Tudors Dynasty

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 where it was going to lead. But surprise, surprise: it turned into a conversation about far more people than just Henry and Anne. Because let’s be honest… when did any of Henry VIII’s marriages involve only two people?Stick around to catch a brand-new historical nickname we coined in the episode. If you hear it, drop it in the comments!--

Historian Matthew Lewis joins Rebecca to spotlight one of England’s most overlooked monarchs: Henry III. Often overshadowed by his infamous father and powerful son, Henry’s long reign was far more influential than history remembers.In this conversation, Matthew unpacks Henry III’s political struggles, his clash with the barons, his deep piety, and the ambitious building projects that transformed England—especially Westminster Abbey. It’s a fresh look at a king who shaped the medieval world in lasting ways.A perfect episode for anyone ready to rediscover a forgotten monarch.Matt's book on Henry III - Amazon--Looking for Commercial-Free episodes, exclusive content and much more? Become a Patreon patron today!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matthew Lewis--Time is running out to grab your ticket for Saturday's (December 6th) talk by Dr. Estelle Paranque on Anne Boleyn's time in France and the women who influenced her. Grab your ticket now!

Replay Episode — Originally Aired 7 January 2025This episode was one of our most-loved conversations of the year, and we’re excited to bring it back for anyone who missed it—or wants to experience it again.Gemma Hollman returns to the podcast for a captivating deep dive into the remarkable lives of medieval mystics and nuns. Together, we explore the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual impact of these extraordinary women who helped shape religious life throughout the Middle Ages.From intense visionary experiences to the layered realities of cloistered existence, this replay goes beyond the surface to illuminate their devotion, agency, and enduring influence. It’s a journey into a world where faith, power, and identity intertwined in surprising ways.Don’t miss this listener-favorite conversation!Gemma’s Book: Women in the Middle Ages—Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Gemma Hollman

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 episode on Margaret of York and Margaret of Burgundy.We will see you again next Thursday for our next installment of Dr. Emma & Me!--Love Anne Boleyn? Join Dr. Estelle Paranque for our next Special Event - we go LIVE December 6th. If you can't make the live talk it will be live for your viewing pleasure.https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonDr. Emma Cahill Marron

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 heists and the rivalries that shaped it. A must-listen for Tudor and Stuart fans!--Love Anne Boleyn? Join Dr. Estelle Paranque for our next Special Event - we go LIVE December 6th. If you can't make the live talk it will be live for your viewing pleasure.https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Prof. Dr. Tracy Borman, OBE

*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 wondered what beauty looked like in the Medieval era? In this episode, we reveal the unexpected secrets behind achieving that flawless, pale complexion, why some beauty practices were worth risking your life, and which surprising trends made their way into Medieval society. Join us for a journey through pale faces, herbal concoctions, and the surprising lengths people went to for the perfect look—centuries before modern makeup!--Want a commercial-free episode? ⁠BECOME A PATRON⁠!⁠Check out my new SHOP!⁠--CREDITS:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull

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) whose scholarly reputation has endured for centuries. Their lives offer a striking contrast between courtly peril and intellectual authority, revealing how family ties and public perception shaped survival in Henry VIII’s England. Who they were may surprise you.--Check out the latest SPECIAL EVENT where I'll be hosting the lovely Dr. Estelle Paranque to talk about Anne Boleyn's time abroad! https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com--Hosts: Dr. Emma & Rebecca LarsonGuest. Dr. James Taffe

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 the Tudor court on edge.We dig into James IV’s pivotal marriage to Margaret Tudor and James V’s marriage to Marie of Guise, and we unpack their often tense, competitive, and politically charged relationships with the English kings—from diplomatic brinkmanship to outright conflict.It’s a lively, insightful conversation about power, politics, and the Tudor–Stewart connections that shaped the 16th century.Steven's Books: https://www.stevenveerapen.com/books--IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:Time is running out to get your discount to the seasonal course, Spending the Holidays with Mary I - taught by Dr. Peter Stiffell. Dr. Stiffell's PhD was on Mary I, and that makes him the perfect candidate to teach you all about life at court during her reign! Doors close on Tuesday, November 18th at 7pm CST/8pm EST. All ticket holders will receive an email Wednesday, No

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. Emma swipe right on dynastic possibility — exploring what this alternate union could have meant for England, Spain, and the entire Tudor dynasty. From shifting alliances and religious futures to Henry’s own ambitions and Anne Boleyn’s unlikely fate, we imagine how one royal match might have rewritten European history.--We announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠⁠⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠⁠⁠!!Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - ⁠⁠Rebecca Larson's History Corner⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠Subtack⁠⁠--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonDr. Emma Cahill Marron

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 Wadlow, whose remarkable discovery is the subject of the new PBS documentary Picturing Shakespeare — available beginning November 12. In their first podcast conversation with an American host, Steven and Madoc share the story behind the film, the meticulous research that followed the painting’s emergence, and how art, history, and curiosity collide when the world’s most famous playwright takes center stage.

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 research might just challenge everything we thought we knew.Melanie's book: Truth of the Line We announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠⁠!!Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - ⁠Rebecca Larson's History Corner⁠ on ⁠Subtack⁠--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Melanie V. Taylor

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 duty and survival within the volatile courts of England and France, how politics and rumor shaped their reputations, and why modern scholarship invites us to see them anew — not as villains, but as resilient figures of power and endurance.--We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠!!Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - Rebecca Larson's History Corner on Subtack--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill MarronGuest: Dr. Ellie Woodacre

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 quietly behind the throne.Get book now through Blackwells or pre-order (Americans) through AmazonWe just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠!!Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - Rebecca Larson's History Corner on Subtack--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman

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 us as we compare their paths to power, their resilience amid betrayal, and the legacy each left on the English throne.---We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠!!Check out Rebecca Larson's History Corner on Subtack---Hosts: Rebecca LarsonDr. Emma Cahill Marron

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 separate history from legend and uncover the real man behind the crown.Fundraiser for A Taste of Loyalty: IndiegogoMatt's podcast: Gone MedievalMatt's books can be purchased everywhere, but here is a link to his Amazon US page-----We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, Spending the Holidays with Mary I!! --Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matthew Lewis

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 Larson Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

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

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