Today I’m joined again (Part Two) by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives (Anne of Cleves, Katheryn Howard, and Kateryn Parr) of Henry VIII. From long-standing misconceptions to stories that have taken on a life of their own, we start unpacking what’s fact and what’s fiction. Miss Part One? Watch HERE! -- Sylvia's current books on Amazon. Here is the Amazon US link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XKCDHJX?ccs_id=5ef24eaf-a4aa-4191-9f01-fda8b7a51770 Sylvia's Substack Sylvia's Mary Boleyn book through History Press - Preorder now! -- There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton
What If Henry VII HAD Remarried?
2026/03/15 | 1h 5 mins.
It's time for another historical WHAT IF, and today we are looking at Henry VII and what if he had remarried after the death of Elizabeth of York in 1503. This was an interesting topic to discuss, especially when we get to the end and talk about what would happen if he had children by his new wife. We ask YOU some questions at the end and we want to hear what you think! -- There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com -- Hosts: Rebecca Larson Amy McElroy
Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine: Medieval Power Couple
2026/03/12 | 1h 15 mins.
In this episode of Rebecca & Friends, I’m joined by historian and author Matt Lewis to explore one of the most powerful—and complicated—couples of the Middle Ages: Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Their marriage in 1152 created an empire that stretched from England to the Pyrenees, but ruling that empire was anything but simple. Together we dig into the personalities behind the power. Was Henry II really the tireless administrator history remembers—or was he sometimes a lazy king who left much of the heavy lifting to men like Thomas Becket? And what about Eleanor—was she truly the rebellious, difficult wife she’s often portrayed as, or might she have been a far better partner and political ally than later stories suggest? From political gambles and court culture to rebellion and reputation, we unpack the myths and realities behind a royal marriage that shaped medieval Europe. Join us as we take a closer look at the power, passion, and conflict that defined Henry and Eleanor’s extraordinary partnership. -- Listen to Matt on Gone Medieval and Echoes of History podcasts! Check out Matt's books on Amazon. -- We have an amazing upcoming SPECIAL EVENT happening on Sunday, March 22nd on Mary I that you will not want to miss - this event is led by two experts on Mary I: Dr. Johanna Strong and Dr. Peter Stiffell. Learn more HERE. -- Want to support the show? Become a Patreon patron: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matthew Lewis
Myths of the Six Wives: Part One
2026/03/10 | 46 mins.
Today I’m joined by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives of Henry VIII. From long-standing misconceptions to stories that have taken on a life of their own, we start unpacking what’s fact and what’s fiction. But we had so much fun talking about the first three queens that we completely ran out of time… so this episode is Part One of a two-part conversation. -- Find Sylvia's books on Amazon! -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton
Marriage Edition: Love & Lust (Off the Record)
2026/03/08 | 1h 18 mins.
Welcome to another Sunday Funday of Off the Record with Amy & Rebecca! This time I take the lead (forgive me - I’m still getting used to that 😅) as we dive into a few Tudor and Elizabethan relationships that have always fascinated me. We talk about the secret love affair between Margaret Douglas and Lord Thomas Howard, the scandalous marriage of Bess Throckmorton and Walter Raleigh, and the explosive court drama surrounding Anne Vavasour and Edward de Vere. Then Amy does what Amy does best and ties a beautiful bow on the whole conversation by exploring one of the most complicated relationship dynamics of the era: Bess of Hardwick, George Talbot, and Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s messy, dramatic, and full of the kind of court intrigue we love to talk about - exactly what a Sunday Funday should be. -- Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
Welcome to Tudors Dynasty & Beyond, the podcast where history comes alive through stories of royalty, rebellion, and resilience. Hosted by independent researcher Rebecca Larson, each episode dives into the Tudors and beyond—Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Katherine of Aragon, forgotten queens, rebels, and adventurers. Enjoy Sunday storytelling (or interviews), engaging historian chats, and the popular Thursday series Dr. Emma & Me, with Dr. Emma Cahill Marron. Discover love, power, intrigue, and survival in early modern England and across Europe.
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