Podcasts by Category
Vulgar History: Tudors
- 350 - Africans in Tudor England
Tudor England is often thought of as overwhelmingly white. But in fact, people of African descent had a far greater presence than has previously been recognized. We're joined for this episode by Dr. Onyeka Nubia. Dr. Nubia's original research shows that Tudors from many walks of life regularly interacted with people of African descent, both at home and abroad, revealing a genuine pragmatism towards race and acceptance of difference. Learn more about Dr. Nubia’s research in his recent book: England's Other Countrymen: Black Tudor Society (affiliate link) — Get 30% off your paid Patreon membership all month with code ANN at patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 - 349 - Halloween Special: How England's Witch Hunts Led To The Salem Witch Trials
It's our Halloween special! In the 17th century, Britain went mad with witch-hunting. What sorts of people were targeted? How were they caught? And how did this all set the stage for what would later happen in Salem, Massachusetts? To answer these questions and more, we're joined by Professor Marion Gibson, author of the new book Witchland: A Deadly Moral Panic in Seventeenth-Century Britain. Buy a copy of Marion Gibson's book Witchland: A Deadly Moral Panic in Seventeenth-Century Britain (affiliate link) Learn more about Marion at her website — Shop our new Six Queens merch — Join the Vulgar History email list — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 28 Oct 2026 - 348 - Anne Boleyn You Will Always Be Famous (with Natalie Grueninger)
Anne Boleyn is one of the most famous women in history. But what do we actually know about her? Did she really have dark hair, a sixth finger, and a growth on her neck? Was she accused of witchcraft? And above all else, why is she still so beloved by so many people? We're joined by Tudor history specialist Natalie Grueninger (from the Talking Tudors podcast) to discuss the life and legacy of Anne Boleyn to answer the question: why will Anne Boleyn always be famous? Learn more about Natalie's work at her website — Shop our new Six Queens merch Get 15% off an Anne Boleyn pendant or ring from our brand partner Common Era with code VULGAR15 Join the Vulgar History email list — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 21 Oct 2026 - 347 - Anne Boleyn Part Three: The End, Or Is It?
It's Anne Boleyn Month, and this week we're covering the third part of her life story, where a lot of bad things happen very quickly. Thanks for nothing, Henry VIII. But this isn't the end of Anne's story! Next week, we're joined by an Anne Boleyn expert to discuss her life-after-life, legacy, and why her story still resonates with so many people... and to finally deduce her score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandliciousness Scale! Shop our new Six Queens merch Get 15% off an Anne Boleyn pendant or ring from our brand partner Common Era with code VULGAR15 Join the Vulgar History email list — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 14 Oct 2026 - 346 - Anne Boleyn Part Two: Anne Boleyn In Love
Anne Boleyn was the It Girl of the Tudor royal court, and her French ways caught the attention of several men. Unfortunately, one of those was Henry VIII. He set about a multi-year campaign to get to marry her, and eventually did. Everything's going so well! For now... Shop our new Six Queens merch Get 15% off an Anne Boleyn pendant or ring from our brand partner Common Era with code VULGAR15 Join the Vulgar History email list — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 07 Oct 2026 - 345 - Anne Boleyn Part One: The Women Who Raised Her
October is Anne Boleyn Month! And we're kicking things off with a discussion of Anne Boleyn's lesser-known early years. We learn about her female mentors (there are a lot, mostly named Margaret), her Emily in Paris era, and what brought her back to England in service to Queen Katherine of Aragon. Next time: Everything's going so well! Right? Shop our new Six Queens theme merch Get 15% off an Anne Boleyn pendant or ring from our brand partner Common Era with code VULGAR15 Learn about Historic Royal Palaces campaign to teach the six queens differently — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 - 344 - Elizabeth Barton and the Downfall of Anne Boleyn
Elizabeth Barton, also known as the Mad Maid of Kent, was a prophetess during the Tudor Era. Her visions were so influential that Henry VIII summoned her to court. What did she have to do with Anne Boleyn's downfall... and what led to Elizabeth's own fall from grace? Author Hayley Nolan shares the saga of Elizabeth Barton on this week's podcast. Read Hayley's new book Notorious: Anne Boleyn and the Great Tudor Hoax to learn more about this whole situation. Buy a copy of Hayley's book Notorious: Anne Boleyn and the Great Tudor Hoax (affiliate link) — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 23 Sep 2026 - 343 - Who were the Black Tudors?
What were Black people doing in Tudor England? Playing music, deep-sea diving, exploring, getting married, testifying in court cases, and so much more. Miranda Kauffman shared her research in her 2017 book Black Tudors and joins us on the podcast to explain what you may not know about Black Tudor history. Buy a copy of Miranda's book Black Tudors (affiliate link) Further reading on Black British history: Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga (affiliate link) African Europeans: An Untold History by Olivette Otele (affiliate link) — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 - 342 - Queer Tudor History
What was queer life like during the Tudor Era? We're joined by Dr. Kit Heyam to discuss Henry VIII's Buggery Act (boo!), queer poet Richard Barnfield (yay!), and what Shakespeare and Marlowe were really up to (ooh!). Learn more about Kit and his work at kitheyam.com And listen to Kit, and other wonderful guests, on the new podcast Time Travelling Queers — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 09 Sep 2026 - 341 - Marie Maitland, Scotland's Sixteenth-Century Sappho
Marie Maitland was a queer poet living during the tumultuous 16th century in Scotland. Her life and writings were mostly unknown until historian Ashley Douglas began to piece it all together. Ashley Douglas joins us this week to discuss how she unearthed Marie's story and the importance of queer history. Buy a copy of Ashley's book With My Own Hand (affiliate link) — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 02 Sep 2026 - 340 - Witch Hunts in Tudor Era Scotland (ft. Witches of Scotland)
Witch hunts were at a fever pitch in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. Who was hunted, how were they investigated, and how many were executed? Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell, KC, from Witches of Scotland are here to explain why we are not the daughters of the witches they didn't burn. Pick up a copy of Zoe and Claire's book How To Kill a Witch - now in paperback! (affiliate link) Keep up with their podcast, advocacy work, tartan, and clan at the Witches of Scotland website — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 26 Aug 2026 - 339 - The Tudors Take America
In 1497, King Henry VII of England sent Italian explorer John Cabot to North America. Over the next two centuries, British adventurers came to various parts of Eastern North America. The objects they picked up, created by Indigenous artisans, sparked various trends back in England. Author Lauren Working joins us to talk about some of these objects and the way they shaped culture in Tudor England. Buy a copy of Lauren's book A Golden World: How the Americas Transformed Tudor and Stuart England (affiliate link) — Get Discord access, ad-free episodes, and bonus episodes by joining our Patreon patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 338 - The Other Boleyn Girls (and Boys)
