Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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...

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 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 h...

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!

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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 w...

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!

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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://anneboleyn...

*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. Jo...

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.

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Check out the la...

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 con...

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 ...

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 follow...

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 everythi...

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 ...

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.

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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...

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 r...

🔁 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 the...

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, ...

🔁 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 ge...

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 ...