Even The Royals
Wondery
Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big, and very public. And no, we’re not just talking about Harry and Meghan. There are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. From Wondery comes the latest from Even the Rich co-hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams. Even the Royals takes us inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, disgust, have the power to reshape the world.Listen 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 20, 2025 • 5min
Listen now: Scamfluencers | The Pharmacist Femme Fatale
Natalie Cochran seemed like she had it all: a good job as a pharmacist, a loving husband, and two kids. But then she quit her job to become a government contractor and started raking in dough, or so she claimed. Behind the scenes, Natalie was running a classic Ponzi scheme, scamming friends and family with fake contracts, fake government emails, and even fake cancer. But when the walls start closing in, lies alone won’t be enough to save her… These are the stories of the world’s most insidious Scamfluencers. And we are their prey. Every week on Scamfluencers, join co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi as they unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness. These influencers claim to be everything from charismatic healers to trusted financial insiders to experts in dating. They cast spells over millions. Why do we believe them, and how does our culture allow them to thrive? Listen now: Wondery.fm/SCAMSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
Table Manners and Tudor Scandals | 94
Just like us, royals are not immune to cringe-worthy moments. Caroline of Brunswick nearly flashed the crowd at her own wedding — while her groom got plastered across the church. Classy! To avoid pulling a royal faux pas, Brooke and Aricia are joined by Bonnie Tsai, founder of Beyond Etiquette. She’s giving us the ultimate crash course in high society manners — from when to bow versus curtsey, to decoding the fork situation at a royal dinner, to surviving a meeting with King Henry VIII (preferably with your head still attached).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.
Aug 18, 2025 • 44min
The OG Tupac: Burn It All Down | 93
In Part One, Tupac Amaru II realized his cushy lifestyle came at the price of exploiting his own people and vowed to make a change. But when his fight for Indigenous rights fails in the courtroom, he decides to light a match and ignite a full-blown rebellion. Now Tupac’s on a mission to win hearts and minds – even if it gets violent. But the price of change is steep, and if Tupac wants to build a new future, he’ll have to risk everything – even his life.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.
Aug 11, 2025 • 41min
The OG Tupac Part 1: Rebel Without a Pause | 92
As an 18th century rich kid in Spanish-controlled Peru, Tupac Amaru II has it made. He’s descended from Incan royalty, the money and perks are flowing, and he’s set to inherit a powerful position working for the colonizers. But when he realizes that his privilege is built on the backs of his own people, Tupac decides it’s time for a change: if the system doesn’t work for everyone, then it doesn’t work for anyone. And if he can’t change it – then he’s ready to burn it all down.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.
Aug 4, 2025 • 43min
The Secret Wife of King Louis XIV: Cinderella Goes Rogue | 91
Françoise d’Aubigné transforms from a poor girl to the king’s beloved amidst court intrigue. Her friendship with a rival mistress sours as she fights for Louis XIV’s heart. Cleverly, she plots to distract him with a younger mistress while grappling with her own rising power. As scandals unfold, Françoise becomes pivotal in guiding Louis back to his wife, showcasing her influence. Tragedy turns to triumph as she navigates a secret marriage proposal and later, the challenges of running a school, leading to a fascinating life spent in the shadows of royalty.
Jul 28, 2025 • 41min
The Secret Wife of King Louis XIV: A Cinderella Story | 90
Before she became the secret wife of Louis XIV, Françoise d’Aubigné was an outsider—penniless, disgraced, and all but invisible to the glittering world of Versailles. But behind her quiet smile was a mind built for survival. Her path to power was no fairytale: there was no fairy godmother waving a magic wand; just a brutal childhood, a cold-hearted guardian, and a series of risky choices. But as she climbs closer to the Sun King’s inner circle, Françoise has to play a shadowy game—one built on influence, seduction and secrets. And when she finally wins the king’s heart… it will come at a price.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.
Jul 21, 2025 • 40min
The Nazi-Fighting Princess Part 2: Pretty Little Spyer | 89
In Part One, Noor broke from her peaceful Sufi upbringing to become an Allied spy, fighting the Nazis from inside occupied Paris. But when her identity is compromised and the Gestapo closes in on her, Noor faces a terrible choice: flee to safety or stay and risk everything for what she believes in. In her final battle, Noor shows that true resistance isn't about escaping - it's about never surrendering, no matter the cost.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.
Jul 14, 2025 • 36min
The Nazi-Fighting Princess Part 1: Catch Me If You Khan | 88
Noor Inayat Khan was a pacifist princess raised in a peaceful bubble with her Sufi family. But when the Nazis invade Paris during World War II, she faces an impossible choice: stay true to her beliefs or fight the fascists. Despite her lack of experience, Noor decides to join the resistance. But to help save humanity from Hitler's reign of terror, she'll have to betray the peaceful faith that shaped her. And as the Nazis close in on Paris, Noor discovers that fighting for what's right might cost her more than just her principles – it could also cost her her life.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.
Jul 7, 2025 • 39min
The She-Wolf of France Part 2: How to Topple Your Husband | 87
In Part One, Isabella learns that her husband, King Edward II, is more devoted to his male favorites than his queen – or his crown. But his latest obsession isn’t just scandalous, it’s disastrous for England. As tensions in England rise, Isabella decides she can’t stay silent any longer. It’s clear the king must go. But removing a crowned monarch means waging a war on her own country. And if she fails, England will fall deeper into chaos – and she could hang for treason.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.
Jun 30, 2025 • 44min
The She-Wolf of France Part 1: A Royal Throuple Gone Wrong | 86
Before she became known as “The She-Wolf of France,” Isabella was a princess sent to unite two warring kingdoms through marriage. But her husband, King Edward II of England, didn’t get the same memo. From day one, it’s clear he’s more interested in the cute men at court than his queen – or his crown. As Edward’s reckless choices endanger the English throne and strain relations with France, Isabella will have to decide if she’ll remain a loyal queen – or take matters into her own hands.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.
