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 Amazon
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
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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.
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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
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Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Dr. 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: Indiegogo
Matt's podcast: Gone Medieval
Matt's books can be purchased everywhere, but here is a link to his Amazon US page
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We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, Spending the Holidays with Mary I!!
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Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis
🔁 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 missed, so this is a way to make sure you see these great conversations!
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Dr. Elizabeth Norton joins me today for a fascinating discussion on women in history. We begin with Emma of Normandy and journey through time to Anne of Denmark, exploring the remarkable lives of these influential women. Elizabeth’s depth of knowledge on the subject is truly impressive, and I can’t wait for you to watch and share your thoughts!
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Website: http://www.elizabethnorton.co.uk/
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Norton
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!
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Check out Rebecca's Substack - Rebecca Larson's History Corner at https://rebeccalarson.substack.com
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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!
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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!
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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
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Are you looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to my Patreon!
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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.
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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!
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Credits:
Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron
Links: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
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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!
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Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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.
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Check out MrsBakewells.com and use promo code "Tudors" for 10% off your order!!
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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
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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.
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Episode Sponsor:
Check out MrsBakewells.com and use promo code "Tudors" for 10% off your order!!
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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
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Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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/tudorsdynasty
Hosts: 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
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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!
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Link to the Mary Tudor (Mary I) image: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b10544185k/f1.item.zoom
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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!)
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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.
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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
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Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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!
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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
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Check out details of the upcoming Wolf Hall Weekend in June 2026.
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Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: 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!
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Would you prefer commercial-free episodes? Head over Patreon!!
Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma