In this episode of Parallel Lives, Dr. Emma and Rebecca dive into the fascinating connections between two Renaissance powerhouses—Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. Both men were rivals and occasional allies, driven by ambition, prestige, and the desire to leave their mark on history. We’ll explore their uneasy friendship, their hunger for glory in war and peace, and the ways their larger-than-life personalities shaped the politics and culture of 16th-century Europe.

Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)

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Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.

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Credits:

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma

In today’s Historian Chat, I’m talking about Elizabeth Norton’s book The Women Who Ruled the World. Norton takes us across centuries to highlight queens and empresses who rose above expectation and left their mark on history. From ancient rulers to Tudor monarchs, this book is a fascinating look at leadership, power, and the women who wielded it.

The Women Who Ruled the World on Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble

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Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)

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Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Norton

Welcome back to another episode of Dr. Emma & Me!! Today's episode we look at sisters of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. As always, we also talk about accents, Henry Cavill, and so much more!

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Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)

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Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.

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Credits:

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill Marron

Today I have the honor of welcoming the brilliant Diarmaid MacCulloch back. to the show! We’re diving into his fascinating new book, Lower than the Angels. It’s a bold and thought-provoking subject—one that might stir a little controversy—so buckle up and join us for a conversation that will challenge, surprise, and inspire.

Pickup a copy of Lower than the Angels wherever you get books! Amazon

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Check out details of the upcoming Wolf Hall Weekend in June 2026.

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Join our 6-week online course (September 17th): Forging a Queen (Katherine of Aragon before she became Queen)

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Join our Special Event on September 27th when Matthew Lewis joins us to talk about Empress Matilda and why she could not win the crown.

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Reverend Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch

*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!

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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

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

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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/

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey