Noble Blood

Noble Blood Podcast

iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild 358 - The Woman of Canossa Castle

Noble Blood is a historical narrative podcast produced by iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild that examines the darker, often violent legacies of world royalty. Hosted by author and journalist Dana Schwartz, the series investigates the personal lives of historical monarchs, focusing on the intersection of private scandal and public tragedy. The premise centers on the notion that for those in positions of absolute power, personal mistakes and familial conflicts frequently result in bloodshed or the collapse of dynasties.

Schwartz, an experienced screenwriter and novelist, utilizes a scripted, narrative format to present these histories. Rather than providing exhaustive biographical overviews, each episode typically highlights a specific incident or a particular theme in a royal’s life, such as the final days of Marie Antoinette or the gruesome fate of the Princesse de Lamballe during the French Revolution. The show covers a wide spectrum of historical figures, ranging from notorious tyrants to obscure nobles whose stories have been marginalized or misremembered over time.

The production style reflects the influence of executive producer Aaron Mahnke, the creator of the podcast Lore. It features a minimalist yet atmospheric sound design with musical layering that complements Schwartz’s descriptive and scripted prose. The tone is objective and focused on the human elements of history, portraying royals as individuals subject to the same flaws and emotions as their subjects, though with significantly higher stakes.

Recurring themes in the series include betrayal, narrow escapes, and the sociopolitical climates that allowed for dramatic shifts in fortune. Episodes have explored diverse topics, including the Tichborne claimant imposter case, the "Mad Baron" of Mongolia, and the hidden lives of various European dynasties. The podcast is typically released on a bi-weekly basis and maintains a consistent focus on the "tyrants and the tragic" of the past. Through this lens, Noble Blood provides a detailed analysis of how historical power structures have historically functioned and the human cost associated with the crown.

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Episodes

358-

The Woman of Canossa Castle

22 Sep 2026
357-

Amelia and Eleanor's Excellent Adventure [from Very Special Episodes]

19 Sep 2026
356-

Anne and Religion Askew

15 Sep 2026
355-

A Ploughman's 'Uprising' (with Dan Jones)

08 Sep 2026
354-

"The Apple is Ripe; Pick It Now Or It Will Rot"

01 Sep 2026