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

What was life like to be married to Genghis Khan?In this new limited series, Real Wives of Dictators, we're finding out all about the women behind, or alongside, some of histories most notorious men.First up is Börte Üjin, the woman who built the Mongol empire alongside her husband, Genghis, in the 12th and 13th centuries.Were they in love? What happened when she was kidnapped by a rival tribe? And what was her relationship like with the other women in Genghis' life?Joining Kate today is historian Marie Favereau, author of The Horde: How The Mongols Changed The World, to help us find out.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.If you'd like to get in touch with the show you can contact us at betwixt@historyhit.com.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.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

When we think about Greek and Roman beauty, we think of marble statues of huge men with tiny...feet.But what did it mean to be a beautiful woman? What role did their ideas of ugliness play in these ideas? And how did Christianity throw a curveball in all of this?Taking us back to this world is Caroline Vout, author of Exposed: The Greek and Roman Body, to give us a learned glimpse beneath the togas.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.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.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

In this insightful discussion, Sarah Prodan, a Michelangelo scholar from Stanford University, reveals the captivating intersections of art, identity, and sexuality in the Renaissance. She explores how Michelangelo's devout Catholic faith clashed with his attraction to men, influencing his stunning representations of the human form. The conversation touches on his complex relationships, particularly with Tomaso de Cavalieri and Vitorria Colonna, and how these connections inspired his poetry. Listeners gain a profound understanding of the beauty and struggles behind Michelangelo's masterpieces.

Discover the electrifying transformation of 1920s Soho into a hedonistic hotspot, alive with jazz music and a thriving sex and drug trade. Uncover the allure of the notorious 'dope girls' who captivated and scandalized society. Explore how post-war attitudes reshaped women’s autonomy and societal views on sexuality. Dive into the glamorous yet guilt-ridden world of drug use and celebrity amidst sensational media narratives. Finally, contemplate Soho's evolution from a vibrant nightlife hub to a trendy neighborhood, reflecting on its rich and tumultuous past.

Caroline West, author of "Wrong Women: Selling Sex in Monto, Dublin's Forgotten Red Light District," shares insights on Dublin's Monto, Europe's largest red light district from 1860 to 1925. She discusses the challenges and resilience of sex workers, their tight-knit community amid hardship, and their surprising influence on fashion trends. The conversation highlights the complex morality surrounding sex work and the historical stigma faced by women labeled as 'fallen,' while emphasizing ongoing battles for recognition and rights in today's society.

In this engaging discussion, guest Amy Farrell, a Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and author of "Fat Shame," uncovers the dark origins of BMI and fatphobia. She delves into how Enlightenment ideas shaped body categorization, revealing the biases that persist today. Farrell highlights the unique challenges women and people of color face due to societal standards. The conversation also critiques the relevance of BMI in health assessments and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of body image and health.

Natalie Hughes-Crean is a Specialist Case Worker dedicated to supporting women affected by Mother and Baby Homes, while Katherine O'Donnell is a campaigner and co-author advocating for justice regarding the Magdalene Laundries. They dive into the dark history of these institutions, discussing the societal control of female sexuality and the inhumane treatment of women, especially the trauma faced by pregnant individuals. Highlighting personal stories, they reveal the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for survivors still grappling with their past.

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.

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.

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.