Breaking Bard

Episode 7 - Marie-Angélique Leblanc and the ’Wild Children’

Today's episode is extra special because I am joined by not one... two... but three of my best friends who I've known since I was a teenager! We have the return of Marvelous Maeve Sally and welcome Ellie Wilson and Megan (Meggylove) Reynolds! This episode was a bit of an impromptu, Breaking Bard 'on tour' last minute decision and took place while we were all on holiday visiting Maeve and her boyfriend Quentin's new house (and being reunited with my cat Elton) in the French countryside of the Périgord.
The story itself was suggested by my friend Constance Michel, thank you so much Consti! I hope you all enjoy learning about the life of Marie-Angélique Leblanc, a.k.a The 'Wild' Girl of Champagne, and about the 18th, 19th century obsession for stories of 'feral' children that would inspire the likes of Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book, or Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan. The truth behind these stories is a much sadder, less fantastical reality of child neglect and a closed-minded, colonialist society. Please let me know what you thought about this episode by rating and commenting and sharing with friends! Or email me at Breakingbardpod@gmail.com.
Cheers,
Kaine x

Episode 6 - Barbara Blake-Hannah, Britain’s forgotten Black female TV reporter

The story of Barbara Blake-Hannah, Britain's first Black female TV reporter is more recent than our last few episodes and for many reasons that makes the bad parts of it even worse. Racism is a terrible but very present thing, especially within former colonialist countries such as Great Britain or the United States. Thank you to Fayruz Rajpar, a fellow journalist and beautiful friend who suggested I cover this story, to all my sources and to the wonderful Kemi Rogers who absolutely smashed her first guest appearance on Breaking Bard. Listen to Bryan Knight's in-depth conversation with Barbara herself on his YouTube channel. Contains quotes of racism and discrimination, please listen at your discretion.

Episode 5 - Billy Haines, Hollywood’s forgotten gay heartthrob

Happy Pride month to all my siblings, this episode is for everyone but especially the queer community. At the time I write this there is not one openly gay Hollywood leading actor. In 2022. This week I tell the story of a brave and dashing silent movie actor from the 20th century who broke boundaries becoming America's first gay leading actor, only to be forced to make a decision between living his authentic life and his career. Journey with me, Kaine Francesco, and our most special guest Maeve Sally as we dive into the story of William Haines, Hollywood's forgotten gay heartthrob.

Episode 4 - Violet Jessop, the Queen of Sinking Ships

Being on one of the world's most famous sinking ships is already pretty bad luck.... but nearly losing your life on three of them?! Join Kaine Francesco and Maeve Sally as they embark on the nautical adventures of Miss Unsinkable: Violet Jessop.

Episode 3 - Artemisia Gentileschi, Italy’s lost baroque master

How would you feel if your hard work was mistaken for your father's for hundreds of years? Join host Kaine Francesco and Maeve Sally as they embark on a journey to the 17th century in order to set the record straight for history's forgotten baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi. A contrasting and dramatic story of talent, trials and torture which gives insight on the place of women in the art world.

Episode 2 - Yma Sumac, a controversial Incan Princess

Have you ever heard of the musical term 'Exotica'? Ever climbed Machu Picchu or hit a high C? Join Kaine and Maeve in this second episode of Breaking Bard where they uncover the forgotten musical talent of Exotica singer Yma Sumac. 

Episode 1 - Madame Ching Shih, the Pirate Queen

Did you know the most "successful" pirate in history was a woman from China? Join Kaine Francesco and Maeve Sally in this swashbuckling first episode as they venture into the dizzying but forgotten story of Madame Ching Shih the Pirate Queen.