we're joined by Emma Southon to talk about lesser-known women of Roman history and her new book, A Rome of One's Own: Forgotten Women of the Roman Empire.

Learn more about Emma and her work at emmasouthon.com

Listen to Emma's podcast History Is Sexy historyissexy.com

Buy A Rome of One's Own from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781419760181

Shop the full list of all books I've featured on Vulgar History: https://bookshop.org/lists/authors-interviewed-on-vulgar-history

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Get all the tea about Lucy's time working at Holyrood Palace in The Vulgar History Aftershow on Patreon!

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Margaret Fleming, Countess of Atholl (with Lucy Hinnie)

1 november 2023 | 91 min

It's a slightly belated Halloween super special/ continuation of the Mary, Queen of Scots saga this week! We're talking about Margaret Fleming, Countess of Atholl: older sister of one of the Four Marys and also a witch who was never arrested or punished for it.

Our guest is Lucy Hinnie, an Early Career Researcher, Wikimedian and digital humanist. She is currently Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh, and a Digital Skills Wikimedian for Wikimedia UK.

Learn more about Lucy and her work at lucyrhinnie.co.uk

Eleanor Janega's blog about why you are (probably) not the granddaughter of the witches they couldn't burn

References:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Fleming-160

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Fleming,_Countess_of_Atholl

Queen Mary’s Women: female relatives, servants, friends and enemies of Mary, Queen of Scots by Rosalind K. Marshall

The Scottish witch-hunt in context edited by Julian Goodare

Here's the "A Catte" pillow designed by Jan Jupiter avail in the merch store

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Author Interview: John Guy and Julia Fox (Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage That Shook Europe)

25 oktober 2023 | 72 min

Historians and authors Julia Fox and John Guy join us this week to talk about their new co-written biography, Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the Marriage that Shook Europe.

Learn more about Julia and her work at juliafox.co.uk

Learn more about John and his work at johnguy.co.uk

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Empress Elisabeth of Russia (with Allison Epstein)

18 oktober 2023 | 90 min

This week we're talking about the six-foot-tall fashion and party-loving queen who had a loving male companion she discovered singing in a choir... no, not Mary QofS, it's Empress Elisabeth!!! With a thrilling cameo of a past VH fav but I'll wait for you to hear until I reveal who it is!!

We're joined by Allison Epstein, whose new book Let The Dead Bury the Dead takes place in olde timey Russia. Buy a copy of it at bookshop.org or anywhere you get books, and join the Vulgar History Book Club discussion at vulgarhistory.com/bookclub from Oct 18-Nov 15!!

Want to know what Allison has to say about the TV series The Great? Check out the Patreon-only Aftershow where she airs her grievances.

Louisa May Alcott (with Alice Rutkowski)

11 oktober 2023 | 96 min

Today we're talking about beloved American author Louisa May Alcott, best known as the author of Little Women. Joining me to discuss Alcott's life and career is Dr. Alice Rutkowski, Chair and Associate Professor of English at SUNY Geneseo.

Our discussion today will look at Alcott's life through a queer, trans lens, which Alice has written about in academic articles.

Learn more about Alice and her work at geneseo.edu/english/rutkowski

This is Peyton Thomas’s NYT article on this topic, as mentioned by Alice in the podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/24/opinion/did-the-mother-of-young-adult-literature-identify-as-a-man.html

Listen to the queer Little Women podcast Jo's Boys here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uY5Gp38XQYColfh5VHrOw

And buy a copy of my friend Amanda Sellet's retelling Belittled Women at this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780358567356

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Author Interview: Denny S. Bryce (The Other Princess: A Novel of Queen Victoria's Goddaughter)

4 oktober 2023 | 44 min

Today we're talking about Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an African princess raised in Queen Victoria's court as the Queen's goddaughter. Author Denny S. Bryce's new book The Other Princess takes its inspiration from this recently rediscovered historical figure.

Learn more about Denny and her work at dennysbryce.com

Buy The Other Princess from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063144125

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Author Interview: Heather Redmond (Death and the Sisters: A Mary Shelley Mystery)

27 september 2023 | 43 min

Today we're talking about Mary Shelley, Claire Clairmont, Percy Shelley and (a fictional) MURDER with author Heather Redmond, author of Death and the Sisters.

Learn more about Heather and her work at heatherredmond.com

Buy Death and the Sisters from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781496737991

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Elagabalus (with Kit Heyam)

23 september 2023 | 86 min

NOTE: This episode was updated in June 2024 to include Elagabalus's score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandiliciousness Scale.

Thinking about the Roman Empire? If you weren't before, you are now! Friend of the podcast Dr. Kit Heyam is back to discuss the fascinating life of ancient Roman emperor Elagabalus (aka Heliogabalus). Elagabalus's reign was short, and odd, and the way it was written about (by haters) leaves many questions about their queer and trans identity. Kit is here to compassionately explore Elagabalus's life and story.

Learn more about Kit and their work at kitheyam.com and follow them on Instagram @kitheyamwriter

Buy Kit's book Before We Were Trans from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781541603080

Tune into Vulgar History Live!! On October 21st 2023 at 5:30 Central Time (or watch the livestream later on) at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_089jR4GZw8

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Author Interview: Rosie Harte (The Royal Wardrobe: A Very Fashionable History of the Monarchy)

20 september 2023 | 40 min

This week, author Rosie Harte joins us to talk about her new book The Royal Wardrobe: A Very Fashionable History of the Monarchy. In this book, she discusses iconic fashion moments of the British royals from the Tudor era to present day, answering questions like: how tits out was Anne of Denmark? Whither James VI/I's padded doublets? And, what's the deal with Charles II's pubic hair wig??? Plus: FRANCES HOWARD!!

Learn more about Rosie and her work at rosieharte.com and follow her on TikTok @theroyalwardrobe and Instagram @rosiehharte

Buy The Royal Wardrobe from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781472297464

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Mary, Queen of Scots by Antonia Fraser

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The Four Marys

13 september 2023 | 92 min

As a grand finale to the Mary, Queen of Scots series, we're taking a look at her girl squad: The Four Marys. Who were Mary Beaton, Seton, Fleming, and Livingston? If they were Golden Girls, who is the Dorothy? If they were in Blackpink, who is the main visual (and who is the lead dancer)? How do they match up with Reign's Aylee, Greer, Kenna, and Lola? Where did Mary Seton learn to do perms? Which of them has a sister who was legit a witch?

References:

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary, Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Mary Queen of Scots Secretary: William Maitland: Politician, Reformer, and Conspirator by Robert Stedell

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Author Interview: Jenni Nuttall (Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women’s Words)

6 september 2023 | 46 min

Continuing on in our academic/linguistics era, I'm joined today by Dr. Jenni Nuttall to talk about her new book Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words.

So many of the words that we use to chronicle women’s lives feel awkward or alien. Medical terms are scrupulously accurate but antiseptic. Slang and obscenities have shock value, yet they perpetuate taboos. Where are the plain, honest words for women’s daily lives? Jenni is here to explain all!

Learn more about Jenni and her work at stylisticienne.com

Buy Mother Tongue from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593299579

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Devices and Desires: Bess of Hardwick and the Building of Elizabethan England by Kate Hubbard

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Bess of Hardwick

30 augusti 2023 | 99 min

Bess of Hardwick (birth name: Elizabeth Cavendish) appeared a few times throughout the Mary, Queen of Scots series. And today, we're diving into just how this low(ish) born woman became the second-wealthiest woman in Tudor England (after Queen Liz I).

We spill all the tea: the four husbands, the attempted poisonings, the embroideries, her dealings with the Grey family, the house building, the useless sons (and step-sons) and the LATE BREAKING NEWS.

References:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-66265517

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick/gideon-tapestry-project-at-hardwick-hall

Recommended podcast:

Dwarfism History with Aubrey Smalls

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Author Interview: Yunte Huang (Daughter of the Dragon: Anna May Wong's Rendezvous with American History)

23 augusti 2023 | 45 min

This week, we're talking with Yunte Huang about his new biography of movie star Anna May Wong, Daughter of the Dragon.

A trenchant reclamation of the Chinese American movie star, whose battles against cinematic exploitation and endemic racism are set against the currents of twentieth-century history.

Learn more about Yunte Huang and his books at yuntehuang.com.

Buy Daughter of the Dragon from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781631495809

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Elisabeth of Valois (with Leah Redmond Chang)

16 augusti 2023 | 68 min

As part of the Mary, Queen of Scots series today we're talking about Mary's sister-in-law, Elisabeth of Valois. Our guest is Leah Redmond Chang, whose biography of Elisabeth, Catherine de'Medici, and Mary, Queen of Scots has just been published.

Young Queens: Three Renaissance Queens and the Price of Power follows the intertwined stories of the three women from girlhood through young adulthood, painting a picture of a world in which a woman could wield power at the highest level yet remain at the mercy of the state, her body serving as the currency of empire and dynasty, sacrificed to the will of husband, family, kingdom.

Learn more about Leah and her book at leahredmondchang.com

Buy Young Queens from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780374294489

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Author Interview: Rachel Cantor (Half-Life of a Stolen Sister)

11 augusti 2023 | 39 min

This week, I'm joined by author Rachel Cantor to talk about her new book, Half-Life of a Stolen Sister, a retelling of the story of the Brontë siblings.

Chapter by chapter, the novel brings together diaries, letters, home movies, television and radio interviews, deathbed monologues, and fragments from the sprawling invented worlds of the siblings’ childhood. As it does so, a kaleidoscopic portrait emerges, giving us with startling intensity and invention new ways of seeing—and reading—the sisters who would create some of the supreme works of literature of all time.

Learn more about Rachel and her books at rachelcantor.com

Buy Half-Life of a Stolen Sister from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781641294645

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Author Interview: Craig Shreve (The African Samurai)

9 augusti 2023 | 36 min

This week, we're talking with author Craig Shreve about his new novel, The African Samurai.

Set in late 16th-century Africa, India, Portugal, and Japan, The African Samurai is a powerful historical novel based on the true story of Yasuke, Japan’s first foreign-born samurai and the only samurai of African descent.

Learn more about Craig Shreve and his books at craigshreve.com and follow him on social media @ cgshreve

Buy The African Samurai from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781668002865

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Author Interview: Jamila Ahmed (Every Rising Sun)

4 augusti 2023 | 37 min

Today we're talking with debut novelist Jamila Ahmed about her book Every Rising Sun. Every Rising Sun is a retelling of the tale of Scheherazade, set amid the real-life events of twelfth-century Persia and the third crusade.

Buy Every Rising Sun from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781250887078

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There's Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Ten: Legacy (with Allison Epstein and Lana Wood Johnson)

2 augusti 2023 | 155 min

When it comes to Mary's legacy and scandilicious score, there's too much for one person to cover. Which is why I've brought in Vulgar History all-stars (and Mary QofS fans) Allison Epstein and Lana Wood Johnson for this discussion. We also got input from author and Scottish person Jennifer Morag Henderson to help figure out the scores. Is it any wonder this is nearly 2.5 hours long? Mary deserves no less.

Learn more about Lana Wood Johnson and her books at lanawoodjohnson.com and follow her on IG and Threads at @ muliebris

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

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Author Interview: Genevieve Gornichec (The Weaver and the Witch Queen)

28 juli 2023 | 48 min

Talking about 10th-century Norway, the mythical figure of Gunnhild, and the importance of women's work with Genevieve Gornichec!

Learn more about Genevieve and her books at genevievegornichec.com

Buy The Weaver and the Witch Queen from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593438244

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There’s Something About Mary Queen of Scots: Bonus: Clare Hunter (Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power)

26 juli 2023 | 52 min

As a way to tie a bow on this season, we're learning more about Mary, Queen of Scots's inner life, motivations, and emotions through her use of textiles. I'm joined by author Clare Hunter, author of Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power, to discuss what we can learn about Mary from what she wore, and what she stitched.

Learn more about Clare and her work at her website sewingmatters.co.uk

Buy Embroidering Her Truth: Mary, Queen of Scots and the Language of Power from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781529346282

And you can also buy Clare’s other book Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle wherever you get books including this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781419747656

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Author Interview: Nikki M. Taylor (Brooding Over Bloody Revenge: Enslaved Women's Lethal Resistance)

21 juli 2023 | 43 min

I'm joined this week by Nikki M. Taylor to discuss her fascinating new book, Brooding Over Bloody Revenge: Enslaved Women's Lethal Resistance. Nikki is Professor and Chair in the Department of History at Howard University. She specializes in nineteenth-century African American History.

From the colonial through the antebellum era, enslaved women in the US used lethal force as the ultimate form of resistance. By amplifying their voices and experiences, Brooding over Bloody Revenge strongly challenges assumptions that enslaved women only participated in covert, non-violent forms of resistance when they consistently seized justice for themselves and organized toward revolt.

