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

Dr. Alex Comfort, a poet, novelist, anarchist, and philosopher, is the man behind the revolutionary book, The Joy of Sex, which sold over 12 million copies. Eric Laursen, author of Polymath, joins Kate to explore Comfort's work and the impact of his book on society. They discuss Comfort's ideas of anarchy and activism, as well as the philosophy of free love and the importance of communication in relationships. Don't miss this fascinating exploration of the book that changed sex forever!

Exploring the allure of Santa as a sexual fetish, the evolution of Father Christmas and the sexual allure of Santa Claus, and the dominant appeal and forbidden allure of Santa Claus. Also, touches on the decline in cellular function and the promotion of a new podcast series.

The words "the man, the myth, the legend" can easily apply to King Arthur.Today we're looking past the round table, the sword in the stone, and his magician mate Merlin to explore what his love life can tell us about this man.Did his love Guinevere really do the dirty on him with his mate Lancelot? What does his own love life say about him as a man?Today, dear friend of the show Eleanor Janega, host of sister podcast Gone Medieval and author of The Once And Future Sex, is joining Kate to separate the man from the myth and legend.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy 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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margaret Cavendish, 17th-century trailblazer in fiction and author of the first science fiction book, discussed by Francesca Peacock. Topics include her scandalous lesbian affair, Samuel Pepys' obsession with her, and her role in London's elite.

Prof. Barbara Perry joins Kate to explore the tragic history of the Kennedy family, discussing the concept of the Kennedy Curse and its impact. They delve into the family's pursuit of the American dream and the history of their risk-taking. The episode also examines the phenomenon of political dynasties in American politics, including the Kennedys, the Bushes, the Clintons, and the Obamas.

Explore the invention of heterosexuality in 19th century Germany and its influence on societal norms. Learn about the origins of the terms 'heterosexual' and 'homosexual' and the role of science in normalizing heterosexuality. Discover the intersectionality of sexuality with power and privilege. Also, enjoy an ad about exploring the history and judgments of past US presidents.

If the Kennedy's were America's first royal family, then Jackie was its queen.She was a style icon who, alongside her husband and president JFK, symbolised a fresh hopeful start in post-war America.And then on 22nd November 1963, the unimaginable happened.But who was the woman who led the country in its grief? Famously defining that time in America as Camelot. Who was the woman behind the immaculate hair do and pink Chanel suits? What was her life like before the spotlight, and how did she seek to rebuild it after JFK's assassination?Today Kate is joined by two guests to tell her story. Author Eleanor Herman, and first up Laurence Leamer, author of The Kennedy Women: The Saga of an American Family, to find out more.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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special guest Flick Thorley, a nurse on an AIDS ward, shares her experience and explains why it was a blessing. Richard McKay, author of 'Patient Zero And The Making Of The AIDS Epidemic,' discusses the larger societal reaction. Topics include the stigma of HIV, blaming and scapegoating in disease outbreaks, and the concept of Patient Zero.

Explore JFK's alleged affairs and scandalous behavior, including his unconventional sexual activities and reckless abandonment of his presidential responsibilities. Discover Jackie Kennedy's coping mechanisms and strength in dealing with her husband's infidelity.

This podcast explores the impact of Section 28, an anti-gay law passed in the 1980s in Britain. It discusses the context of the law, its impact on the LGBTQ+ community, and the mobilization of activists against it. Personal experiences, such as regrets about not showing physical affection in public, are shared. The podcast also highlights the formation of organizations like Stonewall and Outrage, and the increased activism and political mobilization resulting from Section 28.