Ep 1. Pirate Queen Ching Shih

Badass Bitches of History showcases the remarkable stories of women who have rewritten the narrative of what it means to be a strong, fearless and powerful woman. In season 1's first episode, 'Pirate Queen Ching Shih', viewers get a glimpse into the extraordinary life of one of the most notorious and influential female pirates to have ever lived.

Born in the early 19th century in China's Guangdong province, Ching Shih lived in a time when piracy was rampant in the South China Sea. At the tender age of 26, she was already a notorious pirate as the wife of notorious pirate Zheng Yi. When her husband died, Ching Shih took over as leader and became the leader of the infamous Red Flag Fleet, a group of pirates who terrorized and dominated South China Sea.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a fascinating insight into Ching Shih's rise to power and her remarkable military tactics. Ching Shih was not just any pirate queen, but a strategist with a keen understanding of her enemies. She commanded an impressive navy of over 1800 ships and 70,000 pirates. Her leadership earned her respect, loyalty, and admiration from her followers and even caught the attention of the Chinese government, which attempted to destroy her pirate empire several times.

Viewers will learn that Ching Shih had a strict code of conduct that governed her pirate fleet. Before anyone joined her crew, they had to agree to her rules and abide by them. Not only did Ching Shih insist on equitable distribution of treasure and booty among her pirates, but she also prohibited stealing from people on land who were not involved in piracy. Her vision of a pirate kingdom included giving different ranks and privileges based on seniority and experience, something that set her apart from other pirates.

Throughout the episode, viewers will get to know Ching Shih beyond her pirating exploits. They'll learn about her unusual relationship with her husband that allowed her to lead the fleet and equally benefit from their wealth in a time when women had little say in their affairs. They will learn about how her bankroll helped to fund many communities in the Lingnan region of China. She was an ardent lover of gambling and often donated her winnings to charity, which helped fund schools and help widows.

The episode highlights how Ching Shih inspired terror in her enemies and respect in her followers, how she was able to command ships and troops, and masterfully use negotiation and diplomacy exactly when needed and brutal force when required. Her influence was so great that upon retiring from piracy, Ching Shih was granted a pardon by the Chinese government, which allowed her to live out the rest of her days comfortably.

In "Pirate Queen Ching Shih," viewers learn the story of a daring woman who defied the patriarchy of her day and made a lasting impression in history. Her story is a shining example of not letting your gender hold you back from achieving your dreams. Through her deeds and words, Ching Shih showed the world that badassery isn't a gender-locked trait, and that perseverance, intelligence, and wit can all lead to incredible heights. The episode is a celebration of her life, and an inspiration to viewers, men and women alike, to go out and be the badass bitches they were meant to be.