Tudors Dynasty

In today’s Historian Chat, I’m talking about Elizabeth Norton’s book The Women Who Ruled the World. Norton takes us across centuries to highlight queens and empresses who rose above expectation and left their mark on history. From ancient rulers to Tudor monarchs, this book is a fascinating look at leadership, power, and the women who wielded it.The Women Who Ruled the World on Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble--Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Elizabeth Norton

Welcome back to another episode of Dr. Emma & Me!! Today's episode we look at sisters of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. As always, we also talk about accents, Henry Cavill, and so much more!--Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill Marron

Today I have the honor of welcoming the brilliant Diarmaid MacCulloch back. to the show! We’re diving into his fascinating new book, Lower than the Angels. It’s a bold and thought-provoking subject—one that might stir a little controversy—so buckle up and join us for a conversation that will challenge, surprise, and inspire.Pickup a copy of Lower than the Angels wherever you get books! Amazon--Check out details of the upcoming Wolf Hall Weekend in June 2026.--Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Reverend Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch

*This episode is available in video format on #Spotify and #Youtube✨ In today’s Parallel Lives episode, Dr. Emma and I dive into the lives of two extraordinary women—Eleanor of Aquitaine and her daughter, Eleanor of Castile. A powerful mother-daughter duo whose stories shaped medieval Europe!⏳ Don’t forget—time is running out to join Forging a Queen, my 6-week online course on Katherine of Aragon’s remarkable life before she became England’s queen. We begin September 17th!

In this episode, we uncover the dramatic lives of the Grey sisters—Jane, Catherine, and Mary. Each was born close to the English throne, yet their royal blood proved more curse than blessing. From Jane’s nine-day (or thirteen days) reign, to Catherine’s scandalous secret marriage, to Mary’s struggle against her own frailty, their stories reveal the peril of being too near the crown in Tudor England.Find Adam's book on Amazon!Adam's Simply Tudor Tours--Don't miss out - JOIN our 6-week online course on Katherine of Aragon before she became queen of England! LEARN MORE!--CREDITS:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Adam Pennington

This is a special Sunday episode - next week we will return to another fascinating woman from history!The wonderful Christine Morgan returns as guest host with an exciting update on Rosamund Gravelle’s Three Queens! And there’s a BIG announcement you won’t want to miss.Three Queens is a powerful one-act play that imagines a fictional encounter between Queen Mary I, Lady Jane Grey, the future Queen Elizabeth I, and their cousin Cardinal Reginald Pole—set on the eve of Jane’s execution.July 2023 episode: Three Queens: An Encounter Between Mary I, Lady Jane Grey and the future Elizabeth IRosamund's Website: https://www.rosamundgravelle.com/--Credits:Guest Host: Christine MorganGuest: Rosamund Gravelle

In this Parallel Lives episode, we examine the marriage of Mary I of England and Philip II of Spain. Both monarchs were bound by faith and duty, yet faced suspicion, resistance, and personal struggles in their quest to secure power and an heir. Their parallel journeys reveal how politics, religion, and dynastic ambition shaped not only their marriage but the fate of two kingdoms.Peter's Website: https://drpeterstiffell.com--There’s still plenty of time to join Forging a Queen — our deep dive into Katherine of Aragon’s remarkable life before she became England’s queen. Secure your spot now and get ready for a fascinating journey next month!--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill MarronGuest: Dr. Peter Stiffell

Welcome to the launch of a brand-new series with historian Dr. Linda Porter: The Queen’s Husband. In this series, we explore the fascinating — and often complicated — men who married queens regnant.We begin with one of the most captivating and controversial women in history: Mary, Queen of Scots. In this episode, Dr. Porter unravels the stories of Mary’s three husbands — the young King Francis II of France, the ill-fated Henry, Lord Darnley, and the notorious James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell — examining how each shaped her life, her reign, and ultimately, her downfall.Dr. Linda Porter's Books: Amazon US - also available through other booksellers!--There’s still plenty of time to join Forging a Queen — our deep dive into Katherine of Aragon’s remarkable life before she became England’s queen. Secure your spot now and get ready for a fascinating journey next month!--Join the fun over on Patreon! It's also an app if you prefer. Over on Patreon we have all kinds of conversations, plus there is free content

In 1338, the English army marched on Dunbar Castle expecting a swift victory. Instead, they were met by Agnes Randolph — Black Agnes — whose wit and determination turned the tide of history. With her husband away, Agnes commanded the castle for nearly five months, mocking English siege engines, rallying her defenders, and refusing every attempt at intimidation. Her defiance made her a legend of Scotland’s Wars of Independence and a symbol of unyielding courage.--Ready to REGISTER for Forging a Queen? There are limited seats available, so be sure to sign up before they're gone! Learn more HERE.--Looking for COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, early access and exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

Welcome to another edition of our Parallel Lives series, inspired by Plutarch’s classic work. Every Thursday, we pair two historical figures—sometimes our choice, sometimes yours—and uncover the striking parallels in their lives. This week’s episode was a real revelation for me: I’ve long wanted to dive into the story of Boudicca, and now I’ve discovered Urraca as well. Both were formidable ruling queens, blazing their trails centuries before Mary I ever wore the crown!Have you signed up for FORGING A QUEEN yet? You won't want to miss this rare opportunity to look deep into the story of Katherine of Aragon BEFORE she became queen. It's six-weeks, all online, and you can work at your own pace. Lectures will be available until the beginning of December. We will also have LIVE Q&A's so you can ask Dr. Emma any lingering questions you may have each week. Get your ticket now!Join my Patreon group and get exclusive content and commercial-free epsidoes!! --Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

The always-spirited Dr. Emily Lalande is back — and this time, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe a little bathwater) on Margaret of Valois, daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de’ Medici. From royal politics to scandalous escapades — including one “spa day” that wasn’t quite what her brother the king had in mind — Margaret’s life was anything but ordinary. Get ready for a story as bold and unpredictable as the princess herself.Margaret's MemoirRubens coronation portrait of Marie de Medici--Don't miss out on our upcoming course called Forging a Queen! This course covers the early life of Katherine of Aragon like you've never seen before. Class begins September 17th - Get registered now, or learn more HERE!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Emily Lalande*My apologies for the mic feedback you might notice.

By day, she was shy and soft-spoken. By night, she set the skies ablaze. Sophie Blanchard, Napoleon’s Chief of Air Services and the world’s first female professional balloonist, captivated Europe with midnight ascents, glittering fireworks, and record-breaking flights. But in an age when women were expected to stay grounded, Sophie made the heavens her stage—until one fateful Paris evening when the very flames that lit her fame brought her crashing down.Grab your ticket to Forging a Queen course with Dr. Emma - HERE!!Want early access, commercial-free content and more? Head over to PATREON!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonWritten & Researched by: Emily Airey

As always, this episode is COMMERCIAL-FREE for my generous patrons!These two female artist have been discussed separately on the show in the past, but today we are looking at how their two lives paralleled, and I'll be honest, it's rather interesting! I hope you enjoy this edition of parallel lives!Don't forget to grab your ticket for the upcoming Katherine of Aragon (online) course - More information here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forging-a-queen-katherine-of-aragon-before-england-tickets-1492435036369?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl--Hosts: Dr. Emma Cahill Marron and Rebecca Larson

Who knew the history of coins could be this fascinating? Well, Dr. Peter Stiffell and Gregory Edmund did—I’m just fashionably late to the party!You likely know Dr. Peter Stiffell already—our go-to expert on Mary I and her royal iconography. Joining us for the first time is Gregory Edmund, Head of the Coin Department at Spink Auction House UK. Greg brings the past to life through the stories coins can tell, and honestly, he made me excited to learn more. You might just walk away with a newfound appreciation for these little pieces of history too.⁠Spink Auctions Link⁠Peter's website: ⁠https://drpeterstiffell.com⁠Sign up for Katherine of Aragon Course - Forging a Queen--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuests: Dr. Peter Stiffell and Gregory Edmund

Episodes are always commercial-free to patrons!!She was called the "First Lady of the Renaissance," but Isabella d’Este was far more than a title. In this episode, we explore the life of a woman who turned art, fashion, and intellect into instruments of power. From her exquisite studiolo to her sharp political mind, Isabella curated not only a stunning collection of masterpieces—but a legacy. Discover how this duchess of Mantua shaped the cultural landscape of Italy and defied every expectation of what a Renaissance woman could be.Interested in the Katherine of Aragon course? Sign-up HERE!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched and Written by: Emily Airey

Can you believe we’re already at episode 9 of the Parallel Lives series? This journey has been so eye-opening—I’ve learned more from Dr. Emma than I ever imagined, and I hope you have too.In today’s episode, we dive into the lives of two remarkable women whom Dr. Emma lovingly calls “besties”—and honestly, it fits. Elizabeth of York and Isabel of Castile shared more than just royal titles; they were truly connected in fascinating ways. Join us as we explore their stories side by side on this latest leg of our Parallel Lives adventure.--Have you grabbed your ticket yet for our upcoming course on Katherine of Aragon? With the early bird pricing you’ll save $30! But hurry—this special offer ends on August 6th, and you won’t want to miss it. Find out more HERE.Independent podcasters (like me) rely on listener support to keep the mic on and the stories flowing. If you love what I’m creating, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider becoming a supporter—it helps more than you know. LEARN MORE!--Credits:Hosts: Dr. Emma

What if the Anne Boleyn you think you know… never really existed? In this episode of Tudors Dynasty & Beyond, host Rebecca Larson sits down with special guest Helene Harrison to explore the many faces of Anne Boleyn—not through her own words, but through how she’s been seen, shaped, and sometimes skewed over the last five centuries. From Tudor propaganda to 20th-century film, we uncover how Anne's image has evolved from seductress to saint, from villain to victim.Find her book on Amazon!All of Helene's Books (Amazon)--Did you hear? Dr. Emma is teaching a 6-week online course all about Katherine of Aragon’s life before she became Queen of England! Early bird tickets are available until August 6th. The course begins September 17th, with pre-recorded 60-minute lectures and a live weekly group Zoom chat with Dr. Emma. Don’t miss out—LEARN MORE!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Helene Harrison

Clara Schumann’s music shaped a century, but her story was nearly lost behind the men she championed. This episode restores her spotlight.--Forging a Queen: Katherine of Aragon Before England course - learn about her time BEFORE she became Queen of England.Want to support the show, get commercial-free access and discounts to courses? Head over to Patreon!!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

This is also available in VIDEO format on #spotify and #youtube.In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me, we’re joined by Dr. Carole Levin to explore the fascinating relationship between two iconic sisters—Mary I and Elizabeth I—and the ways they were alike, and profoundly different.Carole's books --CHECK OUT the details on our new 6-week online course all about the life of Katherine of Aragon before she became queen of England: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/manage/events/1492435036369/detailsEarly bird pricing now available for a limited time!--Hosts: Dr. Emma & Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Carole Levin

In this episode, Dr. Peter Stiffell reveals the mystery behind an artifact once thought to belong to Mary I, only to be linked to another Mary. We explore royal iconography, Mary I’s image, and Dr. Stiffell’s research on royal portraits, along with his new website dedicated to this fascinating field. Tune in for a fascinating look at history through the lens of royal imagery!DrPeterStiffell.com--Enjoy the show? Show your support and join our growing Patreon community! CLICK HERE--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Peter Stiffell