Tudors Dynasty - RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson

Latest Episodes:

A Kingdom Up for Grabs: An Issue of Heirs Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

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!

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://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Prof. Dr. Tracy Borman, OBE

Medieval Beauty: Medieval Beauty: Secrets, Standards, and Surprising Trends (Replay) Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

*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. Join us for a journey through pale faces, herbal concoctions, and the surprising lengths people went to for the perfect look—centuries before modern makeup!

Want a commercial-free episode? ⁠BECOME A PATRON⁠!

⁠Check out my new SHOP!⁠

CREDITS:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull

Parallel Lives: Jane Boleyn and Henry Parker, Lord Morely Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Check out the latest SPECIAL EVENT where I'll be hosting the lovely Dr. Estelle Paranque to talk about Anne Boleyn's time abroad! https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com

Hosts: Dr. Emma & Rebecca Larson

Guest. Dr. James Taffe

James IV & James V: The Scottish Kings Who Kept the Tudors Awake at Night Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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 conflict.

It’s a lively, insightful conversation about power, politics, and the Tudor–Stewart connections that shaped the 16th century.

Steven's Books: https://www.stevenveerapen.com/books

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Time is running out to get your discount to the seasonal course, Spending the Holidays with Mary I - taught by Dr. Peter Stiffell. Dr. Stiffell's PhD was on Mary I, and that makes him the perfect candidate to teach you all about life at court during her reign! Doors close on Tuesday, November 18th at 7pm CST/8pm EST. All ticket holders will receive an email Wednesday, November 19th at 7am CST/8am EST/1pm UK with the link and information for the first class. Hope to see you there!! TICKET INFORMATION

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Steven Veerapen

Historical Tinder: Mary Rose Tudor & Charles V Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

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 match might have rewritten European history.

We announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠⁠⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠⁠⁠!!

Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - ⁠⁠Rebecca Larson's History Corner⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠Subtack⁠⁠

Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Unmasking Shakespeare: The Painting that Could Rewrite History Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

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 followed the painting’s emergence, and how art, history, and curiosity collide when the world’s most famous playwright takes center stage.

🎭 Watch Picturing Shakespeare on PBS, then join us here for a thoughtful conversation about discovery, authenticity, and the enduring power of Shakespeare’s image.

Check out their website and contact them with information here: https://www.isthiswilliamshakespeare.com/

Watch until the end for some pictures provided by Madoc (filmaker).

Don't miss out on Spending the Holidays with Mary I - a 4 week online course led by Mary I expert, Dr. Peter Stiffell. Course begins November 19th, so get your ticket now!

We are also have a FREE live chat with Sophie Bacchus-Waterman on November 15th - get your FREE ticket NOW!

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guests: Steve Wadlow & Madoc Roberts

Discovering the Son of Queen Elizabeth I (Replay) Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

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 everything we thought we knew.Melanie's book: Truth of the Line

We announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠⁠!!

Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - ⁠Rebecca Larson's History Corner⁠ on ⁠Subtack⁠--

Host:

Rebecca Larson

Guest: Melanie V. Taylor

Parallel Lives: Joan of Navarre & Isabeau of Bavaria Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠!!

Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - Rebecca Larson's History Corner on Subtack

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Guest: Dr. Ellie Woodacre

Elizabeth Boleyn: The Queen's Mother Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

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.

Get book now through Blackwells or pre-order (Americans) through Amazon

We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠!!

Check out Rebecca's Thomas Seymour research at - Rebecca Larson's History Corner on Subtack

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman

Parallel Lives: Margaret Beaufort & Mary, Queen of Scots Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

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, their resilience amid betrayal, and the legacy each left on the English throne.

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We just announced a new 4-week online course with Dr. Peter Stiffell called, ⁠Spending the Holidays with Mary I⁠!!

Check out Rebecca Larson's History Corner on Subtack

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Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Dr. Emma Cahill Marron