I have been looking into Greek Mythology more lately and was fascinated by the story of Helen of Troy. I hope I do the story justice, and I also hope that I did not massacre the pronunciation of their names too much - please forgive me if I did!

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Ever wondered what beauty looked like in the Medieval era? In this episode, we reveal the unexpected secrets behind achieving that flawless, pale complexion, why some beauty practices were worth risking your life, and which surprising trends made their way into Medieval society. Join us for a journey through pale faces, herbal concoctions, and the surprising lengths people went to for the perfect look—centuries before modern makeup!

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CREDITS:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Lacey Bonar Hull

Marie Antoinette and Francis I of the Two Sicilies—two figures from the same extended royal family—led lives that were both interconnected and starkly different. While Marie's story is one of opulence, scandal, and revolution, Francis's tale is one of reform, resilience, and quiet leadership.

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Research by: Emily Airey

This episode has been a long time coming and I'm so excited that it is finally here! I wanted to do a Halloween episode but sometimes I think those get a bit too played out this time of year, so instead, Dr. Emma came back to chat poisoning with me!!

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Today, Sophie Bacchus-Waterman joined me again to chat about historical documents and their efforts to make them available to everyone. But that's not it, we talk about so much more!

Links mentioned:

The exhibition we did on digitization: https://stjohnscollegelibraryoxford.org/2023/04/18/from-ink-to-pixels-digitizing-manuscripts-at-st-johns-college/ 

The St John's Digital Bodleian page: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/partners/st-johns/ 

SJC MS 154: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/cc6f7f04-7236-40e2-8327-520158dfc7d5/ 

SJC MS 301: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/8984cfee-f6e7-4337-a108-554ee8c784dd/

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the lives of two powerful women who shaped European history—Catherine of Valois, the mother of the Tudor dynasty, and Catherine de Medici, Queen of France and mother to three kings. These Catherines endured scandal, intrigue, and heartbreak, each fighting to protect their legacies in a world ruled by men. From forbidden love and royal rivals to unyielding ambition, their stories set the stage for dynasties that would change history. Join us as we uncover the resilience and tenacity of two queens who left their mark on the world.

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Credits:

Narrator: Rebecca Larson

Researcher: Emily Airey

Today, we revisit my conversation with Dr. James Taffe on the endlessly intriguing Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. After the execution of her husband, George Boleyn, and sister-in-law Anne in 1536, Jane skillfully navigated the dangerous waters of Tudor politics, securing a place in the households of each successive queen. But her involvement with Queen Katheryn Howard ultimately sealed her fate, leading to their executions in 1542. Jane’s life serves as a cautionary tale of the dangerous dance between power, loyalty, and ambition in the Tudor court.

James's Book - Courting Scandal

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. James Taffe

Today the lovely Andrea Zuvich joins me to discuss the topic of her new book, A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress. Barbara Villiers was so much more than the mistress of Charles II, and I hope today you will give her another look, and check out Andrea's book!

https://www.andreazuvich.com/

podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrea-zuvich

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Andrea Zuvich

In this episode I uncover the story of Renée of France, a princess who defied royal expectations and embraced the Protestant Reformation. Despite being married into the Catholic court of Ferrara, Renée became a protector of reformers like John Calvin and a supporter of the Huguenots during the French Wars of Religion. Discover how her courage and conviction in a time of religious conflict left a lasting legacy.

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

This episode is a bit of a whirlwind, but in the best way! We recorded it last week on my birthday as a fun project with two close friends. I'll admit, we cover a wide range of topics, so if you enjoy hearing Emma and me chat, you're in for a treat!

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Rebecca Larson

Dr. Emma Cahill Marron