Show overview
For the Love of History - world history, women’s history, weird history has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 141 episodes. That works out to roughly 90 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 10th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 31 min and 45 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. Roughly 26% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language History show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 19 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 48 episodes published. Published by Tehya N..
From the publisher
I'm TK, your guide to the past as we uncover the people, events, and little-known facts hidden in the shadows of your old history textbooks. From empress baddies like Hatshepsut and Wu Zetianto, activist profiles, Egyptian and Japanese gods and goddesses, and the history of the toothbrush, tattoos, Pompeii peepees, and everything in between, you can find it all here. No event is too small and no topic too big, because this is For The Love of History. ----------------------- For over 100 archived episodes and bonus content you can head over to Patreon!
Latest Episodes
View all 141 episodesThe Deadly Search For Immortality
The History of Heels | The Military Tech That Became Women's Most Impractical Shoe
Japan's Dirtiest Jobs — and Why One of Them Created a Caste System That Still Exists
The Forgotten Scientist Behind Every Pair of Glasses You've Ever Worn | The History of Glasses
Polianitsy Warrior Women: Myth, Misogyny, and the Evidence They Ignored
6 Years of Weird, Dark & Hidden History 👀 | Q&A + Women’s History, Books & Podcast Life
Six years. SIX. YEARS. 🎉 And somehow… we’re still here, still talking about history, and now—✨we’ve finally released the intern from the editing dungeon✨ (briefly… don’t worry, she’s going back soon). In this chaotic, cozy, and slightly unhinged anniversary Q&A, we’re answering your burning questions—from:💀 Would we survive in the past? (spoiler: absolutely not)🏺 The weirdest historical artifacts that probably should’ve stayed buried👀 The history facts that keep us up at night📚 Our top history book recs for casual learners🔥 And what it really takes to research and run a history podcast Expect laughs, questionable historical rabbit holes, and at least one moment where we question all of humanity’s decisions (looking at you, Victorians). Whether you’ve been here since day one or just stumbled in—thank you for being part of this wild, wonderful, history-loving community. 💛 Now hit play, get comfy, and let’s celebrate six years of weird, wonderful, and occasionally cursed history together. ✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tell us: what’s YOUR favorite weird history fact? Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Empress Baddie Lady K’abel: Maya Supreme Warlord of the Snake Dynasty
What if one of the most powerful warlords in the ancient Maya world… was a woman? In this episode of For the Love of History, we dive deep into the jungles of ancient Guatemala to uncover the story of Lady K’abel, a queen, strategist, and Supreme Warlord of the Maya civilization. Known as the “Snake Queen,” Lady K’abel held one of the highest military titles of the Classic Maya period, outranking even her husband. From royal marriage alliances and political strategy to brutal rivalries between the Snake Dynasty and Tikal, this episode explores the real power dynamics of the ancient Maya world and challenges everything you thought you knew about women in history. In this episode, you'll learn Ancient Maya warfare and the so-called “Star Wars” conflicts The rise of the Snake Dynasty as a Mesoamerican superpower How royal women shaped politics, alliances, and empires The archaeological discovery of Lady K’abel’s tomb Why her legacy lasted long after the fall of Maya cities If you love women’s history, ancient civilizations, mythology, and powerful forgotten queens, this episode is for you. ✨ Subscribe for more stories of powerful women, weird history, and world-changing moments you didn’t learn in school. 💬 Tell me in the comments: Which historical dynasty would YOU join? Want to support the Podcast in other ways! Check out these links! 💙💛 Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Real Mythology of Spirited Away | Yokai, River Dragons & the Meaning of No-Face
