Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are the Ross and Rachel of history

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are the Ross and Rachel of history

Author: Sony Music Entertainment April 14, 2026 Duration: 36:28
To love is to risk heartbreak. And while for some, breakups result in renewal, maybe some therapy (or a few months’ spent wallowing), for the historical figures of this episode… a relationship’s end has broken many more things than hearts. In this episode, Dan and Elizabeth discover the lessons of history’s epic failed romances through three world-changing unions: Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn; Mark Antony and Cleopatra; and Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Each couple burned bright and fast, and with their downfall came the end to the worlds from which they came: Catholic England, the Roman Republic, and (in the case of Edward) a grand near-miss. So what can epic historical breakups teach us about our world today? And why are we compelled to come back to grand romantic epics? – As always, Dan’s royal favourites can chime in anytime on the royal court on Patreon at patreon.com/thisishistory. And don’t forget to listen to this season’s accompanying bonus episodes for this miniseries, where Dan and Producer Al are dissecting the biggest historical failures as submitted by the royal favourites. In this episode, they discuss the failures of royals over various centuries to deliver the one thing they need - heirs. – 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices –– Presented by Dan Jones and Elizabeth Day Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Researcher - Phoebe Joyce Executive Producer - Simon Poole Executive Producer - Dan Jones Executive Producer for Daylight Productions - Elizabeth Day Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator - Eric Ryan Head of content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For picks up the story after the death of Henry V, leaving England with an infant king, Henry VI. Historian Dan Jones guides listeners through the tumultuous reign that follows, a period defined by fragile regencies and escalating noble rivalries. This podcast delves into the power vacuums and personal dramas that set the stage for decades of conflict. The narrative explores how scandal, accusations of witchcraft, and the looming specter of madness intertwined with the brutal political machinations of the era. As factions vie for control both domestically and in England's French territories, the series charts the descent into the dynastic carnage known as the Wars of the Roses. Each episode builds a vivid picture of a kingdom teetering on the brink, where the crown itself becomes a lethal prize. The storytelling in this podcast focuses on the human ambitions and failures behind the historical events, offering a detailed and compelling audio experience. Listeners will hear a deep analysis of the key figures and turning points that shaped this pivotal century, moving beyond simple dates and battles to understand the motivations and consequences that defined a nation's destiny.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

This is History: History’s Greatest Fails
Podcast Episodes
Introducing… This is History: In Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50
For a special run of episodes, Dan Jones is joined by world-class historians and authors. Find out about the sordid history of the Catholic Church, and the erotic musings of mystics with Diarmaid MacCulloch. Hear about t…
Season 5 | 12. To Kill a King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
This episode contains extreme violence. Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimor are victorious. They have usurped the old tyrant king, Edward II, and are in control of the heir to the throne, his son. But all is not well with…
Season 5 | 11. Return of the She-Wolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
This episode contains descriptions of violence. Edward has lost control of the country as violent riots run amok. Soon, he and the Despensers are on the run. Isabella returns in the middle of the chaos and sees her chanc…
Season 5 | 10. Ghosted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
A daring escape from the Tower of London sends an unlikely ally into Queen Isabella’s hands. Edward and Despenser are totally out of control, but fortunately for Isabella, they’re about to deliver her the one thing she n…
Season 5 | 9. The Dictators [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:47
Revenge has not satisfied Edward II, and he and the Despensers begin a reign of terror across England, executing former friends and plundering the nation’s resources. There’s only one person left who might be able to sto…
Season 5 | 8. Eye for an Eye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:19
Isabella finds herself the target of an assassination attempt as the secret rumblings of discontent suddenly explode into full-blown rebellion. King Edward sees his chance for personal revenge and amasses his troops to h…
Season 5 | 7. The Queen’s Wrath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
A strange man arrives in Edward II’s court with an outrageous claim: could the King of England be a fake? While Edward finds this all very funny, Queen Isabella is not amused. She decides it's time to take matters into h…
Season 5 | 6. The Jinx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:44
Reeling from his failure in Scotland, Edward II needs to up his game, unite his kingdom and keep the peace with Thomas Earl of Lancaster. But before he can get started, Edward and his people are flung into one of the wor…
Season 5 | 5. The Battle of Bannockburn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:25
*Attention UK listeners* Come and meet Dan in person at The London Podcast Festival. This is History is having its first ever live show on the 6th September. Get your tickets and reserve your spot for an evening of histo…
Season 5 | 4. Long Live the Queen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:02
While Edward II mourns, his young Queen Isabella steps into the spotlight. She provides her husband with both an heir and the holiday of a lifetime, as they go to visit her father in France. While Edward finally starts t…