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

<p>Perhaps without you realising it, history is marked by iconic body parts.</p><br><p>From Frida Khalo’s monobrow, to Queen Victoria's swollen armpit, and let's not forget Napoleon's penis. That one alone has had quite a posthumous life.</p><br><p>What amazing stories do they tell us of the people they belonged to? What trends did they spark? And is there any truth to the rumours about Hitler’s ball? </p><br><p>We're joined by friend of the show Suzie Edge, who's the author of <a href="https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/suzie-edge/vital-organs/9781035404605/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vital Organs</a>, to find out more. </p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Haiti was under French colonial rule in 1791 when the revolution began, resulting in the largest and most successful slave revolt in modern history.</p><br><p>It's a compelling story that deserves to be heard, and one with some incredible women at the heart of it.</p><br><p>Who were they? How did the island's vodou ceremonies help galvanise the cause? And what is their legacy today?</p><br><p>Joining Kate is Marlene Daut, author of <em>Awakening The Ashes: An Intellectual History of the Haitian Revolution</em>, to tell us more.</p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>There had been sex manuals for hundreds of years, but by the 20th century they were quite underground. That is, until the Joy of Sex was released in 1972.</p><br><p>It was a revolutionary book about sex, and sold over 12 million copies.</p><br><p>Who was the man behind it? His name, aptly, was Dr. Alex Comfort, and he was a poet, novelist, anarchist and philosopher, amongst other things.</p><br><p>Joining Kate today to explore his work and the impact the Joy of Sex had, is Eric Laursen, author of <a href="https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/polymath/eric-laursen/9781849354967" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Polymath: The Life and Professions of Dr Alex Comfort, Author of The Joy of Sex</em></a><em>.</em></p><br><p>This episode was edited by Teän Stewart-Murray and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>They say he comes once a year... ahem.</p><br><p>Santa is back! To a lot of people that's no bad thing at all, and we're not just talking about the present giving - he's got the whole package, when you think about it.</p><br><p>In the build up to Christmas, we're exploring why some people are big on Santaphilia - the Santa fetish.</p><br><p>What is it about him that lead some to such mischievous thoughts? What's the origins of this guy?</p><br><p>Today we're revisiting an episode of Betwixt with NHS Junior Doctor, Psychosexual Therapist in Training and Sexual Wellness Consultant Elesha Vooght, to find out more.</p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The words "the man, the myth, the legend" can easily apply to King Arthur.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>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?</p><br><p>Today, dear friend of the show Eleanor Janega, host of sister podcast <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/gone-medieval/id1564113746" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gone Medieval</a> and author of <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393867817" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Once And Future Sex</a>, is joining Kate to separate the man from the myth and legend.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Margaret Cavendish was extraordinary for <em>any</em> time, let alone the 17th century.</p><br><p>She was a trailblazer in fiction, writing and publishing what many believe to be the first science fiction book - her 1666 work 'Blazing World' imagined a planet led by an Empress.</p><br><p>The story also featured a lesbian affair between the Empress and herself, Margaret Cavendish. Truly, fantastic.</p><br><p>She played a provocative and starring role amongst London's elite, and Samuel Pepys was obsessed with meeting her.</p><br><p>How did he describe her? Why was she the talk of the town in 17th century London? Joining Kate today is Francesca Peacock, author of <em>Pure Wit: The Revolutionary Life of Margaret Cavendish. </em></p><br><p>This episode was edited by Teän Stewart-Murray, the producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What was it about the Kennedy's that attracted so much tragedy, that many believed them to be cursed?</p><br><p>From plane disasters in World War 2, to drug overdoses and of course, assassinations - it has to be said, they had their fair share.</p><br><p>Is there something sinister going on, or is this tragedy the by-product of such a go-getter risk-taking attitude?</p><br><p>Joining Kate today to explore the so-called Kennedy curse is Barbara Perry, Professor in Presidential Studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, where she co-directs the Presidential Oral History Program.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and the producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Sexuality is a funny thing. It's a social construct just as much as, say, virginity is.</p><br><p>We use words like heterosexuality and homosexuality because they are convenient, more than because they're wholly accurate.</p><br><p>What roots do these words have in 19th century Germany? How did the word 'straight' come from the gay community? And what is the future of sexuality and its terms?</p><br><p>Joining Kate today is the fantastic Hanne Blank, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Straight-Surprisingly-Short-History-Heterosexuality/dp/0807044598" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Straight: The Surprisingly Short History of Heterosexuality</a>.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Teän Stewart-Murray. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>If the Kennedy's were America's first royal family, then Jackie was its queen.</p><br><p>She was a style icon who, alongside her husband and president JFK, symbolised a fresh hopeful start in post-war America.</p><br><p>And then on 22nd November 1963, the unimaginable happened.</p><br><p>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?</p><br><p>Today Kate is joined by two guests to tell her story. Author <a href="http://www.eleanorherman.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eleanor Herman</a>, and first up Laurence Leamer, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kennedy-Women-Saga-American-Family/dp/0449911713" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Kennedy Women: The Saga of an American Family</a>, to find out more.</p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How do we understand something as huge as a global epidemic?</p><br><p>Similarly to Covid, the AIDS epidemic, which was most destructive in the 1980s and 90s, had such universal reach. Yet within that, there were millions of personal experiences.</p><br><p>What was it like to work on the frontline with people who were hit by this cruel virus? How did a Canadian air steward come to be wrongly blamed for introducing AIDS to North America?</p><br><p>To mark World AIDS Day, today Kate is joined by two special guests. Firstly, Flick Thorley, who speaks about why her experience as a nurse on an AIDS ward was a blessing. Secondly, we’re joined by Richard McKay, author of <a href="https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/P/bo16463356.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Patient Zero And The Making Of The AIDS Epidemic</em></a> to unpack the larger societal reaction.</p><br><p>Click <a href="https://www.tht.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to find out more about the amazing work the Terrence Higgins Trust do.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>“If I don’t have a woman for three days, I get terrible headaches.”</p><br><p>That is what JFK allegedly told the UK prime minister, Harold MacMillan, after a meeting on nuclear arms. An interesting alternative to pain killers, right?</p><br><p>Despite being in a high-profile marriage, JFK has been linked with many women. From Hollywood stars and White House interns, to potential Soviet Spies and Mafia wives.</p><br><p>Kate is joined Betwixt the Sheets with Eleanor Herman to discuss the many alleged affairs and scandals, for the third instalment in our Kennedy Women series.</p><br><p>You can find out more about Eleanor Herman’s book, ’Sex with Presidents’ <a href="http://www.eleanorherman.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The 1980s have a lot to answer for - spandex, for one.</p><br><p>It also saw the first new anti-gay law in Britain for over a century.</p><br><p>Against the backdrop of the HIV epidemic, and increasing homophobia across the media and politics, the law Section 28 was passed in 1988, which stopped the "promotion of homosexuality" in schools and local authorities across Britain.</p><br><p>What did this even mean? Who did it affect? And what was the response from the gay community?</p><br><p>This month marks 20 years since Section 28 was finally repealed, and in this special episode we’ll look back to the damage it caused and the defiance from those who opposed and helped overturn it - marking it as the most successful civil rights movement in modern British history. </p><br><p>Joining Kate are a few special guests who were on the picket lines, in the classrooms and making headlines to draw public attention to the cause: </p><br><p>Paul Baker, whose book, <a href="https://reaktionbooks.co.uk/work/outrageous" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Outrageous, The Story of Section 28 and Britain’s Battle for LGBT Education</em></a>, is available now.</p><br><p>Catherine Lee MBE, whose book, <a href="https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/catherine-lee/pretended-schools-and-section-28/9781915261694/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Pretended, Schools and Section 28: Historical, Cultural and Personal Perspectives</em></a>, is available now. </p><br><p>Paul Fairweather, who worked for Manchester City Council in the 1980s, and continues to support the LGBTQ+ community at <a href="https://ght.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the George House Trust</a>, which provides HIV support, advice and advocacy services. </p><br><p>Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner, who continues his tireless work for equality and human rights continues with the Peter Tatchell foundation. <a href="https://www.petertatchellfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">You can find out more and donate to here</a>. </p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Archive courtesy of: BBC, Fox 5 New York, LGBT+marketing, Richard Johnson, Direct Action, Nick Lansley.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Sign up to History Hit at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a> using code BLACKFRIDAYPOD at checkout, for $1/£1 per month for 4 months and you’ll get nearly £30 off our normal monthly price over your first 4 months.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Napoleon Bonaparte has been described in many way throughout history. Conquerer. Lover. Legend. Shrivelled Eel?</p><br><p>Perhaps you haven't heard the last description before, but that's how a journalist described Napoleon's 'penis' when it went up for auction in 1977.</p><br><p>Yes, you read that correctly, and it sold for $3000. Today Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Dan Snow to talk all about the adventures of Napoleon's 'shrivelled eel'...from his first sexual experiences to his great love, Josephine.</p><br><p>Ridley Scott's Napoleon is out in cinemas from November 22nd.