Anne Boleyn is one of the best-known women from the Tudor era. Her family members are less well-known, which is why we're talking about them today. From her Irish granny to her notorious brother and his wife, we're here to talk about The Other Boleyn Family Members and Hever, the home they all shared. Tracy Borman, author of the new novel The House of Boleyn, joins us to discuss all the Boleyn family drama. Buy a copy of Tracy's book The House of Boleyn (affiliate link) — Get 15% off the Anne Boleyn pendant from Common Era with code VULGAR15 (affiliate link) — Get ad-free episodes and more by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 - 337 - Catherine of Aragon: Real Queen Sh*t
Catherine of Aragon was Queen of England for twenty-four years. Yet somehow she's usually only remembered as one of Henry VIII's six wives? This cannot stand! This week we are joined by historian Kate Williams to celebrate Catherine of Aragon's Queen Era, and why she deserves to be remembered as more than just some man's wife. Get a copy of Kate's new book Regina: A New History of Women and Power (affiliate link) — Get 30% off paid Patreon memberships with code TUDOR all month at patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 05 Aug 2026 - 336 - So This A**hole: Henry VIII
Henry VIII stomped all over the Tudor era, and for a long time people thought he was a great guy. Some people knew he was not, like the six women unlucky enough to marry him. But in a post-Six world, Henry is now seen as the villain of this story. We're joined by Jillian Laine, author of the new novel Henry Tudor Must Die, to explain why Henry VIII was, in fact, The Worst. Buy a copy of Henry Tudor Muse Die (affiliate link) — Get 30% off paid Patreon memberships with code TUDOR all month at patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.com/vulgar15 or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR15 at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 - 335 - Shakespeare's Greatest Character, Margaret of Anjou
Margaret of Anjou was a prominent figure during England's Wars of the Roses, just before the Tudor Era. At the end of the Tudor Era, William Shakespeare wrote several plays about the Wars - and in these, we see Margaret progress from young Princess to warrior Queen to mystical witch-crone. No other character has such a dramatic portrayal across Shakespeare's plays. The new book Shakespeare's Margaret is a biography of both Margaret, the real person, and also Margaret, the character written by Shakespeare. The book's authors Charles O'Malley and Scott W. Stern join us to talk all things Margaret and Shakespeare. Buy a copy of Shakespeare's Margaret: The Dramatic Life of a Warrior Queen (affiliate link) — Get 30% off paid Patreon memberships with code TUDOR all month at patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 22 Jul 2026 - 334 - The Women Behind the Tudor Dynasty
The Tudors are the most famous royal family in English history (or at least, the most notorious). Where did they come from? The surname came from Wales; their claim to the throne came partly from France, and it was, frankly, a little dodgy, which is why later Tudor Kings didn't want you to think about their claim to the throne too hard! This week, we look at the women responsible for bringing the Tudor name to the throne: Catherine of Valois and Margaret Beaufort. With cameo appearances by Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville and Elizabeth of York! Plus: the shortest possible explanation of the Wars of the Roses and all of the battles therein because this is NOT a battles-discussion podcast. — Get 30% off paid Patreon memberships with code TUDOR all month at patreon.com/annfosterwriter — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 15 Jul 2026 - 333 - Vulgar History: Tudors (trailer)
The Tudors are the most famous dynasty in English history. Names like Anne Boleyn, Bloody Mary, and Henry VIII are still known today. This season on Vulgar History, we'll spill the tea on the notorious Tudors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 - 332 - Zelda Fitzgerald Deserved Better (featuring Alicia from Trashy Divorces)
Zelda Fitzgerald is best known as the long-suffering wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald. But she was MUCH more interesting than he ever was, and we're here to tell her story. My guest this week is Alicia from Trashy Royals and Trashy Divorces, and she's got a LOT of feelings about Zelda. Listen to Alicia's podcasts Trashy Royals and Trashy Divorces wherever you get podcasts! AND stay tuned to the very end of this one to learn what the theme will be for Vulgar History season 9! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 - 331 - Remember Abigail Adams (with Meredith Constant)
When John Adams was working to establish the United States of America, his wife, Abigail Adams, urged him to "remember the ladies" and grant women greater freedom. Who was Abigail Adams? America's first feminist? The most prolific letter-writer of all time? Queen Charlotte's number one hater? All of the above? We dig into her life with special guest Meredith Constant (from Off With Their Headlines podcast). Listen to a playlist of Vulgar History episodes about the American Revolution. Follow Meredith's podcast Off With Their Headlines Follow Meredith's Substack, Pulling Threads — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 - 330 - Introducing NeferTV: Spartacus Blood and Sand - season 1 episode 1 - The Red Serpent
Enjoy the first episode of the new podcast NeferTV with Ann Foster and Gina Berry! New episodes every alternate Monday. Subscribe to NeferTV wherever you get podcasts! Gina Berry has watched Spartacus: Blood and Sand many, many times. Ann Foster has never seen it before. Together, they will recap every episode of this series in our new podcast, NeferTV! New episodes every other Monday. In the first episode, we meet all the main characters and set up the dramatic (and BLOODY) rivalries of the season. You can watch Spartacus: Blood and Sand on Starz+ in the US, and on Crave in Canada. Follow NeferTV on Instagram Share your thoughts about Spartacus with us at NeferTVPodcast@gmail.com Save 15% off beautiful ancient Roman-inspired jewellery from Common Era with code NEFERTV at commonera.com/nefertv or use code NEFERTV at checkout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 329 - You Wouldn't Want To Be Enslaved In Ancient Rome! (with Emma Southon)
Ancient Rome is often thought of as an ideal society where toga-clad men debated democracy while eating grapes. But in fact, the Roman Empire and Republic couldn't have existed without slavery. What were these enslaved people's lives like? Pretty awful, actually! Historian Emma Southon joins us to talk about slavery in Ancient Rome: what it was like, why people like to pretend it wasn't so bad, and what did Spartacus have to do with it all? Buy a copy of Emma's new book Not Built In A Day (affiliate link) — Listen to our new podcast NeferTV, where we are discussing the TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 328 - TRAILER: NeferTV with Ann Foster and Gina Berry
NeferTV is a new TV recap podcast by Ann Foster and Gina Berry, where we talk about shows set in the ancient world. This season, we're going through every episode of SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND. Subscribe to NeferTV wherever you get podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 327 - Queen Zenobia vs The Roman Empire
We're joined by return guest Gina Berry (previously heard on our Cleopatra, Nefertiti, Hatshepsut, and Livia episodes) to talk about Syrian icon Queen Zenobia. Queen Z was maybe descended from Cleopatra, and definitely defeated the Romans (several times) - and lived to tell the tale. Want more of Gina and me in your lives? Follow our new podcast NeferTV wherever you get podcasts! You can also follow the NeferTV podcast on Instagram! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 326 - What Accent Did People Really Have in Shakespeare's Time?
