The Exploress
Join us as we time travel back through history, exploring the lives and stories of ladies of the past, from the everyday to the extraordinary, imagining what it might have been like to be them.
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A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part I: Welcome to the Edo Era
05/08/2024
A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part I: Welcome to the Edo Era
In this four-part series, we're time traveling back to Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868) to find out what life was like there for the ladies. If you've been binging Shogun lately, then this one's for you! For show notes, including a list of sources and some cool images, go to (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it over on my Patreon.) Don't forget: In June, I'm doing a NIGHTBIRDS recap and readalong over on my other podcast, . Listeners have a chance to win a prize! Ways to support The Exploress: Buy Kate's novel, , which is coming out in paperback on June 4, 2024. You can also pre-order its sequel, , out Aug. 27! and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes, including one about Tomoe Gozen, an infamous Japanese warrior, and an upcoming bonus about Japanese goddess Amaterasu. Check out the merch and art available at
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Crusader Queens: The Royal Women of Medieval Outremer, Part II
04/22/2024
Crusader Queens: The Royal Women of Medieval Outremer, Part II
Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, four sisters would come to shape the Crusader States called Outremer. One would rebel (several times) against their father; another would come to rule more or less in her own right. All would see a healthy heaping of conflict while living in a chaotic time and place. In Part 2, we'll rejoin our royal sisters as they weather scandal, trial by combat, suspicious deaths, and rebellious sons. For show notes for this episode, go to . (If you're dying for a full transcript of the episode, you'll find it over on my Patreon.) To learn about Katherine Pangonis and her book, Queens of Jeruasalem, Ways to support The Exploress: Buy Kate's novel, , and pre-order its sequel, , out Aug. 27, 2024 and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes, including one about the daughters and granddaughters of the stars of this episode Check out the merch and art at
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Crusader Queens: The Royal Women of Medieval Outremer, Part I
04/08/2024
Crusader Queens: The Royal Women of Medieval Outremer, Part I
Once upon a time, back in the Middle Ages, four sisters would come to shape the Crusader States called Outremer. One would rebel (several times) against their father; another would come to rule more or less in her own right. All would see a healthy heaping of conflict while living in a chaotic time and place. In Part 1, we'll explore the many roles women played in the Crusades, and we will meet our leading ladies - Alice, Yvette, Hodierna, and Melisende - the daughters of the second Crusader King of Jerusalem. For show notes for this episode, go to . (If you're dying for a full transcript of the episode, you'll find it over on my Patreon.) To learn about Katherine Pangonis and her book, Queens of Jeruasalem, Ways to support The Exploress: Buy Kate's novel, , and pre-order its sequel, , out Aug. 27, 2024 and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes (and more!) Check out the merch and art at
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Queens with Swords: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya)
03/18/2024
Queens with Swords: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya)
There’s something stirring about a warrior woman: one who refuses to bow down to the forces against her, no matter how vast they may be. And when they win out? Even better. Let’s talk about three sword-wielding females who went up against the Romans, terrifying all who looked on: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya). Want more Exploress bonus episodes? I post them regularly . You'll find show notes for this episode at my . You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints
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Ladies Sing the Blues: The Black Entertainers Who Dazzled the 1920s
02/29/2024
Ladies Sing the Blues: The Black Entertainers Who Dazzled the 1920s
In this last episode of Season 4, we're going to find out more about the Black female entertainers who lit up the stages of 1920s America: who they were, the (many) struggles they faced, and all the ways they absolutely slayed. We'll meet blues singers like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, and Mamie Smith, as well as dancers like Josephine Baker. (Content warning: brief discussion of lynching). Want more Exploress while the main feed takes a brief hiatus? I'll be regularly posting bonus episodes . You'll find show notes for this episode at my . You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also, did you know: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might just like it. And the sequel's coming out later this year, so there's never been a better time to dive in.
