Villains and Virgins History Podcast

Latest Episodes:

William Marshal: The Best Knight That Ever Lived Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

William Marshal, was one of the most famous medieval knights of all time. As a young knight he put his body on the line to save Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine from kidnapping. His battle skills were unrivalled: he was the champion of brutal melee tournaments, defeating hundreds of other knights. But he wasn't just a good fighter. William Marshal was loyal and honourable, keeping his promises. This story involves a scandal with a princess and a demand for trial by combat. He was even connected to the Knights Templar. The archishop of Canterbury and medieval chronicler Stephen Langton would later call William Marshal "the best knight that ever lived." Find out why in this amazing episode.

Blackbeard: The Most Feared Pirate of the Caribbean Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

Blackbeard was the most feared pirate of his age. He was notorious for his terrifying appearance, and the sight of his black flag made many ships strike their colours immediately. He was only one of many pirates who prowled the Caribbean Sea and then menaced South Carolina and other North American colonies. This episode is a rollicking ride through the lives of sailors in the 1700s, from merchant ships to the Royal Navy. We meet the youngest pirate ever recorded, and the most ridiculous pirate captain ever, on the way to Blackbeard's final battle.

Get instant access to live Q&A sessions with me, Eva Schubert, my library of bonus history episodes, and the library of past Q&A sessions at www.patreon.com/evaschubert. Thank you so much!

Eva Schubert

Captain Morgan and the Pirates of the Caribbean Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Captain Henry Morgan was one of the most daring and audacious pirates of the Caribbean. Step aboard and take a wild ride through a world of exploding ships, pirate fleets, a desperate struggle between the English and the Spanish, and many a cunning plan. Join Eva Schubert in this swashbuckling episode of Villains and Virgins podcast, loaded with rum and treasure.

Support this podcast on Patreon and get access to monthly bonus episodes at: www.patreon.com/evaschubert

Francis Drake, the Pirate who Terrorised Spain and Saved England Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Francis Drake was a pirate who robbed and burned his way across the Caribbean and became the terror of the Spanish Main. He circumnavigated the globe, was knighted by the Queen and became an English hero. His cunning allowed England to repel the the Spanish Armada. Enter the world of the 1500s, where piracy was unofficial state policy, and stolen treasure was used to fund the Wars of Religion in Europe. Escaped African slaves, cities held for ransom, and executions at sea are all part of the story.

Support this podcast and get access to bonus episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/evaschubert

The Real Robin Hood Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Was Robin Hood just a story? Did outlaws really roam Sherwood forest, robbing the rich and hunting the king's deer? The answer is more exciting than you might imagine. There are many stories of Robin Hood, and a lot of history embedded in them. This episode takes you into the world of Robin Hood, in the time of Norman kings and forest law, Richard the Lionheart and King John. We will look at historical records and stories passed down through generations. Follow your intrepid host through the mists of history and legend and find out the truth about Robin Hood.

Support this podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/evaschubert

The Battle for Rome: Belisarius vs. the Goths Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

General Belisarius was the most famous commander of his generation. In this episode he sacks Naples and reconquers Rome from the Ostrogoths. A daring sneak attack through an aqueduct, a heroic charge against the Gothic army, and a sex scandal that will ruin his reputation are all part of this amazing story. Was his wife Antonina cheating on him with their adopted son? Find out why Belisarius was one of the greatest generals of the Roman empire, and discover the truth behind the scandals and legends. This is the second episode in a 2 part series on Belisarius.

Support this podcast at: Patreon.com/evaschubert

For details of the university course, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

General Belisarius: Hero of the Roman Empire Aug 10, 2026

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General Belisarius is the most underrated commander of the Roman Empire. He was the man who reconquered the Roman province of North Africa from the Vandals -- and that was just the start of his career. In this episode we cover battlefield tales of single combat with swaggering Persians, and a daring midnight escape by a reconnaissance team. We also introduce the elements of the scandal that will ruin his reputation. Enter the world of the 6th century Eastern Roman Empire.

For details of the online course beginning in September, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

Emperor Justinian and Theodora: The Black Death and the Christian Roman Empire Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora rule the Eastern Roman Empire in a tumultuous period. The plague pays a visit to Constantinople, bringing massive death tolls. They must also contend with treacherous officials, Christians who despise eachother, and a historian determined to damn them. Watch a palace sting operation unfold, and find out how lepers were hired to infect religious rivals. This is the third and final episode in a series on Theodora and Justinian.

For details of the university course, email the podcast at: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

Support this podcast at patreon.com/evaschubert

The Nika Riots: the bloodiest riots in Roman history Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

The Nika Riots are some of the bloodiest ever recorded. They unfolded in Constantinople in 532. This insurrection nearly toppled Emperor Justinian, but Empress Theodora makes a speech that changes the course of events. This episode takes you into the Eastern Roman Empire in a period of violence, natural disasters, and social upheaval. From slaves and prostitutes to patrician gossip and botched executions, this episode will take you through one of the most violent moments in the history of Constantinople.

This is episode 2 in a series on Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.

Support this podcast at: patreon.com/evaschubert

For details on enrolling in the course email: villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

The Circus Performer who became Roman Empress: Theodora and Justinian Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

This is the story of a woman who began as a circus performer and child prostitute, and became Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. No less remarkable is her husband Justinian, who became emperor. This episode takes you into the heart of Constantinople in the 6th century, where slaves, chariot races, spies, and intrigue are part of an empire in transition. It is also one of the greatest love stories in history.

Support this podcast at: Patreon.com/evaschubert

For details of the online course, email the podcast at : villainsandvirginspodcast@gmail.com

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