Advertise on podcast: Vanguard of the Viragoes

This week’s virago is the head-busting noblewoman, Banu Goshasp. You’ve never met a bride like this before. A fighter, a hunter, and a Persian epic hero who is not excited about marriage - at all. Then, dig into the past with the adventurous archaeologist, Dr. Maggie Beeler. *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, men crying, whips, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, and/ or sirens.

This week’s virago preferred to fight with her naginata and her band of warriors, the all-woman powerhouse combat unit called The Jōshitai (娘子隊, Girls' Army). Nakano was not only a warrior and a community organizer, she was also the last Samurai of Japan. Experience the courageous battles of The Jōshitai and then meet a part of my legacy and the “OG” virago of my life- my mother & muse, Ms. Tia Powell Harris. *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, and/ or sirens.

This week’s virago protected her kingdom and her people from exploitation and disrespect. Talk to her nicely for she is the feared and respected Guardian of the Aceh Kingdom, Admiral Keumalahayati. Hear the story of this fierce fighter of the sea and her army of soldiers. Then, journey to our collective human past with renowned art conservationist, Sanchita Balachandran. *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, and/ or sirens.

Speaking of nontraditional femininities, this week’s virago is a leader who reversed all gender roles and ruled with an iron fist. Furra was the queen of the women and the enslaver of men. Queen Furra was the extreme leader of an ancient kingdom. She valued the lives of women over men so much that she took away men’s rights and to this day, when people pass her grave, the men beat the ground in anger while the women pour milk and sing her praises. Chatting with me is this week’s hero-  the mighty Zenzele Cooper.  *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, and/ or sirens.

How do you spell woman? Wimmin? Womxn? Join me for a special bonus episode!

Guliyam and The Forty Maidens were a band of teenage fighters, sworn to protect their kingdom. They meet another band of rebels who fall in love with them but these girls don’t have time for that- they’ve got a war to win. This week’s guest is the legendary history-maker, Dr. Solange Ashby. *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, and/ or sirens.

This week’s virago is one of the greatest Muslim fighters the world has ever known, Khawla bint al-Azwar. خولة بنت الازور‎ Khawla bint al-Azwar (Arabic: خولة بنت الازور‎) was many things. A poet, a nurse, a leader, a warrior, a sister. When her brother is taken captive by Roman soldiers, she makes the choice that only the bravest can imagine. This week's hero is Dr. Lindsey A. Mazurek *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, and/ or sirens.

This week’s virago is the mysterious but powerful, Semiramis. Our heroic guest is Dr. Jackie Murray. “They say she created gardens in the desert, blasted mountains out of her way, carved her face into hillsides, went to war with her hair half done, commanded armies, and conquered everywhere she went. They also say she possessed supernatural beauty, drove men to madness to steal their power, beheaded her lovers, committed incest with her son! How did this sovereign empress become The Whore of Babylon? Who was this Semiramis...I have wondered about her for ages…” *TRIGGER WARNING* This episode contains sounds of war. You may hear rapid gunfire, weeping, explosions, intense gore, general violence, screaming, babies crying, blood gushing, eroticism, and/ or sirens.