Buy Brooding Over Bloody Revenge from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781009276849

The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams

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There's Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Nine: In My End Is My Beginning (with Allison Epstein)

19 juli 2023 | 149 min

The saga of Mary, Queen of Scots concludes with the ultimate outfit reveal. And: so much spy shit!!

References:

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Imprisoning Mary, Queen of Scots: The Men Who Kept the Stuart Queen by Mickey Mayhew

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/ridolfi-plot-1571 by Cyril Hamshere

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpy9fcw/revision/4

George Lasry, Norbert Biermann & Satoshi Tomokiyo (2023) Deciphering Mary Stuart’s lost letters from 1578-1584, Cryptologia

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

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Author Interview: Vanessa Riley (Queen of Exiles)

13 juli 2023 | 50 min

Vanessa Riley's new book Queen of Exiles is about Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid Christophe, Queen of the Kingdom of Hayti. The story of her Regency reign and exile is ripped from the headlines for this historical fiction novel.

Learn more about Vanessa, her book, and where she'll be appearing to promote this book at vanessariley.com

Buy Queen of Exiles from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063270992

A Catte (by Mary, Queen of Scots)

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There's Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Eight: Cat(te) And Mouse (with Allison Epstein)

12 juli 2023 | 129 min

In this week's episode we get to talk about Mary's various treason embroidery projects AND learn the fates of several of our least-favourite Scottish men.

Here is a link to Mary's embroideries we discuss today, including the treason pillow, the rhinocerote, and the "byrd of America".

A Catte Named Hepburne (by Jan Jupiter) in the Vulgar History merch store

References:

The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Imprisoning Mary, Queen of Scots: The Men Who Kept the Stuart Queen by Mickey Mayhew

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/ridolfi-plot-1571by

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpy9fcw/revision/4

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

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Author Interview: Angela Saini (The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality)

7 juli 2023 | 35 min

Where did The Patriarchy™️ come from? Why has it been fucking up peoples lives in so many cultures in so many eras and geographic locations?

Angela Saini is here to explain all in this chat about her book The Patriarchs: The Origins of Inequality.

—

Buy The Patriarchs at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780807014547

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

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There's Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Seven: Lochleven (with Allison Epstein)

5 juli 2023 | 93 min

In this week's episode, our girl is BACK as Mary dons at least one disguise and manipulates numerous fools around her!

References:

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring

Mary Queen of Scots: Escape from Lochleven Castle by Theresa Breslin

Mary Queen of Scots’ Secretary: William Maitland--Politician, Reformer, and Conspirator by Robert Stedell

Mary Was Here: Where Mary Queen of Scots Went and What She Did There by Historic Scotland

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

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Jean Gordon, Countess of Bothwell (with Jennifer Morag Henderson)

30 juni 2023 | 109 min

Amid the unrelenting grimness of the Mary, Queen of Scots story comes a NICE story with a HAPPY EVER AFTER ENDING. Let's all take a brain break to learn about Jean Gordon, daughter of Cock o' the North, briefly the wife of Bothwell, and how her life turned out GREAT after all that happened.

My guest is Jennifer Morag Henderson, who wrote the book Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary, Queen of Scots, which I've been using as a resource in almost every episode this season! So it was great to chat with her.

Learn more about Jennifer and her work at jennifermoraghenderson.com

Buy Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary, Queen of Scots at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781913207755

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

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There's Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Six: The Mermaid and the Hare (with Allison Epstein)

28 juni 2023 | 115 min

In this week's episode, Mary pays a visit to her baby son and then everything goes really badly.

Content warning SA: 1:08:10-1:09:29

References:

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring

Mary Queen of Scots’ Secretary: William Maitland--Politician, Reformer, and Conspirator by Robert Stedell

Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Mary Was Here: Where Mary Queen of Scots Went and What She Did There by Historic Scotland

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

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Author Interview: Claudia Cravens (Lucky Red)

23 juni 2023 | 39 min

Talking with author Claudia Cravens about her queer wild west brothel revenge historical novel, Lucky Red!

Keep up with Claudia on Instagram @claudia.cravens and Twitter @claudia_cravens

Buy Lucky Red at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593498248

Here's the drawing of Kirk O'Field we discuss.

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There's Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Five: A Dagger, A Cloak, A Chair, and a Length of Rope (with Allison Epstein)

21 juni 2023 | 113 min

In which Mary attends the wedding of two of her favourite servants.

Content warning: murder

And here's the mermaid drawing.

References:

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir

Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall: The Life and Murder of Henry Lord Darnley by Robert Stedell

Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

Learn more about Mattie, her book, and her current book tour here!

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Author Interview: Mattie Kahn (Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions)

16 juni 2023 | 43 min

* Audio note: my mic was a little different this week just FYI **

I'm joined this week by Mattie Kahn, author of the new book Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions.

From the American Revolution itself to the Civil Rights Movement to nuclear disarmament protests and the women’s liberation movement, through Black Lives Matter and school strikes for climate, Mattie Kahn uncovers how girls have leveraged their unique strengths, from fandom to intimate friendships, to organize and lay serious political groundwork for movements that often sidelined them. Their stories illuminate how much we owe to girls throughout the generations, what skills young women use to mobilize and find their voices, and, crucially, what we can all stand to learn from them.

Buy Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780593299067

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

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There’s Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Four: The Jewelled Tortoise (With Allison Epstein)

14 juni 2023 | 112 min

This week, Mary, Queen of Scots hosts an eventful dinner party.

Content warning: murder

References:

David Rizzio and Mary Queen of Scots: Murder at Holyrood by David Tweedie

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir

Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Rizzio: A Novella by Denise Mina

Learn more about Allison Epstein and their books at allisonepstein.com and follow them on IG and Twitter @ rapscallison

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

Article by Emma Powys Maurice

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Rerelease: La Chevalière d'Éon (with Maya Deane)

13 juni 2023 | 71 min

As a Pride Month treat, enjoy this remastered version of last year's episode about La Chevalière d'Éon, with special guest Maya Deane!

Maya's book Wrath Goddess Sing was recently nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, and has just come out in paperback, so it seemed a great time to revisit this, one of my favourite interviews!

Learn more about Maya and Wrath Goddess Sing at mayadeane.com

Purchase a copy of her book anywhere you get books, including at bookshop.org via this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063161191

Buy Chevalière d'Éon tees at vulgarhistory.com/pride, with funds going to support Point of Pride.

References:

Queer as Fact podcast

Article by Hugh Ryan

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Author Interview: Rita Chang-Eppig (Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea)

9 juni 2023 | 41 min

* The audio is a bit different sounding in this episode, just FYI, due to mic issues on my end *

Today's a special author interview, because this is a historical fiction novel about someone already profiled on Vulgar History! In the previous episode, I referred to this person as Zheng Yi Sao, which is a name referring to her as the wife of someone else. This novel is all about her story on its own terms, which is why author Rita Chang-Eppig uses the name Shek Yeung.

Rita's new novel about Shek Yeung/Zheng Yi Sao is called Deep As The Sky, Red As The Sea, and it's so good and you should all read it!!

Learn more about Rita and her book here

Buy Deep As The Sky, Red As The Sea at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781639730377

David Rizzio and Mary, Queen of Scots: Murder at Holyrood by David Tweedie

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There’s Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Three: The Marriage Question

7 juni 2023 | 68 min

In this week's episode, Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I both engage in some matchmaking.

References:

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring

Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

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Author Interview: Logan Steiner (After Anne)

2 juni 2023 | 37 min

In this episode, I'm joined by author Logan Steiner to discuss her new novel After Anne. After Anne is a historical fiction novel that explores the life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of the Anne of Green Gables series.

Learn more about Logan and After Anne at logansteiner.com

Buy After Anne at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063246454

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

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There’s Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Two: A Progress North

31 maj 2023 | 83 min

In which Mary, Queen of Scots goes with her half-brother James to visit the Northern parts of her kingdom.

References:

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary Queen of Scots by Rosemary Goring

Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Mary Was Here: where Mary Queen of Scots went and what she did there by Historic Scotland

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

Learn more about Debra and her book here!

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Author Interview: Debra Magpie Earling (The Lost Journals of Sacajewea)

26 maj 2023 | 65 min

I'm joined for an incredibly interesting conversation with author Debra Magpie Earling, author of the new historical fiction novel The Lost Journals of Sacajewea.

Among the most memorialized women in American history, Sacajewea served as interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. In this visionary novel, acclaimed Indigenous author Debra Magpie Earling brings this mythologized figure vividly to life, casting unsparing light on the men who brutalized her and recentering Sacajewea as the arbiter of her own history.

Buy The Lost Journals of Sacajewea at bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781571311450

Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson

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There’s Something About Mary, Queen of Scots: Part One: Birth of a Queen

24 maj 2023 | 90 min

Our in-depth discussion of the life of Mary, Queen of Scot’s begins! In France! Just like Reign!

References:

Embroidering Her Truth: Mary Queen of Scots and the Language of Power by Clare Hunter

Mary Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Mary Was Here: where Mary Queen of Scots Went and what she did There by Historic Scotland

Get merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping)

Learn more about Cleopatra's Daughter: From Roman Prisoner to African Queen, here

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Author Interview: Jane Draycott (Cleopatra's Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen)

19 maj 2023 | 46 min

Everyone knows the name Cleopatra, but her daughter Cleopatra Selene is little-known these days. Jane Draycott has written the first modern biography of one of the most influential yet long-neglected rulers of the ancient world: Cleopatra Selene!.

Learn more about Jane and her research here

Follow Jane on Twitter @JLDraycott

Learn more about Celia and her book here

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Author Interview: Celia Bell (The Disenchantment)

17 maj 2023 | 74 min

Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d'Aulnoy, aka Countess d'Aulnoy, aka Madame d'Aulnoy, was a French author who invented the term "fairy tales". She also was one of many real-life figures who inspired Celia Bell to write her historical fiction novel, THE DISENCHANTMENT.

Celia joins us to talk about her book, which is a fictional story about a passionate love affair between two noblewomen who wish to free themselves from their repressive society, whatever the cost. There's also murder in it, as well as Vulgar History fav La Voisin and, The Affair of the Poisons!

Follow Celia on Twitter @celiadbell

Learn more about Elizabeth and her books

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Author Interview: Elizabeth Chadwick (The King's Jewel)

12 maj 2023 | 34 min

Nesta, or Nest ferch Rhys, was a Welsh princess in the late 11th and early 12th century. Her father was the last King of Wales, and Nesta was taken to England where she became mistress of the future Henry II.

Her story is so fascinating and deserves to be better known, which is why it's so great bestselling historical fiction author Elizabeth Chadwick has written a new book about her! Elizabeth joins me to share the story of Nesta and talk about her latest book, THE KING'S JEWEL.

Buy a copy of THE KING'S JEWEL from bookshop.org

The Real Queen Charlotte: Inside the Real Bridgerton Court by Catherine Curzon

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Queen Charlotte (with Lana Wood Johnson)

10 maj 2023 | 161 min

So who was the real Queen Charlotte aka Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz? Was she at all like the spirited heroine of the Bridgerton spinoff series? Or was she actually the most basic and bland person ever profiled on this podcast? And if the latter, how low will her score be?

This episode was recorded before QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY came out on Netflix, and contains no spoilers! But also, we didn't know what the show was like when we had this discussion, so bear that in mind.

References:

Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson

Learn more about Stacey Murrell and her work

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Queen Charlotte and Race (with Dr. Brooke Newman and Stacey Murrell)

5 maj 2023 | 111 min

The new Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story adapts the real-life story of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, presenting her as a Black woman living in 18th-century 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.

** Content warning: at around 1:33:25, the derogatory racial term "mulatto" is used twice, in a historical context. **

Stacey Morrell is a Ph.D. candidate at Brown University. Stacey works on the western Mediterranean throughout much of the Middle Ages (c.900-1520), with a particular emphasis on the relationship(s) between gender, sexuality, and power.

YouTube video of Stacey's presentation on Madragana (her part is from 1:00:15 to 1:26:46)

Follow Stacey on Twitter @theamyrlinseat

Dr. Brooke Newman is an Associate Professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a historian of early modern Britain and the British Atlantic, with a current special interest in the history of slavery, the abolition movement, and the British royal family.

Learn more about Dr. Newman and her work

Follow Dr. Newman on Twitter @DrBrookeNewman

Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque

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Catherine de'Medici, Part Three (with Lana Wood Johnson)

3 maj 2023 | 70 min

All scandalicious things must come to an end, and so it is with the unrelentingly wild saga of Catherine de'Medici. But how will she score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandilicous Scale???

Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson

References:

The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone

Learn more about Valerie and her book here

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Author Interview: Valerie Fridland (Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English)

28 april 2023 | 71 min

This week we're talking about the history of language with Dr. Valerie Fridland, author of the new book Like Literally Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. Valerie has a PhD in linguistics and is a Professor and former Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of English at the University of Nevada in Reno.

Click to buy a copy on Bookshop.org

Tits Oit For Trans Rights http://vulgarhistory.com/donate

Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque

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Catherine de'Medici, Part Two (with Lana Wood Johnson)

26 april 2023 | 59 min

The second part of Catherine de’Medici’s story, or, how do you solve a problem like De Guises?

Here's a link to the fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights

Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson

References:

The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone

Learn more about the book and buy a copy here

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Author Interview: Vanessa Wilkie (A Woman of Influence: The Spectacular Rise of Alice Spencer in Tudor England)

21 april 2023 | 55 min

It's a super special! This time we're joined by Vanessa Wilkie, author of the new biography A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE: THE SPECTACULAR RISE OF ALICE SPENCER IN TUDOR ENGLAND.

This book has crossover with the Vulgar History episode about Anne Stanley Countess of Castlehaven, in that, Alice Spencer was Anne Stanley's mother. She was also the wife of VH fav Ferdinando Stanley, and also a member of the Spencer family you may know from Princess Diana's whole deal.

Info about Vanessa's role and research at the Huntington Library

Listen to the Vulgar History episode about Alice's daughter, Anne Stanley Countess of Castlehaven, here

Tits Out For Trans Rights fundraiser vulgarhistory.com/donate

Blood, Fire & Gold: The Story of Elizabeth I & Catherine de'Medici by Estelle Paranque

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Catherine de'Medici: Part One (with Lana Wood Johnson)

19 april 2023 | 57 min

No discussion of Mary Queen of Scots is complete without talking about her one time mother-in-law, Catherine de'Medici. In part one, we set the stage for Catherine's long life of relentless scheming. Also, I learn how to correctly pronounce her name! Plus: discussion of her husband's maybe wonky dick. And, how she, her husb, and his mistress were not really a Diana/Charles/Camilla scenario. Plus: Popes!

References:

The Rival Queens: Catherine De' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom by Nancy Goldstone

Here's a link to the fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights

Here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson

Learn more about the book and find links to buy a copy here

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Author Interview: Max Wallace (After the Miracle: The Political Crusades of Helen Keller)

14 april 2023 | 45 min

***Note: the audio quality is a bit different in this one because my computer was having a fit, but don't worry, it's still a great episode and SO IMPORTANT and I'm glad to release it despite some audio oddness.***

It's a super special! I'm joined by Max Wallace to talk about his new book, AFTER THE MIRACLE: THE POLITICAL CRUSADES OF HELEN KELLER.

I truly can't recommend this book enough, I've never had my understanding of a woman from history expanded as much as what Max discusses about Helen Keller.

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Author Interview: Paterson Joseph (The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho)

12 april 2023 | 45 min

Author (and actor) Paterson Joseph joins us to share the story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a Black man from Georgian England whose story deserves to be much more widely known. Which is why Paterson wrote a book about him!

Paterson's novel, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, is available everywhere you get books, including bookshop.org

Including as an audiobook, read by the author!

You can follow Paterson on Twitter @ignatius_sancho and on Instagram @patersondjoseph

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Marie de Guise: Part Two (with Lana Wood Johnson)

5 april 2023 | 95 min

The second part of Marie de Guise's story is no less chaotic than the first part, as she winds up single-handedly running Scotland while fending off the Asshole Scottish Lords, dealing with her useless brothers, and honestly spending most of her time wishing she was back in France for the wine and cheese.

Here are links to EKsplaine, who I quote here about her hilarious Scottish history reels and Youtube!

eksplaine Youtube

eksplaine IG

And here's a link to Lana Wood Johnson's two YA novels: Books by Lana Wood Johnson

And here's a link to my birthday fundraiser: Tits Out For Trans Rights

Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise by Melanie Clegg

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Marie de Guise: Part One (with Lana Wood Johnson)

28 mars 2023 | 77 min

Time to learn about Marie de Guise, the mother of Mary Queen of Scots! De Guise expert Lana Wood Johnson joins us to talk about just how influential Marie's family was, how and why she wound up in Scotland, how she dealt with the Asshole Scottish Lords ft. John Goddamn Knox, and how nature AND nurture would lead to in the development of Mary Queen of Scots's personality later on.

I forgot to say in the episode, but my main source of info about Marie was this book:

Here are links to EKsplaine, who I quote here about her hilarious Scottish history reels and Youtube!

eksplaine Youtube

eksplaine IG

Amarna Sunrise: Egypt from Golden Age to Age of Heresy by Aidan Dodson

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Nefertiti (with Gina Berry)

22 mars 2023 | 162 min

Friend of the podcast Gina Berry joins us to talk about one of her favourite women from history: Nefertiti! In this incredibly long conversation, we get into exactly how long ago Nefertiti lived (VERY LONG AGO), how unusual her husband Akhenaten's reign was (VERY), and how messed up everything still is vis-a-vis her famous sculpture and where it's located.

You can follow Gina on Twitter @gbdolfan

If you want to read more about Nefertiti and ancient Egypt, Gina recommends:

Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamen, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation (Revised) by Aidan Dodson

Nefertiti, Queen and Pharaoh of Egypt: Her Life and Afterlife by Aidan Dodson

Nefertiti: Unlocking the Mystery Surrounding Egypt's Most Famous and Beautiful Queen by Joyce Tyldesley

Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister, by Sarah-Beth Watkins

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Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: Part Two

15 mars 2023 | 47 min

This week in the thrilling conclusion of Margaret Tudor's story we get: two terrible husbands! Several infant and child kidnappings! Sneaking across the border more than once! A shocking alliance on par with Margaret of Anjour/Warwick and Rani Didda/Phalguna! Cannon-based divorce drama cause that's just how they do it in Scotland! And: her scandilicious score. As Henry VIII would say: Herman, my pills!!

References:

Sisters to the King: the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII’s sisters - Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry

Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: The Life of King Henry VIII’s Sister, by Sarah-Beth Watkins

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots: Part One

8 mars 2023 | 50 min

In season 6, we'll be looking at the story of Mary, Queen of Scots. And where better to start off than with her grandmother, whose life was also oddly setting up several precedents for Mary to the point it's like: are they the same person across time?

Learn about Margaret's child bride queen era, how she ensured her entry to Scotland was on par with that time Rihanna wore Guo Pei to the Met, and how the Tudor affliction of falling for bad boys is going to play out for her.

Coming up next week: Herman, my pills!!

References:

Sisters to the King: the tumultuous lives of Henry VIII’s sisters - Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry

Buy a copy of MARVELOUS using this bookshop link to help support Vulgar History

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Author Interview: Molly Greeley (Marvelous: A Novel)

1 mars 2023 | 60 min

Molly Greeley's new historical fiction novel, MARVELOUS, is based on the real-life story of Petrus Gonsalvus and his wife, Catherine. Petrus aka Pedro had a condition called hypertrichosis which meant his body was covered in hair. This caught the attention of the French Queen (a certain CATHERINE DE'MEDICI), who liked having unusual people around her. And so, Petrus/Pedro was well educated and raised in the royal court. Petrus/Pedro's wife, Catherine, did not have this condition and then most of their children inherited it. The story of Petrus/Pedro and Catherine may have inspired a version of the Beauty & the Beast fairy tale (and maybe the prosthetics used on the Beast in the recent live-action adaptation)?

Learn more about Molly and her book at mollygreeley.com

Tune in to watch VULGARPIECE THEATRE LIVE at youtube.com/@vulgarhistory on March 4 at 5pm Pacific/ 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern.

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Author Interview: Jac Jemc (Empty Theatre)

22 februari 2023 | 67 min

It's the 100th episode** of Vulgar History, and who better to chat with than author Jac Jemc! Jac is the author of the new book EMPTY THEATRE, which is a story mostly about Empress Sisi and her Cousin "Mad King" Ludwig II, but also talks about Lola Goddamn Montez, Ludwig "nature or art" I, and is an overall delightful romp through this part of history.

Learn more about Jac and her upcoming events at jacjemc.com and follow her on Instagram @jacjemc and Twitter @jacjemc

Buy a copy of EMPTY THEATRE from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History at this link: bookshop.org/a/1419/9780374277925

And tune in to watch VULGARPIECE THEATRE LIVE at youtube.com/@vulgarhistory on March 4 at 5pm Pacific/ 7pm Central/ 8pm Eastern.

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

** depending on if you count the super special episodes, which I do

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Amanirenas, Queen of Kush (with Princess O'Nika Auguste)

14 februari 2023 | 58 min

This week's guest is Princess O'Nika Auguste, a Saint-Lucian writer, theologian, historian, poet-critic, researcher, and digital content creator. She's here to talk about Amanirenas, Queen of the Kingdom of Kush from c. 40 BCE to c. 10 BCE, and was a one-eyed Black woman who prevented the Romans from taking over most of the African continent.

Follow Princess O'Nika Auguste:

Instagram: @isletheologian

Substack: princessonikaauguste.substack.com

Twitter @isletheologian

Merch store www.zazzle.com/store/isletheologian

Patreon: patreon.com/isletheologian

Ko-Fi ko-fi.com/isletheologian

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So This Asshole: Napoleon Bonaparte (with Allison Epstein)

8 februari 2023 | 89 min

This episode of So This Asshole used to live behind a paywall on Patreon, but now is free for all to hear! In it, friend of the pod Allison Epstein takes the lead to discuss a person they hate very much: Napoleon Bonaparte.

We also talk about Allison's upcoming new book, LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD, and how Napoleon is involved in it (he is not literally in the book, but his presence looms large).

Learn more about Allison and their new book at allisonepstein.com and follow them on Twitter @rapscallison and IG @rapscallison and subscribe to their newsletter rapscallison.substack.com/

Want to hear more episodes of So This Asshole? Support Vulgar History on Patreon at the $5/month+ level here: patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Author Interview: Emran Iqbal El-Badawi (Queens and Prophets How Arabian Noblewomen and Holy Men Shaped Paganism, Christianity and Islam)

1 februari 2023 | 42 min

This week, I'm sharing my chat with Emran Iqbal El-Badawi, Program Director and Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Houston, where he is also Chair of Modern and Classical Languages. He's here to talk about his new book: "Queens and Prophets: How Arabian Noblewomen and Holy Men Shaped Paganism, Christianity and Islam."

He's here to talk all about ancient Arabia, why other scholars in the field challenged him about writing this book, the role of women in this culture, and to explain how he's able to research people who lived so long ago there is very little written historical record (it helps he's able to read in a multitude of languages!)

"Queens and Prophets" is available everywhere, including through bookshop.org. Click here to buy a copy using the Vulgar History affiliate link.

Follow Imran on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/emrane

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Author Interview: Flora Fraser (Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora MacDonald)

25 januari 2023 | 53 min

This week, I'm sharing my chat with author Flora Fraser about her newest historical biography: Pretty Young Rebel: The Life of Flora Macdonald.

Flora Macdonald was a Scottish woman who lived in the 18th century, and kind of accidentally became a heroine of the Jacobite rebellion. As Flora Fraser discovered in her research, Macdonald's life also included involvement in the American Revolution, and she and her family passed through parts of Atlantic Canada before she wound back up in Scotland.

Learn more about Flora Fraser and her work at florafraser.com

"Pretty Young Rebel" is available everywhere, including through bookshop.org. Click here to buy a copy using the Vulgar History affiliate link.

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Author Interview: Joanna Hickson (The Queen's Lady)

18 januari 2023 | 52 min

This week I got to talk with Joanna Hickson, author of seven books (so far!) about 15th-century English women, mostly from the Tudor era.

The occasion for our chat is the paperback release of her latest book, The Queen's Lady, which is about a very interesting Tudor-era woman I'd never heard of before named Joan Vaux.

Keep up with Joanna and her books at twitter.com/joannahickson and facebook.com/joannahickson

You can buy a copy of The Queen's Lady (or any of Joanna's other books) at any bookseller near you, and/or by using the Vulgar History link at bookshop.org bookshop.org/a/1419/9780008305659

A Deeper Conversation: The Podcast for Jewish Women

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So This Asshole: Charles Dickens

11 januari 2023 | 47 min

A special treat for you! This episode of used to only live behind the paywall on Patreon, but Charles Dickens was simply too much of a dirtbag to keep the story from you all.

