Love Letters to History

About Love Letters to History

History isn't just dates and battles. It's people, relationships, triumphs, heartbreaks, and the stories that continue to shape our world today. Each episode explores historical figures and events through engaging conversation, careful research, and a genuine love of the past.

Publisher

Emily Norton and Liz Smith

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Jul 2026

Latest episode

23 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Oct 2026

   Catherine of Aragon: Tudor Fashion, Royal Tragedy and Medical Mysteries

   👑 Catherine of Aragon: Tudor Fashion, Royal Tragedy & Medical Mysteries | Episode 7 Before Anne Boleyn, before the six wives became legendary, there was Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife and a queen whose story was marked by extraordinary strength, devotion, and heartbreak. In Episode 7 of Love Letters to History, Emily and Liz step into the fascinating world of Tudor England to explore Catherine's life beyond the royal marriage that changed English history. From the elaborate layers of Tudor women's clothing and the iconic gable hoods to bathing practices and personal hygiene, we uncover what everyday life might have looked like for a 16th-century queen. Then we turn to one of the most heartbreaking mysteries of Catherine's life: her repeated pregnancy losses. Could genetics, blood disorders, or other medical conditions help explain the tragedies she endured? We explore historical medical theories involving Kell blood group incompatibility, McLeod syndrome, and multiple sclerosis, while discussing the challenges of diagnosing historical figures centuries after their deaths. We even draw connections to modern conversations about MS, including actress Christina Applegate's publicly shared health journey. Was Catherine simply the victim of circumstances beyond her control, or might modern medicine offer new perspectives on her story? Join us for a conversation filled with history, science, royal fashion, and a few unexpected detours! 💌 Love Letters to History The past is our present to you! #CatherineOfAragon #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #TheSixWives #HistoryPodcast #LoveLettersToHistory #WomensHistory #MedicalHistory

2. 

   2 Oct 2026

   One King, Six Wives: The Story of Henry VIII

   Few kings have left behind a personal life quite as infamous as Henry VIII. Six wives. Two annulled marriages. Two executions. One wife who died shortly after giving him the son he desperately wanted. And one final queen who managed to outlive him. In Episode 6 of Love Letters to History, Liz and Emily head to Tudor England for an overview of Henry VIII and his six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr. How did a king once celebrated as a handsome and promising young ruler become the Henry VIII we remember today? Why was producing a male heir so important? What happened when Catherine of Aragon couldn't give Henry the son he wanted? How did his pursuit of Anne Boleyn help reshape England's religious and political landscape? And how did each new marriage become tangled in questions of love, power, succession, religion, and survival? We walk through the circumstances surrounding each marriage and its dramatic end, from annulments and royal heartbreak to childbirth, accusations of treason, and the executioner's block. But this episode is only the beginning. 👑 Over our next episodes, we're giving each of Henry's six wives her own story, moving beyond the rhyme to explore who these women actually were, their lives before Henry, their time as queen, their roles in the Tudor succession, and the legacies they left behind. Because they were much more. Grab your drink, pull up a chair, and join Liz and Emily as we step into the dangerous, dazzling, and deeply complicated world of the Tudors. 💌 Love Letters to History History is the past and the past is our present to you! If you enjoy the show, subscribe, follow, leave us a review, and share the episode with your fellow history lovers! #LoveLettersToHistory #HenryVIII #HenryTudor #SixWivesOfHenryVIII #TudorHistory #TheTudors #CatherineOfAragon #AnneBoleyn #JaneSeymour #AnneOfCleves #CatherineHoward #KatherineParr #BritishHistory #RoyalHistory #WomenInHistory #HistoryPodcast #HistoryLovers

3. 

   18 Sept 2026

   Dolly Parton and Other Famous Weddings

   In this episode of Love Letters to History, we’re talking weddings: the romantic, the royal, the extravagant, and the wonderfully complicated. We begin with a very special tribute to Dolly Parton, who recently passed away at the age of 80. Dolly spent nearly six decades married to the famously private Carl Dean, and their love story was refreshingly simple compared with the larger-than-life career she built. We look back at their quiet 1966 wedding, their enduring marriage, and the relationship behind one of the most beloved women in entertainment. From there, we head back to the White House for a recap of some of the weddings that took place at America’s most famous address, including presidential families, political pageantry, and a little history you may not have heard before. Then it’s across the pond for royal weddings, where love comes with crowns, centuries of tradition, enormous crowds, and plenty of drama. And finally… we could hardly do an episode about famous weddings without talking about Elizabeth Taylor. Eight marriages, seven husbands, two trips down the aisle with Richard Burton, and enough romance and scandal to keep the tabloids busy for decades. From a tiny Georgia ceremony to palace balconies and Hollywood headlines, this episode is a love letter to the many ways people have said “I do.” Grab your drink, pull up a chair, and join Liz and Emily for another trip through the stories behind the history. 💌 Love Letters to History The past is our present to you! If you enjoy the show, follow or subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with a fellow history lover. #LoveLettersToHistory #DollyParton #CarlDean #DollyPartonTribute #FamousWeddings #HistoricWeddings #RoyalWeddings #WhiteHouseWeddings #ElizabethTaylor #RichardBurton #WeddingHistory #HistoryPodcast #WomenInHistory #PopCultureHistory #AmericanHistory #RoyalHistory #HollywoodHistory

4. 

   4 Sept 2026

   The Modern First Ladies - Part 3

   From Betty Ford’s groundbreaking honesty to Melania Trump’s very different approach to the role, we’re wrapping up our First Ladies series with the women who helped shape the modern White House. In this episode of Love Letters to History, we travel from the aftermath of Watergate through the late 20th century and into the modern political era, exploring Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Melania Trump. We look beyond the official portraits to talk about the women themselves: their causes, their personalities, their marriages, their influence, the controversies they faced, and the ways each one redefined what it meant to be First Lady. From Betty Ford speaking openly about breast cancer and addiction, to Nancy Reagan’s Hollywood glamour, Barbara Bush’s trademark pearls, Hillary Clinton’s unprecedented political role, Laura Bush’s love of literacy, Michelle Obama’s cultural impact, Jill Biden continuing her career as an educator, and Melania Trump’s more private and unconventional tenure, there is plenty to unpack. Grab your favorite drink and join Liz and Emily as we send a few final love letters to the First Ladies who witnessed some of the biggest political, cultural, and social changes in modern American history. 💌 Love Letters to History Where history is the past...and the past is our present to you!

5. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Suffrage to Watergate: America's First Ladies Part 2 (Video Version)

   In this 3rd episode of Love Letters to History, we continue our journey through America's First Ladies, beginning in the era when women finally gained the right to vote and carrying their stories all the way through Watergate. These women witnessed enormous changes in American life, politics, culture, and the role of women themselves. Some transformed the position of First Lady, some became political forces in their own right, and others quietly shaped history behind the scenes. We're talking about fascinating women of the 20th century, including Florence Harding, Grace Coolidge, Lou Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, and Pat Nixon. Along the way, we explore their marriages, personalities, causes, friendships, controversies, triumphs, and the stories that often get left out of the history books. From Eleanor Roosevelt redefining what a First Lady could be, to Jackie Kennedy bringing history and culture into the White House, to Lady Bird Johnson's lasting influence on America's landscape and Pat Nixon standing beside a presidency consumed by Watergate, these women had a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic moments of the American century. About Love Letters to History: History isn't just dates and battles. It's people, relationships, triumphs, heartbreaks, and the stories that continue to shape our world today.Each episode explores historical figures and events through engaging conversation, careful research, and a genuine love of the past. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know which historical figure you'd love to hear about next! History is the past...and the past is our present to you!

6. 

   21 Aug 2026

   Suffrage to Watergate: America's First Ladies Part 2

   In this 3rd episode of Love Letters to History, we continue our journey through America's First Ladies, beginning in the era when women finally gained the right to vote and carrying their stories all the way through Watergate.These women witnessed enormous changes in American life, politics, culture, and the role of women themselves. Some transformed the position of First Lady, some became political forces in their own right, and others quietly shaped history behind the scenes.We're talking about the fascinating women of the 20th century, including Florence Harding, Grace Coolidge, Lou Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, and Pat Nixon. Along the way, we explore their marriages, personalities, causes, friendships, controversies, triumphs, and the stories that often get left out of the history books. From Eleanor Roosevelt redefining what a First Lady could be, to Jackie Kennedy bringing history and culture into the White House, to Lady Bird Johnson's lasting influence on America's landscape and Pat Nixon standing beside a presidency consumed by Watergate, these women had a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic moments of the American century.About Love Letters to History: History isn't just dates and battles. It's people, relationships, triumphs, heartbreaks, and the stories that continue to shape our world today. Each episode explores historical figures and events through engaging conversation, careful research, and a genuine love of the past. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know which historical figure you'd love to hear about next!History is the past...and the past is our present to you.

7. 

   15 Aug 2026

   America's First Ladies Before the Vote (WITH VIDEO)

   In this second episode of Love Letters to History, you are getting the same audio but with an added treat! We are covering the historical highlights of the American First Ladies from our country's inception until women won the right to vote WITH PICTURES AND VIDEO! Join us as we take you through a journey when being behind the man in the most important political office of the nation looked much different than what it looks like today. From social hostesses to behind-the-scenes advisors whispering wise words to their husbands, these women helped shape the nation during its infancy and beyond. Enjoy our next episode with the drink of your choice whether it be the episode's highlighted cocktail or a warm cup of tea because...history is the past and the past is our present to YOU! CHEERS!

8. 

   7 Aug 2026

   America's First Ladies Before the Vote

   In this second episode of Love Letters to History we will cover the historical highlights of the American First Ladies from our country's inception until women won the right to vote. Join us as we take you through a journey when being behind the man in the most important political office of the nation looked much different than what it looks like today. From social hostesses to behind-the-scenes advisors whispering wise words to their husbands, these women helped shape the nation during its infancy and beyond. So enjoy our next episode with the drink of your choice whether it be the episode's highlighted cocktail or a warm cup of tea because...history is the past and the past is our present to YOU! Cheers!!!

9. 

   31 Jul 2026

   The Founding Fathers - Stories They Didn't Tell Us

   Welcome to the very first episode of Love Letters to History! This week, we're celebrating America's 250th anniversary by stepping beyond the textbook and into the fascinating lives of the Founding Fathers. From remarkable achievements to surprising personal stories, we explore the people behind the portraits with historical accuracy, thoughtful conversation, and a touch of the lesser-known details that make history unforgettable . In this episode: -The men who helped shape a nation -Fascinating stories you may not have learned in school -Historical context, intriguing trivia, and a few juicy (but well-researched!) moments from the founding era -Our featured colonial-inspired drink pairing Whether you're a lifelong history buff or simply curious about the past, we're so glad you're here. About Love Letters to History: History isn't just dates and battles. It's people, relationships, triumphs, heartbreaks, and the stories that continue to shape our world today. Each episode explores historical figures and events through engaging conversation, careful research and a genuine love of the past. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and email us at loveletterstohistory@yahoo.com to let us know which historical figure you'd love to hear about next! History is the past...and the past is our present to you. Cheers! Additional References include: John Adams by David McCullough Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 1776 (film and musical)

10. 

    30 Jul 2026

    Love Letters to History Premiere Promo: Less Than 24 Hours

    Love Letters to History's FIRST episode will be available at midnight tonight - July 31st. Be on of our first listeners as we launch the premiere episode in honor of our country's 250th anniversary!

11. 

    22 Jul 2026

    Trailer - Coming July 31

    Love Letters to History invites you to step beyond the dates and discover the people and events behind history. Join lifelong friends Emily and Liz as they uncover the fascinating lives, romances, rivalries, scandals, triumphs, and little-known stories that shaped our world. From kings and queens to presidents, First Ladies, revolutionaries, and everyday heroes, every episode brings history to life through engaging conversation and thoughtful storytelling...and yes, some laughter too! To make each journey more memorable, every episode is paired with a themed beverage, whether that's a historical cocktail, a mocktail, or your favorite cup of tea. Our first full episode premieres July 31, and we cannot wait to explore the past with you. History is the past and the past is our present to you! Cheers!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.