194 episodes

Author Dana Schwartz explores the stories of some of history’s most fascinating royals: the tyrants and the tragic, the murderers and the murdered, and everyone in between. Because when you’re wearing a crown, mistakes often mean blood.

Noble Blood Grim & Mild

    • History
    • 4.7 • 13K Ratings

Author Dana Schwartz explores the stories of some of history’s most fascinating royals: the tyrants and the tragic, the murderers and the murdered, and everyone in between. Because when you’re wearing a crown, mistakes often mean blood.

    Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt Among the Royals (with History On Trial's Mira Hayward)

    Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt Among the Royals (with History On Trial's Mira Hayward)

    In the 1930s, America was captivated by a scandalous courtroom drama - a custody battle of little 10-year-old Gloria Vanderbilt (mother of Anderson Cooper). Gloria's mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, was accused of improperly managing her daughter's trust and galivating around Europe when she should have been parenting. The trial was already a media circus -- and that was before the British Royal family got involved.
    For more on this trial and other fascinating trials in American history, listen to HISTORY ON TRIAL from Mira Hayward.
    Support Noble Blood:
    — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon
    — Noble Blood merch
    — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 28 min
    Empires and the Benin Bronzes

    Empires and the Benin Bronzes

    The Benin Bronzes are some of the most famous artifacts in the world. And the story of how they were looted from the Kingdom of Edo in the 19th century by the British is the story of colonialism, revenge, and the European scramble for African resources.Support Noble Blood:— Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon— Noble Blood merch— Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 33 min
    The Cabbage King and Queen vs. the Nazis

    The Cabbage King and Queen vs. the Nazis

    The tiny island of Sark, in the English Channel, had the distinguished honor of being the last fiefdom in Europe. And in 1929, an American businessman named Robert Hathaway became its lord. He could not have known just how challenging the next few decades would be, for all of Europe and for a tiny island that would soon be occupied by enemy forces.
    Support Noble Blood:
    — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon
    — Noble Blood merch
    — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 32 min
    Live by the Guillotine, Die by the Guillotine

    Live by the Guillotine, Die by the Guillotine

    On October 6, a mob from Paris descended on Versailles, demanding blood. They stormed the palace, trying to find the private chambers of Marie Antoinette. But more shocking than a mob forcing their way through the royal gates was the member of the group rumored to be in their midsts: Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orleans, and a prince of the blood. A cousin of Louis XVI, he became a folk hero of the revolution. But did he actually believe in what the revolutionaries stood for, or was he merely serving his own best interests? In the end, he would be forced to make a choice and pick a side, a decision that would cost more than his title.Support Noble Blood:— Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon— Noble Blood merch— Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 44 min
    A Rebel Heiress in the French Royal Family

    A Rebel Heiress in the French Royal Family

    Anne Marie's father was the brother of the King of France. Her mother was one of the country's richest women. And though in her youth Anne Marie had dreamed she would marry her cousin, King Louis XIV, in the end she would lead a life far more interesting—becoming a symbolic leader during a political civil war, and embarking on an attempt for a doomed love match marriage that would, in the end, cost her more than her heart.
    Support Noble Blood:
    — Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon
    — Noble Blood merch
    — Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 42 min
    How the Duke of Monmouth Lost His Head

    How the Duke of Monmouth Lost His Head

    King Charles II's oldest illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, was handsome and charismatic. But more importantly, he was Protestant, which made him an attractive alternative to the Catholic Duke of York, next in line for the throne. Eventually, the power and propoganda would go to Monmouth's head.Support Noble Blood:— Bonus episodes, stickers, and scripts on Patreon— Noble Blood merch— Order Dana's book, 'Anatomy: A Love Story' and its sequel 'Immortality: A Love Story'
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
13K Ratings

13K Ratings

mplsjo ,

Love this pod!

But the recent guest host for the Gloria Vanderbilt episode had an awful voice. I had to turn it off and google the story. Sounded like a valley girl.

Otherwise zero notes on this cast!

KateJessie ,

Superb!

The research and story telling are terrific. History is fascinating!

arjemom ,

Very Eurocentric

Well researched. My big complaint, is she spends way more time on the English than literally any other country. I understand Schwartz may not be comfortable with other countries or she may feel others are more qualified, but she could pull in specialists to discuss other countries she’s not comfortable with.

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