Untamed Women

About Untamed Women

Untamed Women is a history podcast where storytelling meets gossip. Hosted by Jenny and Ezrah, each episode dives into the lives of women from history . The iconic, the misunderstood, and the downright messy. We break down what really happened in their lives, talk a little s*** about some of their choices, and fully admire them for their strength, resilience, and audacity in others. Expect a mix of solid history, casual conversation, and just the right amount of scandal. These women were never one dimensional, and their stories shouldn’t be either.

Publisher

Jenny Murray, Ezrah DuCharme

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

4 Feb 2026

Latest episode

22 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Calamity Jane: Reinvention, Adventure, and the Making of a Wild West Legend

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Ezrah explores the extraordinary life of Calamity Jane, one of the most recognizable figures of the American Wild West. Born into a struggling family in Missouri, Jane's childhood was transformed by tragedy when both of her parents died during their journey west, leaving a fourteen-year-old girl to care for her younger siblings on the unforgiving frontier. From that moment on, survival became her greatest teacher. As she crossed thousands of miles of the American West, Jane continually reinvented herself—working whatever jobs she could find, embracing adventure, and building the larger-than-life persona that would eventually make her a legend. Imperfect, resilient, and endlessly fascinating, Calamity Jane blurred the line between truth and myth, becoming one of the defining figures of the Wild West. Join us as we separate fact from folklore and uncover the remarkable woman whose story still shapes our image of the American frontier today. Topics covered: Calamity Jane, Wild West history, American frontier, westward expansion, Deadwood, Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, frontier women, women of the American West, pioneer life, Missouri history, Gold Rush towns, survival on the frontier, women who reinvented themselves, historical myths and legends Keywords: Calamity Jane biography, Wild West history, American frontier, Deadwood South Dakota, Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, women of the Wild West, pioneer women, American West history, frontier legends, westward expansion, historical women, Calamity Jane facts, Untamed Women podcast

2. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Sacagawea: The Young Woman Who Guided a Nation West

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Jenny explores the remarkable life of Sacagawea, the young Shoshone woman whose journey became intertwined with one of the most famous expeditions in American history. Taken from her family as a child and thrust into a life she never chose, Sacagawea endured hardship, loss, and constant uncertainty long before joining the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Carrying her infant son across thousands of miles of unfamiliar territory, she served as a guide, interpreter, and symbol of peace during a journey that would help shape the future of the United States. But behind the legend was a young woman whose life was far more complex than history books often suggest. Together, we explore Sacagawea's extraordinary story, the tragedy and resilience that defined her life, and the lasting impact—whether intentional or not—of her role in America's westward expansion. Topics covered: Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark Expedition, Shoshone Nation, westward expansion, Indigenous women in history, Native American history, Corps of Discovery, American frontier, westward exploration, York expedition member, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, Thomas Jefferson, Louisiana Purchase, women explorers, survival on the frontier Keywords: Sacagawea biography, Lewis and Clark Expedition, Shoshone guide, Native American women in history, Corps of Discovery, westward expansion of the United States, American frontier history, Indigenous history, Lewis and Clark guide, Sacagawea story, exploration of the American West, women explorers, historical women, Untamed Women podcast

3. 

   10 Jul 2026

   Pearl de Vere: From Emily to the Queen of Cripple Creek

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Ezrah tells the remarkable story of Pearl de Vere, one of the Wild West's most legendary brothel madams. Long before she became the striking woman with fiery red hair who captivated Cripple Creek, she was simply a young girl named Emily searching for a new beginning on the rugged Colorado frontier. Reinventing herself as Pearl de Vere, she built a reputation for intelligence, charisma, and determination in one of the harshest environments of the American West. Though her life was tragically short, Pearl's legacy would far outlive her. Her elegance, confidence, and larger-than-life personality helped shape the enduring image of the Wild West brothel madam in books, films, and popular culture. Join us as we separate legend from history and uncover the fascinating woman behind one of the frontier's most unforgettable names. Topics covered: Pearl de Vere, Wild West history, Cripple Creek Colorado, brothel madams, women of the American frontier, Colorado Gold Rush, Old West legends, frontier women, women entrepreneurs in history, Victorian America, mining boomtowns, women who reinvented themselves, American West history, historical myths and legends Keywords: Pearl de Vere, Pearl de Vere biography, Cripple Creek history, Wild West brothel, famous brothel madams, Colorado Gold Rush, women of the Wild West, frontier women, Old West history, Victorian Colorado, American frontier history, legendary women of the West, historical women, Untamed Women podcast

4. 

   28 Jun 2026

   Lucrezia Borgia: The Woman Behind the Borgia Legend

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Ezrah explores the extraordinary and often misunderstood life of Lucrezia Borgia. Born the illegitimate daughter of a cardinal who would become Pope Alexander VI, Lucrezia entered a world where marriage, loyalty, and power were all political currency. Married not once, but three times, she became a pawn in the ambitions of one of Renaissance Italy's most notorious families. But behind the legends of poison, intrigue, and scandal was a woman who endured impossible circumstances. A devoted mother of ten, a survivor of political upheaval, and a woman who found genuine love amidst the chaos, Lucrezia's life was far more complex than the myths that followed her. Together, we trace her journey from her beginnings in the shadow of the Borgias to her final years in Ferrara, where she at last emerged as something more than her family's daughter: a ruler, a patron, and a woman finally free to define herself. Topics covered: Lucrezia Borgia, Borgia family history, Renaissance Italy, Pope Alexander VI, Cesare Borgia, Renaissance women, women in power, political marriages, Alfonso of Aragon, Giovanni Sforza, Alfonso d'Este, poison myths, women and reputation, Italian history, motherhood in the Renaissance, historical myths and legends Keywords: Lucrezia Borgia biography, Borgia family, Renaissance Italy history, Pope Alexander VI daughter, Cesare Borgia sister, Lucrezia Borgia marriages, Lucrezia Borgia children, poison myths, women of the Renaissance, Italian noblewomen, historical scandals, famous women in history, Borgia legends, Renaissance politics, Untamed Women podcast

5. 

   18 Jun 2026

   Aqua Tofana: The Deadly Poison That Terrified Italy

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Jenny investigates the legend of Aqua Tofana, the infamous poison said to have helped countless women escape unhappy marriages in seventeenth-century Italy. But how much of the story is true? Who was Giulia Tofana, and what role did the women around her actually play? As rumors of a colorless, tasteless poison spread through Italy, fear, suspicion, and scandal followed close behind. Authorities launched investigations, confessions were extracted, and the resulting panic left a trail of accusations that blurred the line between fact and myth. Together, we explore the origins of Aqua Tofana, the women and men connected to the poison trade, and the surprising reality uncovered when historians separate legend from evidence. This is the story of one of history's most famous poisons—and the people whose lives became entangled in its deadly reputation. Topics covered: Aqua Tofana, Giulia Tofana, poison in early modern Italy, women and poison, arsenic poisoning, historical true crime, seventeenth century Italy, poisoners in history, women accused of murder, toxicology history, criminal investigations, historical myths and legends, women and power, Italian history, poison scandals Keywords: Aqua Tofana, Giulia Tofana, famous poisoners, historical poisonings, women poisoners in history, arsenic poison, poison used by women, Italian true crime history, seventeenth century crime, women and murder history, historical scandals, poison myths, deadly women in history, historical investigations, Untamed Women podcast

6. 

   11 Jun 2026

   Madame de Montespan: Power, Passion, and a Poisoned Reputation

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Ezrah explores the extraordinary life of Madame de Montespan, the brilliant, ambitious aristocrat who rose to become the most powerful woman at the court of Louis XIV. Born into privilege but determined to climb higher, Montespan captivated the Sun King with her wit, beauty, and intelligence, securing a position at the very center of French power. For years she dominated Versailles, influencing culture, fashion, and court life while bearing several of the king's children. But life at the top was never secure. As rivals emerged and scandals engulfed the royal court, Montespan found herself caught in one of the most infamous controversies of the seventeenth century. Her spectacular rise would be matched only by the coldness of her fall. Join us as we examine the woman behind the legend, the realities of power at Versailles, and how one of the most influential women in France became a cautionary tale of ambition, politics, and survival. Topics covered: Madame de Montespan, Louis XIV, Versailles, royal mistresses in France, maîtresse-en-titre, French court history, Sun King, women in power, court politics, royal scandal, Affair of the Poisons, Versailles culture, French aristocracy, Madame de Maintenon, royal favorites, 17th century France, women and influence in history, rise and fall of powerful women

7. 

   8 Apr 2026

   La Voisin: Poison, Power, and the Scandal of Versailles

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Jenny tells the chilling story of La Voisin — the infamous poisoner at the center of one of France’s most explosive scandals. Operating in 17th-century Paris, La Voisin built a network that catered to the highest levels of society, selling poisons, fortune-telling services, and alleged dark rituals to those desperate for power, love, or revenge. What began as whispers of mysterious deaths soon unraveled into a full-scale investigation that would reach all the way to the court of Louis XIV and the glittering halls of Versailles. As the truth emerged, nobles, mistresses, and courtiers found themselves entangled in a web of secrets, fear, and deadly ambition. At the center of it all stood a woman who understood exactly how power worked — and how to weaponize it. Topics covered: La Voisin, Affair of the Poisons, Louis XIV court scandals, Versailles secrets, poison in 17th century France, historical true crime women, famous female poisoners, black magic in France history, Paris poison trials, Madame de Montespan scandal, women and poison history, royal court intrigue, French aristocracy crime, witchcraft accusations France, early modern crime history

8. 

   10 Mar 2026

   The Marquise de Brinvilliers: Poison, Revenge, and the Scandal That Shook France

   In this dark season finale, Jenny tells the chilling story of the Marquise de Brinvilliers, a 17th-century French noblewoman whose crimes shocked Paris and terrified the court of Louis XIV. Behind the elegance of aristocratic life lurked betrayal, revenge, and ambition. Accused of poisoning her own father and two brothers in pursuit of freedom and fortune, Brinvilliers became one of the most infamous murderers in French history. But her story didn’t end with her execution. The revelations that followed helped ignite the explosive Affair of the Poisons, a scandal involving secret poisons, black magic, and members of the highest levels of French society. In this episode of Untamed Women, we explore the ruthless life of the Marquise de Brinvilliers — and how her crimes opened the door to one of the greatest scandals of the reign of Louis XIV. Topics covered: Marquise de Brinvilliers, Affair of the Poisons, poison scandals in France, poison in 17th century Europe, women criminals in history, poison as a weapon, Louis XIV court scandals, French aristocracy crime, famous female poisoners, historical true crime, women and revenge in history, early modern France, Paris poison trials, aristocratic scandals of Versailles

9. 

   10 Mar 2026

   Joan of Arc: The Peasant Girl Who Led an Army

   In this episode of Untamed Women, Ezrah tells the incredible story of Joan of Arc, the teenage peasant who rose from obscurity to become one of the most legendary figures in French history. Claiming to receive divine visions, Joan managed to convince the hesitant heir to the French throne, Charles VII, that she had been sent by God to help him reclaim his kingdom during the chaos of the Hundred Years’ War. Against all odds, she helped rally French forces and played a crucial role in lifting the siege of Orléans and paving the way for Charles’s coronation. But Joan’s meteoric rise would not last forever. Captured by enemy forces and put on trial for heresy, the young woman who once inspired armies would ultimately face one of history’s most tragic endings. Along the way, Ezrah and Jenny also untangle the political and geographic chaos of 15th-century France — where shifting loyalties, rival kingdoms, and a fractured map made the conflict even more complicated. Topics covered: Joan of Arc, Hundred Years’ War, Charles VII of France, Siege of Orléans, medieval France politics, English vs French crown, women in medieval warfare, Joan of Arc trial and execution, heresy trials in the Middle Ages, French monarchy history, saints and visions in medieval Europe, geography of medieval France, famous women in history

10. 

    27 Feb 2026

    Mary Queen of Scots: Love, Murder, Betrayal, and the Block

    Ezrah explores the tragic and controversial life of Mary Queen of Scots — Queen of Scotland, briefly Queen of France, and ultimately a prisoner of Elizabeth I in Tudor England. Topics covered: Mary Queen of Scots, Lord Darnley, Elizabeth I, Tudor England, Scottish Reformation, royal scandal, execution of Mary Stuart

11. 

    23 Feb 2026

    Anne Boleyn: Ambition, Power, and the Woman Behind the Myth

    Jenny explores the life of Anne Boleyn — Tudor court figure, future Queen of England, and one of history’s most misunderstood women. Topics covered: Anne Boleyn, Tudor England, Henry VIII, English Reformation, Tudor court politics, execution of Anne Boleyn, Tudor queens, women in power, court intrigue, history of Henry VIII wives

12. 

    11 Feb 2026

    Marilyn Monroe: Stardom, Loneliness, and an Unanswered Ending

    Jenny explores the life of Marilyn Monroe — born Norma Jeane, Hollywood icon, and one of the most complex figures of the Golden Age of cinema. This week Jenny presents the star studded Marilyn Monroe. She sheds light not just on the glittering gowns and cinematic fame but also on the tragic backstory behind a woman whose smile hid a much darker story. Marilyn Monroe: sex symbol, tortured artist and too often underserved by presenters of history. This, Is Marilyn. Topics covered: Marilyn Monroe, Norma Jeane, Hollywood Golden Age, celebrity culture, fame and mental health, Marilyn Monroe marriages, Hollywood studios, women in Hollywood history, mysterious celebrity deaths, 1960s Hollywood

13. 

    4 Feb 2026

    Marie Antoinette: Power, Perception, and the Price of a Crown

    From Austrian princess to revolutionary scapegoat, Ezrah unpacks the rise and fall of Marie Antoinette . Painful braces, political chaos, and the legacy of one of history’s most misunderstood queens. Grab a slice of cake and enjoy the ride. Topics covered: French Revolution, Versailles, royal scandal, monarchy downfall, women in power, propaganda, historical reputation, royal motherhood, public image, execution of queens.

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

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