Even The Royals

Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big, and very public. And no, we’re not just talking about Harry and Meghan. There are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. From Wondery comes the latest from Even the Rich co-hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams. Even the Royals takes us inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, disgust, have the power to reshape the world.

Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.

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    Sep 25, 2023 – 00:43:04
  • Introducing: Even The Royals | 1
    Sep 18, 2023 – 00:02:21
Recent Reviews
  • Aka11201
    Feb ROO ary
    Please for F🔥CK’s sake learn how to pronounce February.
  • Susie Snowflake16
    interesting
    The subject matter is interesting. The narrators’ constantly chiming in for bad jokes is going to get old.
  • AWinNC
    Love the show…with one note
    Hosts are great and make history (and historical figures) interesting and entertaining. My only note is about the background “scene setting” noises - they are too loud and distracting (I’ve noticed this in a lot of Wondery shows!). I understand it adds to the story but please tone it down and know when you put people talking in the background or loud paper rustling it’s more distracting than helpful. Otherwise, keep producing great pods!
  • MnMsMa
    The two of you bring me so much joy!
    Informative, engaging and entertaining! Please keep it up!
  • KarlaRuth
    Great show, one suggestion
    Love the concept of this show and the storytelling, but I suggest cutting back on the interjections of commentary and laughter. Brooke and Aricia are amazing hosts, I think their style for Even the Rich is perfect, as it’s fitting for a pop culture show, but the same comedic style doesn’t work for this history themed podcast. I found myself getting distracted by the numerous quips and soundbites of laughter, which are jarring and throw me out of the story. I had to stop listening to one show because of this, I lost interest in the story. I’d much rather get swept away by the history and the excellent writing. I hoped this would be more like Noble Blood, full of intrigue with some host reflection, but super well edited and focused. Still rated 5 stars because the potential is awesome and I really like the hosts. Consider taking the advice by other similar reviews and the show will get even better! And well, maybe this is exactly the kind of show the hosts want to create, so it’s not fair for me to give a lower rating, if they love it, maybe it’s just not for me. Cheers!
  • ZenJenSantaFe1
    ❤️❤️❤️
    UGH! Why can’t you put out a new show every day?! Lol JK Kind of… Anyway. 👏👏👏👏👏 I love your storytelling. Thank you.
  • wlk2
    Best Podcast out there right now!
    Loving your show! Sharing it with everyone and they are loving it too! Can’t get enough of it!
  • eqmick
    Uneven
    Story telling is so good. I love listening to the stories. But listening to this latest episode about Seretse .. do you feel like you properly addressed racism on both sides? The British people who have legally approved of interracial marriage by the time this story takes place, give Seretse and Ruth “looks” on the bus are called racist .. while Seretse’s uncle who is actively trying to stop their wedding because their tribe wouldn’t approve of a white woman is labeled with “following old traditions”. I think it’s time to address that there is racism on both sides of the fence in America and start to take action against it on both sides. Also side note, I feel like men get crapped on in this show for good reason, however, women do not get the same treatment for their bad decisions. The show can be racist and sexist. Viewer discretion is advised..
  • FaithWasLike
    A fun historical twist
    Love this podcast. No notes!
  • ColoradoMom7
    Love the history and the hosts!
    I absolutely dig these gals. They provide a refreshing and modern twist on the history of royals. So fun! By the end, you feel a little more well-read. ❤️
  • Erzaaaa Scarlet
    Amazing Podcast!
    I absolutely love this podcast and honestly, it would be a great show. I enjoy the witty banter, captivating story telling, and funny commentary. I wouldn’t change anything about the show and cannot wait to hear more stories! Definitely disagree with some of the comments here. Keep doing what you guys do!
  • LucgieMom
    Love the show, hate the judging
    I truly love all your shows. That’s why I gave this review four stars. But I kept the last one to myself because I can’t stand the interjections with judgmental banter about people who lived decades, if not centuries, ago. As a middle-aged feminist woman, trust me when I say that living in a patriarchal society has not been easy. But your interjections to bash men, or anyone else whose behavior is not acceptable today, takes the listener out of the story. History should be learned from. No doubt. But imparting today’s knowledge and enlightenment every 10 minutes on people and events from the past does not elevate or enhance the narrative. Same comment applies to all your shows. Tell stories, and limit personal opinions.
  • Sienna Momma
    Fun!
    Love this show and their feminist take on history. I listen to it with my 13yo boy so he gets a dose of history, entertainment and a glimpse of women’s experience in the world.
  • K8eLogan
    Good Content But Sometimes Annoying
    I really enjoy the storytelling from this podcast and have learned a lot about some royals that I have never heard of. It’s really interesting content, but the hosts’ constant laughing throughout the episodes (some of which seems fake or forced) and attempts at humor get a bit annoying at times.
  • Cold cases and Mystery’s Lover
    Good Show Has Potential.
    This show is good, very entertaining. But it’s a bit annoying that they only have parts of it available and then you have to pay for a part 2. I get they need to make revenue but there are bigger and more popular shows out there that has tons of free episodes and the paid version is for bonus episodes or early access or certain perks. Not 1 part free and part 2 paid. This is an up and coming podcast not 10 seasons with 100s of episodes.
  • Vivi11.11
    I just LOVE it!
    I greatly appreciate the hosts’ engaging narration, beautiful voices, and well-executed sound effects. If you have an interest in history, royalty, and intriguing gossip, this podcast is highly recommended.
  • Blemaitre
    Ughhhh...
    I've tried so hard to like this podcast but it's one disappointment after another. I'm giving up.
  • I’m Zoey’s Mom
    LOVE y’all!!
    I’m a royal history nerd and your added goofy comments, personal anecdotes, and constant laughs make my day! I feel like you tell a story how I would tell as story - with my own twist of wittiness and humor. Please don’t stop! I love y’all so much. 💕💕💕
  • Ymkov
    It’s clear that this podcast’s writers hate men
    This show has great potential to be a fun listen but it gets tiring to listen to so much hatred for men interlaced within every story. I love men and sometimes wish women could be level headed like men are. Just my opinion there, but my point is, it’s exhausting listening to your hatred for men. Wish you could dial that back a lot.
  • Murderino 829
    Better than I expected
    These stories are a lot more interesting than I expected. I love to unwind at the end of the day with a glass of wine and a story about a royal I’ve never heard of. Keep it up, ladies!
  • Joolthief
    Fun history storytelling
    I started listening to this podcast a couple days ago and I’m hooked! I’ve found myself in many royalty Wikipedia rabbit holes so this podcast was right up my alley. Both hosts are funny and I love their banter. I’m super excited to keep cruising through these episodes and see where this Podcast goes! 👑✨
  • YAREKCAHT
    Interesting content
    Cringiest millennial humor and unnecessary giggling from co host. It really takes you out of listening to the story and it’s cheesy
  • PotsRen
    Doesn’t do enough research
    Enjoyed the first few episodes but lost me when they joined in on the bullying of the POW. Conspiracy theorists. Beurk
  • DCC Flyers
    Don’t like the narrative
    It’s like two teen girls are talking.
  • raqcor
    Could be better
    They story telling is good, but the hosts trying to make it funny with commentary, not good.
  • sean1252569
    OBSESSED, plz release more episodes!
    I discovered this podcast a few days ago and binged every episode. The hosts are such amazing storytellers and I am picturing everything as they are telling the story. I’ve learned so much, and am dying for more episodes! Give it a listen, you will not regret it! 🫶🏻 thanks for such interesting, in-depth podcast episodes ladies!!
  • konakathy
    Annoying hosts
    The stories could be more interesting if the hosts stop with the forced giggles and stupid jokes. These woman aren't cute or funny and ruin the narrative. I had to stop listening they were so annoying.
  • AmSiegel223
    Fire!
    The chemistry between Aricia and Brooke is electric! Their research and storytelling skills are stellar, and their old school references make this Millenial sigh in nostalgia. They are so clever and funny. Love this show and ETR so much it makes me want to start a podcast with my own bestie!
  • Milermo
    The Best!!
    “Tsarina Regina George”!!! 💀
  • meg066
    Irritating pronunciation
    I’ve enjoyed some of the episodes, and others a bit less. But I had to stop listening to the one about the Hawaiian queen, because the way Brooke has chosen to say her name “LEE-LEE-OOOH-kalahni” really grates on the nerves. There’s no way that’s correct!!
  • Sergeibo
    Marie Antionette?? Spell much??
    What a dumb show. Amazing these people actually get an audience. Completely idiotic, boring conversations about pretty much nothing and they can’t even spell.
  • LORD ORLAN
    Even the Royals, 100% fun and entertainment
    Aricia and Brook takes you on a unique adventure into the lives of some amazing characters both past and present. Get comfortable, and enjoy the unfolding storylines because I promise you that you’re going to feel like you’re sitting in a cozy room listening to the fun and laughter of these two wonderful women. I love the great banter and the laughter as Brook and Aricia delve into the world of some very cool people and their somewhat different and somewhat dysfunctional lives. I’m hooked, and can’t stop laughing while I’m listening to these guys. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • striwend
    Engaging Hosts
    Hosts provide interesting commentary related to the story they're telling, and they don't jabber endlessly about topics unrelated to the story like many podcast hosts.
  • EY0504
    Cynical much
    Great stories but the hosts are too cynical. Great stories ruined by commentary that does not reflect reality to all listeners. I love the USA
  • atlantagirl12
    Frothy History
    Ugh, they lost me when they said an option for Marie Antoinette would be to run from her marriage bed, but it would be difficult in a hoop skirt. This was after they said that while some parts were dramatized, it was all based on facts. Hoop skirts didn’t come about until the 19th century. So actually, the podcast isn’t based on facts. It’s frothy silly “history”. If you want a podcast about actual history- this isn’t it. If you want to listen to some girls fab about super cute events with a bit of historical context, go for it. Just don’t repeat what you hear or you’ll be made a fool.
  • i 😻pugs
    Vapid and Uninspired
    Its like having someone read you a Wikipedia article. Nothing new or interesting and clearly the ‘research’ done here is basic, underdeveloped and surface level.
  • Professor Podcast Lover
    Wondery, please hire historians
    Unfortunately, not everyone can be an historian and that’s OK! While I enjoyed Even the Rich, please, Wondery, don’t assume listeners are only interested in pseudo feminist historical retellings. Give us some meaty, legitimate content. Give us real women historians with actual expertise! Now that would be feminist!
  • Karmasprobe
    Not for me
    I get I’m probably not the audience for this. I love history. I enjoy a good fictionalized account that makes people from the past relatable. Something about this is trying way too hard to be funny and modern. And by all that is holy, it’s LOU-ee not Lou-WEE.
  • Jesse Dunlap
    Not serious history
    I love learning about history, and these stories would be fascinating, but the two hosts turn it into “girl power” story time. They basically high five as the Chinese Empress carries out a coup and sends her rivals to be executed. You go girl! (Are the hosts historians or just actresses reading a script?) I wish they wouldn’t have reduced a historical figure to a cute feminist champion. I’ll have to learn more about this empress from a different podcast that has more respect for history. Her story sounds fascinating! Checkout “Noble Blood” for a host that is a true storyteller AND historian.
  • Ashchecs
    Need more podcasts with these hosts!!
    I usually prefer to stick to the information based podcasts and like to leave the conversational aspect out as much as possible. These two are great. I laugh with them like I’m part of their inside jokes and the story never suffers. They make this show worth it!! Also great writing.
  • debday111
    Love these two!
    Love love love it!
  • fiona’s last bite
    Podcast review
    I love this show so much!
  • kahort14
    Royals
    I have had a hard time finding podcasts I like because the hosts talk too much about themselves and I just want to hear the story. These gals do a great job of telling the story and we learn about them and who they are through the deliverance of their topic! Great job!
  • Margaret CA
    A guilty pleasure ❤️
    I just love these hosts. And there are very few "hosted" podcasts that I actually like
  • KItty_J18
    Fun Royal History
    This is a fun podcast. The host are entertaining and the pod is well produced. Tells some well known royal stories in a new way and covers many lesser known royal histories. Glad I added it to my playlist.
  • Sarak51
    Inaccurate & made up
    If you know nothing about royals and want to just get an idea of their stories, this might be for you. But if you have even a base knowledge of some royal figures in history, save your time and listen to something else.
  • USA Mknitter
    Fun way to learn about history
    Just finished listening to the Empress Dowager Cixi of China in the 19th century. It was a fascinating history lesson, including the role of women, and fun way to learn about the Chinese culture, empire, and government leadership of that time. Thanks for the narrators’ infused humor, too.
  • ShuYü
    Initial impressions
    First off, I’m a fan of Even The Rich and I love the way the two girls banter and their way of story-telling. The reason I’m giving it a 3 star right now is because my first listen of this podcast is about the Dowager Cixi, right off the bat, the pronunciation of Cixi is way off. I mean just completely butchered it. I get not everyone speaks Mandarin but for it kind of being a history podcast talking about real people that have existed. They should at least get the main character’s name right. Oh and by the way, the author who’s book you used as reference, Jung Chang. It’s prounced Yung the J makes the Y sound. Like Carl Jung. Cant help but taking this as a micro-aggression TBH. Just my two cents… still a good podcast kinda
  • DylzPillz
    Forced Cheerfulness, Ads, Not Historians, a bit cringe
    This podcast was and feels like it was cooked up in a board room to generate money. I’d much prefer to hear two people with actual interest and knowledge on a given subject discus their thoughts, than to hear two hired actors pretending to be having a blast while reading a script.
  • Okmhfdghh
    It’s a no for me dawg
    The constant chuckling, laughing, and irrelevant commentary is so weird. Not the vibe.
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