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Dougal Patmore and produced by Stuart Beckwith.</p><br><p>The senior producers were Charlotte Long and Mariana Des Forges.</p><br><p><strong><em>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 </em></strong><a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>https://historyhit/subscription/</em></strong></a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Sex and death are often intertwined: one is the start of creation, the other is the end.</p><br><p>And as we’ll learn in today’s episode, ancient battlefields were the setting of intimate acts, too. One on one, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping and picking out a partner to…engage with.</p><br><p>And so it makes sense that the Ancient world would have gods that meet both needs - sex and death.</p><br><p>Joining Kate today is returning friend of Betwixt, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ronald-Hutton/author/B000APC15W?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ronald Hutton</a>, to introduce us to some of the fantastic goddesses of yore. Who was the original rock chick? Who was punching above their weight with one goddess? And why don’t religions such as Christianity sexualise their deity?</p><br><p>Let’s go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This November marks 60 years since President John F Kennedy was assassinated. </p><br><p>His name is associated with history defining events, but it’s also connected with a dynasty, known for their celebrity and notoriously for being ‘cursed.’</p><br><p>The Kennedy family, thought of as American royals by many, have a fascinating and tragic history - especially the women in JFK’s life and family line.</p><br><p>Today we're exploring the story of JFK's sister Rosemary. Following a failed lobotomy which left her unable to walk or talk, she was hidden from public view for fear of jeopardising the pristine image of the family dynasty.</p><br><p>This is the second instalment in a mini-series, The Kennedy Women, which started with their great-grandma Bridget, and will also cover Jackie, JFK's affairs, and the so-called Kennedy curse.</p><br><p>The senior producer was Charlotte Long. The producer was Stuart Beckwith.</p><br><p>Archive courtesy of NBC.</p><br><p>You can read Kate Clifford Larson's book, Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rosemary-Clifford-Kate-Larson/dp/0544811909" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p>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.</p><br><p>Get a subscription for £1 for 3 months with code BETWIXTTHESHEETS1 sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://historyhit/subscription/</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It can be hard to comprehend the magnitude of historical events, with World War Two a prime example of this.</p><br><p>By 1945, some 3 million British people had served. As such, the rich diversity of masculinity and sexuality of those men is often reduced or hidden from the history books.</p><br><p>With Remembrance Day approaching, we've spoken to Luke Turner, author of <a href="https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/luke-turner/men-at-war/9781474618861/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Men At War: Loving, Lusting, Fighting, Remembering 1939-1945</em></a>, to look beneath the buttoned up uniforms and shine a light on the different kinds of men who served.</p><br><p>Who was the D-Day hero who later transitioned to live as a woman? Were the 1940s more of a sexual revolution than the 1960s? And what does our sidelining of much of this history tell us about our shared remembrances of the Second World War? </p><br><p>This podcast was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p><em>Discover the past with exclusive history documentaries and ad-free podcasts presented by world-renowned historians from History Hit. Watch them on your smart TV or on the go with your mobile device. </em><a href="http://access.historyhit.com/checkout?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code </em>BETWIXT <em>sign up now for your 14-day free trial.</em></a></p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>This November marks 60 years since President John F Kennedy was assassinated. </p><br><p>His name is associated with history defining events, but it’s also connected with a dynasty, known for their celebrity and notoriously for being ‘cursed.’</p><br><p>The Kennedy family, thought of as American royals by many, have a fascinating and tragic history - especially the women in JFK’s life and family line.</p><br><p>Today we’re going right back to the start, to a farm in Ireland to meet JFK’s great-grandma, Bridget, who overcame tragedy and poverty to forge the foundation of a dynasty.</p><br><p>This is the first instalment in a mini-series, <em>The Kennedy Women</em>, which will look into the lives of Bridget, Jackie, Rosemary and the so-called family curse.</p><br><p>The senior producer was Charlotte Long. The producer was Stuart Beckwith.</p><br><p>Archive courtesy of NBC.</p><br><p>You can read more about Neal Thompson’s work <a href="https://www.nealthompson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><br><p>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 <em>BETWIXTTHESHEETS1</em> sign up now for your 14-day free trial <a href="https://historyhit/subscription/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>https://historyhit/subscription/</em></a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>They’re famously thought of as a buttoned up prudish bunch, but we all know they loved to bump uglies as much as anyone today. </p><br><p>Were the spanking punishments of boarding schools really the origins of flagellation brothels? Who were the pin-ups of Victorian women? And what did the saucy portrait Queen Victoria gave to Prince Albert look like? </p><br><p>Today we go Betwixt the Victorian Sheets with Dan Snow, from History Hit sister podcast Dan Snow’s History Hit, to find out all about Victorian Sex. </p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Tom Delargy. The producers were Charlotte Long and Freddy Chick. