Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
History Hit
Join sex historian Dr 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? Join Kate as she bed-hops 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.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
Jun 3, 2025 • 37min
Could You Survive Medieval Childbirth?
Eleanor Janega, co-host of the Gone Medieval podcast and expert in medieval history, dives deep into the daunting realities of childbirth in the Middle Ages. She reveals the crucial roles midwives played and the stark differences between the experiences of wealthy and peasant women. Janega also discusses the shifting societal views on pregnancy and abortion, as well as how traditional midwifery transitioned to a male-dominated medical system. Listen to her captivating insights on the communal nature of births and the resilience of mothers during this perilous time.
12 snips
May 30, 2025 • 30min
The Truth About The Minotaur
Historian Jasmine Elmer, an expert on Greek mythology, dives deep into the myth of the Minotaur. She unravels the complex origins of this half-bull, half-man creature, connecting it to human desires and societal taboos. The dark tale of Pasiphae's love for the bull and the implications of King Minos’s choices expose themes of shame and morality. Elmer also explores the Minotaur's symbolism in Minoan culture and how it reflects on masculinity and monstrosity, while touching on Picasso’s artistic interpretations that echo its duality.
11 snips
May 27, 2025 • 52min
The Murderous Affairs of King James
Join Gareth Russell, a historian and author of 'Queen James,' as he details the scandalous life of King James VI & I. Discover the political intrigue surrounding the murder plot of the handsome Bonnie Earl of Moray and how King James navigated personal desires amidst royal responsibilities. Delve into the eerie backdrop of Scottish witch trials and explore the intense rivalries within the nobility. With humor and tension, this conversation reveals the complex interplay of romance, power, and scandal in 17th-century Scotland.
6 snips
May 23, 2025 • 38min
Victorian Beauty Standards
Joining the discussion is Rachel Rowe, an author and historian from the University of Edinburgh, specializing in Victorian beauty standards, particularly regarding black models. The conversation dives into why pale skin was idealized and how black bodies were perceived in a racially biased society. Rowe highlights the stories of figures like Sarah Bartman and Fanny Eaton, illustrating the exploitation and challenges faced by women of color. The episode also touches on Black Dandyism and the cultural appropriation in 19th-century beauty standards, offering a nuanced look at this complex legacy.
May 20, 2025 • 44min
The Pill: Sexual Liberation?
Donna Drucker, a historian from Columbia University and author of 'Contraception: A Concise History,' dives into the history and impact of the contraceptive pill. They discuss its revolutionary role in women's liberation and the complex legacy surrounding its development. Drucker highlights the darker aspects of the pill’s trials and the ethical issues tied to its history, including eugenics and racism. The conversation reveals how the pill transformed societal norms and relationships, paving the way for reproductive autonomy.
May 16, 2025 • 45min
What Made You Ugly In Tudor Times?
Join historian Nicola Tallis, a Tudor expert, as she unpacks the era's bizarre beauty standards. Discover why royalty had worse teeth than commoners and the absurdity of lead-based cosmetics. Explore the strange intersection of beauty and witchcraft, alongside how societal pressures shaped perceptions of attractiveness. The discussion highlights the complexity of hygiene practices and the obsession with pale skin and plucked hair in a society that valued both wealth and perceived morality in its looks.
May 13, 2025 • 38min
The Dandy: Dressing in Defiance
Peter K. Andersson, historian and author of ‘The Dandy: A People’s History of Sartorial Splendour’, joins the discussion on the rebellious flair of dandyism. They delve into how dandyism defies societal norms and its significance in black culture. The conversation also highlights the role of fashion in shaping identity and critique, alongside the adaptation of dandy aesthetics from the 19th century to contemporary styles. Get ready for a witty exploration of how personal style can challenge and redefine societal expectations!
5 snips
May 9, 2025 • 45min
What Made You Ugly In Medieval Times?
Eleanor Janega, a historian and author known for her expertise in medieval history, joins the host for a playful exploration of medieval beauty standards. They discuss how societal norms tied beauty to virtue, the surprising skincare routines of the time, and how the Black Death shifted fashion. The conversation humorously navigates the standards of male attractiveness and challenges faced by women, revealed through intriguing anecdotes. Plus, they touch on the social implications of ugliness and the myths surrounding dental health in the medieval era.
May 6, 2025 • 41min
The Hangwoman of 18th Century Ireland
Join Clodagh Finn, a journalist and author of ‘Through Her Eyes: A New History of Ireland in 21 Women,’ as she uncovers the extraordinary life of Lady Betty, an 18th-century female executioner in Ireland. Discover how this trailblazer challenged gender norms in her brutal profession and the societal perceptions surrounding her role. The discussion also highlights other influential women of the time, exploring themes of survival, societal order, and the legacy of female empowerment amidst a male-dominated world.
7 snips
May 2, 2025 • 48min
What Made You Ugly In Ancient Rome?
Emma Southon, a historian and author specializing in ancient Rome, joins the discussion to explore the quirky beauty standards of the era. She shares fascinating insights on grooming routines and the cultural significance of beards during Emperor Hadrian's reign. The conversation delves into how beauty ideals connected to wealth, the extreme measures taken for attractiveness, and the enduring nature of these standards through history. Listeners will appreciate the humorous anecdotes and surprising parallels to contemporary norms in body image.
