548 - Pirate Anne Bonny of the Caribbean
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In this lively and irreverent episode of Do Go On, host Dev Warnicke and co-hosts Matt Stewart and Jess Perkins dive into the legendary tale of Anne Bonny, the Irish pirate of the Caribbean, whose life is shrouded in myth and mystery. Drawing from the 1724 book *A General History of the Pirates* by Captain Charles Johnson—widely regarded as the origin of the modern pirate archetype—the trio unpack the sensationalized story of Bonny’s rebellious upbringing, her marriage to the ineffectual James Bonney, her dramatic shift to becoming Calico Jack’s lover and pirate partner, and her fierce combat prowess at sea. The episode blends historical speculation with comedic banter, exploring themes of gender defiance, pirate code, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction. The hosts also tackle the controversial possibility of a romantic and possibly sexual relationship between Bonny and fellow female pirate Mary Read, culminating in a wild, fictionalized menage à trois. The episode concludes with a deep dive into Bonny’s uncertain fate—whether she was hanged, released, or lived out her days in Jamaica—before celebrating her enduring legacy in pop culture and feminist history.
Anne Bonny’s story, while likely embellished, represents a powerful challenge to gender norms in a male-dominated world.
The 1724 book *A General History of the Pirates* shaped the modern pirate mythos, but its historical accuracy is highly questionable.
Bonny’s reported actions—stabbing a servant, beating a would-be rapist, and leading a mutiny—highlight her fierce independence and combat readiness.
The possibility of a romantic relationship between Anne Bonny and Mary Read adds a layer of queer history to pirate lore.
Bonny’s survival after capture, possibly due to claiming pregnancy, reflects both the era’s gendered legal biases and the power of narrative control.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Welcome to 2026 and Tour Announcements
The hosts kick off the episode with a humorous, time-bending announcement that they're in 2026, teasing upcoming live shows in Canada and Melbourne, including a special 200th episode of *Who Knew It*.
The Format and the Pirate Topic Vote
Jess explains the show’s format: listener-suggested topics researched and presented as a mock school report. The hosts discuss the Patreon voting system and the high popularity of the Anne Bonny topic, leading to a decision to proceed with the report.
Anne Bonny’s Origins and Early Life
The story of Anne Bonny’s birth as an illegitimate daughter of a lawyer and his housekeeper in Ireland is recounted, including her rumored childhood violence and her father’s attempt to pass her off as legitimate.
The Rise of the Pirate and the Fall of the Husband
Anne marries James Bonney, a poor sailor, which her father disapproves of. She quickly grows disillusioned with him, especially after he becomes a snitch against other pirates.
Calico Jack and the Pirate Crew
Anne leaves James for Calico Jack (Jack Rackham), joins his crew, and becomes a feared pirate. The hosts explore the taboo of women on ships and her violent response to dissent.
“She was sorry to see him there, but if he had fought like a man, he need not have been hanged like a dog.”
“If instead of these weaklings I only had some women with me.”
“I'm a big fan of your podcast. And I said, thank you. I hope the manager was a pregnant woman.”
Hosts
Dev Warnicke
person
Matt Stewart
person
Jess Perkins
person
Anne Bonny
person
Do Go On
media
Mary Read
person
Calico Jack
person
A General History of the Pirates
book
Captain Charles Johnson
person
James Bonney
person
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