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It’s that time of year again, Halloween. A word which conjures up images of pumpkins, ghosts, and of course…witches.</p><br><p>But have you ever wondered what the ancient origins of witchcraft is? How did the black-hat-broomstick stereotype emerge? And what causes the waves of witch trials throughout history, right up to the present day?</p><br><p>Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Ronald Hutton to discuss the history of the witch.</p><br><p>This podcast was mixed and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code<a href="http://access.historyhit.com/checkout?code=patented&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>AFTERDARK</u></a> Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a></p><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Josephine Baker was one of the most extraordinary people of the 20th century - and the first black woman honoured in the French Panthéon in 2021.</p><br><p>From an early life of poverty in St. Louis, America, to being a superstar singer, actress and dancer, to being a spy as part of the resistance against the Nazis. </p><br><p>For today’s episode, we’re sharing an episode from our sister podcast Dan Snow’s History Hit, where Dan is in conversation with Monique Y. Wells to discuss the life of Josephine Baker. </p><br><p>Monique is the co-founder of Entrée to Black Paris and a contributor on Paris’ Black history and culture. </p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Stuart Beckwith and Dougal Patmore. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>We live in a hyper-sexualised world. But what if you don't take a sexual interest in anyone?</p><br><p>Asexuality makes up roughly 1% of the population, and even though it will have been around as an identity since humans have been around, the language for it has a relatively recent history.</p><br><p>Joining Kate today is Tony Bogaert, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/UNDERSTANDING-ASEXUALITY-Bogaert-Anthony-1963/dp/1442201002" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Understanding Asexuality</a>. Do people who are asexual enjoy romance still? Do they masturbate? And what role did the internet have in establishing it?</p><br><p>Let's go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>We all know how the song goes, the one about Hitler having one testicle.</p><br><p>And whilst it's disarming to poke fun at someone so evil, there's an interesting and serious conversation to be had about how Hitler's relationships and sexuality could have shaped him.</p><br><p>Today Kate is joined by Norman Ohler, author of <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/294543/blitzed-by-ohler-norman/9780141983165" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany</em></a><em>, </em>to find out more about Adolf Hitler's personal life, his views on sex, and whether there's any truth to the rumours.</p><br><p>Did Hitler have a testicle bitten off by a goat? Was his interest in coprophilia true, or anti-Nazi propaganda? And who was the love of his life?</p><br><p>Let's go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>If you happen to be a Spectrophiliac, then October must be a particularly exciting time for you.</p><br><p>What is a spectrophiliac? Well, it's a fetish for ghosts (as well as mirrors), so being turned on by anything lurking in the non-physical realm. After all, as the old adage goes, the most important sex organ is the brain.</p><br><p>What are the historic origins of this fetish and phenomenon? And what real life stories can be told of it?</p><br><p>Today features an interview Kate did with Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney on our sister podcast, After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal.</p><br><p>Head to their feed <a href="https://pod.link/1705694900" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to find brand new episodes already out on such mysterious and unsettling topics such as HMS Terror, the origins of Halloween and Murder in Ancient Rome.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Siobhan Dale and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>There’s not much good to come out of a plague, <em>especially </em>a bubonic plague in the 14th century. A pandemic which <em>definitely</em> didn't involve zoom quizzes and a video montage of celebrities singing 'Imagine' by John Lennon (actually, maybe they were better off in the 1300s).</p><br><p>But something extraordinary happened after The Black Death, which killed around <em>half</em> of the population in England. Because of a shortage of men, women had more autonomy and opportunities; from work and apprenticeships, to being able to rent land in their own name.</p><br><p>Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Philippa Gregory to talk about how women's lives were impacted by the plague.</p><br><p>Philippa's new book: Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History, is out on the 26th October.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Tomos Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What made a working class woman from Edinburgh become such a threat to British intelligence services during the Second World War, that they tried her as a witch?</p><br><p>In today's episode, we're telling you the story of Helen Duncan, aka Hellish Brown, a medium who lays claim to being the last woman in England to be tried as a witch, culminating in her trial in 1944 under the 1735 Witchcraft Act.</p><br><p>Joining us is Jess Marlton, manager of Bodmin Jail where all sorts of paranormal events take place.</p><br><p>What made Duncan's performances so memorable? Why did her trial capture the public's imagination? And how does the 1735 Witchcraft Act live on today?