Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
History
About
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...
Episodes
- A History of Homophobia
Dr. Harry Tanner, author of 'The Queer Thing About Sin: Why the West Came to Hate Queer Love', joins the show to discuss the history of homophobia. They explore ancient and biblical sources to understand its origins and how it intensifies…
- How to Get Cancelled in Ancient Judea
In this episode, Professor Helen Bond discusses the historical record surrounding Jesus, his persecution, and those responsible for it. This conversation takes place on the podcast Betwixt The Sheets.
- The Fake Princess Who Fooled Georgian England
This episode of Betwixt The Sheets discusses the story of Princess Caraboo, who achieved celebrity status in Georgian England. Dr. Maddy Pelling joins to reveal the truth behind this historical figure.
- Sex Work in Colonial India
This episode of Betwixt The Sheets discusses sex work in Colonial India, examining the treatment of sex workers like the Devadasi and Victorian attitudes towards Indian sexuality. The discussion features Professor Anjali Arondekar.
- How Scandalous Were Masquerade Balls?
This episode of Betwixt The Sheets examines the historical accuracy of scandalous masquerade balls in the 18th century. Dr. Meghan Kobza, author of 'Masquerade: Unmasking Georgian London', joins to discuss anonymity and behavior at these e…
- The Brothels of Imperial Russia
Dr. Colleen Lucey joins host Kate to examine the legal status and daily experiences of sex workers in 19th-century Imperial Russia, including the use of yellow tickets and how the region's industry compared to the rest of Europe.
- Who was the first 'Lesbian'?
Kate and guest Katherine Horgan explore the historical context of the Ancient Greek poet Sappho, examining her poetry, what can be known about her life, and her relevance in the modern world.
- Sex Work in the American Revolution
Historian Professor John McCurdy joins host Kate to discuss the experiences of sex workers during the American Revolution. The conversation explores life within army camps, the influence of race and slavery on sexuality, and perspectives o…
- The Depravity of the Marquis De Sade
Journalist and author Joel Warner joins host Kate to examine the life and crimes of the 18th-century French aristocrat, the Marquis de Sade, whose name is the source of the term sadism. The discussion covers his history of imprisonment and…
- Inside the Moulin Rouge
Kate and guest Mike Rapport explore the history of the Moulin Rouge, discussing its origins in the Belle Époque, its unique features, and the social dynamics of 19th-century Paris.
- The Truth About the Little Mermaid
Kate is joined by Professor Diane Purkiss to discuss the history of mermaids, sirens, and selkies, as well as the Disney and Hans Christian Andersen versions of The Little Mermaid.
- Inside the Brothels of New Orleans
Dr. Alecia P. Long joins host Kate to discuss the history of Storyville, New Orleans' red-light district established in 1897. The episode covers life within the brothels, the role of race and segregation, and the factors leading to the dis…
- The Victorian Sex Trafficking Panic
Kate is joined by Dr. Julia Laite to examine the realities and myths surrounding the 19th-century sex trafficking panic known as 'white slavery.' They discuss the prevalence of trafficking and the success rate of law enforcement at the tim…
- The Truth about Charlie Chaplin
Dr. Lisa Stein Haven joins host Kate to discuss the life and controversies of Charlie Chaplin, covering his rise from Victorian London to Hollywood and his eventual exile from the United States.
- Did Fashion Kill Marie Antoinette?
In this episode, Kate visits the V&A Museum to speak with curator Dr. Sarah Grant about the life and style of Marie Antoinette. They discuss her fashion choices, spending habits, and how these factors may have contributed to her public dow…
- Hollywood's Shocking First Sex Symbols
Host Kate and author Mick LaSalle discuss the empowered female sex symbols of early Hollywood films and the factors that led to later censorship.
- Tiberius and his Island of Depravity
Historian Kate Lister and tour guide Alex Meddings examine the reputation and history of Roman Emperor Tiberius, focusing on the stories of debauchery from his time on Capri. The episode explores the distinction between historical fact and…
- The Murder That Shocked Hollywood
Historian William Mann joins host Kate to examine the life of Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, and investigate the circumstances surrounding her unsolved murder in post-war Hollywood.
- Shag, Marry, Kill: Kings Edition (Live Show Recording)
In this live recording of Betwixt The Sheets, the audience participates in a game of 'Shag, Marry, Kill' featuring English kings Henry VIII, Charles II, and Richard the Lionheart. The discussion evaluates the historical figures based on st…
- Sex & Scandal in Hollywood’s Golden Age
Historian William Mann joins Kate to discuss the history of sex in Hollywood's Golden Age. They explore the rise of the film industry, early screen sexuality, and the impact of the censorship that emerged by the end of the 1920s.
- Who Was The Witch Queen of Scotland?
Host Kate is joined by author and witch historian Mary Craig to examine the 17th-century Scottish witch trials. They discuss the scandalous confession of Isobel Gowdie, exploring her claims and the historical context surrounding the period…
- The Most Scandalous Author in 19th-Century France
Kate Lister and guest Fiona Sampson examine the life and literary career of 19th-century author George Sand, discussing her work and legacy. They explore the reasons behind her public image, including her choice of attire and personal rela…
- A Very Borgia Break Up | History's Worst Breakups
In this episode, Catherine Fletcher joins Kate to discuss the historical divorce of Lucrezia Borgia and Giovanni Sforza in Renaissance Rome. The discussion explores the controversy surrounding the separation, including allegations of inces…
- The Medici vs. Tudor Rivalry
Historian Estelle Paranque joins host Kate to discuss the relationship between Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici, including their management of the Mary Queen of Scots crisis.
- Who Makes a Doll of their Ex? | History's Worst Break Ups
Art historian Caitlin Hoerr joins host Kate to discuss the relationship between artist Oskar Kokoschka and Alma Mahler. The episode explores why Kokoschka commissioned a life-sized doll of his former lover and the eventual destruction of t…
- The Truth about Frida Kahlo
Professor Patience Schell joins host Kate to explore the life and legacy of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, discussing her art, personal challenges, and relationships.
- Lord Byron vs. Lady Lamb | History's Worst Breakups
Kate is joined by Professor Paul Douglass to discuss the historical affair between Lord Byron and Lady Caroline Lamb. They examine the nature of the breakup and explore whether Lady Lamb has been unfairly depicted in historical accounts.
- Sex & Scandal behind Wuthering Heights
Dr. Claire O'Callaghan joins host Kate to discuss the Victorian reaction to Wuthering Heights and how the Brontë sisters addressed sex and sexuality in their literature. The episode also explores the historical context of the Brontë family…
- Henry VIII vs. Catherine of Aragon | History's Worst Breakups
In this episode of Betwixt The Sheets, host Dr. Kate Lister and historian Gareth Russell discuss the marriage and breakup of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, exploring its significance in British history.
- How Filthy Were the Victorians?
Lee Jackson joins host Kate Lister to discuss the hygiene standards of the Victorian era. They examine the reality behind Victorian claims of cleanliness and the history of sanitation in London.
- The Most Notorious Sex Worker of 18th Century Dublin
Historian Anthony Delaney joins Kate to examine the life of 18th-century Dublin sex worker Peg Plunkett. They discuss her notorious reputation, her prominent clients, and the social climate of the city during that era.
- How Filthy was the Renaissance?
In this episode of Betwixt The Sheets, Kate Lister and Dr. Julia Martins examine hygiene and waste disposal practices during the Renaissance. They discuss the daily habits of Early Modern people and the potential dangers associated with th…
- The Syphilis Explosion of the American Civil War
Professor Kathryn Olivarius joins host Kate to discuss the prevalence of venereal disease among soldiers during the American Civil War and the long-term impact of syphilis. The discussion covers why the disease spread so extensively during…
- How Filthy Were Medieval People?
