Uneasy Lies the Crown

Riley Bannon

Two sisters combine their expertise in history and neuroscience to examine famous royals from historical and biological perspectives. They hope to understand how mental and neurological illness shaped some of the world’s most important leaders, and the course of history in turn.

  1. 12/30/2024

    Making a Murderer: Prince Albert Victor

    The notorious Jack the Ripper murders in 19th century London have generated plenty of high-profile suspects, but none more salacious than Prince Albert Victor, the heir to the British throne. True crime meets ULTC in this episode exploring the theory that syphilis turned the prince into a killer. Plus: Why Riley is leaving true crime in 2024. British tabloids never stop. He's a 10 but he likes Through the Looking Glass.

    43 min

  2. 11/29/2024

    Chief Among Us: Opechancanough

    The only thing more amazing than Chief Opechancanough singlehandedly preventing Spanish colonization and staving off the British for over five decades? He did it while suffering from a fascinating neurological disease. Plus: What Disney got wrong about Pocahontas. Riley regales us with a song she learned in the fourth grade. Should we be cancelled for our Mayflower connection?

    1h 2m

  3. 10/25/2024

    Chemobrain: Duchess Catherine

    Kate Middleton has had to navigate her cancer diagnosis as both head of a household and future head of a country. We discuss how the confusion and controversy surrounding her health may impact the royal family in the longterm, and how cancer treatment affects the mind and brain. Plus: Can MomTok survive this? Donna Kelce keeps it real. Relaunching our apology tour.

    33 min

  4. 09/30/2024

    Forget Me Not: Taisho

    Japan's Emperor Taisho suffered from cerebral meningitis as an infant, and the longterm effects allegedly left him unable to rule. But was that the truth or a convenient way for his enemies to keep him out of power? Plus: Riley edited a podcast episode in labor. Stefanie can't spell Riley's name and Riley can't remember her name. Our space discourse continues.

    55 min

  5. 03/01/2024

    Scandalnavia: Christian of Denmark

    Christian of Denmark's reign began with a lot of promise, but eventually crumbled in the wake of a scandalous love triangle. Christian's physician believed that his increasing signs of insanity were a result of his incessant urge to m********e, but modern neuroscience suggests that was a side effect of bipolar disorder, and his story reveals the gaps in modern healthcare's ability to treat those struggling with sexual addiction. Plus: Welcome to ULTC After Dark. Every Girl Scout cookie take you never wanted. Dogs wreak havoc on our recording studio. Is our mom reading smutty books? Goodbye for now but not forever ahead of Riley's maternity leave.

    1h 1m

  6. 12/15/2023

    The Swede Life: Nobel Prize Week

    For one week every year, the world's most influential scientists are whisked away to Sweden where they rub elbows with literal royalty. Get to know this year's winners and the Swedish royal family! Plus: Is Lily Pulitzer a nepo baby? Riley is scared of physics. Everything you've heard about Sweden is true. Princess Sofia's controversial beginnings.

    41 min

  7. 12/02/2023

    The Big Short: Napoleon Bonaparte

    Napoleon Bonaparte is the most famous military figure in history, a man who started from nothing and gained an empire. On this episode, we break down Napoleon's reign and the science surrounding his eponymous "Napoleon Complex" to understand how a personality could be pathological but lead to heights of achievement never to be seen again. Plus: A brief history of Napoleon's globetrotting genitalia. Stefanie approves of George Santos' illegal expenditures. We are thankful for you!

    1h 16m

  8. 10/30/2023

    Mercury in Retrograde: Ivan the Terrible

    Kings have killed throughout history for the chance at an heir, but Ivan the Terrible took another route; he killed his own son, forever changing the trajectory of Russia. We explore whether his behavior can be traced back to a mysterious childhood illness and his favorite skincare products. Plus: Riley shares some exciting personal news. Fall is a state of mind. What is your Roman Empire? If you are a German speaker with $10 to spare, hit us up. Taylor and Travis are a sign of the end times. How did Stefanie really get mono?

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Two sisters combine their expertise in history and neuroscience to examine famous royals from historical and biological perspectives. They hope to understand how mental and neurological illness shaped some of the world’s most important leaders, and the course of history in turn.

Information

  • Creator
    Riley Bannon
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Riley Bannon
  • Show Website
    Uneasy Lies the Crown