In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Susan Abernethy to discuss her new book on the women who helped build — and ultimately transform — the Burgundian state.
We explore the powerful wives, daughters, and female relatives of the Valois dukes of Burgundy who ruled as regents, managed territories, negotiated marriages and treaties, raised taxes, and exercised real political authority across Europe. From queens and duchesses to daughters of kings and emperors, these women were essential to Burgundian power.
We also look at how dynastic marriage, particularly that of Mary of Burgundy, brought an end to the Valois Burgundian line and ushered the empire into the Habsburg world — a fitting reminder that women stood at the heart of Burgundy’s rise and fall.
Get her book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dHQzK72
Susan's website: https://freelancehistorywriter.com
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Susan Abernethy
Welcome to the very first episode of Off the Record! Join Amy McElroy and Rebecca Larson as they dive into one of history’s biggest “what ifs”: what if Anne Boleyn had never married Henry VIII? Who might she have married instead - or would she have agreed to become Henry’s mistress? In this episode, they explore her options, share their thoughts, and enjoy a relaxed, off-the-record conversation about Tudor history together.
--
Have you checked out my Substack yet? You'll find a different side of me at Rebecca's History Corner. I will rage, I'll challenge, I'll tell a historical truth, and I'll share my Thomas Seymour research! Join me: https://rebeccalarson.substack.com/
Amy also has a Substack you should check out - The Tudor Notebook!
--
Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy
Swipe right or swipe left? 👀
In this episode of Historical Tinder, Rebecca is joined by Dr. Peter Stiffell, stepping in for Dr. Emma, to ask one tantalizing question: what if Mary I had married her longtime confidant and cousin Reginald Pole instead of Philip of Spain?
Was this the ultimate Catholic power couple waiting to happen—or a relationship better left in letters and late-night council conversations?
Grab your roses, sharpen your red flags, and join us as we put Mary and Reggie through the Historical Tinder test.
Peter's Website: https://drpeterstiffell.com/
--
Join Dr. Emma on Sunday, January 4th for a LIVE Special Event about Tudor court upon the arrival of Henry, Duke of Cornwall to Katherine of Aragon and Henry VIII. Learn more about the celebrations and culture of the time! Register here
--
Have you checked out my Substack yet? You'll find a different side of me at Rebecca's History Corner. I will rage, I'll challenge, I'll tell a historical truth, and I'll share my Thomas Seymour research! Join me!
--
Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Dr. Peter Stiffell
When a listener asked for an episode on humanists, I couldn’t have asked for better timing. Amy McElroy has just written a book on Erasmus and is now deep into another on humanist educators in England—so honestly, who better to teach us about these men?
Please check out Amy McElroy's books on Amazon!
Stay tuned for the next Dr. Emma & Me and an announcement I make regarding my Sunday episodes!! You'll find out before everyone else!
--
Join Dr. Emma & Me THIS Sunday, January 4th at 1pm CST / 2pm EST / 7pm GMT for a Special Live Event where she will be talking about the birth of Henry, Duke of Cornwall to Henry VIII & Katherine of Aragon and the party that was had. Since this will be the first event of 2026 we are offering a special ticket price (for early birds) of only $10 - grab one today!
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Amy McElroy
What happens when you change just one moment in history—and let the consequences unfold?
In today’s episode, we explore how a single altered decision can change everything. From political ripple effects to personal power shifts, this is a deep dive into historical “what-ifs” and why they matter.
We cover a range of topics, and I’ve included timestamps below if you’d like to jump around—fair warning, though: I spend a bit of time with Thomas Seymour at the beginning (some habits die hard 😄).
02:45 What if Thomas Seymour HAD wed Mary Howard? And all kinds of other Seymour stuff and Kateryn Parr
20:26 - What if after Louis XII died, Mary Tudor did not wed Charles Brandon? This is full of so much I don't know where to begin!
43:35 - What if Jane Seymour had lived? This turns into an interesting look at Katherine of Aragon and the elimination as wife of Anne Boelyn.
47:53 - The Rough Wooing - What if Mary Stuart (Queen of Scots) HAD married Edward VI?
--
If you're not already following my Substack, please consider subscribing! https://rebeccalarson.substack.com
--
If you like the podcast and would love to show your support please consider becoming a Patreon patron! You get early access, commercial-free episodes and exclusive contenet! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
Today, I’m joined by the wonderful Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore the first earls of Surrey—though that isn’t the name they would have recognized. To their contemporaries, they were the earls of Warenne.
From the aftermath of the Norman Conquest to the reign of Edward III, the Warenne family’s story is packed with the drama, ambition, and intrigue we’ve come to expect from England’s most powerful medieval dynasties.
You can find all of Sharon's on Amazon or wherever you get your books!
--
Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly
ALL NEW EPISODES COMING THIS TUESDAY (DEC 23 & 25TH)!
