Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley

From Queens Podcast by Queens Podcast

January 7, 2026 · 1h 3m · Season 9 · Episode 8

About this episode

This episode explores the dramatic life of Mary Shelley and her influence on literature and feminism.

Today we’re diving into the wildly dramatic life of Mary Shelley, the mother of science fiction and the ultimate OG Goth Girl. From radical feminist and revolutionary parents, to graveyard hookups, to the stormy summer that gave us Frankenstein, Mary’s life was just as haunting as her work. In this episode, we unpack how Mary Shelley’s grief, genius, and chaotic social circle shaped one of the most influential novels of all time and how she remained quietly radical long after the world tried to tame her. In this episode, we cover: Mary Shelley’s radical upbringing and goth childhood Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and the messiest friend group imaginable The true origins of Frankenstein Grief, motherhood, and loss Mary Shelley’s underrated radical legacy Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 03:26 Mary Shelley's Early Life and Family 04:37 Mary Wollstonecraft & William Godwin: Radical Parents 16:53 Teenage Years in Scotland (Emotional Glow-Up) 19:43 Percy Shelley has entered the chat 24:09 The Graveyard Scene & Running Away 31:53 Return to England and Family Rejection 36:58 The Birth of Frankenstein 47:26 Loss, Grief & Moving to Italy 54:14 Mary Shelley's Later Life…

People in this episode

Host: Queens Podcast

Topics covered

  • Mary Shelley
  • Frankenstein
  • radical feminism
  • goth culture
  • grief and loss
  • literary legacy

Keywords

  • Mary Shelley
  • Frankenstein
  • goth
  • radical feminism
  • literature
  • grief
  • Percy Shelley
  • Lord Byron

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