Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Dr. Stephanie Budin, a historian specializing in ancient religions and sexuality, dives into the captivating origins of Aphrodite. She reveals Aphrodite's surprising powers beyond sexuality, including her roles in civic harmony and sea protection. Discussing her Cypriot roots and the evolution of her iconic imagery, Stephanie contrasts the Greek goddess with her Roman counterpart, Venus. She also debunks myths about sacred prostitution and sheds light on early Christian attitudes towards her, emphasizing Aphrodite's enduring influence in contemporary sexuality.

Join author and cartoonist Mimi Pond as she dives into the fascinating lives of the Mitford sisters. Discover the shocking political paths of Unity and Diana, who were drawn to fascism and even befriended Hitler. Mimi shares insights on the sisters' contrasting ideologies, with Jessica rebelling as a communist. Hear about Diana's tumultuous marriage to Oswald Mosley and the family's dramatic wartime experiences. This riveting discussion unveils the extraordinary dynamics of a family entrenched in scandal and history.

Historian Estelle Paranque, author of works on Tudor history, joins to explore the tantalizing question of whether Mary Boleyn had an affair with King Henry VIII. They delve into Mary’s family background and her time in France, scrutinizing the claims of a romance with Henry. Estelle argues that the supposed affair may have been a political tactic rather than a genuine relationship. They also discuss Mary’s secret marriage to William Stafford and her quiet legacy, revealing how history has shaped her reputation.

Rosie Gailor, a PhD researcher and Dahl scholar, dives deep into the complexities of Roald Dahl's life and work. She highlights the nostalgia and subversive tones in his beloved books, while exploring his traumatic background and wartime experiences. Rosie discusses Dahl's tumultuous marriage to Patricia Neal and the impact of family tragedies on his legacy. The conversation also addresses troubling patterns of misogyny, his controversial remarks, and the ongoing debate over edited editions of his works. Can we separate the art from the artist?

In this engaging discussion, historian Helen Carr shares her expertise on medieval royals, exploring why Queen Isabella earned the nickname 'She-Wolf.' She reveals the surprising connection between the Black Death and heightened sexual freedom, and examines the intriguing relationship between Edward II and his favorite Piers Gaveston. Helen also delves into Isabella’s rise to political power and the brutal fate of Hugh Despenser, providing a vivid picture of scandal and intrigue in the 14th century.

Teio Meedendorp, a senior researcher at the Van Gogh Museum, dives deep into the complexities of Vincent van Gogh's life. He discusses Van Gogh's tumultuous mental health and relationships, including a poignant connection with a sex worker named Sien. Teio debunks myths surrounding iconic events, such as the infamous ear incident and the circumstances of Vincent's death. Their conversation sheds light on his conflicts with society and family, as well as the profound impact these experiences had on his art.

Cathryn Kemp, an author and researcher, dives into the dark history of Giulia Tofana and the infamous Aqua Tofana poison that caused chaos in 17th-century Italy. She reveals how women used this odorless, tasteless poison to escape abusive marriages, and discusses the unique network of female poisoners who operated from all social classes. The conversation explores the sinister ways they were ultimately exposed, the reaction from the Church, and the lasting legacy of fear in a patriarchal society. It’s a riveting exploration of empowerment through malevolence.

In this engaging discussion, poet and biographer Fiona Sampson uncovers the life of Mary Shelley, the mastermind behind Frankenstein. Fiona explores scandalous myths, including whether Mary lost her virginity on her mother's grave and if she kept Percy Shelley’s heart after his death. They dive into Mary’s upbringing, her radical intellectual influences, and how personal loss fueled her writing. Discover the dramatic backdrop of Villa Diodati, where the famous ghost story competition sparked her iconic novel, revealing the shadows of her turbulent life.

In this captivating discussion, Dr. Ólína Kjerulf Þorvarðardóttir, a historian and Dean at the University of Bifröst, reveals the shocking truth behind the Icelandic witch trials of the 17th century, where over 90% of the accused were men. She explores how the Christian Reformation fueled mass hysteria and influenced local dynamics. Key figures like Reverend Pál Björnsson led the persecutions, showcasing the intertwining of magic, legal ignorance, and societal fear. The gruesome execution practices and the motivations behind them paint a vivid picture of this dark chapter in history.

Before Mary I was Queen, no other woman had worn the crown of England.This made her a Tudor trailblazer, and a target.During her short reign she burned some 300+ people, earning her the nickname 'Bloody Mary'. Was this nickname justified or was it a case of bad press?Joining Kate today is the fantastic Anna Whitelock, historian and author of books including Mary Tudor: England’s First Queen, to help us get to know this woman.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.