Best Tokugawa Podcasts (2024)

1
NIGHTBIRDS: Let's Talk Spoilers 34:45

27m ago34:45

34:45

It’s FYREBIRDS month on The Exploress! To celebrate the release of my second novel, and the conclusion of the NIGHTBIRDS series, I’m sharing an episode of my other podcast, Pub Dates, where I’ve been taking listeners behind the scenes on this series’ creation. In this episode, I’m going to answer reader’s burning questions about NIGHTBIRDS. Warning…

1
Scofflaws Revisited: The FYREBIRDS Edition 1:09:38

5d ago1:09:38

1:09:38

It’s FYREBIRDS month on The Exploress! I’m celebrating the release of my second novel, and the conclusion of the NIGHTBIRDS series, by revisiting an old episode from our season on the 1920s: the one where we talk about the women who skirted the Prohibition law. Make sure you listen through to the new epilogue, where I talk about all the ways I used…

1
Crude, Rude, and Setting the Mood: An Interview with Author Therese Oneill 39:13

15d ago39:13

39:13

It's interview time! Let's spend some time with the delightful Therese Oneill, author of such nonfiction gems as Unmentionable: A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Sex, Marriage and Manners and her latest book Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Shrews and Sluts that Shaped America. This isn't your average collection of biographies. These ladies weren’t prett…

1
Bathing Beauties: Annette Kellerman & The History of Women's Swimwear 36:33

1M ago36:33

36:33

Let's celebrate the North American summer with a dive (see what I did there?) into the history of women's bathing suits. It's as fascinating, and sometimes as absurd, as you'd imagine. I have a book coming out in August! FYREBIRDS, the sequel and conclusion to NIGHTBIRDS, is hitting shelves on August 27th, and I would love it if you'd pick up a cop…

1
A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part IV: Off to Battle with Samurai Warrior Women 40:41

2M ago40:41

40:41

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 The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…

1
First Shogun - Extra! 12:20

2M ago12:20

12:20

As we've reached the halfway point in the rise to power of Yoritomo, in this episode we take a break from the main story to look at some of the main books, films, TV shows, and podcasts that deal with this period of early Japanese history. The episode includes tips and suggestions for anyone who's interested to know more about the Gempei War and th…

1
The Fires of Mount Fuji 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

Lord Kiyomori has sent a massive army to suppress the Genji uprising in the east led by Minamoto no Yoritomo. But for now Yoritomo has a more immediate threat: outnumbered ten to one, he prepares to confront a force of 3,000 samurai on the slopes of Mount Ishibashi. Yoritomo's response to this attack will pass into legend - and will lead to the war…

1
Assassins in the Night 17:26

3M ago17:26

17:26

Japan, 1180: The samurai warlord Kiyomori is at the height of his power - he has exiled or executed his opponents, imprisoned the retired Emperor, and has begun his grandest project - the creation of a new capital city in his image. But hundreds of miles to the east, the exiled Yoritomo is planning to strike back against Kiyomori's Heike. He launch…

1
A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part III: Fashion & Fun with the Glamorous Geisha 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

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 The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…

1
The Battle of Uji Bridge 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

An imperial decree urges rebellion against the Heike clan. As the Genji heir Yoritomo considers his response, a veteran Genji living in the capital - Minamoto no Yorimasa - takes matters into his own hands, and leads the first serious challenge to Lord Kiyomori's authority. The uprising will lead to the first pivotal moment of the Gempei War - the …

1
A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part II: Home, Duty, Marriage, and Tea 50:35

3M ago50:35

50:35

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 The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…

1
Exiles and Lovers (part 2) 19:47

3M ago19:47

19:47

In this episode Yoritomo - the future First Shogun of Japan - falls in love with Hojo Masako - one of the most famous women in Japan's history. As they celebrate a secret wedding, Yoritomo hears of a strange dream that may be a prophesy of his future. Meanwhile, Kiyomori executes a conspirator with a brutality that shocks even his own supporters, a…

