Join us for a captivating episode of Talking Tudors, as host Natalie Grueninger welcomes back historian Heather R. Darsie. Together, they delve into the rich history of the Catholic Church's Jubilee year traditions and explore the intricate process of electing a new pope. Heather shares her insights on the recent events in Rome following the death of Pope Francis, and offers a unique glimpse into the papal conclave and its longstanding history.

Heather brings her extensive expertise to the discussion, detailing the historical significance of Jubilee years and the evolution of papal elections. With reference to her own experiences visiting Rome, she provides listeners with a vivid depiction of the Sistine Chapel and the sacred atmosphere surrounding these time-honoured ceremonies.

In addition to exploring the traditions of the past, Heather also reflects on the implications of modern reforms within the Church, drawing intriguing parallels to historical reforms seen during the Tudor era. Tune in for an engaging and educational journey through the past and present of one of the world's most fascinating religious traditions.

Visit Heather Darsie's official website

https://maidensandmanuscripts.com/author/maidensandmanuscripts/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Join me for '365 Days with Katherine of Aragon'! 

https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2025/04/05/365-days-with-katherine-of-aragon-2/

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Join Natalie Grueninger as she delves into the captivating life of James VI/I with historian Gareth Russell. Explore the intricate dynamics of the Stuart court, James's complex personal life, and his impactful reign over Scotland and England. Discover dramatic tales of love, power, and the political chessboard that shaped Britain's first king. This episode offers a glimpse into the vibrant and tumultuous world of 16th and 17th century royalty.

Follow Gareth Russell on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/_garethrussell/?hl=en

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Join me for '365 Days with Katherine of Aragon'! 

https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2025/04/05/365-days-with-katherine-of-aragon-2/

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Welcome to another captivating episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, Natalie is joined by renowned historian and author Professor Tracy Borman to discuss her latest book, 'Holbein: The Ambassadors.' Together, they delve into the mysteries and historical significance of Hans Holbein's famous painting, "The Ambassadors," created in the pivotal year of 1533.

Tracy shares her insights about the French diplomats portrayed in the painting, Jean de Dinteville and Georges de Selve, and explores the rich symbolism hidden within the artwork. Discover the tumultuous backdrop of Tudor England, marked by Henry VIII's dramatic break with the Catholic Church, and learn how Holbein masterfully navigated the religious and political divides of his time.

Join Natalie and Tracy as they unravel the many secrets held within "The Ambassadors," offering listeners a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of Holbein and the vibrant, dangerous world of the Tudor dynasty. Whether you're a seasoned Tudor enthusiast or new to the era, this conversation promises to ignite your curiosity and enhance your understanding of this extraordinary period in history. Enjoy!

Visit Professor Tracy Borman's official website

https://www.tracyborman.co.uk/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Join me for '365 Days with Katherine of Aragon'! 

https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2025/04/05/365-days-with-katherine-of-aragon-2/

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Join our host, Natalie Grueninger, as she invites the insightful Dr. Kavita Mudan Finn to unravel the life of the captivating Elizabeth Woodville. This episode is a fascinating exploration of Elizabeth's ascent from noblewoman to queen, her intriguing familial connections, and the intricate political landscape she navigated. We also touch on the enduring legacy of Katherine of Aragon, with Natalie sharing details about her immersive learning experience, 365 Days with Katherine of Aragon. Concluding with some personal insights, this episode is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to learn more about the Tudors. Tune in for a captivating historical journey!

Visit Dr Kavita Mudan Finn's website

https://kvmfinn.wordpress.com/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Join me for '365 Days with Katherine of Aragon'! 

https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2025/04/05/365-days-with-katherine-of-aragon-2/

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Join us as we dive into the intriguing world of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, with our special guest, historian and author Amy McElroy. Amy shares insights from her latest book, shedding light on Mary's life, her brief reign in France, and the complex family dynamics within the Tudor dynasty.

Discover the captivating story of Mary Tudor, from her upbringing as a cherished sister of Henry VIII to her politically charged marriage to Louis XII of France. Explore the deep connections between Mary and her sister-in-law, Katherine of Aragon, and uncover the tensions and alliances that shaped Mary's journey.

We also delve into Mary's later years as Duchess of Suffolk and her enduring influence on Tudor history. With fascinating anecdotes and scholarly insights, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the life of a remarkable Tudor woman.

