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
Nov 14, 2023 • 20min
Season 3 | 11. Into the Fire
Magna Carta has failed and the country is plunged into war. John devises a cruel plan that involves taunting his starving enemies with the delicious smell of bacon. Meanwhile, Louis the Lion, the son of the French King, prepares to invade England, while the Pope’s representative race to beat him there. John is running out of time, but he’s not going down without a fight.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Marketing Manager - Emily Webb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 7, 2023 • 30min
Season 3 | 10. Magna Carta
The rebel barons seize control of London without bloodshed. The origins and misconceptions surrounding Magna Carta are explored. The negotiations at Runny Mead discuss political issues. King Philip Augustus of France invades England, potentially changing the monarchy.
Oct 31, 2023 • 23min
Season 3 | 9. The Army of God
King John faces opposition from his barons who demand change or war. He refuses and focuses on fortifying his castles, while gaining support from Pope Innocent. Barons meet with rebels and present John with a draft charter. Conflict ensues, leading to the creation of Magna Carta.
Oct 24, 2023 • 26min
Season 3 | 8. The Battle of Bouvines
John assembles a mighty Plantagenet alliance to return to France and reclaim what Philip Augustus stole from him. After a decade of preparations, the fate of his dynasty rests on the outcome of one bloody battle.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field and Dave Anderson
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Marketing Manager - Emily Webb
Additional Production by Julia Doyle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 17, 2023 • 24min
Season 3. | 7. The Switch
King John puts his grand plans of reclaiming his French lands on hold, so that he can spend some time fighting his neighbours in Wales. He is close to finally conquering the country once and for all, when he hears a rumour that makes his blood run cold. If he’s going to survive, John desperately needs an ally.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producer - Louisa Field
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Marketing Manager - Emily Webb
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 10, 2023 • 25min
Season 3 | 6. The Vendetta
This episode contains scenes that some listeners may find upsetting.
One of King John’s closest allies, William de Briouze, knows exactly who murdered Arthur of Brittany. When his wife, Matilda, makes a public accusation, the King does everything in his power to take revenge. John may already have a reputation for cruelty, and a vicious streak, but what happens next shakes the people of England to their core.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Marketing Manager - Emily Webb
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 3, 2023 • 25min
Season 3 | 5. The Road to Hell
King John makes a brand new enemy: Pope Innocent III, after they fall out over an archbishop. The Pope takes extreme measures and puts England under an interdict. This means the church is closed for business to everyone in England. He expects John to beg for mercy, but instead, the diabolical king has eyed a golden opportunity.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 26, 2023 • 29min
Season 3 | 4. Return of the King
John has been chased from his lands in Normandy, and is forced into permanent residence in England. The problem is, the people of England have got quite used to absentee kings, and aren’t taking too kindly to John’s meddling. But John’s meddling has a serious purpose; he needs England’s wealth in order to raise an army and return to France to win back his lost lands.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 19, 2023 • 25min
Season 3 | 3. Lost Cause
The finest castle in the Plantagenet Empire, Château Gaillard, is under siege. French King Philip Augustus has it surrounded, and is willing to play dirty, literally, to claim it. If John doesn’t act fast, he could lose everything his father and brother fought to build.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 12, 2023 • 27min
Season 3 | 2. Save the Queen
John decides to get married, but his controversial choice of bride causes his French lands to erupt in rebellion. John’s enemies ride for the castle of Mirebeau, where they aim to capture the ultimate prize: the King’s mother, Eleanor of Aquitane.
This is History is 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
Written and presented by Dan Jones
Producer and Story Editor - Georgia Mills
Executive Producers - Dave Anderson and Louisa Field
Production Manager - Poppy Thompson
Composer - Matt Acheson
Engineer - Matias Torres Sole
Sound Design and Mixing - Chris O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