English accents have been evolving ever since the first people started speaking this very strange language. People in historic films often speak with a modern British accent, and when they don't, people think it's inaccurate. But what did people really sound like during Shakespearean times? Or American Revolution times? Author and linguist Valerie Fridland joins us to discuss all these questions and more! Buy a copy of Valerie's book Why We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 - 325 - Wallis Simpson vs Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
Wallis Simpson was an American divorcee who won the heart of Prince Edward. In 1935, Edward abdicated as King so that he could marry Wallis. Meanwhile, his brother Prince Albert married Scottish noblewoman Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. For most of their lives, Elizabeth and Wallis hated each other. This dramatic real-life rivalry inspired The Windsor Affair, a new novel by Melanie Benjamin. Melanie joins us to discuss this scandalous history and how modern-day British royal women compare to these famous rivals. Buy a copy of The Windsor Affair (affiliate link) — Support our Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 - 324 - Did Doctors Really Prescribe Vibrators To Victorian Women? And Other Sexual Myths (with Kate Lister)
Vulgar History x Betwixt The Sheets: the collab you never knew you needed! I was so excited to chat with Dr. Kate Lister of Betwixt the Sheets about her new book: Flick: A Brief History of Female Pleasure. Flick shares the story of female sexual pleasure from ancient Mesopotamia to the 1960s so-called sexual revolution and right up to modern day. Have you heard that proper British ladies would "sit back and think of England"? Guess what: they did NOT. Nor did doctors in the Victorian era prescribe vibrators!! Stop spreading that rumour!! Click here to watch this as a video! — Order a copy of Flick from UK-based bookshops or my fav Irish bookseller Kennys! They ship worldwide — Support our Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 27 May 2026 - 323 - Why Is Jane Austen Still Popular Today? (with June Hur)
Jane Austen remains the most famous person who lived during the Regency Era. As a finale of our Regency Era podcast series, we look at why her books (and life) are still so popular today. Our guest is June Hur, a lifelong Jane Austen fan. June's newest book, Behind Five Willows reimagines Pride & Prejudice in 18th-century Korea, and features several Easter Eggs for Austen fans. Buy a copy of June Hur's new book Behind Five Willows (affiliate link) Learn more about June's other books and upcoming events — Support our Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 20 May 2026 - 322 - ArtMuse: Mary Robinson, part one
ArtMuse is a podcast about the women who inspired great works of art: the muses, whose names often go unknown. This episode about Mary Robinson fits in perfectly with our Regency Era series, because she interacted with so many notable people of that era (like Emma Hamilton and trigger warning, Prinny). This is part one of two, so make sure to listen to part 2 on ArtMuse, wherever you get podcasts! Support our REGENCY QUEERA Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 15 May 2026 - 321 - How Ada Lovelace Predicted The Rise of AI
Ada Lovelace was born during the Regency Era, the daughter of Annabella Milbanke and (trigger warning) Lord Byron. Her story brings us from the Georgian era into the Victorian era as she wielded her father's charisma and her mother's love of math to (very accurately) predict the dangers of AI. And also start a horse race gambling ring, pawn the family jewels, and invent a flying machine! Returning guest Lana Wood Johnson joins us to celebrate the dirtbag legacy of Ada Lovelace, so much more than a woman in STEM (but also, a woman in STEM). Support our REGENCY QUEERA Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 13 May 2026 - 320 - Lady Caroline Lamb: Regency Era Manic Pixie Dream Girl
Lady Caroline Lamb was an author, party hostess, and occasional hot mess. Best known for her short affair with (trigger warning!) Lord Byron, she powered through Regency London with main character energy. Romance author Alexandra Vasti joins us to celebrate the audacious and Bravo TV-coded life of Lady Caroline Lamb. Preorder Alexandra's book Scandal of the Summer (affiliate link) Support our REGENCY QUEERA Trevor Project fundraiser — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 06 May 2026 - 319 - Regency Era Trans Icon Chevalière d'Éon (revisited)
Chevalière d'Éon was a French spy, championship fencer, soldier, and absolute icon. No wonder the Ton of Regency England became obsessed when she moved there. In this episode, originally from 2022, author Maya Deane joins us to explain d'Éon's audacious story and the importance of her life to queer and trans history. Buy a copy of Maya's book Wrath Goddess Sing Support our Trevor Project fundraiser project — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 - 318 - Regency Era Grifter "Princess Caraboo"
The mysterious woman known as Princess Caraboo took Regency Era England by storm. Speaking a language no one understood, she captivated the Ton... until her true identity was revealed. In this revisited episode (with 45 minutes of new content!), we're joined by Gavin Whitehead (The Art of Crime podcast) to discuss the audacious schemes of "Princess Caraboo." Learn more about Gavin's podcast The Art of Crime. — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 - 317 - Regency Era It Girl Emma Hamilton (part two)
Watch this episode as a video. Emma Hamilton was the ultimate artist's muse, posing for more portraits during her life than anyone before or after. She was also a political operative, helping the royal family during the Naples reverse-revolution, and facilitating ties between Britain and Naples. She was also, perhaps most famously, the lover of Lord Nelson (the military hero). And then she was erased from history. We're joined again by guest co-host Amanda Matta to tell the action-packed second part of Emma's wild life story.Learn more about Amanda, her podcasts, and other ways to keep up with her. — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 - 316 - Regency Era It Girl Emma Hamilton (part one)
Click here to watch this episode as a video. Emma Hamilton was born as Amy Lyon, a poor girl with a murky background. Through a mixture of ambition and luck, her gorgeousness helped her rise out of poverty and into high society as the mistress of a powerful man. And her story was only starting. Guest co-host Amanda Matta joins us to discuss the incredible first part of Emma Hamilton's life story. Learn more about Amanda, her podcasts, and other ways to keep up with her. — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 - 315 - Regency Era Witch Mary Bateman
Click here to watch this episode as a video. The Regency Era is known for its gowns, balls, and Bridgerton-style love stories. But England at this time was also very superstitious, which is how Mary Bateman aka The Yorkshire Witch found numerous ways to grift people. From fortune-telling to magical hens to herbal remedies, Mary found ways to scam people by using their spiritual beliefs against them. We're joined by award-winning author Allison Epstein to cover Mary's lifetime of audacious cons, and how the law finally caught up with her. link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 - 314 - What If Anne Boleyn Sewed Her Head Back On?
