Tudors Dynasty - RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson

Latest Episodes:

Tudor Would You Rather: Bad Choices, Worse Consequences Oct 25, 2026

Show notes

What would you rather do: survive a bout of sweating sickness, have an affair with Henry VIII, or serve as his Groom of the Stool? And believe it or not, those aren't even the worst options!

In this episode of Off the Record we're having a little fun with Tudor history in a game of Tudor Would You Rather! From questionable medical treatments and disgusting Tudor delicacies to royal secrets, political betrayals, and life-or-death decisions, I'm faced with a series of impossible choices.

Would I rather wash my hair with urine or sleep on a straw mattress? Whose royal temper tantrum would I be willing to endure? And which private Tudor conversation would I most want to overhear?

Some choices are surprisingly easy. Others require a little historical reasoning. And a few are downright horrifying!

Listen in, have a laugh, and play along! I'd love to know what YOU would choose. Let me know which Tudor dilemma you'd find the hardest to answer!

Enjoy the show? Head over to my Patreon page, join the conversation, and gain access to some pretty cool content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Co-Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

Henry I: Clever, Cunning, and Cruel (Norman Kings Series) Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Henry I was the cleverest of William the Conqueror’s sons—or at least, he always seemed to be a step ahead of his brothers. But intelligence and ambition came with a ruthless streak.

Matt Lewis joins me to explore Henry’s tangled relationship with William Rufus and Robert Curthose, his swift seizure of the English throne, and the rebellions, alliances, and brutal acts of justice that helped him hold on to power. By 1120, Henry seems to have defeated or outmaneuvered every rival. Then, on the journey home, disaster awaits.

This is Part One of our look at Henry I in the Norman Kings series.

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

Royal Witch: The Forgotten Women of Medieval England Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

What happens when ambition becomes more powerful than loyalty, love, or even fear?

Bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory returns to the podcast to discuss her latest novel, Royal Witch, and the extraordinary women at the heart of its story.

Our conversation centers on Eleanor Cobham, a woman whose determination to rise through the ranks of medieval society brought her dangerously close to the English throne. But Eleanor's story is only part of the picture. We also explore the remarkable Jacqueline of Hainault, who fought to reclaim her inheritance, and Margery Jourdemaine, whose association with witchcraft would have devastating consequences.

Philippa and I discuss the complicated nature of ambition, the fine line between love and hatred, and why she enjoys writing women who aren't necessarily likable. We also explore the medieval understanding of witchcraft and astrology, the troubled childhood of Henry VI, and how Philippa's visits to historic locations help bring her fictional worlds to life.

And, of course, we discuss the fascinating challenge of separating historical fact from fiction.

Join us for a conversation about powerful women, dangerous ambitions, and the stories history has nearly forgotten.

Buy Royal Witch on Blackwells!

Support this podcast and join a growing community of history lovers over on Patreon - https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Philippa Gregory

Medieval Superlatives: A Royal Mess Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

Who would survive just about anything? Who could talk their way out of an execution? And which medieval figure would be an absolute disaster if left in charge of a rebellion?

In this episode of Off the Record, Rebecca Larson and Amy McElroy are back with another round of Medieval Superlatives, putting some of history's most fascinating (and occasionally questionable) characters to the test.

From William Marshal and Isabella of France to George, Duke of Clarence, and a few unexpected contenders, we're debating who deserves the title of best survivor, worst rebel, and everything in between.

Expect plenty of laughter, a few disagreements, some questionable choices, and the usual historical chaos as we decide who's most likely to come out on top—and who's destined to make a complete mess of things.

Think you have better answers? Listen along and let us know who you'd choose!

If you like this podcast, join the TD&B group over on Patreon. https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Co-Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

William Rufus: Rebellions, Rivalries, and the Fatal Hunt (Norman Kings Series) Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

William Rufus is often remembered as a difficult king who fell out with the Church—and died when an arrow struck him in the New Forest. But there was far more to his reign than its dramatic ending. Matt Lewis joins Rebecca to explore William’s military successes, repeated rebellions, and tangled rivalry with his brothers Robert and Henry. They also look at William’s conflict with Archbishop Anselm, his campaigns in Scotland, and how the churchmen who wrote the chronicles shaped his reputation.

Then comes the question that has puzzled people for centuries: was William’s death really an accident? With Robert away on crusade and Henry moving quickly to secure the treasury and crown, the circumstances invite suspicion. Join Rebecca and Matt for a lively look at the king, the family rivalries, and the forest mystery that changed the course of English history.

If you enjoy my podcast and want to help support its continuation, please consider joining my Patreon community! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis

The Women Behind William the Conqueror Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

William conquered England, but what about the women who helped shape his dynasty? Rebecca Larson welcomes historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore Matilda of Flanders and her daughters—their lives, influence, and the stories that too often get overshadowed by the men.

From the questionable tales of William and Matilda’s courtship to her role governing Normandy, we discover a queen whose authority extended well beyond her marriage. We also meet their daughters, especially Adela and Cecilia, whose lives open up a fascinating discussion about crusading, education, and the power women could exercise within a convent.

With plenty of laughter along the way, we consider how these women have been remembered—and why understanding their world means looking beyond our modern assumptions.

Sharon's book on the subject - Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest

Love history and looking for a group of likeminded people? Head over to my Patreon page and join the conversation - whether you sign up as a free member or paid member, you're sure to lots of information and friends! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

Who Would Survive Tudor Court - and Social Media? (Superlatives) Oct 11, 2026

Show notes

What’s a superlative? It’s a playful way of asking who is most likely to do something—and the Tudor court gives us plenty of possibilities.

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca return to the Tudors with questions about survival, rebellion, and what court life might look like in the modern world. Who could talk their way out of an execution? Who would become an influencer, run a secret group chat, or survive a zombie apocalypse?

Bring your own answers, because you’ll probably have a few opinions—and so do we.

Join me over on Patreon where you'll not only find commercial-free episode but FREE articles on topics you're sure to enjoy! We also have a monthly chat called the Historical Reading Room where we discuss what we're reading! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

William the Conqueror: Rebels, Rule, and Legacy (Norman Kings Series) Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

William the Conqueror’s reign was marked by both ruthless force and careful efforts to secure his rule. In this episode, we look at the Harrying of the North, the resistance that gathered at Ely around Hereward, and William’s attempts to bring England’s landholders and resources under royal control. The Hereward stories include some memorable episodes—though parts of his daring exploits come from later legend.

We also explore the Domesday survey and the Salisbury oath, then turn to William’s final days and the division of his lands among his sons: Normandy for Robert, England for William Rufus, and money for Henry. What kind of legacy did the Conqueror leave—and what tensions did his settlement create for the next generation?

Support Rebecca and the podcast over on Patreon and join a growing community of history lovers! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis

The Real Elizabeth I: Image, Power, and Legend Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

What was Elizabeth I really like—and how much of the queen we think we know was carefully created? Historian Dr. Carole Levin joins Rebecca Larson to explore Elizabeth’s strengths and shortcomings, her carefully managed public image, and the gap between historical fact and the stories later generations told about her.

They also discuss Elizabeth’s relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots, the ways historians recover women’s voices, and how magic and superstition shaped life in Renaissance England. From women’s power to the legends that grew around Elizabeth after her death, this conversation looks at the queen behind the image—and the many people whose stories history has left at the margins.

Are you looking for a community of history lovers to join? Check out my Patreon!! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Carole Levin

Historical Superlatives: Medieval Edition Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

We’re handing out medieval superlatives! Think of the titles in a school yearbook: a superlative singles someone out as the “most” or “best” in a particular category.

This time, we’re choosing people from medieval history, comparing our answers, and discussing the personalities, relationships, and reputations behind them. Some choices might seem obvious; others may surprise you. Listen along and see whether you agree—or have someone else in mind!

If you like this podcast and want to either support it or join our growing community of history lovers, please head over to my Patreon page: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Co-Host: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

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