Best Vulgar History Realm Podcasts (2025)

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The Regency Era and Consent 1:06:02

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2d ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Ever since the novel was invented, women have used it as a platform for sharing ideas about sexual consent. In her new book Courting Disaster: Reading Between the Lines of the Regency Novel, Dr. Zoë McGee reveals how Jane Austen and other women writers from this time used their stories to try to change society's mind about rape culture - and to rea…

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Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, and America's 250th Anniversary 58:41

12d ago58:41

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It's (American) Thanksgiving, so here's a special American History episode! In this, you can hear my discussion with Dr. Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Monticello/The Thomas Jefferson Foundation. We talk about how Monticello strives to continually engage visitors with the complex history of enslavement, how Monticello honours Sally Hemings, ho…

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Regency Era Cottagecore Lesbians: The Ladies of Llangollen 1:19:43

13d ago1:19:43

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Click here to watch this episode as a video! The Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, were Regency-era Irish women who ran off to Northern Wales to live their cottagecore lesbian domestic dream. To discuss their adventurous youth and middle-aged Hobbit eras is superstar history podcaster and content creator Katie Charlwood from …

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Regency Era Heiresses and the History of Enslavement 44:33

16d ago44:33

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Regency Era heiresses are a part of most Jane Austen novels, as women with fortunes men want to marry into. Some of these fortunes were from old family money, but many of them were new wealth founded on human exploitation on Caribbean plantations. Our guest, Dr. Miranda Kaufmann, reveals what she's found in her research about heiresses as well as t…

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Anne Lister: Regency-Era Power Lesbian 1:33:55

27d ago1:33:55

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Join our Patreon to enjoy this as a video episode! Anne Lister was many things: secret sex diarist, land-owner, mountain climber, womanizer, power lesbian. How did she find a way to thrive during the patriarchal Regency Era, and what does her life story mean to today's queer community? We're joined by returning guest Kit Heyam and new guest Sarah W…

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Jane Austen: The Life of a Regency Era Literary Icon 56:29

1M ago56:29

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of England's best-loved and most-read authors. This year is the 250th anniversary of her birth in December 1775, and her works are as popular as they ever were. But her own story is far less known than that of her heroines. So we're here today to learn all about Jane Austen. Our guest t…

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Vulgar History: Regency Era trailer 0:56

1M ago0:56

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Vulgar History | Realm

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Mary Shelley Month: Lord Byron, The Original F***boi of Literature 1:38:28

1M ago1:38:28

1:38:28

Mary Shelley famously wrote Frankenstein while on a summer-long sleepover party with her husband, sister, and her husband's friend, Lord Byron. To close out Mary Shelley Month, it's time for a deep dive on Lord Byron. Joining us is podcast legend Emily Edwards (from F***bois of Literature and Ticklish Business fame). Learn more about Emily's work a…

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Mary Shelley Month: Why Frankenstein Still Matters 1:30:13

2M ago1:30:13

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Mary Shelley is still most famous for writing FRANKENSTEIN, and with good reason! Her story was adapted into a play shortly after it was first published, and has been adapted and retold nonstop ever since. Horror author Claire Fitzpatrick joins us to talk about Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and what makes this story so timeless. Learn more about Clai…

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The Wild Life of Mary Shelley, Author of Frankenstein 1:15:16

1M ago1:15:16

1:15:16

It's Mary Shelley Month, which requires us to revisit this classic Vulgar History episode about Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend. And honestly, it hits different now that we know more about her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. Shop Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend merch! (US) Shop Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend merch (rest of world) — ⁠⁠⁠…

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Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (part two) 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

In last week's episode, Mary Wollstonecraft decided to head over to Paris as the French Revolution was turning into The Terror, just for the vibes. This week, we learn what she did when she got there (and which of our faves she ran into!), and what happened next. Trigger warning: discussion in this episode includes depression, suicidal ideation, an…

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Mary Shelley Month: Slashed Beauties, with Allison Rushby 52:30

2M ago52:30

52:30

Mary Shelley's influence can be felt in countless feminist body horror novels written in the past two hundred years. But how many of those books are about anatomical wax figures who come to life to KILL THE MEN WHO PREYED UPON THEM?? Allison Rushby's novel Slashed Beauties is about just that. We talk about the real (grotesque) history behind her no…

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Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (part one) 1:15:16

2M ago1:15:16

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By Vulgar History | Realm

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Why do we still care about Marie Antoinette? 1:07:54

2M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

Marie Antoinette feels as present today as she was in her life, with a new V&A exhibit, a TV series, the recent five-episode podcast series of Vulgar History and a new biography! Why do people continue to be intrigued by this 18th-century Queen? Author Melanie Burrows, a lifelong fan of Marie Antoinette (and author of the new book Marie Antoinette:…

