Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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 single episode! So in this conversation, we focus on her early years and end in the bedchamber with Elizabeth of York.Don’t worry, though—I’ll be bringing Lauren back to explore the next chapter of Margaret’s story: her years as Queen Mother and her influence on her grandson, Henry VIII.Her book is being published November 6th in UK, get a copy through Blackwells now! It won't be out in the US until March 2026!--Join me over on Substack, where I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes posts about my research process and much more!✨ Exciting news: Paid subscribers ($5/month on Substack or Patreon) will receive exclusive access to my upcoming Thomas Seymour biography.New book installments are released every Wednesday, and FREE posts every Monday, so don’t miss out on the journey!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Lauren Johnson

🔁 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 Wolsey built his empire, the political genius that made him indispensable to the king, and the mistakes that cost him everything.Find The Cardinal on ⁠Amazon⁠--Are you looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to my ⁠Patreon⁠!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Alison Weir

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, through her writings, diplomacy, and devotion that helped keep reform alive in Henry’s final years. Each challenged what it meant to be a queen — not through submission, but through scholarship, conscience, and faith.Join us as we uncover how these two women influenced England’s future — and how their legacies intertwined in the education and spirit of Elizabeth I.--Lady Mary PortraitKateryn Parr PortraitLink to Pendant Fundraiser--Time is running out to get Early Bird tickets for Dr. Emma's LIVE chat on October 25th! This event is all about Isabel I of Castile and her involvement in the Renaissance!--Credits:Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill MarronLinks:EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH!

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 — exploring how this political union shaped two monarchs, two nations, and the course of European history.Dr. Porter's Books: Amazon--Saturday, October 25th I am hosting a LIVE chat by Dr. Emma Cahill Marron called, Art & Culture: Why Isabel of Castile Created the Renaissance, and I'd love for you to join us! Find more information HERE - don't wait, Early Bird ticket pricing end on the 17th!This episode is sponsored by: Mrs. Bakewell's - Cream Tea Company! Be sure to use promo code 'Tudors' for a discount at checkout!--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Linda Porter

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 charisma and intelligence, yet their ambitions and entanglements placed them at the heart of scandal and suspicion.Join Dr. Emma and Rebecca as they uncover how Mary and Ana navigated power, faith, and betrayal in the tumultuous courts of 16th-century Europe — and how each became a symbol of fascination and tragedy in her own right.--Check out MrsBakewells.com and use promo code "Tudors" for 10% off your order!!--Want to join our upcoming Special Event with Dr. Emma on Isabel I of Castile? Click this link for details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1770944485629?aff=oddtdtcreator--Credits:Host: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

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 promo code "Tudors" for 10% off your order!!--Want to join our upcoming Special Event with Dr. Emma on Isabel I of Castile? Click this link for details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1770944485629?aff=oddtdtcreator--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Conor Byrne

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 the ways their work continues to define how we understand early modern Europe.Show your support for the show and become a Patreon patron! Early access, commercial-free episodes, & more! https://'patreon.com/tudorsdynastyHosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marron

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. Emma Cahill Marron Voiceover: David Black #queens #tudors #history #womeninhistory #juanathemad #juanaofcastile #isabellaofcastile #ferdinandofaragon #katherineofaragon #henryvii #henryviii #queenmaryi #philippiiofspain #charlesv #royalhistory

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 strategist who steered a kingdom through wars of religion and the reigns of her sons.This Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:00PM CDT, there is a Special Event with my friend, Matthew Lewis. Matt will be discussing my favorite, Empress Mathilda, and why shoud could not win the Crown. Get your tickets now before they'll unavailable! LEARN MORE!--Link to the Mary Tudor (Mary I) image: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b10544185k/f1.item.zoom--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill Marron

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 dive deeper—grab this book! And hey, for balance, go ahead and watch The Last Kingdom too (purely for fun, of course).Buy book on Amazon! (or wherever you get your books!)--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: David Woodman

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 larger-than-life personalities shaped the politics and culture of 16th-century Europe.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

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!🎤 Looking for something shorter? The brilliant Matt Lewis will be joining us LIVE on September 27th for a 90-minute talk on why Empress Matilda couldn’t win the crown. Early Bird tickets are on sale now—grab yours while they last!--Would you prefer commercial-free episodes? Head over Patreon!! Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

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 available. --Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Linda Porter

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