Shows / Beheaded
Beheaded
Torture. Execution. Death. Listen as two die-hard fans chat about some of history's most gruesome death sentences. From famous queens and kings to the uncommon names in history, no conviction will be left untouched. Try not to lose your head over this comical approach to the shocking and disturbing stories of treason and crime (whether found guilty or not).
Episodes
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Drunk on Power, Drowned in Wine | George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence
Being the middle child can be hard, especially when your older brother is King Edward IV of England and your younger brother is the future King Richard III…
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How to Win Friends Then Guillotine People | Maximilien Robespierre (Part 2)
In part two of our season finale, Robespierre reaches the peak of his power as the Revolution descends into the Reign of Terror. He sends thousands to the…
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How to Win Friends Then Guillotine People | Maximilien Robespierre (Part 1)
Maximilien Robespierre believed he could save France. A poor boy turned lawyer, he built his reputation defending the forgotten and fighting for equality. But…
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Roman Mothers Know Best: Agrippina the Younger
Agrippina the Younger, also known as Julia Agrippina, was one of the most powerful women in ancient Rome. She played a pivotal role in securing the throne for…
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Witch, Please: The First Irish Witch Trial | Petronilla de Meath
In 1324, the town of Kilkenny became the setting for Ireland's first recorded witch trial. When wealthy noblewoman Alice Kyteler was accused of witchcraft, her…
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He Didn't Start the Fire | Robert Hubert
The Great Fire of London in 1666 left people not only homeless and terrified, but desperate for answers. Accepting that a catastrophic disaster could begin…
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Getting Westinghoused: The Execution that Shocked America | William Kemmler
In 1888, hangings in America were falling out of favor, and a task force was assembled to find a more “humane” method of capital punishment. At the very same…
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The Fate of the Faithful | The Martyrs of Compiègne
In the final, chaotic days of the French Revolution, a small community of Carmelite nuns made a decision that would echo through history. In this episode, we…
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The Sayre Slayer of New Jersey | Antoine Le Blanc
In 1833, the quiet town of Morristown, New Jersey became the site of one of the most disturbing crimes in early American history. When French immigrant Antoine…
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Special Edition Episode: Interview with Adam Pennington
We’re joined by historian, author, and podcaster Adam Pennington for an in-depth conversation on power, lineage, and survival in Tudor England. Adam is the…
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Priest, Proctor, Prisoner | Bishop John Fisher
Bishop John Fisher was one of the most respected minds of Tudor England. He was also one of the very few men who dared to say “no” to King Henry VIII. Rising…
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The Romanov Court: Romance & Ruin | Mary Hamilton
Mary Hamilton was a young woman of Scottish descent who rose to prominence in the Russian court of Peter the Great. Serving as a lady-in-waiting to Empress…
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Boys, It's the Bisbee Massacre
In this episode, we travel to the dusty streets of Bisbee, Arizona in 1883, where a robbery quickly spiraled into deadly violence. What was intended to be a…
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Paramours and Poison | Madame Marie-Madeleine de Brinvilliers
Introducing Madame de Brinvilliers: devoted lover, enthusiastic poisoner, and a woman who could hold a truly impressive grudge. Her clever murder spree…
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Game of Roses | Richard Woodville
Richard Woodville was the unlikely courtier who rose from modest origins to become Earl Rivers and father of the Queen of England. In the real-life Game of…
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The Other Ptolemy Girl | Berenice IV
For over 2,000 years, Cleopatra has remained one of the most recognizable queens in history. Yet despite her fascinating life, Cleopatra’s older sister is…
BeheadedSpecial Edition Episode: Interview with Professor Suzannah Lipscomb
We are honored to welcome renowned historian, author, and television presenter Professor Suzannah Lipscomb for a very special interview. Known for her sharp…
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Whispers of Maleficium: The Pendle Witch Trials (Part II)
Our season finale concludes with the fate of the Pendle Witches. After months in prison, nine men and women accused of witchcraft following a series of strange…
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Whispers of Maleficium: The Pendle Witch Trials (Part I)
In 1612, the rural landscape of Lancashire became the backdrop for one of England’s most notable witch trials. This episode explores how village rivalries…
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Espionage and the Electric Chair | Ethel & Julius Rosenberg
One of the most controversial espionage cases in American history was the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Accused of passing atomic secrets…
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Ella Disenchanted in Imperial Russia | Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine
Princess Elisabeth of Hesse and by Rhine is a captivating yet often overlooked figure in European royal history. Born into an impressive lineage as the…
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Forged in Irony | Georg Honauer
Georg Honauer was a man of ambition and bold confidence, living during a time when alchemy was at the height of fascination. Seizing the opportunity, he sought…
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The Catherine Wheel | Catherine of Alexandria
Meet Catherine of Alexandria — the brilliant, fearless, and slightly rebellious saint who gave 4th-century philosophers a run for their money. From outwitting…
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Aske-ing for a Friend | Robert Aske
Though Robert Aske, a well connected English barrister, attempted to keep to himself and live a quiet life of work and faith, the rebels of northern England…
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Roman Thirst for Glory and Gold | Manius Aquillius
The Roman's never missed the opportunity for a classic metaphorical (and gruesome) death sentence. Manius Aquillius was a Roman politician and military…
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Rebel of the Red Cross | Edith Cavell
Edith Cavell was a British nurse and World War I hero. Known for her unwavering commitment to saving lives, Cavell played a pivotal role in helping over 200…
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The Black Dinner: A Meal to Die For
The infamous feast that later became known as the Black Dinner represents a dark chapter in Scottish history. Set in 15th-century Scotland, during an era of…
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The Forbidden Tale of the Duke and the Witch | Agnes Bernauer
The story of Agnes Bernauer is a haunting blend of love and tragedy that has been passed down for generations. Born in the early 1400's Bavaria, Agnes ascended…
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Raid Against the Machine | Jeremiah Brandreth
In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Jeremiah Brandreth, a key figure in the Luddite rebellion. Known as 'The Nottingham Captain,' Brandreth…
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Madame du Barry: The Girl from Nothing & Ready for Anything
In this episode, we take you back to the court of Versailles to share the story of Madame du Barry—the last mistress of King Louis XV. Was she truly the…
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Elisabeth de France and the Holy Guillotine: Part II
In part two of our season finale, we share the tragic ending of Elisabeth de France and how she stood by her brother, King Louis VXI, throughout the bloody…
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Elisabeth de France and the Holy Guillotine: Part I
While Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI were dealing with revolutionists in France, there was one person behind the scenes who has received very little…
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The Last of the Gurus | Sikh Gurus
Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in world and was founded in India in the late 15th century. It emphasizes the worship of one God, equality of all people…
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Pugachev the Great | Yemelyan Pugachev
Our story begins with Tsar Peter III of Russia being overthrown by his own wife, the infamous Catherine the Great, only to be declared deceased soon after for…
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Arsenic and Black Widows | Catherine and Margaret Flannagn
Life in 1800’s Liverpool, England was rough. It was a port city with a high population of hard-working immigrants all trying to make ends meet. However, some…
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The Rope Drop Flop | Margaret Ward
The Tudor Dynasty was notorious for creating religious tension across England as they swayed between Protestantism and Catholicism, depending on who wore the…
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Egyptian Tomb Raiders: Treasure or Torture
It can be said that the ancient Egyptians were quite materialistic. The pyramids housed more than just the mummies and dust of pharaohs and queens, but also…
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The Breaking Wheel on the Bayou | Jean Baptiste Baudreau II
In the early 1700's, Jean Baptiste Baudreau II had a unique mixed heritage that enabled him to forge connections with both the French colonists of the American…
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Dying on a Prayer | Mabel Brigge
While King Henry VIII wasn't particularly known for being afraid of witches, he was certainly paranoid about assassination... even if it was only through a…
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Captain Jack & His Bonny Lass | Calico Jack
Jack Rackham, known as Calico Jack, was a true pirate of the Caribbean. With his Jolly Roger hoisted high and his bonny lass by his side, Jack and his crew…
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The Nightclub Murderess | Ruth Ellis
Ruth Ellis, a young and alluring nightclub manager in 1950s England, came from a rough background. She was introduced early on in life to the consenquences of…
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Peter and the Wolf | Peter Stumpp
We've all heard of people being accused of witchcraft, sorcery, and engaging in the dark arts. However, have you ever come across a case where someone was…
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The Heartless Spy | Francois Henry de la Motte
For any poor soul standing in front of a judge awaiting their sentence, the last thing they want to hear is that they would be hanged, drawn, and quartered…
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Perkin the Pretender | Perkin Warbeck
Beheaded is back with our 5th season, and we are starting off with the well-known story of the Princes in the Tower. This is the legacy of the two innocent…
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Special Episode: Interview with Dr. Leah Redmond Chang
In this very special episode, we have the opportunity to speak with author and former professor Dr. Leah Redmond Chang to discuss her latest book, Young…
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Thomas Cromwell: From Statesman to Scaffold (Part II)
Thomas Cromwell quickly and unapologetically became one of King Henry VIII's closest advisors. As he continued to give the King whatever he asked for, Cromwell…
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Thomas Cromwell: From Statesman to Scaffold (Part I)
In part one of our season finale, we tell the story of one of King Henry VIII's closest confidants: Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell is known for many things in…
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Special Episode: Interview with Dr. Owen Emmerson
In this special episode, Dr. Owen Emmerson joins us to talk about his amazing career as a cultural historian and assistant curator of Hever Castle (Anne…
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Not Like a Regular Executioner, But a Cool Executioner | Bohemian Revolt
While Prague was not known for mass, bloody executions, there was at least one known as the Old Town Square Execution in 1621 that made the history books. This…
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The Witch and the Sow | Elizabeth Sawyer
While we've heard of the Salem Witch Trials, we tend to forget that the Puritans adopted their fear of witches from back home in England. King James I brought…
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Evil Begets Evil | Nat Turner
Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion was the deadliest revolt in American history. Born into slavery in southern America, Nat was a prophet who believed God was…
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End of the Bloodline | The Távora Affair
The Távora Affair was one of Portugals' bloodiest scandals that resulted in the extinction of an entire noble bloodline. What started with wanting to do away…
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Bad Boy Buccaneer Turned Beheaded Botanist | Sir Walter Raleigh
The story of Sir Walter Raleigh is is wild as this episode title. Yes, we are very good at alliteration. Sir Walter was one of Queen Elizabeth I's favorite…
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Special Edition: Interview with Megan Clawson
Did you know that it's possible to live inside the Tower of London!? If not, you are in for a treat. Megan Clawson is an author and daughter of a Yeomen Warder…
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Pick Your Poison | La Voisin
La Voisin was a woman of many trades: fortune teller, midwife, and, of course, one of France's top-selling poison makers. Not only did she assist anyone who…
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Yer a Wizard, George | George Burroughs
While now of days you might be excited to find out you're a wizard, that was not the case in 1692. The Salem Witch Trials resulted in 19 people hanged, 1…
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Family of Traitors | Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was well acquainted with the politics of Tudor court. His father and grandfather were both noblemen who served several…
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Horsepower Hack | François Damiens
Regicide has always been addressed with the most severe punishments. However, in 18th century France, it didn't matter if it was a successful assassination or…
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The Beastial Life of the Blood Countess | Elizabeth Bathory
Mirror, mirror on the wall.... who is the bloodiest countess of them all? Why, no other than Elizabeth Bathory. She was a rich and beautiful noblewoman in…