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

Join author and historian Jasmine Elmer, known for her work on female dragon slayers, as she unravels the complex myth of Medusa. Elmer argues that Medusa's story reflects modern issues of femininity and sexuality, exploring how societal values vilify women. The discussion highlights her tragic transformation and the misogyny woven into her narrative. Finally, they delve into Medusa's evolution into a symbol of empowerment, paralleling contemporary movements like Me Too, showcasing her legacy's relevance today.

Charismatic, passionate, insatiable - Henry VIII is known across the world as the king who had 6 wives, and a few mistresses on the side. But was Henry a romantic or a scoundrel?Kate is joined by Natalie Grueninger, host of 'Talking Tudors', to find out just how badly behaved Henry was.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Sophie Gee. 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join historian Jacqueline Murray, a Professor at the University of Guelph, as she unravels the fascinating world of medieval weddings. Discover what truly happened on wedding nights, the church's strict views on monogamy, and the importance of pleasure in the marriage bed. Dive into whimsical wedding customs and how they shaped celebrations. Murray also discusses the complex dynamics of arranged marriages and the challenges of divorce, revealing how these historical practices continue to impact our understanding of love and relationships today.

Dan Snow, a distinguished historian and broadcaster from History Hit, joins to unravel the life of Giacomo Casanova, the man whose name defines seduction. They explore Casanova's multifaceted existence beyond womanizing, revealing his ventures as an outlaw, spy, and even a church cleric. With humor, they discuss his literary ambitions and chaotic escapes from prison. The episode takes a deep dive into the societal norms of his time and the romantic ideals that shaped his controversial legacy. What else did he achieve? Tune in for the unexpected!

Dr. David Taylor, an Associate Professor of English at Oxford, dives into the life of Nell Gwyn, the spirited mistress of King Charles II and a groundbreaking comedic actress. She rose from humble beginnings to captivate audiences in 17th-century Restoration theatre. Taylor discusses her vibrant personality, societal challenges, and how she navigated a male-dominated world, all while charming a king. Their conversation unveils Nell's lasting legacy and the pivotal role she played in transforming theatrical comedy for women.

Join historian Alexander Meddings, a Rome-based expert on ancient history, as he dives into the life of Emperor Caligula, known for his bizarre and scandalous reign. They discuss Caligula's infamous actions, including his obsession with his sister and making his horse a senator. Meddings sheds light on the chaos of Caligula’s rule, his erratic behavior, and the political intrigues that defined his time. Laugh and cringe at the absurdity of his marriages and the violent downfall that ultimately ended his tyrannical reign.

Elinor Cleghorn, author of 'Unwell Women: A Journey Through Medicine and Myth in a Man-Made World', returns to discuss the evolution and societal implications of hysterectomies. She highlights the surgery's grim history, including a woman's brave self-hysterectomy and the troubling legacy of coercive practices. Elinor sheds light on the historical control of women's bodies through medical intervention and the importance of informed consent, emphasizing the need for autonomy in reproductive healthcare.

Andrew Stauffer, President of the Byron Society of America and a literature professor, delves into the scandalous life of Lord Byron, tagged as 'mad, bad, and dangerous to know.' He discusses Byron's tumultuous love affairs, particularly with Caroline Lamb and Claire Claremont, and how his romantic escapades challenged societal norms. The conversation also explores the interplay between Byron's literary genius and his chaotic personal life, revealing a complex character marked by passion, scandal, and emotional turbulence.

In this discussion, Cat Irving, a Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh and an expert on disease history, sheds light on the intriguing past of gonorrhoea. She reveals the odd and often toxic treatments used throughout history, from mercury to silver. The conversation delves into the societal stigmas faced, particularly by women, and the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance today. Cat also connects historical contexts to modern challenges in STD awareness, emphasizing the crucial need for responsible sexual health practices.

For better or (mostly) worse, Jiang Qing left her mark on the 20th century.Even before she was married to Chairman Mao, Jiang was a charismatic actor, and her passion for culture helped her spearhead the Cultural Revolution as part of the Communist Party in China, later in life.Joining Kate for this fourth and final episode of our limited series, Real Wives of Dictators, is Linda Jaivin, author of Shortest History of China and the upcoming Bombard the Headquarters! The Cultural Revolution in China.How did she make her way to the head of the Communist Party? Why did she describe herself as "Mao's dog"? And what brought about her downfall?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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.