Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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 Larson Resear...

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 bef...

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 -...

In this episode, Rebecca Larson uncovers the extraordinary life of Emma of Normandy —a woman who defied the limitations of her time to become Queen of England not once, but twice. From child bride to political powerbroker, Emma navigated Viking invasions, shifting allegiances, and royal rivalries with unwavering determination. As wife to both Æthelred the Unready and King Cnut, and mother to two f...

In this episode of Parallel Lives , we step into the glittering yet treacherous world of the Burgundian court to explore the intertwined lives of Margaret of York and her stepdaughter, Mary of Burgundy. One, an English princess turned political powerhouse; the other, a reluctant heiress caught between duty and danger. Together, their choices shaped the fate of a crumbling duchy and paved the way f...

Available in VIDEO format on Spotify and YouTube! After the last Myths & Misconceptions episode on Anne Boleyn, the response was overwhelming—so many of you asked for more! And you know I aim to please. So, I invited Sylvia back for round two. This time, she drops a bombshell about the real meaning behind Anne’s famous “Moost Happi” medal—and I did not see it coming. -- Sylvia's Books on Amazo...

Crowned as a child and trained like a prince, Queen Christina of Sweden defied every expectation placed upon her. From her glittering court of scholars to a shocking abdication, a secret conversion, and a dramatic reinvention in Rome, Christina’s life was anything but conventional. This episode explores the story of a queen who refused to be defined—by her crown, her country, or her time. -- Tuesd...

*Episodes are available in video format on ⁠ Spotify ⁠ and ⁠ YouTube ⁠ In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me: Parallel Lives , we explore the intertwined legacies of two powerful women who shaped early modern Europe in very different courts—Isabel Clara Eugenia of Spain and Anna of Denmark. Both daughters of dynasties and cultural patrons with sharp political instincts, they carved out influence wi...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Marguerite d’Angoulême—Renaissance writer, queen, and sister to King François I of France. Discover how Marguerite’s bold literary works, like the Heptameron , challenged gender norms, and how her passion for religious reform placed her at the heart of early evangelical movements. We’ll trace her journey from the French court to the throne of Nava...

Step into the shadows of Renaissance Italy to uncover the real Lucrezia Borgia. Branded a poisoner and seductress, she has long been the center of scandal—but was there more to her story? Join us as we explore Lucrezia’s rise from political pawn to powerful duchess, and how she carved out a legacy beyond the infamy of the Borgia name. -- Narrated by: Rebecca Larson Researched by: Emily Airey

**This episode is available in video format on Spotify and YouTube! In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me , we dive into the lives of two extraordinary women of the 16th century: Mary of Hungary, the powerful queen and regent who shaped European politics, and Margaret Roper, the brilliant daughter of Sir Thomas More who defied expectations with her intellect and loyalty. Discover how their stories...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joanne Paul, acclaimed author of a sweeping new biography on Thomas More, to peel back the layers of one of Tudor England’s most fascinating figures. Together, we explore More’s sharp wit, his complicated relationship with ambition inherited from his father, and his distaste for court life—even as he found himself a witness to some of the most pivotal moments of...

She defied convention, sailed under a black flag, and vanished from the records just as quickly as she rose. In this episode, we follow the trail of Anne Bonny—pirate, outlaw, and mystery—and ask: how does a woman who made history simply disappear? -- Looking for a commercial-free experience, early access or exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon ! You can also become a FREE member and join th...

This episode is available in video format (highly recommended) on Spotify or YouTube!! In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me: Parallel Lives , we step into the Baroque brilliance of two of the era’s greatest painters— Peter Paul Rubens and Diego Velázquez with Dr. Alejandro Vergara Sharp. Though born worlds apart, their lives intersected through diplomacy, royal courts, and their unparalleled abili...

Whether you're an Anne Boleyn enthusiast or rolled your eyes at yet another episode about her—trust me, you’ll want to listen to this one. Anne was my first love in Tudor history, and I’ll admit I worried this might be a retread of familiar ground. I was wrong. In this conversation with historian Sylvia Barbara Soberton, I discovered fresh perspectives and surprising details I’d never heard before...

In this episode, we take a brief look at the life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York—mother of two kings and a key figure in the Wars of the Roses. Born into power and surrounded by turmoil, Cecily’s story is one of loyalty, loss, and quiet strength during one of England’s most chaotic eras. -- Join the conversation with other fans of history over on my Patreon page! It's free to chat! Read mo...

In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me , we continue our Parallel Lives series by examining two powerful women who shaped the politics of Habsburg Europe (and beyond): Margaret of Austria and her great-niece Margaret of Parma . -- Have you missed out on the first two episodes in this series? Don't worry, here they are: Episode 1: Isabel I of Castile & Katherine of Aragon Episode 2: Juana of Cast...

🎙️ The brilliant Amy McElroy is back—and this time, we’re cracking open the schoolbooks of Tudor England! What did education look like in the 16th century? Who got to learn—and who was left behind? From noble tutors to village schoolmasters, we uncover how class, gender, and opportunity shaped the minds of the Tudor world. Curious what kind of education Henry VIII's sister, Mary Tudor received ver...

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Margaret Cavendish—17th-century duchess, writer, philosopher, and fearless trailblazer. From royal courts and civil war exile to scientific debate and science fiction, Margaret defied the norms of her time to leave a legacy still felt today. Join me as we uncover how “Mad Madge” challenged gender roles, questioned the foundations of science, an...

We're back with the second episode in our Parallel Lives series, and this time we're exploring the unexpected connections between Juana of Castile and Anne Boleyn. They had far more in common than I ever imagined. Since it's the follow-up to our first episode, we begin with a quick recap, share some great listener feedback, and wander down a few fun historical side roads—before diving into the fas...

King John’s legacy is often overshadowed by failure, but his daughters left a far more fascinating mark. In this episode, we explore the lives of his legitimate daughters, Joan, Isabella, and Eleanor, as well as his illegitimate daughter, Joan of Wales. Their stories reveal the unexpected power and influence royal women could wield in the 13th century. Sharon's books on Amazon -- Show your sup...

What do Voltaire, smallpox, and royal scandal have in common? Queen Caroline of Ansbach. In this episode, we uncover the story of the brilliant, bold, and often overlooked consort of George II—an Enlightenment queen who pulled political strings, promoted science, and navigated the drama of court life with razor-sharp intellect. Tune in to meet the queen history forgot to spotlight. -- Narrated by:...

Welcome to the very first official episode of Dr. Emma and Me ! Today, we're exploring the fascinating parallel lives of Katherine of Aragon and her formidable mother, Isabel of Castile—two queens shaped by power, faith, and destiny. -- Want to support the show, get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content? https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty Love to read about history? https://...

This episode goes far beyond Thomas Cromwell. Join us as we explore the shifting tides of religion in Tudor England—from the ruthless politics of the Reformation to the 'what ifs' of Edward VI’s reign. We discuss how the Rough Wooing turned England into the joke of Europe, and how Elizabeth I’s open-minded approach to faith helped steady a fractured kingdom—cementing her legacy as the true...

Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Steven Veerapen to unravel how the fear and condemnation of witchcraft evolved from the reign of Henry VIII to that of King James. Trust me—this isn’t your typical dry history lecture. Steven brings it to life in a way that’s both eye-opening and fascinating. If you’re thinking “ugh, witch trials—boring,” think again. You won’t want to miss this one! Dr. Veer...