Podcast Summary: Todo Concostrina

Episode: Acontece que no es poco | Juego de tronos: encuentro de Juanjo de Austria (el bastardo) con su hermano Carlos II (el tolai)
Date: January 23, 2024
Host: Nieves Concostrina (SER Podcast)

Overview

In this episode, Nieves Concostrina dives into a historical "Game of Thrones"-like saga from 17th-century Spain: the politically charged encounter and rivalry between Juan José de Austria ("el bastardo"), illegitimate son of Felipe IV, and his younger half-brother, Carlos II ("el tolai"). With her trademark humor and sharp insights, Nieves explores royal bastardy, power struggles, the first modern golpe de Estado (coup d'état) in Spain, and the enduring rift between the Crowns of Aragón and Castilla—all framed by tongue-in-cheek comparisons to the machinations of the popular series "Game of Thrones."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Royal Bastards and "Game of Thrones" Parallels

• Nieves' Current Obsession:
  Nieves confesses she's binge-watching "Juego de Tronos" and can't help but see parallels between the show and Spanish royal history.

  "Tanto Austrias como Borbones han dejado este país sembrado de bastardos, que alguno ha llegado a reinar..." (01:17)

• Historical Bastardry:
  Notes that Spain's royal families were notorious for their many illegitimate children.
  • Alfonso XII, a famous royal bastard, even ruled. Some suspect Fernando VII was a bastard, quoting his mother:

    "Ninguno de mis hijos lleva sangre Borbón." (01:36)

2. Who Was Juan José de Austria?

• Parentage and Talent:
  Juanjo was the illegitimate but later legitimized son of Felipe IV and the actress María Calderón ("La Calderona"). Unlike the inbred royals, he was resourceful, intelligent, politically shrewd, and charismatic.

  "Juanjo demostró ser un chaval muy listo, precisamente porque tenía sangre que no estaba mezclada..." (03:47)

• Rise to Power:
  Felipe IV fathered many illegitimate children—possibly thirty—but only Juanjo was legitimized and became part of statecraft.

3. Family Dynamics and Succession

• Juanjo vs. Carlitos:
  Juanjo was 32 years older than his half-brother Carlos II, described affectionately as "el Tolai," a weak and sickly child.

  "Juanjo era el mayor. Cuando nació el Tolai, cuando nació Carlitos, Juanjo tenía 32 años..." (04:24)

• Regency Crisis:
  After Felipe IV’s death, child-king Carlos II reigned in name, but his mother Mariana of Austria and her confidant, the Jesuit Everardo, ran the country—badly, alienating much of the nobility.

4. Outsider Status and Political Maneuvering

• Juanjo Excluded:
  The regency, led by Mariana and Everardo, excluded Juanjo from power, leading to deep resentment.
• Opposition and Exile:
  Juanjo started a propaganda campaign against the regent and fled to Catalonia after being implicated in conspiracies. There, he found support and orchestrated further opposition.

  "Juanjo inició una campaña propagandística contra la reina viuda, sembró Madrid de pasquines, encabezó un par de conspiraciones contra Everardo..." (08:39)

5. Crown Tensions—Aragón vs. Castilla

• Regional Alliances:
  Juanjo became a symbol of opposition to "el poder central" (Castilla), especially in the Crown of Aragón and Catalonia.

  "Había un enfrentamiento clarísimo, que esa es la eterna bifurcación española. Es esa falsa unión de coronas que por mucho que pregonaban no existía..." (10:39)

• Popular Support:
  The road to Madrid turned into a triumphal march:

  "Sólo había gentes que Viva el señor Don Juan. Viva nuestro Restaurador. Que mira por la honra de España..." (09:56)

6. First Golpe de Estado in Spanish History

• The March to Madrid:
  With thousands of supporters, Juanjo advanced toward Madrid, prompting fear in the regent’s camp. The queen removed Everardo but couldn't quell the movement.

  "Todo esto está sonando a un golpe de Estado en toda regla." (12:09) "Muchos historiadores consideran que este fue el primer golpe de Estado que se dio en España." (12:11)

• Resolution:
  At Guadalajara, tensions eased. The regent named Juanjo virrey de Aragón, temporarily calming the situation.

7. Noble Revolt and Final Showdown

• Nobility Rebels:
  When Carlos II came of age, his mother's continued influence led to open defiance among the nobility, who demanded Juanjo's return as chief minister.

  "Aquí la nobleza arreó un golpe de Estado directamente. En la práctica lo fue..." (13:40)

• Juanjo’s Triumph:
  Juanjo finally entered Madrid escorted by 15,000 men, met his kingly half-brother, and effectively ran the government—working tirelessly until his death two years later.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Royal Bastards:

  Nieves: "Los Borbones han dejado este país sembrado de bastardos, que alguno ha llegado a reinar..." (01:17)

• On royal legitimacy and rumor:

  Nieves (quoting María Luisa de Parma): "Ninguno de mis hijos lleva sangre Borbón." (01:41)

• On the regent’s failings:

  Nieves: "Esta mujer ni repajole era idea de gobernar, pero nada de nada. Es más, bastante torpe, muy torpe." (05:20)

• Dramatic historical summary:

  Nieves: "Muchos historiadores consideran que este fue el primer golpe de Estado que se dio en España." (12:11)

• Concostrina’s Game of Thrones humor:

  "Estoy por que aparezcan los Caminantes Blancos de un momento a otro aquí en el estudio." (02:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:01] — Direct parallel drawn between Spanish royal intrigues and "Game of Thrones."
• [04:19] — Explanation of family hierarchy: Juanjo is significantly older than Carlos II.
• [06:40] — Musical Interlude: Albert Pla's song about vengeance and resentment.
• [08:39] — Juanjo's propaganda campaign and exile to Catalonia.
• [10:39] — Discussion of Aragón versus Castilla and the pretense of a unified state.
• [12:11] — Identification of this episode as the first Spanish golpe de Estado.
• [13:40] — Nobles' rebellion against the queen regent’s influence.
• [14:25] — Juanjo enters Madrid amid celebration, governs, and then succumbs to exhaustion and death.

Conclusion

With her trademark irreverence and storytelling flair, Nieves Concostrina covers the storied rivalry between two royal brothers—one legitimate and inept, the other a sharp illegitimate upstart—lovingly dubbing them "el Tolai" and "Juanjo." Framing the tale with pop-culture comparisons and scathing remarks about royal incompetence, Concostrina crystallizes how the personalities and divisions of 17th-century Spain laid the groundwork for enduring regional and political rifts, while also delivering laughs, memorable quotes, and rich historical detail.

Listen to this episode for a delightfully wicked, informative journey through one of Spain’s liveliest historical "Game of Thrones."