Tudors Dynasty

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 we are looking at how their two lives paralleled, and I'll be honest, it's rather interesting! I hope you enjoy this edition of parallel lives!Don't forget to grab your ticket for the upcoming Katherine of Aragon (online) course - More information here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forging-a-queen-katherine-of-aragon-before-england-tickets-1492435036369?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl--Hosts: Dr. Emma Cahill Marron and Rebecca Larson

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 know Dr. Peter Stiffell already—our go-to expert on Mary I and her royal iconography. Joining us for the first time is Gregory Edmund, Head of the Coin Department at Spink Auction House UK. Greg brings the past to life through the stories coins can tell, and honestly, he made me excited to learn more. You might just walk away with a newfound appreciation for these little pieces of history too.⁠Spink Auctions Link⁠Peter's website: ⁠https://drpeterstiffell.com⁠Sign up for Katherine of Aragon Course - Forging a Queen--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuests: Dr. Peter Stiffell and Gregory Edmund

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 episode, we explore the life of a woman who turned art, fashion, and intellect into instruments of power. From her exquisite studiolo to her sharp political mind, Isabella curated not only a stunning collection of masterpieces—but a legacy. Discover how this duchess of Mantua shaped the cultural landscape of Italy and defied every expectation of what a Renaissance woman could be.Interested in the Katherine of Aragon course? Sign-up HERE!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched and Written by: Emily Airey

Can you believe we’re already at episode 9 of the Parallel Lives series? This journey has been so eye-opening—I’ve learned more from Dr. Emma than I ever imagined, and I hope you have too.In today’s episode, we dive into the lives of two remarkable women whom Dr. Emma lovingly calls “besties”—and honestly, it fits. Elizabeth of York and Isabel of Castile shared more than just royal titles; they were truly connected in fascinating ways. Join us as we explore their stories side by side on this latest leg of our Parallel Lives adventure.--Have you grabbed your ticket yet for our upcoming course on Katherine of Aragon? With the early bird pricing you’ll save $30! But hurry—this special offer ends on August 6th, and you won’t want to miss it. Find out more HERE.Independent podcasters (like me) rely on listener support to keep the mic on and the stories flowing. If you love what I’m creating, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider becoming a supporter—it helps more than you know. LEARN MORE!--Credits:Hosts: Dr. Emma

What if the Anne Boleyn you think you know… never really existed? In this episode of Tudors Dynasty & Beyond, host Rebecca Larson sits down with special guest Helene Harrison to explore the many faces of Anne Boleyn—not through her own words, but through how she’s been seen, shaped, and sometimes skewed over the last five centuries. From Tudor propaganda to 20th-century film, we uncover how Anne's image has evolved from seductress to saint, from villain to victim.Find her book on Amazon!All of Helene's Books (Amazon)--Did you hear? Dr. Emma is teaching a 6-week online course all about Katherine of Aragon’s life before she became Queen of England! Early bird tickets are available until August 6th. The course begins September 17th, with pre-recorded 60-minute lectures and a live weekly group Zoom chat with Dr. Emma. Don’t miss out—LEARN MORE!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Helene Harrison

Clara Schumann’s music shaped a century, but her story was nearly lost behind the men she championed. This episode restores her spotlight.--Forging a Queen: Katherine of Aragon Before England course - learn about her time BEFORE she became Queen of England.Want to support the show, get commercial-free access and discounts to courses? Head over to Patreon!!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

This is also available in VIDEO format on #spotify and #youtube.In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me, we’re joined by Dr. Carole Levin to explore the fascinating relationship between two iconic sisters—Mary I and Elizabeth I—and the ways they were alike, and profoundly different.Carole's books --CHECK OUT the details on our new 6-week online course all about the life of Katherine of Aragon before she became queen of England: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/manage/events/1492435036369/detailsEarly bird pricing now available for a limited time!--Hosts: Dr. Emma & Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Carole Levin

In this episode, Dr. Peter Stiffell reveals the mystery behind an artifact once thought to belong to Mary I, only to be linked to another Mary. We explore royal iconography, Mary I’s image, and Dr. Stiffell’s research on royal portraits, along with his new website dedicated to this fascinating field. Tune in for a fascinating look at history through the lens of royal imagery!DrPeterStiffell.com--Enjoy the show? Show your support and join our growing Patreon community! CLICK HERE--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Peter Stiffell

In this episode, Rebecca Larson uncovers the extraordinary life of Emma of Normandy—a woman who defied the limitations of her time to become Queen of England not once, but twice. From child bride to political powerbroker, Emma navigated Viking invasions, shifting allegiances, and royal rivalries with unwavering determination. As wife to both Æthelred the Unready and King Cnut, and mother to two future kings, her influence shaped the English monarchy during one of its most turbulent eras. Discover the woman behind the crown—and why her story deserves to be remembered.--Become a patron on Patreon to get commercial-free access, early access and so much more!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

In this episode of Parallel Lives, we step into the glittering yet treacherous world of the Burgundian court to explore the intertwined lives of Margaret of York and her stepdaughter, Mary of Burgundy. One, an English princess turned political powerhouse; the other, a reluctant heiress caught between duty and danger. Together, their choices shaped the fate of a crumbling duchy and paved the way for the rise of the Habsburg dynasty.--Join our Patreon community! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Hosts:Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

Available in VIDEO format on Spotify and YouTube!After the last Myths & Misconceptions episode on Anne Boleyn, the response was overwhelming—so many of you asked for more! And you know I aim to please. So, I invited Sylvia back for round two. This time, she drops a bombshell about the real meaning behind Anne’s famous “Moost Happi” medal—and I did not see it coming.--Sylvia's Books on AmazonLink to watch/listen to Sylvia's previous episodes on the show!Support the show by becoming a Patron on Patreon!--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

Crowned as a child and trained like a prince, Queen Christina of Sweden defied every expectation placed upon her. From her glittering court of scholars to a shocking abdication, a secret conversion, and a dramatic reinvention in Rome, Christina’s life was anything but conventional. This episode explores the story of a queen who refused to be defined—by her crown, her country, or her time.--Tuesday and Thursday episodes are available in video on #spotify and #youtube--SUPPORT THE SHOW!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

*Episodes are available in video format on ⁠Spotify ⁠and ⁠YouTube⁠In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me: Parallel Lives, we explore the intertwined legacies of two powerful women who shaped early modern Europe in very different courts—Isabel Clara Eugenia of Spain and Anna of Denmark. Both daughters of dynasties and cultural patrons with sharp political instincts, they carved out influence within their respective spheres. Join Rebecca and Dr. Emma as they trace the lives, challenges, and impact of these remarkable women navigating monarchy, motherhood, and power on the world stage.--Show your support of the show by becoming a patron on ⁠Patreon ⁠- your generosity helps to keep this show alive. As an indy podcaster I need your help to continue offering new content.--Book suggestions:⁠https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526142498/⁠⁠https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/spectacular_rubens/⁠⁠https://tiendaprado.com/en/books/7937-rubens-s-workshop-9788484806226.html⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Jonathan-Bro

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Marguerite d’Angoulême—Renaissance writer, queen, and sister to King François I of France. Discover how Marguerite’s bold literary works, like the Heptameron, challenged gender norms, and how her passion for religious reform placed her at the heart of early evangelical movements. We’ll trace her journey from the French court to the throne of Navarre, revealing a woman who shaped politics, faith, and the role of women in 16th-century Europe.--Head over to Patreon and consider becoming a patron! You'll get commercial-free episodes, early access and exclusive content! You can also join as a FREE member and gain access to the group chat.--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Emily Lalande

Step into the shadows of Renaissance Italy to uncover the real Lucrezia Borgia. Branded a poisoner and seductress, she has long been the center of scandal—but was there more to her story? Join us as we explore Lucrezia’s rise from political pawn to powerful duchess, and how she carved out a legacy beyond the infamy of the Borgia name.--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

**This episode is available in video format on Spotify and YouTube!In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me, we dive into the lives of two extraordinary women of the 16th century: Mary of Hungary, the powerful queen and regent who shaped European politics, and Margaret Roper, the brilliant daughter of Sir Thomas More who defied expectations with her intellect and loyalty. Discover how their stories reveal the challenges and triumphs of women navigating a world ruled by men.Dr. Emma's book suggestion on Mary of Hungary by N Garcia Perez: Mary of Hungary, Renaissance Patron and Collector: Gender, Art and Culture--Join the conversation on Patreon as a FREE member in our community chat room! Paid members (patrons) get commercial-free episodes, early access & more!--Co-Hosts:Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joanne Paul, acclaimed author of a sweeping new biography on Thomas More, to peel back the layers of one of Tudor England’s most fascinating figures. Together, we explore More’s sharp wit, his complicated relationship with ambition inherited from his father, and his distaste for court life—even as he found himself a witness to some of the most pivotal moments of the Tudor dynasty. We’ll also discuss his surprisingly cutting opinions about members of Katherine of Aragon’s household upon her arrival in England, and why the man behind Utopia was far more than the saint—or villain—history often remembers. Join us as we uncover the human side of Thomas More: the reluctant courtier, the keen observer, and the man who made kings uneasy.Get a copy of the book - Thomas More: A Life--Join the conversation and become a free member over on Patreon!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Joanne Paul

She defied convention, sailed under a black flag, and vanished from the records just as quickly as she rose. In this episode, we follow the trail of Anne Bonny—pirate, outlaw, and mystery—and ask: how does a woman who made history simply disappear?--Looking for a commercial-free experience, early access or exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon!You can also become a FREE member and join the conversation!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

This episode is available in video format (highly recommended) on Spotify or YouTube!!In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me: Parallel Lives, we step into the Baroque brilliance of two of the era’s greatest painters—Peter Paul Rubens and Diego Velázquez with Dr. Alejandro Vergara Sharp. Though born worlds apart, their lives intersected through diplomacy, royal courts, and their unparalleled ability to capture power on canvas.Rubens, the polished Flemish diplomat-artist, and Velázquez, the introspective Spanish court painter, each navigated the treacherous politics of 17th-century Europe with a brush in hand. How did their work reflect—and shape—their positions in court? What set them apart, and where did their paths cross?Want to get straight to the episode and skip the banter? Fast Foward to 13:12!JOIN THE CONVERSATION OVER IN OUR COMMUNITY!!--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill MarronGuest: Dr. Alejandro Vergara Sharp

Whether you're an Anne Boleyn enthusiast or rolled your eyes at yet another episode about her—trust me, you’ll want to listen to this one. Anne was my first love in Tudor history, and I’ll admit I worried this might be a retread of familiar ground. I was wrong. In this conversation with historian Sylvia Barbara Soberton, I discovered fresh perspectives and surprising details I’d never heard before.Find Sylvia's books everywhere, including Amazon!Sylvia's Substack--Join us over on Patreon! (There is also an app for Patreon!)--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton