Last time, we looked at Sally's family background and pre-Paris life. This time, we look at her return to Monticello from Paris, and what happened next. 0:00 Intro 04:55 Sally’s story begins 45:47 Ads 1:26:44 Extro The image for this episode is from the multimedia installation The Life of Sally Hemings at Thomas Jefferson's plantation home, Montice…

Sally Hemings was born in 1773 to enslaved mother Elizabeth Hemings and Elizabeth's enslaver, John Wayles. She grew up alongside her mother and siblings in enslavement in Virginia at around the same time as the American Revolution. In part one, we learn about Sally's family and childhood and how a series of coincidences led her to live in Paris jus…

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of people who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century. In honour of Pride Month, we're talking this week about the trans historical figure The Public Universal Friend. The Friend, aka PUF, grew up …

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of people who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century. In honour of Pride Month, this week we're talking about trans historical figure Deborah Sampson/Robert Shurtleff. Deborah/Robert fought in the…

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating the question How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of women who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century. This week, we're headed to New Zealand (via England and Australia) to learn how the Industrial and American Revolutions contribute…

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating the question How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of women who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century. This week, Kristin Franseen joins us to discuss Constanze Mozart, best known as the wife and then widow of Amadeus Mozart. -- Lear…

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

Today's guest, June Hur, is the author of historical novels that read like K-dramas. Her latest, A Crane Among Wolves, is set in Joseon-era Korea during the reign of tyrant King Yeonsan. Learn more about June and her books at junehur.com Buy a copy of A Crane Among Wolves from bookshop.org ---- Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories…

We're talking about pirate history this week with Ella McLeod, author of the new YA novel The Map That Led To You! In her research, Ella dove into the world of folklore, pirateology, nautical history, and the voices of people left out of history. Buy a copy of The Map That Led to You Ella's Instagram Ella's podcast, Comfort Creatures -- Theme music…

We're getting into a revolutionary, pants-on vibe this week with a look at Las Soldaderas: women who fought during the Mexican Revolution and whose contributions to victory often go uncredited. Guiding us through their pants-wearing ways is Cristina Lumague, longtime editor of Vulgar History! -- References: Soldaderas in the Mexican Military: Myth …

Today we're talking about Thanadelthur, a Dene woman who had a profound impact on the Dene people in Northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba during the eighteenth-century fur trade. Much of Thanadelthur's story is shared through oral storytelling among the Dene community. Today's guest, Rosalie Tsannie-Burseth is a member of the Hatchet Lake Dënesųłiné …

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

We're joined by friend of the podcast Gina Berry to discuss the longest-ago figure ever discussed on the show: Hatshepsut! It's a long one, so pace yourselves because you want to hear every detail of this remarkable King's life and reign. References: The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney Before We W…

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

In a long-awaited crossover between pale-skinned history nerds with glasses and long reddish hair, whose cats like to make guest appearances in their content, Hepburn and I are joined by I'm joined by E.K. McAlpine (and Minnie) to talk about her all-time fav: Saint Margaret of Scotland! Support E.K. on Patreon Follow E.K. on Instagram ---- Get 15% …

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

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

Time to talk about a longtime Vulgar History fav, this time in her own episode! Claire Clairmont is mostly known as the third-wheel stepsister of Mary Shelley. But as you will soon find out, she was also a Goth Queen in a different way. We're joined by author Lesley McDowell, whose new novel Clairmont makes Claire the main character for once. Click…

We're joined by return guest Princess O'Nika Auguste, here to share the story of The Queen of Sheba. Princess explains this Queen's connection to Ethiopian, Rastafarian, Yemeni, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and Black history. Follow Princess's podcast Badass Women of History Support Princess on Patreon All other ways to follow and support Princess o…

Mary Ann Shadd Cary is recognized as a national hero in both Canada and the United States. I'm joined by Nneka D. Dennie, author of Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Essential Writings of a Nineteenth-Century Black Radical Feminist to discuss Mary Ann's life and legacy. Download the intro to her book for free with this link. Buy a copy of her book here -- and u…

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

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

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

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 6 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the Wizard Earl's Daughter, Frances Howard's protegee, that's right: lady spy Lucy Percy Hay! This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro. Mentioned in this episode: Sweet Valley Sagas by Francine Pascal Court Lady and …

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 5 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the Imposteress Rabbit Breeder, Mary Toft! This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro. Content warnings: animal cruelty/killing, nonconsensual gynecological procedures, Nathanael St. Andre References: The Imposteress R…

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 4 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of Elizabeth Báthory aka The Blood Countess aka #JusticeForBettyBats! This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro. References: Countess Dracula: The Life and Times of Elizabeth Bathory, the Blood Countess by Tony Thorne --…

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 3 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the Affair of the Necklace and Jeanne de la Motte! This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a new intro and extro. References: How To Ruin A Queen by Jonathan Beckman -- Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at common.era…

This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 2 of Vulgar History, telling the scandalicious saga of OG tits out icon/ our patron saint, Frances Howard. This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and a bunch of new updates about Frances, two other people ALSO called Frances Howard, what is Bobby Duds doing in this narrative, and:…

Iṣmat ad-Dīn Khātūn was a 12th-century Muslim woman who lived in the Levant. She lived during the Frankish Wars aka The Crusades, and made a name for herself through her bravery and diplomacy. -- Call for de-escalation and ceasefire (for US people) Email your US rep to demand a ceasefire Template for UK people to email your MP Take action to call f…

Revisiting where it all began! This week is a re-release of season 1, episode 1 of Vulgar History, telling the saga of the rebel of the regency: Caroline of Brunswick! This rerelease includes a new edit of the original recording and one hour of new content, INCLUDING a reappraisal of Caroline's score on the Fredegund Memorial Scandilicious Scale. -…

My name is Ann, joined this week by Allison, to talk about a tits out women who only needs one name: RACHEL. References: Tragic Muse: Rachel of the Comédie-Francaise by Rachel H. Brownstein https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09571558211045052 https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/rachel-eliza-rachel-felix https://www.jewishencyclopedia.co…

Remember awhile ago, we did three episodes about the iconic Queen Fredegund? And she was so iconic we re-named the scandilicious scale after her? WELL By popular request, we're back to look at Fred's arch-nemesis, Brunhild of Austrasia. To keep my #TeamFred energy from overwhelming things, our guest this week is Shelley Puhak, author of The Dark Qu…

Today we're joined by Katherine Howe to talk about her pirate-y new novel, A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself. Learn more about Katherine and her work at katherinehowe.com -- Buy A True Account from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781250304889 -- Get 1…

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

Today, we're joined by Emma Southon to talk about lesser-known women of Roman history and her new book, A Rome of One's Own: Forgotten Women of the Roman Empire. Learn more about Emma and her work at emmasouthon.com Listen to Emma's podcast History Is Sexy historyissexy.com -- Buy A Rome of One's Own from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History wit…

It's a slightly belated Halloween super special/ continuation of the Mary, Queen of Scots saga this week! We're talking about Margaret Fleming, Countess of Atholl: older sister of one of the Four Marys and also a witch who was never arrested or punished for it. Our guest is Lucy Hinnie, an Early Career Researcher, Wikimedian and digital humanist. S…

Historians and authors Julia Fox and John Guy join us this week to talk about their new co-written biography, Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the Marriage that Shook Europe. Learn more about Julia and her work at juliafox.co.uk Learn more about John and his work at johnguy.co.uk -- Buy Hunting the Falcon from bookshop.org and suppo…

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

Today we're talking about beloved American author Louisa May Alcott, best known as the author of Little Women. Joining me to discuss Alcott's life and career is Dr. Alice Rutkowski, Chair and Associate Professor of English at SUNY Geneseo. Our discussion today will look at Alcott's life through a queer, trans lens, which Alice has written about in …

Today we're talking about Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an African princess raised in Queen Victoria's court as the Queen's goddaughter. Author Denny S. Bryce's new book The Other Princess takes its inspiration from this recently rediscovered historical figure. Learn more about Denny and her work at dennysbryce.com -- Buy The Other Princess from bookshop.o…

Today we're talking about Mary Shelley, Claire Clairmont, Percy Shelley and (a fictional) MURDER with author Heather Redmond, author of Death and the Sisters. Learn more about Heather and her work at heatherredmond.com -- Buy Death and the Sisters from bookshop.org and support Vulgar History with this link: https://bookshop.org/a/1419/9781496737991…

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

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

Continuing on in our academic/linguistics era, I'm joined today by Dr. Jenni Nuttall to talk about her new book Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women's Words. So many of the words that we use to chronicle women’s lives feel awkward or alien. Medical terms are scrupulously accurate but antiseptic. Slang and obscenities have shock value, yet…

Bess of Hardwick (birth name: Elizabeth Cavendish) appeared a few times throughout the Mary, Queen of Scots series. And today, we're diving into just how this low(ish) born woman became the second-wealthiest woman in Tudor England (after Queen Liz I). We spill all the tea: the four husbands, the attempted poisonings, the embroideries, her dealings …

This week, we're talking with Yunte Huang about his new biography of movie star Anna May Wong, Daughter of the Dragon. A trenchant reclamation of the Chinese American movie star, whose battles against cinematic exploitation and endemic racism are set against the currents of twentieth-century history. Learn more about Yunte Huang and his books at yu…

As part of the Mary, Queen of Scots series today we're talking about Mary's sister-in-law, Elisabeth of Valois. Our guest is Leah Redmond Chang, whose biography of Elisabeth, Catherine de'Medici, and Mary, Queen of Scots has just been published. Young Queens: Three Renaissance Queens and the Price of Power follows the intertwined stories of the thr…

This week, I'm joined by author Rachel Cantor to talk about her new book, Half-Life of a Stolen Sister, a retelling of the story of the Brontë siblings. Chapter by chapter, the novel brings together diaries, letters, home movies, television and radio interviews, deathbed monologues, and fragments from the sprawling invented worlds of the siblings’ …

This week, we're talking with author Craig Shreve about his new novel, The African Samurai. Set in late 16th-century Africa, India, Portugal, and Japan, The African Samurai is a powerful historical novel based on the true story of Yasuke, Japan’s first foreign-born samurai and the only samurai of African descent. Learn more about Craig Shreve and h…