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

Dan Snow, a distinguished historian and broadcaster from History Hit, joins to unravel the life of Giacomo Casanova, the man whose name defines seduction. They explore Casanova's multifaceted existence beyond womanizing, revealing his ventures as an outlaw, spy, and even a church cleric. With humor, they discuss his literary ambitions and chaotic escapes from prison. The episode takes a deep dive into the societal norms of his time and the romantic ideals that shaped his controversial legacy. What else did he achieve? Tune in for the unexpected!

Dr. David Taylor, an Associate Professor of English at Oxford, dives into the life of Nell Gwyn, the spirited mistress of King Charles II and a groundbreaking comedic actress. She rose from humble beginnings to captivate audiences in 17th-century Restoration theatre. Taylor discusses her vibrant personality, societal challenges, and how she navigated a male-dominated world, all while charming a king. Their conversation unveils Nell's lasting legacy and the pivotal role she played in transforming theatrical comedy for women.

Join historian Alexander Meddings, a Rome-based expert on ancient history, as he dives into the life of Emperor Caligula, known for his bizarre and scandalous reign. They discuss Caligula's infamous actions, including his obsession with his sister and making his horse a senator. Meddings sheds light on the chaos of Caligula’s rule, his erratic behavior, and the political intrigues that defined his time. Laugh and cringe at the absurdity of his marriages and the violent downfall that ultimately ended his tyrannical reign.

Elinor Cleghorn, author of 'Unwell Women: A Journey Through Medicine and Myth in a Man-Made World', returns to discuss the evolution and societal implications of hysterectomies. She highlights the surgery's grim history, including a woman's brave self-hysterectomy and the troubling legacy of coercive practices. Elinor sheds light on the historical control of women's bodies through medical intervention and the importance of informed consent, emphasizing the need for autonomy in reproductive healthcare.

Andrew Stauffer, President of the Byron Society of America and a literature professor, delves into the scandalous life of Lord Byron, tagged as 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know.' He discusses Byron's tumultuous love affairs, particularly with Caroline Lamb and Claire Claremont, and how his romantic escapades challenged societal norms. The conversation also explores the interplay between Byron's literary genius and his chaotic personal life, revealing a complex character marked by passion, scandal, and emotional turbulence.

In this discussion, Cat Irving, a Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh and an expert on disease history, sheds light on the intriguing past of gonorrhoea. She reveals the odd and often toxic treatments used throughout history, from mercury to silver. The conversation delves into the societal stigmas faced, particularly by women, and the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance today. Cat also connects historical contexts to modern challenges in STD awareness, emphasizing the crucial need for responsible sexual health practices.

For better or (mostly) worse, Jiang Qing left her mark on the 20th century.Even before she was married to Chairman Mao, Jiang was a charismatic actor, and her passion for culture helped her spearhead the Cultural Revolution as part of the Communist Party in China, later in life.Joining Kate for this fourth and final episode of our limited series, Real Wives of Dictators, is Linda Jaivin, author of Shortest History of China and the upcoming Bombard the Headquarters! The Cultural Revolution in China.How did she make her way to the head of the Communist Party? Why did she describe herself as "Mao's dog"? And what brought about her downfall?This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at betwixt@historyhit.com.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.

When the music hall dancer, Belle Ellmore, disappeared in January 1910, it was her performing colleagues who raised the alarm.Her murder by Dr. Crippen became a media sensation, and he became the star of the story.Why was Belle Ellmore murdered? Why did it cause such a sensation at its time? And what role did her friends and colleagues in the music hall industry play in bringing justice?Joining Kate today is historian and author, Hallie Rubenhold, whose feminist lens on this story, in Story of a Murder, is long overdue.This episode is edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer is 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.

Nadezhda Alliluyeva was born into a revolutionary family, but was it always her fate to marry Joseph Stalin?She was independent, intelligent and highly politicised. Indeed, Stalin was a hero of hers growing up.What was it like to be so heavily involved in the Communist Party and the Soviet Union? What was Stalin like as a husband to her? And was her death as suspicious as some made out?Joining Kate for this third episode of our limited series, Real Wives of Dictators, is Sheila Fitzpatrick, historian of the Soviet Union and author of books including The Death of Stalin.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at betwixt@historyhit.com.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.

In this episode, we're well and truly going down a rabbit hole. To unpick the controversies surrounding the author of Alice in Wonderland, Kate is joined by author and Professor of Film and Cultural Studies, Will Brooker.Will introduces us to Charles Dodgson, pseudonym Lewis Carroll, and his life, relationships and photography. Will is a professor at Kingston University and author of 'Alice's Adventures: Lewis Carroll in Popular Culture'.This episode was edited by Tomos Delargy and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at betwixt@historyhit.com.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.