Rebecca Lehmann's new book The Beheading Game begins with Anne Boleyn, post-execution, waking up and reattaching her head. From there, this book explores life in Tudor era England, Anne Boleyn's quest for revenge (and to reunite with her daughter), and so much more. Rebecca joins us this week to talk about how she got the idea for this book, her research process, and what she really thinks about Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII's relationship. Buy a copy of The Beheading Game (affiliate link) Learn more about Rebecca and her work — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 - 313 - Was the Real Queen Charlotte Black? (Revisited)
Queen Charlotte on Bridgerton is inspired by the real-life Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. On Bridgerton, Charlotte is shown as a Black woman living in Regency England. There have long been rumours about Charlotte’s real-life Black ancestry. To understand this complex situation, I sat down with two experts to learn more. In interviews recorded in 2023 and revisited here, I spoke with Dr. Stacey Murrell about Queen Charlotte's ancestory, and with Dr. Brooke Newman about how Charlotte was viewed during her lifetime. Learn more about Stacey Murrell and her work YouTube video of Stacey’s presentation on Madragana (her part is from 1:00:15 to 1:26:46) Learn more about Brooke Newman and her work Buy a copy of Brooke Newman's book (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 18 Mar 2026 - 312 - Margaret Beaufort, The Original Tudor Icon
Margaret Beaufort was one of the most important women in Medieval England. Her story has been twisted to make her a villain, even a murderer, but who was she really? Lauren Johnson joins us to discuss Margaret Beaufort's remarkable life - and bust some of the most pervasive myths about her. Learn more in Lauren's new book Margaret Beaufort: Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker. Buy Margaret Beaufort: Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 - 311 - Disabled Regency Era Artist Sarah Biffin
Watch this as a video Sarah Biffin was one of the most sought-after portrait artists of the Regency Era, painting members of the royal family, including the King. How did a farmworker's daughter born without hands reach such success? Joining us to celebrate Sarah Biffin's iconic saga is special guest Kristen Lopez. Learn more about Sarah Biffin's work (and view some of her paintings) at the "Without Hands" exhibition page. Buy Kristen's book POPCORN DISABILITIES (affiliate link) Follow Kristen's film writing at The Film Maven Listen to Kristen's podcast Ticklish Business — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 - 310 - Regency Era Spy Grace Dalrymple Elliott
Grace Dalrymple Elliott was a courtesan in London, a spy in French Revolutionary Paris, the lover of two of history's most annoying Princes, and finally, a memoir-writer in the Regency Era. Our guest today, Gavin Whitehead (from The Art of History podcast) joins us to talk about the unending twists and turns of this woman's life! Listen to Gavin's new podcast, Raven, wherever you get podcasts! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 - 309 - Elizabeth Bathory: Serial Killer?
Elizabeth Bathory is currently in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most prolific female serial killer. But was she? Author Shelley Puhak's new book The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster interrogates how and why Elizabeth Bathory got such a killer reputation, and what may have really happened all those years ago in her castle. Buy a copy of The Blood Countess (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 18 Feb 2026 - 308 - The Brontë Sisters: Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë
Anne, Charlotte, and Emily Brontë were all accomplished novelists. Charlotte's famous work is Jane Eyre, and Emily's is Wuthering Heights. But how did three sisters all become popular authors at the same time? Could it have been the cemetery water they grew up drinking?? Jane Eyre superfan Lana Wood Johnson joins us to discuss the tuberculosis-laden lives of these Northern English authors (with Irish accents). — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 - 307 - Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (part two)
Last time, we discussed the first part of Georgiana's life. This time, we get into all the illegitimate children of it all, with bonus visits to Revolution-era Paris and also Earl Grey tea time. With special guest, royal commentator Amanda Matta (matta_of_fact on social media). Watch this episode as a video. Support the fundraiser for Minnesota Georgiana, Anne Damer, and Elizabeth Lamb's witch portrait Shop at Teapothecary Tea — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, 03 Feb 2026 - 306 - Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (part one)
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire is a key person connecting the French Revolution era to the Regency Era, because she was besties with Marie Antoinette, wore poufs, and then became besties with the Regent himself, George, Prince of Wales. We're joined by Vulgar History returning guest Amanda Matta (matta_of_fact on social media) to talk about the first part of Georgiana's wild life. Watch this episode as a video. Here is a picture of Georgiana in her famous "picture hat". — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 28 Jan 2026 - 305 - A Regency Era Sapphic Schoolteacher Scandal
In the Regency Era, reputation was all many working-class women had. When Edinburgh schoolteachers Marianne Woods and Jane Pirie were accused of sapphic behaviour by their student Jane Cumming, they lost everything. So they decided to sue their accuser's wealthy grandmother for libel. The legal case, Pirie and Woods vs Cumming Gordon, only fanned the flames of the scandal. This week, our guest Indigo Dunphy-Smith walks us through the racism, classism, and homophobia that turned these rumours into a well-known scandal. Learn more about Indigo's work at A Queer Was Here — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 21 Jan 2026 - 304 - Queen Marie-Louise Christophe: A Black Regency Era Queen
It's our Regency Era, which means we had to get Vanessa Riley (current Queen of Regency era fiction) on the podcast. This week we're revisiting out conversation from 2023 about her novel Queen of Exiles, about the life of Haiti's Queen Marie-Louise Christophe. It's interesting to revisit this now, after discussing the Haitian Revolution last series, and seeing Marie-Louise in the context of the Regency Era in England. Plus: bonus! Vanessa joined me again to record a new segment where we honour Marie-Louise with a score on the Scandiliciousness Scale! Learn more about Queen of Exiles on Vanessa's website Buy a copy of Queen of Exiles (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 14 Jan 2026 - 303 - Jacquotte Delahaye: The Real Pirate of the Caribbean