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Screen Queens: Movies in the 1920s and the Women Who Made Them Sparkle
02/08/2024
Screen Queens: Movies in the 1920s and the Women Who Made Them Sparkle
Today, we’re going to the film industry of the 1920s and the ladies who came to define them. We’ll find out more about the movies of the era, their young female stars, and just how they influenced so many. Grab your girlfriends, your favorite fan mag, and your ticket…It's movie night. You can buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also, did you know: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might just like it. You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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The Good Fight: America's Fight for Women's Rights with Elizabeth Cobbs
02/01/2024
The Good Fight: America's Fight for Women's Rights with Elizabeth Cobbs
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A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 4: A Friday Night
12/18/2023
A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 4: A Friday Night
Last time, we found out what stay-at-home wife life was like in the 1920s. Now we're going to go out on the town. Let's explore all the fun we were getting up to: dancing, nightclubs, amusement parks, swimming, and girls in automobiles. We'll even dive into the world on 1920s dating. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also, did you know: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might be into it. You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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Lady Killers: The Women of Chicago's Murderess Row
12/03/2023
Lady Killers: The Women of Chicago's Murderess Row
Settle in for a tale of passion, jealousy, corruption, and the lady killers who entranced 1920s America. Grab your gun, your best fur coat, and a flask of bootleg gin. Let’s go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also, did you know I NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might like it. You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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She-Wolves: Writing the Women of Pompeii with Elodie Harper (Part 2)
11/15/2023
She-Wolves: Writing the Women of Pompeii with Elodie Harper (Part 2)
Remember back in 2021 when the amazing Elodie Harper , and also her novel The Wolf Den? She's back to talk to us about The Temple of Fortuna, the epic conclusion to her immersive trilogy about a woman just trying to survive in ancient Pompeii. Join us as we talk about courtesans, an ancient queen, female gladiators, and what it might have been like to survive the eruption of Vesuvius. Warning: we WILL be spoiling some aspects of the first two books in the series, so make sure you've read them before you listen. is out now! Go forth and grab yourself a copy. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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Toxic Charm: Giulia Tofana, Italy's Poison Queen
11/01/2023
Toxic Charm: Giulia Tofana, Italy's Poison Queen
I hope you enjoy this spooky minisode bonus from the dark days of 2020! Let's meet one of history's most prolific female poisoners. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also, did you know: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might like it. You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 3: A Thursday at Home
10/17/2023
A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 3: A Thursday at Home
Last time, we headed to the office as 1920s working women; now let's give the stay-at-home wife life a spin. Grab your brand new vaccuum and your fave home economics book: let's go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also, did you know: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might like it. You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 2: A Wednesday at Work
10/02/2023
A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 2: A Wednesday at Work
It's time to grab our sensible heels and head to the office to find out about a woman's work in the 1920s. Let's find out about college life, then dive into some of our trials, triumphs, and tribulations in the workplace. Nothing's going to hold us down! Let’s go traveling. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Also: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...for a price. I think you might like it. You'll find show notes for this episode at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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A Lady’s Life in 1920s America, Part 1: A Summer Saturday
09/14/2023
A Lady’s Life in 1920s America, Part 1: A Summer Saturday
Rise and shine! It’s time to get up and start our day in the life of a 1920s American gal. Let’s find out some things about life in the period, from what we’re wearing on a casual Saturday to what we’re eating for breakfast, where we’re getting our food from, and (of course) how we’re dealing with that time of the month. Pull up your stockings and turn up that radio. Let’s go traveling. I’ve finally got Exploress merch back up and running! You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints Second: I! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss: for a price. Buying merch or my book are both GREAT ways to support me, but also, I’m just glad you’re here. You'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my sources, at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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Unsinkable: The Titanic Story, Told By Some of the Women Aboard
07/06/2023
Unsinkable: The Titanic Story, Told By Some of the Women Aboard
Let's revisit the tragic story the Titanic, but focus on the women aboard. Who were they? What was it like, to ride on this infamous luxury liner? What did they see and feel, that fateful night? As always, you'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my research sources, at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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Celebrating Women of Myth with Ancient History Fangirl
05/29/2023
Celebrating Women of Myth with Ancient History Fangirl
Season 4 is taking an intermission for the moment; I hope to have us traveling back to the 1920s soon. Until then, I’ve got something fun for you: a chat with the wonderful Genn McMenemy and Jenny Williamson of Ancient History Fangirl about their new book, . It’s a beautiful compendium of stories from all around the world about a diverse cast of heroines, goddesses, and monsters, all told with Genn and Jenny’s signature humour, empathy, and wit. So grab a drink, settle in, and let’s dive into the stories of some women from mythology.
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Bold, Beautiful, and Black: Writing Black Women Back into History with Krystal Marquis
05/01/2023
Bold, Beautiful, and Black: Writing Black Women Back into History with Krystal Marquis
In this episode, we’re jumping back to 1910s Chicago, which is the setting for my friend Krystal Marquis’s New York Times and Indie bestselling novel The Davenports. This heartwarming historical romance introduces us to four young Black women navigating life at the turn of the century, falling in love, taking risks, and carving their own paths through the world. I loved talking to Krystal about her research and inspirations.
