In this Feisty Fridays mini-sode, host Rachel Beck dives into the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth I—known as the “Virgin Queen”—and the bold choice that defined her reign: never marrying. Drawing from the BBC’s Why the Virgin Queen Never Married, (link to the article here.) Rachel explores how Elizabeth defied the intense pressure to wed, navigated political and personal challenges, and built a 44-year reign on her own terms.

From her rumored love for Robert Dudley to her famous declaration that she was “married to England,” Elizabeth’s story is a masterclass in self-sovereignty, personal power, and rewriting the rules for women.

Rachel connects Elizabeth’s 16th-century defiance to the pressures modern women face today—reminding listeners that choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s sovereign.

Perfect for fans of women’s history, personal empowerment, and the quiet rebellion of living life on your own terms.

Keywords: Queen Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen, women’s history, personal empowerment, choosing yourself, living single, historical women leaders, women and marriage, Cate Blanchett Elizabeth, sovereignty