</p><br><p>Let's go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>While the age of consent has fluctuated over time, it reveals some fascinating and enlightening things about how we view sexuality in society.</p><br><p>Today's guest, Laura Lammasniemi, professor at Warwick School of Law, takes us back in time to explore the many ways these laws have changed, and why they have just as much relevance now as they ever have done.</p><br><p>How did Medieval England interpret ideas of consent? Which Victorian scandal led to consent laws we keep in place today? And why have girls consent laws historically differed from boys?</p><br><p>Let's go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Given that the medieval period covers the best part of 1000 years, there's a fair amount of sexual myth and beliefs to get through.</p><br><p>How kinky were people in those times? Was the chastity belt just a Victorian myth? And did women really put live fish into their vaginas and then feed them to their husbands?</p><br><p>All of these questions and more will be answered in today's episode of Betwixt the Sheets, which is from a conversation Kate had with Eleanor Janega recently over on History Hit's Gone Medieval podcast.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Siobhan Dale and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>"I came. I saw. I conquered".</p><br><p>Perhaps <em>the</em> most famous Julius Caesar quote of all time. But after hearing all about his bedroom antics, it takes on a slightly...different meaning.</p><br><p>From Cleopatra, to his three wives, to male lovers, to mistresses - Julius Caesar definitely slept his way round Rome.</p><br><p>Today Kate is Betwixt the Ancient Roman Sheets with Emma Southon, to find out all about his rampant sex life.</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>It's a credit to the resilience of the gay community that when society tried to outlaw and silence them, they just created a language of their own to keep conversation (and gossip) alive. </p><br><p>The language, polari, was born out of prejudice, and while it's now classified as endangered, many of its words are still used by us today.</p><br><p>What were its many origins? When was it at its peak? And why did some of the gay community eventually start to turn its back on it?</p><br><p>Kate's joined by Paul Baker, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fabulosa-Polari-Britains-Secret-Language/dp/178914132X" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Fabulosa!: The Story of Polari, Britain's Secret Gay Language</em></a>, to find out more.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy, and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>From Catherine Howard’s affairs whilst she was with Henry VIII, to Charles II’s mistress staging a lesbian wedding as part of a threesome… Hampton Court has seen it all. </p><br><p>Today’s guest is Gareth Russell, historian and author of <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-palace/gareth-russell/9780008436988" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of History at Hampton Court</em></a>, to explore a selection of the sex and scandal that’s taken place there at the hands of its royal residents. </p><br><p>Who were some of the most popular and powerful mistresses to live there? What was Catherine Howard’s downfall with Henry VIII? Why was it more beneficial for James I to have mail mistresses? </p><br><p>Let’s go Betwixt the Sheets to find out. </p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>As taboos go, sex between two consenting adults should not be up there as one of them.</p><br><p>And yet! When we talk about sex in old age many people have an awkward reaction to it. Ask yourself this - is there an age when you intend on stop having sex?</p><br><p>Joining Kate today is senior sex author and advocate of ageless sexuality, Joan Price, to tackle the myths and challenges that come with sex as you get older, and explore how this has been depicted historically.</p><br><p>For more information on Joan’s work, visit her website <a href="https://joanprice.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith and the senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>From tip-off letters about the gun powder plot to village quarrels that lead to jail time - today we’re going Betwixt the Sheets to find out about the history of hate mail. </p><br><p>Joining Kate is Dr. Emily Cockayne, author of <em>Penning Poison</em> and consultant on the forthcoming film <em>Wicked Little Letters</em>, starring Olivia Coleman, based on a famous case of anonymous letters from the early 20th century. </p><br><p>This episode was edited by Stuart Beckwith and produced by Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe.</a></p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Holywell Street, just off London's Fleet Street, was the hidden epicentre of Victorian pornography.</p><br><p>The Daily Telegraph described it as "the vilest street in the civilised world," so naturally, we wanted to know all of the smutty details.</p><br><p>Joining Kate to take us into this hidden world is Dr. Matthew Green, author of Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain.</p><br><p>What does this tell us about Victorian society as a whole? What went on upstairs in these shady bookshops? And what were some of the most popular titles of the period? Let's go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale and producer by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a> </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Why did Cleopatra soak the sails of her ship in jasmine? How did Queen Elizabeth smell? And why was perfume an essential tool of power for women across history? </p><br><p>Whilst it’s hard to research the history of something that leaves no physical trace, we actually know a great deal about how some of the most iconic women in history would have smelt. </p><br><p>Joining Kate to evoke these scents and what they stood for is award-winning fragrance journalist Suzy Nightingale.