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 7, 2024 • 44min
Napoleon Bonaparte Part 1: Started from the Bottom | 44
Napoleon Bonaparte is notorious for being a power-hungry, vertically-challenged French emperor who conquered, and then pissed off, much of Europe in the 19th century. But Napoleon wasn’t that short, wasn’t born in France, and actually wanted to be a writer. He was an upstart from Corsica who started out as a bullied outcast just looking for some respect. But he quickly learns that men like him aren’t just handed respect. They have to take it for themselves.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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 30, 2024 • 43min
Christina of Sweden Part 2: To Rome With Love | 43
In part one, Christina rejected gender norms and was raised as a prince in order to prepare for the throne. But parting with tradition eventually meant parting with her crown. So Christina bids goodbye to Sweden and heads off to a new, exciting life in Rome. But life without a crown will turn out to be a lot tougher than she imagined. Eventually, she decides her only option is to find a new one – no matter the cost.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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 23, 2024 • 44min
Christina of Sweden Part 1: The Renegade Queen | 42
Christina of Sweden was a 17th century royal who rebelled against gender norms from the day she was born – when she was wrongly misgendered as a boy! Even after the air was cleared, Christina rejected the life of a classic femme royal by learning swordplay, riding horses, and having an affair with her lady-in-waiting. But when Christina comes up against the one duty she can’t escape – marrying and providing an heir – she risks her crown to stay true to herself. 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 44min
Esther of Burundi: From Royal to Run(a)way | 41
Esther Kamatari, a Burundian princess and one of France’s first Black supermodels, shares her riveting journey from royalty to the Parisian runway. She reveals the challenges of escaping a tumultuous past and blending her heritage with a glamorous yet hollow new life. Esther discusses navigating racism in the fashion industry, her longing for Burundi, and her determination to empower local women. Her story is a powerful mix of resilience, identity struggles, and the pursuit of beauty amidst pain.
Sep 9, 2024 • 40min
Even the Rich: JFK & Jackie Part 3 | After Camelot | 40
Jack Kennedy, the 35th U.S. President, shares insights alongside his wife, Jacqueline, a stylish cultural icon. They discuss Jackie's poignant decision to keep her blood-stained outfit after his assassination, symbolizing strength amidst grief. The couple reflects on the tensions during a crucial birthday gala and their evolving love despite public scrutiny. Jackie reveals her journey through profound loss, her commitment to honoring JFK's legacy, and her path toward independence and accomplishment in a world that changed overnight.
Sep 2, 2024 • 45min
Even the Rich: JFK & Jackie Part 2 | Keeping House | 39
Jackie, a devoted wife facing the pressures of her political marriage, discusses her struggles with Jack, a chronically ill politician whose lifestyle choices fracture their relationship. They explore the emotional tension during their honeymoon, Jack's relentless pursuit of opportunities while juggling infidelities, and the devastating grief following the loss of their child. Jackie’s journey of building a family alongside her husband’s political ambitions reveals her resilience as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, loss, and the impending demands of the White House.
Sep 2, 2024 • 44min
Even the Rich: JFK & Jackie Part 1 | Queen Deb | 38
John F. Kennedy, a pivotal leader during the Cold War, and Jackie Onassis, an iconic First Lady known for her grace, delve into their captivating love story. They explore Jackie’s rebellious spirit amidst societal expectations and her struggles to navigate her identity. JFK shares his journey from a carefree bachelor to a committed husband, influenced by their first dinner encounter. The pressures of politics and family dynamics complicate their relationship, leading Jackie to face her feelings about love and fidelity before embracing her future as a Kennedy.
Aug 26, 2024 • 44min
The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Katherine Parr, Part 2 | 37
Katherine Parr thrives as Henry VIII's final wife, using her position to advocate for religious reform. Tension mounts when she discovers an arrest warrant signed by the king himself. Her journey highlights the complexities of love and duty, set against the backdrop of royal politics. As she mourns Henry's passing, Katherine navigates a secret romance with Thomas Seymour, balancing personal desires with societal expectations. The narrative also reflects on the legacies of Henry's six wives, showcasing their courageous contributions to history.
Aug 19, 2024 • 42min
The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Katherine Parr, Part 1 | 36
Discover the intriguing life of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife, who survived not just her marriage but the perilous politics of the Tudor court. As she navigates power struggles and personal desires, Katherine's journey reveals her ambition and resilience. Witness her internal conflict as she balances royal expectations with her own dreams of love. From her unexpected rise to queenship to her contributions in religious reform, Katherine's story is a captivating mix of intrigue, ambition, and the trials of court life.
Aug 12, 2024 • 44min
The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Catherine Howard | 35
Catherine Howard, the youthful fifth wife of Henry VIII, navigates a treacherous landscape of love and betrayal. She finds her voice in a world dominated by men, experiencing both the thrill of romance and the crushing weight of royal expectations. As her clandestine affair unfolds, the looming threat of exposure keeps her on edge. The podcast delves into her tragic downfall and execution, exploring her struggle for dignity and the heartbreaking realities faced by women of her time.
