The Exploress

Remember back in 2021 when the amazing Elodie Harper told us all about the sex workers of ancient Rome, 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. The Temple of Fortuna is out now! Go forth and grab yourself a copy. You can now buy my ladycentric timelines, maps, and art prints at the Exploress shop. You'll find show notes for this episode at my Exploress website. If you want to support the show, you can do so over on Patreon.

Discover the chilling story of Julia Tafana, a prolific female poisoner in Renaissance Italy. Learn about the limited freedoms of women in that era and the underground network of alchemists helping unhappy wives. Dive into the world of poison-making, from the notorious Demetichy family to Julia's infamous concoction, aqua tafana. Explore how Julia ran her deadly business by disguising poison as beauty products and aiding troubled women. Find out about her eventual capture and confession to killing hundreds of men, leaving her fate and the ongoing poisonings uncertain.

Explore the daily routines and experiences of housewives in 1920s America, including the decline in demand for servants. Learn about the influence of advertisers on women's emotions and the challenges faced by mothers. Discover the safety concerns for children and the changing expectations of mothers in the 1920s.

A Lady's Life in 1920s America continues with a discussion on women in the workforce during that era. Topics include the historical context of women entering the workforce, societal expectations and debates, resistance to hiring women, diverse career options, challenges faced, and efforts to advocate for women's rights and equality.

Explore life in 1920s America, from economic disparities to daily routines. Uncover the advertising techniques for sanitary products and the emergence of diet culture. Learn about the evolution of radios and the impact of chain grocery stores.

In this bonus episode, 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 Exploress website. If you want to support the show, you can do so over on Patreon.

Season 4, Episode 8. 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, Women of Myth. 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.

Season 4, Episode 7. 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.

Explore the daring women of the 1920s who defied Prohibition, operated speakeasies, and smuggled bootleg liquor. Learn about the challenges and creative solutions of Prohibition, the social dynamics and freedom of speakeasies, and the impact on women's drinking habits. Discover how women defied Prohibition, their role in the illegal alcohol trade, and the rise of Pauline Morton Sabine in the repeal movement.

Season 4, Episode 5. Women were a big reason why the prohibition of alcohol became a constitutional amendment in 1920s America. Today we'll learn about the history of the saloon and dry laws, the politics behind the Volstead Act and the 18th Amendment, and why women were at the forefront of the temperance movement. We'll meet Anna Gordon and Frances Willard, the Presidents of the Women's Christian Temperance Union; Carrie Nation, who campaigned for Prohibition by smashing up saloons with her hatchet; and we'll meet the women who enforced the law – Assistant US Attorney General Mabel Walker Willebrandt, and bureau agents like Daisy Simpson. My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, is available now wherever good books (or audiobooks) are sold! You can find out more about it at my author website. 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, Pub Dates, which takes readers behind the scenes on the road to it publication, and at my author website. As always, you'll find show notes for this episode, includng images and a list of my research sources, at my Exploress website. If you want to support the show, you can do so over on Patreon.