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Lady Scofflaws: 1920s Prohibition and the Women Who Defied It
04/20/2023
Lady Scofflaws: 1920s Prohibition and the Women Who Defied It
Last episode, we learned about drinking culture in the leadup to America's Prohibition and met some of the women who helped shove the law into being and enforce it. Now we're shimmying into our most scandalous dresses and going out on the town to meet the ladies who defied it. My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, is out now wherever good books (or audiobooks) are sold! You can learn more about it . It is a 1920s-tinted YA Fantasy about a world with a Prohibition on magic instead of alcohol, and a group of girls called Nightbirds who will gift you their rare magic with a kiss - for a price. It’s full of flapper-inspired dresses, magical cocktails, illicit speakeasies, nods to women’s history, and of course, a group of girls punching the patriarchy and getting into all sorts of mischief. Find out more about it on my other podcast, , which takes readers behind the scenes on the road to it publication, and at . As always, you'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my research sources, at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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Lady Drys: 1920s Prohibition and the Women Who Supported It
03/27/2023
Lady Drys: 1920s Prohibition and the Women Who Supported It
Lots of women fought to make America dry. They stood at the forefront of the temperance movement, campaigning to get rid of alcohol. They were a big reason why Prohibition became a Constitutional Amendment. They fought for it in speeches and marches and helped police it as law enforcement agents. What was it about the cause that called to so many women? What made them hitch their wagon to this monumental task? My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, is available now wherever good books (or audiobooks) are sold! You can find out more about it . It is a 1920s-tinted YA Fantasy about a world with a Prohibition on magic instead of alcohol, and a group of girls called Nightbirds who will gift you their rare magic with a kiss - for a price. It’s full of flapper-inspired dresses, magical cocktails, illicit speakeasies, nods to women’s history, and of course, a group of girls punching the patriarchy and getting into all sorts of mischief. Find out more about it on my other podcast, , which takes readers behind the scenes on the road to it publication, and at . As always, you'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my research sources, at my . If you want to support the show, you can do so .
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The 1920s, But Make It Magic: Historically Inspired Fiction with Lyssa Mia Smith
03/15/2023
The 1920s, But Make It Magic: Historically Inspired Fiction with Lyssa Mia Smith
Join me for a fun-filled interview with my friend and fellow debut author, Lyssa Mia Smith, whose novel, REVELLE, came out last month. Described as MOULIN ROUGE meets THE GREAT GATSBY, it’s one the fantasy-romance fans amongst you don’t want to miss. Much like my novel, NIGHTBIRDS, it takes a lot of inspiration from history, and I loved this chat about magic, courtesans, and all the ways we used elements of Prohibition and the 1920s to craft our fantastical stories. NIGHTBIRDS and REVELLE are both available now, wherever good books (or audiobooks) are sold! You can find out more about Lyssa and more about NIGHTBIRDS .
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The Exploress: NIGHTBIRDS Edition
02/27/2023
The Exploress: NIGHTBIRDS Edition
I am thrilled to share a juicy snippet of the NIGHTBIRDS audiobook with you, listeners! Please enjoy the prologue and first chapter, brought to life by the incredibly talented Saskia Maarleveld. You can buy wherever they're sold. My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, comes out TODAY! It is a 1920s-tinted YA Fantasy about a world with a prohibition on magic, and a group of girls called Nightbirds who will gift you their rare magic with a kiss - for a price. It’s full of flapper-inspired dresses, magical cocktails, illicit speakeasies, nods to women’s history, and of course, a group of girls punching the patriarchy. Find out more about the book on my other podcast, , which takes readers behind the scenes on the road to it publication, and at . I can't wait to share this story with you.
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1920s Inspired: Weaving Fact into Fantastical Fiction with Amie Kaufman
02/26/2023
1920s Inspired: Weaving Fact into Fantastical Fiction with Amie Kaufman
I'm thrilled to be in conversation with Amie Kaufman, fellow author, friend, and co-host of my other podcast, P, about taking inspiration from history and weaving it into fantasical worlds. Her novel, , and my own both take certain aspects of the 1920s and use them as springboards into fictional exploration, but we've used our sources in very different ways. This is such a fun conversation about writing and our love of history; if you've ever wanted a more up-close-and-personal catchup with The Exploress, this one's for you. If you want to find out more about Amie or her novel (which is SO GOOD), . My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, comes out TOMORROW! It is a 1920s-tinted YA Fantasy about a world with a prohibition on magic, and a group of girls called Nightbirds who will gift you their rare magic with a kiss - for a price. Find out more at . Find out more about both books on our other podcast, , which takes readers behind the scenes on the road to their publication.
