Empress Theodora was a true rags to riches story. She rose from humble circus performer all the way to the top of the royal food chain through wit, charm, and sheer gutsiness. As a child, she dreams of a more glamorous life – but climbing the ladder is tough, particularly during the Byzantine era. And the higher she goes, the more people try to knock her down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We'll be back next week with an all-new episode of Even the Royals. In the meantime, we're returning to one of our favorite episodes on Grace Kelly's daughter, Stephanie, Princess of Monaco. When Grace Kelly died tragically in 1982 she left behind a legacy as an actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon. But she also left behind a 17-year-old daughter who was in the car crash that took Grace’s life. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is born into royal fame and fortune, but almost immediately wants to trade in her tiara for a t-shirt. She spends her life searching for something her mother never got a chance to find for herself – a way to live truly on her own terms. But when tragedy nearly derails her life, Stephanie will have to rebuild it one very public screw up at a time.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monica Lewinsky has been a major reference in pop culture since she was 24 years old when a scandal made her a household name overnight. Since then, she’s fought to redefine her reputation - and now, she's ready to encourage others to take back their power, too.On her new podcast "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky," Monica leads honest and wide-ranging conversations about what it means to write your own narrative. Each week, guests share how they've rediscovered purpose, rebuilt relationships, and redefined success after their most vulnerable moments.This is just a preview of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. You can listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or here: Wondery.fm/ReclaimingWithMonicaLewinsky See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re throwing it back to high school and dishing out some superlatives — with a royal twist of course. Who’s the most rebellious royal? Which couple gets the sweetest love story? And who will be crowned our most devious schemer? Brooke and Aricia are joined on the yearbook committee by Katy Hearne-Church and Nathan Foster, hosts of Queens Podcast, where they talk about the royals you may or may not have heard about in history class. The four hosts will share their Royal insights, hot takes, and discuss which queens would’ve been besties IRL (hint: some answers might surprise you). Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing you three stories of modern royals who, against the odds, found their OTL. There’s Aussie Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark, whose unlikely love story hinges on the approval of the Danish people accepting a foreigner as their future queen. Then American college-grad Ariana, who meets a mystery man at a nightclub, only to find out months into their relationship that the man she’s fallen in love with is an Ethiopian prince. And finally, small-town Daniel and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, whose journey from friends to lovers faces harsh backlash from the press and public. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sundiata Keita's epic journey continues as he prepares to battle the sorcerer king, Sumanguru, alongside his childhood friend. The quest to unite warring kingdoms showcases themes of leadership and prophecy. Innovative strategic triumphs highlight alliances formed amidst chaos. Tensions rise as Sundiata gears up for a showdown using a magical arrow. After a victorious return, he confronts his past and is celebrated as the newly crowned emperor of Mali. The fusion of myth and history in Sundiata's tale captivates, drawing parallels with modern storytelling.

Centuries before Pumbaa and Timon taught Simba the meaning of hakuna matata in The Lion King, a real-life lion king founded the Mali Empire in the 13th-century. Sundiata Keita was destined to be a great ruler from birth – a prophecy even promised he’d be the next Alexander the Great. But after his father dies, his scheming stepmother steals his throne for her own son, and banishes Sundiata. So Sundiata heads out on an epic quest to reclaim his kingdom, and prove that his reign truly is written in the stars.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part Two, Catherine the Great launched a coup and kicked her good-for-nothing husband to the curb. But turning her bold new vision for Russia into a reality is easier said than done. Catherine has to abandon some of her Enlightenment ideals and embrace her ruthless side – all while balancing her professional life and her love life. And in the end, she’ll have to decide what matters more – love, or country.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part One, Catherine the Great transformed from an eager-to-please princess into an ambitious leader focused on bringing Russia out of the dark ages. But when it becomes clear that her husband Peter isn’t going to step up and help, Catherine decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. With the support of her newest lover, Catherine stages a coup and takes over. But once she’s in the top spot, she realizes that maintaining her ideals is easier said than done – and that she’ll have to get ruthless to make it work. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They don’t call her The Great for nothing. There’s a reason Catherine the Great is the star of TV series, movies, and an overall pop culture icon. Bold, ambitious, and famous for her double digits list of lovers, Catherine seized control of Russia and ruled the country longer than any woman in history. But her career didn’t start off without a hitch. At first, she was just a shy princess from a no-name duchy. But when her new husband Peter rejects her, Cat has to forge new paths to power…and love. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.