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.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 18, 2025 • 47min
Royal Sex: Catherine the Great
Virginia Rounding, an expert on Catherine the Great and author of 'Catherine the Great: Love, Sex and Power', dives into the scandalous life of one of history's most fascinating rulers. The conversation explores the enduring myths about her death, her strategic romantic liaisons, and the double standards women faced in her time. Rounding reveals how Catherine navigated political intrigues while forming powerful alliances, ultimately reshaping Russian society and leaving a legacy that still intrigues today.
6 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 46min
Sex Lives of the Roman Legion
Join Rome-based historian Alex Meddings as he uncovers the lively dynamics of Roman army life, including the secrets of legionnaires' romantic escapades during evening encampments. Explore the appeal of military careers, the complexities of soldier-civilian life, and the unexpected roles women played in military society. Delve into the intricate interplay of sexuality and masculinity that shaped the Roman army, revealing both its rigorous codes and the nuanced relationships among soldiers. It's a fascinating look at history beyond the battlefield!
Jul 11, 2025 • 54min
Royal Sex: Marie Antoinette
Joining the discussion is Catriona Seth, a Professor of French Literature renowned for her expertise in French history and culture. She unravels the intriguing complexities of Marie Antoinette's life, revealing the misconceptions surrounding her lavish lifestyle and infamous quote about cake. Explore her tumultuous marriage to Louis XVI, marked by intimacy struggles and public scrutiny. Delve into the scandalous rumors that plagued her reign, including her close, mysterious bond with Count Axel von Fersen, and reflect on her tragic final days amid revolution.
Jul 8, 2025 • 34min
The Power of Medieval Gossip
In this engaging conversation, Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and co-host of the Gone Medieval podcast, dives into the intriguing world of medieval gossip. She reveals how women used gossip as a powerful social tool while discussing its negative perceptions over time. Eleanor humorously contrasts the different roles men and women played in gossip dynamics, highlighting the unique challenges women faced. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of gossip and its impact on friendships and societal change during the medieval period.
7 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 48min
Royal Sex: Queen Victoria
Join royal historian Kate Williams and journalist Robert Hardman as they delve into Queen Victoria's surprisingly passionate love life. Explore how her tumultuous relationship with Prince Albert shaped her motherhood experiences, revealing the struggles of pain and societal expectations. Discover the Victorian sexual paradoxes, where prudishness clashed with private desires, and learn how bicycles symbolized women's liberation. They also discuss sexual pleasure and marital norms, shedding light on the queen’s candid insights found in her diaries.
7 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 35min
Why Were Ancient Dicks So Small?
In this enlightening discussion, Professor Caroline Vout, an expert in classical art from the University of Cambridge, delves into why ancient Greek sculptures feature surprisingly small penises. She explores how these artistic choices reflect societal norms and views on masculinity in the ancient world. Vout highlights the significance of nudity in Greek culture and the implications for contemporary body image. Her insights reveal how ideals of masculinity from centuries ago continue to shape our understanding of gender and desire today.
Jun 27, 2025 • 52min
Sex Work in Victorian London
Join historian Julia Laite, a professor at Birkbeck University and author of "Common Prostitutes and Ordinary Citizens," as she dives into the world of Victorian sex workers. Discover the struggles and resilience of women navigating societal stigma and harsh laws. Laite reveals the military’s controversial ties to prostitution while critiquing gender inequality and the historical fight for sex workers' rights. Through engaging anecdotes and humor, she dismantles misconceptions about sex work, challenging listeners to rethink historical narratives and their modern implications.
7 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 54min
The History of the C-section
In this chat, Hannah Marsh, author of 'Thread, A Cesarean Story of Myth, Magic, and Medicine', unfolds the bloody history of C-sections. She traces their evolution from risky 16th-century procedures to safer modern practices, spotlighting the resilience of women like Mrs. Newfer, who thrived post-surgery. The conversation digs into societal pressures, the myths surrounding childbirth, and the historical shift from midwifery to male-dominated obstetrics, revealing a legacy intertwined with issues of race and gender.
11 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 46min
Sex Work in the Renaissance
In this engaging discussion, historian Vanessa McCarthy from the University of Toronto delves into the vibrant world of sex work in Renaissance Italy. She uncovers the legally recognized sex work industry in 16th century Bologna, revealing the complex roles of courtesans and the societal perceptions surrounding them. The conversation explores the legal challenges female sex workers faced, the duality of their experiences as victims and empowered individuals, and how shifting political tides influenced the stigmatization of sex work. McCarthy’s insights illuminate a rich yet often overlooked facet of history.
15 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 44min
Inside America's Famous Sex Study
In this engaging discussion, historian Donna Drucker from Columbia University delves into the groundbreaking work of Alfred Kinsey, a pivotal figure in sexology. She unpacks Kinsey’s innovative research methods and the ethical dilemmas they ignited. The conversation highlights how societal attitudes toward sexuality evolved, particularly in response to his controversial findings on masturbation and homosexuality. Drucker also explores the unconventional personal lives of Kinsey's research team, illustrating the fascinating intersection of personal ethics and scientific inquiry.