The Great Fire destroyed much of the great city of London. In this episode we uncover the tinderbox conditions that led to the blaze, explore the dramatic events of those fateful days.This was originally posted November 2022 for Patreon patrons only - it is now opened it to the public.--Always commercial FREE for patrons! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
Love the Tudors? Read the stories of the Tudors on Tudors Dynasty! https://tudorsdynasty.com--Credits: Hosted by: Rebecca LarsonThe following music was used for this media project: Music: Sociopath by Phat Sounds/ Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10036-sociopath /License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license /Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhatSounds74Music: Open Sea (Epic) by Frank Schroeter/ Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9447-open-sea-epic / License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license /Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frank.schroeter.52Music: Inevitable Collision [Original] by German Tretyakov/Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9802-inevitable-collision-original / License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license / Artist website: https://vk.com/ganus612germantretyakovSFX courtesy of freesound.org - This work is licensed under the Creative Commons 0 License.
This is a replay episode from a bit earlier this year. Due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to record a new episode this week. In addition, I've been getting requests for information on Eleanor of Castile - so here it is!
✨ 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!
--
NEW COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON! Be sure to follow me on Eventbrite so you don't miss out on information once it's available! --Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma
Edward I dreamed big—perhaps too big. While remembered for his brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward also longed to take the fight to France, only to be repeatedly pulled back by crises closer to home.
Joined by Matthew Lewis, we examine how Edward’s crusading experience in the Holy Land, his views on conquest and treason, and his willingness to use extreme punishments shaped his reign. Together, we ask whether Edward’s reputation as a tyrant reflects cruelty—or a king trapped between imperial ambition and domestic rebellion.
--
Find Matt's Books wherever you get your books.
Find Gone Medieval podcast wherever you get your podcasts!
--
Love the show? Please consider become a patron on Patreon! You'll receive commercial-free episodes, early access, exclusive content, and more! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis
Today’s episode is a one-time bonus share on Tudors Dynasty & Beyond so I can introduce you to a new podcast I’m launching. If you like this podcast, please consider subscribing to History Lair wherever you get your podcasts!
Before he became William the Conqueror, he was a boy born into scandal, danger, and survival. In this season of History Lair, we step into the shadows of 11th-century Normandy to uncover the brutal childhood, political chaos, and relentless ambition that forged one of history’s most formidable rulers.
This isn’t just the story of a conquest—it’s the making of a conqueror.
--
Written by Melanie V. Taylor
Produced & Edited by Rebecca Larson
Voiced by ElevenLabs
Three queens. Three generations. Three very different paths to power. From the childhood formation of Isabel I of Castile, to the political education and queenship of Katherine of Aragon, and finally to the turbulent rise and reign of Mary I of England, this episode explores how girls became monarchs—and how legacy, faith, and crisis shaped their rule. A story of motherhood, monarchy, and what it truly meant to be a queen.
--
🔥 New Podcast Alert! 🔥
History Lair has officially launched — and Season One is diving deep into the life, ambition, and legacy of William the Conqueror. Episode One is now live!
If you love Normandy, 1066, battlefield strategy, political drama, or just a really good origin story, this is the series for you.
Step inside the Lair… and uncover the making of a conqueror.
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
--
LOVE the SHOW? Please consider becoming a Patreon patron. As such you'll get commercial-free episodes, early access, and excusive content! Learn More
Credits:
Hosts - Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron
Two women. Two very different paths through the Tudor court. One ended on the scaffold. The other helped shape how the court would be remembered.
In this episode of Forgotten Tudor Women, we explore the lives of Jane Boleyn and Susanna Horenbout—one remembered for scandal, the other nearly lost to history despite her artistic legacy. We unpack the myths surrounding Jane Boleyn, what people consistently get wrong about her, and what a more accurate version of her life reveals. We also dive into Susanna’s role as a foreign-born woman navigating Henry VIII’s court through talent, skill, and quiet influence.
Together, their stories reveal what life was really like for Tudor gentlewomen living in the shadow of power—and why their legacies still matter today.
Sylvia's New Book: Forgotten Tudor Women: Jane Boleyn and Susanna Horenbout
--
Want to know what I'm up to? Give me a follow on Substack - every Monday I post a FREE article and every Wednesday I released more of my Thomas Seymour research to paid subscribers. https://rebeccalarson.substack.com
--
LOVE this podcast and want to show your support? Please consider becoming a Patreon patron - you'll receive commercial-free episode, early access, exclusive content & more! Learn More!
--
Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton
*This is a replay episode from July 2025 that was very popular with listeners/viewers, because Marguerite is a fascinating woman with an amazing portrait that we all recognize as her - immediately.
In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Marguerite d’Angoulême—Renaissance writer, queen, and sister to King François I of France. Discover how Marguerite’s bold literary works, like the Heptameron, challenged gender norms, and how her passion for religious reform placed her at the heart of early evangelical movements. We’ll trace her journey from the French court to the throne of Navarre, revealing a woman who shaped politics, faith, and the role of women in 16th-century Europe.
--
Head over to Patreon and consider becoming a patron! You'll get commercial-free episodes, early access and exclusive content! You can also join as a FREE member and gain access to the group chat.
--
Credits:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Emily Lalande
Welcome back to another episode of Historical Tinder with Dr. Emma & Me! As always, Dr. Emma picked this week’s topic—and I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure where it was going to lead. But surprise, surprise: it turned into a conversation about far more people than just Henry and Anne. Because let’s be honest… when did any of Henry VIII’s marriages involve only two people?
Stick around to catch a brand-new historical nickname we coined in the episode. If you hear it, drop it in the comments!
--
🔥 Don’t wait (LAST DAY!)—tickets are disappearing fast!
As I mentioned in the episode, Dr. Estelle Paranque’s special talk on Saturday, December 6th is almost here, and you do not want to miss it.
Join us for a deep dive into the world that shaped Anne Boleyn: Marguerite of Angoulême, Louise of Savoy, Claude of France—the brilliant, influential women who helped forge her time in France.
🎟️ Grab your ticket now and secure your spot! https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com
And remember: if you can’t join live, every ticket holder gets the full recording within 24 hours.
--
Love the show and want to show your support? Maybe you want commercial-free content, early access, and exclusive content instead.... https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
--
Hosted by: Rebecca Larson and Dr. Emma Cahill Marron
Historian Matthew Lewis joins Rebecca to spotlight one of England’s most overlooked monarchs: Henry III. Often overshadowed by his infamous father and powerful son, Henry’s long reign was far more influential than history remembers.
In this conversation, Matthew unpacks Henry III’s political struggles, his clash with the barons, his deep piety, and the ambitious building projects that transformed England—especially Westminster Abbey. It’s a fresh look at a king who shaped the medieval world in lasting ways.
A perfect episode for anyone ready to rediscover a forgotten monarch.
Matt's book on Henry III - Amazon
--
Looking for Commercial-Free episodes, exclusive content and much more? Become a Patreon patron today!
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis
--
Replay Episode — Originally Aired 7 January 2025
This episode was one of our most-loved conversations of the year, and we’re excited to bring it back for anyone who missed it—or wants to experience it again.
Gemma Hollman returns to the podcast for a captivating deep dive into the remarkable lives of medieval mystics and nuns. Together, we explore the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual impact of these extraordinary women who helped shape religious life throughout the Middle Ages.
From intense visionary experiences to the layered realities of cloistered existence, this replay goes beyond the surface to illuminate their devotion, agency, and enduring influence. It’s a journey into a world where faith, power, and identity intertwined in surprising ways.
Don’t miss this listener-favorite conversation!
Gemma’s Book: Women in the Middle Ages
—
Credits:
Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Gemma Hollman
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. and so we decided to take the week off from Dr. Emma & Me and share with you a popular episode from a past #ParallelLives episode on Margaret of York and Margaret of Burgundy.
We will see you again next Thursday for our next installment of Dr. Emma & Me!
--
Love Anne Boleyn? Join Dr. Estelle Paranque for our next Special Event - we go LIVE December 6th. If you can't make the live talk it will be live for your viewing pleasure.
https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com
--
Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Dr. Emma Cahill Marron
Join me for a fantastic conversation with Tracy Borman about her new book The Stolen Crown. We dive into the real story behind one of history’s boldest royal heists and the rivalries that shaped it. A must-listen for Tudor and Stuart fans!
--
Love Anne Boleyn? Join Dr. Estelle Paranque for our next Special Event - we go LIVE December 6th. If you can't make the live talk it will be live for your viewing pleasure.
https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Prof. Dr. Tracy Borman, OBE
*This was an extremely popular episode from November 2024, with Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull (just before she got her PhD) that I wanted to share with you again.
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!
--
Want a commercial-free episode? BECOME A PATRON!
--
CREDITS:
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull
This episode uncovers the story of a Tudor woman (Jane Boleyn) whose name has long been overshadowed by scandal—and the father (Henry Parker, Lord Morley) whose scholarly reputation has endured for centuries. Their lives offer a striking contrast between courtly peril and intellectual authority, revealing how family ties and public perception shaped survival in Henry VIII’s England. Who they were may surprise you.
--
Check out the latest SPECIAL EVENT where I'll be hosting the lovely Dr. Estelle Paranque to talk about Anne Boleyn's time abroad! https://anneboleyntravels.eventbrite.com
--
Hosts: Dr. Emma & Rebecca Larson
Guest. Dr. James Taffe