1
Exiles and Lovers (part 1) 15:13

3M ago15:13

15:13

In this episode we follow the teenager Yoritomo - the future First Shogun of Japan - as he begins his exile on Leech Island in Izu province, where he experiences both love and tragedy in the household of his captor. Meanwhile, back in the Capital, Lord Kiyomori of the Heike continues to secure his position as the country's most powerful landlord. B…

1
Of Gods and Goblins 25:07

3M ago25:07

25:07

In this episode we follow the early life of Yoshitsune, the Luke Skywalker of medieval Japan! Saved from execution by his mother's courage, Yoshitsune was exiled at an early age to a remote temple, where, according to legend, he learned swordsmanship and battle strategy from the great Goblin King Sojobo. It was the start of a long journey that will…

1
A Lady's Life in Tokugawa Japan, Part I: Welcome to the Edo Era 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

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 The Exploress website (If you're dying for a full transcript, you'll find it ove…

1
The Red and The White 28:12

4M ago28:12

28:12

It is now the year 1160 and Yoshitomo, the head of the Genji samurai clan, is preparing an audacious plot to topple the Emperor's chief advisor Shinzei, the man who ordered the deaths of his father and brothers. But can he carry out his plan in time before his deadliest rival, Lord Kiyomori of the Heike Clan, returns to the Capital? Key figures in …

1
The Hour of the Tiger 29:51

4M ago29:51

29:51

It is the year 1156 in the Japanese imperial capital. Two rival Emperors face each other across the Kamo river, each supported by warriors of the Heike and Genji clans. Watching is the nine-year-old Yoritomo. One day he will become Japan’s first Shogun. But for now, all he can do is hope that his father has chosen the right side. Key figures in thi…

1
Crusader Queens: The Royal Women of Medieval Outremer, Part II 29:09

4M ago29:09

29:09

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 siste…

1
The Rumbling Giant 24:19

4M ago24:19

24:19

The first Shogun - Yoritomo of the Genji - was born more than 800 years ago. In this episode we explore the amazing background of Yoritomo's Genji clan - a real-life medieval mix of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. And then we see how his father Yoshitomo prepared to protect the samurai honor, by standing against his own family... Places ment…

1
Samurai Spirits 23:07

4M ago23:07

23:07

The TV series "Shogun" brings Japanese history to life, but who was the first Shogun? In the first episode of this new podcast series, Sean Bermingham explores Minamoto no Yoritomo's extraordinary rise to power in medieval Japan, amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Gempei War - an epic clash between two rival samurai clans, the Genji and the Heike.…

1
Crusader Queens: The Royal Women of Medieval Outremer, Part I 36:16

4M ago36:16

36:16

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…

1
Queens with Swords: Teuta, Amanirenas, and Mavia (Mawiyya) 19:53

5M ago19:53

19:53

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 epi…

1
Ladies Sing the Blues: The Black Entertainers Who Dazzled the 1920s 46:53

6M ago46:53

46:53

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 Ba…

1
Screen Queens: Movies in the 1920s and the Women Who Made Them Sparkle 52:12

7M ago52:12

52:12

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 at th…

1
The Good Fight: America's Fight for Women's Rights with Elizabeth Cobbs 56:00

7M ago56:00

56:00

By Kate J. Armstrong

1
A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 4: A Friday Night 44:26

8M ago44:26

44:26

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 at…

1
Lady Killers: The Women of Chicago's Murderess Row 46:32

9M ago46:32

46:32

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 at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know I’ve got a novel out? NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantas…

1
She-Wolves: Writing the Women of Pompeii with Elodie Harper (Part 2) 53:42

9M ago53:42

53:42

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, fe…

1
Toxic Charm: Giulia Tofana, Italy's Poison Queen 18:07

10M ago18:07

18:07

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 at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know: I’ve got a novel out! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted fantasy about girls who will gift their magic with a kiss...f…

1
A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 3: A Thursday at Home 36:56

10M ago36:56

36:56

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 at the Exploress shop. Also, did you know: I’ve got a novel out! NIGHTBIRDS is a 1920s-tinted f…

1
A Lady's Life in 1920s America, Part 2: A Wednesday at Work 42:56

11M ago42:56

42:56

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 at my Printa…

1
A Lady’s Life in 1920s America, Part 1: A Summer Saturday 41:04

11M ago41:04

41:04

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 …

1
Unsinkable: The Titanic Story, Told By Some of the Women Aboard 1:11:27

1y ago1:11:27

1:11:27

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 …

1
Celebrating Women of Myth with Ancient History Fangirl 59:46

1y ago59:46

59:46

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 diver…

1
Bold, Beautiful, and Black: Writing Black Women Back into History with Krystal Marquis 34:30

1+ y ago34:30

34:30

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 thro…

1
Lady Scofflaws: 1920s Prohibition and the Women Who Defied It 1:02:17

1+ y ago1:02:17

1:02:17

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…

1
Lady Drys: 1920s Prohibition and the Women Who Supported It 49:38

1+ y ago49:38

49:38

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 w…

1
The 1920s, But Make It Magic: Historically Inspired Fiction with Lyssa Mia Smith 46:50

1+ y ago46:50

46:50

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 a…

1
White Day (Japan's Valentine's Day Part 2, not a Proud Boy's wet dream) 12:35

1+ y ago12:35

12:35

It's almost March 14th or White Day, Japan's other day meant for giving presents to the person you want to bang! Listen as Stephen (resident Japanese history non-expert) unpacks his sentiments on a "holiday" that only came into existence in the late 1970s!By Stephen Tetsu

1
The Exploress: NIGHTBIRDS Edition 57:02

1+ y ago57:02

57:02

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 the full audiobook wherever they're sold. My novel, NIGHTBIRDS, comes out TODAY! It is a 1920s-tinted YA Fantasy about a world with a prohibiti…

1
1920s Inspired: Weaving Fact into Fantastical Fiction with Amie Kaufman 1:01:37

1+ y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

I'm thrilled to be in conversation with Amie Kaufman, fellow author, friend, and co-host of my other podcast, Pub Dates, about taking inspiration from history and weaving it into fantasical worlds. Her novel, The Isles of the Gods, and my own both take certain aspects of the 1920s and use them as springboards into fictional exploration, but we've u…

1
A Flapper Walks Into a Bar: The Iconic (and Fabulous) Woman of the 1920s 51:23

1+ y ago51:23

51:23

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. …

1
Silent No More: American Women Win the Vote (The 2023 Edition) 1:00:57

1+ y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

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 pre-order my novel, NIGHTBIRDS, wherever print, ebook, or audiobooks are sold! If you do, make sure to claim the exclusive Nig…

1
Being Queen with Elizabeth I 44:51

1+ y ago44:51

44:51

Let's wrap up Season 3 by sitting down to tea with Elizabeth I and explore some of her tips for successful Tudor queenship.By Kate J. Armstrong

1
Education with Katherine Parr 52:18

1+ y ago52:18

52:18

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 The…

1
Sex with Catherine Howard 1:02:50

1+ y ago1:02:50

1:02:50

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 …

1
A Poisonous Affair: Magic, Sex, and Scandal in the Court of the French Sun King 30:44

2y ago30:44

30:44

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 The Exploress website. To support the show, become a patron. To find out more about Elizabeton Norton's fanstastic work, check out her website.…

1
Code Girls with Ellie Marney 1:03:40

2y ago1:03:40

1:03:40

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 muc…

1
Marriage with Anne of Cleves 55:39

2y ago55:39

55:39

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 sh…

1
Where My Ladies At?: The Women Who Served a Tudor Queen with Sylvia Barbara Soberton 48:14

2y ago48:14

48:14

Join me as I sit down with author Sylvia Barbara Soberton to talk about a Tudor queen's ladies-in-waiting: who they were, what they did, and what kind of impact they had on the women they served and the court at large. As always, there are lots of ways to support the Exploress: tell a friend about the show, leave a review wherever you listen, becom…

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Tokugawa Podcasts

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