Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society History's Worst F*ckboys: Rasputin
Sep 26, 2025
Frances Welch, historian and author known for her expertise on the Romanovs, dives into the life of Grigory Rasputin, the notorious mystic who wormed his way into Russian royalty. They explore Rasputin’s rise from peasant to confidant of the Tsar, the mystique of his alleged healing powers, and the wild rumors of his sexual exploits, including the outlandish claim of a 13-inch penis. The podcast probes into his influence over the Romanovs, the fanatical devotion he inspired, and the dark circumstances surrounding his dramatic assassination.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sexual Rituals As Spiritual Control
- Rasputin used banya rituals and sexualized practices to attract female followers and claim spiritual authority.
- Medical exams later questioned his potency, showing many stories about him are contradictory.
Sin As Salvation: Manipulative Theology
- Rasputin framed sexual submission as religious virtue, telling women undivided giving was unselfish and holy.
- That rhetoric functioned like manipulative 'fuckboy' logic, exploiting spiritual authority for sexual access.
Fanatic Devotion And Charisma
- Devotees displayed extreme reverence, sewing his fingernails into hems and treating him as a holy figure despite his poor hygiene.
- Observers noted an ordinary peasant face but mesmerising eyes and odd pupil control that attracted followers.
