This is History: A Dynasty to Die For
Sony Music Entertainment
In this gripping new special series from This Is History Presents, acclaimed historian Danièle Cybulskie unravels a tale of dazzling triumph and devastating collapse — the rise and fall of Charles VI of France, better known as Charles the Mad.It’s 1389. France is finally breathing after decades of war. A young king ascends the throne — charming, beloved, and burning with promise. He’s married for love. The people adore him. The future is his.But then… he breaks.Charles becomes convinced his body is made of glass. He refuses to be touched. He hides from the world. And as his mind fractures, so does his kingdom — spiraling into chaos, betrayal, and a ruthless power struggle that will decide the fate of France.Who will seize control? Who will fall? And who will blink first?This Is History Presents: The Glass King is a story of ambition, delusion, and the terrifying fragility of power.Want to go deeper? Join our Patreon court as a This Is History Royal Favourite — where you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights, medieval travel tips, and the chance to shape future episodes. We’d love to have you: patreon.com/thisishistoryA Sony Music Entertainment production.To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 20, 2025 • 27min
Season 7 | 4. The Tyranny Begins
Richard II struggles with the fallout of the Peasants' Revolt, exerting violent control over the kingdom. His marriage to Anne of Bohemia complicates court politics, while his infatuation with Robert De Vere stirs tensions. The complexities of their bond echo historical friendships, threatening the established order. Torture and betrayal unfold in the Bishop's Palace as accusations fly, all amidst power struggles and political intrigue involving his uncle, Gaunt, and ambitious claims for the crown of Castile. Intrigue and danger loom over this turbulent period.
May 13, 2025 • 31min
Season 7 | 3. Summer of Blood
Dive into the tumultuous summer of 1381 as thousands march on London, armed with a 'kill list' targeting corrupt officials. Young King Richard II faces a crisis, and despite his advisors' panic, he bravely engages with the rebels. Tension builds during a crucial confrontation at Blackheath, complicating his path forward. As chaos erupts in London, the rebellion's fury leads to destruction, capturing the intense struggle between authority and the people's demand for justice. Experience the lives transformed by this riveting uprising!
May 6, 2025 • 28min
Season 7 | 2. Death and Taxes
Richard II’s young reign is a spectacle filled with lavish celebrations and hidden tensions. The podcast dives into the psychological burdens faced by a ten-year-old king, struggling with divine expectations and earthly responsibilities. As unrest grows, financial chaos leads to widespread discontent among the Commons. The episode sets the stage for a monumental uprising, sparked by unpopular taxation, highlighting the precarious balance of power and rebellion. Tensions with the French and Scots further complicate the King's rule, culminating in a bloody conflict.
Apr 29, 2025 • 30min
Season 7 | 1. God Save The Kid
The frail but formidable King Edward III's reign comes to a dramatic close as his 10-year-old grandson, Richard, is thrust into the spotlight. Tensions rise within a divided kingdom grappling with impending war and financial crises. Amidst the chaos, young Richard emerges, embodying a glimmer of hope for renewal. However, his childhood rivalry with cousin Henry Bolingbroke sets the stage for intense power struggles ahead. Delve into the intrigues and complexities of child kingship in a politically fragmented England.
Apr 22, 2025 • 1min
Introducing… Season Seven of a Dynasty to Die for
This is the story of the ultimate frenemies that will see a cataclysmic shift in power away from the Plantagenets. The warrior king Edward III is dying and disaster looms when his grandson, the child king Richard II, is crowned. It’s not long before he clashes with his cousin, Henry, in a classic tragedy of boyhood companions turned deadly rivals.
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
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Presented by Dan Jones
Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Production coordinator: Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Mixing - Gulliver Lawrence Tickell
Head of content – Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 8, 2025 • 22min
Empire of Gold | 6. An Emperor’s Legacy
Find out more about Musa’s incredible legacy in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening.
Musa looks to cement his legacy in West Africa with a spectacular project in Timbuktu but first must repay an important debt as the merchants in Cairo grow anxious.
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Learn more about your ad choices.
Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Written and presented by Luke Pepera
Producer - Dominic Tyerman
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Production coordinator: Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux
Head of Content – Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 1, 2025 • 22min
Empire of Gold | 5. Journey’s End
Dive into the epic battles of medieval Mali as the Mali army commander faces the fierce Tuareg warriors to capture Timbuktu. Experience the emotional journey of Musa in Cairo, reflecting on his trials and the bonds built with his entourage. Uncover the intricacies of the pilgrimage's finale, where Musa navigates diplomatic ties with the Mamluk Sultan while confronting personal demons and aspirations for Mali's future. This historical saga blends conflict, camaraderie, and the quest for cultural advancement.
Mar 25, 2025 • 20min
Empire of Gold | 4. Gold Rush
Discover the chaos in Cairo as Mansa Musa’s extravagant generosity sparks riots among local merchants. Witness how his lavish gifts captivate the Mamluks, but also trigger economic turmoil and inflation in the markets. Tensions escalate leading to clever alliances formed through opulence. The story unravels the perils of excess and explores the challenges faced amidst the glitz, hinting at Musa's plans to borrow back his gold. It's a captivating blend of wealth, culture, and economic upheaval!
Mar 18, 2025 • 24min
Empire of Gold | 3. Trouble in Cairo
Find out more about the legendary Mamluks in our bonus episode. Subscribe for weekly episodes and ad-free listening.
Musa clashes with the fearsome Mamluks as he enters Cairo and must find a way to placate the sultan of Egypt, Al-Nasir Muhammad, one of the toughest rulers in history, or face certain death.
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Learn more about your ad choices.
Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Written and presented by Luke Pepera
Producer - Dominic Tyerman
Story editing – Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Production coordinator: Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux
Head of content – Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 11, 2025 • 22min
Empire of Gold | 2. Shifting Sands
Subscribe for exclusive bonus episodes every week and ad-free listening to all episodes.
With a murder in the desert praying on his mind, Musa and his Mali pilgrims find themselves in peril in the middle of the unforgiving Sahara from an unlikely source.
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Learn more about your ad choices.
Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Written and presented by Luke Pepera
Producer - Dominic Tyerman
Story editing – Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Production coordinator: Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design and Mixing - Amber Devereux
Head of content – Chris Skinner
Subscribe for exclusive bonus episodes every week and ad-free listening to all episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
