The Sharing English Podcast

26 - The Real Story of Pocahontas


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***Trigger warning: this episode mentions the topics of violence and sexual exploitation, they are NOT discussed in an explicit way.

In this episode of The Sharing English Podcast, we explore the real story of Pocahontas—a young Powhatan woman whose life has often been romanticized or simplified in popular culture. Using both Indigenous perspectives and reputable historical sources, we look at what we know about her childhood, her role as a cultural intermediary, the complex events surrounding her kidnapping, her forced conversion, her marriage to John Rolfe, and her journey to England.

We also discuss how her story has been portrayed in books, movies, and especially Disney films—and why many of these portrayals are inaccurate or harmful. This episode focuses on cultural sensitivity, historical context, and understanding Pocahontas as a real person, not a myth.
As always, the language is clear, slow, and accessible for English learners.

Website:
https://www.sharing-english.com/podcast

Sources:

  • National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution

  • Historic Jamestowne (National Park Service)

  • The Pocahontas Archives, Lehigh University

Music:"Cherish" by Sascha EndeLink: https://ende.app/en/song/498-cherishLicense: https://ende.app/en/standard-license

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The Sharing English PodcastBy Freya Yskes