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Beheaded — History
Beheaded

Torture. Execution. Death. Listen as two die-hard fans chat about some of history’s most gruesome death sentences. From famous queens and kings to the uncommon names in history, no conviction will be left untouched. Try not to lose your head over this comical approach to the shocking and disturbing stories of treason and crime (whether found guilty or not).

Copyright: ℗ & © 2020 Beheaded

Latest Episodes:

Aske-ing for a Friend Feb 12, 2025

Though Robert Aske, a well connected English barrister, attempted to keep to himself and live a quiet life of work and faith, the rebels of northern England had other ideas. Aske went from merely speaking ill of King Henry VIII’s religious reforms to captaining a full-on uprising, becoming the foremost leader of the Pilgrimage of Grace. Unfortunately for Aske, Henry VIII was not known for his patience or forgiveness. Tune in as we unravel the drama, the politics, and the tragic irony of a man who fought for faith and tradition... only to find himself on the wrong side of the executioner’s scaffold.

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Roman Thirst for Glory and Gold Jan 29, 2025

The Romans never missed the opportunity for a classic metaphorical (and gruesome) death sentence. Manius Aquillius was a Roman politician and military commander in circa 100 BC. During an era of epic battles and rebellions, he wasn't short on enemies. As a symbolic measure for his thirst for wealth, Aquillius faced one of the most unique and grotesque executions we've shared on this podcast: death by having molten gold poured down his throat. If you, like us, are curious how this would even work, then you're going to want to listen to this episode.

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Rebel of the Red Cross Jan 08, 2025

Edith Cavell was a British nurse and World War I hero. Known for her unwavering commitment to saving lives, Cavell played a pivotal role in helping over 200 Allied soldiers and civilians escape German-occupied Belgium through an underground network. In this episode, we discuss the rise of her nursing career and how she went above and beyond in her efforts to save lives. Unfortunately, her actions were not seen as acts of humanity from the German perspective, and they were prepared to subject Edith to the full punishment for being labeled a traitor.

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Served on a Silver Platter: The Execution of John the Baptist Dec 25, 2024

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The Black Dinner: A Meal to Die For Dec 11, 2024

The infamous feast that later became known as the Black Dinner represents a dark chapter in Scottish history. Set in 15th-century Scotland, during an era of crusades and violence, our story details how the young brothers of the Douglas clan were betrayed during a celebratory dinner, marked by the ominous presentation of a bull's head. We explore the political motives and repercussions of a banquet that turned into a bloodbath and later inspired the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones.

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The Forbidden Tale of the Duke and the Witch Nov 27, 2024

The story of Agnes Bernauer is a haunting blend of love and tragedy that has been passed down for generations. Born in the early 1400's Bavaria, Agnes ascended from the working class to the Munich court by capturing the heart of a duke’s son. Duke Ernest of Bavaria, however, had other plans for his son. With accusations of witchcraft looming, her lover’s father took drastic measures to ensure Agnes would not be in his son's life for long.

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Raid Against the Machine Nov 13, 2024

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Jeremiah Brandreth, a key figure in the Luddite rebellion. Known as 'The Nottingham Captain,' Brandreth led a desperate uprising of workers against the mechanization that threatened their jobs and livelihoods in early 19th-century England. We take a look at the impact of the Industrial Revolution who the Luddites were, as well as the harsh punshment they received for rebelling against the government.

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Madame du Barry: The Girl from Nothing & Ready for Anything Oct 30, 2024

In this episode, we take you back to the court of Versailles to share the story of Madame du Barry—the last mistress of King Louis XV. Was she truly the frivolous scandal history remembers? Or a woman of surprising wit, charm, and ambition? Pour yourself a glass of something French and let’s dive into the life of this infamous enchantress who found herself both beloved and betrayed by the world’s most glittering court.

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Elisabeth de France and the Holy Guillotine: Part II Jul 16, 2024

In part two of our season finale, we share the tragic ending of Elisabeth de France and how she stood by her brother, King Louis VXI, throughout the bloody French Revolution. While Elisabeth was notorious for her cheeky and even stubborn behavior as a child, she blossomed into a virtuous young adult who held firm to her devotion to the monarchy. While her sentence was controversial, unfortunately, Elisabeth's piousness could not save her from the sharp edge of the guillotine.

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Elisabeth de France and the Holy Guillotine: Part I Jun 11, 2024

While Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI were dealing with revolutionists in France, there was one person behind the scenes who has received very little recognition: Elisabeth de France, King Louis' youngest sister. Elisabeth grew up in the royal court of Versailles as a French Princess. While her education and upbringing was standard for the times, nothing could prepare her for the French Revolution that was to come. In this two part finale, we start off with the early life of young Elisabeth and the tumultuous climate of France that she was raised in.

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The Last of the Gurus May 09, 2024

Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in world and was founded in India in the late 15th century. It emphasizes the worship of one God, equality of all people, selfless service, and devotion to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
While these Gurus had a mission to live peaceful lives, they couldn't avoid a pattern of violence and death throughout their generations. In this episode, we share the story of three generations of Guru's who all faced persecution and even execution for their beliefs and explore their fierce determination to fight for a more harmonious world.

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Pugachev the Great Apr 23, 2024

Our story begins with Tsar Peter III of Russia being overthrown by his own wife, the infamous Catherine the Great, only to be declared deceased soon after for vague medical reasons. Years later, Yemelyan Pugachev, a peasant who claimed to be the late Peter III, emerges. Pugachev's Rebellion, also known as the Cossack Rebellion, gained support from various social groups, including peasants and some nobles who opposed Catherine's rule. Their goal was to dethrone her and reinstate "Peter III," despite the fact that their "Peter" was just an imposter, probably with bad teeth. Whether his supporters didn’t care that he was a fraud or simply were oblivious to the truth, Pugachev managed to disrupt Russia with his attempts to seize the throne and champion the peasants and serfs who have suffered under Catherine's reign. However, evading arrest can only be accomplished so many times.