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A Flapper Walks Into a Bar: The Iconic (and Fabulous) Woman of the 1920s
02/20/2023
A Flapper Walks Into a Bar: The Iconic (and Fabulous) Woman of the 1920s
This is the Roaring Twenties: an era full of glamor and shimmer, petting parties and transgression, secret passwords and wild nights on the town. So we’re going to start by spending time with the most iconic lady of her age: the flapper. Bold, fun loving, independent, daring, shocking, the flapper might just be the most enduring icon of the 1920s. A woman who loomed large in the public’s imagination, capturing the spirit of the times. But who is she, exactly? Let’s have her introduce us to the 20s, and start to show us what life was like for ladies there. My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, comes out extremely soon! It is a 1920s-tinted YA Fantasy about a world with a Prohibition on magic instead of alcohol, and a group of girls called Nightbirds who will gift you their rare magic with a kiss - for a price. It’s full of flapper-inspired dresses, magical cocktails, illicit speakeasies, nods to women’s history, and of course, a group of girls punching the patriarchy and getting into all sorts of mischief. It comes out February 28, 2023. Find out more about NIGHTBIRDS on my other podcast, , which takes readers behind the scenes on the road to it publication, and at . I can't wait to share it with you.
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Silent No More: American Women Win the Vote (The 2023 Edition)
02/13/2023
Silent No More: American Women Win the Vote (The 2023 Edition)
Let's time travel back to the 1920s! But first, we're going to revisit a vintage Exploress episode that explores something momentous that happened in the year 1920, when American women finally won the right to vote. You can , wherever print, ebook, or audiobooks are sold! If you do, make sure to by February 27th. If you , you'll get your copy signed and personalized AND get some special character cards as well. To find out more about it, have a listen to my other podcast, , where NYT best-selling author Amie Kaufman and I take you behind the scenes on our books' paths to publication. Come see me on tour in the USA and Australia in February and March! Y.
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Being Queen with Elizabeth I
01/12/2023
Being Queen with Elizabeth I
Let's wrap up Season 3 by sitting down to tea with Elizabeth I and explore some of her tips for successful Tudor queenship.
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Education with Katherine Parr
12/20/2022
Education with Katherine Parr
Let's join Henry VIII's final queen, Katherine Parr, as we explore what education looked like for women in Tudor England. We'll discover how much they learned, what kinds of things they studied, and all the ways her education got Katherine in - and out - of trouble. For this episode's show notes, including a transcript and tons of images, go to . To support the show, . To find out more about Elizabeth Norton's fanstastic work, check out . The music featured in this episode comes courtesy of .
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Sex with Catherine Howard
11/27/2022
Sex with Catherine Howard
In this episode, Queen Catherine Howard is going to be our guide as we explore all things sex for Tudor women. We’ll walk through the era’s expectations and understanding of a woman’s virtue, how a lady might keep from getting pregnant should she choose to risk her reputation, and what happens if a woman gets pregnant out of wedlock. It’s bound to be steamy, and…let’s be honest…possibly dire. For this episode's show notes, including a transcript and tons of images, go to . To support the show, . To find out more about Elizabeth Norton's fanstastic work, check out .
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A Poisonous Affair: Magic, Sex, and Scandal in the Court of the French Sun King
10/18/2022
A Poisonous Affair: Magic, Sex, and Scandal in the Court of the French Sun King
What connects a sorceress, a murderess, a mistress and a French king? Let's find out in this special Halloween bonus. For this episode's show notes, including a transcript and tons of images, go to . To support the show, . To find out more about Elizabeton Norton's fanstastic work, check out her website.
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Code Girls with Ellie Marney
10/04/2022
Code Girls with Ellie Marney
Murder, mystery, and WWII code girls: oh my! Join me as I chat with Ellie Marney, the New York Times bestselling author of the new YA historical novel The Killing Code. Atmospheric, compulsive, and deliciously dark, it’s the perfect book to kick off the spooky season, and it’ll introduce you to a slice of women’s history you might not know that much about. Ellie joined me to talk about the real-life female codebreakers who inspired her novel, as well as life for women in wartime D.C. in the 1940s. To find out more about Ellie and The Killing Code, . For this episode's show notes, including a transcript and some fun links, go to . To support the show, .
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Marriage with Anne of Cleves
09/20/2022
Marriage with Anne of Cleves
Like most royal women, Anne didn’t have much of a choice when it came to whom she married. It was considered her “duty” to honor the needs of her family and her kingdom over whatever her own might be. But what about everyone else - non-royals. Did they get to pursue their hearts a little more freely? Let’s take a walk with Anne of Cleves, who’ll show us more about what love, courtship, and marriage were like for women in Tudor England. For this episode's show notes, including a transcript and tons of images, go to . To support the show, . To find out more about Elizabeth Norton's fanstastic work, check out her website.
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