Textory - The Podcast
Textory - The Podcast 52 episodes Nov 12, 2026
Who doesn’t like petty texts, celebrity gossip, dating advice, spicy song lyrics, or controversial opinions? Now imagine all that... but it’s historical. In this podcast we’ll be reading some juicy historical letters, diaries, articles and other piping hot tea. So get yourself something to drink and let’s jump into TEXTORY. Hosted by Karolina Żebrowska.
Episodes
S3 Ep19: "That's How Babies Come" - Young Girl's Diary from 1910s
(TW: a description of s*xual harassment) What happens when a curious young girl tries to learn about taboo topics? In today's episode, we're reading an anonymous "Young Girl's Diary" published in the 1920s and supposedly written in 1910s. ______________Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep18: How To Not D*e, 1878
With Halloween around the corner, today we’re appropriately talking about Victorian d*ath - specifically, what were the most common causes, and what ideas they had to avoid it. ______Check out my Patreon: https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep17: "I Hear The Reaper Coming" - Real Ghost Stories From 1920s
We all know someone who knows someone who has some good stories... How about some from 1920s? These supposedly real encounters were described and sent in by the readers of "Ghost Stories" magazine._________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep16: Victorian Psychic Mediums Debunked by... a Victorian Psychic Medium
Levitating tables, ghostly plasma sightings, mysterious voices - every turn-of-the-century seance enjoyer was hoping for some unforgettable spirit manifestations. But one medium has had enough, and she ruthlessly spilled the tea on all the tricks of the trade. Today we're reading "Mediums Unmasked" from 1892, where the authoress is debunking and exposing all of the "mysterious" happenings linked w
S3 Ep15: How To Study in 1917
Blind obedience, an open mind, critical thinking skills – what was expected of early 20th century students and what tips were considered useful to students? Find in today's episode, where we're reading a "How To Study" manual from 1917.____________Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep14: "I Felt Awkward At Court" - 11th Century Japanese Diary
Today we're reading possibly the oldest text in - wait for it, it's a mouthful - Textory's history! The Sarashina Diary (AD 1009-1059) was written by a Japanese lady who spent much of her life at royal court.________Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep13: Manly Women, Womanly Men
Nothing scared 17th century folks more than witches, but women dressing in masculine styles was a close second. In today's texts - "Hic Mulier" and "Haec Vir" pamphlets from the 17th century, we're examining what exactly was considered so unforgivable that had to be put to print. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep12: Random Dating and Pinning In The 1950s
What was random dating and how did it affect 1950s love lives? What was the pinning ritual all about and why was it perfect for predatory young men? All this and more in today's episode about the "Modern Courtship and Marriage" book from 1957.
S3 Ep11: Tips For Edwardian Female Students
How much studying is too much? What should a female student wear? What should her dorm look like? If you were a female student in the Edwardian era, you would have loved "Girl Student Days and After" from 1911 - our today's text!_________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep10: Gentle Parenting or Crying it Out? Raising Children in 1920s
Over a hundred years ago parents were also looking to parenting books for advice. What does this one, "The Best Method for Raising Children" from 1924, has to say about caring for newborns, corporal punishment or regulating your emotions? You'll be surprised.