** Note that this was originally recorded in December 2021, for Patreon, so some of the chit-chat is that of a younger me, so long ago, so bear that in mind. **

If you'd like to hear me talk about more terrible men from history, you can subscribe to my Patreon at the $5/month level! You can join up here: patreon.com/annfosterwriter

And you can learn more about Catherine Hogarth Dickens in the book The Other Dickens by Lillian Nayder

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Doña Gracia Nasi

21 december 2022 | 86 min

Doña Gracia Nasi was born in Portugal to Spanish parents, then because of the whole Reconquista and Inquisition scenarios, wound up in Antwerp, Venice, and then Istanbul. She ran a wildly impressive banking company, inherited a pepper empire, and used her connections to help save other Jewish people from persecution. Along the way, she crossed paths with a truly impressive number of previous Vulgar History heroines.

Discussion of antisemitism 5:27 - 18:03

Podcasts to learn more about Gracia and about Jewish history:

The Jewish Story

https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/2019/01/31/jews-money-myth/

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/nasi-dona-gracia

https://mjhnyc.org/blog/a-righteous-woman-dona-gracia-mendes-nasi/

https://headstuff.org/culture/history/terrible-people-from-history/gracia-mendes-nasi-renaissance-businesswoman/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracia_Mendes_Nasi

https://www.etzion.org.il/en/halakha/pogroms-1391-spain

https://aish.com/dona-gracia-nasi-the-spanish-inquisitions-underground-railroad/

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Zheng Yi Sao (aka Shi Yang aka Ching Shih)

14 december 2022 | 79 min

It's the internationale season finale and we're going out with a PIRATE STORY!!! Zheng Yi Sao aka Shi Yang aka Ching Shih was the most successful pirate of all time. Not just the most successful lady pirate: The Most Successful Pirate Of All Time (All Gender). Hers is a story of success after success and honestly that's refreshing after all that some of the other women this season had to put up with.

Recommended podcasts to learn more about Asian history:

With Chinese Characteristics podcast hosted by Natalie and Cherrie

Asian American History 101 podcast hosted by Gen and Ted

References:

You’re Dead To Me podcast featuring Professor Ronald C. Po

Pirate Women: the princesses, prostitutes, and privateers who ruled the seven seas by Laura Sook Duncombe

Pirates and Privateers article by Tanner Price

Atlas obscure article by Urvida Banerji

Article on Sixth Tone by Xueting Christine Ni

Asian American History 101

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Empress Dowager Cixi, part two

7 december 2022 | 92 min

After part one laid a lot of track, part two is just all engines go as we look at the subsequent forty-seven years. There were two cult-based rebellions! Three emperors, all chosen by her! A marble boat! A person named Wild Fox Kang! Poisonings! Illnesses! Fleeing in a mule cart! She kept trying to retire but they kept sucking her back in! Also please note: PANTS.

Recommended podcasts to learn more about Asian history:

With Chinese Characteristics

Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Women In World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia

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Empress Dowager Cixi, part one

30 november 2022 | 57 min

OK this is a major episode, so get ready for the twists and turns of a truly unforgettable saga. Cixi was born to a Manchu family in China in the 19th century and, as a teen, was selected to join the emperor's harem of concubines. The emperor mostly doesn't matter (spoiler: none of the emperors in this saga do), because what's most important is that in the harem she met her ride or die best friend forever, Ci'an. And what they accomplished together is truly breathtaking, changed history, and is also the cliffhanger of this week's episode.

Recommended podcasts to learn more about Asian history:

Asian American History 101

With Chinese Characteristics

Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Women In World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia

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Artemisia I of Caria

23 november 2022 | 61 min

Artemisia I of Caria is one of the earliest recorded tits out women of history. She was the Queen of Halicarnassus hundreds of years before Cleopatra, and midway through the events of the Old Testament. She helped out Persian Emperor Xerxes I battle against the Greeks, and was so impressive Herodotus wrote about her (even though she was a woman).

Help for Iran. Some organizations to consider donating to in support of the women of Iran:

Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI)

Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran

Amnesty International

United for Iran

———

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1492/women-in-ancient-persia

Britannica.com

https://www.worldhistory.org/article/927/women-in-ancient-greece/

https://www.persianesquemagazine.com/4717/

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Sarah Kidd (with Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos)

16 november 2022 | 78 min

You may not have heard of Sarah Kidd, but you likely have heard of her third husband: Captain Kidd, the famous pirate. I'm joined by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, author of the first-ever full length biography of Sarah, THE PIRATE'S WIFE: THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF SARAH KIDD to learn all about this lesser-known figure from history. Arrrr!

Learn more about Daphne and her books at daphnepalmergeanacopoulos.com/

Buy a copy of THE PIRATE'S WIFE from bookshop.org to help support Vulgar History

Purchase "Before We Were Trans" from bookshop.org

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Author Interview: Kit Heyam (Before We Were Trans)

9 november 2022 | 51 min

As soon as I read Kit Heyam's new book "Before We Were Trans" I knew I had to try and get them on the podcast. And happy day, Kit agreed! We talk in this chat about the messiness of trans and queer history, women in sexy lady pants, the gender of hats, Njinga, Catalina de Erauso, Kristina of Sweden and MUCH MORE!

Learn more about Kit and their work at kitheyam.com and follow them on Twitter @krheyam

Also, as mentioned in the episode, some organizations to consider donating to in support of the women of Iran:

Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI)

Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran

Amnesty International

United for Iran

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Manuela Sáenz, part two

2 november 2022 | 73 min

Doña Manuela Sáenz de Vergara y Aizpuru was the illegitimate daughter of Spanish nobility in Quito (in modern day Ecuador). Side by side with Simón Bolívar, she was instrumental in Spanish colonies emancipating themselves from Spain. Following Simón's death, Manuela wound up with money problems in Perú. Since the 20th century, South American feminists have reclaimed her legacy and today, she is widely beloved all over South America as their beloved Manuelita.

For Glory and Bolivar by Pamela S. Murray

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Wikipedia

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Manuela Sáenz, part one

26 oktober 2022 | 66 min

Doña Manuela Sáenz de Vergara y Aizpuru was the illegitimate daughter of Spanish nobility in Quito (in modern day Ecuador). After a political awakening, she became involved in the patriot revolution seeking to emancipate South America from Spanish control. And that’s just the beginning.

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

For Glory and Bolivar by Pamela S. Murray

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Lola Montez, part two (with Allison Epstein)

19 oktober 2022 | 78 min

Part two of our exploration of Ireland's most scandalous heroine covers the second part of Lola Montez's life. Can't mention any details here, it's all best experienced as guest Allison Epstein (A Tip for the Hangman) did, by just vibing out while I tell the tale.

Learn more about Allison at allisonepstein.com and subscribe to Dirtbags Through The Ages at rapscallison.substack.com/

** I forgot to announce Lola’s total scandilicious score in the episode, scroll to the bottom of these notes to see what it is **

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

The Irish History Podcast

Queens of the Mines podcast

Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast

The Lonely Empress by Joan Haslip

Lola Montez: A Life, by Bruce Seymour

https://decider.com/2021/02/19/dickinson-season-2-spider-dance-lola-montez-anna-baryshnikov-pico-alexander/

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/montez-lola-4226

https://allthatsinteresting.com/lola-montez

** Lola Montez got a 23. Here is where that puts her on the overall scale:

Catalina de Erauso 23.5

Lola Montez 23

Boudica 23

Christopher Marlowe 22.5

Empress Sisi 21

--Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History: bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory

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Lola Montez, part one (with Allison Epstein)

11 oktober 2022 | 73 min

Lola Montez is such a groundbreakingly dirtbaggy grifter and icon, we had to invite friend of the pod Allison Epstein (author of A Tip for the Hangman) to share this wildly bananas saga. The saga is truly internationale as well, as part one travels along with Lola from Ireland to India, England, Scotland, Spain, France, and finally Bavaria. And it's just part one of two!! Enjoy!!

Learn more about Allison at allisonepstein.com and subscribe to Dirtbags Through The Ages at rapscallison.substack.com/

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

The Irish History Podcast

Stuff You Missed in History Slass podcast

The Lonely Empress by Joan Haslip

Lola Montez: A Life, by Bruce Seymour

https://decider.com/2021/02/19/dickinson-season-2-spider-dance-lola-montez-anna-baryshnikov-pico-alexander/

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/montez-lola-4226

https://allthatsinteresting.com/lola-montez

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Queen Min, part two

5 oktober 2022 | 59 min

In the second part of the saga of Queen Min, we see her extremely competently take control of the Joseon kingdom during a wildly chaotic period in time. China, Japan, Russia, and the US are all at play here and Min has to try and play them all off one another to try and prevent Joseon from falling to any. Meanwhile the father in law from hell, Daewongun, is STILL trying to get rid of her; some of her enemies realize they can manipulate her husband (the literal King) Gojong; she evades at least two major assassination attempts; she kind of rises from the dead; and does she let these things stop her; NO!! (until one of these things sadly does stop her; but does that let Gojong let that be the end of her story; NO!!!)

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History

https://www.factinate.com/people/facts-queen-min/amp/

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/10/323_70902.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Myeongseong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep_eIppXwT0&t=601s

https://legacyweb.philamuseum.org/doc_downloads/education/JoseonResourceBook.pdf

https://www.koreasociety.org/images/pdf/KoreanStudies/Curriculum_Materials/LessonbyTime/3_GoryeoJoseon/JoseonDynastyandWomensRights-CustomandLaw_Cerulo_Beth.pdf

https://www.thoughtco.com/the-joseon-dynasty-in-korea-195719

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_acUrSV0Bi0

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Queen Min, part one

28 september 2022 | 57 min

This season's internationale world trip heads to the Joseon Kingdom (modern-day Korea) in the late 19th century.

In part one of two, we meet the teenage girl (name unknown; I explain why in this episode) chosen to marry the teen Emperor because she had few connections and seemed easy to manipulate. AU CONTRAIRE, the woman known as Queen Min quickly proved herself to be more capable than anyone expected, least of all her arch-enemy, her father-in-law.

Reading recommendation: The Silence of Bones by June Hur

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History

https://www.factinate.com/people/facts-queen-min/amp/

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/10/323_70902.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Myeongseong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep_eIppXwT0&t=601s

https://legacyweb.philamuseum.org/doc_downloads/education/JoseonResourceBook.pdf

https://www.koreasociety.org/images/pdf/KoreanStudies/Curriculum_Materials/LessonbyTime/3_GoryeoJoseon/JoseonDynastyandWomensRights-CustomandLaw_Cerulo_Beth.pdf

https://www.thoughtco.com/the-joseon-dynasty-in-korea-195719

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_acUrSV0Bi0

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Marguerite Steinheil (with Sarah Horowitz)

21 september 2022 | 63 min

Marguerite Steinheil was a French woman in the 19th century who was embroiled in two pretty tabloid-adjacent deaths: the sex death of the French President, and then the gruesome murder of her husband and mother. She was THE moment in France when all this happened, but so many scandales happened later on that she's been largely forgotten UNTIL NOW!!

Sarah Horowitz, this week's guest, wrote a book all about Marguerite's scandalicious life, called RED WIDOW: THE SCANDAL THAT SHOOK PARIS AND THE WOMAN BEHIND IT. Who better to share this story that Sarah herself! Learn more about Sarah and her book at sarahehorowitz.com

Purchase a copy of RED WIDOW from Bookshop, where a portion of the money supports Vulgar History, through this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781728226323

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Empress Sisi, part three (with Lana Wood Johnson)

14 september 2022 | 65 min

This week we get into the third act of Sisi's life story which includes a LOT of horseback riding, a LOT of off the beaten path internationale tourism, the Mayerling Incident, and then her eventual legacy.

Content warning: suicide, grooming, murder 18:36-23:39

Learn more about Lana Wood Johnson at lanawoodjohnson.com

References:

Wikipedia

The Lonely Empress: Sisi of Austria by Joan Haslip (book from 1965, out of print)

The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Brigitte Hamann (book from 1988, translated from German)

Sissi by Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Bohm from Taschen (pictures are amazing bio is not great)

The Hapsburgs: Embodying Empire by Andrew Wheatcroft (overview of Hapsburgs and useful family tree)

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/anorectic-empress-elisabeth-austria

https://www.history.com/news/the-tragic-austrian-empress-who-was-murdered-by-anarchists

https://historyofyesterday.com/the-tragedies-and-triumphs-of-sissis-sisters-1f08ce9df80b

https://metropole.at/5-things-about-elisabeth-sissi/

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

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Empress Sisi, part two (with Lana Wood Johnson)

7 september 2022 | 65 min

Last week was the set-up, this week we delve into Sisi's whole deal. Again we're joined by Lana Wood Johnson (author of Technically You Started It and Speak For Yourself), Sisi superfan. Learn more about Lana and her books at lanawoodjohnson.com

* Content warning: starting at 8:31, there is discussion of depression, anxiety, disordered eating, anorexia nervosa, and anorexia athletica. This content ends at 27:21.

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Wikipedia

The Lonely Empress: Sisi of Austria by Joan Haslip (book from 1965, out of print)

The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Brigitte Hamann (book from 1988, translated from German)

Sissi by Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Bohm from Taschen (pictures are amazing bio is not great)

The Hapsburgs: Embodying Empire by Andrew Wheatcroft (overview of Hapsburgs and useful family tree) https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780140236347

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/anorectic-empress-elisabeth-austria

https://www.history.com/news/the-tragic-austrian-empress-who-was-murdered-by-anarchists

https://historyofyesterday.com/the-tragedies-and-triumphs-of-sissis-sisters-1f08ce9df80b

https://metropole.at/5-things-about-elisabeth-sissi/

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Empress Sisi, part one (with Lana Wood Johnson)

31 augusti 2022 | 67 min

Empress Elisabeth, known to almost everyone as Sisi, was a Bavarian royal who married the Emperor of Austria (a Hapsburg!!). Because this is an era and region I didn't know much about, we're joined by Sisi superfan and Hapsburg expert Lana Wood Johnson (author of two YA novels: Technically You Started It, and Speak For Yourself; you should buy them!!) to help fill in the blanks.

Learn more about Lana and her books at lanawoodjohnson.com

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

References:

Wikipedia

The Lonely Empress: Sisi of Austria by Joan Haslip (book from 1965, out of print)

The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria by Brigitte Hamann (book from 1988, translated from German)

Sissi by Romy Schneider and Karlheinz Bohm from Taschen (pictures are amazing bio is not great)

The Hapsburgs: Embodying Empire by Andrew Wheatcroft (overview of Hapsburgs and useful family tree)

https://www.historytoday.com/archive/anorectic-empress-elisabeth-austria

https://www.history.com/news/the-tragic-austrian-empress-who-was-murdered-by-anarchists

https://historyofyesterday.com/the-tragedies-and-triumphs-of-sissis-sisters-1f08ce9df80b

https://metropole.at/5-things-about-elisabeth-sissi/

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Keeping Up With Les Mazarinettes

27 augusti 2022 | 58 min

We all know by now how iconic Hortense Mancini was. Is it any wonder that the other Mazarinettes were just as cool? This week, we tie up the Hortense saga with a look at the stories of Anna Marie Martinozzi, Laura Martinozzi, Laura Mancini, Olympe Mancini, Marie Mancini, and Marianne Mancini along with Boy Mazarinette Philippe Mancini.

Between these seven we have: one musketeer, two accused poisoners, one iconic courthouse strut, one nighttime fleeing from the law, at least one pretty cool husband, at least one escape from a convent, and more!

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

References:

Wikipedia

The Affair of the Poisons by Anne Somerset

Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

https://partylike1660.com/marie-mancini-princesse-colonna/

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Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part five

17 augusti 2022 | 71 min

This episode gets into Hortense's final years, which involve: two mother-daughter reunions, how she dealt with three rapid changes in who the monarch is, CM continuing to be the best best friend to ever friend, and of course, her scandilicious score!!

Content warning: discussion of suicide starts at 47:01. If you want to skip ahead to the scoring, that starts at 57:31.

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

References:

Annalisa Nicholson's page at The Queen's College, University of Oxford

Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

https://www.thecambridgelanguagecollective.com/arts-and-culture/annalisa-nicholson

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/feb/28/restoration-influencer-how-charles-iis-clever-mistress-set-trends-ahead-of-her-time

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Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part four

10 augusti 2022 | 66 min

Bonjour and welcome to Hortense's Salon Internationale! In this week's episode, we learn more about Hortense Mancini's time as Charles II's maitresse-en-titre, her relationship with Charles's daughter Anne Lennerd, her love of swordfighting, her self-sabotaging affair with Louis I of Monaco, and her platonic life partner Charles de Marguetel de Saint-Denis, seigneur de Saint-Évremond aka CM, and overall her new era as Renaissance Influencer.

And the story doesn't end here! Next week we'll wrap up the Hortense Saga with her post-post Charles era, and finally see how she scores on the Fredegund memorial scale.

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

References:

Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

https://www.winemag.com/2022/02/11/hortense-mancini-runaway-duchess-champagne/

https://www.thecambridgelanguagecollective.com/arts-and-culture/annalisa-nicholson

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/feb/28/restoration-influencer-how-charles-iis-clever-mistress-set-trends-ahead-of-her-time

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Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part three

3 augusti 2022 | 60 min

So in 1675, Hortense Mancini fled France to hang out in London during the Restoration era. She truly took the city by storm with her superpowered beauty and scandalous ways. But in order to appreciate just what an effect she had, we need to talk for a minute about what London was like P.H. (Pre-Hortense). This week we learn about what Charles II had been up to since he unsuccessfully tried to marry teen Hortense (like being a volunteer firefighter, sexy Captain Hook impersonator, and oh yeah being the literal King) as well as info about his mistresses Moll Davis, Nell Gwyn, Barbara Villiers, and Louise de Kéroualle AND also the jewel heist saga of Thomas Blood.

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

References:

Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

https://www.historyextra.com/period/stuart/sex-scandals-and-betrayals-charles-ii-and-his-court/ article by RE Pritchard

Leading Ladies: the many mistresses of Charles II wielded real political power by Annalisa Nicholson (History Extra magazine)

Rex Factor podcast about Charles II

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Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part two

27 juli 2022 | 51 min

In the next thrilling installment of the saga of Hortense Mancini, our heroine escapes from her awful husband with the help of her brother and sister, becomes the most popular muse in Rome/Europe, has a not-so-secret sexy affair with a servant, and writes her memoirs (all before age 29). And she's just getting started! Featuring special guest narrative: what her sister Marie had been up to since being forced to consciously uncouple from Louis XIV.

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

References:

Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

Marie Mancini: writing for her life, by Sarah Nelson

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Hortense Mancini, Duchess de Mazarin: part one

20 juli 2022 | 70 min

Hortense Mancini appeared one day with Sailor Moon buns and such a fascinating Wikipedia entry I had to make room for her in this internationale season. Her story is like if you did a Frankenstein thing of putting together all the most scandilicious bits of every story ever on Vulgar History ever before into one story, because it's all here! Wearing a pants disguise! Breaking new ground for women in publishing! Putting on plays in which she plays the main part! A terrible husband! Lovers! Outfits! Here in part one we learn about Hortense (incl how to pronounce her name), her sisters, brother, and cousins, her terrible husband, and set the scene with some important people who will show up in later episodes.

Content warning: discussion of the details of her abusive husband and marriage begin at around 37:30. You can skip that and still listen to future bits of Hortense's story!

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOUT10 for 10% off your order

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

References:

Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II by Linda Porter

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

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Kristina of Sweden, part four

13 juli 2022 | 63 min

In the conclusion of this Kristina of Sweden four-part saga, our heroine finds that her can't-be-tamed #JustBeingMiley personality can get in the way of her plans to take over Naples, Sweden, and Poland. But she gets a new house, drinks so much orange juice, and continues living this perplexing life that truly can't be described any way but EPIC.

References:

Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley

History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Kristina of Sweden, part three

6 juli 2022 | 73 min

This episode finds Kristina of Sweden entering her BANGERZ era as she a) shaves her head b) is a wrecking ball all over Rome as she ponders how to live as a Freelance Queen/King. She meets some new friends (some of whom aren't grifters), is surprisingly chill about other peoples' religions, goes TITS OUT both with her collection of erotic artwork AND her neckline, and, fully just vibes out with the electric enthusiasm of a recently escaped bear that's been held captive indoors.

References:

Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley

History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Kristina of Sweden, part two

29 juni 2022 | 69 min

If this was an episode of Friends, it would be called THE ONE WHERE SHE YEETS THE CROWN. Picking up from part one, Kristina is Teen Queen/King of Sweden and her main focus is doing the opposite of what Axel Oxenstierna wants her to do. But the more she remains Queen/King, the more she starts to channel Belle from Beauty and the Beast, wanting adventures in the great wide somewhere. And so, as Big Freedia says in the latest Beyonce song, time for her to release her job!

References:

Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley

History of Yesterday article by Ira Larsdotter

Info about how to take action after the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs Wade is at http://podvoices.help

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Kristina of Sweden, part one

22 juni 2022 | 74 min

Kristina of Sweden, like her distant ancestress Princess Cecilia of Sweden, wasn't going to let being a Swedish Royal get in the way of her just vibing out and doing wtf she wanted. In part one, we learn about her parents, the non-typical manner in which she was brought up, and the first years of her reign. We also talk a bit about her gender identity and the longstanding rumours that she may have had intersex traits.

Learn more about intersex people at InterAct Advocates for Intersex Youth: interactadvocates.org

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness: How Can We Put The "I" In LGBTQIA+?

References:

Christina, Queen of Sweden: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric by Veronica Buckley

Queer as Fact podcast

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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La Chevalière d'Éon (with Maya Deane)

15 juni 2022 | 71 min

We're joined by author Maya Deane (Wrath Goddess Sing) to talk about La Chevalière d'Éon, an audacious and incredibly interesting trans woman from 18th century France who was a spy, soldier, author, celebrity, and overall icon. Along the way, Maya also shares the stories of Joseph Boulange Le Chevalier De Saint-Georges, the Abbé de Choisy/Comtesse de Barres, Prince Philippe, and Achilles herself!

Learn more about Maya and her book Wrath Goddess Sing, including links to buy a copy, at mayadeane.com

Buy a copy of Wrath Goddess Sing from Bookshop --> bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063161184

References:

Queer as Fact podcast

Article by Hugh Ryan

Article by Emma Powys Maurice

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Author Interview: Tracy Dawson (Let Me Be Frank: Women Who Dressed Like Men To Do Shit They Weren't Supposed To Do)

8 juni 2022 | 64 min

We're joined by author Tracy Dawson, author of Let Me Be Frank: Women Who Dressed Like Men To Do Shit They Weren't Supposed To Do! This book is perfect for the tits out brigade, as it is funny and smart, with gorgeous pictures, Catalina de Erauso is it, and it's feminist as hell.

Learn more about Tracy and her book at https://tracydawson.net/

Buy a copy of Let Me Be Frank wherever you get books (or borrow a copy from the public library!), but also if you buy it using this Bookshop link a bit of money will go towards Vulgar History: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9780063061064

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Anne of Denmark

1 juni 2022 | 77 min

Anne of Denmark (1574-1619) was the second daughter of a loving family in Denmark, who had the misfortune to be married off to King James VI of Scotland AKA the second-worst man in British history (see: witch burnings, colonizing, translating the Bible to be more misogynistic, overall messiness).

Her life story includes: SO much drama, a super secret sexy religious conversion, NUMEROUS fabulous jewellery and fashion moments, and one majorly impressive grand entrance.

References:

This is the article I reference about if Anne was the super secret sexy Catholic patron of the Gunpowder Plot

And this is the article I wrote for Bitch magazine about how James I/VI was literally the worst

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Tits Out Brigade Qs and As, part two

25 maj 2022 | 42 min

More Qs are A'd this week, including: my fav things to eat and drink, which VH heroines I'd like most to do various social things with, and tits out heroines from Canadian history!

Here's further info about each of the Canadian heroines:

Filles du Roi thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/filles-du-roi

Thanadelthur thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/thanadelthur

Marie-Joseph Angélique thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/marie-joseph-angelique

Marie Marguerite Rose en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Marguerite_Rose

Emily Carr thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/emily-carr

Viola Desmond thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/viola-desmond

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Learn more about the National Network of Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.org

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Tits Out Brigade Qs and As, part one

18 maj 2022 | 50 min

Because all the Internationále research is taking so much time, there isn't a new Vulgar History episode ready this week. But! I did have time to answer Qs from you, the Tits Out Brigade! You submitted questions via Patreon and social media, and I’m here with answers!

Click here for a list of all the books recommended in this episode

Learn more about the National Network of Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.org

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Doña Catalina de Erauso: Part Three (with Allison Epstein)

11 maj 2022 | 50 min

Special guest Allison Epstein (A Tip for the Hangman) joins us for this action-packed conclusion of this three-part saga of the Lieutenant Nun. This time featuring: a return to Spain, a meeting with The Pope (!!!) and, crucially, how will Catalina fare on the Scandilicious Scale??