Dr. Eleanor Janega joins host Kate to discuss hygiene practices during the Middle Ages, addressing common myths about cleanliness, public baths, and the influence of Victorian perspectives on medieval history.
- Who Was the Victorian Thames Torso Murderer? With Lucy Worsley
Kate and Lucy Worsley discuss the investigation into the Victorian-era Thames Torso Killer. They explore how the perpetrator avoided capture and how the media covered the series of gruesome murders.
- How Filthy Were the Egyptians?
Host Kate Lister and Campbell Price of the Manchester Museum discuss the hygiene and beauty practices of Ancient Egyptians. They explore historical perceptions and the impact of the colonial perspective on these views.
- How to Survive as a Medieval Single Woman
Host Kate and guest Eleanor Janega discuss the lives of single women in the medieval period. They explore the prevalence of being single, the realities of life, and why single women were often viewed with suspicion at the time.
- How Filthy Were The Romans?
Historian Alexander Meddings joins Kate to explore the hygiene habits of the Roman Empire. The episode discusses public baths, washing routines, the use of urine in cleaning, and the reality of communal wiping tools.
- How Sexy Was Shakespeare?
Author Anna Beer joins host Kate to examine the sexual references in William Shakespeare's work and discuss what they may reveal about the playwright's personal life and sexuality.
- How Hot Was Lord Byron?
In this episode, Andrew Stauffer joins the show to examine the life and reputation of Romantic poet Lord Byron, exploring the reality behind his notorious behavior. This discussion is part of a series covering historical figures known for…
- How Has Porn Changed Through History?
Host Kate and guest Kathleen Lubey, a professor at St. John’s University, explore the history of pornography, examining its evolution from the eighteenth century through the era before the internet.
- Who Was The Virgin Mary?
Historian Sir Diarmaid Macculloch joins host Kate to explore the historical significance of the Virgin Mary, examining the importance of her virginity and the influence of her life within Christian history.
- The Truth About Sigmund Freud
Kate explores the life and theories of Sigmund Freud with guest Carolyn Laubender, discussing his views on sexuality, psychoanalysis, and the influence of Anna O. The episode examines Freud's personal life and his lasting impact on the fie…
- Inside the Royal Harems of the Ottoman Empire
Dr. Michael Talbot joins host Kate to explore the lives of women within the Ottoman Empire's Royal harem. They discuss the historical realities of the harem, its peak in the 17th century, and the reasons for Western fascination with this s…
- The Mother of All Tudors: Child Bride to Kingmaker
Historian Lauren Johnson joins Kate to discuss the life and political influence of Margaret Beaufort. The episode explores her role in establishing the Tudor dynasty and examining historical perceptions of her influence and character.
- Sex & Scandal in Ancient Egypt
Dr. Campbell Price joins Kate to discuss perceptions of sex and relationships in Ancient Egypt, including the views of Victorians and historical records of romance. Topics addressed include same-sex relationships, royal scandals, and the h…
- The Truth About Mythical Women
Historian Dr. Janina Ramirez joins host Kate to examine the role of mythical women in the creation of nations. They discuss why these figures are central to national identity despite the limited power women historically held in their forma…
- Origins of Aphrodite: The Sex-Positive Goddess
Dr. Stephanie Budin joins host Kate to discuss the origins of the goddess Aphrodite, exploring her complex history, ancient civilizations, and early reactions to her sexuality.
- The Truth About the Mitford Sisters
Kate explores the lives of the controversial Mitford sisters with author and cartoonist Mimi Pond. They discuss the sisters' diverging political paths, including their involvement with fascism and communism, and the impact of the Second Wo…
- Did Henry VIII Have An Affair With Anne Boleyn's Sister?
Historian Estelle Paranque joins host Kate to examine the historical evidence regarding rumors of an affair between King Henry VIII and Mary Boleyn. This episode explores the likelihood of a relationship between the two.