Parallel Lives: Erasmus and Holbein (Series)
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/tudorsdynastyHosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marron
2 Okt 56min
Juana of Castile: The Queen that Never Was
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-- 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
30 Sep 45min
Parallel Lives: Katherine of Aragon and Catherine de Medici
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!--Link to the Mary Tudor (Mary I) image: https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b10544185k/f1.item.zoom--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill Marron
25 Sep 35min
The First King of England: Æthelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom
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!)--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: David Woodman
23 Sep 26min
Parallel Lives: Henry VIII and Francis I
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.Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma
11 Sep 56min
Women Who Ruled the World
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--Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Elizabeth Norton
9 Sep 48min
Parallel Lives: Mary Rose Tudor and Isabel Junior
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!--Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill Marron
4 Sep 1h 3min
Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity
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--Check out details of the upcoming Wolf Hall Weekend in June 2026.--Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)--Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Reverend Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch
2 Sep 33min
