Unruly Figures

Follow Unruly Figures
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

This is about the rebels. This is about the ne’er-do-wells. This is about the mutineers, the agitators, the subversives. Unruly Figures is a celebration of history’s biggest rule-breakers. Twice a month, I’m going to dive into the life and times of the greatest rebels the world has known. I will talk about their lives, the society they lived in, the decisions they made, and how their refusal to play by the rules changed the world. Join me as I nerd out and get inspired by history’s favorite risk-takers. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

Valorie Clark


    • May 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 59 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Unruly Figures with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Unruly Figures

    #52 - Zhang Jue

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 0:59


    This week, historian and author Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering the tale of Zhang Jue, the leader of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in China in 184 CE.If you liked this story, check out⁠ Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of⁠.

    #51 - Freddie Oversteegen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 24:22


    This week, historian and author Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering the tale of Freddie Oversteegen, a Dutch Resistance fighter who seduced and killed Nazis during World War II. If you liked this story, check out Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of.

    Unruly Interviews: Alex Lyras

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 30:04


    On this week's episode of Unruly Figures, host Valorie Castellanos Clark is joined by Alex Lyras, the award-winning director of Aristotle/Alexander. They talk about the play, the craft of writing historical fiction, and why this meeting of the minds from 2,000 years ago is still relevant today.

    unruly lyras
    A Short Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 0:33


    As you all have heard above, I lost my recording space suddenly (and with no warning, I might add). My home is not really equipped to record in at the moment (echoey, nearby construction), so I have been hunting for an affordable new spot all around Los Angeles. I hope to be back to recording our regularly scheduled episodes soon! Right now it's looking like I'll be outfitting a home recording studio, which might take a bit of time. But I am working on it—I'm not ready to give up this project yet!

    #50 - Edythe Eyde

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 19:16


    This week, historian and author Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Edythe Eyde, creator of the first lesbian magazine in the US. Eyde is better known by her penname Lisa Ben.If you liked this story, check outUnruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of.

    rebels rule breakers lisa ben edythe eyde
    #49 - Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 34:45


    This week, historian and author Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering the incredible warrior queen Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba, a woman who resisted Portuguese colonization of her homeland for decades. If you liked this story, check out⁠Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of⁠.

    #48 - Harriet Bell Hayden

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 18:39


    This week, historian and author Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Harriet Bell Hayden, one of the heroes of Boston's abolitionist movement.If you liked this story, check outUnruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of.

    #47 - Lillian Frances Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 32:32


    In this week's episode of Unruly Figures, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark covers the story of Lillian Frances Smith, a sharpshooter, trick rider, and formidable woman who outshot Annie Oakley in the Wild West.If you like this episode, check out Valorie's bookUnruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries!

    #46 - Rani Lakshmi Bai

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 24:50


    Welcome to season four of Unruly Figures! In this episode, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark tells the tale of Rani Lakshmi Bai, the queen of Jansi who rebelled against British colonial rule.

    #45 - Dr. Margaret "Mom" Chung

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 59:22


    In this week's episode, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Dr. Margaret "Mom" Chung, the first American-born Chinese woman to become a medical doctor.Want more info about Dr. Margaret Chung? Check outDoctor Mom Chung of the Fair-Haired Bastards: The Life of a Wartime Celebrityby Judy Tzu-Chun Wu.If you liked this story, you will love my book,Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries You've (Probably) Never Heard Of.

