Parallel Lives: Joan of Navarre & Isabeau of Bavaria

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 courts of England and France, how politics and rumor shaped their reputations, and why modern scholarship invites us to see them anew — not as villains, but as resilient figures of power and endurance.

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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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Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Guest: Dr. Ellie Woodacre