Episodes

  • S4.01 Series 4 Introduction

    S4.01 Series 4 Introduction
    Mar 27 2026
    It's time for a new series of Rex Factor! In this introductory episode, we explain the concept of the series (what is a 'nearly monarch'?), who the nearly monarchs are (i.e. the individuals we will be reviewing in the series), and how we might approach scoring them. Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 450 additional bonus podcasts:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor⁠⁠ You can now watch the podcast either on Spotify or on YouTube via the link below: https://youtu.be/gVA8FeFf2qE "(00:00:00) Introduction" "(00:02:07) Series Concept" "(00:10:00) The Nearly Monarchs" "(00:21:48) The Factors" "(00:29:07) Correspondence Corner" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Offa of Mercia

    Offa of Mercia
    Feb 27 2026
    This week, after an introduction to the podcast, we review Offa, the eighth century king of an early English kingdom called Mercia. We learn about why he was not the first king of England, links to Charlemagne and the building of the famous Offa's Dyke, plus consider whether he has the Rex Factor. Please note - this episode is identical to the first episode in the feed (we are releasing it twice to act as an introductory episode for new listeners but also a new episode so regular listeners still see it in their feed!) Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor⁠ You can now watch the podcast either on Spotify or on YouTube via the link below: https://youtu.be/cisZM3Ro_jU "(00:00:00) Introduction" "(00:03:07) Biography" "(00:30:59) Battleyness" "(00:41:46) Scandal" "(00:52:08) Subjectivity" "(01:05:39) Longevity" "(01:06:24) Dynasty" "(01:07:44) Rex Factor" "(01:09:05) Farewells" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • David Woodman - Athelstan: First King of England

    David Woodman - Athelstan: First King of England
    Dec 5 2025
    We chat to the historian David Woodman about his book The First King of England: Athelstan and the Birth of a Kingdom. He tells us about why Athelstan (not Alfred) should be considered England's first king, how Athelstan was able to exert so much power in England and Britain, plus gets us exciting for the upcoming millennium of the foundation of England. Head to David's website for more information about him and his work: https://www.dwoodman.co.uk/ Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor "(00:00:00) Intro" "(00:02:30) Athelstan Becoming King" "(00:10:29) Athelstan as First King" "(00:15:14) Vikings" "(00:28:16) Athelstan's Laws" "(00:33:12) Athelstan and Religion" "(00:38:25) Emperor of Britain" "(00:49:57) Alfred vs Athelstan" "(00:56:52) Farewells" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Messages & Previews 11

    Messages & Previews 11
    Oct 24 2025
    We respond to some of your messages about all elements of the podcast, as well as share some previews of our bonus content. Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor "(00:00:00) Intro" "(00:01:30) Messages" "(00:37:57:) Previews" "(00:51:06) Farewells" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Battle of the Champions (Live at Ludlow 2025)

    Battle of the Champions (Live at Ludlow 2025)
    Sep 5 2025
    Available for all to listen, the recording of our live show at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Friday 15 August 2025 in which we pit the champions of the first three series of Rex Factor against each other: Henry II, Robert the Bruce and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In this recording, we compare Henry, Robert and Eleanor in the traditional fashion (biographies then factor by factor) before handing over to the audience to vote. Whilst the votes are counted, we have a Q&A before revealing the final results. Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor "(00:00:00) Intro" "(00:05:09) Live Show" "(01:12:26) Q&A" "(01:45:35) Results" "(01:47:53) Finale" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 hrs
  • Queen James (Gareth Russell)

    Queen James (Gareth Russell)
    Aug 15 2025
    We welcome Gareth Russell back onto the podcast, this time to talk about his latest book Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain's First King, looking at the life and reign of King James VI (of Scots) / I (of England), with a particular focus on his personal life and the six men with whom he was infatuated or in love. For more on Gareth, you can find him on X/Twitter (https://x.com/garethrussell1) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/_garethrussell) Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Right to Reply 10: Grand Final Results Comments

    Right to Reply 10: Grand Final Results Comments
    Aug 8 2025
    We go through the comments from the public vote in the Grand Finals of the play-offs, talking through the perspectives on the Nearly Rexy Consorts, Round One and Semi-Final Losers, Series 4 and Grand Final votes. Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor "(00:00:00) Introduction" "(00:03:33) Nearly Rexy Consorts" "(00:13:10) Round One Losers" "(00:24:12) Semi Final Losers" "(00:32:58) Series 4" "(00:44:15) Grand Final" "(01:02:21) Ending" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • S3.88 Grand Final Results Analysis

    S3.88 Grand Final Results Analysis
    Aug 1 2025
    Following the Grand Final Results, we take an in-depth look at how the public voted and just how close some of the results were. Graham explains all the stats and ranked choice voting, while Ali tries to figure out who everyone is. Come and see us live in Ludlow on Friday 15 August 19:00: https://ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk/show/fringe-rex-factor-battle-of-the-champions/ Sign up for lots of bonus content, including an ad-free version of the main podcast and over 400 additional bonus podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/rexfactor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    57 mins