Continuing the theme of exploring Papal history, we discuss Gerbert of Aurillac, AKA Pope Sylvester II, who's scientific and mathmatical mind lead him to the highest seat of Catholic power. But after his death, detractors and enemies would spin his story into one of dark arts and deals with the devil. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for p...
Jul 01, 2025•26 min•Ep. 239
In 1921, Katherine Mansfield wrote a letter to Princess Bibesco which began, "I am afraid you must stop writing these little love letters to my husband while he and I still live together." Scandalous as that is, it only scratches the surface of the glamorous and adventerous life of the daughter of a Prime Minister who became royalty. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' ...
Jun 24, 2025•26 min•Ep. 238
Queen Min was the de facto power behind the throne in Korea, and so she had plenty of enemies. Eventually, a coup would come to the palace. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 237
In 2009, a 10-year-old from Arizona flew to Los Angeles to compete on a new game show offering child prodigies the chance to win $500,000. But almost immediately, he could tell something was off. The experience had a profound impact on his life — and confounds legal scholars to this day. Plus Dana takes us behind the scenes of her appearance on Jeopardy!, and Jason explains how his two-year-old daughter wound up answering presidential trivia questions on The Rachael Ray Show. * On the Very Speci...
Jun 14, 2025•56 min
Through sheer force of will, Polish nobleman Casimir Pulaski came to America and forced the Continental forces to allow him to create a cavalry unit. His bold, impulsive, and sometimes reckless manuevers reinvented the way the war was fought. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 236
Petrus Gonsalvus was born with a rare genetic condition that meant he was entirely covered in hair. His life took him to French court, where he lived as an oddity, but also, as a nobleman, husband, and father. [NOTE: Listen to Courtney's podcast The Craft Lab on Apple or Substack !] Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Jun 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 235
Queen Victoria's son, Albert Edward, was gambling with his friends at a country estate when the host's son noticed one of the guests cheating. Eventually, that evening playing baccarat spirled into a scandal that forced the Prince of Wales to take the stand in court. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 234
In 1688, a royal ship was embarking from Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage. The Vasa was incredibly grand and intricate; it was also incredibly top-heavy. A few minutes after it began sailing, the ship toppeled over and sank into the sea. But its story was only just beginning. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
May 20, 2025•32 min•Ep. 233
The Earl and Countess of Rutland were dealing with unimaginable tragedy - their eldest son had died and their second son began suffering from the same mysterious illness that killed the first. But servants were whispering.... a servant had recently been dismissed, and her family was known outsiders. Was it possible the women of the Flowers family had been practicing evil witchcraft? Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, '...
May 13, 2025•36 min•Ep. 232
Nostradamus's names and predictions are famous, centuries after his death. But the man behind the predictions is still largely unknown. Was he a true believer, or a savvy opportunist? Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 231
Eleanor of Aquitaine's younger sister Petronilla was attractive and wealthy, but she remained unmarried until she was 19 and met the charming Ralph of Vermandois. There was one big problem with the match though, and it would have bloody consequences. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 29, 2025•19 min•Ep. 230
King Sejong the Great is considered, well, the greatest king in Korean history. And his greatest contribution of all might have been twenty-four letters. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 22, 2025•31 min•Ep. 229
The 6th-century feud between Brunhild and Fredegund would last the rest of their lives, defining their kingdoms for generations as the women went from queens to rival regents. A source that was particularly helpful in making this episode was The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystu...
Apr 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 228
Queen Brunhild married Sigeburt I of Austrasia. Her sister married Sigebert's brother. At least, they were married, until Brunhild's sister died under mysterious circumstances and he re-married three days later. His new queen, Fredegund, would have a bitter rivalry with Brunhild that would change the fate of both of their nations. A source that was particularly helpful in making this episode was The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry that Forged the Medieval World Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episo...
Apr 08, 2025•30 min•Ep. 227
Cyrus the Great of Persia wanted to conquer the Massengetae people and, through cunning, he killed the son of their warrior-queen, Tomyris. It was a bad move. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 01, 2025•19 min•Ep. 226
Agnes Sorel was the first official mistress in France, the lover of King Charles VII. But with her official position came a target on her back. Her influence meant that she would make enemies, and even the love of a king can't protect you from everything. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 225
In 1858, a Jewish child was taken from his family. They said that because the boy had been secretly baptized, he was now a ward of the Papal States. And his new adoptive father would be none other than Pope Pius IX. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 224
Most women in 17th century France were faced with a choice: marriage, or a convent. Ninon de l'Enclos chose her own path. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 223
Tsar Dmitri I was murdered by assassins, but he wouledn't be the last to use the name of Ivan the Terrible's son claiming to be the rightful ruler of Russia. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 222
In 1605, Dmitri — the son of Ivan the Terrible — became the Tsar of Russia. Less than a year leader, he was brutally deposed. But one question remained: was he actually even the real Dmitri? Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 25, 2025•35 min•Ep. 221
From leg-of-mutton sleeves to fur overcoats, the costumes in Robert Eggers's Nosferatu are extraordinarily detailed and, thanks to the research of Oscar-nominated costume designer Linda Muir, incredibly historically accurate. Dana speaks with Muir about her work, and the process of creating costumes for German gentleman, wealthy ladies, and a 300-year-old decomposing corpse. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy:...
Feb 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 220
Prince Wilhelm of Prussia had fallen in love with Elisa von Radzwill, and wanted to marry her. Unfortunately, even though she was a princess, her rank was low enough that the marriage would actually be illegal. Still, the two clung to the hope they would end up together, fighting royals and bureacrats for years to try to make it happen. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortal...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 219
Most people know of the famous "Lawrence of Arabia" thanks to the iconic imagery of the Oscar-winning film. But far fewer people know of the real man behind the myth, who fought for Britain and for the Arab Revolt during World War I and became a folk hero in the process. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...
Feb 04, 2025•33 min•Ep. 218
Henrietta Howard was saddled with an abusive embarrassment of a husband and no money. She took matters into her own hands, ingratiating herself with the court of the Princess and Princess of Wales. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 28, 2025•43 min•Ep. 217
Catherine Parr was the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 216
Katherine Howard was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 14, 2025•33 min•Ep. 215
Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 07, 2025•33 min•Ep. 214
Jane Seymour was the third wife of King Henry VIII. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 31, 2024•26 min•Ep. 213
Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 212
Catherine of Aragon was the first wife of King Henry VIII. Support Noble Blood: — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon — Noble Blood merch — Order Dana's book, ' Anatomy: A Love Story ' and its sequel ' Immortality: A Love Story ' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 211
