Rogue Empresses: The Women Who Rewrote the Rules of Power

Rogue Empresses: The Women Who Rewrote the Rules of Power

Rogue Empresses: The Women Who Rewrote the Rules of Power explores the extraordinary stories of female rulers who defied expectations and transformed the political landscape of their eras. Hosted by Alex Calder, this three-part series examines how these remarkable women navigated deeply patriarchal societies to claim and maintain power traditionally reserved for men. Through Alex's engaging, conversational style, listeners discover how these rulers developed innovative strategies to legitimize their authority, outmaneuver their opponents, and create lasting legacies despite overwhelming gender barriers. With contemporary references and thought-provoking analysis, the series reveals not just what these women accomplished, but how their methods continue to resonate in today's discussions about gender, leadership, and power. Click here to browse handpicked Amazon finds inspired by this podcast series! https://amzn.to/424pzou https://www.quietperiodplease.com/

Episodes

April 15, 2025 21 mins
Alex Calder unpacks the astonishing story of Hatshepsut, who transformed herself from a traditional queen regent into Egypt's first successful female pharaoh around 1478 BCE. The episode explores how Hatshepsut legitimized her unprecedented position through divine origin stories, strategic male imagery, and ambitious building projects including her magnificent mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. Alex examines how this female king mai...
Mark as Played
Alex Calder delves into the extraordinary rise of Wu Zetian, the only woman in 4,000 years of Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right. The episode traces Wu's remarkable journey from fifth-tier concubine to absolute ruler of Tang Dynasty China, examining her ruthless methods for eliminating rivals alongside her surprisingly progressive governance. Alex explores how Wu legitimized her rule through Buddhist propaganda, ex...
Mark as Played
Alex Calder examines how Elizabeth I transformed herself from a precarious princess into one of England's greatest monarchs during her 44-year reign. The episode explores Elizabeth's brilliant political strategy of turning her unmarried status into an asset by becoming the "Virgin Queen" married only to England, her pragmatic handling of religious division through the Elizabethan Settlement, and her careful balancing of foreign pow...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.