Share

cover art for Wu Zetian: China's only Woman Emperor (w/Xiran Jay Zhao)

Girl Historians

Wu Zetian: China's only Woman Emperor (w/Xiran Jay Zhao)

In this VERY SPECIAL episode, we are honoured to welcome author, icon, and history genius Xiran Jay Zhao!!! Xiran and the girls go over the reign of Wu Zetian- the first and only female emperor of China AND the inspiration for the Iron Widow series. They also introduce the term "Gigachad" to the pod- frankly life-changing...


We also, of course, have a quick detour into the French revolution...AS YOU DO!!!!


Thank you so much for listening we love you!! <3


Check out the Iron Widow Series!!!!


Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistorians


Hosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley Thorne

Guest: Xiran Jay Zhao

Music by: Jacob Ollivier

Cover artist: Nicola Lyttle

Girl Historians on Instagram

Girl Historians on Youtube

More episodes

View all episodes

  • THE KENNEDYS EP.3: Jack Kennedy, War Hero.

    01:25:34|
    In this episode, the girls recount JFK and Joe Jr's involvement in WWII. The first Kennedy death and the beginning of JFK's rise to the top.We also have a little media recap of the stuff we've been enjoying and thinking about lol.RIP the lost videos :(Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • THE KENNEDYS EP. 2: Fancasting the Kennedys and a Young JFK

    01:18:53|
    We are back swinging into our Kennedy content and bringing you a fancasting of our new cast of characters!!! We also delve deeper into a young JFK- and his sickly beginnings :(also, Blair acts like a Male manipulator and Carley sees a hawk!Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • THE KENNEDYS EP. 1: The Humble Beginnings

    01:21:19|
    We are back!!! Welcome to the KENNEDYS!!!! (Curse of). Join us as we start to unpack the beginning of the Great American Dynasty that is the Kennedys, starting all the way back at their humble beginnings.We also have a lengthy catch-up chat and discuss the Canadian Election, Quebec, and improv (our favourite topics!)We're so happy to be back and we are so stoked for this season!! <3. love you bye!!Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • The Trial of the Rosenbergs

    01:04:59|
    In this episode, the girls tell the tale of the Rosenbergs- the couple who were executed for espionage after being convicted for spying for the soviet union. Fun! We also have an intensive chat about One Direction, and pitch a new season idea.love you always bye<3Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • The Beatles Biopic Casting

    01:28:14|
    In this very special opinions-based episode, the girls discuss the casting of the Beatles biopic- Paul Mescal as Paul, Harris Dickinson as John, Joseph Quinn as George, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo. It was simply too much of a historical event for us to ignore, so we've deviated from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you an hour of solid Carley and Blair opinions. Here you go girls!But don't worry! We also talk allergies and bird watching <3okay love you bye!Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • The Dionne Quintuplets

    58:30|
    Continuing on our theme of "Canada". the girls discuss the Dionne Quintuplets, the 5 babies born in rural Ontario and became a depression-era sensation. This one is sad! Babies should not be a tourist attraction (hot take)We also discuss Broadway, of course.Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • When Canada Burned Down the White House

    01:22:56|
    In this episode, the girls display a stunning show of patriotism while talking about when Canada (technically England still but shhh) burned down the White House during the war of 1812. We also mispronounce the name Cockburn, give our hot takes on the Canada/USA trade war, and discuss the dangers of traveling with your friends to Europe.Okay love you bye <3Heritage MinutesSign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • Tuberculosis and Franz Ferdinand (w/John Green)

    46:51|
    In this very special episode, Blair and Carley welcome icon and legend John Green to discuss one of the most consequential assassinations of all time and how tuberculosis contributed to making it all happen. We also discuss the merits of flip cup vs. beer pong.Thank you so much for listening!!! We'll see you soon! <3Become a TBfighterPreorder Everything is TuberculosisSign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneGuest: John GreenMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube
  • The Shamrock Shake's ties to the IRA?

    01:05:47|
    in this very special St. Patrick's day episode, the girls cover the famed Mcdonald's Shamrock shake- and it's mascot Uncle O'Grimacey. Was he wiped from Mcdonald's marketing for his ties to the IRA? Was his characterization lowkey pretty offensive? Should we start an improv podcast? Tune in to this episode to learn more.as always we love you soooo much and thanks for listening <3<3<3<3<3Sign up on Patreon for ad-free early episodes, plus bonuses! patreon.com/GirlHistoriansHosted by: Blair MacMillan and Carley ThorneMusic by: Jacob OllivierCover artist: Nicola LyttleGirl Historians on InstagramGirl Historians on Youtube