Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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 I...

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 Sc...

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...

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 an...

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 th...

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 infor...

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...

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 l...

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...

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 A...

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...