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
Oct 25, 2022 • 18min
Season 1 | 11. Queen’s Gambit
The Plantagenets are now at war. Henry II is facing an existential threat from the king of France, three of his own sons and even his wife: Eleanor of Aquitane. But Eleanor doesn’t have an easy road ahead to escape her husband’s kingdom and join the rebels. Dan tries to piece together the patchy record of her daring escape.
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 20, 2022 • 22min
Season 1 | 10. Collision Course
Henry’s eldest son (helpfully also called Henry) is now 16 years old. Young Henry is a skilled fighter who’s itching for the chance to prove himself. But although his dad has spoiled him rotten with all sorts of titles, he has no real power yet. Young Henry’s teenage angst is building and it’s about to explode… spectacularly.
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 18, 2022 • 18min
Season 1 | 9. Conquest
In the wake of Thomas Becket’s murder, King Henry II's authority is at stake. To divert attention, he targets Ireland, where a small band of knights prepares to face fierce local warriors. A brutal cattle charge leads to shocking violence, showcasing the harsh realities of warfare. The conflicts spark political intrigue and revenge, paving the way for English dominance in Ireland. As family chaos unfolds, Henry's decisions reveal the turbulent consequences of his desperate actions in both realms.
Oct 13, 2022 • 20min
Season 1 | 8. Murder
Thomas Becket returns to make Henry’s life miserable once again. The two men, once close friends, are now bitter enemies. But when Becket delivers a fiery sermon attacking Henry’s rule, even he fears he might have pushed the king too far…
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 11, 2022 • 19min
Season 1 | 7. Succession
Henry is rocked by the death of his mother and mentor, the Empress Matilda. The grief-stricken king is left to solve the problems of succession alone. Meanwhile Henry’s marriage to Eleanor is falling apart. Will she look past his rampant infidelity in order to secure greater power for herself?
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 6, 2022 • 21min
Season 1 | 6. Meltdown
This episode contains descriptions of violence or sexual content that may not be suitable for all listeners.
Thomas Becket is on trial, facing a string of serious charges and in danger of losing his freedom. Once he was Henry Plantagenet’s right hand man, but now he’s become his greatest enemy. Dan puts Becket on the psychiatrist's couch to work out how he got himself into this mess. And, more importantly, can he get himself out of it?
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 4, 2022 • 17min
Season 1 | 5. The Ringmaster
This episode contains descriptions of violence or sexual content that may not be suitable for all listeners.
A new character enters the drama. Thomas Becket has come out of nowhere to become Henry’s powerful right-hand man. Now he’s entrusted with what seems to be an impossible mission: he must persuade a hostile King Louis VII of France – Eleanor’s bitter ex-husband – to accept a marriage alliance between his own daughter and a Plantagenet prince. It would take a political mastermind to pull this one off…
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 29, 2022 • 17min
Season 1 | 4. Fathers and Sons
Henry has shattered the delicate balance of power in England and King Stephen’s son, Eustace, is on the warpath. The Plantagenets are desperate to shore up their position and look to God for a miracle.
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O’Shaugnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 27, 2022 • 19min
Season 1 | 3. Rough Crossings
This episode contains descriptions of violence or sexual content that may not be suitable for all listeners.
Braving dangerous winter storms, Henry Plantagenet crosses the English Channel. He’s come to settle a civil war, lay claim to his mother’s inheritance, and follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror. In the way stands King Stephen and his barons. Who will win the throne, and how?
This is History is a Somethin’ Else & 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer - Rosie Merotra
Series Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Dave Anderson
Executive Producer - Peggy Sutton
Production Manager - Jen Mistri
Composer - Matt Acheson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O’Shaugnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 27, 2022 • 1min
There’s More to the Story…Introducing: This is History PLUS
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Visit This Is History on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial or visit thisishistorypod.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
