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

Explore how writers in Renaissance England played with ideas of sexuality, including Shakespeare's exploration of power dynamics for pleasure. Learn about non-traditional ideas of sex, fantasy, and desire in the era. Uncover hidden kink themes in English Renaissance literature and theater. Discuss power dynamics, taboos, and historical sexual relationships in literature and porn. Get excited for the upcoming Kinky Renaissance collection and individual books.

Delve into the history of sex work in America, from colonization to the Civil War. Hear from madams at the oldest legal brothel in the country. Explore the impact and regulation of sex work in Nevada. Uncover the intertwined narratives of past and present experiences in the industry. Learn about the surge in demand during the American Civil War and the relationships between brothels and the Union Army.

Unraveling the mysterious life of warrior queen Boudica and her defiance against the Roman army. Exploring Roman colonization tactics, brutal warfare tactics, and Boudica's rebellion against Roman rule. Discovering the challenges of accurately portraying her story amidst myths and misconceptions.

If you've seen the film Braveheart, you might have certain expectations about the real history of William Wallace.Separating fact from fiction can be tricky, but what do we really know about this iconic Scot, and the supposed relationships that sparked his rebellion against the English?Today Kate is joined by author and host of Gone Medieval, Eleanor Janega, to find out the truth behind William Wallace.How does his life tie into the Scottish Wars of Independence? Why did he receive such gruesome treatment? And why is the film Braveheart so irritating to medieval historians?This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producers were Stuart Beckwith, Sophie Gee and Joseph Knight. 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 https://historyhit/subscription/ You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.