The real Pirates of the Caribbean were Black, and women! And Jacquotte Delahaye was the most famous of them all. Author Vanessa Riley's new novel, Fire Sword and Sea, is a sweeping, immersive saga based on the life of the legendary seventeenth-century pirate Jacquotte Delehaye. Vanessa joins us on the podcast to talk all about this lesser-known figure, and how she managed to research this story! Learn more about Vanessa Riley and Fire Sword and Sea. Buy Fire Sword and Sea (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 07 Jan 2026 - 302 - Regency Era Sex Ed: Round Two
To round out this year on Vulgar History, I want to revisit this instant classic episode with Regency Era romance author Alexandra Vasti, all about Regency Era Sexy Times!! Now that the podcast is in our Regency Era, it bears repeating. Enjoy!! And can't wait to spent 2026 with you all. Buy Alexandra's sapphic Regency romance Ladies in Hating (affiliate link) Info on Alexandra Vasti and her books — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 31 Dec 2025 - 301 - Hortense Mancini: It Girl of Restoration England
Hortense Mancini was the It Girl of 17th-century France, then put on a pair of pants and ran away from her awful husband. She then became It Girl in exile around the European continent, finally winding up in London as mistress to the Merry Monarch, Charles II. And then her life really began, as for the next two decades she hosted an influential salon in London. Author and historian Annalisa Nicholson has two new books out about Hortense's life, especially her salon era. She joins us to celebrate the life of this underrated, iconic woman. Watch this episode as a video. Listen to the 2023 Vulgar History miniseries about Hortense Mancini here. Read Annalisa's book about Hortense's salon for free online. And buy Annalisa's book of Hortense's letters here! (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 24 Dec 2025 - 300 - Rachel: The One-Named Jewish Actress And Her Many, Many Lovers (revisited)
For this year's Hanukkah special, we're revisiting the timeless saga of RACHEL, the Jewish actress so iconic she needed only one name. It's so interesting to look at her story again after the French Revolution series, because it shows that Market Ladies: The Next Generation were just as riot-happy as the original Sans-Culottes Squad. We're joined by Allison Epstein, our French Revolutionary history advisor, to discuss Rachel's (sexual) Napoleon complex, and all the revolutions that she lived through. When we recorded this, Allison's book Fagin the Thief was not yet for sale. But now it is!! Get a copy of Allison's book Fagin the Thief (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 17 Dec 2025 - 299 - Mary Shelley's Scandalous Sister, Claire Clairmont (Revisited)
We're in our Regency Era and just finished Mary Shelley Month, and Claire Clairmont REFUSES TO BE IGNORED. We're revisiting the story of this iconic woman, whose story feels even more meaningful now that we've learned about her (kind of) stepmother Mary Wollstonecraft, as well as more about the Regency Era in which Claire made her mark. Plus, our guest Lesley McDowell's book Clairmont is now available in North America!! (It wasn't when we first recorded this a bit ago). Click here to buy the Clairmont eBook. (aff link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 10 Dec 2025 - 298 - The Regency Era and Consent
Ever since the novel was invented, women have used it as a platform for sharing ideas about sexual consent. In her new book Courting Disaster: Reading Between the Lines of the Regency Novel, Dr. Zoë McGee reveals how Jane Austen and other women writers from this time used their stories to try to change society's mind about rape culture - and to reassure survivors they were not alone. Zoë joins us today to talk about how her research revealed a quiet feminist movement that still resonates today. Because every novel about marriage is also a novel about consent. Buy a copy of Courting Disaster (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 03 Dec 2025 - 297 - Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, and America's 250th Anniversary
It's (American) Thanksgiving, so here's a special American History episode! In this, you can hear my discussion with Dr. Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Monticello/The Thomas Jefferson Foundation. We talk about how Monticello strives to continually engage visitors with the complex history of enslavement, how Monticello honours Sally Hemings, how Monticello plans to celebrate America's upcoming 250th anniversary, and also we learn answers to burning questions like: is Monticello haunted?? And: can you get mac and cheese there? Learn more about Monticello at monticello.org — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, 27 Nov 2025 - 296 - Regency Era Cottagecore Lesbians: The Ladies of Llangollen
Click here to watch this episode as a video! The Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, were Regency-era Irish women who ran off to Northern Wales to live their cottagecore lesbian domestic dream. To discuss their adventurous youth and middle-aged Hobbit eras is superstar history podcaster and content creator Katie Charlwood from Who Did What Now! Learn more about Katie and Who Did What Now! Here is the image of the notoriously private Ladies that one of their guests secretly drew of them, their pets, and their library (as discussed in the episode). — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 26 Nov 2025 - 295 - Regency Era Heiresses and the History of Enslavement
Regency Era heiresses are a part of most Jane Austen novels, as women with fortunes men want to marry into. Some of these fortunes were from old family money, but many of them were new wealth founded on human exploitation on Caribbean plantations. Our guest, Dr. Miranda Kaufmann, reveals what she's found in her research about heiresses as well as the stories of the people the heiresses enslaved. Learn more in Miranda's book Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance, and Slavery in the Caribbean (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 294 - Anne Lister: Regency-Era Power Lesbian
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 Wingrove to dish all about Anne Lister's wild life and legacy. Learn more about Kit and their work at kitheyam.com Learn more about Sarah and her work at sarahwingrove.com — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 12 Nov 2025 - 293 - Jane Austen: The Life of a Regency Era Literary Icon
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of England's best-loved and most-read authors. This year is the 250th anniversary of her birth in December 1775, and her works are as popular as they ever were. But her own story is far less known than that of her heroines. So we're here today to learn all about Jane Austen. Our guest this week is Paula Byrne, one of the world's leading Jane Austen experts. Paula's new book, Six Weeks by the Sea, is a novel that imagines Jane Austen in love herself. Buy a copy of Paula's new novel Six Weeks By The Sea (affiliate link). Learn more about Paula at her website. — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 05 Nov 2025 - 292 - Vulgar History: Regency Era trailerSun, 02 Nov 2025
- 291 - Mary Shelley Month: Lord Byron, The Original F***boi of Literature
