In 1850, 13-year-old Olive Oatman and her family set off on the perilous journey by foot from Missouri to Arizona. Olive and her little sister were captured by a group of Native Americans and then sold to another. Yet rather than being treated as slaves, the girls were treated with kindness and welcomed as kin. But her version of her story was to be twisted ... Show More
Nov 20
309. Tintin, Nazis, & Soviets
What was the origin story of Hergé, the Belgian illustrator who created The Adventures of Tintin? How did an unlikely friendship transform Hergé’s life and lead him to draw Tintin crying in a comic strip for the first and only time?
Anita and William navigate the turbulent hot w ... Show More
45m 37s
Oct 2022
Outlaws, Cattle Rustling and Bootlegging: The Life of Josie Bassett
<p>Josie Bassett Morris' life epitomised the Wild West. She grew up on a homestead in the late 18th century, in Northern Utah, USA. Their home was situated on the Outlaw Trail and gun-slingers like Butch Cassidy and the Sun Dance Kid would stay as they passed through. Her mother ... Show More
30m 33s
Sep 2023
Margaret Cavendish: scandalous 17th-century writer
Margaret Cavendish has been largely forgotten and, when remembered, divides opinion. One of England’s first female philosophers, professional authors and scientists, the 17th-century writer challenged convention throughout her life with her proto-feminist writing and audacious be ... Show More
37m 26s
Dec 2022
Six Impossible Episodes: More Listener Requests
<p>Today’s six impossible episode subjects are all by listener request! Topics include the Iron Mountain baby, Leslie’s Retreat, Lady Hao, Ella Williams, and more. And these are examples of how short tales can sometimes have intense details.</p> <p><strong>Research: </strong></p> ... Show More
38m 52s
Feb 2022
The Genetic Origins of Indigenous Americans: Interview with Professor Jennifer Raff
<p>Professor Jennifer Raff, a longtime friend of the show, returns to discuss her work on the genetic ancestry of America’s Indigenous peoples. We talk about Beringia, waves of migration, the troublesome relationship between science and Indigenous peoples, and her fantastic new b ... Show More
42m 47s
Jun 2023
Mary, Queen of Scots: Part Four: The Jewelled Tortoise
This week, Mary, Queen of Scots hosts an eventful dinner party.
Content warning: murder
--
References:
Daughters of the North: Jean Gordon and Mary Queen of Scots by Jennifer Morag Henderson
David Rizzio and Mary Queen of Scots: Murder at Holyrood by David Tweedie
Embroidering He ... Show More
1h 51m