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 Wondery comes the latest from Even the Rich co-hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams. Even the Royals takes us inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, disgust, have the power to reshape the world.
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In part one, Nur Jahan charmed her way out of the harem and onto the throne by becoming the emperor’s favorite wife. When her husband’s health takes a sharp turn, she steps into an even bigger role: co-sovereign. But this kind of authority is a threat to noble men everywhere. Even her own flesh and blood. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wher...
Lamont Jones leaves Dauphin County Prison for the last time, a free man ready to move on with his life. But when his young cousin dies in that same jail, he learns that this is not the only mysterious death that has plagued Dauphin County Prison. The search for the truth will put him at odds with a reality TV show coroner who claims to speak for the dead and people in power who all have something to hide. Listen to Death County, PA: Wondery.fm/DCPA_FD See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...
This two-part series is all about Empress Nur Jahan, who rose from Persian refugee to become the most powerful woman in the Mughal Empire. As a girl, Nur Jahan wanted nothing more than to forge her own fate. But as she gets older, she finds herself trapped inside the emperor’s harem. To gain her freedom, she’ll have to charm the emperor with her wits and political savvy. But the more power she gains, the more her enemies at court want to see her gone. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest ...
This two-part series is all about Lili'uokalani, the first and last queen of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. In part one, Lili'uokalani came of age in the Hawaiian court and supported her brother when he became king. But when powerful foreigners forced through a new constitution that stripped rights from the Hawaiian people, Lili’uokalani refused to stay silent. Now, as queen, she’s set on becoming the ruler that Hawaiians really need – while she fights the men trying to steal her home, a...
This episode explores the early life of Queen Liliuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii, her struggles with foreign influence, and the events leading up to her ascension to the throne amidst political turmoil and the growing power of sugar barons. It details her education, marriage, and the challenges she faced as regent, highlighting her dedication to protecting her people and culture. The episode culminates with the death of her brother, King Kalakaua, and her forced oath to the Bayonet Constitution.
A Wondery original podcast so compelling it was reimagined for TV starring Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate, Sissy Spacek, and more… When Molly's diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, she decides to do something bold: she leaves her unhappy marriage and embarks on a series of sexual adventures to help her feel alive. She shares the funniest and most touching details with her closest friend, host Nikki Boyer. As they peel back the layers, we learn that Molly isn’t just grappling with breast cancer...
"Ever wonder how your favorite Tudor queens prevented wrinkles? Or whether they’d be cool with using a beef tallow moisturizer? Early modern historian Erin Griffey is here to answer all of our questions about Tudor beauty trends. It’s time to find out once and for all if that white face powder seen in all those portraits was actually poisoning everyone…or if that’s just a royal myth. Inspired by the looks (and the drama) on Wolf Hall Season 2, now streaming on Prime Video with the PBS Masterpiec...
After getting back on the throne, Charles II quickly discovers that being king isn't as fun as he’d hoped – it’s a lot more pressure than partying. When his marriage to Catherine of Portugal fails to produce an heir, he finds comfort - and chaos - in the arms of powerful mistresses. But when England faces war, plague, and a financial crisis, Charles will finally be forced to choose between politics and pleasure. EXCITING NEWS: Even the Royals was nominated for a Webby Award for Best History Podc...
Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and “alien baths” drew in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous. One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru. And what begins as a search for a missing frie...
Charles II was known as the Merry Monarch – but his childhood was nothing to laugh about. When his father, the king, was executed and the English monarchy was dissolved, Charles went from pampered Prince to fugitive on the fun. During his teenage years, he discovers his two greatest talents – survival and seduction. But as Charles fights to restore the monarchy, he’ll find that his appetite for pleasure might derail his path to the throne. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...
This two-part series is all about Grace O’Malley – a 16th century Irish pirate queen. In part one, Grace defied norms and became a plundering, swashbuckling pirate – and clan leader. She built an empire so powerful that it made her a threat to the invading English. Now, Sir Richard Bingham is dead-set on sinking her empire. But Grace has never turned away from a fight. She’s ready to plot, pillage and kill to remain free. But as Richard steps up his pressure, she’ll have to choose between her ri...
When Luigi Mangione allegedly gunned down UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, the media called it a senseless crime. But online, a different story emerged—one of rage, reckoning, and a suspected killer turned folk hero. More than just a true crime podcast, LUIGI , hosted by Jesse Weber, dares to look beyond the crime and the accused to explore a cultural tipping point in America, asking you to decide - is the status quo enough, or is it time for a cultural reckoning? Listen to Law&Crime’s LUIGI exclusiv...
You’ve probably heard about famous pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. But over a century before these bad boys roamed the seas, a kickass pirate queen reigned over Ireland’s coast for six decades. Grace O’Malley was told women should lead quiet, domestic lives, locked away in their castles. But she refused this fate and instead, fought tooth, nail, and cannonball for a life where she could sail and pillage like any good pirate. But when her home is threatened by an English invasion, she’l...
In part one, Theodora escaped poverty and exploitation and rose through the ranks of Byzantine society. When she marries the love of her life, Justinian, and he gets the bump to Emperor, she rises even higher – to co-ruler – and uses her newfound power to fight for women’s rights. Theodora has everything she’s ever wanted – status, love, and the ability to make change. But when riots threaten to topple her reign, she’ll resort to ruthless measures to hold on to her new life. Be the first to know...
Empress Theodora was a true rags to riches story. She rose from humble circus performer all the way to the top of the royal food chain through wit, charm, and sheer gutsiness. As a child, she dreams of a more glamorous life – but climbing the ladder is tough, particularly during the Byzantine era. And the higher she goes, the more people try to knock her down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
We'll be back next week with an all-new episode of Even the Royals. In the meantime, we're returning to one of our favorite episodes on Grace Kelly's daughter, Stephanie, Princess of Monaco. When Grace Kelly died tragically in 1982 she left behind a legacy as an actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon. But she also left behind a 17-year-old daughter who was in the car crash that took Grace’s life. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is born into royal fame and fortune, but almost immediatel...
We’re throwing it back to high school and dishing out some superlatives — with a royal twist of course. Who’s the most rebellious royal? Which couple gets the sweetest love story? And who will be crowned our most devious schemer? Brooke and Aricia are joined on the yearbook committee by Katy Hearne-Church and Nathan Foster, hosts of Queens Podcast, where they talk about the royals you may or may not have heard about in history class. The four hosts will share their Royal insights, hot takes, and...
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing you three stories of modern royals who, against the odds, found their OTL. There’s Aussie Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark, whose unlikely love story hinges on the approval of the Danish people accepting a foreigner as their future queen. Then American college-grad Ariana, who meets a mystery man at a nightclub, only to find out months into their relationship that the man she’s fallen in love with is an Ethiopian prince. And finally, small-town...
This two-part series is all about Sundiata Keita of Mali – the founder of one of West Africa’s largest empires. In part one, Sundiata battled scheming family members, fled his home in Niani, and found a new life in the Kingdom of Mema. But now that Niani is in danger, it’s time for Sundiata to return home and fulfill the prophecy of his birth. But first he’ll have to unite dozens of warring kingdoms – and then take on a seemingly invincible enemy. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newes...
Centuries before Pumbaa and Timon taught Simba the meaning of hakuna matata in The Lion King, a real-life lion king founded the Mali Empire in the 13th-century. Sundiata Keita was destined to be a great ruler from birth – a prophecy even promised he’d be the next Alexander the Great. But after his father dies, his scheming stepmother steals his throne for her own son, and banishes Sundiata. So Sundiata heads out on an epic quest to reclaim his kingdom, and prove that his reign truly is written i...
In Part Two, Catherine the Great launched a coup and kicked her good-for-nothing husband to the curb. But turning her bold new vision for Russia into a reality is easier said than done. Catherine has to abandon some of her Enlightenment ideals and embrace her ruthless side – all while balancing her professional life and her love life. And in the end, she’ll have to decide what matters more – love, or country. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more...
In Part One, Catherine the Great transformed from an eager-to-please princess into an ambitious leader focused on bringing Russia out of the dark ages. But when it becomes clear that her husband Peter isn’t going to step up and help, Catherine decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. With the support of her newest lover, Catherine stages a coup and takes over. But once she’s in the top spot, she realizes that maintaining her ideals is easier said than done – and that she’ll have to ...
They don’t call her The Great for nothing. There’s a reason Catherine the Great is the star of TV series, movies, and an overall pop culture icon. Bold, ambitious, and famous for her double digits list of lovers, Catherine seized control of Russia and ruled the country longer than any woman in history. But her career didn’t start off without a hitch. At first, she was just a shy princess from a no-name duchy. But when her new husband Peter rejects her, Cat has to forge new paths to power…and lov...
In part one, Grace Kelly fought her way from aspiring actress to onscreen queen. Now she has an even bigger role on the horizon: European princess. Grace is about to catch the attention of Prince Rainier of Monaco, but marrying into a royal family will come with a whole lot more than she bargained for. Princess of Monaco will be her hardest role yet – and will eventually cost Grace her career, her happiness, and her freedom.Next week, we'll be back with a brand-new Even the Royals episode. Be th...
While we work on some brand-new episodes of Even the Royals, we’re bringing back one of our first - and one of our favorite - Royals. Grace Kelly was a Hollywood icon in the 1950s. She worked with legends like Clark Gable and Alfred Hitchcock and only left when it was time to marry a real-life prince. She seemed to live the ultimately fairy tale life, but it came at a price – she fit herself into the box of perfection only to find herself trapped there. In part one of this two-part series Grace ...
On this special episode of Even the Royals, we’re going to tune into one of our favorite forms of entertainment – holiday rom coms! Join Brooke and Aricia for a rewatch of “The Princess Switch,” the Netflix classic about a Duchess and a Chicago baker who swap places to experience each other’s lives. It’s a royal twist on a Hallmark Christmas flick featuring Vanessa Hudgens’ being a total queen and a couple of steaming hot co-stars. Brooke and Aricia will make connections between the characters a...
On Christmas day in 1950, twenty-five-year-old Scotsman Ian Hamilton and his friends embark on the heist of the century. The Stone of Destiny, an ancient Scottish artifact, was stolen by the British in the thirteenth century and moved to Westminster Abbey. And now Ian decides it’s high time to steal it back. But busting out an ancient artifact from a national landmark is easier said than done. This holiday caper has it all – sneaky stakeouts, buried treasure, last minute freak outs, and a reveng...
This two-part series is all about Isabella I of Castile – one of the most powerful female rulers in European history. In part one, Isabella went from pawn to queen by outsmarting her brother and scooping up the crown. Now, she has to step up her game if she wants to remain queen and turn Castile into a Spanish empire. But the road to global dominance comes with a high price – one that history will never forget. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, a...
Before there was Queen Elizabeth or Catherine the Great, there was Isabella I of Castile, a 15th century queen who changed the course of history – and created the Spain we know today. Isabella was a princess who was never destined to be queen. But when she realizes that she can do the job better than the men around her, she takes matters into her own hands and fights for the throne. After gaining power, she spends the rest of her life proving that it may take a king to make an heir – but it...
While we work on some brand-new episodes of Even the Royals, we're bringing back one of our first episodes, with some new updates. Martha Louise was born a princess of Norway, but she never truly felt like one. She spends years looking for a place where she can belong. And in true modern fashion, this place includes angels, a controversial celebrity shaman and a whole lot of bad press. This is the story of a clairvoyant princess who never felt truly at home in a castle, so she create...
