The Portrait of Dido Belle

When the future Queen Elizabeth I was just 13 years old, she was living with Catherine Parr, who remarried after the death of Henry VIII. Catherine's new husband was handsome and charming, but he was also someone who would threaten scandal. A scandal that could cost Elizabeth's f ...  Show more

This week's Very Special Episodes is a tour of New York’s secret history with a very special guest! Greg Young of the beloved Bowery Boys podcast joins Dana to prove the world is a very interesting place, if you just know where to look. There's hidden history in subway grates, So ...  Show more

Eliza Donnithorne (1821-1886) was an infamous recluse. Legend has it she was abandoned on her wedding day, and she never recovered. Her story may have inspired one of literature’s most famous scorned brides: Miss Havisham of Dickens' Great Expectations. This month, we're talking ...  Show more

Arawelo (c. 15 AD) was a queen who defied patriarchy at every step of her life. During her ruthless reign, she reversed traditional gender roles and brought prosperity to present-day Somalia. This month, we're talking about Folk Heroes. People whose lives and stories took on myth ...  Show more

Maria Bonita (c. 1900 - 1938) was a legendary Brazilian outlaw. This month, we're talking about Folk Heroes. People whose lives and stories took on mythic proportions. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wonder ...  Show more

Queen Himiko (c. 200) was the first known queen of Japan. She was a mysterious shamaness who was descended from the Shinto sun goddess, and who used her magic to rule over her kingdom. This month, we're talking about Folk Heroes. People whose lives and stories took on mythic prop ...  Show more