The Other Half Podcast

The Other Half Podcast tells the forgotten stories of the most powerful and influential women in history. Current Season: Rulers' Mistresses

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

@TomCampbell You spoke wonderfully, movingingly and fittingly Tom. Thank you for representing our community and for putting such a difficult thing into words so well. You're a gem.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

@BackupHangman Bold that you think there would be 5 matches each night.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

@physioscout Isak please. I took a punt on him that I now regret...

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

If you listened to the end of the last episode, you'll know that I'm off on my research break for the next season: The Sisterhood of Spies!

I've been looking forward to covering this topic, and I can't wait to share it all with you later in the year.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

NEW EPISODE

5.24 Cixi (3) Here we coup again https://t.co/ATa7MyTmyu via @acast

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Hi all - unfortunately due to a change in travel plans, the next episode is going to be delayed, hopefully just for a few days. Grateful for your patience.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

The marriage of Cixi's son was a delicate matter. To secure her position, Cixi arranged for a meek bride, ensuring that there was no threat to her authority.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Cixi's son Zaichun ascended to the throne as a child and, before his untimely death at 19, proved to be more interested in partying and philandering than in his official duties.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

With her son in position to take the throne, Cixi found herself with an unlikely ally - the Dowager Empress Ci’an. The two would serve as co-regents until Ci'an's untimely death. Cixi, naturally, was implicated in the likely murder, but the evidence is thin.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

After the Emperor's death, Cixi found herself in a bureaucratic struggle to hold on to her hard-won power. Sushun, on the left, would be her first significant adversary, but Prince Gong, on the right, was more threatening - a classic frenemy who wouldn't shake.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

There's still time to have your say on the topic for the next series. Patrons have until 1 September to vote.

https://t.co/OtcJ0oi4p2

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

NEW EPISODE

5.23 Cixi (2) Reigning in the Regencies
Cixi orchestrates a coup to firmly establish her as the chief power behind the throne.

https://t.co/1lVQsoxHHb via @acast

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Cixi's role in China's defeat in the Second Opium War severely damaged her standing at court, and she fell out of favour with the emperor. Not long after, however, Xianfeng died, leaving Cixi's young son as his heir.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Cixi's position gave her a privileged view of the problems facing China and access to the person who could do something about them. When the Second Opium War began, Cixi was insistent that China shouldn't let itself be bullied by foreign enemies, regardless of the outcome.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Patrons! If you haven't voted for the topic of the next season yet on Patreon, you have until 1 September. Patrons can vote here: https://t.co/mSwMeAvVbh
If you're not a Patron - sign up here: https://t.co/Zqr5PvkNrf

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Cixi entered the harem of the young Emperor Xianfeng, only 19 when he succeeded to the throne. While she was initially considered low ranking, Xianfeng didn't hold a high regard for rules and customs and she caught his eye, eventually baring him a son and elevating her position.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

When Cixi entered the Forbidden City as a potential concubine, the Dowager Empress took charge of the selection process. She assessed each candidate against an ideal of womanhood, ensuring they would be, above all, pleasant and convivial companions.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

NEW EPISODE

5.22 Cixi (1) Entering The Great Within https://t.co/E5lNMO6wnd via @acast

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

The last episodes in this season of The Other Half will focus on Cixi, who lived during the late Qing dynasty. It's another exciting story to round off the season, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.

[The Other Half Podcast @otherhalfpod]

Lola Montez certainly lived life to the fullest. There were many stories I wasn't able to even fit into the podcast. From Ireland to all across Europe and America to Australia, her reputation for making waves, breaking hearts, and, of course, bringing down a king preceded her.