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How Benjamin Franklin Tried (And Failed) To Conquer Canada 33:37

2M ago33:37

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Throughout his long and illustrious career, Benjamin Franklin nursed a not-so-secret desire to annex Canada and make it American. But he failed, over and over again. Author Madelaine Drohan has written all about this in her new book, He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin's Failure to Annex Canada. And she joins us on the podcast to tell all! Buy a …

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Marie Antoinette (part five): It's Brutal Out Here 2:04:59

2M ago2:04:59

2:04:59

It's the epic conclusion to the season! In this season finale, Marie Antoinette moves into her final era, and makes a final major fashion statement. Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — Get 15% off all th…

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Marie Antoinette (part four): The Escape Plan 2:18:27

2M ago2:18:27

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Last time on HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIE ANTOINETTE: The mob forced Marie Antoinette, Berry, and their family to leave Versailles. Marie Antoinette knew nothing good would come of this, and worked with her hot Swedish lover to figure out an escape plan featuring a party bus, false identities, and Monsieur Sauce. Historical fiction author …

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Marie Antoinette (part three): Reputation's Never Been Worse 1:54:53

3M ago1:54:53

1:54:53

Last time on HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIE ANTOINETTE: the Affair of the Necklace trial made Marie Antoinette realize her reputation's never been worse. But Axel von Fersen likes her for her, which is something, right? Meanwhile, the Market Ladies head out on a momentous march. Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a vide…

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Marie Antoinette and the Affair of the Necklace (rerelease) 49:49

3M ago49:49

49:49

The last Marie Antoinette episode ended with how Marie Antoinette herself experienced the weird drama of The Affair of the Necklace. It makes sense to revisit this classic episode about Jeanne de la Motte and History's Ugliest Necklace, now that we all know more about the context of the heist. Shop The Affair of the Necklace: The Necklace: The T-sh…

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Marie Antoinette (part two): Teenage Drama Queen 2:06:51

3M ago2:06:51

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When we left off last time, Marie Antoinette became Queen of France at age eighteen. Hater Nation lost their minds as she could now set up her favourites in sweet jobs, and distance herself from the haters. What was life like during the reign of Marie Antoinette and her woodworking enthusiast husband, Berry? Well, it included a LOT of AMAZING WIGS …

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Marie Antoinette (part one): Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman 1:54:52

3M ago1:54:52

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We've been building up to this all season. Time to begin our discussion of the iconic French Queen, Marie Antoinette! Before she was Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, she was Maria Antonia, ADHD-coded youngest daughter of a formidable mother (who mostly ignored her). Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video!⁠⁠ — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Marie Antoinette's BFF, La Princesse de Lamballe 1:24:30

3M ago1:24:30

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It's Marie Antoinette Month on Vulgar History! This week, we're talking about her BFF La Princesse de Lamballe. This basic bitch (complimentary) was always there for Marie Antoinette, even as the Queen's favour waxed and waned. Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video!⁠ — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Preorder info for Ann's upcoming bo…

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Marie Antoinette's Best Friend, the Duchess of Polignac 1:44:21

3M ago1:44:21

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Marie Antoinette Month continues with a discussion of Marie Antoinette's bestie, Gabrielle de Polastron, Duchess of Polignac. The Elizabeth Taylor of her era (looks-wise, not multiple husbands-wise), Gabby brought joie de vivre and fun to Marie Antoinette's Queen Era. But did Gabby survive the Reign of Terror?? Returning guest Amanda Matta (The Art…

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Marie Antoinette's Mother, Empress Maria Theresa 2:14:54

4M ago2:14:54

2:14:54

We're in our Marie Antoinette era, and you can't understand her story without knowing about her mother, Empress Maria Theresa! Because Maria Theresa is largely responsible for what happened to Marie Antoinette! Because she was not a good mother! But what Maria Theresa was skilled at was ruling over a truly perplexing number of territories. All the …

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Marie Antoinette's Favorite Painter, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun 1:12:16

4M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

We're getting into the Marie Antoinette of it all! From today and until we're done, every week will be a Marie Antoinette event! Marie Antoinette's appearance was a big part of her reputation (good... then less good) and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun was her Law Roach in that respect, helping craft an image for the people of France to recognize. And Elis…

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The Vice President's Black Wife 1:32:12

4M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

You may not have heard of America's ninth Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson (he served one term under Martin Van Buren). And you almost certainly have not heard of his enslaved Black wife, Julia Chinn. Until now!! Everything we know about Julia is thanks to the decade of research Amrita Chakrabarti Myers dedicated to piecing her story together…

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Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome 1:26:03

