Richard Woodville was the unlikely courtier who rose from modest origins to become Earl Rivers and father of the Queen of England. In the real-life Game of Thrones that was the Wars of the Roses, Woodville climbed from being the son of a chamberlain to the husband of a wealthy duchess. Their daughter, Elizabeth Woodville, rose higher still and married King Edward IV. But swift ascents create swift enemies, and the Woodville rise ignited resentment, rumors, and political backlash. In this episode, we unravel how Richard navigated the treacherous politics of York and Lancaster, how the Woodvilles became the family everyone loved to hate, and how ambition, marriage, and timing reshaped the fate of a dynasty.

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For over 2,000 years, Cleopatra has remained one of the most recognizable queens in history. Yet despite her fascinating life, Cleopatra’s older sister is often reduced to a footnote. This episode turns our attention to Berenice IV, one of the most overlooked figures in the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

When her father, Ptolemy XII, fled Egypt, Berenice suddenly found herself thrust onto the throne. But with the kingdom strained by political unrest and a dynasty unraveling, her reign was destined to be brief and turbulent.

Join us as we uncover the story of a queen who fought to rule…and paid the ultimate price for it.

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We are honored to welcome renowned historian, author, and television presenter Professor Suzannah Lipscomb for a very special interview. Known for her sharp insight into the lives of women throughout history, Suzannah joins us to discuss everything from the impact of the Tudor world to the spread of witchcraft accusations over the centuries. Suzannah uncovers what it really means to reclaim history from a modern feminist lens. Expect wit, warmth, and a few shocking truths as we celebrate the return of Beheaded for Season 7!

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