Wu Zeitan

Wu Zeitan

This week on Menopause is Murder, Marguerite takes us all the way back to ancient China to tell the jaw-dropping story of the woman who refused to stay in her lane—and became the only female emperor in Chinese history: Wu Zetian. Born in 624, Wu Zetian began her journey as a teenage concubine in the imperial court. Through intelligence, ambition, political maneuvering, and a willingness to eliminate anyone standing in her way, she climbed from palace servant to empress—and eventually seized the throne for herself. For decades, she ruled one of the world's most powerful empires, implementing reforms, promoting talented officials, expanding China's influence, and terrifying her enemies. But was she a brilliant ruler unfairly vilified by history? Or a ruthless tyrant who left a trail of bodies on her path to power? Historians still debate the answer. What isn't disputed is that Wu Zetian shattered every rule of her time and became one of the most fascinating—and controversial—women in history. Grab your tea, sharpen your political instincts, and join us as Marguerite unpacks the rise, reign, and remarkable legacy of the woman who proved that behind every powerful man... there might just be an even more powerful woman waiting to take the throne. Because sometimes menopause isn't murder... it's a hostile takeover of an empire.

Laurie Leigh Shaver

This week on Menopause is Murder, Angela shares the shocking story of Laurie Leigh Shaver—a case filled with deception, secrets, and a backyard that held a deadly truth. When Michael Douglas Shaver suddenly vanished in 2015, friends and family were told he had simply walked away from his life. But as the years passed, something didn't add up. Messages continued to appear from Michael's social media accounts, yet no one had actually seen him. The mystery deepened until investigators uncovered a horrifying discovery buried beneath a backyard fire pit. As detectives peeled back layers of lies, they uncovered allegations of infidelity, impersonation, and a cover-up that stretched for years. The case took an even more dramatic turn when a surprising defense emerged during trial, leaving jurors to determine who was telling the truth. Join Angela as she unravels this bizarre Florida case where a missing husband, a concrete fire pit, and years of deception led to a murder conviction that stunned the community.

Linda Burfield Hazzard

This week, Marguerite takes us to the misty shores of Washington State to tell the chilling story of Linda Burfield Hazzard—the self-proclaimed healer who believed the cure for nearly every illness was simple: stop eating. What began as an alternative health movement soon became a nightmare for the patients who entered her infamous sanitarium, known locally as Starvation Heights. As wealthy clients wasted away under her care, questions mounted about whether Hazzard was a misunderstood health reformer—or a calculating killer using starvation, fraud, and forged wills to profit from her victims. Marguerite unravels the shocking case of the woman known as the "Starvation Doctor," whose deadly fasting treatments left a trail of bodies and one of the most bizarre murder trials of the early 20th century. Was she a visionary ahead of her time, a dangerous quack, or one of America's earliest female serial killers? Grab a snack before listening—you'll definitely need one for this episode.

Marcia Thompson

This week, Angela shares the story of Marcia Thompson—a woman whose marriage was already hanging by a thread… until it snapped in the most violent way possible. What started as a troubled relationship quickly spiraled into a case filled with manipulation, shifting stories, and one very suspicious crime scene. And just when you think you’ve figured out who’s telling the truth… the details start unraveling. Because in this case, nothing is quite what it seems. Not the marriage. Not the timeline. And definitely not the story Marcia wanted everyone to believe. As Angela walks us through this tangled web of secrets, you’ll find yourself asking—was this self-defense… or something far more calculated? Because sometimes, the most dangerous weapon isn’t a gun… it’s the story you tell after it’s been fired.

Miyuki Ishikawa

In this episode, Marguerite takes us to post-war Japan, where survival was scarce, resources were thin, and desperation hung heavy in the air. Enter Miyuki Ishikawa—a respected midwife who became one of the most prolific killers in history… all under the guise of “helping.” But was it mercy? Neglect? Or something far more calculated? As Marguerite unpacks this deeply unsettling case, we follow a story where societal pressure, poverty, and impossible choices blurred the line between compassion and cruelty. Parents couldn’t afford to care for their children… and Miyuki offered a solution that would haunt a nation. It’s a case that forces an uncomfortable question—when survival is on the line, where does responsibility really fall?