Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
History Hit
Join sex historian Dr 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? Join Kate as she bed-hops 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.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.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 11, 2025 • 33min
Valentine's Day in Ancient Rome
Emma Southon, a Roman history expert and author of "A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women," takes listeners on a wild journey through the origins of Valentine's Day. She uncovers the fascinating festival of Lupercalia, filled with quirky rituals like public nudity and goat skin whippings. The discussion links these ancient customs to modern-day romance, exploring how Christianity reshaped such chaotic festivities into the love-focused holiday we know today. Southon’s insights reveal the evolution of love and societal norms throughout history.
Feb 7, 2025 • 39min
Goat Testicle Transplants: The Bizarre History
In a dive into medical quackery, Tim Hartford, host of "Cautionary Tales," uncovers the outrageous life of John R. Brinkley, a man notorious for promoting goat testicle transplants as a remedy for virility and fertility. They explore the interplay between showmanship and ethical violations in medicine. From Brinkley's rise to fame with dubious claims to his spectacular fall from grace, the conversation reveals the bizarre consequences of desperation for health solutions and critiques the lack of regulation in early 20th-century medicine.
14 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 45min
Sex Lives of Spartans
Helen King, a Professor of Ancient Greece and author of 'Immaculate Forms,' dives into the rich tapestry of Spartan society. She discusses their views on same-sex relationships, challenging notions birthed by Hollywood, particularly the mythos created by '300.' King reveals how Spartan women potentially invented the mini skirt and held significant roles in society, showcasing resilience and a unique approach to health and motherhood. Their intriguing marital practices and cultural beliefs around bodily autonomy further highlight the complexities of their civilization.
Jan 31, 2025 • 39min
Genghis Khan's Sex Life
Join historian Marie Favereau, author of "The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World," as she dives deep into the life of Genghis Khan. Unravel the myths surrounding his notorious reputation and discover the complexity behind his rise to power. Marie discusses his early ambitions to unify the tribes, the strategic alliances he formed, and his multifaceted nature as both a warrior and a diplomat. She also sheds light on his personal life, including polygamy and the legacy of his descendants. History has never been this fascinating!
12 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 44min
Who Was Lilith? The Semen-Stealing First Wife Of Adam
Historian Sarah Klegg, author of "Woman's Lore: 4,000 Years of Sirens, Serpents and Succubi," dives into the myth of Lilith, Adam's rebellious first wife. She reveals how Lilith's story reflects ancient anxieties about women and sexuality. Discussing her evolution from demoness to symbol of empowerment, Klegg highlights Lilith's defiance of patriarchal norms and her fascinating origins. The conversation also playfully explores the notorious semen-stealing lore and the cultural implications of her character in contemporary discussions on gender dynamics.
Jan 24, 2025 • 40min
Sex Lives of Dinosaurs
In a delightful chat with Dr. David Hone, an expert in dinosaur behavior and author, listeners dive into the wild world of dinosaur romance. They explore how T-Rex might have fared despite its tiny arms and the curious mechanics of mating among these massive creatures. Dr. Hone also sheds light on potential mating rituals, the significance of fossilized footprints, and the intriguing question of dinosaur monogamy. With humor and scientific insight, this conversation unearths the complexities of prehistoric procreation.
Jan 21, 2025 • 40min
Erotic Letters of Ancient Rome
Owen Hodkinson, an Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Cultures at Leeds University, dives into the fascinating world of ancient erotic letters. He explores how the Romans exchanged intimate thoughts, comparing these to today’s sexting. Discover the emotional depth and societal norms behind these ancient communications, the intriguing parallels with Pompeii's graffiti, and Ovid's nuanced love letters. Hodkinson also addresses the lack of historical voices for women's same-sex desire, shedding light on Sappho’s legacy and the evolution of romantic expressions over time.
Jan 17, 2025 • 46min
Medieval Lesbians
Tess Wingard, a medieval historian and author of "Unclean Beasts," joins to unravel the hidden stories of lesbian relationships in the medieval era. They discuss the surprising documentation of same-sex love, including a scandal involving a dildo in a court case. The conversation highlights the male-run church's fears over nuns' closeness and challenges historians face in uncovering these intimate histories. Wingard also touches on intriguing cases like Katharina Hetzeldorf, showcasing how courage and love defied the oppressive norms of their time.
Jan 14, 2025 • 35min
History of Red Lipstick
Rachel Felder, a journalist and author of "Red Lipstick: An Ode to a Beauty Icon," dives into the captivating history of red lipstick. She reveals its powerful role in women's empowerment, especially during the suffragette movement and World War II. Felder discusses why Churchill protected lipstick from rationing and Hitler's disdain for it. Listeners learn about iconic figures like Cleopatra and Coco Chanel, the psychological impact of the color red, and tips for choosing the perfect shade, all celebrating red lipstick as a timeless symbol of confidence and rebellion.
16 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 47min
Inside the Brothel of Pompeii
Join Sarah Levin-Richardson, an expert in Roman social history and author of "The Brothel of Pompeii," as she uncovers the intriguing world of sex work in ancient Pompeii. Discover the only known purpose-built brothel and the rich graffiti and art that tell stories of its patrons and workers. Dive into the complexities of agency among sex workers and how sexuality was openly depicted through phallic imagery. This conversation reveals the societal norms and economic realities of one of history's most fascinating eras.
