Margaret Beaufort: From Widow to Kingmaker

The always-spirited Dr. Emily Lalande is back — and this time, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe a little bathwater) on Margaret of Valois, daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de’ Medici. From royal politics to scandalous escapades — including one “spa day” that wasn’t quite what her brother the king had in mind — Margaret’s life was anything but ordinary. Get ready for a story as bold and unpredictable as the princess herself.Margaret's MemoirRubens coronation portrait of Marie de Medici--Don't miss out on our upcoming course called Forging a Queen! This course covers the early life of Katherine of Aragon like you've never seen before. Class begins September 17th - Get registered now, or learn more HERE!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Emily Lalande*My apologies for the mic feedback you might notice.

12 Aug 54min

By day, she was shy and soft-spoken. By night, she set the skies ablaze. Sophie Blanchard, Napoleon’s Chief of Air Services and the world’s first female professional balloonist, captivated Europe with midnight ascents, glittering fireworks, and record-breaking flights. But in an age when women were expected to stay grounded, Sophie made the heavens her stage—until one fateful Paris evening when the very flames that lit her fame brought her crashing down.Grab your ticket to Forging a Queen course with Dr. Emma - HERE!!Want early access, commercial-free content and more? Head over to PATREON!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonWritten & Researched by: Emily Airey

10 Aug 9min

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

7 Aug 1h 5min

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

5 Aug 49min

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

3 Aug 11min

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 Cahill Marron and Rebecca Larson

31 Juli 1h 3min

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

29 Juli 57min

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

27 Juli 9min