Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

This one was so popular the first time that I've decided to send it out again in case you missed it, or want to watch it again! (From February 2025) Today, I’m joined by art historian Melanie V. Taylor to explore a fascinating theory—could a long-overlooked miniature actually depict the secret son of Elizabeth I? For centuries, historians have insisted she had no children, but Melanie's re...

In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me , we’re joined by special guest Dr. Ellie Woodacre to explore the fascinating lives of two often-misunderstood medieval queens — Joan of Navarre and Isabeau of Bavaria . Both women ruled in times of crisis, navigated suspicion as foreign consorts, and faced accusations ranging from extravagance to witchcraft. Together, we examine how Joan and Isabeau balanced d...

Researching Elizabeth Boleyn is no easy task—but in this episode, we uncover how she navigated life at Tudor court: serving Katherine of Aragon , chaperoning Anne through the Great Matter, witnessing Wolsey’s fall , and standing at the edge of power during her daughter’s reign. We also compare her story to women like Jacquetta of Luxembourg and Elizabeth Woodville , revealing how influence moved q...

In this episode of Parallel Lives , we explore two women separated by a century yet bound by the same unrelenting drive for dynastic survival—Margaret Beaufort and Mary, Queen of Scots. Both lived in turbulent times, navigating treacherous politics, faith, and motherhood within the confines of monarchy. One built a dynasty from the shadows; the other lost everything in pursuit of her crown. Join u...

I’m joined by historian, presenter and author Matt Lewis to dig into the myths and misconceptions surrounding Richard III . From Shakespeare’s dramatic portrayal to the truth behind his possible marriage plans with Elizabeth of York , his relationship with his brothers Edward IV and George, Duke of Clarence , and the question of whether he was truly a tyrant —we cover it all. Join us as we separat...

🔁 Encore Presentation: This fan-favorite episode originally aired in April 2025. It's come to my attention that I post so much content that some episodes get missed, so this is a way to make sure you see these great conversations! -- Dr. Elizabeth Norton joins me today for a fascinating discussion on women in history. We begin with Emma of Normandy and journey through time to Anne of Denmark,...

In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me, we explore Henry VIII’s fourth wife and the woman who famously refused him—on account of “a lack of heads.” Join us as we dive into their fascinating stories and wander through all sorts of historical tangents along the way! -- Check out Rebecca's Substack - Rebecca Larson's History Corner at https://rebeccalarson.substack.com -- Show Hosts: Rebecca La...

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Lauren Johnson to the show for the very first time! Honestly, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to have her on—but I’m so glad it finally happened, because we dive deep into the remarkable life of Margaret Beaufort . Lauren’s new book, Margaret Beaufort: Widow, Rebel, Kingmaker , spans the entirety of Margaret’s extraordinary life—far too much to fit into a sin...

🔁 Encore Presentation: This fan-favorite episode originally aired in April 2025. From humble beginnings in Ipswich to the heights of royal power, Thomas Wolsey’s story is one of extraordinary ambition. Rising from a butcher’s son to Cardinal and chief minister to Henry VIII, Wolsey ruled England with unmatched influence — until his spectacular fall from grace. In this episode, we explore how Wols...

In this episode of Parallel Lives , Rebecca Larson and Dr. Emma Cahill Marron explore two of Henry VIII’s most remarkable queens — Anne Boleyn and Kateryn Parr — women separated by time but united by intellect, conviction, and courage. Both shaped the English Reformation in deeply personal ways: Anne, through her daring advocacy of new religious ideas that forever changed the Church; and Kateryn,...

Welcome back to The Queen’s Husband with historian Dr. Linda Porter. In this series, we uncover the lives of the powerful — and often complicated — men who married reigning queens. In this episode, we turn to Mary I of England and her husband, Philip II of Spain . Dr. Porter debunks some of the long-standing myths surrounding their marriage and delves into Philip’s life both before and after Mary...

Two powerful women — one a queen, the other a princess — both bound by beauty, intrigue, and political peril. In this episode of Parallel Lives , we explore the striking similarities between Mary, Queen of Scots , and Ana de Mendoza y de Silva, Princess of Éboli — two women whose lives unfolded under the watchful eyes of monarchs, courtiers, and enemies alike. Both were celebrated for their charis...

Today I’m joined by PhD student and author Conor Byrne for a fascinating discussion about Mary, Queen of Scots , Anne Boleyn , Katheryn Howard , and Lady Jane Grey . Together, we explore how the narratives surrounding these women have evolved over time — and uncover the striking similarities in their stories of power, downfall, and legacy. - Episode Sponsor: Check out MrsBakewells.com and use prom...

In this episode, we explore the unexpected connections between Hans Holbein, the great portraitist of the Tudor age, and Desiderius Erasmus, the humanist scholar whose ideas shaped an era. Though one wielded a brush and the other a pen, both were master observers of humanity—capturing the spirit, intellect, and anxieties of the Renaissance. Join us as we compare their worlds, their patrons, and th...

Replay Episode (Originally aired January 2024): In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Emma Cahill Marron to explore the life of Juana of Castile, elder sister of Katherine of Aragon, better known by the unfair moniker “Juana the Mad.” Together, we revisit her story to challenge the long-standing misconceptions and uncover the truth behind her life and le --  Credits:   Host: Rebecca Larson  Guest: Dr...

In this episode, Dr. Emma and I set Catherine de Medici and Katherine of Aragon side by side—two queens whose lives reveal the price of power and the strength required to survive it. Katherine of Aragon held firm against Henry VIII’s attempts to cast her aside, defending her daughter’s right to inherit England’s crown. Catherine de Medici, long dismissed as an outsider in France, became the strate...

You’ve heard of Alfred the Great. You’ve probably watched The Last Kingdom and fallen in love with Uhtred, too. (No? Just me?) Well, in today’s episode we’re looking at Alfred’s grandson, the son of Edward—Alfred’s eldest boy. Enter Æthelstan. This one’s a bit shorter than usual, because it’s such a dense topic if you’re not already familiar with it. But if you find yourself intrigued and want to...

In this episode of Parallel Lives , Dr. Emma and Rebecca dive into the fascinating connections between two Renaissance powerhouses—Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. Both men were rivals and occasional allies, driven by ambition, prestige, and the desire to leave their mark on history. We’ll explore their uneasy friendship, their hunger for glory in war and peace, and the ways their la...

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 , Barne...

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 E...

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 --...

*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 Ar...

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 Englan...

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 Qu...

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:...