Rude Tudors

What do dragons and fake news have in common? The newest episode of Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating. Laugh and learn the answers to the following questions: What did Renaissance people believe about dragons and their presence in history? Why would people circulate a story they know to be untrue (other than sabotaging the election of a sovereign state)? How does ideology play a role in how we interpret reality? Are you DTL--down to learn? Then take a raunchy jaunt through the times of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect and ask your own burning historical questions at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

In this episode, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating unpack the bizarre origin story of the land of Belgium and its noble people as told through a racist English broadsheet from 1653. The birth of the Dutch involves a monstrous horse-man-fish, poop, butter, wizards, and demons. What’s not to love? Find out the answers to: What did early modern nationalistic propaganda look like? What did the English have against the Dutch? How did poop humor get used politically in 17th century England? At a time when the English were anxious about jobs, trades, and the integrity of their language, even the Dutch could be threatening. Learn about the rich history of early modern England and their relationship with their neighbors during the era of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare.

You know monkeys are hot. Renaissance folks might have thought so, judging from the sexualized and exotic ways in which they depicted and discussed apes and their ilk. In this episode of English history podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating dig into popular descriptions of monkeys and apes, an animal that many people would never have seen in the flesh. Where did they get their information? From bestiaries, or wacky encyclopedias that were part myth, part legend, part history, and part observation. But they were totally nuts. Find out the answers to the following questions:  What are the tropes commonly used to describe and position apes and monkeys?  What is the role of the exotic in perceptions of apes and monkeys?  What do apes and monkeys have in common with humans, and what does that say about Renaissance conceptions of humanity? Check out RudeTudors.com to play along with Hot or Not: Monkey Edition.  Are you DTL--down to learn? Then take a raunchy jaunt

In the words of that immortal poet Rihanna "Work, work, work, work, work" is the subject of this episode of history podcast Rude Tudors. More specifically, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating dig deep into the lives of three badass working women. From crossdressing pirate to propagandist spy to philanthropic banker, these Renaissance ladies worked their way through the world. Find out the answers to... How were women's roles in the economy limited in Renaissance England? What were some ways around those rules? Highlights include Ben Jonson cosplay, the horrors of early modern ultrasounds, callbacks to burn books, old-timey wage gaps, and more! Are you DTL--down to learn? Then take a raunchy jaunt through the times of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

Shakespeare’s phrase “turning Turk” was a loaded accusation in Renaissance England. In this episode of history podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating delve into stereotypes and misconceptions about adherents of Islam in Europe in the 1500s and 1600s. Characterizations of Muslims ran the gamut, from violent infidels to sexual deviants to economic rivals. Questions abounded: where were they from? Were they black? Would they force Christians to convert? Get to the bottom of the following questions: What sorts of stereotypes re: Muslims existed? What kinds of beliefs & anxieties are registered in English perception of Middle Eastern & African peoples? Plus: a plagiarized, presidential essay; Obama impersonators at birthday parties; cucumbers as nature’s dildos; and much more! Are you DTL—down to learn? Take a raunchy jaunt through the historical and hysterical dimensions of the era of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and the Young Pope (maybe). Connect at 872-302

In this episode of English Renaissance podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating discuss a listener question! They dig into the history of syphilis: its supposed origins, symptoms, and treatments. Things get graphic with descriptions of chestnut-sized pustules and penile growths the size of plums, so gird your loins. Questions answered in this episode include: Why was this disease such a common, cheap joke in Shakespearean drama? Who was blamed for its spread? How do outdated discourses of sexually transmitted disease still resonate today? Join this raunchy jaunt through the time of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Christopher Marlowe. Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

In this episode of Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating reflect upon another contender for the Worst Year Ever: 1347. Catastrophes in the East, like storms raining poisonous amphibians or smoke that turns people to stone, portended something bad for Europe. Spoiler alert: it was the plague. Find out the answers to: What kinds of events signal the worst of times in history? What role does the Middle East play in fantasies of the apocalypse? Can 2016 really lay claim to being the Worst Year Ever? Also, as a call to arms against the incoming Trump administration, an examination of Steve Bannon’s ill-fated, rappin’ Shakespeare adaptations. People with such bad taste have no place in politics. Other highlights include Nicole's rant against frogs, criticism of our Eurocentrism, and predictions about Carrie Fisher. Join this raunchy jaunt through the time of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook,

In this episode of Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating explore early environmental consciousness in Renaissance England. Did you know that coal was burned in England since at least the 1000? As early as the 14th century, London authorities attempted to curtail this disastrous practice, which was widely recognized as hazardous to humans, plants, and architecture alike. And yet here we are, still trying to get away from coal in the new millennium. Find out the answers to: When did Londoners first become aware of relationship between air quality and health? What contributed to poor London air quality, and what were its effects? How similar are our modern conversations about pollution to those had in the 1500 and 1600s? Join this raunchy, yet educational, jaunt through the time of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect at voicemail 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

In this episode of English Renaissance podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating laugh and teach about historical jests. From poop to virgins to henpecked husbands, these dirty jokes amused people of the past. But how do they hold up? Find out in this episode... What elements of historical humor still speak to us? What remains funny, and what seems foreign? Join this raunchy jaunt through the time of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

What happened to the James family in 1606? The parents were found murdered in their home and the two children went missing. Learn about the brutal band of brigands who terrorized this family and whether justice was ever served. Find out the answer to the following questions: What is the connection between true crime & literature during the Renaissance? What role do stereotypes and miracles play in realistic genres? Learn about true crime during the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter  

Naughty nuns have an alliterative ring to them, but what kind of trouble did they really get up to in Renaissance England? In this episode of history podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating explore these Catholic figures in a Protestant country. Learn about the Nun of Watton, who experienced a miracle disappearing pregnancy, and the Nun of Lisbon, whose magical tricks give David Blaine a run for his money. Find out the answers to: How were nuns depicted in light of the Protestant Reformation? What truths can we learn from untrue stories about marginalized women? Join this raunchy jaunt through the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Connect at 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors,com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

After a brief summer break, Rude Tudors is back with bi-weekly episodes! It’s the very first installment of the Rude Tudors Book Club! Our first choice is an oldie but a goodie, The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. Sit in on the best English class you’ll ever be a part of as literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating dig into this bodice ripper masquerading as history. Find out about the competition of sisterhood, the best Renaissance sex tricks to keep a capricious king, and 101 ways to get yourself accused of witchcraft. Join this raunchy jaunt through the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Get in touch: 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors.com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

RUDE TUDORS IS NOW BI-MONTHLY England is currently making a Brexit, but it’s not their first time running away from their problems. In this episode of Renaissance podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating explore the great flight from London in 1625. Learn how the ravages of the plague sent people running for the hills. In this episode, Liz and Nicole answer the questions... What was the social climate in 1625 in London? What kinds of people left the city? What criticisms were leveled against them? What possible benefits came from the great flight? Join this raunchy jaunt through the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Get in touch: 872-302-RUDE, RudeTudors.com, RudeTudors@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter

RUDE TUDORS IS NOW BI-MONTHLY! Kissing and embracing was a regular part of courtship in Renaissance England. But what happened when your beloved didn’t want you to touch them? Find out in this latest episode of history podcast Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating. This episode explores two popular ballads describing lovelorn men who won’t take “no” for an answer. Find out the answers to...  How do the vocabularies of love and assault intersect? What can songs about kissing and embracing tell us about the history of romance, relationships, and sexuality? What do Drake and John Mayer have in common with early modern balladeers?  Take a raunchy jaunt through the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Contact us at 872-302-RUDE, Facebook, Twitter, RudeTudors.com, RudeTudors@gmail.com

Have you ever eaten so much food you thought you would explode? Learn about Nicholas Wood, The Great Eater of Kent, in this latest episode of Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating. Nicholas Wood is the comical character invented by John Taylor, water taximan by day, poet by night. Wood swallowed ducks whole and gobbled up rats unlucky enough to enter his home. And yet his favorite foods were the best puddings from across England. What else did Taylor invent about this larger-than-life character? Find out the answers to... Who was John Taylor, the Water Poet? Why write a text about a fictional glutton? What do foods have to say about national identity? Join this irreverent jaunt through Renaissance England, the period of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Shakespeare. Get in touch with questions & reactions: 872-302-RUDE RudeTudors.com Facebook Twitter 

Call 872-302-RUDE to ask a question, suggest a topic, or leave a reaction. Did you hear about the woman who gave birth to a cat? Learn about Renaissance News of the Weird in this latest episode of English history podcast Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and nerdy laywoman Nicole Keating. Agnes Bowker shocked the country with her tale of a troubled pregnancy that culminated in the birth of a skinned, dead cat. The father may have been a schoolteacher, the devil, or a bear. A room full of women testified to this monstrous birth, but authorities were more skeptical. What did Bowker actually give birth to? Find out the answers to...   Who was Agnes Bowker, alleged mother of cats? How did the public react to this incredible birth? What can we learn from this bizarre story about the history pregnancy and gender?   Get your weekly dose of hilarious history from the time of Shakespeare, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I. Contact us at RudeTudors.com, Facebook, Twitter.  

What happened in London during the earthquake of 1580? Find out in the latest episode of Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating. Massive earthquakes in England are rare, but the one during the reign of Elizabeth I shook people to the core. Find out the answers to... What were the causes of Renaissance earthquakes? How did people react to the earthquake of 1580? What do earthquakes reveal about Renaissance systems of belief, evidence, and history? Join this raunchy jaunt through the historical and hysterical bits of the English Renaissance. Contact us at RudeTudors.com, Facebook, Twitter, RudeTudors@gmail.com

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Watch for new episodes on Sundays! How did you learn to swim? Probably not from a book illustrated with graphic woodcuts of naked Renaissance men. In this episode of English history podcast Rude Tudors, literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating explore a period guide to the aquatic arts. Learn about the best places to take a dip, the proper conditions to avoid danger, and even learn a new stroke or two. Find out the answers to... Did people swim during the Renaissance? What dangers were attributed to swimming? How did a particular guide to learning how to swim depict the activity? Check out this peek into having fun during the time of Shakespeare and Elizabeth I. Contact at RudeTudors.com, Facebook, Twitter

Programming note: watch for new episodes on Sundays! Do you believe in unicorns? Want to find out if Renaissance folks did? Check out the latest episode of history podcast Rude Tudors, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating. Some might assume that unicorns have always been glittery, Lisa Frank creations with rainbows shooting out of their butts. But the unicorns described in Edward Topsell’s English-language bestiary are the stuff of nightmares. Dangerous, mysterious, and sometimes the size of an elephant, these creatures were a mythological force to reckon with.  Find out the answers to... How were unicorns’ appearance and behavior described? Where were they supposedly found? What medicinal qualities did their horns have? Did English people actually believe in unicorns? Listen to the latest mashup of English history and modern popular culture. Contact at RudeTudors.com, Facebook, Twitter, RudeTudors@gmail.com

Beer is often thought of as a man’s drink, but women brewed most of the beer and ale drunk during the English Renaissance. Learn about the history of female brewsters in this latest episode, hosted by literary historian Liz Rodriguez and comic actress Nicole Keating. Thought to be women’s work, making alcohol was often looked down upon. But once it started to turn a profit, women got pushed out of this increasingly lucrative industry. Find out the answers to... How commonly were women involved in brewing? Why would women get involved in brewing profession? What were beliefs and attitudes about women who made their living this way? Tune in for this raunchy jaunt through medieval and English culture and entertainment. Contact/follow on Facebook, Twitter, rudetudors.com, rudetudors@gmail.com