Some pirates became legends because of what they did. Others became legends because of the stories told about them. This week we look at both sides of pirate history — from the fiery life of Anne Bonny, one of the most feared pirates of the Golden Age, to the enduring influence of Treasure Island, the novel that shaped how the world imagines pirates today. Between real history and myth, pirate stories continue to sail through time. Welcome to Episode 45 of The Pirate Repu

Pirates never truly disappear. They change shape — from legendary captains lost at sea, to mermaids whispered about by sailors, to modern heroes sailing across movie screens. This week’s issue explores how pirate history, myth, and pop culture continue to overlap, proving the spirit of the age of sail still hasn’t faded. From Sam Bellamy’s final voyage to festivals celebrating sea legends and Hollywood’s latest attempt at swashbuckling adventure, the pirate story sails on.

By the early 1800s, piracy was fading from the world — but not quietly. Some slipped into legend. Others were dragged into the light of the law. Welcome to Episode 41 of The Pirate Republic.

Not all pirates were cut from the same bloody cloth. Some ruled their decks through fear, pain, and terror. Others commanded loyalty through respect, fairness, and shared purpose. This week, we place two men beneath the same black flag — and ask a simple question: What kind of pirate leader would you follow?

In this issue, we cut through the myths to uncover what pirates really did, why certain tropes stuck, and how pirate imagery sailed from history into pop culture, sports, and modern festivals. Along the way, we’ll explore how the word “pirate” itself became a badge of rebellion—and why it still flies proudly today. No tall tales required. Just salt, history, and a sharp eye.

Samuel Bellamy strikes British trade, the Black Pearl is reborn beneath the waves, Treasure Island storms the UK stage, and Skull King brings pirate chaos to the holiday table.

On one December night, Calico Jack Rackham slips silently into Port Royal harbor and steals the Kingston from under the noses of soldiers and merchants alike — proof that audacity can outweigh cannon and crown

Blackbeard torches the harbor at St. Christopher, John Bowen rebuilds his fate after disaster, and modern raiders strike in West Africa. Plus—cutlasses for every pirate, in honor of Captain George.

Blackbeard scores the greatest “Black Friday” plunder in pirate history, Calico Jack seizes a captaincy by mutiny, and our Aussie mates get a wild punk-pirate night in Adelaide.

A replica ship that lives up to her name, a doomed escape for Stede Bonnet, and a legend of a pirate’s death twice told. All in this week’s haul!