This week, a nor’easter uncovers a long-buried shipwreck on Nantucket—and gives us a remarkable connection to Black Sam Bellamy and the Whydah. Then Blackbeard raids a ship for its wine, Christopher Condent pulls off the pirate dream of getting rich and actually knowing when to quit, and we've got three pirate gatherings stretching from California to England.

Levasseur leaves behind his legendary cipher, the Flying Dutchman appears before a future king, Comic-Con is on the horizon, and Blackbeard's flagship can sail onto your bookshelf.

Some pirates chased treasure. Others chased freedom. And a rare few became legends. This week, we celebrate the rise of Black Bart Roberts—the pirate captain who captured over 400 ships and built an empire beneath the black flag. Along the way, we’ll visit pirate festivals, hidden adventures, and a Wild West journey where history itself goes off course. The horizon is calling once again. Let’s set sail. Welcome to Episode 55 of The Pirate Republic.

This week, we explore both sides of that fate— From real castaways…To islands you’d never want to leave…To pirate gatherings happening right now. So the question is simple: Would you survive… or thrive?

This week, we set sail between myth and truth — exploring the legend of Captain Kidd’s buried treasure, the harsh reality of what pirates actually ate at sea, and the adventures that keep pirate lore alive today. Because in the world of pirates… the truth is often stranger than the legend.

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?

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.

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.