We go to the friend of Ann this week. What, if anything, makes her stand out from her partner in crime? Does she have a new and equally probably made up back story? Find out!

We get to one of the most interesting pirates of the age - Ann Bonny. The pirate world was not kind to women, so how did Ann navigate the tumultuous waters of being a pirate and a woman? Find out! (Oh, and there is a load of fun nonsense from the General History too) 

Jamie and I will be keynote speakers at next year's Intelligent Speech conference! It is always a great time. 

Intelligent Speech Online is happening February 28th, 2026.

·         The theme is Companions and Rivals

·         Tickets are on sale at intelligentspeechonline.com

·         Earlybird pricing is available on tickets until December 31st, 2025.

·         Use discount code Rankium to get a discount!

·         Your ticket includes access to recorded copies of all presentations of the day, in case you aren’t able to attend live

Intelligent Speech is a veritable three ring circus of content, composed of four virtual “rooms” running 40 minute sessions simultaneously. In one of the said rooms, the session consists of a roundtable discussion and Q&A with our hand-selected panellists. In the regular sessions, a fascinating online personality will present a topic of their choice, followed by a lively Q&A with the audience. These Q&As, together with space and time for separate chats, create a unique experience in which members of the community can engage directly with the creators they follow.

At the end of Vane's episode he was overtaken by his quartermaster. But who was that man? Why was he wearing these clothes, and why are the turtle hunters so buff? Find out!

Last time we saw what he got up to under Henry Jennings. But now he is on his own leading a pirate faction against all the leading pirates. Oh, and Woods Rogers is on his way!

In a change to the schedule, we are looking at one of the most notorious pirates this week: Charles Vane! In part one we look at his life under one of the father's of golden age piracy - Captain Jennings. 

Howel Davies is here. He may not be a popular as Bonnet or Blackbeard, but he has a story! Join us as we review the con man of the seas.

After the heights of Blackbeard and Bonnet we have the story of Whorley. Will he go down as one of the greats? No. Did we have fun talking about him? Yep!

We have met Blackbeard - the most notorious pirate in history. But now let's meet the man behind the man. The gentleman in a dressing gown and bunny rabbit slippers. It's time to look at Stede Bonnet!

Last time we covered the life of Blackbeard before he was famous. This time? Well, it's time to understand why he is the most famous pirate of all time!