Visit Amy's website

https://amymcelroy.blog/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Join me for '365 Days with Katherine of Aragon'! 

https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2025/04/05/365-days-with-katherine-of-aragon-2/

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Join host Natalie Grueninger in this episode of Talking Tudors, as she welcomes back Dr. Eleanor Barnett, a food historian from Cardiff University, to discuss her latest book, "Leftovers: A History of Food Waste and Preservation." Dive into the evolution of our food consumption habits from the Tudor era to today, and discover the creative ways our ancestors preserved food. Learn about the societal and religious influences on food preservation and waste in the past, and what lessons we can apply to combat modern food waste issues.

If you're passionate about Tudor history or interested in sustainable living practices, this episode promises a captivating blend of historical and contemporary insights. Engage with us in this lively discussion and uncover the timeless allure of the Tudor dynasty.

Visit Dr Barnett's website

https://www.eleanorbarnett.com/

Follow Dr Barnett on Instagram

@historyeats

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Join me for '365 Days with Katherine of Aragon'! 

https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2025/04/05/365-days-with-katherine-of-aragon-2/

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Welcome to another episode of Talking Tudors, where host Natalie Grueninger is joined by Professor James Clark to explore the intricate history of the dissolution of the monasteries in 16th century England. Discover the vital roles these institutions played in everyday life and the complex, gradual process behind their dissolution under Henry VIII’s reign. James Clark, bringing his extensive expertise, unveils the multifaceted economic, social, and cultural impacts of these closures, challenging common misconceptions about their supposed abrupt end. Join us as we navigate through the turbulent landscape of Tudor England and unearth the enduring legacy of its monastic past.

Learn more about Professor James Clark

https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/22861-james-clark

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Welcome to another episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, we explore the profound journeys of Irish women religious during the turmoil of the 16th and 17th centuries with Dr. Bronagh McShane, a distinguished historian and research fellow at Trinity College, Dublin.

Dr. McShane sheds light on the lives of Irish nuns who navigated suppression, exile, and reintegration during times of intense religious and political upheaval. Discover how these remarkable women preserved their religious identities, built transnational networks, and contributed significantly to the Catholic Reformation in Europe.

We delve into the challenges and resilience of these women as they faced societal pressures, navigated clandestine communities, and fostered education within their ranks. Join us as we uncover the indelible mark that Irish nuns left on history and their enduring legacy in shaping faith and community amidst adversity.

Dr McShane is Research Fellow in History on the VOICES project at Trinity College Dublin.

https://voicesproject.ie/

Follow Dr Bronagh Ann McShane on Bluesky

https://bsky.app/profile/bamcshane.bsky.social

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Join host Natalie Grueninger in this captivating episode of 'Talking Tudors' as she delves into the complexities of early modern sexuality and sodomy legislation in early modern England. Special guest Jack Beesley, a doctoral candidate specialising in this field, sheds light on how medieval and early modern people perceived same-sex relationships, the development of sodomy laws, and their implications on society.

The discussion also explores the controversial historical rumours surrounding George Boleyn's sexuality, questioning their historical accuracy and examining the language used in primary sources of the period. Moreover, Jack outlines significant shifts in public attitudes towards 'sodomy', highlighting pivotal moments such as the English Reformation and the societal changes under King William III.

Tune in for a profound examination of how societal views on sexuality have evolved, its impact on historical figures, and how these changes continue to shape conversations today.

Follow Jack Beesley on X

https://x.com/Jack_E_Beesley

Follow Jack on Bluesky

https://bsky.app/profile/jackbeesley.bsky.social

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Buy Talking Tudors merchandise at https://talkingtudors.threadless.com/

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Welcome to another episode of Talking Tudors! Join host Natalie Grueninger as she delves into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Alan Loomis on the evolution of transparent glass windows in early modern England. Discover how this novel feature transitioned from a luxury for the elite to a common household element by the end of the 17th century, transforming domestic spaces and influencing interactions.

Dr. Loomis shares intriguing insights into the role these windows played in Elizabethan drama and their lasting cultural significance. Listen as he uncovers the societal shifts and dramatic tensions associated with transparent glass, while also exploring personal stories and historic events linked with glass windows of that era. Plus, hear an exciting account of William Shakespeare's use of bay windows as a status symbol.

Whether you're a history enthusiast intrigued by the Tudor period or a fan of early modern drama, this episode promises engrossing tales of architectural innovation and societal change. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion!

Follow Dr Loomis on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allenloomis 

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Buy Talking Tudors merchandise at https://talkingtudors.threadless.com/

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