Shakespeare’s phrase “turning Turk” was a loaded accusation in Renaissance England. In this episode of history podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating delve into stereotypes and misconceptions about adherents of Islam in Europe in the 1500s and 1600s. Characterizations of Muslims ran the gamut, from violent infidels to sexual deviants to economic rivals. Questions abounded: where were they from? Were they black? Would they force Christians to convert? Get to the bottom of the following questions:

• What sorts of stereotypes re: Muslims existed?
• What kinds of beliefs & anxieties are registered in English perception of Middle Eastern & African peoples?

Plus: a plagiarized, presidential essay; Obama impersonators at birthday parties; cucumbers as nature’s dildos; and much more!

Are you DTL—down to learn? Take a raunchy jaunt through the historical and hysterical dimensions of the era of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and the Young Pope (maybe).

Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, [email protected], Facebook, Twitter

What happened to the James family in 1606? The parents were found murdered in their home and the two children went missing. Learn about the brutal band of brigands who terrorized this family and whether justice was ever served. Find out the answer to the following questions:

• What is the connection between true crime & literature during the Renaissance?
• What role do stereotypes and miracles play in realistic genres?

Learn about true crime during the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare.

Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, [email protected], Facebook, Twitter

RUDE TUDORS IS NOW BI-MONTHLY

England is currently making a Brexit, but it’s not their first time running away from their problems. In this episode of Renaissance podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating explore the great flight from London in 1625. Learn how the ravages of the plague sent people running for the hills. In this episode, Liz and Nicole answer the questions...

• What was the social climate in 1625 in London?
• What kinds of people left the city? What criticisms were leveled against them?
• What possible benefits came from the great flight?

Join this raunchy jaunt through the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare.

Get in touch: 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors.com, [email protected], Facebook, Twitter

Programming note: watch for new episodes on Sundays!

Do you believe in unicorns? Want to find out if Renaissance folks did? Check out the latest episode of history podcast Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating. Some might assume that unicorns have always been glittery, Lisa Frank creations with rainbows shooting out of their butts. But the unicorns described in Edward Topsell’s English-language bestiary are the stuff of nightmares. Dangerous, mysterious, and sometimes the size of an elephant, these creatures were a mythological force to reckon with.

 Find out the answers to...

• How were unicorns’ appearance and behavior described?
• Where were they supposedly found?
• What medicinal qualities did their horns have?
• Did English people actually believe in unicorns?

Listen to the latest mashup of English history and modern popular culture.

Contact at RudeTudors.com, Facebook, Twitter, [email protected]

Beer is often thought of as a man’s drink, but women brewed most of the beer and ale drunk during the English Renaissance. Learn about the history of female brewsters in this latest episode, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating. Thought to be women’s work, making alcohol was often looked down upon. But once it started to turn a profit, women got pushed out of this increasingly lucrative industry. Find out the answers to...

• How commonly were women involved in brewing?
• Why would women get involved in brewing profession?
• What were beliefs and attitudes about women who made their living this way?

Tune in for this raunchy jaunt through medieval and English culture and entertainment.

Contact/follow on Facebook, Twitter, rudetudors.com, [email protected]

When crying “God for Harry, England, and Saint George,” do you know the story of the saint Shakespeare invokes? In this episode, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating get to the bottom of the many stories revolving around the patron saint of England. Though often depicted as a knight in shining armor who slayed a dragon to rescue a princess, there’s more to George’s sainthood than meets the eye.

Questions answered in this episode include:

• What are St. George’s connections to the Middle East?
• How did torture, conversion, and the Crusades figure into his legend?
• What is England’s special connection to the saint?

Learn about religion, myth-making, and saintly celebration with the Rude Tudors.

Contact at RudeTudors.com, Facebook, Twitter, and [email protected].

Game of Thrones watchers all saw the resurrection of Jon Snow coming. But what about actual history? In this episode, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating discuss three accounts from the Renaissance English archives in which people somehow come back from death. Learn about the rejuvenation of 116-year-old John McClane, the haunting of a poorly buried sailor, and the incomplete hanging of miscarried mother.

Questions answered in this episode include:

• Why would people return from death?
• How were these pseudo zombies explained?
• What beliefs underlay accepting these miracles as true?

Join this irreverent mashup of history, politics, and popular culture.

Contact us on Facebook, Twitter, RudeTudors.com, and [email protected]

Othello wasn't England's only black friend. In this episode, Renaissance scholar Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating explore the everyday lives of black people living in London. From making shovels to playing the trumpet to managing brothels, the black inhabitants of London lived varied lives. Find out about an interesting cross section of a population that numbered in the hundreds.

Who loves talking historical smack? In this episode, English Renaissance scholar Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating discuss libellous poetry. The Tudors and Stuarts had a knack for writing poems for every occasion, like acute political jealousy or petty neighborhood quarrels. Hear some examples from this raunchy jaunt through the archive available by earlystuartlibels.net! And check out their review of a production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure by London's Cheek By Jowl & Moscow's Pushkin Theater at the top of the show.