May 16, 1920. Tens of thousands of people surround St. Peter’s Basilica to honor Joan of Arc, a French peasant girl who died nearly five hundred years before. Joan’s feats in battle—and her visions of God—have become legendary since her heyday during the Hundred Years' War. And today, the Catholic Church is making her a saint. But Joan was a real person – an ... Show More
Jan 26
The Dogs Who Saved Nome, Alaska
On January 5, 2026, Jirdes Winther Baxter passed away at 101 years old — the last known survivor of the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. A few years ago, we told the story of the Serum Run: the desperate relay of mushers and sled dogs who carried a life-saving antitoxin ... Show More
37m 21s
Jan 22
From Hitler to Hippies: The Surprising Origins of the VW Beetle | Presenting Business History
How did the VW Beetle go from Hitler’s dream car to beloved hippie icon? Today, we’re sharing an episode from a new podcast, Business History. Hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith bring to life the greatest innovations, the boldest entrepreneurs and the craziest mavericks in th ... Show More
38m 26s
Jan 19
Houdini Defies Death
January 25, 1908. Harry Houdini is the most famous magician in America. He’s known for his escapes – from handcuffs, boxes, jail cells, even a giant football. But the escape act is getting old, and ticket sales aren’t what they used to be. And on this day, an under-capacity audie ... Show More
28m 54s
Feb 2025
Now I Know How Joan of Arc Felt
The girlies are back with a long-awaited Girlboss Summit where they explore the lore of two historical legendresses: Joan of Arc and Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Digressions include the consequences of shakin’ up ya life, our solemn duty to remind everyone about CTE, and of course, Hi ... Show More
1h 39m
Sep 2025
The Real Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a queen who defied expectations, a duchess who outmanoeuvred kings, and a mother whose dynasty shaped the future of Europe. She is often remembered through myth, gossip, and legend—but the truth is far more fascinating. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Pro ... Show More
1 h
Nov 2024
Women of Controversy: Catherine de’ Medici
Catherine de’ Medici (1519-1589) ruled France for decades, whether through her husband or her sons. Her attempts to create peace during the French wars of religion were futile– and, ultimately, undercut by her own reputation as the “Serpent Queen” and the possible conspirator beh ... Show More
6m 58s
May 2024
Dans la classe de, Jeanne d'Arc
<p>Jeanne d’Arc, la légendaire guerrière, la libératrice d’Orléans et l’un des plus fascinants symboles de l’Histoire de France. Née dans une modeste famille paysanne en pleine guerre de Cent-Ans, la très pieuse Jeanne entend des voix qui lui ordonnent de bouter les Anglais hors ... Show More
13m 26s
Jul 2025
The Truth Behind (some) Catholic Virgin Saints
What do a beheaded music lover, a teenage runaway, a dragon-slayer, and a girl who just wanted to stay single have in common? They all became virgin saints — whether they asked for it or not.In this episode, we unravel the lives (and afterlives) of St. Agnes of Rome, St. Cecilia, ... Show More
53m 24s