S3 Ep9: Monsters, Amber and Elks
Located at the edge of the Baltic sea, 17th century Gdańsk was a multicultural merchant city. Peter Mundy, a British traveller, lived there for around a decade, and left a fascinating memoir of his time in the town located in modern-day northern Poland that we're reading in this episode. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep8: “Slept All Day”. A Victorian Teacher’s Diaries
What was a typical day like for a teacher in a small town in 1890s Illinois? Today we’re reading diaries of Emma Wormwood and reflecting on the lifestyle, duties and leisure a woman faced in a 19th century rural setting. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep7: The 17th Century Relationship Advice Column
What if I told you first popular advice column was published in the 1690s? “The Athenian Mercury” followed a Q&A format, which dealt with issues from the fields of philosophy, physics, religion, and interpersonal relationships, which are the focus of today’s episode. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep6: How To Woo: Courting in The 1920s
Should a potential 1920s candidate for a wife be "untouched”? Not at all, let her use life! At least that was the opinion of Clement Wood, the author of today’s text - “The Art of Courtship” from 1926. Surprisingly bold for the era, Wood’s tips and tricks on “wooing” the opposite sex are the focus of today’s episode. Enjoy! _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep5: Strawberries, Mermaids and Revenge
Are women good at poetry? Can they even write it? These were probably serious questions people in the past were asking. In today’s episode we have an answer that is a loud and clear “YES”, as we read works of female English, Scotch and Irish women throughout 17th-19th centuries. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep4: Filthy Matters. A Renaissance Guide to Good Manners
We might imagine Renaissance Italy as a place of innovation and art, but the day to day reality was plagued by disgusting behaviors. Today we're reading a surprisingly foul 16th century manual on being a well-behaved person. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep3: Jane Austen's Situationship
Tom Lefroy is often pictured as Jane Austen’s true love that forever ruined her views on marriage. But do her own writings suggest it was mostly... well, a situationship? Find out in today’s episode! _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep2: Eaten Away - Observations on The Venereal Disease, 1686
Rotting flesh, deformed bones, disappearing noses... Old medicine didn’t have much to offer for those suffering from the most horrific diseases - like syphilis - but some attempted ailing the sick. In today’s episode we’re reading “Observations on the Venereal Disease” from 1686. _________________ Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S3 Ep1: How To Be a Victorian Servant
From never-ending list of tasks and duties to possibly being mistreated, domestic service in the Victorian era sounds like absolute hell. And yet, for many women, it was a dream job. Today we’re reading “Instructions in household matters: or, The young girl's guide to domestic service” from 1845, which details how to best prepare for that sort of work. Also, welcome to season 3 of Textory The Pod
S2 Ep20: Women War Workers
Working nights? Working from home? Lunch breaks? These were some of the very modern-sounding questions working women were asking during WW1. In today's episode we're talking women's labour and reading "The Garment Worker" magazine from April 1918._______Check out my Patreon! https://patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep19: Victorian Ballroom Etiquette
Gloves or no gloves? How did you get introduced to eligible gentleman? Could he buy you a drink? Today we're reading “Routledge’s Ballroom Companion” from 1866.________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep18: How To Avoid Consumption
It's winter season in 1839 and you're trying to survive. What would be your reading of choice? Probably "How To Prevent Consumption", with bleakly useless advice and wild theories.
S2 Ep17: Buster Keaton, The Exclusive Property of MGM
Famous for his dead-pan comedy style, Buster Keaton was one the kings of slapstick comedy. But behind his success hid battles with production studios, his wife, and his addiction. In today’s episode, we’re reading Keaton’s memoir “My Wonderful World of Slapstick”. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep16: The Private (?) Life of Marie Antoinette
There is so much myth and speculation around who Marie Antoinette was as a person, that it’s really helpful to have historical texts from the era – like today’s “Memoirs of Madame Campan” - of people that really knew her. But how reliable are her observations? ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep15: The Mass Female Protest of Ancient Rome
Probably the farthest we’ve ever gone in our podcast time machine – today we’re in ancient Rome, in a crowd of very upset women, as described by Livy in “History of Rome”. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep14: I’d Rather Drown Than Submit To a Man
A feminist – bordering on misandrist – text from 1592? Written by a woman? Count me in! In today’s episode, we’re reading Moderata Fonte’s “The Merits of Women”, translated and edited by Virginia Cox. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep13: The OG Edwardian Cat Lady
While owning cats as pets goes back to antiquity and beyond, the existence of self-proclaimed “cat people” is a result of the popularization of the hobby in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today we’re reading Francis Simpson’s “Cats and All About Them” from 1902 to see what Edwardian cat ownership looked like. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my
S2 Ep12: The Victorian Anti-Rizz Guide
In today’s episode we’re reading a rulebook on how to be an absolutely insufferable Victorian f*ckboy, by none other than the courtesan and dancer Lola Montez. Her “The Art of Fascinating” from 1858 should be a guide to anyone setting up a Tinder profile. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep11: Woman's Thoughts on Women
Not all women involved with the feminist movement were necessarily radical. Today we’re reading “Woman’s Thoughts on Women” by Dinah Craik, a British writer with an unusual life story, and discovering her views on female work, female friendships, and old women’s clothes. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/text
S2 Ep10: Victorian House on a Budget
Ever wondered what decisions were behind Victorian home decorating? No? Well now you are! “Handbook of Housekeeping on a Small Income” from 1897 guides the reader through comfortably arranging your own house while keeping things (relatively) budget friendly. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep9: The Importance of an Ankle
We all know about Victorian obsession with ankles. But they didn’t just leave things to take their own course – as documented in this 1858 manual by Lola Montez on keeping your ankles (and other body parts) fresh and sexy. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep8: A Man You Should Not Marry
In the modern dating climate, we sometimes wish relationships came with a manual. In the 1920s, ladies could use one, written by the author of the previous episode’s “A Woman You Should Not Marry”. How does it compare? Is Reinhold Gerling, to quote Mr Darcy, equally “severe upon his own sex”? ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https:
S2 Ep7: See Him Not, Hear Not From Him
At the end of the 18th century, it was not easy to restore one’s reputation as a seduced woman and a single mother. But the author of the “Advice To Unmarried Women” from 1791, the text we’re focusing on in this episode, believed it’s possible. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep6: Scenes of Undressing Should Be Avoided
The infamous Hays code changed cinema history forever – but what were the actual rules? This episode dissects the 1929 document that made movie kisses short and innuendos nearly extinct. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/textory
S2 Ep5: It’s Hard To Be Faithful To a Boy You Never Hear From
Getting separated with your husband after 7 months is not a typical problem for a 17-year-old... Unless you lived in the 50s! In this episode we’re looking at relationship troubles that teenagers dealt with and the advice that was given to them in the “Boy Loves Girl” comic magazine. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://www.pat
S2 Ep4: A Woman You Should Not Marry
Choosing a marriage partner is no easy feat, even less so when it’s the 1920s and divorces are still uncommon. Unsure gentlemen could have used guidebooks like the one we’re reading in this episode - “A Woman You Should Not Marry” by Reinhold Gerling. Warning: plenty of sexism in this one. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! https://w
S2 Ep3: Supporting (18th Century) Women's Wrongs
If you thought the types of crimes women throughout history commited were minor thefts and disobeying their husbands, think again! Coin forgers, highwaywomen, murderers and all sorts of fascinating felons are subject of today’s episode, as we’re reading 18th century court records from Old Bailey. ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my Patreon! ht
S2 Ep2: Travel Fifty-Two Miles Merely To See a Man
What fate awaited an unmarried, disgraced 15-year-old in the Regency era? Well, a life of success and climbing the social ladder if you were smart about it! Our text for this episode is the Memoirs of Harriette Wilson, a Georgian courtesan who published them out of spite, calling out her past lovers. Slay! ________________ If you enjoy the podcast and want to support what I’m doing, check out my P
S2 Ep1: The Coming of The Fairies
How do fairies benefit the planet? How do they procreate? Do fairy horses exist? These are genuine questions none other than sir Arthur Conan Doyle asked himself in 1922. In this episode we’re reading his book “The Coming of the Fairies”, a serious essay on the possible existence of fairies. ____________ Hi guys! Welcome back to Textory season 2! I have lots of deliciously scandalous and irresisti
S1 Ep21: And Tomorrow I Shall Again Wear Diamonds and Dance
Two castles, a husband-prince, longest string of pearls in the world - what more could a girl wish for? In this episode we’re reading the diaries of Princess Daisy of Pless, revealing a life full of travels, flirtations, but also dullness and longing for something more.
S1 Ep20: “Give Me a Kiss” - Chopin’s Gay (?) Letters
In this November episode – the month of Polish Independence Day - we’re dissecting Fryderyk Chopin’s private correspondence (rude!). Romantic era homo-erotic content, bxtching, flirting – all of that awaits.
S1 Ep19: The Wicked, The Godly and Some of The Best
Why are women more likely to be witches? And what are witches actually capable of? People asked themselves these questions daily in 1597, when King James’ “Daemonologie” was first published. In the text we’re analysing in this episode, the paranoid king discussed different kinds of witchcraft, the physics behind flying and getting through walls, and what punishment he deemed suitable for engaging
S1 Ep18: Witches of Guernsey
Black powder, dogs walking on hind legs and flying women - what was going on in Guernsey in the 17th century? In this episode we’re reading confessions of three women accused of witchcraft on the island - and, sadly, convicted.
S1 Ep17: Would Somebody Take Rita Hayworth Home?
Who was classic Hollywood’s favourite starlet and who was generally disliked? Which star cut her own dress before the film shoot? Did Ginger Rogers have no interest in fashion? Was Rita Hayworth actually shy? In this episode we’re reading first-hand tea from the Golden Era of Hollywood as described by Orry-Kelly, one of the industry’s most prominent costume designers.
S1 Ep16: Alone, I am Always Alone
In this episode we dive into the written works of Marilyn Monroe. Hollywood’s most famous blonde was also an occasional poetress, and her intimate writings reveal a person who was both complex and self-aware.
S1 Ep15: The Devil is Fashionable
Is fashion the root of all evil? According to Philip Stubbes, a late 16th/early 17th century pamphleteer, it sure is! In today’s episode we’re reading his thoughts on fashion of the late 16th century that he described in “Anatomy of Abuses”.
S1 Ep14: Matted Hair And Filthy Rags Full of Vermin
What would you do if you had to live in a windowless, rotting room 45 sq ft (4m2) big with your spouse and three sick children? In this episode we're exploring the 19th century gutters of Edinburgh's Old Town, as described by a badass Victorian traveler Isabella Bird.
S1 Ep13: Are Americans Intelligent?
Are Americans intelligent? Back in 1895, this was the question a visiting Chinese diplomat asked himself attending a dinner party. Let's dive into this "Metropolitan Magazine" article and find out his thoughts on things such as the American storytelling, sense of humour and the American tipping culture!
S1 Ep12: We Must Go North
Looking for a way to battle the heat? Fridtjof Nansen's diaries from his North Pole expedition might help you cool down! In 1893, Nansen and his crew took off on a small ship that was supposed to withstand the main problem of polar explorers at the time - getting viciously crushed by the ice. Listen to find out whether they succeeded!
S1 Ep11: Fashion is Spinach
What was the fashion industry like in 1920s Paris? What did fashion "sketchers" do and why was it a morally grey job? Which fashion houses were allowed free samples from fabric manufacturers, and which designers went bankrupt? Find out in this episode from writings by a fashion designer's Elizabeth Hawes.
S1 Ep10: We Will Shoot Any Man
Early 20th century Kansas saw a peculiar case of a Native American woman illegally occupying a burial ground. And not just any woman – Lyda B. Conley was a lawyer and frankly, a total badass. In this episode we’re reading a 1910 article about her and her sister's legal (and physical!) battle that ended up at the Supreme Court.(sorry, no video this time!)
S1 Ep9: Women vs The Two-Wheeled Machine
When cycling first became popular, the very participation of women in the sport was a topic of a public debate. But what about the women that made the decision to participate? In this episode we're reading tips and trick for female cyclists straight from 1896.
S1 Ep8: Dirty Thirties aka Banana In Your Fruit Basket
In this episode we’re talking about 1930s song lyrics that have little to do with “cheek to cheek” and a lot to do with putting cheeks to other use. Warning! Strong language and heavy innuendos throughout this one. Very much NSFW.
S1 Ep7: Plague? Put Some Eggs On It
What did 17th century people do when they had a headache? Where did they learn how to cook? In this episode we're reading questionable recipes - whether it's recipes for food, beauty or homemade medicine.
S1 Ep6: The Seances Are Never Held in the Dark
The existence of a secret world of spirits, only accessible through skilled mediums, was early 20th century’s favorite conspiracy theory. Today we’re reading reports on a Polish medium, Miss Tomczyk, who developed skills of telekinesis in the early 1900s – or did she? Let's find out!
S1 Ep5: What Has Changed Him?
In this episode we're looking at horrible 1930s magazine ads directed towards women. Maybe the reason your husband is cold recently is because your teeth has lost it's shine, or your blond has washed out? You can watch the video version here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KAXzvPAgC9TwgjIojvjtn?si=krHTu4gHTzeBSQ7iAJA6WQSources:The Smart Set, February 1930The American Magazine, May 1936
S1 Ep4: Being a Woman These Days is Double-Painful
Boys, friends, parties - we know teenage life is no joke. How was it in 1840s Poland? In this episode let’s delve into the writings of Celina Dominikowska, a dramatic Polish teen.
[AD] This episode is sponsored by Incogni! Get Incogni here: https://incogni.com/textory
the original diary manuscript in Polish:
https://polona.pl/item-view/323f4b4e-6ad9-4dce-ab90-b6a5648977fc
S1 Ep3: Why Don't They Design This?
In the world of American 1950s inventions, even regular housewives felt like they were just a step away from a genius patent and great success. But were their ideas any good?
S1 Ep2: Don't Answer, It’s Useless
In this Valentine's Day episode, to keep ourselves grounded, we're reading letters that famous writers produced to end their tumultous relationships - both amicably and... not quite.
TW: brief mention of s*icide attempt
S1 Ep1: Caps Snatched, Backs Whipped
Welcome to Textory! In this episode we’re having a look at court records from 17th century London – particularly those involving not only petty theft, but the theft of the pettiest kind...
S1: Trailer
Hi guys! Welcome to Textory, where we will dissect historical texts in all shapes and forms - be it someone's whiny letters, spicy diaries, outdated news articles, crime records, recipes or song lyrics. If you like someone else's tea, especially when it's hundreds of years old, this podcast is for you!
