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
Apr 27
Parting the Desert Between Two Seas
April 25, 1859. About 150 people have gathered on the shores of Lake Manzala in Egypt. And one of them, a mustachioed, retired French diplomat, steps forward. He raises his pickaxe and strikes a ceremonial blow. The audacious goal is to cut through the desert to connect the Medit ... Show More
36m 10s
Apr 20
One Eco-Arson After Another: The Earth Liberation Front
April 20th, 2004. A quiet suburban development outside Seattle. Brand-new homes. Fresh lawns not yet grown in. Then, in the middle of the night—sirens. Flames ripping through two houses. Investigators quickly find the cause: homemade incendiary devices. And a message, left behind ... Show More
34m 2s
Apr 13
Jefferson’s Trade War Shuts Down America
April 18, 1806. In his study, President Thomas Jefferson signs a law that doesn’t look like an act of war. It bans imports. Leather. Silk. Glass. Playing cards. A strange list. A quiet move. But Jefferson is trying to confront one of the most powerful empires in the world, withou ... Show More
28m 30s
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