Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back historian and author Helene Harrison for a captivating discussion on the love triangle that changed the course of history—the infamous "Great Matter" involving Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn. Their tangled story sparked a series of events that helped make the Tudors one of the most iconic dynasties in history.

Helene's Books on Amazon

Tudor Blogger Website

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Helene Harrison

Today, I'm joined by Shakespeare lecturer and author Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones for a fascinating conversation about one historical figure who has long remained an enigma to me—William Shakespeare.

We delve into why Shakespeare remains an enduring icon, what he may have been like in real life, how his writing evolved, the ways his work shaped our understanding of history, his famously sharp insults—and even the tale of how he may have made a tree magical!

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Darren's Book: Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers - Barnes & Noble, AMAZON, Manchester University Press

Sir Ian Mckellen's Thomas More speech: https://youtu.be/AjEAeOshUGQ?si=v_f7clkBvLG3GMHB&t=138

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones

In 1566, Agnes Waterhouse became one of the first woman executed for witchcraft in England. Accused of killing her neighbor with the help of a talking cat named Sathan, her trial marked the beginning of a dark chapter in English history. In this episode, we explore the haunting story of Agnes, the rise of witchcraft laws under Elizabeth I, and how fear, superstition, and gender shaped one of the era’s most terrifying injustices.

As always, commercial-free on Patreon!--

Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched and Written by: Emily Airey