4M ago1:26:03

1:26:03

Now that we've learned about expectations for Ancient Roman women, time to learn about a woman who broke all the rules! You may not have heard of Fulvia, but you've heard of her third husband (pre-Cleopatra Marc Anthony!). And get ready to enjoy the downfall of her number one hater, Cicero (the John Knox of his time). We're joined by returning gues…

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Livia Drusilla, Ancient Rome's (Allegedly) Murderous Empress 1:37:55

5M ago1:37:55

1:37:55

Our friend Gina Berry is back for part two of our Ancient Rome discussion! Last time, we discussed women's roles in the era. Now, it's time to learn how Empress Livia worked within those confines to live a legendary life. Did she really murder as many people as I, Claudius (and other portrayals) made it seem? We investigate! Support CHIRLA to help …

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What Was The Roman Empire Like For Women? 1:13:53

5M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

The Roman Empire inspired the (male) leaders of the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions. But what was that era like for women? Classical history enthusiast (and Vulgar History all-star returning guest) Gina Berry is here to talk all things Roman Empire. The video we mention about female gladiators. Donate to support Al Otro Lado — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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How One Woman Survived the French Revolution (By Getting Out Of Town) 1:28:06

5M ago1:28:06

1:28:06

Germaine de Staël was a wealthy woman in Paris during the French Revolution. But unlike so many others, she made it through alive! Because she was smart enough to leave town and not return until it was safe! Which means we get to finally talk about what happened in France post-1794. Special guest Allison Epstein joins us, because Napoleon Bonaparte…

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French Revolution: The Messy Bitches Who Brought Down the Monarchy 1:37:22

5M ago1:37:22

1:37:22

We've reached a point in our French Revolution discussion where we can no longer tell the story through the lives of women, because women were excluded from leadership roles. So instead, special guest Allison Epstein joins us to explain who were the men who led the French Revolution (badly). Time to learn about the Spice Boys: Danton, Marat, Saint-…

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The Sex Lives of Regency England 1:24:25

5M ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Did people in the 18th century know about contraception? How did young women learn the facts of life before their wedding nights? How accurate is Bridgerton? What do we know about queer people from this era? We answer all these questions and more in a chat with romance novelist Alexandra Vasti! Learn more about Alexandra's books: alexandravasti.com…

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Canadian History: Who Was Laura Secord? 45:08

5M ago45:08

45:08

Laura Secord was a 19th-century Canadian woman known mostly for a) the chocolate store named after her now and b) her iconic Canadian Heritage Minute, recounting her heroic walk. We break down her real story (and what's the connection to the chocolate company?) in this Canada Day Special! Featuring the debut of the Celine Dion Canadian History Scor…

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Connecting the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution 1:17:52

6M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

The American and French Revolutions inspired people in Haiti to rise up. Yet the Haitian Revolution is not always included in discussions of the revolutionary 18th century. Here to untangle this knot of connections is author Zoe Sivak, whose novel Mademoiselle Revolution is about a woman navigating her way through this revolutionary era. Buy Zoe's …

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Haitian Revolution: The Complex Legacy of Jean-Jacques Dessalines 1:17:07

6M ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Jean-Jacques Dessalines was one of the major figures in the Haitian Revolution. He was vilified and demonized during his life and afterwards. Julia Gaffield has written a new biography reckoning with his complex legacy, and she joins us this week to explain his importance to history. Buy a copy of I Have Avenged America: Jean-Jacques Dessalines and…

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Trans History: The Teenage Roman Emperor 1:27:04

6M ago1:27:04

1:27:04

Last year, we dropped this bonus episode talking with Kit Heyam about the horny teen trans Roman Emperor Elagabalus. It fits so well in this month's Pride specials, the time felt right for a rerelease! After all, the French Revolution crowd were obsessed with ancient Rome and this story is a good reminder that the Romans were just as chaotic as any…

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Sex Scandals of an American Founding Father 1:12:41

6M ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Gouvernour Morris is a lesser-known American Founding Father (that was his name btw, not his job title). He was so full of BDE that he headed over to France in the midst of the Revolution to a) be the Ambassador and b) fuck. We're joined by historian Cassandra Good to discuss Gouvernour's sex scandal-filled life. Learn more about Gouvernour and oth…

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Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day 55:45

6M ago55:45

55:45

Diversity in human sex and gender is not a modern phenomenon. People have been living beyond the binary since the earliest recorded human civilizations, and authors Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett are here to celebrate all these transcestors in their new graphic novel Trans History: From Ancient Times to Present Day. Alex and Andrew join us for thi…

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Women and Genderqueer People Who Ruled Over Africa 57:48

