*This episode is available in video format on #Spotify and #Youtube

✨ In today’s Parallel Lives episode, Dr. Emma and I dive into the lives of two extraordinary women—Eleanor of Aquitaine and her daughter, Eleanor of Castile. A powerful mother-daughter duo whose stories shaped medieval Europe!

⏳ Don’t forget—time is running out to join Forging a Queen, my 6-week online course on Katherine of Aragon’s remarkable life before she became England’s queen. We begin September 17th!

🎤 Looking for something shorter? The brilliant Matt Lewis will be joining us LIVE on September 27th for a 90-minute talk on why Empress Matilda couldn’t win the crown. Early Bird tickets are on sale now—grab yours while they last!

--

Would you prefer commercial-free episodes? Head over Patreon!!

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

In this episode, we uncover the dramatic lives of the Grey sisters—Jane, Catherine, and Mary. Each was born close to the English throne, yet their royal blood proved more curse than blessing. From Jane’s nine-day (or thirteen days) reign, to Catherine’s scandalous secret marriage, to Mary’s struggle against her own frailty, their stories reveal the peril of being too near the crown in Tudor England.

Find Adam's book on Amazon!

Adam's Simply Tudor Tours

--

Don't miss out - JOIN our 6-week online course on Katherine of Aragon before she became queen of England! LEARN MORE!

--

CREDITS:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Adam Pennington

This is a special Sunday episode - next week we will return to another fascinating woman from history!

The wonderful Christine Morgan returns as guest host with an exciting update on Rosamund Gravelle’s Three Queens! And there’s a BIG announcement you won’t want to miss.

Three Queens is a powerful one-act play that imagines a fictional encounter between Queen Mary I, Lady Jane Grey, the future Queen Elizabeth I, and their cousin Cardinal Reginald Pole—set on the eve of Jane’s execution.

July 2023 episode: Three Queens: An Encounter Between Mary I, Lady Jane Grey and the future Elizabeth I

Rosamund's Website: https://www.rosamundgravelle.com/

--

Credits:

Guest Host: Christine Morgan

Guest: Rosamund Gravelle

In this Parallel Lives episode, we examine the marriage of Mary I of England and Philip II of Spain. Both monarchs were bound by faith and duty, yet faced suspicion, resistance, and personal struggles in their quest to secure power and an heir. Their parallel journeys reveal how politics, religion, and dynastic ambition shaped not only their marriage but the fate of two kingdoms.

Peter's Website: https://drpeterstiffell.com

--

There’s still plenty of time to join Forging a Queen — our deep dive into Katherine of Aragon’s remarkable life before she became England’s queen. Secure your spot now and get ready for a fascinating journey next month!

--

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Guest: Dr. Peter Stiffell

Welcome to the launch of a brand-new series with historian Dr. Linda Porter: The Queen’s Husband. In this series, we explore the fascinating — and often complicated — men who married queens regnant.

We begin with one of the most captivating and controversial women in history: Mary, Queen of Scots. In this episode, Dr. Porter unravels the stories of Mary’s three husbands — the young King Francis II of France, the ill-fated Henry, Lord Darnley, and the notorious James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell — examining how each shaped her life, her reign, and ultimately, her downfall.

Dr. Linda Porter's Books: Amazon US - also available through other booksellers!

--

There’s still plenty of time to join Forging a Queen — our deep dive into Katherine of Aragon’s remarkable life before she became England’s queen. Secure your spot now and get ready for a fascinating journey next month!

--

Join the fun over on Patreon! It's also an app if you prefer. Over on Patreon we have all kinds of conversations, plus there is free content available.

--

Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Linda Porter

In 1338, the English army marched on Dunbar Castle expecting a swift victory. Instead, they were met by Agnes Randolph — Black Agnes — whose wit and determination turned the tide of history. With her husband away, Agnes commanded the castle for nearly five months, mocking English siege engines, rallying her defenders, and refusing every attempt at intimidation. Her defiance made her a legend of Scotland’s Wars of Independence and a symbol of unyielding courage.

--

Ready to REGISTER for Forging a Queen? There are limited seats available, so be sure to sign up before they're gone! Learn more HERE.

--

Looking for COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, early access and exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon!

--

Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey

Welcome to another edition of our Parallel Lives series, inspired by Plutarch’s classic work. Every Thursday, we pair two historical figures—sometimes our choice, sometimes yours—and uncover the striking parallels in their lives. This week’s episode was a real revelation for me: I’ve long wanted to dive into the story of Boudicca, and now I’ve discovered Urraca as well. Both were formidable ruling queens, blazing their trails centuries before Mary I ever wore the crown!

Have you signed up for FORGING A QUEEN yet? You won't want to miss this rare opportunity to look deep into the story of Katherine of Aragon BEFORE she became queen. It's six-weeks, all online, and you can work at your own pace. Lectures will be available until the beginning of December. We will also have LIVE Q&A's so you can ask Dr. Emma any lingering questions you may have each week. Get your ticket now!

Join my Patreon group and get exclusive content and commercial-free epsidoes!!

--

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

The always-spirited Dr. Emily Lalande is back — and this time, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe a little bathwater) on Margaret of Valois, daughter of Henry II of France and Catherine de’ Medici. From royal politics to scandalous escapades — including one “spa day” that wasn’t quite what her brother the king had in mind — Margaret’s life was anything but ordinary. Get ready for a story as bold and unpredictable as the princess herself.

Margaret's Memoir

Rubens coronation portrait of Marie de Medici

--

Don't miss out on our upcoming course called Forging a Queen! This course covers the early life of Katherine of Aragon like you've never seen before. Class begins September 17th - Get registered now, or learn more HERE!

--

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Emily Lalande

*My apologies for the mic feedback you might notice.

By day, she was shy and soft-spoken. By night, she set the skies ablaze. Sophie Blanchard, Napoleon’s Chief of Air Services and the world’s first female professional balloonist, captivated Europe with midnight ascents, glittering fireworks, and record-breaking flights. But in an age when women were expected to stay grounded, Sophie made the heavens her stage—until one fateful Paris evening when the very flames that lit her fame brought her crashing down.

Grab your ticket to Forging a Queen course with Dr. Emma - HERE!!

Want early access, commercial-free content and more? Head over to PATREON!

--

Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Written & Researched by: Emily Airey

As always, this episode is COMMERCIAL-FREE for my generous patrons!

These two female artist have been discussed separately on the show in the past, but today we are looking at how their two lives paralleled, and I'll be honest, it's rather interesting! I hope you enjoy this edition of parallel lives!

Don't forget to grab your ticket for the upcoming Katherine of Aragon (online) course - More information here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forging-a-queen-katherine-of-aragon-before-england-tickets-1492435036369?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

--

Hosts: Dr. Emma Cahill Marron and Rebecca Larson