Subscribe to Allison's newsletter Dirtbags Through the Ages at rapscallison.substack.com and follow Allison on Instagram @rapscallison and Twitter @rapscallison

References:

Lesbian historic motif podcast

Stuff you missed in history class podcast

Deviant women podcast

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-basques-became-autonomous-community-spain?loggedin=true

https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/books/cross-dressing-for-success.html

Memoir of a Basque Lieutenant Nun by Catalina de Erauso (translation by Michele Stepto and Gabriel Stepto)

The Life of Catalina de Erauso, the Lieutenant Nun: An Early Modern Biography by Sonia Perez-Villanueva

The Lieutenant Nun by Sherry Valasco

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Doña Catalina de Erauso: Part Two (with Allison Epstein)

4 maj 2022 | 56 min

Special guest Allison Epstein (A Tip for the Hangman) joins us to discuss Doña Catalina de Erauso. Catalina was a 17th-century Spanish woman who became known as the Lieutenant Nun because she was a) raised in a convent and b) cross-dressed for success as a man in the Spanish army. She was also c) a dirtbag, d) potentially a serial killer, and e) wildly interesting to talk about. This episode also includes SO MANY LLAMAS so, heads up.

Subscribe to Allison's newsletter Dirtbags Through the Ages at rapscallison.substack.com and follow Allison on Instagram @rapscallison and Twitter @rapscallison

Lesbian historic motif podcast

Stuff you missed in history class podcast

Deviant women podcast

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-basques-became-autonomous-community-spain?loggedin=true

https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/books/cross-dressing-for-success.html

Memoir of a Basque Lieutenant Nun by Catalina de Erauso (translation by Michele Stepto and Gabriel Stepto)

The Life of Catalina de Erauso, the Lieutenant Nun: An Early Modern Biography by Sonia Perez-Villanueva

The Lieutenant Nun by Sherry Valasco

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Doña Catalina de Erauso: Part One (with Allison Epstein)

27 april 2022 | 73 min

Special guest Allison Epstein (A Tip For The Hangman) joins us to discuss Doña Catalina de Erauso. Catalina was a 17th-century Spanish woman who became known as the Lieutenant Nun because she was a) raised in a convent and b) cross-dressed for success as a man in the Spanish army. She was also c) a dirtbag, d) potentially a serial killer, and e) wildly interesting to talk about. That's why this is part one of a two-part super special!!!

Subscribe to Allison's newsletter Dirtbags Through the Ages at rapscallison.substack.com and follow Allison on Instagram @rapscallison and Twitter @rapscallison

References:

Lesbian historic motif podcast

Stuff you missed in history class podcast

Deviant women podcast

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/how-basques-became-autonomous-community-spain?loggedin=true

https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/books/cross-dressing-for-success.html

Memoir of a Basque Lieutenant Nun by Catalina de Erauso (translation by Michele Stepto and Gabriel Stepto)

The Life of Catalina de Erauso, the Lieutenant Nun: An Early Modern Biography by Sonia Perez-Villanueva

The Lieutenant Nun by Sherry Valasco

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba: Part Two

20 april 2022 | 58 min

References:

Njinga of Angola: Africa's Warrior Queen by Linda Heywood

Queer as Fact podcast queerasfact.com

It's A Continent podcast itsacontinent.com

Excuse My African podcast excusemyafrican.com

The Humanity Archive podcast thehumanityarchive.com

longreads.com/2019/10/03/queens-of-infamy-njinga/

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba: Part One

13 april 2022 | 57 min

Njinga, aka Nzinga, aka Ana de Sousa was one of the longest-reigning and most consequential monarchs in history. She ruled over Ndongo and Matamba (near modern-day Angola) for thirty-seven years and NONE of those years was boring. She was a fashion icon, icon for women over age 40 getting shit done, an icon in Black history, an icon in African history, an icon in anti-colonialist history, and SO MUCH MORE. This week is the first half of her saga; next week we'll get into the second half, including how she will score on the scandilicious scale!!

References:

Njinga of Angola: Africa's Warrior Queen by Linda Heywood

It's A Continent podcast itsacontinent.com

Excuse My African podcast excusemyafrican.com

The Humanity Archive podcast thehumanityarchive.comlongreads.com/2019/10/03/queens-of-infamy-njinga/

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Hürrem Sultan (aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana): Part Two

5 april 2022 | 59 min

This is the second part of a two-part episode about Hürrem Sultan. It will make most sense if you listen to part one first! Hürrem Sultan, aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana, was born around 1502 and was captured and sold into slavery as a young girl. She caught the attention of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and wound up shattering all kinds of glass ceilings for women, the enslaved, and concubines as she ascended to become his Queen.

As noted in the episode, this is a video from Bery Istantul Tips that includes Hürrem Sultan's tomb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQcHyHoZ9Ys&t=6s

References:

The Islamic History Podcast islamichistorypodcast.com/

The Ottoman History podcast ottomanhistorypodcast.com

Ottoman Lives podcast historyonthenet.com/ottoman-lives

Empress of the East: How A European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire by Leslie Peirce

https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2015/01/09/hurrem-sultan-a-beloved-wife-or-master-manipulator

https://listverse.com/2018/06/06/10-little-known-facts-from-the-crimean-slave-trade/

https://magnificentcentury.fandom.com/wiki/Hurrem_Sultan

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Hürrem Sultan (aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana): Part One

30 mars 2022 | 69 min

Hürrem Sultan, aka Haseki Sultan, aka Roxelana, was born around 1502 and was captured and sold into slavery as a young girl. She caught the attention of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and wound up shattering all kinds of glass ceilings for women, the enslaved, and concubines as she ascended to become his Queen.

References:

The Ottoman History podcast ottomanhistorypodcast.com

Ottoman Lives podcast historyonthenet.com/ottoman-lives

Empress of the East: How A European Slave Girl Became Queen of the Ottoman Empire by Leslie Peirce

https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2015/01/09/hurrem-sultan-a-beloved-wife-or-master-manipulator

https://listverse.com/2018/06/06/10-little-known-facts-from-the-crimean-slave-trade/

https://magnificentcentury.fandom.com/wiki/Hurrem_Sultan

https://www.youtube.com/c/BeryIstanbulTips/about

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Get merch at http://vulgarhistory.store - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Malintzin (aka Doña Marina, aka La Malinche)

23 mars 2022 | 88 min

Malintzin (aka Doña Marina, aka La Malinche) was born in Mexico around 1500. Twice sold into slavery, she found a way to use her multilingualism and skill at diplomacy to make her indispensable to newly-arrived Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. In the aftermath of the Spanish conquest, Malintzin has been viewed alternately as victim, villain, seductress, folk legend, and myth. But who was the real person?

References:

Monstras podcast http://monstraspodcast.com/podcast/episode/4abc6788/la-malinche

Fifth Sun: A new history of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend

Malintzin's Choices: An Indian Woman in the Conquest of Mexico by Camilla Townsend

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at http://patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Sayyida al-Hurra ibn Banu Rashid

16 mars 2022 | 56 min

This week's internationàle destination is North Africa, by way of the Iberian Peninsula. Sayyida al-Hurra, who is known by that name even though it's not actually her name (it's all explained in the episode don't worry), was a refugee from Granada who helped makeover a ruined city, then was named its governor, and also hung out with a very famous (alleged) pirate!!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayyida_al_Hurra

https://www.aramcoworld.com/Articles/January-2017/Malika-VI-Sayyida-Al-Hurra https://insidearabia.com/sayyida-al-hurra-governor-pirate-queen-and-trailblazer/

Pirate Women: The Princesses, Prostitutes, and Privateers Who Ruled the Seven Seas by Laura Sook Duncombe

A History of Islam in 21 Women by Hossein Kamaly

The Forgotten Queens of Islam by Fatima Mernissi

The Making of the Modern Mediterranean: Views from the South edited by Judith E. Tucker

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at http://patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Inês de Castro

9 mars 2022 | 51 min

This week Vulgar History's Internationale travels bring us to 14th century Portugal, where Inês de Castro (1325-1355) was kind of a big deal. Her charisma and cleverness were such that she made her way from lady in waiting to the Prince's official mistress to the ZOMBIE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL. But you'll have to listen to the episode to find out how that all happened.

Make sure to take a look at instagram.com/vulgarhistorypod for pictures of the truly spectacular tombs mentioned in the episode!!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In%C3%AAs_de_Castro

http://www.theroyalarticles.com/articles/71/1/Ines-de-Castro-The-Queen-Who-Was-Crowned-After-Death/Page1.html

https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/king-pedro-and-ines-de-castro/

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/stuff-you-missed-in-history-cl-21124503/episode/symhc-classics-ines-de-castro-and-89220558/

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

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Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Rani Didda of Kashmir

2 mars 2022 | 72 min

Welcome to season 5 of Vulgar History, where things are taking an internationàle flair, starting with this story from 10th century Kashmir! The saga of Rani Didda contains THREE coin minting moments, NUMEROUS mysterious deaths, and a new inductee to the Lady Jane Grey Memorial Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance.

Donate to Doctors Without Borders

References:

https://feminisminindia.com/2019/05/13/queen-didda-kashmir/

https://swarajyamag.com/magazine/didda-controversial-queen-of-kashmir

https://www.livehistoryindia.com/story/people/kashmirs-ruthless-queen-didda

https://kashmirblogs.wordpress.com/tag/diddakshema/

https://www.everyculture.com/South-Asia/Kshatriya.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDKC3rFrFhQ

The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger

Early India from the Origins to AD 1300 by Romila Thapar

The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization by A.S. Altekar

Allison Epstein's Dirtbags Through The Ages newsletter

Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Author Interview: Shelley Puhak (The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World)

23 februari 2022 | 46 min

I was so excited to talk all things Fredegund vs Brunhilde with Shelley Puhak, author of The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World. Learn more about Shelley, her books, and upcoming events at shelleypuhak.com

And if you, too want to own a "That's So Fredegund" tote bag, you can peruse that and other Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.store

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Vulgar History presents: Vulgarpiece Theatre: Shakespeare In Love (1998)

26 januari 2022 | 102 min

Enjoy this preview of a new spinoff podcast, Vulgarpiece Theatre!

Every month or so, Ann Foster, Allison Epstein, and Lana Wood Johnson will rant our way through scandilicious costume dramas. First up: 1998's Shakespeare In Love aka Pantaloons All Akimbo aka the Daisy Dukes of Pantaloons.

You can listen to new episodes of Vulgarpiece Theatre by joining the Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter at the Glorianas level ($5 per month).

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Princess Cecilia of Sweden (Tits Out Festive Holiday Super Spectacular)

15 december 2021 | 73 min

Sweden's Princess Cecilia was: a teenage party girl, short-lived BFF to Elizabeth I, leader of a pirate fleet, successful diplomat, a petty queen who lived for drama, and our newest tits out icon!!

References:

https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/la-voisin-frances-murderous-fortune-teller

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Author Interview: Lucy Jago (A Net for Small Fishes)

17 november 2021 | 77 min

Author Lucy Jago joins us to discuss her new book, A Net For Small Fishes. This historical fiction novel explores the real-life story of Frances Howard and her companion Anne Turner, both of whom were found guilty of involvement in the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. But real talk, if you've ever listened to this podcast you know who Frances Howard is. This is a book about her, our queen and icon!!

You can order A Net for Small Fishes wherever you like to buy books, including at Bookshop.org (for the book or eBook) and Libro.fm (for the audiobook). Learn more about Lucy Jago at http://lucyjago.com

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Catherine Monvoisin aka La Voisin

28 oktober 2021 | 79 min

Catherine Monvoisin, aka La Voisin was a thriving entrepreneur/sorceress in 17th century France. She provided cosmetics, potions, charms, demonic rituals, and midwifery services to people of all classes. But one of her clients was the King’s mistress and they both got caught up in a witch hunt scenario called The Affair Of The Poisons.

References:

The Affair of the Poisons: Murder, Infanticide & Satanism at the court of Louis XIV by Anne Somerset

Strange Revelations: Magic, poison and sacrilege in Louis XIV’s France by Lynn Wood Mollenauer

https://historyofyesterday.com/the-affair-of-the-poisons-cf31804b3e0

Recommended books on Bookshop.org/shop/vulgarhistory

Support Vulgar History on Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter

Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order at vulgarhistory.store

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Mary Shelley: Goth Queen Mom Friend

20 oktober 2021 | 74 min

Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was the calm in the eye of the storm that was literally everyone in her life: her parents, her stepmother, her stepsister, her husband, her husband's BFF, literally EVERYONE was the most chaotic and she somehow stands out for just keeping it together all these years. She was the ultimate Goth Queen Mom Friend, casually invented a whole new genre of fiction/revolutionized English language literature while on the world's worst couples getaway and while dealing with perpetual pregnancy and grief. To say we stan is an understatement.

References:

In Search of Mary Shelley by Fiona Sampson

Royal Witches: Witchcraft and the Nobility in Fifteenth-Century England by Gemma Hollman

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Halloween Super Special: Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of England

13 oktober 2021 | 51 min

Elizabeth Woodville was the first commoner AND the first English woman to marry an English King (in the most super secret sexy wedding ever??), but more importantly for Halloween reasons, was maybe descended from a mythical Luxembourgese mermaid-witch-goddess.

References:

The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World by Shelley Puhak

Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

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Fredegund, Queen of Neustria: Part Three

29 september 2021 | 67 min

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with this three-part exploration of the legend that was FREDEGUND! Her story concludes with yet more innovative military victories, unrelenting badassery, and some info about how she lived during an Ice Age (???). Then comes the moment we're all waiting for: how will this one of a kind Queen score on the scandilicious scale?

References:

The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World by Shelley Puhak

Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Fredegund, Queen of Neustria: Part Two

22 september 2021 | 62 min

In part two of this Super Special, we delve into Fredegund's Warrior Queen Era as well as learning more about her Wile E. Coyote-like relationship to Brunhilda. Also: absinthe! And: Breton stripes!

References:

The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged The Medieval World by Shelley Puhak

Vulgar History Merch - use code TITSOUT for free U.S. shipping or TITSOU10 for 10% off your order

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Fredegund, Queen of Neustria: Part One

15 september 2021 | 61 min

Fredegund, Queen of Neustria was a 6th century enslaved girl turned Queen turned regent turned maybe my fav historical person. This is part one of a two part super special episode, because there's too much info to put into one hour. In this part, we learn about who tf were the Merovingian Frankish dynasty, why was Fredegund's sister-in-law Brunhilda so intent on murdering her, and more!! Check back next week when we get into the real meat of this story of QUEEN VS QUEEN as Fredegund arranges more assassinations, becomes a military genius, and a lot more people die of dysentery.

References:

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Doña Ana de Mendoza de la Cerda y de Silva Cifuentes, Princess of Eboli, Duchess of Pastrana

23 juni 2021 | 50 min

Doña Ana de Mendoza was a 16th century Spanish princess who wore a goddamn eyepatch for no reason anyone could figure out, and if that isn't enough to interest you, I don't know what else to say to convince you.

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Sophia Dorothea of Celle

16 juni 2021 | 60 min

Sophia Dorothea of Celle (1666-1726), or as we call her in this episode, S.D., is known as England's Uncrowned Queen. She was raised by loving parents who also loved her, but then got married off to her truly odious cousin and things did not go well.

References: The Imprisoned Princess: The Scandalous Life of Sophia Dorothea of Celle by Catherine Curzon

Recommended history reading: African Europeans: An Untold History by Olivette Otele

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Lady Arbella Stuart

9 juni 2021 | 58 min

Lady Arbella Stuart (1575-1615) is one of the lesser-known figures from Tudor and Stuart history. She was Mary Queen of Scots's niece and granddaughter to both Margaret Douglas and Bess of Hardwick. This genealogy meant she was both a threat to Queen Elizabeth and James I/VI (her cousin), but also that she was used as a figurehead by people who wanted to promote their own interests. Her life was like Grey Gardens meets Rapunzel, and all our girl wanted to do was run off and get secret sexy married like her ancestor/role model Katherine Grey had done. And when she finally took her fate into her own hands, it all got WILDLY scandilicious.

Recommend history podcast: Telling Our Twisted Histories

Recommended history reading: Arbella: England's Lost Queen by Sarah Gristwood

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Marguerite de Valois, Queen of Navarre (aka Queen Margot)

2 juni 2021 | 88 min

Marguerite de Valois (1553 – 1615) was a French princess whose life was truly non-stop scandiliciousness. Poison gloves! Two assassinations! Scandalous memoirs! A fanatic monk! Carrying around the decapitated head of ones lover! A man named Bussy d'Amboise!

Recommend history viewing: La Reine Margot / Queen Margot (1994)

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Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox

26 maj 2021 | 48 min

Lady Margaret Douglas was the only daughter of Margaret Tudor, making her a niece of Henry VIII on the Scottish-disinherited-side. Her parents had an acrimonious divorce which led to Margaret herself growing up mostly in England with various guardians. She was imprisoned five times, mostly in the Tower of London, but her ruthless scheming and family connections freed her every time. She wanted to be Queen, then amended her goal to see her son as King, then finally wound up being OK with her grandkids being King and/or Queen.

Recommend history reading: Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee / The Six (documentary)

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Isabel of Portugal, Queen of Castile and León

19 maj 2021 | 43 min

Isabel of Portugal, Queen of Castile and León, is still often referred to as "The Mad Queen." But as Taylor Swift would say, "no one likes a mad woman/ you made her like that." And in Isabel's case, the people who made her like that included her husband, her husband's EVIL advisor, and her stepson. Like, if you lock a woman in psychological distress in a ghost tower for literal years and then call her "mad" that's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, right?

Recommend history resource: instagram.com/emalineandthem

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

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Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury

12 maj 2021 | 55 min

This second episode in this series about Women In Towers And the Assholes Who Sent Them There is the season's second Margaret. Margaret Pole was just about as royal as you could be back then without being an actual royal. She worked hard to restore her family's name, but it didn't help literally every male relative was constantly doing treason around her.

Recommended History Reading: The Five by Hallie Rubenhold

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

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Margaret of Anjou, Queen of England and France

5 maj 2021 | 64 min

We're back! This season is themed: Women In Towers And the Assholes Who Sent Them There. And where else to begin than with the long, weird saga of Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482)! Her story has les twists and les turns enough to make you say oh mon dieu!

Recommended History Reading: Alok Vaid-Menon's Instagram

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Also, click here to read the scandilicious Baines Note written about Marlowe

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Christopher Marlowe (with Allison Epstein)

6 januari 2021 | 67 min

It's a super special!

Author Allison Epstein (A Tip For The Hangman) joins us to share the wildly interesting saga of Christopher Marlowe, the 16th century playwright/SPY. What was his deal, what's his connection to FRANCES HOWARD, and how will our first-ever male subject (!!) score on the scandilicious scale??

You can pre-order Allison's book at Bookshop.org (for the book or eBook) and Libro.fm (for the audiobook with British narrator!!) and learn more about her at her website allisonepstein.com and follow her on socials @rapscallison

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Lettice Knollys, Countess of Essex and Countess of Leicester

23 december 2020 | 47 min

Lettice Knollys (8 November 1543 – 25 December 1634) was the first cousin once-removed of Queen Elizabeth I (on the Boleyn side). Lettice was also basically the Queen's younger, prettier lookalike which you know Elizabeth didn't like. And THEN Lettice secret sexy married to the Queen's boyfriend, dirtbag Robert Dudley, and that's just the BEGINNING of this remarkable woman's tits out life. How many people named "Robert" are in this story? A LOT. And how will Lettice score on the scandilicious scale???

References:

Elizabeth's Rival: The Tumultuous Life of the Countess of Leicester: The Romance and Conspiracy That Threatened Queen Elizabeth's Court by Nicola Tallis

Other stuff:

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

“Such Daughters and Such a Mother”: The Countess of Derby and her Three Daughters, 1560-1647 by V.J. Wilkie

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Anne Stanley, Countess of Castlehaven

28 oktober 2020 | 50 min

Anne Stanley (May 1580 – c. 8 October 1647) was a descendant of Mary Tudor through Eleanor Brandon. Following the death of the three Grey sisters, she became a potential heir to the English throne. She testified against her second husband, the Earl of Castlehaven, in a rape trial, setting the precedent that a wife could give evidence against her husband. The scandal of the trial ruined her reputation, ensuring she would never inherit the throne from her relative Elizabeth I.

References:

A House in Gross Disorder: Sex, Law, and the 2nd Earl of Castlehaven by Cynthia B. Herrup

Other stuff:

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Lady Mary Grey

21 oktober 2020 | 68 min

Lady Mary Grey (c. 1545 – 20 April 1578) was the youngest sister of Lady Jane Grey. Through her grandmother, Mary Tudor, she had a claim on the crown of England. Mary did her best to stay out of trouble, but her secret marriage to a non-royal landed her in a world of trouble.

References:

Other stuff:

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Elizabeth’s Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Lady Katherine Grey, Countess of Hertford

14 oktober 2020 | 88 min

Katherine Seymour, Countess of Hertford (25 August 1540 – 26 January 1568), born Lady Katherine Grey, was the younger sister of Lady Jane "Nine Days Queen" Grey. Following the execution of her older sister, Katherine was seen as a potential new heir to the throne/a royal rival to both Queen Mary I and Elizabeth I. But Katherine didn't care about all of that, she was all about her secret sexy marriage to Ned Seymour, which would prove her undoing. Also, she had a pet monkey.

References:

Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis

Devices and Desires: Bess of Hardwick and the Building of Elizabethan England by Kate Hubbard

The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and her Greatest Rival by Kate Williams

The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle

https://www.britain-magazine.com/carousel/tudor-of-the-month-katherine-grey/

https://tudortimes.co.uk/guest-articles/love-and-loss-lady-katherine-grey

https://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/2012/03/born-in-tower-crimes-of-lady-katherine.html

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis

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Lady Jane Grey, or, How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days

7 oktober 2020 | 49 min

Lady Jane Grey (c. 1537 – 12 February 1554) was kinda the first-ever woman to rule England, except she was technically a girl and technically sort of didn't actually rule? Hence this whole season-long discussion. Anyway, this week is LJG's time to shine!! Learn about how and why she sort of reigned for nine days, how and why she was executed, and most importantly: how will she score on our scandilicous scale??

References:

The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle

Lady Jane (the movie, starring baby Helena Bonham Carter and baby Cary Elwes!!)

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Elizabeth’s Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes who shaped the Virgin Queen by Tracy Borman

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk

30 september 2020 | 61 min

Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk (16 July 1517 – 20 November 1559), was an English noblewoman. As the daughter of Mary Tudor and niece of Henry VIII, she was of royal lineage and in the line of succession. She was also the stepdaughter of Katherine Willoughby, and the mother of Lady Jane Grey, Lady Katherine Grey, and Lady Mary Grey. But mostly as the Kris Jenner of her age, she was a behind-the-scenes power player who dedicated her life to maintaining her family's prestige even in the face of great odds.

Also apparently she's long had a bad reputation among historians, almost definitely undeserved!!

References:

Henry VIII: The King and His Court by Alison Weir

Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis

The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Tragedy by Leanda de Lisle

The Death and Burial of Frances, Duchess of Suffolk by Susan Higganbotham

The Maligned Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk by Susan Higganbotham

Frances Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk (The Freelance History Writer)

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

The Queen and the Heretic: How Two Women Changed the Religion of England by Derek Wilson

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Anne Askew

23 september 2020 | 40 min

Anne Askew (1521-1546) was one of the earliest-known female poets to compose in the English language, the first Englishwoman to demand a divorce, and wound up the only recorded woman to be tortured in the Tower of London. She died via explosion when one of her supporters hid gunpowder in the pyre for her execution by burning. An icon!

References:

Anne Askew Sentenced to Death (The Anne Boleyn Files)

Anne Askew (Spartacus Educational)

Anne Askew: Dangerous Convictions (Dangerous Women Project)

The Examinations of Anne Askew

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Katherine the Queen: The Remarkable Life of Katherine Parr, the Last Wife of Henry VIII by Linda Porter

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Catherine Parr

16 september 2020 | 39 min

Catherine Parr (1512-1548) is best known for surviving being the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII. She had three other husbands, one of whom was worse than even Henry; she was held hostage; she broke new ground for women writers in England; she was a member of the Renaissance Reformation Girl Squad, AND ALSO she was the guardian to (and role model for) Lady Jane Grey.

References:

Catherine Parr: Wife, Widow, Mother, Survivor, the Story of the Last Queen of Henry VIII by Elizabeth Norton

Other stuff:

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

The Six Wives and Many Mistresses of Henry VIII by Amy Licence

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Katherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk

9 september 2020 | 51 min

Katherine Willoughby de Eresby (22 March 1519 – 19 September 1580), later Katherine Brandon, then Katherine Bertie, was an English heiress, Protestant rebel, and overall total heroine. From a pretty gross start (being married at age 14 to her adoptive father figure), she wielded her wealth and privilege to support other women and Protestants.

References:

Understanding the life of Katherine Willoughby (On The Tudor Trail)

Katherine Willoughby, the Lincolnshire Lady who nearly married Henry VIII (LincolnshireLife)

Katherine Willoughby by Sarah Bryson (Tudor Society)

Other stuff:

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

The Sisters of Henry VIII: The Tumultuous Lives of Margaret of Scotland and Mary of France by Maria Perry

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How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days: Mary Tudor, Queen of France

2 september 2020 | 51 min

Mary Tudor (9 October 1514 – 1 January 1515), not to be confused with Queen Mary I or Mary, Queen of Scots, was briefly Queen of France. She then had a secret marriage to her boyfriend, Charles Brandon, and lived an interesting and -- dare I say -- scandlicious life. She was also the grandmother of Lady Jane Grey, which sets us up for this season's theme: How To Lose A Queen In Nine Days aka The Lady Jane Grey Scenario.

References:

Henry VIII: The King and His Court by Alison Weir

Other stuff:

A Tip for the Hangman by Allison Epstein

Recommended history books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Crowdfunding site for Dr. Jenner’s House Museum and Garden

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Pandemic Special: Milkmaids, Harem girls, and the History of the Smallpox Vaccine

19 maj 2020 | 25 min

Smallpox was a highly contagious, deadly disease which likely first appeared around the 3rd century BCE in Egypt. From then on, it followed trade routes and colonization, decimating populations in many countries. The development of the smallpox vaccine can be traced back many centuries, to people in India, China, West Africa, and the Ottoman Empire who used a technique known of variolation to inject healthy people with pus from those afflicted by smallpox. In the late 18th century in England, Dr. Edward Jenner popularized and advocated for the injection of cowpox cells to immunize humans against smallpox, leading to the eradication of the disease by 1980.

References:

Princesses, Slaves, and Explosives: The Scandalous Origin of Vaccines by Kiona Smith-Strickland, Gizmodo

Get Well Soon: History’s Worst Plagues and the Heroes who fought them by Jennifer Wright

COVID-19 May Permanently Shutter Museum Devoted to Vaccination Pioneer (Smithsonian)

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Pandemic Special: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the English sweating sickness

6 maj 2020 | 20 min

From 1485 - 1551, England experienced several epidemics of a mysterious illness known only as the sweating sickness. Unlike other diseases that affected the very young, very old, and the poor, this one seemed to target young, healthy, rich people. And two of the rich people affected were King Henry VIII and his mistress, Anne Boleyn.

EDIT: Two corrections were brought to my attention after this episode published. 1) Henry VII defeated Richard III in the Battle of Bosworth on August 22 1485; therefore, he and his troops did not arrive in England from France on August 28th, as I stated in the episode. What happened is that the first case of English sweating sickness was reported on August 28 1485, and 2) Henry VIII's BFF/brother-in-law was *Charles* Brandon, not Henry Brandon, as I said in the episode. Charles Brandon's son Henry died in the sweating sickness.

References:

The 'Sweating Disease' That Swept Across England 500 Years Ago is Still a Medical Mystery (Discover Magazine)

The Sweating Sickness Returns (Discover Magazine)

Anne Boleyn and the Tudor sweating sickness (On the Tudor Trail)

The Mysterious Epidemic That Terrified Henry VIII (History.com)

Anne Boleyn: 11 Surprising Facts (History Extra)

How Did King Henry VIII 'Self-Isolate' From The Sweating Sickness? (History Extra)

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Joanna of Naples

22 april 2020 | 63 min

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References:

Queens of Infamy: Joanna of Naples by Anne Theriault on Longreads

The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone

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Queen Anne: Politics and Passion by Anne Somerset

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Anne, Queen of Great Britain

15 april 2020 | 53 min

References:

The Favourite: The Life of Sarah Churchill and the History Behind the Major Motion Picture by Ophelia Field

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Juana I: Legitimacy and Conflict in Sixteenth-Century Castile by Gillian B. Fleming

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Pandemic Special: Eyam, The Plague Village

13 april 2020 | 21 min

In 1665, the tiny English town of Eyam was beset by the same plague that was affecting London. Under the guidance of the town's reverend, the villagers agreed to quarantine themselves in order to protect nearby villages. After fourteen months, all but 83 of the town's 344 residents had died. References:

Eyam Historic Plague Village (the town's current website): www.eyamvillage.org.uk

Did this sleepy village stop the Great Plague? (BBC)

Plague-Infested Village Self-Quarantined to Stop the Plague of 1666 (Interesting Engineeering)

Eyam plague: The village of the damned (BBC News)

Eyam Plague Village Museum – Eyam, England (Atlas Obscura)

The Black Death and the Great Plague: a comparison (Teachit History)

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Pandemic Special: Charles II de Valois And The Pillow Fight Of Death

10 april 2020 | 24 min

Charles II de Valois (1522-1545) was the third son of the French King Francis I. He died very young from an entirely preventable and ridiculous pillow fight related situation in the middle of a plague-ridden town.

References:

Francis I: The Maker of Modern France by Leonie Frieda

Charles II de Valois, Duke of Orleans (Wikipedia)

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Juana I of Castile

8 april 2020 | 56 min

References:

Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile by Julia Fox

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Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey

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Pandemic Special: Joan Of England: The Princess And The Plague

6 april 2020 | 27 min

Joan of England (1335-1348) was the first known English person to die of the bubonic plague. She set out with a massive entourage from England to Castile to meet her betrothed, didn't listen to warnings in Bordeaux about the plague, and then lived through a horror movie of mass death. If you find this sort of story interesting right now, here you go! If you don't want to hear about lots of people dying through exposure to a gruesome disease, YOU DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS.

References:

Joan of England (Wikipedia)

The black death and Joan of England (History of Royal Women)

Joan of England & the Black Death (Rebecca Starr)

On This Day: Death of Joan of England (Creative Historian)

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Isabella I of Castile

1 april 2020 | 67 min

Isabella I of Castile (1451-1504) was one of the most significant figures in world history. We continue this season’s theme of Women Leaders In History And The Men Who Whined About Them with the Isabella's journey from little girl trapped in a ghost castle to teenage war mediator to PR stunt inventor to genocidal dictator! This is a heavy one, so get ready.

References:

Isabella of Castile: Europe's First Great Queen by Giles Tremlett

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Matilda: Empress, Warrior, Queen by Catherine Hanley

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Empress Matilda

25 mars 2020 | 61 min

References:

She-Wolves by Helen Castor

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Founder, Fighter, Saxon Queen: Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians by Margaret C. Jones

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Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians

18 mars 2020 | 60 min

References:

Æthelflæd: Lady of the Mercians by Tim Clarkson

Æthelflæd: England's Forgotten Founder (A Ladybird Expert Book) by Tom Holland

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Boudica: Warrior Woman of the Roman Empire by Caitlin C. Gillespie

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Boudica, Queen of the Iceni

11 mars 2020 | 50 min

Boudica was Queen of the Iceni, a Celtic tribe during the Roman conquest of Britain. She led a rebellion of united tribes against their Roman invaders, leaving a path of death and bloodshed in her wake.

Referenced in this episode:

Other stuff:

History writing: annfosterwriter.com

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Agrippina: The Most Extraordinary Woman of the Roman World by Emma Southon

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Agrippina the Younger

4 mars 2020 | 69 min

Julia Agrippina Augusta, aka Agrippina Minor aka Agrippina the Younger, was a completely badass woman in ancient Rome. She leveraged her power as first the sister of the Emperor, then the wife of the Emperor, then the mother of the Emperor (three separate Emperors) to break new ground for Roman women. She also murdered a lot of people. Her placement on the Scandilicious Scale may SURPRISE YOU

Referenced in this episode:

Other stuff:

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

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Cleopatra VII

26 februari 2020 | 75 min

As the first part of our new series "Women Leaders And The Men Who Whined About Them," we take it all the way back to the first century BCE and the legendary Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra VII. Growing up amid non-stop familial murder, she cannily usurped control of the kingdom from her relatives and teamed up with Rome. But where will she wind up on the Scandalicious Scale??

Reference:

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Vulgar History Presents: So This Asshole: Count Cagliostro

5 februari 2020 | 43 min

Bonus!!

This is a preview of So This Asshole, a new spinoff podcast available through my Patreon. This side series will share the wild stories of some of the many, many assholes involved in the stories of the women profiled on the main Vulgar History podcast.

This episode is all about Giuseppe Balsamo, aka Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743-1795), who was briefly mentioned in the Vulgar History episode about Jeanne de la Motte.

Referenced in this podcast:

How To Ruin A Queen by Jonathan Beckman (which is a GREAT book!)

Other stuff:

History writing: annfosterwriter.com

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

Sweet Valley Sagas by Francine Pascal

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Lucy Percy Hay, Countess of Carlisle

11 december 2019 | 53 min

Lucy Percy Hay, Countess of Carlisle (1599-1660) was a British noblewoman known for her espionage work surrounding the English Civil War. But she was not just a spy... was a #LADYSPY, mentored by one of the most memorable heroines of a previous Vulgar History episode!! Will it all be enough for her to take the top spot in our Scandalicious Scale??

Mentioned in this episode:

Court Lady and Country Wife: Royal Privilege and Civil War: Two Noble Sisters in 17th-century England by Lita-Rose Betcherman

Invisible Agents: Women and Espionage in Seventeenth-Century Britain by Nadine Akkerman

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Mary Toft

4 december 2019 | 60 min

Mary Toft (1701 - 1763) was an English peasant who became notorious for her involvement in her family's scheme to pretend she'd given birth to seventeen rabbits. The story is profoundly, continuingly, and rage-inducingly bananas.

Content warnings: animal cruelty/killing, nonconsensual gynecological procedures, Nathanael St. Andre

References:

The Imposteress Rabbit Breeder: Mary Toft and Eighteenth-Century England by Karen Harvey

What Mary Toft Felt: Women’s Voices, Pain, Power and the Body by Karen Harvey (History Workshop Journal)

Why Historians Are Reexamining the Case of the Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits by Sabrina Imbler (Atlas Obscura)

Imagining Monsters: Miscreations of the Self in Eighteenth-Century England By Dennis Todd

Lore, episode 45: First Impressions (Lore Podcast)

Mary Toft and Her Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbits by Niki Russell (The Public Domain Review)

An Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbits by Edward White (The Paris Review)

The Curious Case of Mary Toft (University of Glasgow Special Collections)

The confessions of a rabbit woman and other recently digitized tales from the Osler Library by Mary Yearl (McGill University Library News)

Mary Toft or Tofts (Godalming Musem)

The Woman Who Gave Birth to Rabbits by Lucas Reilly (Mental Floss)

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Countess Dracula: The Life and Times of Elisabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess by Tony Thorne

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Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed

27 november 2019 | 65 min

Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed (7 August 1560 – 21 August 1614) was a Hungarian noblewoman who, for a time, oversaw more properties and estates than anyone else in Europe. Her undoing came about when the Palatine of Hungary accused her and four servants of mass murder, and she's now remembered as more of a myth than a person. Did she really commit these gruesome crimes, and bathe in the blood of her victims?? And how will she score on the scandalicious scale??

The Unobscured podcast by Aaron Mahnke

Other stuff:

History writing: annfosterwriter.com

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

How to Ruin a Queen by Jonathan Beckman

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy, Comtesse de la Motte

20 november 2019 | 40 min

Jeanne de Valois-Saint-Rémy, Comtesse de la Motte (22 July 1756 – 23 August 1791) was an illegitimate descendant of the French royal family who became famous on her own as AN INCREDIBLY CLEVER CON ARTIST/HEROINE! But how will she score on the Scandalicious Scale??

Mentioned in this episode:

Frock Flicks review of the hats and wigs in The Affair of the Necklace

Other stuff:

History writing: annfosterwriter.com

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

The Poison Bed by E.C. Fremantle

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Frances Howard, Duchess of Somerset

13 november 2019 | 41 min

Frances Howard Carr, Duchess of Somerset (31 May 1590 – 23 August 1632) was a British noblewoman who, among other things, pled guilty to murder and also most likely faked her own virginity inspection. She also showed much more bosom in her portraiture than anyone in the history of breasts and lived her life both physically and psychologically Tits Out. But where does that place her on the Scandaliciousness Scale???

Mentioned in this episode:

The Overbury Affair: The Murder Trial That Rocked The Court of King James I by Miriam Allen DeFord

Unnatural Murder: Poison in the Court of James I by Anne Somerset

Other stuff:

History writing: annfosterwriter.com

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends

"What Eye Has Wept For George IV" from the Noble Blood podcast

Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission.

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Caroline of Brunswick

6 november 2019 | 65 min

Caroline of Brunswick (17 May 1768 – 7 August 1821) was Queen consort of the United Kingdom for a year, but that's basically the least interesting thing about her. Where does our inaugural story subject score on the Scandalicious Scale?? And was she really having an affair with Bartolomeo, her Italian servant???

Mentioned in this episode:

Caroline & Charlotte: Regency Scandals by Alison Plowden

Other stuff:

History writing: annfosterwriter.com

Recommended books: bookshop.org/lists/vulgar-history-recommends