Was Jane Seymour trapped? Was she used? Or was she playing the game all along?In Part Two of our Jane Seymour series, we follow Jane from Anne Boleyn's household to the threshold of queenship. Along the way, we explore the role of Elizabeth Seymour, trace the royal progress of 1535, examine Henry VIII's life-changing injury, and uncover what Jane's place at court may have really looked like.Then we turn to the question at the heart of the episode: the scheme.Was Jane a pawn in someone else's game, a woman caught in impossible circumstances, or an active participant in one of the most dramatic shifts in Tudor history?As Anne Boleyn's world begins to collapse, Jane Seymour's rise is only just beginning.AD‑FREE LISTENING on Patreon + tons of extra content!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadMerch: https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @spillthemeadpodcastCreditsHost & Producer: Madi GervaisFeaturing rotating cohosts from the Spill the Mead team© 2026 Spill the Mead LLC. All rights reserved.

Before the court, there was the country.Episode 1/5 begins at Wolfhall, where ongoing archaeological excavations are still uncovering the world that Jane would have known. We talk about the fascinating (and not to be dramatic - but groundbreaking) finds they have uncovered as we attempt to understand the elusive Jane Seymour.Meanwhile at court, Catherine of Aragon’s marriage begins to fracture under the growing influence of Anne Boleyn. Jane will eventually arrive to a household increasingly defined by tension, uncertainty, and divided loyalties. Themes that would prove to be ongoing in her life.We will watch through Jane's eyes as Catherine’s household collapses around her, ultimately ending Jane's brief court career. Before she knows it, she will find herself back in the country once more, just waiting for her life to begin.AD‑FREE LISTENING on Patreon + tons of extra content!Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadMerch: https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @spillthemeadpodcastCreditsHost & Producer: Madi GervaisFeaturing rotating cohosts from the Spill the Mead team© 2026 Spill the Mead LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode, Dr. Emerson returns to Spill the Mead to revisit the captivating Capturing a Queen exhibit at Hever castle and discuss some of the details he couldn’t fully speak on during our first conversation. We talk more about the exhibit itself, the portraits on display, and the stories surrounding Anne Boleyn.Then, naturally, things descend slightly into chaos as we play a game assigning personalities to different Anne Boleyn portraits — including which Anne would have ACTUALLY worn yellow that day (IYKYK), and which Anne would be the most fun to get a drink with.Part historical discussion, part portrait analysis, and part tavern chaos, this episode is a deeper and much more relaxed follow-up conversation exploring the many faces of Anne Boleyn.Be sure to check out Hever Castle & Gardens for more information on this amazing, once in a lifetime exhibit.Also check out Dr. Emmerson's website for more on his research, books, and upcoming events: Dr Owen Emmerson – Dr Owen EmmersonAD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content! Please consider supporting us on Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Dr. Emmerson @drowenemmerson Music is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

This week on Uncorked, Dr. Erica Canela joins us to dive into the wild, weird, and unexpectedly chaotic world of Quaker history. Yes, the Quakers were unhinged, and yes, they’ve had a major glow up.We break down the evolution from radical early Quaker antics to the modern-day Friends, some of whom are kind of attractive. Naturally, this leads to a very serious scholarly exercise we call “Quaker Hot or Not.”And don’t miss the story of the MOST unhinged Quaker woman of them all... a legend of pure, unfiltered “mad whimsy.”If you thought you knew the Quakers, think again.Make sure you catch the visual of this episode on our YouTube channel!For more from Dr. Erica Canela, check out her website for more on her upcoming classes and events, as well as how to access her book!Visit her site here: Dr Erica Canela | Public Historian, Copywriter & EditorAD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramMusic is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

Ok, yes, it's a football episode BUT DISCLAIMER: you do NOT have to be familiar with or like football for this episode! As long as you like a WIDE range of historical figures, people fighting for their lives to make a case over an imaginary scenario, and Nicholas Cage... you're in the right place.Madi & Chris choose their historical dream team with potential "legends of the line" like Julius Caesar, Elizabeth I, Genghis Khan, and an absolute legendary woman with a cooking pot on her head (cheers to you if you know based off of just that!) Buckle up, the Historical 2026 Draft is NOW OPEN!AD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Chris @chrisrileyhistory on InstagramMusic is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

"Ra-Ra-Rasputin, love of the of the Russian Queen!" Except he probably wasn't. In this episode, we really get to know Rasputin. From what he preached, to his alleged healing abilities, to a trip to his apartment for tea... we give you the nitty gritty of all of the gossip surrounding the man who helped bring an end to the House of Romanov. We also look at an alternate theory to what happened on the night of this murder.The book used for this Episode is called "Rasputin, The Last Word" by Edvard RadzinskyAD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Gabby @so_dym_gabulous on Instagram Music is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

Welcome to our brand-new segment: Movies & MeadIn this series, Madi & Gabby watch a listener-chosen historical film and break down the real historical context, the key players, the cast, the gossip, and of course all the behind-the-scenes drama. We wrap it up by handing out our very official AcadeMEAD awards and rating the movie.For our first episode, we’re diving into The VVitch — a spooky tale set in 1630s New England. We hope you also like to live deliciously HoneyBees, because we give this one 5/5!AD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Gabby @so_dym_gabulous on Instagram Music is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

Imagine growing up surrounded by the harsh beauty of wild moorlands. A gothic, windswept, haunting landscape right outside - and a few steps from your front door is a church graveyard that you watch slowly fill up with members of your own family. Welcome to growing up Bronte!Let Coco take you on a journey through the Bronte childhood experience, where hardship and loss were in no short supply and fierce sibling bonds formed through imagination and a love for literature. Coco and Madi chat about formative experiences that translate right into the books these women wrote, and discuss the part that the moors play in the books - almost a character themselves.Follow that up with a summary of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Yes Honeybees - spoiler alerts for both, but we think you’ll agree the spoilers are so worth it. AD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Betsy @betsy.hegge on InstagramFind Coco @spill_it_coco on InstagramFind Gabby @so_dym_gabulous on Instagram Find Chris @chrisrileyhistory on InstagramFind Taylor @tjonesarmoredamma on InstagramMusic is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

Part two of our season opener finds us in the middle of France during the Hundred Years War, where we meet a young but capable man with knighthood in his blood.Boucicaut’s name struck fear into the hearts of men - a legend from a young age. His determination and dedication to training made him fast, fearless and impossibly strong. Losing a duel to this man was a mark of prestige.Though not known as “the Greatest Knight” as Marshall was, Boucicaut was certainly one of the greatest knights in history. Let Coco tell you why this man, who literally wrote the book on knightly chivalry and also the ultimate hardcore training manual for knights, could absolutely square up with Marshall.Then settle in for a little story time as Madi and Coco set the scene for a grand duel between these two legendary knights. Take notes, keep score and be ready to place your bets on the knight you think would win!AD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Betsy @betsy.hegge on InstagramFind Coco @spill_it_coco on InstagramFind Gabby @so_dym_gabulous on Instagram Find Chris @chrisrileyhistory on InstagramFind Taylor @tjonesarmoredamma on InstagramMusic is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com

Welcome to a new season! And our new annual series, where we research 2 historic knights and give you all the information you need to decide who would win in a duel today!First up is William Marshal, they one who they call "the world's greatest knight". Madi goes over all of details you need to know to make your decision: the armor, the sword, the fighting style of William Marshal. We also hear about several highlights of his knightly career, and give you a peak into levels of loyalty we have yet to see on this podcast.We also give you a peak into the world of Buhurt, the sport of modern-day armored combat.This man is a KNIGHT! But how will he hold up to his hypothetical opponent?Listen to Part 2 to find out! And stay tuned for an expert analysis from our very own in-house-knight soon!GOD FOR THE MARSHAL!Please leave us a 5 star review! It helps us expand our reach! AD FREE LISTENING on Patreon as well as tons of extra content!https://www.patreon.com/c/spillthemeadYou can purchase Spill the Mead merchandise here https://linkpop.com/spillthemeadpodcast/Find us on Instagram, and Facebook @spillthemeadpodcastFind Madi @myladygervais on InstagramFind Betsy @betsy.hegge on InstagramFind Coco @spill_it_coco on InstagramFind Gabby @so_dym_gabulous on Instagram Find Chris @chrisrileyhistory on InstagramFind Taylor @tjonesarmoredamma on InstagramMusic is composed by Nicholas Leigh nicholasleighmusic.com