What does Spirited Away actually mean? And who—or what—is No-Face really supposed to be? In this episode of For the Love of History, we dive deep into the Japanese folklore, Shinto mythology, and yokai legends that inspired one of the most beloved animated films ever made: Spirited Away. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film is packed with references to kami, yokai, purification rituals, and ancient spiritual beliefs that many viewers outside Japan may not recognize. You'll learn ✨ The meaning of kamikakushi — the folklore concept of being “spirited away” by the gods ✨ Why the spirit bathhouse reflects Shinto purification rituals and onsen culture ✨ The real folklore behind Haku’s dragon form and river spirits ✨ The environmental message hidden in the Stink Spirit scene ✨ The possible yokai inspiration behind Yubaba and mountain witches ✨ And the true meaning behind No-Face, one of the most mysterious characters in animation From ancient Shinto beliefs about spirits in nature to the strange world of Japanese yokai, this episode uncovers the folklore that shaped Spirited Away's spirit world. If you love Japanese mythology, anime history, folklore, or Studio Ghibli, you’re in the right place. Website (📕 Find resources here!!📕 ) Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
History of Alchemy Explained: Ancient Science Before Chemistry
When most people think of alchemy, they imagine a medieval wizard desperately trying to turn lead into gold. But the real story of alchemy is far stranger and far more important because hidden within those mysterious experiments were the early discoveries that would eventually become modern chemistry. In this episode of For the Love of History, we explore the origins of alchemy and how early experiments in metallurgy, medicine, and chemistry shaped the scientific world we know today. What began as practical craft knowledge in ancient Egypt and Greece eventually evolved into a global intellectual tradition spanning the Islamic Golden Age, Indian Rasashastra, and Daoist alchemy in China. Along the way we meet some of the most influential figures in early scientific history. You’ll hear about Zosimos of Panopolis, one of the earliest recorded alchemists, and Maria the Jewess, a pioneering woman whose inventions helped shape laboratory techniques still used in chemistry today. We’ll also explore the work of Jabir ibn Hayyan, whose writings during the Islamic Golden Age helped transform alchemy into a more systematic scientific practice. From ancient alchemy recipes found in Egyptian papyri to the global exchange of scientific knowledge across continents, this episode uncovers how centuries of curiosity about matter and transformation eventually led to the birth of modern chemistry. The story of alchemy isn’t just about gold—it’s about humanity’s earliest attempts to understand the building blocks of the universe. In This Episode 🔮 The true origins of alchemy in ancient Egypt and the Greek world 🔮 How the Library of Alexandria helped spread early scientific knowledge 🔮 The role of women in alchemy, including Maria the Jewess 🔮 How scholars during the Islamic Golden Age transformed alchemy 🔮 The traditions of Indian Rasashastra and Chinese Daoist alchemy 🔮 How alchemy experiments eventually led to modern chemistry ⭐ If you enjoy weird history, forgotten science, and the surprising stories behind human curiosity, make sure to follow For the Love of History for more episodes exploring the strange and fascinating past. Website (📕 Find resources here!!📕 ) Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Hidden People of Japan | Ainu History and Myth
What happens when a racist A**hole tells your history?! Well, your religion and mythology get missinterepretted for a couple hundred years untill a 19 year old girl finally saves the story of her people. This is the history of the Ainu people, their anamistic religion, and their incredibly unique mythology. In this episode, we’ll learn 🐻 The history of the Ainu, one of the indiginous peoples of Japan 🐻 the lies that have been told about the Ainu 🐻 why you’ve possibly never heard of them 🐻 their religion 🐻 the true history of the Ainu 🐻 Ainu mythology SINKPO Earing Link! https://mvp.kawaiishop.jp/items/54013263 If you enjoy learning world history, women’s history, and weird history, why not stick around and subscribe! If you push that subscribe button, you instantly become a history BFF!! Thanks so much for leaving a review👍 and a comment!! 🗣️ If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links or fortheloveofhistorypod.com Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gothic Romance | The Fight for Women’s Education that Led to Wuthering Heights
The Gothic novel didn’t emerge from nowhere. As women’s literacy rates rose in the late 18th and 19th centuries, so did a powerful new reading public and with it, a transformation in literary culture. In this episode, we examine how expanded access to education created the conditions for the Gothic romance to flourish. At the center of our discussion is Wuthering Heights: a novel that shattered conventions, redefined love, and helped shape the lineage of what we now call dark romance. We explore: The social history behind the rise of women readers The emergence of women authors in the literary marketplace Why Gothic romance became a cultural phenomenon How Wuthering Heights became a genre-defining text This is women’s history with a storm brewing beneath it. Thanks so much for leaving a review👍 and a comment!! 🗣️ If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links or fortheloveofhistorypod.com Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Creator of Humanity and Destroyer of Worlds | The History of Salt
How could something so small hold so much power!? This week, let's hop in the time machine to discover how something so small and seemingly insignificant can hold so much power and change nearly every part of human history! We're about to get salty in the best way, with the history of Salt !🧂 What youll learn in the episode 🧂 The ancient origins of salt 🧂 How salt built civilizations 🧂 How salt began STEM 🧂 The dark history of salt and slavery 🧂 salt goddesses and why the smallest things have meaning If you want to support the podcast in some other ways, you can follow the links below!! 👇 🌟 FTLH UNI Lecture🌟 Topic | The Island of Waves and Foam: origins and mythology of Shintoism Thanks so much for leaving a review👍 and a comment!! 🗣️ If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links or check out fortheloveofhistorypod.com Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Most Chaotic Olympics in History and the Games that Don't Exist
It's a miracle the Olympic Games continued after the absolute clusterf*ck that was its early history. From near-death marathons to shady organizers and displays of human cruelty like no other, the Olympics of the early 1900's were chaotic to say the least. When it looked like the Olympic Games would be canceled, the 1906 Olympics forever showed up to save the day, but they're just one problem... they technically don't exist. 😳 If you enjoyed this episode, then I'm sure you'll enjoy all the other episodes I have to offer!! And if you really enjoy the episode, a cheeky little comment, like, or even a subscribe would be absolutely lovely!! If you want to support the podcast in some other ways, you can follow the links below!! 👇 🌟 FTLH UNI Lecture🌟 Topic | The Island of Waves and Foam: origins and mythology of Shintoism If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Empire Building Cheat Code | The History of Sacred Llamas of the Incan Empire
I've found Yzma's llama potion, and I'm taking it back to the 13th century!! Yes, beloved, we're going to Emperor's New Groove it in this episode and talk about the history of llamas in the Incan empire. If you were playing Settlers of Catan, you would definitely want to choose llama over iron, because llamas were WAY more useful!! In this episode, we'll learn 🦙 The history of the Incan empire 🦙 The roles llamas played in Incan expansion 🦙 a very chill llama God 🦙 how it all came to an end If you enjoyed this episode, then I'm sure you'll enjoy all the other episodes I have to offer!! And if you really enjoy the episode, a cheeky little comment, like, or even a subscribe would be absolutely lovely!! If you want to support the podcast in some other ways, you can follow the links below!! 👇 🌟 FTLH UNI Lecture🌟 Topic | The Island of Waves and Foam: origins and mythology of Shintoism If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Empress Baddie | Himiko The Shamin Queen and My Beef with the Imperial Housing Agency of Japan
Say hello to spicy TK this episode because I have MAD beef with the Japanese Imperial Household Agency and their very dumb rules! But besides attempting to get myself banned from Japan in this episode, we talk about 👑 One of my favorite people in Japanese history, Queen Himiko. 🍃 The origins of Shintoism ❌ the multiple attempts at erasing her history 😡 and why we aren’t ALLOWED to look for her I hope you enjoy this episode!! I'm so glad you found my little corner of YouTube. If you're interested in world history, women’s history, and unusual history, then I hope you stick around! History bestie applications are always open!! 🌟 FTLH UNI Lecture🌟 Topic | The Island of Waves and Foam: origins and mythology of Shintoism If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
(video) How Ukiyo-e art and tattooing pissed off the government and the history of Japanese Tattoos
Japanese tattoos are loved around the world, but reviled in Japan. WHY!? How did that happen? In this week's episode, TK explores the history of Japanese tattoos and their connection with resistance, identity, and Ukiyo-e art. In this episode, we cover 🌟 The history of Japanese tattoos 🌟 How Utagawa Kuniyoshi started a tattoo renaissance 🌟 The artistic middle finger Ukiyo-e artists gave to the Shogunate 🌟 The rise and fall of tattoos in Japan and worldwide I'm so glad you found my little corner of YouTube, and if you like world history, Women’s History, and weird history, then I hope you stick around! History bestie applications are always open!! 🌟 FTLH UNI Lecture🌟 Topic | The Island of Waves and Foam: origins and mythology of Shintoism If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tattoos as Resistance | How Ukiyo-e art and tattooing pissed off the government and the history of Japanese Tattoos
Japanese tattoos are loved around the world, but reviled in Japan. WHY!? How did that happen? In this week's episode, TK explores the history of Japanese tattoos and their connection with resistance, identity, and Ukiyo-e art. In this episode, we cover 🌟 The history of Japanese tattoos 🌟 How Utagawa Kuniyoshi started a tattoo renaissance 🌟 The artistic middle finger Ukiyo-e artists gave to the Shogunate 🌟 The rise and fall of tattoos in Japan and worldwide I'm so glad you found my little corner of YouTube, and if you like world history, Women’s History, and weird history, then I hope you stick around! History bestie applications are always open!! 🌟 FTLH UNI Lecture🌟 Topic | The Island of Waves and Foam: origins and mythology of Shintoism If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Hidden Women of Beer | Beer History from the cradle of civilization to the Black Plauge
Welcome, history bestie, to the season 12 premiere!! I'm TK, your tour guide to the past, and today we're starting this season off strong with the longest "Women History Owes an Apology Too" episode I've ever done. From pre-history to the Sumerians, all across Europe and beyond, women have been the brewers of beer and the keepers of the keg. That was until the fellas found out that they could make some serious cash in a Post Black Plague Europe. In this episode, we'll learn about 🍺 How beer was invented/discovered 🍺 The Sumerian goddess of beer 🍺 How beer shaped civilization 🍺 The Golden Era of the Ale wife 🍺 And how the plague and capitalism ruined everything. I'm so glad you found my little corner of YouTube, and if you like world history, Women’s History, and weird history, then I hope you stick around! History bestie applications are always open!! 🌟🍻 Patreon Bonus EP on the Lady King 🍻🌟 If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Hidden Women of Beer | Beer History from the cradle of civilization to the Black Plauge
Welcome, history bestie, to the season 12 premiere!! I'm TK, your tour guide to the past, and today we're starting this season off strong with the longest "Women History Owes an Apology Too" episode I've ever done. From pre-history to the Sumerians, all across Europe and beyond, women have been the brewers of beer and the keepers of the keg. That was until the fellas found out that they could make some serious cash in a Post Black Plague Europe. In this episode, we'll learn about 🍺 How beer was invented/discovered 🍺 The Sumerian goddess of beer 🍺 How beer shaped civilization 🍺 The Golden Era of the Ale wife 🍺 And how the plague and capitalism ruined everything. I'm so glad you found my little corner of YouTube, and if you like world history, Women’s History, and weird history, then I hope you stick around! History bestie applications are always open!! 🌟🍻 Patreon Bonus EP on the Lady King 🍻🌟 If you'd like to support the podcast in other ways, check out these links! Patreon Instagram Website TikTok Merch Store YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sayyida al-Hurra: Pirate Queen of the Mediterranean Exile, Empire, and Revenge on the High Seas
Before Anne Bonny. Before Grace O’Malley. There was Sayyida al-Hurra — the Pirate Queen of the Mediterranean. In this episode of For the Love of History, we uncover the extraordinary true story of Sayyida al-Hurra, a Muslim woman who rose to power in the late 1400s and became one of the most feared pirates in history. Born in Granada during the violence of the Reconquista, Sayyida was forced to flee Spain as Catholic rulers Ferdinand and Isabella expelled, enslaved, and murdered thousands of Muslims. That injustice would shape her destiny. After becoming governor of Tetouan (Tétouan), Morocco, Sayyida didn’t just rule — she fought back. Partnering with the legendary Ottoman pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa (Redbeard), she launched relentless naval attacks against Spanish and Portuguese ships, dominating the Mediterranean and earning her title as the unrivaled pirate queen. Her piracy wasn’t just about wealth; it was about defense, revenge, and protecting displaced Muslim communities. This episode explores: The Reconquista and the forced expulsion of Muslims from Spain How Sayyida al-Hurra became a female political leader and naval commander Her alliance with Barbarossa, one of history’s most famous pirates Pirate warfare, ransom, and Mediterranean power politics How piracy rebuilt Tetouan into a thriving city Why European powers feared her — and her people adored her Her unprecedented marriage to the Sultan of Morocco on her own terms Sayyida al-Hurra’s legacy lives on in the walls of Tetouan, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the history of women who refused to be erased. If you love pirate history, women in power, Islamic history, and stories of resistance against empire, this episode is for you. Grab your sword, your most dramatic blouse, and let’s set sail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices