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
Mar 4, 2025 • 20min
Empire of Gold | 1. Matricide
Mansa Musa sets out on a dangerous pilgrimage across the Sahara desert to absolve himself of a terrible crime. Facing treacherous conditions and deadly threats, he ventures where few would dare. Will he survive the perilous pilgrimage, or will the desert claim him?
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
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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
Feb 25, 2025 • 11min
Introducing...The Empire Of Gold
Wealth, power, redemption, and legacy: it’s the story of the richest man to ever live and his extraordinary reign. This is History is heading to West Africa, to bring you the story of the legendary emperor of Mali: Mansa Musa. Dan Jones speaks to historian Luke Pepera about Musa’s incredible journey, and what we can expect from this thrilling 6-part spin-off series.
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
Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Season 6 | 12. The Eagle has Landed
A chilling sound echoes through the halls of Westminster Palace. It heralds a bold new age as Edward sets out his ultimate end game.
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 hosted by Dan Jones
Producer - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design - Amber Devereux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 11, 2025 • 29min
Season 6 | 11. Eat the Rich
This episode contains graphic content.
The streets of London are rammed with revellers after Edward III's biggest coup in the war yet. Meanwhile, in France a bloody revolution has seized the country. Could this be the perfect moment to take the French throne?
Find out more about Proton Mail at proton.me/thisishistory
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 hosted by Dan Jones
Producer - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design - Amber Devereux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 4, 2025 • 27min
Season 6 | 10. The Black Prince
Edward III’s son and heir, the Black Prince, rides through France in a reign of terror and destruction. He aims to goad the King of France into a fully fledged battle. When the French King finally reveals his hand, that battle suddenly seems like a very bad idea.
Find out more about Proton Mail at proton.me/thisishistory
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 hosted by Dan Jones
Producer - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design - Amber Devereux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 28, 2025 • 29min
Season 6 | 9. The Drunken Sailor
In a wild turn of events, Edward III's English army finds itself more intoxicated than ready for battle as they head to sea. It's a lively day of music and merriment aboard the ship Cog Thomas, where wine flows freely, and tensions build against a rival fleet. As the English prepare for a risky ambush against the infamous Carlos de la Cerda, the chaotic atmosphere presents both danger and drama. The daring strategies at the Battle of Winchelsea reveal the unpredictable nature of warfare, all while showcasing Edward's audacious leadership.
Jan 21, 2025 • 26min
Season 6 | 8. The Order of the Garter
While Edward III is in Medieval lockdown, sheltering from the Black Death, he has a brainwave: a strange idea for an exclusive royal club that still exists in England today.
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 hosted by Dan Jones
Producer - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Eric Ryan
Marketing - Kieran Lancini
Sound Design - Amber Devereux Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 14, 2025 • 29min
Season 6 | 7. Apocalypse Now
An epic tale unfolds as English sailors ignore dire warnings of a looming plague while escorting a princess to forge a royal alliance. The cataclysmic arrival of the Black Death in 1347 brings unimaginable chaos as it wreaks havoc across Europe, impacting all social classes, including the royals. Panic ensues, leading to scapegoating and tragedy, particularly affecting Jewish communities. Amidst the haunting rituals of flagellants and staggering loss of life, the government struggles to maintain order in a devastated society.
Jan 7, 2025 • 31min
Season 6 | 6. The Siege of Calais
Edward III's ambitious campaign to conquer Calais unfolds amidst the chaos of war. The introduction of gunpowder radically changes siege tactics, while Queen Philippa's visit emphasizes the human cost of conflict. Edward's relentless strategies lead to dire conditions for the citizens, facing starvation as they await rescue. The French forces struggle under pressure, ultimately surrendering to a determined foe. In a heroic twist, Queen Philippa intervenes to save the town's leaders, blending the brutality of war with a touch of humanity on the brink of disaster.
Dec 31, 2024 • 24min
Season 6 | BONUS: How did they know the time in the Middle Ages?
Curious about how medieval folks kept track of time? Discover the fascinating complexities of timekeeping in the Middle Ages and the royal naming conventions that shaped England's monarchy. Dive into whimsical laws about dog names in France and contemplate the quirks of left-handed sword fighting. Plus, explore must-see historical sites related to Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine, from the beautiful Rouen Cathedral to the storied Normandy beaches. It's a blend of history, humor, and travel tips!