6M ago57:48

57:48

From warriors to tyrants and everything in between, the lives and reigns of Africa’s female and genderqueer rulers have long been shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding and misogyny. We're joined today by Paula Akpan to discuss several of these people, including Njinga of Ndongo and Ranavalona I of Madagascar. Paula's new book, When We Ruled: The Ri…

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Trans History: The Lieutenant Nun 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

Antonio de Erauso* was a trans man from Spain who went to South America in the 17th century, looking for adventure. The story of his life is full of murder, narrow escapes, and llamas. Author Gabriela Cabezón Cámara joins us to discuss her novel, We Are Green and Trembling, which examines the saga of Antonio de Erauso. * We previously discussed Ant…

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Giving Credit To History's Disregarded Women 1:24:13

6M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Women's accomplishments across history are often dismissed as exceptions. But why are most scientists, reporters, sports stars, politicians, and businesspeople all men? Allison Tyra joins us to discuss the 600 women she's re-inserting into the historical narrative with her book Uncredited: Women's Overlooked, Misattributed and Stolen Work. Get a co…

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Canadian History: Thanadelthur, the Peacemaker 1:20:40

6M ago1:20:40

1:20:40

Because of wildfires affecting northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, I'm re-releasing this episode about a woman who lived in these areas: Thanadelthur. She was a Dene woman who had a profound impact on the Dene people in Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the eighteenth-century fur trade. Much of Thanadelthur’s story is shared through oral st…

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Movie Discussion: Dangerous Liaisons (1988) 1:13:14

6M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Dangerous Liaisons (1988) is a movie based on a play based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's novel from 1782. What does this have to do with the French Revolution? Lots, including that Marie Antoinette herself owned a copy of this novel. I'm joined by Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times movie reviewer and co-host of Unspooled to talk about this movie an…

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French Revolution: Radicals (part 6): The Secret Female Journalist 2:06:33

7M ago2:06:33

2:06:33

Manon Roland was a super-smart bookworm who amazed those around her from an early age with her intelligence (and strong opinions). When the French Revolution kicked off, she sent letters from Lyons to Paris to keep people updated on the latest news. She also got on the wrong side of Robespierre, which didn't go well. — Preorder info for my book, Re…

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French Revolution: Radicals (part 5): The Triple Agent 57:54

7M ago57:54

57:54

Etta Palm d'Aelders was a Dutch woman so sexy that she got hired as a spy for three different countries (simultaneously). One of these countries was France, which is how she wound up in Paris during the French Revolution. — ⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list!⁠⁠⁠ — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at ⁠⁠⁠common.era.c…

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Movie Discussion: Conclave (2024) 1:44:34

7M ago1:44:34

1:44:34

To celebrate Pope Leo XIV, I pulled this out of the Patreon vault so everybody can enjoy our spoiler-filled discussion.Last year when the movie Conclave came out, Allison and I both went bananas. Little did we know, it would later be nominated for numerous Academy Awards, or that there would be an IRL conclave, or that the new Pope would be from Ch…

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French Revolution: Radicals (part 4): She Killed Him In The Bathtub 2:08:35

7M ago2:08:35

2:08:35

Charlotte Corday is a notorious figure from the French Revolution, best known for assassinating Jean-Paul Marat. Who was she, why did she do this, what art was inspired by her act, was she the Luigi of her time, and must we stan?? Special guest Gavin Whitehead from The Art of Crime podcast joins us to talk about the ribbons of it all. — ⁠⁠Sign up f…

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French Revolution: Radicals (part 3): A Toxic Bisexual Love Story 1:32:20

7M ago1:32:20

1:32:20

Let’s go girls! Claire Lacombe and Pauline Léon came from different backgrounds: Claire was an actress from the countryside, and Pauline grew up in Paris the daughter of chocolatiers. But what they had in common was a passion for the French Revolution, women's rights, and attacking anyone who disagreed with them. And they were also Historically Ver…

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French Revolution: Radicals (part 2): The Actress With A Sword 2:13:27

8M ago2:13:27

2:13:27

Anne-Josèphe Théroigne de Méricourt was one of the most notorious people in the French Revolution. She arrived in Paris ready for revolution, used her theatrical experience to design unforgettable outfits, and did her best to fight for women's rights (with a sword by her side). We're joined by Claire Mead to talk about the gender shenanigans of Thé…

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French Revolution: Radicals (part 1): The Feminist Writer 2:22:41

8M ago2:22:41

2:22:41

For the next seven weeks, we'll be looking at women who were actively involved on the Revolution side of the French Revolution in a miniseries we'll call Liberté, égalité, sororité: You Can't Stop The Women of the Revolution! We're starting off with one of the most well-known women of this era, Olympe de Gouges. Guiding our discussion/ explaining t…