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Arsenic and Black Widows Apr 09, 2024

Life in 1800’s Liverpool, England was rough. It was a port city with a high population of hard-working immigrants all trying to make ends meet. However, some were more desperate than others to ensure their living was made. Catherine and Margaret Flannagn, two Irish sisters who owned a boarding house, found themselves in the middle of a dark network of women who took advantage of insurance organizations after the death of a loved one. This network, which became known as the “Black Widows of Liverpool”, discovered the quickest way to a paycheck was with some arsenic and a compromised conscious. Unfortunately, the sisters tested their luck one two many times.

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The Rope Drop Flop Mar 19, 2024

The Tudor Dynasty was notorious for creating religious tension across England as they swayed between Protestantism and Catholicism, depending on who wore the crown. With Elizabeth I on the throne, Catholics were forced to practice their beliefs in hiding. Margaret Ward was empathetic towards the Catholic priests being imprisoned and went so far as to help one of them escape. Known as the 'Pearl of Tyburn', she paid the highest price for another man's freedom.

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Tomb Raiders: Treasure or Torture Feb 28, 2024

It can be said that the ancient Egyptians were quite materialistic. The pyramids housed more than just the mummies and dust of pharaohs and queens, but also the lifetime of riches of the nobility to ensure they could bring them with them to the afterlife. In modern-day currency, these tombs were filled to the brim with hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of gold, jewels, and other valuables.
While local Egyptians were haunted by the thought of not having a peaceful afterlife, it didn't stop many from raiding these tombs. Throughout the reigns of the ancient pharaohs, tomb raiding became a serious issue, resulting in arrests and court cases almost daily. It was a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. In this episode of Beheaded, we discuss the gruesome fates of those found guilty of tomb raiding and the torture and execution methods faced by the robbers.

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The Breaking Wheel on the Bayou Feb 14, 2024

In the early 1700's, Jean Baptiste Baudreau II had a unique mixed heritage that enabled him to forge connections with both the French colonists of the American south and the Native American tribes. He was a rebel without a cause.... no really, we aren't quite sure what his cause was.... but he was found untrustworthy amongst the white colonists because of his strong ties to the indigenous people. After spending years in prison for crimes we, again, aren't quite sure of, the local officials decided to use him as an example by sentencing him to death using a very medieval device: the breaking wheel. In this Mardi Gras themed episode, we talk about how this execution method worked and the legacy Jean Baptiste has on modern day New Orleans.

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Dying on a Prayer Jan 30, 2024

While King Henry VIII wasn't particularly known for being afraid of witches, he was certainly paranoid about assassination... even if it was only through a prophetic attempt. Mabel Brigge claimed she was a devout Catholic who used fasting as a method to pray for those in need, whether it meant finding lost money or potentially praying for the death of the King of England! In this episode of Beheaded, we discuss how the Tudor dynasty viewed witches and the Dark Arts, and what happened to the women accused of possessing powerful magic.

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Captain Jack & His Bonny Lass Jan 17, 2024

Jack Rackham, known as Calico Jack, was a true pirate of the Caribbean. With his Jolly Roger hoisted high and his bonny lass by his side, Jack and his crew sailed the seas during the Golden Age of Piracy. Jack stood apart from other pirates, though, as he had not one, but two notorious female pirates on his ship: Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Like most pirates of the age, Jack and much of his crew did not live to see a ripe old age, but instead met their demise at the end of a short drop and a sudden stop. Anne and Mary, however, were meant for a different fate and their stories soon passed to legend.

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The Nightclub Murderess Jan 02, 2024

Ruth Ellis, a young and alluring nightclub manager in 1950s England, came from a rough background. She was introduced early on in life to the consenquences of untrustworthy men, alcohol, and the unsavory underworld of London's nightlife. Things only got worst when she found herself in a jelous rage aiming a revolver directly at her lover. At the young age of 28, Ruth Ellis left a lasting mark in history as not only the last woman to be hanged in Britain, but also as a catalyst for the United Kingdom's reevaluation of death penalty policies.

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Peter and the Wolf Dec 12, 2023

We've all heard of people being accused of witchcraft, sorcery, and engaging in the dark arts. However, have you ever come across a case where someone was found guilty of being a werewolf? During the 1500s in Germany, a man named Peter Stumpp (given the nickname due to his left hand being a stump) was accused of being the perpetrator behind a series of mysterious murders in his village, but under rather peculiar circumstances. In an era where folklore and reality intertwined, his fellow villagers firmly believed that Peter magically transformed into the local wolf at night to reek havok amongst his neighbors and even loved ones. After being subjected to severe forms of torture, the small German town bore witness to one of the most brutal and violent executions documented. In this episode of Beheaded, we tell the real tale of "Peter and the Wolf".

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The Heartless Spy Nov 28, 2023

For any poor soul standing in front of a judge awaiting their sentence, the last thing they want to hear is that they would be hanged, drawn, and quartered. This heinous act was reserved for traitors or those who have committed an extreme crime, such being a spy during war. Our dear friend Francois Henry de la Motte, a French spy from the 1780s, was unfortunate enough to receive no mercy from the benevolent English. He went down in history for having a crowd of eighty thousand people witness his heart being ceremoniously pulled out of his body. Such a joyous spectacle, isn't it? Enjoy!

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Perkin the Pretender Nov 14, 2023

Beheaded is back with our 5th season, and we are starting off with the well-known story of the Princes in the Tower. This is the legacy of the two innocent boys who went mysteriously missing while staying at the Tower of London. For centuries, people have assumed their uncle, King Richard III, had them both murdered.
But the story does not end there. Shortly after their disappearance, there were rumbles that the younger of the two brothers survived - and he wants his crown back. Perkin Warbeck started gathering followers across Europe and the UK as he claimed he was the true prince and heir to the English throne. This would mean removing King Henry VII, the first Tudor king, and replacing him with a Yorkist king. After years of war and bloodshed, this scandal left everyone with just one question: who is telling the truth?

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Special Episode: Interview with Dr. Leah Redmond Chang Sep 19, 2023

In this very special episode, we have the opportunity to speak with author and former professor Dr. Leah Redmond Chang to discuss her latest book, Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power. This narrative history looks at the intertwined lives of Catherine de’ Medici (the Queen of France from 1547 to 1559), Elisabeth de Valois (Queen of Spain from 1559 through 1568) and Mary, Queen of Scots (Queen of Scotland from 1542 through 1567). Leah's extensive research showcases how the history of these three queens represent the trials and tribulations women faced in the 16th century and the parallels to modern society. Listen today and be sure to get your copy of Young Queens from your favorite bookseller! Signed copies can also be found at Politics and Prose Bookstore (politics-prose.com).

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Thomas Cromwell: From Statesman to Scaffold (Part II) Jul 21, 2023

Thomas Cromwell quickly and unapologetically became one of King Henry VIII's closest advisors. As he continued to give the King whatever he asked for, Cromwell was rewarded with titles and wealth, making him one of the most powerful men in the Tudor court. Very rarely, though, do we see someone rise to power so quickly without a quick downfall. Inevitably, Cromwell found himself with fewer and fewer alliances in court. For a man who was known for hating traitors, he suddenly found the tables turned. In part two of our season finale, we discuss the downfall and execution of Thomas Cromwell and how much we despise King Henry VIII.

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Thomas Cromwell: From Statesman to Scaffold (Part I) Jul 06, 2023

In part one of our season finale, we tell the story of one of King Henry VIII's closest confidants: Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell is known for many things in history, primarily being a noble statesman in the court of King Henry VIII. He was self-made, coming from a low background and rising all the way up to Chief Minister of the King's Privy Council. Cromwell can be seen as a driver for both prosperity and destruction. He was arguably the creator of Anne Boleyn's success as well as the cause of her downfall; he tore apart monasteries and fought for England's separation from the Catholic Church, but also was a strong advocate and leader of the Reformation. Regardless of his motive, he had the advantage of being the right-hand man of one of England's most powerful monarchs. In part one, we chat about the roots and uprising of one of England's most notable characters who helped shape the Tudor era.

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Special Episode: Interview with Dr. Owen Emmerson Jun 17, 2023

In this special episode, Dr. Owen Emmerson joins us to talk about his amazing career as a cultural historian and assistant curator of Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn's childhood home). As a Boleyn and Tudor history expert, you may recognize him from shows such as Netflix's Blood, Sex & Royalty, BBC's Who Do You Think You Are and The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family, along with multiple other shows on the BBC, HistoryHit, Amazon, etc. He is also the co-author of four books, his newest being Holbein's Latest Gem.
Dr. Emmerson and his fellow curators at Hever Castle recently made a remarkable discovery: finding and identifying Thomas Cromwell's Book of Hours. This is a groundbreaking revelation, as they have confirmed links between Cromwell's Book of Hours with both Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon's prayer books. In this episode, we have the exclusive opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary study and what it means for not only developing Tudor history, but how it shapes our overall connection with the past.

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Not Like a Regular Executioner, But a Cool Executioner Jun 08, 2023

While Prague was not known for mass, bloody executions, there was at least one known as the Old Town Square Execution in 1621 that made the history books. This was the result of the Bohemian Revolt where 27 of the revolt leaders were found guilty and made an example of with an unusually brutal and public execution. Even more fascinating, the execution was conducted by the infamous Master Executioner of Prague: Jan Mydlář. In this episode of Beheaded, we take a closer look at Jan's life as the local executioner and how he stood out from any other executioner in history.

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The Witch and the Sow May 18, 2023

While we've heard of the Salem Witch Trials, we tend to forget that the Puritans adopted their fear of witches from back home in England. King James I brought panic and terror to England when he became obsessed with witch hunting. He even wrote a book called "Daemonologie" which worked as a manual on how to identify, prosecute, and execute witches. While many of the victims' names were lost in history, one woman has remained in the textbooks over the centuries: Elizabeth Sawyer. Perhaps it was because of her stereotypical "witch like" attributes, or perhaps it was because of her confusing trial, Elizabeth Sawyer has been used as an example of what one woman's fate could look like during a witch pandemic.

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Evil Begets Evil May 04, 2023

Nat Turner's Slave Rebellion was the deadliest revolt in American history. Born into slavery in southern America, Nat was a prophet who believed God was sending him messages to raise a rebellion. After hundreds of years of oppression, he was finally able to raise a small "army" to fight against the white slave owners. Despite hundreds of people losing their lives that day, his rebellion in 1831 was not enough to overthrow American slavery. Nat Turner has gone down in history as a hero of the resistance in this heart-wrenching story of violence and bloodshed.

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End of the Bloodline Apr 13, 2023

The Távora Affair was one of Portugals' bloodiest scandals that resulted in the extinction of an entire noble bloodline. What started with wanting to do away with a powerful political family ended with massive arrests, torture and execution. To this day, historians still debate on the validity of the claims. One thing is certain: the Portuguese knew how to put on an execution performance of epic proportions.

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Bad Boy Buccaneer Turned Beheaded Botanist Mar 30, 2023

The story of Sir Walter Raleigh is is wild as this episode title. Yes, we are very good at alliteration.
Sir Walter was one of Queen Elizabeth I's favorite courtiers. And how could he not be!? He was a soldier, explorer, poet, politician and an experienced gardener amongst other things. After fighting battles in foreign lands, he was granted a charter ship to explore the New World in hopes of colonization. His crew came back from unknown lands with tobacco and other mysterious goods, making him a notable person of interest.
His itch for adventure did come with a rebellious side, though. Unfortunately, King James I wasn't as tolerant to his antics as the previous queen was. Known for being one of the Tower of London's most dedicated residents, Sir Walter Raleigh found himself continuously returning to his well-decorated confinement, and then inevitably to the block.

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Special Edition: Interview with Megan Clawson Mar 15, 2023

Did you know that it's possible to live inside the Tower of London!? If not, you are in for a treat. Megan Clawson is an author and daughter of a Yeomen Warder currently residing in the Tower of London, and we can guarantee she has some stories! In this very special episode, Megan shares with us what it's like to live inside one of England's oldest fortresses, including the highs, the lows, and the quirky parts. We also chat about her new novel, "Falling Hard for the Royal Guard", which will be available internationally this Spring 2023. In this royally humorous rom-com, Maggie Moore (love the name!) finds love through some clumsiness while also living inside the Tower of London, giving us a glimpse of what Tower life might be like in the 21st century. Meet Megan with us and be sure to pre-order your copy of "Falling Hard for the Royal Guard" today!

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Pick Your Poison Mar 01, 2023

La Voisin was a woman of many trades: fortune teller, midwife, and, of course, one of France's top-selling poison makers. Not only did she assist anyone who needed to do away with someone (for a great profit, of course), she was also more than eager to orchestrate black, satanic masses to ensure their every wish came true. It was only a matter of time before she got caught up in what would be known as "The Affair of the Poison" in 17th century France. In this episode, we talk about the dangers of participating in dark violence, evil sins, and pyramid schemes.

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Yer a Wizard, George Feb 07, 2023

While now of days you might be excited to find out you're a wizard, that was not the case in 1692. The Salem Witch Trials resulted in 19 people hanged, 1 person pressed to death, and 2 dogs being shot. In this episode, we revisit this gruesome time in America's history (mostly to follow up on the 2 dogs), but also to tell the story of George Burroughs, who was amongst the 19 people hanged for witchcraft. Not only was he one of the few men to be found guilty, but he is also the only pastor to be executed for these crimes in American history. Once you were accused of conspiracy with the Devil, it was difficult to escape the executioner's noose regardless of title, and Burroughs was no exception.

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Family of Traitors Jan 24, 2023

Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was well acquainted with the politics of Tudor court. His father and grandfather were both noblemen who served several different kings on the English throne, from King Henry V to Richard III. Edward Stafford learned at a young age the price one can pay if their allegiance to the king is questioned. With a strong royal bloodline himself, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham had to play the game carefully in an effort to keep the young King Henry VIII on his good side. And as we all know, that can be the hardest game of all.

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Horsepower Hack Jan 06, 2023

Regicide has always been addressed with the most severe punishments. However, in 18th century France, it didn't matter if it was a successful assassination or a failed attempt, as the culprit could still receive the worst of ends. In 1757, Robert-François Damiens' crimes against King Louis XV resulted in hours of public torture and execution, and included a number of creative methods (horses included). So the question must be asked: does the crime fit the punishment?

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The Beastial Life of the Blood Countess Dec 13, 2022

Mirror, mirror on the wall.... who is the bloodiest countess of them all? Why, no other than Elizabeth Bathory. She was a rich and beautiful noblewoman in mid-16th century Hungary. While she dripped in jewels and velvet, she also was known to soak herself in the blood of young local girls to preserve her youth and beauty. Bathory can be easily considered one of Europe's most notorious female serial killers, even centuries before the term was coined. Her sadistic killing spree could only last for so long, though, before ending in betrayal, torture, and execution. In this episode, Megan and Elizabeth pull apart the bloody and frightening tale of the Blood Countess.

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Special Edition: Interview with James Peacock from The Queen Anne Boleyn Society Nov 22, 2022

We have a special guest! In this unique episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with the one and only James Peacock. James is the manager and founder of one of the most successful social media communities for all things regarding Anne Boleyn: The Queen Anne Boleyn Society. Not only does he run all of these platforms, but he is also a Palace Host at Hampton Court Palace, making him a top Queen Anne expert. Get to know James with us and hear from a true professional on our favorite subject. Enjoy!

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Wanted Over the Wireless Nov 11, 2022

The notorious case of Dr. Crippen is that of transatlantic proportions. He was a homeopathic American doctor in the early 20th century who moved to London with his lovely (yet unfaithful) wife, Cora. Affairs can go both ways, however… after Cora goes mysteriously missing, Dr. Crippen and his own lover are on the run. Their story makes history as London police tracked down their suspects using a wireless telegraph for the first time. Don't be a creep - listen to Dr. Crippen's notorious tale today.

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Let Them Eat (more) Cake... Again... Oct 31, 2022

We are back with season 4! And what better way to kick off a new season than by re-doing our first episode? Queen Marie Antoinette is easily one of the most famous beheadings in history, so we need to do her justice and get her story right. This time with better audio quality and better education, we start with Marie’s early childhood and discuss her life all the way to her downfall. This time, we even explain why she was executed! So come eat some cake with us (again) as we listen to some of our most cringe-worthy moments together from season 1.

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And Her: Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days' Queen (Part II) May 31, 2022

Our season 3 finale comes to a close with recounting the final days of Lady Jane Grey and her fellow supporters. In part one of this episode, we discussed Jane's rise to power: Edward VI quickly added a very important annotation to the succession document changing "Lady Jane's male heirs" to "Lady Jane and her male heirs", making her the next queen of England. At this point, Jane's supporters are few and Mary Tudor is building up an army to take the crown she has fought long and hard for. In part two, we reveal Jane's downfall and gruesome fate. The question still remain: does she deserve the title of being a British monarch if she was only crowned for nine days? Or should she be skipped over in the line of royals? Elizabeth and Megan discuss this and more in this final episode.

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And Her: Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days' Queen (Part I) May 10, 2022

You may think you know all of the kings and queens of the Tudor Dynasty. We know King Henry VIII had 3 children, all of whom made their way to the throne at one point or another. But we tend to forget about another queen who reigned for a mere 9 days between King Edward VI and Queen Mary I. She was a young teenage girl by the name of Jane Grey. Later in history, she becomes known as the 9-day queen. The course of history was changed forever when the Edward VI added the the words 'and her' into his line of succession, making Jane next in line after his death. Those two words resulted in an epic fight for the crown, ending with battles and bloodshed. In part one of the season finale, Elizabeth and Megan walk through the final days of of the young girl who was used as a pawn in history's greatest chess game.

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The Cutting Edge Chemist May 03, 2022

Few may recognize his name, however, we owe much of our modern chemistry to Antoine Lavoisier, a chemist who revolutionized science in the 18th century. While he was revolutionizing chemistry, though, the French people were revolutionizing their country. The Reign of Terror lasted for one year during the French Revolution (1793-1794) and resulted in 17,000 citizens being executed. The French people attacked anyone under suspicion of not supporting their cause. Despite Antoine Lavoisier's breakthrough's in science and humanitarian efforts, this chemist faced the guillotine just like many other French citizens during this bloody year in history.

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Torture Gone Askew Apr 19, 2022

During the final years of King Henry VIII's reign, Catholics were in charge and Protestantism was illegal. Despite this danger, Anne Askew very proudly and publicly shared her Protestant beliefs around London. Up until her imprisonment at the Tower of London, torturing women on the rack was also illegal. Anne refused to reveal the names of her fellow Protestant friends (perhaps including Queen Catherine Parr herself) and her inquisitors felt the need to take extra measures. Shockingly, this could have been the only incident on record where King Henry VIII believed in equal rights for women. Unfortunately for Anne, that meant getting her limbs slowly and painfully pulled apart. At only 25 years, Anne Askew was the first women to have been both tortured at the Tower of London and burnt at the stake.

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Keeping Up With the Medici's Apr 05, 2022

Florence, Italy during the Renaissance was an era of lavish art, scientific discoveries, and powerful families. The wealth and popularity of the Medici family was not to be questioned. They owned one of Italy's largest banks and if you needed a favor, you needed the Medici's approval. The Pazzi family had plans of their own, though, and decided they wanted to be the top players. What became known as the Pazzi Conspiracy ended in bloodshed and capital punishment. Get ready for the Italian accents, because we're talking about pizza and executions in this episode of Beheaded!

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"The Most Wretched of All" Mar 16, 2022

Tudor monarchs are notorious for executing their lovers, and it didn’t stop with King Henry VIII. In full Tudor fashion, Queen Elizabeth I dappled in romance with the young Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex (despite being 34 years his senior). While Elizabeth was enamored with his energy, spirit, and good looks, the rest of the court rolled their eyes at Robert’s arrogance. No doubt, they were excited to see his inevitable and bloody downfall after one too many slip-ups. In his own final words, he is the “most wretched of all”.

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Livin' La Vida Voodoo Feb 23, 2022

Voodoo (also known as Vodou or Vundun) is an ancient practice that has gone back over 6,000 years with origins from West Africa. While perhaps a very misunderstood religion, people of all cultures have been fascinated and intrigued by its mysterious virtues. Despite Catholicism being claimed as the primary religion of Haiti in the 1860's, without a doubt, Vodou was the popular religion amongst citizens. But is it evil? Those on the jury during the Affaire de Bizoton may argue so. In 1864, eight Vodou practitioners were put on trial and sentenced to death for sacrificing and eating a 12-year-old girl during a Vodou ceremony. In this episode, we talk about the grotesque and disturbing (as usual) that ends with severe and pitiful capital punishment.

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The Three Reigns of Queen Brunhilda Jan 26, 2022

Brunhilda of Austrasia was Queen Consort of the Merovingian age from 575 - 613 AD. She was a fierce and brave leader of the Frankish dynasty, despite having to rule through her sons and grandsons. Her story, though not widely popular, is a tale of confusing names and violence, making it sound like something out of a fable. It includes assassinations, murder, suicide, family rivalry, and brutal wars. Her execution was no different as she paid the price for decades of a savage lifestyle.

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The Unlucky Knight of Friday the 13th Jan 18, 2022

The myths and legends of the Knights Templar goes back almost a century. At their peak of power, these glorious and brave heroes escorted pilgrims through the Holy Land while also protecting their territories in the Crusades. They were rich and above any law, making them the ultimate celebrity of 13th century Europe. King Phillip IV got caught up in some bad debt with the Knights, though, and his only way to financial freedom was arresting, torturing, and burning thousands of members. In another 'mass execution' style episode, Elizabeth and Megan take on the epic story of that fatal night on Friday the 13th, 1307.

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Lions and Tigers and Bears... Oh Sh*t! Jan 05, 2022

Let's start with saying the ancient Romans loved a good halftime show. Very similar to modern day sporting events, it involved large stadium seating, great concessions, a boisterous crowd of thousands of people, and solid entertainment. Rather than watching a ball get tossed around, though, their form of entertainment was watching people get torn to shreds by wild animals. In this episode, Elizabeth and Megan discuss a plethora of ways the Romans executed criminals in the infamous Colosseum. From crucifixion to elephant stampedes, the Romans were notorious for their creative execution styles. The question was never if the victim would survive, but rather, how long could they survive?

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The Nazi's Painted the White Rose Red Dec 21, 2021

Sophie and Hans Scholl were brother and sister who shared more than blood, but a passionate hatred towards the Nazi's during their rise to power. As two young Germans who went from Hitler's Youth Program to attending the University of Munich, it was extremely illegal and beyond dangerous to speak out against the Nazi's. With a small group of their university friends who privately shared the same liberal perspective, they formed a secret society called the White Rose. Together, they worked to spread anti-Nazism belief and the truth behind the horrors of what was happening right under the German people's noses in the form of pamphlets and leaflets that were spread across their campus and country. They knew the risk going into it... but did they know the outcome could be losing their heads?

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Devil at the Murder Castle Dec 04, 2021

H.H Holmes is one of America's oldest serial killers who met his fate with an excruciating hanging. While he confessed to 27 murders, historians believe there could have been as many as 200 victims. Evidence suggests the majority of his crimes took place in his own Chicago based building conveniently blocks away from the World's Fair. The building was primarily retail space and apartment living, but later became known as the Murder Castle due to its vast size and and terrifying presence. The building was a series of maze-like hallways, mysterious hidden rooms, chutes that lead to the basement, and, not to mention, an entire torture chamber. Despite Holmes' wit and charming allure, he was a villain loose on a killing spree and eventually received his well deserved ending.

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Burnt to a Cosmic Crisp Nov 17, 2021

Giordano Bruno was an Italian philosopher born too early for his time. Despite starting his early career as a monk, he quickly traded out his priesthood attire for some travel breeches and started teaching his progressive beliefs about the infinite universe across Europe. His views about religion and philosophy were groundbreaking, yet controversial. In the 16th century, this was the perfect recipe to get the Roman Inquisition coming after you. Elizabeth and Megan pull out their terrible Italian accents again in this episode of Beheaded.

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Oh, and Parliament, You’re Fired Nov 03, 2021

Charles I was the first and only king of England to be found guilty of high treason and executed for his crimes. This outcome was especially a shock to poor old Chuck, as he was convinced that there was no higher power than him besides God himself. However, England wasn't so happy about his constant desire to "dissolve" Parliament and use his own subjects to financially invest in his love for war. Elizabeth and Megan rejoin in the kickoff to season 3 of Beheaded with one of our favorite kings of England who proved having nice hair and shoes just may not be enough.

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Interview with Rebecca Larson: A Special Edition Episode on Thomas Seymour Jun 29, 2021

SPECIAL EDITION! Rebecca Larson, owner of the website and podcast Tudors Dynasty, shares her expertise on the very notable Thomas Seymour. Rebecca sheds light on some of the most controversial rumors about Thomas Seymour, who was uncle to King Edward VI and the younger brother of Sir Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. As an author and well-known podcast host herself, Rebecca started her blog Tudors Dynasty in 2015 and it has since exploded into a go-to source for Tudor knowledge. She has interviewed herself a variety of well-known historians such as Tracy Borman, Margaret George, Alison Weir, Dan Jones, Suzannah Lipscomb and so many more. In this exclusive interview, Rebecca and Megan chat about everything from Thomas Seymour's romantic appeal to the 33 charges his own brother and nephew threw at him, leading him to the dreaded scaffold. Enjoy this off-season interview-style episode and, of course, please be sure to check out tudorsdynasty.com for more on Rebecca Larson and Tudor history.

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"The Time Will Come - I, Anne Boleyn" (Part 2) May 19, 2021

The time has finally come. On May 19, 1536, Queen Anne Boleyn was guided to a scaffold at the Tower of London and was the first queen in history to be publicly executed. Just two days before, her brother and 4 other men were also beheaded for adultery and treason. Anne's final words at the scaffold were "If any person will meddle of my cause, I require thee to judge the best", and so, we shall. Anne Boleyn's trial and execution has been investigated by historians from all angles, and while she has been misunderstood or censored, we are here to share her real story. In this very special season finale we have the pleasure of having Stefanie, a historian from The Historic Royal Palaces, join us as we discuss the final days of our favorite monarch: Anne Boleyn.

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"The Time Will Come - I, Anne Boleyn" (Part I) May 11, 2021

"The time will come - I, Anne Boleyn". These are the words Anne Boleyn wrote in her Book of Hours, and the phrase could not be more fitting. History has become obsessed with the mysterious and foreboding figure of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife. Her passionate love for the king of England forever changed history and the shape of Europe, making her one of the most intriguing and complex characters in history. In part 1 of our season finale, we start with the early life and uprise of Anne with her arrival to the English Court, her intense romance with the king, and her grueling fight for marriage and the crown. Anne Boleyn has been written out as a ruthless and cunning woman who will stop at nothing to see herself and her lineage on the throne. But modern historians now grasp to understand the type of woman she truly was - a woman ahead of her times. She was intelligent, witty and ambitious, all virtues that took her to the top quickly, but can come with an even quicker downfall. Whether this is a familiar story for you or you are just being introduced to Henry's second wife, listen to our two part finale of 'Beheaded' today!

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Remember, Remember the 5th of November! Apr 06, 2021

Guy Fawkes may just be the baddest English Catholic around. His story has been re-told throughout history as the 'guy' who was caught red-handed and ready to plow up Parliament in the year 1605. While there were at least 13 conspirators involved in the "Gunpowder Plot", Guy is one of the most memorable and seen as the main instigator behind the failed assassination. And well deserved, shall we say, as he took the real heat on the rack before giving up some names. To this day, Brits across England celebrate Guy Fawkes day. But did you ever wonder what it was really about? Remember, remember the 5th of November by listening to this latest episode of 'Beheaded'.

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You Got Burked Mar 23, 2021

In the early 1800s, the progression of medical discovery was thriving. However, doctors were running short on cadavers, which were necessary to dissect and research in order to further develop their scientific breakthroughs. If it weren’t for some of the more seedier characters of the time, the ‘spare parts' would have been harder to come by. William Burke and William Hare, two Scottish men with an appetite for whiskey and money, learned the hard way that killing in the name of science (and greed) comes at a high price. In this episode of “Beheaded”, you’ll find that the punishment can fit the crime.

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The Tale of Half-Hangit Maggie Mar 10, 2021

Maggie Dickson is a Scottish legend known not just for her trial and execution... but for what came after! This gal truly earned the nickname "Half-Hangit Maggie" after the unexpected turn of events at her public hanging. Megan and Elizabeth share the story of this resilient young woman who now has a pub named after her in Old Town Edinburgh.

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The Defender of Mother Russia Feb 23, 2021

Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya may have a complicated name, but, nonetheless, upheld the Soviet spirit in the midst of World War II. At the tender age of 18 years old, she joined the 'sabotage school' to help ward off the invading Nazis. Her relentlessness and courage inspired Stalin himself to use her as the face of nationalist propaganda to help encourage others to fight for Mother Russia. Listen to yet another strong, heroine story in this episode of Beheaded.

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Beauty and the Bawd Feb 09, 2021

There have only been a few known attempted escapes from the Tower of London, but only one involved a rendezvous between a flirtatious woman and her jailer. Alice (Wolfe) Tankerville was very familiar with the Tower due to her frequent visits with her husband to finally ending up as a prisoner herself. She was a smart woman who learned how to make friends behind bars, which brought her so close to successfully escaping in the dark of the night… but of course, if it were successful, then we wouldn’t have this story. This Tudor-era love triangle between Alice Tankerville, John Wolfe, and John Bawd makes for the perfect Valentine’s day execution story.

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Le Incompétent King: Louis XVI of France Jan 26, 2021

King Louis XVI was ill-prepared to be king of France at the tender age of 19. He was, however, fully prepared to meet his fatal end at the guillotine. Hated by the majority of France, he and his wife, Marie Antoinette, were tried for high treason amidst the French Revolution. Louis just wanted to have fun and be adored by all of his subjects, though! Too bad incompetent kings don't make it past the age of 40. Come back to Versailles as Elizabeth and Megan re-visit the French Revolution and share the story of King Louis XVI.

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Thomas More or Thomas Less? Jan 06, 2021

Thomas More was not only one of King Henry VIII’s closest advisors in the Tudor court, but some would even argue his best friend. Henry wasn't known for being a very forgiving friend, though, and with good reason. Especially when his friends don't show their allegiance to his policies. Sir Thomas More, named a saint by the Catholic church, stood up for his beliefs and morals even when it meant losing his head. Listen to Elizabeth and Megan (who will be sure to brag about being a blood relative to this famous 'executionee') as they share another favorite Tudor execution at the hand of King Henry VIII.

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The Exotic Dancer Who Knew How to Die Dec 22, 2020

During World War I the Germans and French had at least one thing in common: Mata Hari, the exotic dancer turned double agent. Her history as a seductive dancer for the elite made it an easy disguise to cross borders and spill details for both sides. But working as a double spy can be dangerous, and the consequences fatal.

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The Relapsed Heretic Dec 08, 2020

Joan of Arc was only 17 years old when she led the French army into battle during the Middle Ages. After hearing prophetic messages from angels saying she needed to save France from the English, she convinced the dauphine to supply her with an army that would guarantee victory. Not only was she a young, teenage girl fighting amongst experienced soldiers, she was also a peasant without any education. As our youngest "executionee", Joan of Arc will forever be a legend representing female empowerment, faith, and courage.

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Russian Raiders & Rebels Nov 23, 2020

If you thought Russian pirates didn't exist, think again, matey! Stepan Razin- or Stenka to his friends - was a rebellious leader of the Cossacks who raised a political uprising against the Russian elite in the 1670s. Some may see him as a Robin Hood-type figure, others see him as a swashbuckling and violent revolutionist. Either way, his fearless movement didn't end very pleasantly. Megan and Elizabeth bring out the vodka and stroganoff for yet another Russian execution story. Nostrovia!

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The Woman From Hell Nov 10, 2020

Elizabeth Sugrue, also known as Lady Betty or, even more foreboding, the Woman From Hell, led an interesting life. She was given the job as Ireland's first and only female executioner in the 18th century. The catch? She would only do the job if her own death sentence was reduced to life in prison. “Set me free and I’ll hang them all!” were the famous words of Lady Betty. Listen to how the 'executionee' turned the tables and became the executioner in this episode of Beheaded.

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That Basic B*tch Catherine Howard Oct 27, 2020

Season two is finally here! Some may say she's basic (not us, of course!), but love her or hate her, Catherine Howard was next up to the chopping block as King Henry VIII's fifth wife. She played with love and after being called a "sweet little fool", her actions finally caught up with her. Season two of Behedead gets kicked off with one of our favorite queens in British history: the young (and headless) Catherine Howard.

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The Red Queen of Scots: Part II Apr 24, 2020

In our season finale, Megan and Elizabeth finish the terrifying story of Mary Queen of Scots. Queen Mary wasn't one to have good luck, and the events that unfolded during her execution proved just that. Her death has been memorialized as one of the most disturbing and unfair botched executions in Tudor history, and perhaps even in the history of mankind.

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The Red Queen of Scots: Part I Apr 07, 2020

Mary Queen of Scots was known to attract enemies since she was a young girl. From her upbringing in France to becoming Queen of Scotland, her life was not easy. In this two-part season finale, Megan and Elizabeth dissect this doomed queen's life from one unfortunate event to the next to try and understand why it had to end with such a miserable execution.

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Ketchum If You Can! Mar 25, 2020

Tom "Black Jack" Ketchum was an unfortunate soul who robbed trains in the wild, wild west. Eventually, the law caught up with him and he was hanged in front of a public crowd. Too bad the executioners didn't know what they were doing! In this episode, Dr. John (a real-life doctor!) joins the show to give a medical perspective on what happens to a body during a botched hanging like this. Yee haw!

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Saint or Charlatan? Mar 03, 2020

The Nun of Kent. The Holy Maid of Kent. And eventually...The Mad Maid of Kent. These were all nicknames for Elizabeth Barton, the young and spunky nun who supposedly was receiving prophetic messages from Gods and angels (all of whom had very big opinions about King Henry VIII and his bride-to-be Anne Boleyn). King Henry VIII wasn’t having this and needed to put an end to these treasonous prophecies about his downfall. To this day, the question still remains: Was Elizabeth the pious and prophetic nun she was made to be? Or was she a mischievous charlatan eager for attention?

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Welcome to Beheaded Feb 27, 2020

Megan and Elizabeth here ready to talk about two of our favorite subjects: torture and execution. Who says history can't be fun, especially when we're chatting about the drop of the axe and swoosh of the noose. Listen, subscribe and follow along on our Instagram (@beheaded.podcast) to hear about the fascinating and dark stories of your favorite, controversial characters in history. Don't lose your head.

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A Fitting and Glorious End Feb 17, 2020

World War II was a dark time in Italy's history as they were under the grips of fascist leader and dictator Benito Mussolini. On April 28th, 1945 - just two days before Hitler commits suicide - Mussolini and his mistress, Claretta Pettaci, were executed by machine guns. Despite this being a more modern execution story, key questions still remain a mystery: who ordered the execution? Who was the executioner? Was there a legal trial? Elizabeth and Megan take us back to WWII to discuss the downfall of this infamous Italian dictator.

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Pay the Cock and Drink the Hemlock Feb 04, 2020

Socrates: Greek hero, world-renowned philosopher, scholar, and apparently a very bad influence. So much so, in fact, he was sentenced to death for corrupting the youth of Athens and refusing to celebrate multiple gods. Naturally, the punishment for these heinous crimes should be poisoning yourself! Prepare your minds as Elizabeth and Megan get deep and philosophical in this episode of Beheaded.

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Freeeeedom! Jan 20, 2020

We know the story. We've seen the movie. But it's time to talk about the disturbing and gory details of William Wallace's execution: death by being drawn and quartered. Freedom had a hefty price tag in 13th century Scotland, and Wallace paid in full. Beware, disembowelment is not for the faint hearted.

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"I Am No Traitor" Jan 06, 2020

"For traitors on the block should die; I am no traitor, no, not I!"
Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, held onto her innocence until the very end. Not only was she one of the oldest women beheaded at the Tower of London, but she was also one of the most pious. Unfortunately, her piety did not save her from King Henry VIII's wrath... or from a "blundering youth" of an executioner who quite literally hacked her to pieces.

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Death, Disfigurement, and One Verbal Warning Dec 26, 2019

Ancient Egypt was well known for its zero-tolerance policy when it came to scandal and murder; especially with the murder of Pharaoh Ramses III. Elizabeth and Megan go back to one of the most archaic execution stories in history, using the evidence found from mummies to reveal what really happened in Ramses' harem. Don't worry, at least one person gets off with just a stern warning.

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In the Dark of the Night Dec 08, 2019

The 300-year reign of the Russian Romanov family ended one very sad night with the execution of Czar Nicholas II and his whole family, including the mysterious Anastasia. What better way to talk about this than with our very own, legit Russian (accent and all)? Megan, Elizabeth, and our VERY special guest star Elena talk about the tragic story of Anastasia and the last of the Romanov dynasty. Hate to ruin the ending, but this is nothing like the animated movie.

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Boiling Point Nov 25, 2019

Double double, BOIL, and trouble. Megan and Elizabeth talk about one of the many Tudor era executions: Richard Roose. King Henry VIII lives up to his reputation as being one of the most unforgivable kings by sentencing poisoners to be boiled to death. Richard Roose sets this example and gets boiled alive like a lobster.

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Drunk Necks Don't Snap Nov 10, 2019

The tides are changing as Megan and Elizabeth sympathize with one of the most infamous and controversial pirate executions: Captain William Kidd. There may just be enough proof here that drunk necks ARE harder to snap!

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Mean Girls of 1692 Oct 14, 2019

"SHE'S A WITCH!!" Gossip, betrayal, and - of course - execution. And you thought getting along in the modern world was bad? Try surviving Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 where if you weren't popular, you were being sent to the gallows... as a witch. Listen as Elizabeth Black and Megan Moore give their take on 3 of the most well known Salem Witch Trial victims: Bridget Bishop, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey.

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Let Them Eat Cake Oct 09, 2019

In our first episode of Beheaded, go behind the story of Marie Antoinette's final days as she's tried for treason amidst the French Revolution. Royal, wealthy, and found guilty of all crimes.

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