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

Bo Ruberg, author of 'Sex Dolls At Sea: Imagined Histories of Sexual Technologies', joins to uncover the truth behind the real history of sex dolls. They discuss how early sex dolls were used to smuggle booze, the societal stigma around them, and what the myths reveal about ourselves.

Eleanor Janega, co-host of Gone Medieval, joins the show to discuss sex work in Medieval England. They explore the regulations and involvement of bishops, contrasting perceptions of women, and the relationship between Christianity and pleasure. They also delve into the historical attempts to save sex workers and the lack of exit strategies. Overall, a fascinating look into the world of sex work in the Middle Ages.

What do Alexa, Adolf and Karen have in common?They're all names that have plummeted in popularity.The most recent, Karen, is largely due to the meme-powered phenomenon of calling out white privilege by calling someone a 'Karen'.What is the history of calling out privilege in this way? Is this a force for good, or has it become sexist?Today Kate is joined by Senior Lecturer of Language and Linguistics at Leeds Trinity University, Linda Walz, who has researched this social phenomenon in great depth. This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code BETWIXT - sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.You can take part in our listener survey here.

Explore the raunchiness of sex in medieval times, including the impact of celibacy on monks and the reaction of their wives. Learn about the perception of sex and beauty, hygiene and sex work, and the significance of pregnancy, sexual diseases, and naughty nuns in medieval society.

Miriam Margolyes, writer and actor, discusses the fascinating aspects of Charles Dickens' life, including his relationships with women, his revenge on a scornful lover, and his portrayal of lesbian love. The podcast delves into Dickens' early life, influences, and the complexities of his personality. It also explores the themes of love, betrayal, and revenge in his famous novel 'Great Expectations'. The discussion raises the question of separating the artist from their art and the difficulties of appreciating an artist's work in spite of their flaws.

April Nowell, Palaeolithic archaeologist and author of Growing Up In The Ice Age, explores the life and sex of neanderthals. Unveiling the mysteries and misconceptions surrounding them, discussing their relationship with Homo sapiens, physical characteristics, and their decline. Also, learn about the challenges Neanderthals faced in raising their babies and where to find more information about the guest's research and book.

How sexually depraved were the Romans?Whilst they were a civlised, stoic and innovative bunch, they were also a promiscuous bunch with very questionable morals.Joining us today is friend of the show Emma Southon, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Women.How did the Romans view incest? What fate awaited the Vestal Virgins? And what went on at the debauched festivals of Bacchus? Let's find out.This podcast was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/

How did the Ancient Egyptians differ from us? In many ways they did, but in terms of sexuality, perhaps not so much. As we’ll find out, they were certainly partial to a filthy poem. Taking us on a journey back to this ancient world is Egyptologist Sarah Parcak. Amongst other things, she talks us through the Turin Papyrus - possibly the oldest depiction of human sexuality we have. This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/

How did an 18th century working class farm labourer climb the social ladder to become the most beloved poet Scotland has produced?By the time he died aged just 37, he had taken the country by storm with his romantic verse and was welcomed into the bosom of Edinburgh high society gentlemen clubs.Another side of Robert Burns' work was his bawdy work, which celebrates sexuality and barbed satire, much of which wasn't properly published until the 1960s due to censorship laws.Ahead of Burns Night on 25th January - his birthday, no less - we'll be finding out all about Rabbie and his bawdy verse with Pauline Mackay, author of Burns For Every Day Of The Year, and lecturer of Robert Burns Studies at University of Glasgow.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. It was produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/

Most people would assume that the Kamasutra is a book of hundreds of fantastical sex positions.They would partly be right, but mostly wrong!Sex is a small part of this ancient text, which includes fascinating insights into 3rd century Indian culture. It also includes some extremely modern-sounding advice on how to dump a boring husband.What happened in the Victorian era that made us think it was a catalogue of sex positions? What are some of the more feminist-leanings it features? And how has it survived all these years?Taking us through the Kamasutra today is the legendary Wendy Doniger, author of Redeeming the Kamasutra.This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Don’t miss out on the best offer in history! Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts.Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial https://historyhit/subscription/