In this episode of Off the Record, we’re stepping into one of history’s most fascinating rabbit holes: the heirs who should have changed everything… but died too soon.

What if Arthur Tudor had survived - and become king? Would Henry VIII ever have worn the crown… or married Katherine of Aragon? Would England have avoided the seismic religious and political upheaval that followed?

Then we go even deeper into the tragedy of succession: Henry, Duke of Cornwall, the long-awaited son of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon - gone before he could even grow into his destiny. What might his survival have meant for the Tudor dynasty, for Mary and Elizabeth, and for the future of the English throne?

And finally, we explore the ultimate wildcard: Henry Fitzroy, Henry VIII’s acknowledged (and beloved) illegitimate son. If Fitzroy had lived - could he have been legitimized? Would Henry have pushed him forward as heir?

Join us for a bold, speculative conversation full of twists, consequences, and alternate timelines as we ask the question Tudor history never lets us forget: what happens when the future dies?

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Historical Nicknames Merch

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New course alert! Medieval True Crime with Matt Lewis is officially on sale. Pre-recorded lessons, watch at your own pace, and a LIVE Q&A finale. Don’t miss it - tickets available now!

Would you rather show us how much you love the show? Consider becoming a Patreon patron - you'll get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, early access, and exclusive content.

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Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Dr. Emma is back, and we’re returning to Historical Tinder to swipe through the love life of Henry VIII. From mistresses and wives to potential brides who almost made the cut, we break down Henry’s matches, missteps, and marital strategy—one swipe at a time.

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Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

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

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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.

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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!

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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/

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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?

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If you're not already following my Substack, please consider subscribing! https://rebeccalarson.substack.com

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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!

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly