The Biographers

It's time for another episode of Office Hours, and this time we have some show-altering news! Our very own Akiva Meola, who has been co-host of The Biographers for two years, is leaving the show. We talk about what led him to this decision, while also introducing the person who will be taking his place. Don't worry, everyone! Change can be scary, but we know you're going to love our new co-host -- the one and only Charlotte Stanley.

In the conclusion to our series on the infamous Wu Zhao, we discover why the only female emperor in Chinese history, relinquished the throne. Her reign as emperor would only last 15 years, and though she would have several opportunities to extend her dynasty past a single member, her stubborn nature would get the better of her. Zhao's new pair of lovers, the Chang brothers, would seemingly cast a spell upon her that clouded her judgment, which in turn affected her ability to rule fairly. The political court around her would eventually become so desperate for change that they would stage a coup, and her reign would end. The tea is hot in this episode — tune in for part five of Wu Zhou to see how it all ends! (Ep. 081)

In part four of our series on Wu Zhao, we watch the continued rise to power of the only female emperor in the history of China. With Emperor Gaozong's health declining to the point of his ultimate demise, Zhao finds various means to push her sons away from the throne and establish herself as the de facto leader of China. It would take social, political, and religious reform, along with some not-so-savory actions, before the time would finally be right. Finally, at the age of 65, Zhao would ascend the throne and take the name of Emperor Wu Zetian. Tune in to part four to learn all the juicy details! (Ep. 080)

In part three of our series on the infamous Wu Zhao, we finally get to see her long-planned rise to Empress, and what sequence of events led her there! Due to some health complications, the Emperor would soon rely on Zhao to run the day to day governmental operations of China, and despite the medieval Chinese belief that women were unfit (and unable) to lead, Zhao would prove to be an astute political leader, which resulted in the royal couple earning the nickname of "The Two Sages". Tune in to part three of Wu Zhao to learn more! (Ep. 079)

In part two of our series on Wu Zhao, we take a look at the earliest days of her arrival into the royal harem of the Emperor, and what curriculum needed to be studied as a concubine. Zhao's time in the harem would first last ten years, but after the Emperor she served passed away, she would be shuttled off to live the life of a solitary monk in a monastery. Thanks to some careful planning (as well as a bit of luck), Zhao would find herself back in the royal palace, and mother to three children. But her sights were now fixed on becoming Empress, and in order to fulfill her dreams, drastic steps needed to be taken. But just how far was she willing to go? Tune in to part two of Wu Zhao to find out! (Ep. 078)