In this episode of Dr. Emma & Me, we continue our Parallel Lives series by examining two powerful women who shaped the politics of Habsburg Europe (and beyond): Margaret of Austria and her great-niece Margaret of Parma.

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Have you missed out on the first two episodes in this series? Don't worry, here they are:

Episode 1: Isabel I of Castile & Katherine of Aragon

Episode 2: Juana of Castile & Anne Boleyn

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Join the conversation over on PATREON!

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Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma Cahill Marron

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Image Credits:

Margaret of Parma:

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Margaret of Austria:

© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

Mary (Rose) Tudor:

The National Gallery (London)

Mary of Hungary:

Rijks Museum

Christina of Denmark:

The National Gallery (London)

Margaret Roper:

Metropolitan Museum of Art

🎙️ The brilliant Amy McElroy is back—and this time, we’re cracking open the schoolbooks of Tudor England! What did education look like in the 16th century? Who got to learn—and who was left behind? From noble tutors to village schoolmasters, we uncover how class, gender, and opportunity shaped the minds of the Tudor world. Curious what kind of education Henry VIII's sister, Mary Tudor received versus her brothers? This is the episode for you. Don’t miss it!

Amy's Podcast visits:

#1 - Educating the Tudors (January 2025)

#2 - Through Her Eyes: Women's Lives in the Tudor Era (January 2025)

#3 - Mary Tudor: The Forgotten Rose of the Tudor Court (February 2025)

#4 - Erasmus: Humanist, Critic, Legend (May 2025)

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Find Amy's books on Amazon, or wherever you get your books!

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Want to get commercial-free episodes, early access and exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon!

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DO YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN PODCAST BUT NEED HELP? Check out my new website rebeccalarson.com for more info!

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Amy McElroy

Opening music by: Music by Marco Maier from Pixabay

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Margaret Cavendish—17th-century duchess, writer, philosopher, and fearless trailblazer. From royal courts and civil war exile to scientific debate and science fiction, Margaret defied the norms of her time to leave a legacy still felt today. Join me as we uncover how “Mad Madge” challenged gender roles, questioned the foundations of science, and imagined a world where women ruled—not just in fiction, but in thought.

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Credits:

Narrator: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey

Music by Marco Maier from Pixabay

We're back with the second episode in our Parallel Lives series, and this time we're exploring the unexpected connections between Juana of Castile and Anne Boleyn. They had far more in common than I ever imagined. Since it's the follow-up to our first episode, we begin with a quick recap, share some great listener feedback, and wander down a few fun historical side roads—before diving into the fascinating parallels between Juana and Anne. If you'd rather skip straight to the comparison, jump ahead to 12:45.

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Watch: Parallel Lives - Isabel I of Castile and Katherine of Aragon

Episode with Sylvia where she discusses the phoenix

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Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

King John’s legacy is often overshadowed by failure, but his daughters left a far more fascinating mark. In this episode, we explore the lives of his legitimate daughters, Joan, Isabella, and Eleanor, as well as his illegitimate daughter, Joan of Wales. Their stories reveal the unexpected power and influence royal women could wield in the 13th century.

Sharon's books on Amazon

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Show your support for the show and become a patron! As a patron, you'll receive commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content.

Read more about history on the website: https://tudorsdynasty.com

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

What do Voltaire, smallpox, and royal scandal have in common? Queen Caroline of Ansbach. In this episode, we uncover the story of the brilliant, bold, and often overlooked consort of George II—an Enlightenment queen who pulled political strings, promoted science, and navigated the drama of court life with razor-sharp intellect. Tune in to meet the queen history forgot to spotlight.

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched and written by: Emily Airey

Welcome to the very first official episode of Dr. Emma and Me! Today, we're exploring the fascinating parallel lives of Katherine of Aragon and her formidable mother, Isabel of Castile—two queens shaped by power, faith, and destiny.

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Want to support the show, get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content? https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

Love to read about history? https://tudorsdynasty.com

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Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr Emma

Image Credits:

Isabel of Castile: Museo del Prado

Katherine of Aragon: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

This episode goes far beyond Thomas Cromwell. Join us as we explore the shifting tides of religion in Tudor England—from the ruthless politics of the Reformation to the 'what ifs' of Edward VI’s reign. We discuss how the Rough Wooing turned England into the joke of Europe, and how Elizabeth I’s open-minded approach to faith helped steady a fractured kingdom—cementing her legacy as the true mother of the Church of England. If you're curious about how faith, power, and personality shaped a dynasty, this one's for you.

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Host Rebecca Larson

Guest: Prof. Diarmaid MacCulloch

Recording Location: Courtyard at Cadhay Manor House in Devon.

This is a repeat episode from last Summer. If you'd like to watch the video you can do so, ⁠HERE⁠ !

Today, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Steven Veerapen to unravel how the fear and condemnation of witchcraft evolved from the reign of Henry VIII to that of King James. Trust me—this isn’t your typical dry history lecture. Steven brings it to life in a way that’s both eye-opening and fascinating. If you’re thinking “ugh, witch trials—boring,” think again. You won’t want to miss this one!

Dr. Veerapen's Books

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Love the show but prefer a commercial-free experience, early access, and exclusive content? Head on over to my Patreon page!

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Steven Veerapen

Today, I’m joined by the lovely Sylvia Barbara Soberton for a fascinating conversation about Tudor women in portraiture. We explore the stories behind the images—like Margaret Beaufort wearing spectacles (and not always dressed like a nun!) and the hidden message tucked inside Elizabeth I’s Exchequer Ring. I also do my best to show you the portraits as we discuss them!

Links to books about Margaret Beaufort's inventory:

Cambridge Book

Oxford Book

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Sylvia's Book

Soberton on Substack

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Are you looking for a commercial-free episode, early access, and exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon page!!

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton