Shows / Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Welcome to Tudors Dynasty & Beyond, the podcast where history comes alive through stories of royalty, rebellion, and resilience. Hosted by independent researcher Rebecca Larson, each episode dives into the Tudors and beyond—Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Katherine of Aragon, forgotten queens, rebels, and adventurers. Enjoy Sunday storytelling (or interviews), engaging historian chats, and the popular Thursday series Dr. Emma & Me, with Dr. Emma Cahill Marron. Discover love, power, intrigue, and…
Episodes
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Christine de Pizan & Beatriz Galindo (Dr. Emma & Me)
In this episode of Parallel Lives, Dr. Emma and Rebecca explore the lives of two remarkable women who turned learning into influence. Christine de Pizan became…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondAnne of Cleves: The Queen Who Could Have Been
Anne of Cleves has long been reduced to a single moment: the “failed” marriage to Henry VIII. But what if that version of her story is incomplete? In this…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondOff the Record: Heirs Who Never Reigned (What-if they had lived?)
In this episode of Off the Record, we’re stepping into one of history’s most fascinating rabbit holes: the heirs who should have changed everything… but died…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondHistorical Tinder: Henry VIII Edition
Dr. Emma is back, and we’re returning to Historical Tinder to swipe through the love life of Henry VIII. From mistresses and wives to potential brides who…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondFormidable Women of Medieval Europe
In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Susan Abernethy to discuss her new book on the women who helped build — and ultimately transform — the…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondOff the Record: What if Anne Boleyn Never Married Henry VIII?
Welcome to the very first episode of Off the Record! Join Amy McElroy and Rebecca Larson as they dive into one of history’s biggest “what ifs”: what if Anne…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondHistorical Tinder: Mary I & Reginald Pole
Swipe right or swipe left? 👀 In this episode of Historical Tinder, Rebecca is joined by Dr. Peter Stiffell, stepping in for Dr. Emma, to ask one tantalizing…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondTeaching the Tudors: Humanists, Tutors, and Power
When a listener asked for an episode on humanists, I couldn’t have asked for better timing. Amy McElroy has just written a book on Erasmus and is now deep into…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondHistorical What-Ifs: The Marriage Edition
What happens when you change just one moment in history—and let the consequences unfold? In today’s episode, we explore how a single altered decision can…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondConquest, Kidnapping, and Noble Power
Today, I’m joined by the wonderful Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore the first earls of Surrey—though that isn’t the name they would have recognized. To their…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondA Brief History: The Great Fire of London
ALL NEW EPISODES COMING THIS TUESDAY (DEC 23 & 25TH)! The Great Fire destroyed much of the great city of London. In this episode we uncover the tinderbox…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThe Eleanors: From Aquitaine to Castile (Replay)
This is a replay episode from a bit earlier this year. Due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to record a new episode this week. In addition, I've been…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondKing Edward I: Why Was He Such a Tyrant?
Edward I dreamed big—perhaps too big. While remembered for his brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward also longed to take the fight to France, only to…
Tudors Dynasty & Beyond🎙️ A New Project I’m Excited to Share: History Lair | Ep. 1
Today’s episode is a one-time bonus share on Tudors Dynasty & Beyond so I can introduce you to a new podcast I’m launching. If you like this podcast, please…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThree Queens, One Legacy: Isabel I of Castile, Katherine of Aragon, and Mary I of England
Three queens. Three generations. Three very different paths to power. From the childhood formation of Isabel I of Castile, to the political education and…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondA Lady & An Artist: One Silenced, One Nearly Lost
Two women. Two very different paths through the Tudor court. One ended on the scaffold. The other helped shape how the court would be remembered. In this…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondMargaret of Angoulême : Queen, Writer & Diplomat (Replay)
*This is a replay episode from July 2025 that was very popular with listeners/viewers, because Marguerite is a fascinating woman with an amazing portrait that…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondHistorical Tinder: Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn
Welcome back to another episode of Historical Tinder with Dr. Emma & Me! As always, Dr. Emma picked this week’s topic—and I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondKing Henry III: Who the Hell Was He?
Historian Matthew Lewis joins Rebecca to spotlight one of England’s most overlooked monarchs: Henry III. Often overshadowed by his infamous father and powerful…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondMedieval Women: Mystics and Nuns (Replay)
Replay Episode — Originally Aired 7 January 2025 This episode was one of our most-loved conversations of the year, and we’re excited to bring it back for…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Margaret of York and Mary of Burgundy (Replay)
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. and so we decided to take the week off from Dr. Emma & Me and share with you a popular episode from a past #ParallelLives…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondA Kingdom Up for Grabs: An Issue of Heirs
Join me for a fantastic conversation with Tracy Borman about her new book The Stolen Crown. We dive into the real story behind one of history’s boldest royal…
- Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Medieval Beauty: Medieval Beauty: Secrets, Standards, and Surprising Trends (Replay)
*This was an extremely popular episode from November 2024, with Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull (just before she got her PhD) that I wanted to share with you again. Ever…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Jane Boleyn and Henry Parker, Lord Morely
This episode uncovers the story of a Tudor woman (Jane Boleyn) whose name has long been overshadowed by scandal—and the father (Henry Parker, Lord Morley)…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondJames IV & James V: The Scottish Kings Who Kept the Tudors Awake at Night
This week, I’m joined by Dr. Steven Veerapen to explore the reigns of James IV and James V of Scotland—two kings whose decisions, alliances, and rivalries kept…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondHistorical Tinder: Mary Rose Tudor & Charles V
What if Henry VIII’s sister, Mary Rose Tudor, had married Emperor Charles V? In this playful but deeply historical “Historical Tinder” episode, Rebecca and Dr…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondUnmasking Shakespeare: The Painting that Could Rewrite History
What if a single painting could change how we see Shakespeare? In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Madoc Roberts, and the star of the documentary, Steve…
- Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Discovering the Son of Queen Elizabeth I (Replay)
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Joan of Navarre & Isabeau of Bavaria
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondElizabeth Boleyn: The Queen's Mother
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Margaret Beaufort & Mary, Queen of Scots
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondMyths & Misconceptions: Richard III
I’m joined by historian, presenter and author Matt Lewis to dig into the myths and misconceptions surrounding Richard III. From Shakespeare’s dramatic…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThreads of Power: From Emma of Normandy to Anne of Denmark
🔁 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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Anna of Cleves and Christina 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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondMargaret Beaufort: From Widow to Kingmaker
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThomas Wolsey: The Butcher’s Son Who Ruled England
🔁 Encore Presentation: This fan-favorite episode originally aired in April 2025. From humble beginnings in Ipswich to the heights of royal power, Thomas…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Anne Boleyn & Kateryn Parr
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThe Queen's Husband: Philip II of Spain (Series, Ep. 2)
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…
- Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Parallel Lives: Mary, Queen of Scots & Ana de Mendoza y de Silva, Princess of Éboli
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondExecuted Queens: Mary, Queen of Scots, Anne Boleyn, Katheryn Howard & Jane Grey
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Erasmus and Holbein (Series)
In this episode, we explore the unexpected connections between Hans Holbein, the great portraitist of the Tudor age, and Desiderius Erasmus, the humanist…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondJuana of Castile: The Queen that Never Was
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…
- Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Parallel Lives: Katherine of Aragon and Catherine de Medici
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThe First King of England: Æthelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Henry VIII and Francis I
In this episode of Parallel Lives, Dr. Emma and Rebecca dive into the fascinating connections between two Renaissance powerhouses—Henry VIII of England and…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondWomen Who Ruled the World
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Mary Rose Tudor and Isabel Junior
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondLower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThe Eleanors: From Aquitaine to Castile
*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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondTragedy of the Tudor Heirs: Jane, Catherine, and Mary Grey
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondSpecial Episode - Three Queens: Jane Grey, Mary I and Elizabeth I
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Philip II & Mary I
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThe Queen's Husband: The Men Who Wed Mary, Queen of Scots (Series, Ep. 1)
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondBlack Agnes: Scotland's Unyielding Defender
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Boudicca and Urraca I of Leon
Welcome to another edition of our Parallel Lives series, inspired by Plutarch’s classic work. Every Thursday, we pair two historical figures—sometimes our…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondMargaret of Valois: Survival at Court
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondThe Daring Life and Fiery Death of Sophie Blanchard
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondParallel Lives: Susannah Horenbout and Levina Teerlinc
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondHolding History: Time Travel in the Palm of Your Hand
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…
Tudors Dynasty & BeyondCurating a Legacy: The Life and Influence of Isabella d’Este
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…