It's mistress week and today we are talking rags to riches (kind of) in this Cinderalla story (that also includes like... so much adultery). The Katherine Swynford story. Katherine Swynford is often considered the mother of the Tudor dynasty and the ancestress of another Queens Podcast alumni, Margaret Beaufort. We think you're going to love episode regardless of if you're listening to it for the first or fifth time! Nathan pairs this episode with a spicy margarity while Katy pairs it with...

We are doing a mini-mistresses week and first up is the first Royal Mistress we ever covered. Now, Diane wasn't just any royal mistress, she was the royal mistress. From her iconic fountain of youth (was it really just the water, Diane?), to her savvy political maneuvers that would make Machiavelli take notes, we're uncovering the life of the woman who became the envy and idol of France.. So grab your crown, pour yourself a glass of your finest wine, and join us as we explore the life of...

Princess Nest aka Nest ferch Rhys came from a very long line of Welsh warriors and kings. However, in her lifetime things took a big shift. There is more that we DON'T know about her life, but what we know for certain is that she is one of the only women from medieval Wales to be more than a passing footnote in history. In fact, it's said that her beauty caused a civil war. Okay, no. Men started the civil war, but whatever. That's not as poetic. But does she deserve the title of the Welsh...

When we last left Kosem Sultan, she was already super powerful, but with the death of her eldest son, Murad IV, she's now about to start a life of a new kind of power under her unwell son, Ibrahim. Ibrahim, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire has gone down in history as Ibrahim the Mad, soooo..... Kosem, a woman who redefined 'boss lady' in the Ottoman Empire, found herself navigating through a maze of challenges that would make anyone's head spin. So, grab your cocktails and join us as we unpack...

Exploring the Early Life of Kösem Sultan: The Rise of a Legendary Figure Kösem Sultan's journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history is truly remarkable. Born in humble surroundings, she navigated the complex world of the Ottoman court with grace and determination, ultimately leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us today. Join us as we delve into the captivating early life of this extraordinary queen. Timestamps:...

Dagmar of Denmark: From Empress to Exile We are back for part 3 of the life of Dagmar of Denmark, aka Maria Feodorovna, empress of Russia. Her son, Nicholas, is now tsar and it doesn't go great for anyone. In this episode we'll discuss the complicated tightrope Dagmar had to walk as both mother and chief political advisor in a difficult time to be a royal. We'll also go into Rasputin's role in her life as well as a life in exile (spoiler alert!). Timestamps 00:31 The Hosts' Banter and...

We are back for part 2 in our 3 part series on Dagmar of Denmark aka Alexandra Feodorovna, the second to last Tsarina of Russia. From train disasters, dramatic love affairs, royal weddings, to assassination attempts – this episode is filled to the brim. So, hold onto your seats y'all as we jump back into Motha Russia. Time stamps: 00:46 Diving into Russian History: The Story of Dagmar 04:22 Dagmar's Transition to Russian Life 07:03 Dagmar's Family Life and Challenges 21:56 The Assassination...

This is a Patreon Katy's Corner episode from 2022! In which Katy discusses the complicated dude, Alexander III of Russia. This is meant to compliment our Dagmar of Denmark episode where we won't go into his politics too much. So, in case that's something you want to know more about, check it out here. Time stamps 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:50 Exploring the Life of Alexander III of Russia 02:22 The Complex Personality of Alexander III 02:23 Alexander III's Early Life and Ascension to...

Happy Galentines Day, everyone! Today we are revisiting the life of the fashion icon and all-around controversial lady, Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. This episode is originally from 2020 when we first met and fell absolutely in love with the complicated woman that is Georgiana. This is part 2 of that series In this episode we'll get into the politics, the drama and the threesome relationship between Georgiana, Bess Foster and the Duke of Devonshire. Content warning for eating...

Happy Galentines Day, everyone! Today we are revisiting the life of the fashion icon and all-around controversial lady, Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. This episode is originally from 2020 when we first met and fell absolutely in love with the complicated woman that is Georgiana. We explore the fascinating early life of one of England's most glamorous and controversial women - Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire. From her unconventional upbringing to her marriage to the Duke of...

Hey queens! This week we're heading to Denmark, where Katy and Nathan the second to last tsarina of Russia, Dagmar of Denmark, aka Maria Feodorovna. Yes, we love those Romanov's but for most of this episode we'll be in Copenhagen. The episode delves into the Danish princess' remarkable early life, family background, deep bond with her sister Alexandra, her education, and her relationships with her family. Some other players are Queen Victoria and Sasha Fierce! Time stamps:...

We are back with part 2 in the story of Maria Theresa. When we last left the Austrian princess, she was just starting to come into her own after a brutal battle for power. Time stamps: 01:37 The Life of Maria Teresa: Early Years 06:17 Maria Teresa's Reforms: Education and Health 08:44 Maria Teresa's Personal Life and Family 09:28 Maria Teresa's Economic and Social Reforms 26:00 Maria Teresa's Religious Intolerance 33:39 Maria's Family Life and Marriage 34:07 Francis Steven's Sudden Death and...

Welcome to our first episode of 2024. Today we're talking the OG Girl Boss, Maria Theresa, Holy Roman Empress. In this episode we discuss the decline of the Habspurg dynasty and why Maria had a such a struggle to get on the throne (because uterus). We also get into her love life, the drama and Maria Theresa's determination in the face of adversity during the Austrian War of Succession.  Cheers! Times stamps: 01:42 Cocktail Recipe: Maria Margarita 05:45 The Habsburgs and Salic Law 12:32 Maria...

Hey, Queens! Today we are re-running a classic episode from our friends at My Worst Date podcast. In this episode, Keegan, Cassi and Christina talk about the holidays and play FMK with apple cider, eggnog and hot chocolate, rage about a date that forgot their wallet, laugh about a date with Star Wars and warn about a Craigslist meeting for shoes. Keegan wraps it up in the true crime segment of the show with the story of the Grand Princess Olga of Kiev. You can listen to their full episode,...

And we are back with another historical tarot reading! We're so excited to be joined again by Tandy as we dive into the life of the infamous Elizabeth Bathory. Elizabeth Bathory has gone down in history as one of the most prolific serial killers of all time. With more money than God, she got away with torture and murder for years, until she was finally caught, convicted and locked up. Or at least, that's how the story goes. Today, we're going to see what the cards have to say about all that....

We are back to finish up the life of Empress Cixi of China. When we last left Cixi, she and her best friend had staged a coup to take over as the effective leaders as regent for her 5 year-old son. Over the next 50 years, Cixi would rule China and attempt to bring them into the modern age. But things were complicated. Cixi faced several rebellions. The Boxer rebellion, for instance, has been a stain on her reputation even til today. Dowager Empress Cixi has gone down in history as ruthless...

Welcome back, Beautiful Queens! Today's episode is all about the fascinating life of Empress Cixi of China. She was one of the most powerful women in Chinese history. Cixi was born in 1835 in a small village in China. She was intelligent and resourceful, and she quickly caught the attention of the emperor's court. At the age of 16, Cixi was selected to be one of the emperor's concubines. This was a great honor, but it also came with a lot of challenges. Cixi had to navigate the complicated...

Who was Yolande of Aragon, you ask? Only one of the most fascinating women in history. She was the Duchess of Anjou, Countess of Maine, and Queen of Naples. But she was more than just a political figure. Yolande was known for her intelligence and strategic thinking, often advising her husband and sons on matters of state. She was also a patron of the arts and a keen supporter of the poet Christine de Pisan. But perhaps Yolande's most interesting role was as a rumored practitioner of the dark...

Welcome back to episode 2 on the life of TINA TURNER, BABY! In today's episode, we're taking a look at the life and times of one of the most iconic musicians of all time, Tina Turner. Last we left her it was #FreeTina and she was leaving Ike Turner. Now she's ready to be a solo act. After splitting from Ike Turner, Tina was left to forge a path on her own. And for a few years there, she wasn't exactly living in the lap of luxury. Did y'all know Tina spent 2 years on food stamps? But with a...

It's spooky season and we are INTO IT! This episode is from the Patreon vault. We literally just googled "worlds most haunted castle" and ended up with Chillingham Castle! Chillingham Castle, where the walls talk, the floors creak, and the ghosts are...well, let's just say they're not all friendly. This medieval fortress in northern England is a favorite for history buffs, ghost hunters, and anyone who loves a good story. From the torture chamber to the great hall, every room is steeped in...

Today we are discussing the one and only Queen of Rock n Roll, Tina Turner. BUT OMG CONTENT WARNING, Y'ALL. If you are not in a place to listen to a story that includes a couple of different types of abuse, then this won't be the episode for you. Come back and meet up with us in 2 weeks when we discuss the second part of her life. Anyway. Born Anna Mae Bullock Nutbush, Tennessee in 1939, Turner's childhood wasn't exactly a chill one. Tina experienced abandonment from a young age, but found...

Come with us into the Patreon vault. This episode was done when we were working on our Jane Seymour episode, but felt relevant after our Katherine Howard series too. Join us on a thrilling journey through time, as we uncover the captivating story of the Pilgrimage of Grace, a massive revolt that shook England in the 1500s. Robert Aske, a Yorkshire lawyer, led the charge against King Henry VIII's religious reforms, which aimed to break away from the Catholic Church. The rebellion brought...

Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real-life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big, and very public. And no, we’re not just talking about Harry and Meghan. There are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. From...

We are back for our third and final installment of the Katherine Howard saga. A woman (girl?) who was queen of England for a very short time. In this episode, Katherine and Henry VIII take the Tudor court on a road trip! For the first time ever, Katherine gets to see parts of England she'd never seen before. This trip was after the ill-fated Pilgrimage of Grace, an uprising that went very poorly for a lot of people. So, this royal progress North was a big deal for Katherine and the rest of...