About this episode
The episode explores the rise of Wu Zhao, the first and only female Emperor of China, highlighting her manipulative and ambitious journey through the royal harem.
The unbelievable story of a 7th-century concubine who elevated herself to become the first and only female Emperor of China. We chart Wu Zhao’s journey as she climbs the ranks of the royal harem, manipulates and murders her rivals, and leapfrogs over four of her own sons to ascend the Dragon Throne. In this funny, fascinating, and scandal-filled podcast, Jameela Jamil and historian Dr Kate Lister pore over the stories of six astonishing “other women”. Women who have been shamed, disparaged and underestimated. Some have been cheated out of the history books altogether. Now Jameela and Kate are placing their stories in the spotlight – to see what history looks like through the eyes of the so-called side-chick. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
People in this episode
Hosts: Jameela Jamil, Dr Kate Lister
Topics covered
- female empowerment
- historical figures
- royalty
- concubinage
- women's history
- scandal
Keywords
- Wu Zhao
- female emperor
- China
- concubine
- history
- royal harem
- Jameela Jamil
- Dr Kate Lister
- women's stories
- scandal
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wondery
Places: China
More episodes of Even The Royals
- New Season - Dr. Death: The Cowboy · June 4, 2026 · 6 min
- Listen Now: OnlyFantasy · May 21, 2026 · 7 min
- Mistresses: Mary Boleyn | 100 · April 2, 2026 · 45 min
- Mistresses: Malintzin | 99 · March 26, 2026 · 37 min
- Mistresses: Marita Lorenz | 98 · March 19, 2026 · 46 min
- Mistresses: Virginia Hill | 96 · March 5, 2026 · 45 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Even The Royals podcast page.