Tudors Dynasty - RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson

Latest Episodes:

Edward V: The King Who Never Wore the Crown Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

Edward V’s reign lasted only a matter of weeks - but those weeks changed the course of English history. In this episode, Rebecca and historian Matthew Lewis trace the rapidly unfolding events of 1483, from Edward IV’s unexpected death and the conflict between the Woodvilles and Lord Hastings to the arrests at Northampton, the execution of Hastings, and the revelation that would see Edward V declared illegitimate. Was Richard of Gloucester following a plan to seize the throne, or responding to one crisis after another? By examining the chronology and questioning the reliability of the surviving sources, they reconsider how Richard III came to wear the crown.

Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: http://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

Jane Seymour: The Queen We've Been Getting Wrong Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

For centuries, Jane Seymour has been remembered as Henry VIII's quiet, obedient third wife -the queen who gave him his long-awaited son before dying tragically in childbirth. But was there far more to her story?

In this episode, I'm joined by historian Elizabeth Norton to discuss her new book, Jane Seymour: Patronage, Material Culture and Image Crafting. Drawing on years of archival research, Elizabeth reveals a Jane who was far more politically active and influential than her reputation suggests. We explore the myths that have shaped Jane's legacy, her role at court, the power she exercised through patronage and intercession, and what her household, possessions, and estates reveal about the woman behind the crown.

If you think you know Jane Seymour, this conversation may change your mind.

Order your copy of the book ⁠HERE

Support the podcast over on Patreon and receive EARLY ACCESS, COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Norton

What If Jane Grey Had Remained Queen? (Replay) Jul 19, 2026

Show notes

Amy's was on vacation and I am running out of topic ideas for this week so I decided to revisit one of our most popular episodes.

What if Lady Jane Grey had outwitted Mary Tudor and stayed Queen of England?

In this Off the Record episode, we follow the most fascinating “what if” in Tudor history: a world where Jane’s reign doesn’t end after nine days - but becomes the start of something far bigger (and far more dangerous). Together we unpack what would have needed to change for Jane to keep the crown, why Mary’s victory depended as much on politics as it did legitimacy, and how quickly England could have transformed under a fiercely Protestant queen.

We also dig into one of the most important questions behind Jane’s claim: Edward VI’s Devise for the Succession. Was Parliament even in session when Edward began drafting it - and did he actually have time to legalize it before his death? The answer might surprise you… and it changes how we understand just how fragile Jane’s crown truly was.

A coup, a crisis of legitimacy, and a teenage queen at the center of a kingdom on the edge - this is Tudor alternate history at its most dramatic.

Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Edward IV: The Price of Power Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Edward IV's dramatic return to the throne in 1471 brought an end to the Lancastrian challenge - but not to the dangers facing England.

In this episode, Matt Lewis and I explore the second half of Edward IV's reign, beginning with the decisive victory at Tewkesbury and the deaths of Henry VI and his son, Edward of Westminster. We examine the fate of Margaret of Anjou, the controversial execution of George, Duke of Clarence, Edward's diplomatic gamble with France, and the growing tensions that threatened the stability he had worked so hard to achieve.

By the time Edward died unexpectedly in 1483 at just forty years old, he left behind a twelve-year-old heir, an uncertain political future, and a kingdom on the brink of another succession crisis. It was a reign that ended not with triumph, but with the seeds of one of England's greatest royal mysteries.

Matt's Wars of the Roses book on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Wars-Roses-Players-Struggle-Supremacy/dp/1445660237/encoding=UTF8&pdrd_w=XfKTp&content-id=amzn1.sym.f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_p=f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_r=132-7377516-1645627&pd_rd_wg=GwWFA&pd_rd_r=ebce769c-c434-4402-883d-bdc6fee0d0ed

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis

Margaret of Austria: A Story of Resilience Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Today, I am joined by award-winning historical fiction author Roja Gaston to discuss her novel on Margaret of Austria — daughter of Maximilian I, aunt to Charles V, and one of Renaissance Europe’s most powerful women.

Together, they explore Margaret’s remarkable life: her early betrothal to the French king, her marriages to Juan of Spain and Philibert of Savoy, her role as regent of the Burgundian Habsburg Netherlands, and her lasting legacy as a political force, diplomat, patron, and survivor. They also discuss Margaret’s connection to Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, her famous motto — “Fortune, misfortune fortifies one” — and how her resilience shaped both her life and Gaston’s novel.

Rozsa's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0084F8MJE?ccs_id=61d489f4-cc9e-4a8d-9045-e387281792c7

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Rozsa Gaston

Traveling Back in Time to Witness History, Pt. 3 Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

Today, we decided to return to the same topic as before and we discuss moments in history that we would like to travel back to and experience. There are a few times things got a bit goofy during this one, so if you're opposed to laughter - skip this one.

What times would you like to travel back to? What do you think of OUR choices?

Co-Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

Edward IV: Allies, Enemies, and Exile Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Edward IV's reign began with spectacular victories, but it was nearly undone by betrayal.

In Part 1 of our series, Matt Lewis joins me to explore Edward's rise to the throne following the Battle of Towton, his consolidation of power, and the growing rift with Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick - the Kingmaker. We discuss Edward's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, the political fallout that followed, Warwick's rebellion, and the dramatic events that forced Edward into exile.

Join us as we uncover how one of England's greatest warrior kings went from triumph to the brink of losing everything. In Part 2, we'll follow Edward's return to reclaim his crown and the rest of his remarkable reign.

Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

York vs. Somerset: Obsession, Ambition, and the Origins of the Wars of the Roses Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

For generations, the story of the Wars of the Roses has largely been told through a Yorkist lens. But what if we've been looking at the rivalry between Richard, Duke of York, and Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, all wrong?

In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Michael Jones presents the Lancastrian case, challenging some of the most deeply rooted assumptions about the conflict that divided medieval England. Was Somerset really the corrupt, incompetent favorite of Henry VI, or was he a gifted commander and loyal servant of the Crown? Was York motivated by a desire to save the kingdom, or by personal ambition and an obsession with bringing down his rival?

Together, we explore the origins of one of England's greatest political feuds, from the Calais campaign of 1436 through the loss of Normandy and the First Battle of St. Albans. Along the way, we also reconsider Henry VI himself - not as a weak and easily manipulated king, but as an intelligent, principled ruler whose vision for peace has often been overshadowed by centuries of hostile tradition.

Whether you agree with Dr. Jones's conclusions or not, this episode offers a compelling alternative perspective on the men, motives, and decisions that led England into the Wars of the Roses - and invites us to question just how much of history has been shaped by the victors who wrote it.

Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Michael Jones

Henry VI: From Crisis to Civil War Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

Matt Lewis returns to continue our journey through the reign of Henry VI - and things are about to fall apart.

Picking up in 1450, we explore the events that plunged England into the Wars of the Roses. Was Richard, Duke of York, really determined to take the throne, or has history misunderstood his intentions? Time and again, York had opportunities to overthrow Henry VI, yet repeatedly stopped short. So why did the kingdom descend into civil war anyway?

We discuss Henry's catastrophic political indecision, his unwavering trust in Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, his mental collapse in 1453, the First Battle of St Albans, the ill-fated Love Day, the dramatic Act of Accord, and the death of Richard of York at Wakefield. Along the way, we examine the choices - and failures - that shaped one of the most turbulent periods in English history.

We also tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding Henry VI: what really happened in the Tower of London in May 1471? Was the deposed king murdered, or did he simply succumb to grief and illness after the destruction of his Lancastrian cause?

Join us as we conclude the story of Henry VI - a king whose inability to choose a side may have changed the course of English history forever.

Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

Margaret Beaufort: Lancastrian Loyalist or Ruthless Opportunist? Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

The wonderful Dr. Michael Jones returns to the podcast to take a fresh look at the remarkable life of Margaret Beaufort. Together, we explore how her turbulent childhood shaped the woman she would become - from growing up without ever knowing her father to the lasting impact his early death had on her life. We also dive into her relationship with her mother, and of course, we couldn't talk about Margaret without discussing her famous bond with her son, the future Henry VII.

Along the way, Mike challenged a few assumptions I had about Margaret, and there were more than a couple of moments that genuinely surprised me. I have a feeling you'll be just as fascinated by what he has to say.

*I was unable to add photos of the church and home in Samford Peverell, but I'll post them to social media AFTER the episode has been published.

Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Michael K. Jones

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