THE INAUGURAL BALLER Lusia Harris

Queen Seondeok of Silla was revered for her wisdom, her compassion, and most importantly - her ability to use nature's signs to foretell the future! And with some truly audacious international diplomacy (and a resolute refusal to bend to patriarchal bullying) she would lay the foundations for the unification of The Three Kingdoms - now known as Korea. Karen Wang Diggs, author of The Book of Awesome Asian Women, helps us uncover the life of this elusive and fascinating queen. Huge thanks to the Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago for providing some of the music featured in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

150 years ago, Irish farmer Johanna O'Brien created a secret recipe for black pudding. Today, her sausage is beloved by Michelin-star chefs across the world (and the recipe is still secret!). Join Katie on location with Rory Copplestone at Clonakilty Blackpudding in Cork, to hear about a penniless girl who survived the Great Famine, built a thriving farm, and in her sunset years, created one of Ireland's iconic flavors. ____________________ Travel with us: What'sHerName TOURS are open now! Music for this episode is from Andy Reiner and Jon Sousa's Canyon Sunrise; Halfpelican; The Parting Glass by Audionautix; Kevin MacLeod; Jesse Gallagher. Here is the charming vintage documentary on Irish farming life. Become a Patron to get these episodes ad-free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nobody knows her real name. But this "Uncontested Pirate Queen of the Western Mediterranean" certainly earned her title: the Sayyida al Hurra, the Free and Independent Woman. From child refugee fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, to ruling Governor of Tetouan, to the Sultana of Morocco - Sayyida was never one to follow the path society had laid out for her. Author Laura Sook Duncome helps us uncover the mystery of the one and only actual Pirate Queen. Music featured in this episode provided by Farya Faraji, Astron, The Tides, Doug Maxwell, The Mini Vandals, and Patrick Patrikios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She lived through the worst century in human history: the Black Death, famine, war, death and despair. So it was all the more surprising when Julian of Norwich rose from her deathbed saying she'd received a vision from God: All shall be well. How could that be true when the whole world seems to be falling apart? Travel with us to 14th century England, to visit famed mystic Julian of Norwich. I know it sounds crazy, she says, but trust me: everything is love. ____________ Fancy a Julian of Norwich mug reminding you All Shall Be Well? What'sHerName SHOP is open! Or travel with us on upcoming TOURS. Music for this episode featured St. Stanislav Girl's Choir singing compositions by Hildegard of Bingen; plus additional music by Doug Maxwell; Jesse Gallagher; and Jimena Contreras. Simon Critchley's new book is Mysticism; or check out the Showings of Julian of Norwich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mary Ware Dennett was one of the most important and influential activist for women's rights, contraception, free speech and sex education in early 20th century America. So why does her nemesis Margaret Sanger get all the attention? Returning guest Stephanie Gorton helps Olivia unravel the mystery of this fascinating, forward-thinking woman. Music featured in this episode provided by Asher Fulero, Kevin Macleod, The Mini Vandals, Late Night Feeler, Jeff Cuno, Cooper Cannell, Dan Bodan, and the American Quartet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices