Disney Princess Moana may voyage across a fantasy version of the Pacific ocean, and represent an amalgamation of several islands’ cultures. But she is based on many real-life women who have led their people with courage, strength and compassion. From a 13th century Queen of Samoa who protected her people and was revered as a Goddess, to the 27 year old woman ... Show More
Mar 10
Madame Jeanne du Barry - The Last Great Royal Mistress of France
Jeanne Bécu, Jeanne du Barry, Madame du Barry, clawed her way up from the illegitimate daughter of a single mother, to one of the most celebrated courtesans in Paris, to the final royal mistress of King Louis XV. Her captivating life has been dramatized in numerous operas, films ... Show More
32m 34s
Mar 3
Which Nations have had the most Queens Regnant?
Through most of history, male monarchs have been the norm. Their wives held the title of Queen or Empress, but were merely consorts, with little real power. Many monarchies, like France, The Ottoman Empire and Bhutan have strictly barred women from inheriting the throne and have ... Show More
32m 11s
Jun 2025
The Mysteries of Easter Island
<p>In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, over 2,000 miles from the nearest continent, lies one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasure troves - Rapa Nui, known to the outside world as Easter Island. Famed for the towering stone faces of the <em>moai</em>, the island has u ... Show More
41m 27s
Jun 2023
History of Everything: The Mad Queen of Madagascar
In 1828, after the death of her husband, Queen Ranavalona I. came into power by killing all other potential regents (wives, sons, mothers). At that time, she was between 30 and 40 years old. Ranavalona I. went down in history rather ingloriously and bears the surname “the cruel”. ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2024
Season 3, Episode 12: Christina Gerhardt, Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands in a Rising Ocean; With Special Guest, Simona Marinescu
Send a textJoin Professors Jeffrey Sachs, Christina Gerhardt and UN Senior Advisor on Small Island Developing States, Simona Marinescu as they discuss human induced global warming, the implications of rising sea levels, and Gerhardt’s book, Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands in a Ri ... Show More
37m 34s
Sep 2025
Inanna: Mesopotamian Sex Goddess
Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Kate Lister to take us on a journey through the fascinating history of Innana, an ancient goddess of love, war, fertility, and political power. They delve into her evolution from a humble agricultural deity to one of the most powerful and complex f ... Show More
41m 43s
Feb 2025
229. Britain’s Last Colony: The Second World War, Forced Deportations, and 9/11 (Ep 1)
The Chagos Islands have dominated news headlines over the past few months, but the struggle of the Chagossian people to reclaim their island home has spanned decades. First colonised in 1513 by the Portuguese, the archipelago shifted from one imperial master to another over the c ... Show More
32m 54s
Sep 2025
Boring History For Sleep | Your Life as a Geisha and more
Boring History For Sleep | What Being a Geisha Was Really Like. Step back in time to discover the quiet, hidden world of the geisha in old Japan. In this calming bedtime story, we explore daily routines, struggles, and cultural traditions that shaped the life of a geisha. Narrate ... Show More
31 m
Oct 2025
Moana Shows Princess Paua the Way! ·
Join Melodybee as she narrates a grand princess crossover adventure! When Moana visits Princess Paua in the Kingdom of Ronzio, she challenges Paua to explore beyond the well-worn trails of her beloved forest. With your help, the three of you venture into the true wilderness, disc ... Show More
24m 10s