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
Yesterday
Malcolm Gladwell on Reconstruction’s Unfinished Questions
June 15, 1865. German-American statesman Carl Schurz is traveling to Washington to meet with President Andrew Johnson when he stops at a friend’s home in Philadelphia. That night, during a séance, a teenage medium claims to summon the spirit of Abraham Lincoln… and delivers Schur ... Show More
35m 29s
Jun 8
Why the Crusades Became Cool Again
June 8, 1191. The Crusaders and Muslim forces are locked in battle over the city of Acre. On one side is Saladin, the great Muslim leader who has already recaptured Jerusalem. On the other, an armada arrives carrying England’s king: Richard the Lionheart.The Crusades will become ... Show More
26m 59s
Jun 1
How Higgins and His Boats Won the War
June 6, 1944. As thousands of Allied soldiers prepare to storm the beaches of Normandy, they climb down rope nets into small wooden landing craft bobbing in the dark waters of the English Channel. Within hours, these boats will carry them into the largest amphibious invasion in h ... Show More
30m 17s
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