Many pirates viewed women aboard ships as bad luck. One woman proved they were only bad luck for the ships they targeted. Meet Ching Shih, who went from flower boat girl to the leader of the Red Fleet, one of the largest and most powerful pirate fleets in history. 


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Pirates 5: The Red Fleet

An ongoing exploration of history’s most unusual and the macabre themes. Each 13-episode season unpacks a new topic in fresh format and style. Presented and executive produced by Aaron Mahnke.
Season 1: "Sideshow", is all about the history behind one of America's most bizarre institutions, the traveling sideshow.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

We didn’t become fascinated with the Wild West until Hollywood gave us gunfights at high noon and heroic outlaws. 


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The Wild West 13: Hollywood

 When we think of the Wild West, we conjure up certain characters in our imaginations. But none are more iconic than the outlaw.


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The Wild West 12:  Outlaws

Hollywood portrays the Wild West as a tough man’s world. Yet, there were some who refused to be labeled. 


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The Wild West 11: Gender in the West

The post office has a saying about mail delivery in all kinds of weather. Meet Mary, a mail carrier in the West whose story is nothing short of a Western novel. 


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The Wild West 10: Women’s Work

Gold. New lives. Second chances. The West provided many opportunities. But conquering the land often came at a high cost. Here’s the story of one of the most well-known families on the frontier: the Ingalls.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pirates 5: The Red Fleet

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