Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
History Hit
Join sex historian Kate Lister on Betwixt the Sheets as she gets intimate with the stories that would make your history teacher blush.What were the Victorians really like behind closed (bedroom) doors? How did the Black Death favour women in medieval England? And what was Caesar like in the sack? She'll be bed-hopping around different time periods; from ancient civilisations, to the middle ages, to renaissance and early modern...right up to now.You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll ask yourself how much has actually changed.So join Kate Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society - a podcast from History Hit.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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 26, 2025 • 29min
History's Worst F*ckboys: Rasputin
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.
Sep 23, 2025 • 42min
Why Are We Scared Of Single Women?
Caroline Young, an author and researcher specializing in pop culture's portrayal of single women, delves into the stigmas surrounding them. She shares how characters like Miss Havisham and plots from films such as Fatal Attraction shape societal perceptions of single women as 'unstable' or 'tragic.' Caroline explores historical roots of these stereotypes and discusses the current cultural backlash against single women. She advocates for embracing single life and rejecting societal pressure, offering practical advice for those navigating these stereotypes.
Sep 19, 2025 • 49min
Who Was The Naughtiest Pope In History?
Catherine Fletcher, a historian of the Renaissance and author of 'The Beauty and the Terror', dives into the scandalous life of Pope Alexander VI, a notorious figure of the Borgia family. They explore the outrageous antics of Renaissance Rome, including wild parties and shocking allegations of incest. Discover how Alexander's dual role influenced papal governance and why his licentious reputation has endured through history. The discussion unveils the contrast between papal celibacy and clandestine behaviors, painting a vivid picture of a tumultuous era.
Sep 16, 2025 • 45min
History's Worst F*ckboys: Emperor Nero
In a revealing discussion, historian Alex Meddings explores Emperor Nero's outrageous life. He dives into Nero's notorious reputation as a historical 'f*ckboy,' analyzing his manipulative actions and dark family drama, including the shocking assassination of his mother, Agrippina. The conversation also tackles themes of masculinity reflected in Nero's controversial marriages and highlights the scandalous legacy he left behind, including his artistic aspirations amid political chaos, ultimately probing whether he truly ranks as history's worst.
Sep 12, 2025 • 54min
Queer Georgians
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Anthony Delaney, an expert on queer history and co-host of the After Dark podcast, uncovers the hidden narratives of queer individuals in Georgian Britain. He dives into the fascinating life of Chevalier d'Eon, exploring their unique gender identity and status as a transgender trailblazer. The conversation also touches on societal norms of the time, the challenges faced by figures like the resilient Mary Jones, and the broader implications of queerness in a rapidly changing world.
Sep 9, 2025 • 35min
History's Worst F*ckboys: Raphael
Jill Burke, a professor and author specializing in Renaissance art, joins the discussion about the legendary painter Raphael. They explore Raphael's romantic escapades and his reputation as a quintessential 'f*ckboy' of the Renaissance. The conversation delves into the role of sex workers in his artistic process and examines his complex relationships, including the intriguing figure of Margarita Lutti, the 'Baker's Daughter.' Humor and historical insights collide as they unveil the scandalous tales behind his genius and the artistic rivalry with Michelangelo.
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
Alexander the Great's Mummy Issues: Olympias
Tristan Hughes, host of The Ancients podcast and expert in ancient history, dives into the life of Olympias, the formidable mother of Alexander the Great. They discuss Olympias's significant influence in Macedonian politics and her tumultuous marriage to Philip II. The episode reveals her mystical practices and complex relationship with snakes, and how she fought for Alexander's legitimacy amidst rivalries. Hughes also highlights her fierce protection of her grandson's legacy after Alexander’s death, showcasing the relentless power struggles in ancient Macedonia.
Sep 2, 2025 • 45min
History's Worst F*ckboys: Charles II
Dr. David Taylor, an Associate Professor of English at Oxford University, takes us into the wild world of Charles II, the Merry Monarch. They discuss whether it was better to be one of his many mistresses or his wife, Catherine, as well as the political fallout from his numerous affairs. The turbulent love life of Charles, including his relationships with women like Nell Gwyn and Lucy Walters, showcases the intertwining of romance and power. Taylor's insights on Restoration England reveal a society where scandal and pleasure ruled, turning history into a captivating tale.
Aug 29, 2025 • 35min
Shag, Marry, Kill: Roman Emperor Edition
Join historian Emma Southern, a returning guest known for her engaging podcast 'History is Sexy.' In this lively discussion, they playfully compare Roman emperors using ‘Shag, Marry, Kill,’ revealing the quirks and characteristics of figures like Commodus and Marcus Aurelius. They delve into beauty standards of ancient Rome, a selfless act of an emperor to avoid conflict, and the stark contrasts between Otho and Aurelius. With humor and historical insight, this conversation brings ancient leaders to life in unexpected ways.
Aug 26, 2025 • 49min
Origins of Virginity
Join Anke Bernau, a senior lecturer in medieval literature, as she unravels the intriguing myths and historical narratives surrounding virginity. She dives into the cultural implications for women across different eras and the societal pressures that shape these perceptions. The discussion highlights the harrowing tales of virgin saints and critiques the misconceptions tied to virginity and the hymen. Bernau also explores how modern purity culture continues to influence identity and sexuality, revealing virginity as a complex journey rather than a simple milestone.