Mary Shelley famously wrote Frankenstein while on a summer-long sleepover party with her husband, sister, and her husband's friend, Lord Byron. To close out Mary Shelley Month, it's time for a deep dive on Lord Byron. Joining us is podcast legend Emily Edwards (from F***bois of Literature and Ticklish Business fame). Learn more about Emily's work at msemilyedwards.com — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 29 Oct 2025 - 290 - Mary Shelley Month: Why Frankenstein Still Matters
Mary Shelley is still most famous for writing FRANKENSTEIN, and with good reason! Her story was adapted into a play shortly after it was first published, and has been adapted and retold nonstop ever since. Horror author Claire Fitzpatrick joins us to talk about Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and what makes this story so timeless. Learn more about Claire and her work at her website. — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 24 Oct 2025 - 289 - The Wild Life of Mary Shelley, Author of Frankenstein
It's Mary Shelley Month, which requires us to revisit this classic Vulgar History episode about Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend. And honestly, it hits different now that we know more about her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. Shop Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend merch! (US) Shop Mary Shelley: Goth Queen, Mom Friend merch (rest of world) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 22 Oct 2025 - 288 - Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (part two)
In last week's episode, Mary Wollstonecraft decided to head over to Paris as the French Revolution was turning into The Terror, just for the vibes. This week, we learn what she did when she got there (and which of our faves she ran into!), and what happened next. Trigger warning: discussion in this episode includes depression, suicidal ideation, and attempted suicide. Next time: we get into the story of Wollstonecraft's daughter, Mary Shelley!! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 - 287 - Mary Shelley Month: Slashed Beauties, with Allison Rushby
Mary Shelley's influence can be felt in countless feminist body horror novels written in the past two hundred years. But how many of those books are about anatomical wax figures who come to life to KILL THE MEN WHO PREYED UPON THEM?? Allison Rushby's novel Slashed Beauties is about just that. We talk about the real (grotesque) history behind her novel, how Mary Shelley inspired her, and how she researched the lives of 18th-century sex workers. Plus: what's her next novel about?? Buy a copy of Slashed Beauties by Allison Rushby (affiliate link) Learn about the real-life anatomical wax figures — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 - 286 - Mary Shelley's mother, Mary Wollstonecraft (part one)
It's Mary Shelley Month on Vulgar History! For Halloween season, we're looking at goth icon Mary Shelley and her friends and family. And we'e starting with her equally iconic mother, Mary Wollstonecraft! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 08 Oct 2025 - 285 - Why do we still care about Marie Antoinette?
Marie Antoinette feels as present today as she was in her life, with a new V&A exhibit, a TV series, the recent five-episode podcast series of Vulgar History and a new biography! Why do people continue to be intrigued by this 18th-century Queen? Author Melanie Burrows, a lifelong fan of Marie Antoinette (and author of the new book Marie Antoinette: Teen Queen to Guillotine) joins us for a chat about Marie Antoinette's legacy. Order a signed copy of Marie Antoinette: Teen Queen to Guillotine from Melanie! — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 - 284 - How Benjamin Franklin Tried (And Failed) To Conquer Canada
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Benjamin Franklin nursed a not-so-secret desire to annex Canada and make it American. But he failed, over and over again. Author Madelaine Drohan has written all about this in her new book, He Did Not Conquer: Benjamin Franklin's Failure to Annex Canada. And she joins us on the podcast to tell all! Buy a copy of He Did Not Conquer (affiliate link) — Buy a copy of Ann's book Rebel of the Regency — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at commonera.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) — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 03 Oct 2025 - 283 - Marie Antoinette (part five): It's Brutal Out Here
It's the epic conclusion to the season! In this season finale, Marie Antoinette moves into her final era, and makes a final major fashion statement. Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video! — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 01 Oct 2025 - 282 - Marie Antoinette (part four): The Escape Plan
Last time on HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIE ANTOINETTE: The mob forced Marie Antoinette, Berry, and their family to leave Versailles. Marie Antoinette knew nothing good would come of this, and worked with her hot Swedish lover to figure out an escape plan featuring a party bus, false identities, and Monsieur Sauce. Historical fiction author (and returning Vulgar History guest) Allison Epstein joins us for the unhinged saga. 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 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 26 Sep 2025 - 281 - Marie Antoinette (part three): Reputation's Never Been Worse
Last time on HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIE ANTOINETTE: the Affair of the Necklace trial made Marie Antoinette realize her reputation's never been worse. But Axel von Fersen likes her for her, which is something, right? Meanwhile, the Market Ladies head out on a momentous march. 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 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 24 Sep 2025 - 280 - Marie Antoinette and the Affair of the Necklace (rerelease)
The last Marie Antoinette episode ended with how Marie Antoinette herself experienced the weird drama of The Affair of the Necklace. It makes sense to revisit this classic episode about Jeanne de la Motte and History's Ugliest Necklace, now that we all know more about the context of the heist. Shop The Affair of the Necklace: The Necklace: The T-shirt at the Vulgar History store — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 19 Sep 2025 - 279 - Marie Antoinette (part two): Teenage Drama Queen
When we left off last time, Marie Antoinette became Queen of France at age eighteen. Hater Nation lost their minds as she could now set up her favourites in sweet jobs, and distance herself from the haters. What was life like during the reign of Marie Antoinette and her woodworking enthusiast husband, Berry? Well, it included a LOT of AMAZING WIGS as our girl channelled 2023-2024 Jojo Siwa with the masks, rapid style pivots, and the messy chaos of a twenty-year-old growing up in the public eye. 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 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 17 Sep 2025 - 278 - Marie Antoinette (part one): Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman
We've been building up to this all season. Time to begin our discussion of the iconic French Queen, Marie Antoinette! Before she was Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, she was Maria Antonia, ADHD-coded youngest daughter of a formidable mother (who mostly ignored her). Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video! — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 10 Sep 2025 - 277 - Marie Antoinette's BFF, La Princesse de Lamballe
It's Marie Antoinette Month on Vulgar History! This week, we're talking about her BFF La Princesse de Lamballe. This basic bitch (complimentary) was always there for Marie Antoinette, even as the Queen's favour waxed and waned. Join the Vulgar History Patreon to watch this episode as a video! — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 03 Sep 2025 - 276 - Marie Antoinette's Best Friend, the Duchess of Polignac
Marie Antoinette Month continues with a discussion of Marie Antoinette's bestie, Gabrielle de Polastron, Duchess of Polignac. The Elizabeth Taylor of her era (looks-wise, not multiple husbands-wise), Gabby brought joie de vivre and fun to Marie Antoinette's Queen Era. But did Gabby survive the Reign of Terror?? Returning guest Amanda Matta (The Art of History podcast) joins us to explain the Versailles of it all. 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 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 27 Aug 2025 - 275 - Marie Antoinette's Mother, Empress Maria Theresa
We're in our Marie Antoinette era, and you can't understand her story without knowing about her mother, Empress Maria Theresa! Because Maria Theresa is largely responsible for what happened to Marie Antoinette! Because she was not a good mother! But what Maria Theresa was skilled at was ruling over a truly perplexing number of territories. All the most impressive when you realize Maria Theresa got zero training and had to learn it all on the job (while in the midst of constant wars). Friend of the podcast Lana Wood Johnson joins us to explain the Hapsburg of it all. — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 20 Aug 2025 - 274 - Marie Antoinette's Favorite Painter, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
We're getting into the Marie Antoinette of it all! From today and until we're done, every week will be a Marie Antoinette event! Marie Antoinette's appearance was a big part of her reputation (good... then less good) and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun was her Law Roach in that respect, helping craft an image for the people of France to recognize. And Elisabeth's life was tumultuous and fascinating as well! We're joined by author Jordana Pomeroy, art history expert and author of the new book Daring: The Life and Art of Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun to discuss the life of this artist. Buy a copy of Jordana's book (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, 12 Aug 2025 - 273 - The Vice President's Black Wife
You may not have heard of America's ninth Vice President, Richard Mentor Johnson (he served one term under Martin Van Buren). And you almost certainly have not heard of his enslaved Black wife, Julia Chinn. Until now!! Everything we know about Julia is thanks to the decade of research Amrita Chakrabarti Myers dedicated to piecing her story together. Amrita joins us this week to discuss Julia's story and what it means to the broader understanding of slavery in American history. Buy a copy of Amrita's book The Vice President's Black Wife: The Untold Life of Julia Chinn (affiliate link) — Donate to PCRF (US) Donate to IDRF (Canada) Donate to MAP (UK) Donate to World Central Kitchen (worldwide) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 - 272 - Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome
Now that we've learned about expectations for Ancient Roman women, time to learn about a woman who broke all the rules! You may not have heard of Fulvia, but you've heard of her third husband (pre-Cleopatra Marc Anthony!). And get ready to enjoy the downfall of her number one hater, Cicero (the John Knox of his time). We're joined by returning guest Jane Draycott (who was previously on to discuss Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene), author of a new biography of our new icon Fulvia! Buy Jane's book Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All The Rules in Ancient Rome (affiliate link) — Support NWIRP (the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 30 Jul 2025 - 271 - Livia Drusilla, Ancient Rome's (Allegedly) Murderous Empress
Our friend Gina Berry is back for part two of our Ancient Rome discussion! Last time, we discussed women's roles in the era. Now, it's time to learn how Empress Livia worked within those confines to live a legendary life. Did she really murder as many people as I, Claudius (and other portrayals) made it seem? We investigate! Support CHIRLA to help immigrants and refugees in the US — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 - 270 - What Was The Roman Empire Like For Women?
The Roman Empire inspired the (male) leaders of the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions. But what was that era like for women? Classical history enthusiast (and Vulgar History all-star returning guest) Gina Berry is here to talk all things Roman Empire. The video we mention about female gladiators. Donate to support Al Otro Lado — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 - 269 - How One Woman Survived the French Revolution (By Getting Out Of Town)
Germaine de Staël was a wealthy woman in Paris during the French Revolution. But unlike so many others, she made it through alive! Because she was smart enough to leave town and not return until it was safe! Which means we get to finally talk about what happened in France post-1794. Special guest Allison Epstein joins us, because Napoleon Bonaparte comes up, and if Napoleon has no haters that because both Germaine and Allison are dead. — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 - 268 - French Revolution: The Messy Bitches Who Brought Down the Monarchy
We've reached a point in our French Revolution discussion where we can no longer tell the story through the lives of women, because women were excluded from leadership roles. So instead, special guest Allison Epstein joins us to explain who were the men who led the French Revolution (badly). Time to learn about the Spice Boys: Danton, Marat, Saint-Just, Robespierre, and Desmoulins! — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 - 267 - The Sex Lives of Regency England
Did people in the 18th century know about contraception? How did young women learn the facts of life before their wedding nights? How accurate is Bridgerton? What do we know about queer people from this era? We answer all these questions and more in a chat with romance novelist Alexandra Vasti! Learn more about Alexandra's books: alexandravasti.com/books Preorder Alexandra's upcoming sapphic romance novel Ladies in Hating (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 - 266 - Canadian History: Who Was Laura Secord?
Laura Secord was a 19th-century Canadian woman known mostly for a) the chocolate store named after her now and b) her iconic Canadian Heritage Minute, recounting her heroic walk. We break down her real story (and what's the connection to the chocolate company?) in this Canada Day Special! Featuring the debut of the Celine Dion Canadian History Scoring Scale! — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, 01 Jul 2025 - 265 - Connecting the French Revolution and the Haitian Revolution
The American and French Revolutions inspired people in Haiti to rise up. Yet the Haitian Revolution is not always included in discussions of the revolutionary 18th century. Here to untangle this knot of connections is author Zoe Sivak, whose novel Mademoiselle Revolution is about a woman navigating her way through this revolutionary era. Buy Zoe's book Mademoiselle Revolution from Bookshop (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 - 264 - Haitian Revolution: The Complex Legacy of Jean-Jacques Dessalines
Jean-Jacques Dessalines was one of the major figures in the Haitian Revolution. He was vilified and demonized during his life and afterwards. Julia Gaffield has written a new biography reckoning with his complex legacy, and she joins us this week to explain his importance to history. Buy a copy of I Have Avenged America: Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Haiti's Fight for Freedom by Julia Gaffield (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 - 263 - Trans History: The Teenage Roman Emperor
Last year, we dropped this bonus episode talking with Kit Heyam about the horny teen trans Roman Emperor Elagabalus. It fits so well in this month's Pride specials, the time felt right for a rerelease! After all, the French Revolution crowd were obsessed with ancient Rome and this story is a good reminder that the Romans were just as chaotic as anyone else in any other era. Plus, we're now in a post-Gladiator II world and the way Elagabalus fits into that narrative may just surprise you. Kit's book: Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 - 262 - Sex Scandals of an American Founding Father
Gouvernour Morris is a lesser-known American Founding Father (that was his name btw, not his job title). He was so full of BDE that he headed over to France in the midst of the Revolution to a) be the Ambassador and b) fuck. We're joined by historian Cassandra Good to discuss Gouvernour's sex scandal-filled life. Learn more about Gouvernour and other founding fathers sexy shenanigans in Cassandra's new course Early American Sex Scandals. — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, 17 Jun 2025 - 261 - Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Diversity in human sex and gender is not a modern phenomenon. People have been living beyond the binary since the earliest recorded human civilizations, and authors Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett are here to celebrate all these transcestors in their new graphic novel Trans History: From Ancient Times to Present Day. Alex and Andrew join us for this celebration of trans history (the concept) and Trans History (their book) just in time for Pride Month! Buy a copy of Trans History: From Ancient Times to Present Day (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — RSVP for the Vulgar History in-person meet-up in Toronto! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 13 Jun 2025 - 260 - Women and Genderqueer People Who Ruled Over Africa
From warriors to tyrants and everything in between, the lives and reigns of Africa’s female and genderqueer rulers have long been shrouded in mystery, misunderstanding and misogyny. We're joined today by Paula Akpan to discuss several of these people, including Njinga of Ndongo and Ranavalona I of Madagascar. Paula's new book, When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors, is now available! Click here to buy a copy (affiliate link) — Preorder info for Ann's upcoming book, Rebel of the Regency! — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 11 Jun 2025 - 259 - Trans History: The Lieutenant Nun
Antonio de Erauso* was a trans man from Spain who went to South America in the 17th century, looking for adventure. The story of his life is full of murder, narrow escapes, and llamas. Author Gabriela Cabezón Cámara joins us to discuss her novel, We Are Green and Trembling, which examines the saga of Antonio de Erauso. * We previously discussed Antonio on this podcast under his birth name, Catalina de Erauso. Buy a copy of We Are Green and Trembling from Bookshop (affiliate link) — Preorder info for my book, Rebel of the Regency! — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 06 Jun 2025 - 258 - Giving Credit To History's Disregarded Women
Women's accomplishments across history are often dismissed as exceptions. But why are most scientists, reporters, sports stars, politicians, and businesspeople all men? Allison Tyra joins us to discuss the 600 women she's re-inserting into the historical narrative with her book Uncredited: Women's Overlooked, Misattributed and Stolen Work. Get a copy of Allison's book (affiliate link) Learn more about Allison's Infinite Women project Listen to Allison's Infinite Women podcast — Preorder info for my book, Rebel of the Regency! — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 04 Jun 2025 - 257 - Canadian History: Thanadelthur, the Peacemaker
Because of wildfires affecting northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, I'm re-releasing this episode about a woman who lived in these areas: Thanadelthur. She was a Dene woman who had a profound impact on the Dene people in Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the eighteenth-century fur trade. Much of Thanadelthur’s story is shared through oral storytelling among the Dene community. Our guest for this episode is Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth, a member of the Hatchet Lake Dënesųłiné First Nation in Treaty 10 territory. — Donate to the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc (CUMFI) in Saskatoon Donate to the United Way Saskatoon Donate to World Central Kitchen — References: The Legend of Thanadelthur: Elders’ Oral History and Hudson’s Bay Company Journals by Rosalie Tsannie-Burset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tue, 03 Jun 2025 - 256 - Movie Discussion: Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Dangerous Liaisons (1988) is a movie based on a play based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's novel from 1782. What does this have to do with the French Revolution? Lots, including that Marie Antoinette herself owned a copy of this novel. I'm joined by Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times movie reviewer and co-host of Unspooled to talk about this movie and also the pros and cons of how movies are the way many people learn about history. Learn more about Amy's podcast, Unspooled! — Preorder info for my book, Rebel of the Regency! — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 28 May 2025 - 255 - French Revolution: Radicals (part 6): The Secret Female Journalist
Manon Roland was a super-smart bookworm who amazed those around her from an early age with her intelligence (and strong opinions). When the French Revolution kicked off, she sent letters from Lyons to Paris to keep people updated on the latest news. She also got on the wrong side of Robespierre, which didn't go well. — Preorder info for my book, Rebel of the Regency! — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 21 May 2025 - 254 - French Revolution: Radicals (part 5): The Triple Agent
Etta Palm d'Aelders was a Dutch woman so sexy that she got hired as a spy for three different countries (simultaneously). One of these countries was France, which is how she wound up in Paris during the French Revolution. — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 14 May 2025 - 253 - Movie Discussion: Conclave (2024)
To celebrate Pope Leo XIV, I pulled this out of the Patreon vault so everybody can enjoy our spoiler-filled discussion. Last year when the movie Conclave came out, Allison and I both went bananas. Little did we know, it would later be nominated for numerous Academy Awards, or that there would be an IRL conclave, or that the new Pope would be from Chicago WHERE ALLISON LIVES??? — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fri, 09 May 2025 - 252 - French Revolution: Radicals (part 4): She Killed Him In The Bathtub
Charlotte Corday is a notorious figure from the French Revolution, best known for assassinating Jean-Paul Marat. Who was she, why did she do this, what art was inspired by her act, was she the Luigi of her time, and must we stan?? Special guest Gavin Whitehead from The Art of Crime podcast joins us to talk about the ribbons of it all. — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 07 May 2025 - 251 - French Revolution: Radicals (part 3): A Toxic Bisexual Love Story
Let’s go girls! Claire Lacombe and Pauline Léon came from different backgrounds: Claire was an actress from the countryside, and Pauline grew up in Paris the daughter of chocolatiers. But what they had in common was a passion for the French Revolution, women's rights, and attacking anyone who disagreed with them. And they were also Historically Very Good Friends if you know what I mean, and I'm sure you do. Plus: special guest stars The Market Ladies!! — References: Wikipedia (Claire) Wikipedia (Pauline) https://womenineuropeanhistory.wordpress.com/2017/01/31/pauline-leon/ Theophile Leclerc: an anti-Jacobin terrorist by Morris Slavin Liberty: the life and times of six women in revolutionary France by Lucy Moore https://www.geriwalton.com/reine-audu-heroine-heroine-of-the-french-revolution/— — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — 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) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon — 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Wed, 30 Apr 2025
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