    #44 - Mary Carleton

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 24:38


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Saint Valentine, the ancient Roman rebel and martyr who has given his name to our modern romantic holiday. Order your copy of the Unruly Figures book now⁠⁠⁠⁠! This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook, by visiting ⁠⁠⁠audibletrial.com/unruly⁠⁠⁠. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    Amelio Robles Ávila

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 7:19


    The book based on this popular podcast is almost out! Just in time for the book's release, historian and author Valorie Castellanos Clark has recorded an excerpt of a chapter. Amelio Robles Ávila is not covered in any other episode of the podcast, so to learn how his story ends, pick up a copy of Unruly Figures: Twenty Tales of Rebels, Rulebreakers, and Revolutionaries in bookstores starting March 5, 2024. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #43 - Kheir-ed-Din (Barbarossa)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 36:48


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Kheir-ed-Din, better known in Anglophone countries as Barbarossa. He was a Corsair, or pirate, in the Mediterranean in the 15th and 16th century--his tale is full of excitement on the high seas. ⁠⁠⁠Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now⁠⁠⁠! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Try Ritual or expand your subscription, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠ritual.com/unruly⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #42 - Saint Valentine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 15:55


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Saint Valentine, the ancient Roman rebel and martyr who has given his name to our modern romantic holiday. ⁠⁠⁠Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now⁠⁠⁠! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook, by visiting ⁠⁠audibletrial.com/unruly⁠⁠. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #41 - Owain Glyndŵr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 36:52


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales. ⁠⁠Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now⁠⁠! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Try Ritual or expand your subscription, go to ⁠⁠⁠ritual.com/unruly⁠⁠⁠ to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #40 - Noor Inayat Khan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 76:03


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Noor Inayat Khan, a princess, a children's story author, and an uncover agent for the British during WWII. ⁠⁠Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now⁠⁠! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook, by visiting ⁠audibletrial.com/unruly⁠. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #39 - Alfred Carlton Gilbert

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 37:07


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Alfred Carlton Gilbert, the man who saved Christmas. ⁠Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now⁠! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Try Ritual or expand your subscription, go to ⁠⁠ritual.com/unruly⁠⁠ to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #38 - Lepa Svetozara Radić

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 12:05


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Lepa Svetozara Radić, an icon of Nazi resistance and teenaged hero in the Balkans. ⁠Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now⁠! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook, by visiting audibletrial.com/unruly. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #37 - Petra Herrera

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 17:55


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering Petra Herrera, the oft-forgotten cross-dress, bridge-destroying hero of the Mexican Revolution. She was wildly successful but never received any credit. Pre-order the Unruly Figures book now! Out March 5, 2024. This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Try Ritual or expand your subscription, go to ⁠ritual.com/unruly⁠ to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #35 - Hatshepsut

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 61:42


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering the Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut, the woman who peacefully took power for herself in ancient Egypt. She broke every rule of how royal women were supposed to behave and we still remember her for her incredible success almost 4,000 years later. This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Try Ritual or expand your subscription, go to ritual.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #36 - Grigori Rasputin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 81:12


    This week, historian and host Valorie Castellanos Clark is covering the mad monk Rasputin, who is credited with singlehandedly destroying the Russian monarchy by sleeping with the Russian queen. But did he though? We explore the legend and truth of Rasputin in this juicy episode. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: ⁠http://unrulyfigures.substack.com⁠ There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #34 - Princess Alfhild

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2023 18:09


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the legendary pirate Princess Alfhild, who ran away from her betrothed to become a pirate with a gang of girls who also wanted to escape marriage. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #33 - Yasuke

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 57:28


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the incredible life of Yasuke, the first known Black samurai in Japan. This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Try Ritual or expand your subscription, go to ritual.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #32 - Blanche Ames Ames

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 42:41


    Welcome to season 3 of Unruly Figures! We have a couple of exciting changes to the show: New backing music! Huge thanks to Danny Wolf of Wolf and Love for creating this! The Unruly Figures shop is now open! All merch is 15% off until September 10 2023 to celebrate--use code LAUNCH15 This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the incredible--and artistic--life of Blanche Ames Ames, an artist, inventor, and women's rights activist in the 19th and 20th centuries. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! Photo of Blanche courtesy of BCN Productions. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    Bonus Episode: What Happened to the Sphinx's Nose?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 6:46


    To get more bonus content like this one, become a paying subscriber on Substack! unrulyfigures.substack.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #31 - Mekatilili wa Menza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 44:48


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the rebellious life of Mekatilili wa Menza, a key figure in the grassroots fight against British colonization in Kenya. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack:  http://unrulyfigures.substack.com There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! Cover art of Mekatilili from Google Arts & Culture. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #30 - Sarah Bernhardt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 63:03


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the amazing life of Sarah Bernhardt, the incredible French actress of the nineteenth century. She was not only an impressive stage actress, she was also a great sculptor and a pioneer of modern celebrity. Want to hear Bernhardt's ethereal and incredible voice? Bernhardt reciting Racine in 1902: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKa7JleYqm8&ab_channel=theatrotv Bernhardt reciting La Samaritaine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE4Y8fWYIJo&ab_channel=robertfells This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack:  http://unrulyfigures.substack.com There, you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #29 - Sylvia Rivera

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 31:04


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the amazing life of Sylvia Rivera, an icon of queer history. She was at Stonewall (maybe), started the first activist group working for trans rights, and more. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #28 - Alan Turing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 71:39


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the amazing life of Alan Turing, who you might remember as the computer genius that Benedict Cumberbatch played in The Imitation Game. In this episode, Valorie dives deep into the inspiration behind Turing's biggest breakthroughs in computing technology, the questions that occupied him after WWII, and the conspiracy theories which surround his death. This podcast is sponsored by Audible. Get a free trial of Audible, including one free audiobook! Go to audibletrial.com/unruly to learn more. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #27 - Hans Christian Andersen

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 89:32


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the amazing life of Hans Christian Andersen, who you might remember as the author behind "The Little Mermaid." Though Ariel and The Ugly Duckling are probably two of Andersen's most famous characters, he was an incredibly prolific writer who wrote hundreds of stories during his life. In this episode, Valorie tackles the myths he built around his childhood, his dark experience in school, and the intense debates around his sexuality. Link to Anderson's early poem "The Dying Child" - https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dying-child-2/ As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #26 - Polly Adler

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 68:54


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the amazing tale of the Polly Adler, remembered as New York's greatest madam. She immigrated to the US from Russia, destined for a life of poverty and struggle, but rose above it to dizzying heights of money and glamour--and crime. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #25 - Lucy Schell

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 70:09


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the amazing tale of the 1930s race car driver and Grand Prix team owner, Lucy Schell. She was the first ever female Grand Prix team manager, and in the 1938 season, she fielded a revolutionary car driven by a talented Jewish driver to beat the Nazis. Listen to learn more about their under-dog win. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    Bonus: Answering Your AMA Questions!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2023 3:14


    Today, host & historian Valorie Clark is finally getting around to answering your questions from the first ever Unruly Figures AMA! If you want to ask questions in the next AMA (or listen to the full version of this bonus episode) you can do that on the Unruly Figures Substack. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #24 - Catherine de Medici, Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2023 75:13


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the third and final part of the story of Catherine de Medici, the famous Florentine Queen of France who would go on to be remembered as the Serpent Queen. Is her historical reputation fair or not? Listen to find out. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #23 - Catherine de Medici, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 69:00


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering the second part of the story of Catherine de Medici, the famous Florentine Queen of France who would go on to be remembered as the Serpent Queen. Is her historical reputation fair or not? Listen to find out. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #22 - Catherine de Medici, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 75:19


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering Catherine de Medici, the famous Florentine Queen of France who would go on to be remembered as the Serpent Queen. Is her historical reputation fair or not? Listen to find out. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #21 - Zheng Yi Sao

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 41:24


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark is covering Zheng Yi Sao, the Chinese Pirate Queen and the greatest pirate to have ever lived. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! A note on the photo used for the cover art--this is a photo of actress Crystal Yu, who played Zheng Yi Sao in a 2022 episode of Doctor Who. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #20 - Herman the Recluse

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 25:15


    In this episode, historian and host Valorie Clark covers the mysterious and harrowing tale of Herman the Recluse, the monk who might have done a deal with the devil to save his own life. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! Cover art by Stuart Kolkovic, who goes by Herman Inclusus for his art practice. Links: High-res images of the Codex Gigas from the National Library of Sweden. Short film about the Devil's Bible from the National Library of Sweden. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #19 - Qamar-ol-Moluk Vaziri

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 22:41


    In this episode, historian and host Valorie Clark covers Qamar-ol-Moluk Vaziri. Better known as simply Qamar, this singer became known as the Queen of Persian Music, and is still beloved by people today. But to become the queen, she had to break the rules--like singing in public and performing without a hijab in front of men. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    qamar persian music
    #18 - Queen Kubaba

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 14:18


    In the season 2 premiere, historian and host Valorie Clark covers the earliest known female ruler in history: Queen Kubaba. She rose from brewing beer to ruling a city-state in ancient Sumer, an ascent historians are still trying to figure out.  This podcast is sponsored by Ritual. Visit ritual.com/unruly for 30% off your new Ritual subscription. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    Season Two: Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2022 0:57


    Season two is coming on September 20, 2022! Tune in with historian and host Valorie Clark to learn more about what to expect for the new season of Unruly Figures right here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #17 - Sophie and Hans Scholl

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 64:30


    In the season 1 finale, historian and host Valorie Clark covers two famous rebel siblings: Sophie and Hans Scholl. These two college students in Munich rebelled against the Nazi regime by publishing pamphlets and leading the resistance group The White Rose. They, along with several others, ended up giving up their lives for their beliefs and are remembered as brave martyrs for the resistance. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #16 - Marquis de Lafayette

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 41:39


    This week, historian and host Valorie Clark covers the Marquis de Lafayette, the famous French aristocrat known as the father of two worlds for his defining roles in both the American and French revolutions. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #15 - Nobuko Yoshiya

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 21:26


    This week, your host Valorie Clark is covering Nobuko Yoshiya, one of modern Japan's most famous and beloved female novelists. In addition to living a publicly queer life in early 20th century Japan, she was a pioneer of Class S fiction and a foundational writer for today's popular shōjo manga. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #14 - Stormé DeLarverie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 22:48


    This week your host Valorie Clark is covering Stormé DeLarverie, the queer, biracial drag king who threw the first punch at the Stonewall Uprising. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #13 - Jane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2022 37:14


    This week on Unruly Figures I'm covering Jane, better known as the Jane Collective. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #12 - Shammurammat

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 19:01


    In this week's episode of Unruly Figures, we're diving deep into ancient history to cover the Neo-Assyrian queen Shammurammat, better known as the legendary divine queen and conqueror Semiramis. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #11 - Countee Cullen

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 20:58


    This week, we're covering Countee Cullen, the famous Harlem Renaissance poet who broke away from social trends to call himself a poet instead of a Black poet. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #10 - Edward VIII

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 2:26


    We're revisiting this episode--more info coming soon. (Updated June 2023) As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's always where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #9 - August Landmesser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 40:13


    This week's episode covers August Landmesser, a man who disobeyed Nazi laws in order to be with the woman he loved. Hat tip to Peter for suggesting Herr Landmesser. If you'd like to suggest a historical rule-breaker for the podcast, drop their name in the suggestion box! As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    #8 - Sir Henry Cole

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2021 25:05


    For those of you who send a holiday card every year, you're going to want to remember the name of today's subject: Sir Henry Cole. In 1843, he invented the Christmas card, then went on to shape public access to art in the UK. The non-profit I mentioned in the break is Empowering Women as Leaders. Check them out (and help sponsor a woman's college education!) right here. As always, you can get ad-free versions of the episode, and much much more on the Unruly Figures Substack: http://unrulyfigures.substack.com That's where you can find transcripts of each episode, photos of each episode's subject, and behind-the-scenes goodies. So come join us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/unruly-figures/support

    Claim Unruly Figures

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel