Even The Royals

The unbelievable story of a 7th-century concubine who elevated herself to become the first and only female Emperor of China. We chart Wu Zhao’s journey as she climbs the ranks of the royal harem, manipulates and murders her rivals, and leapfrogs over four of her own sons to ascend the Dragon Throne. In this funny, fascinating, and scandal-filled podcast, Jameela Jamil and historian Dr Kate Lister pore over the stories of six astonishing “other women”. Women who have been shamed, disparaged and underestimated. Some have been cheated out of the history books altogether. Now Jameela and Kate are placing their stories in the spotlight – to see what history looks like through the eyes of the so-called side-chick. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virginia Hill may be remembered as a “bit on the side” for mobster Bugsy Siegel – but her story is SO much bigger than that. We reveal how Virginia hustled her way into the heart of the Chicago mob, earning herself the nickname “the female Al Capone” and ending up on the run as the USA's most wanted. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this funny, fascinating, and scandal-filled podcast, Jameela Jamil and historian Dr Kate Lister pore over the stories of six astonishing “other women”. Women who have been shamed, disparaged and underestimated. Some have been cheated out of the history books altogether. Now Jameela and Kate are placing their stories in the spotlight – to see what history looks like through the eyes of the so-called side-chick. Jameela and Kate are also joined by Katie Kennedy, aka The History Gossip, to drop some extra historical knowledge in her own inimitable way… Prepare for a wild, gossip-fuelled ride through real history – sex, scandal, murder, betrayal, poisoning, witchcraft and much more. Episode 1: Follow the rise and fall of King Louis XIV’s gilded era through the eyes of his outrageous maîtresse-en-titre (“official” mistress), Madame de Montespan. Quick, cunning and oh-so-extra, Montespan would stop at nothing to get to the top – including (if rumours are to be believed) poisoning any love rivals that got in her way. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

In part one, Françoise d’Aubigné was barely a blip on Paris’s radar—she was poor, overlooked, and treated like a second-class citizen. But everything changes when she befriends one of Louis XIV’s most powerful mistresses. Suddenly, she’s not just in the royal circle—she’s in the king’s arms. There’s just one problem: her friend doesn’t like to share. But Françoise has fallen in love with the king, and she won’t give up without a fight. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

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/wonderynewsletter 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.

When Harry's military dreams are thwarted, falling for Meghan Markle helps soften the blow. But when the press discovers their secret romance, the love of his life comes under attack. Can Harry protect the life he's building and still hold on to the one that's falling apart? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After losing his mother, and losing his way Prince Harry searches for purpose in his life. But, as he’s about to learn… he can only run from himself for so long… 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 a brand-new episode of Even the Royals. But since we've been talking a lot about royal spares recently, we wanted to bring you a three-part series we did for our other show, Even the Rich, on the infamous Prince Harry.Being a Prince might seem like a dreamy fantasy life. After all, who doesn’t love gilded tea trays, sparkly tiaras and corgis? But as Prince Harry is about to learn, the royals are hiding some big problems, and some even nastier secrets. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.

Behind every royal heir is a “spare” — but while the heir gets the crown, the spare often steals the spotlight. These backup royals may be second in line, but their lives are anything but second-rate. From sibling rivalries and scandalous headlines to unexpected twists of fate, today we’re unpacking all the drama, intrigue, and chaos that come with being royal… but not the royal. Brooke and Aricia are joined by fellow royals-obsessed duo, Amanda Matta (@matta_of_fact) and Meredith Constant (@meredithconstant), co-hosts of the podcast, Off With Their Headlines, to dish on the most fascinating spares in history – and today’s tabloids. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.

In Part One, Philippe tried to repress his love for men and play the role of traditional husband to please his family. But after learning about his wife’s betrayals, Philippe decides to embrace who he really is… and who he really loves. He fights to live his life authentically, but every act of independence comes with a price. Because when you cross the Sun King, you’re likely to get burned. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.

As Louis XIV’s younger brother, Philippe longs to live life on his own terms and separate himself from his famous sibling, the self-titled Sun King. But that’s easier said than done when your brother sees you as a threat from the day you’re born. Pair that with loving men and you’ve got a recipe for life being a constant uphill battle. Philippe tries everything he can to carve out his own identity – while his family does everything they can to keep him from embracing his true self. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.

Princess Mako spent her whole life trying to meet the strict expectations set for 21st century Japanese royals. But when she falls in love and ghosts from her fiancé's past go viral, she realizes she can follow the rules – or follow her heart. But this scandal will stir up a public scrutiny so intense that it threatens her relationship, her family’s reputation, and her sanity. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.

In Part 1, Yoshiko Kawashima moved to Japan and worked to reclaim her home by supporting the push for an independent Manchuria. But her growing fame as a Japanese spy gets her into hot water when she tries to switch sides during World War II. After fleeing to China, Yoshiko is arrested and put on trial for treason – where her own exaggerated stories are used as evidence against her. Her trial will determine whether history remembers her as a cunning spy, a shameless traitor….or revolutionary who dared to defy the expectations of her era. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter 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.