</p><br><p>Here are the perfumes listed in the episode:</p><br><p><strong><em>Cleopatra: The Merchant of Venice Queen of the Night</em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>Joan of Arc: Histoire de Parfums Encens Roi</em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>Elizabeth I: Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady</em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>Jane Austen: Commodity Book (Personal strength) </em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>Cora Pearl: Robert Piguet Fracas </em></strong></p><br><p>This episode is edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a> </p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>When sex between two humans can be many things, how do we define bestiality - that is, sex between a human and a non-human? </p><br><p>Especially when the farming industry relies on certain sex acts on animals - or ‘animal husbandry’ to use the correct term - to function. </p><br><p>These are an uncomfortable but important question, and we’re joined by academic Joanne Bourke, author of <em>Loving Animals: On Bestiality, Zoophilia and Post-Human Love, </em>to discuss these topics and more. </p><br><p>This podcast was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer is Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt the Sheets please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Today we’re looking into self sacrifice in ancient India. Why did people do it? How did people think about death and the afterlife? Who were the gods people would sacrifice themselves for? And why would a widow sacrifice herself by sitting on top of her dead husband's funeral pyre? </p><br><p>Kate is Betwixt the Sheets with Mary Storm to find out all about it.</p><br><p>You can find out more about Mary’s work <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/43489798" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://%20https//www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here.</u></a> It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>This podcast was produced by Charlotte Long and mixed by Siobhan Dale.</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Many people claim sex work to be the oldest profession, but we can likely put that down to being midwifery or medical professionals of some sort.</p><br><p>However, since money has changed hands, it has also done so for sex.</p><br><p>In today's episode of Betwixt the Sheets we're going back to a conversation I had with Dan Snow on <em>Dan Snow's History Hit</em>,</p><br><p>How have attitudes to those who sell sex changed through history? What might you find in a Roman brothel? And were the Victorians really as prudish as we think them to be?</p><br><p>This podcast was edited by Dougal Patmore and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT.</p><br><p>Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe.</a></p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a></p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What scares you? Some of humankind’s most common fears and phobias include fear of heights, flying, spiders, snakes, injections, germs, public speaking and….death.</p><br><p>When you think about it…fear, and the panic it produces ,has long been driving forces — perhaps the driving force — of world history: fear of God, of famine, war, disease, poverty, and of other people. </p><br><p>So how did it shape history? Fear not Betwixters - Kate is joined Betwixt the Sheets by Robert Peckham to find out.</p><br><p>You can find out more about Robert’s book <a href="https://profilebooks.com/work/fear/#:~:text=Fear%20(Hardback)&text=In%20Fear%3A%20An%20Alternative%20History,a%20shadow%20history%20of%20fear." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a></p><br><p>This episode was produced by Charlotte Long and mixed by Tomos Delargy & Stuart Beckwith.</p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https:// https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a> It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p><br></p><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>BETWIXT</u></a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>historyhit.com/subscribe</u></a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Berlin in the early 1930s was a place of incredible liberation for its queer community. </p><br><p>There were over 100 gay clubs, and Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute for Sexual Science - the first sexology research centre in the world - developed pioneering gender assignment surgery. </p><br><p>Sadly, with the Nazis rising to power, dark days were to come. </p><br><p>What was it like for the gay community during this time? How did the Nazis react to a high ranking officer being openly gay and part of this community? And what was the legacy of Magnus Hirschfeld’s work?</p><br><p>In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Robert Beachy, historian and author of <em>Gay Berlin: Birthplace of a Modern Identity</em>, to find out. </p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT.</p><br><p>Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe.</a></p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Many of them pre-date modern religions and defy what science tells us about the world - from saluting magpies, to wearing lucky pants. Yet why do superstitions still have such a strong hold on our lives?</p><br><p>Today we’re joined by Sally Coulthard, author of <em>Superstition - the History of Common Folk Beliefs</em>, to find out the origins and meaning behind some of our most common ritualistic behaviours.</p><br><p>Why do we touch wood? And what does crossing our fingers say about the crossover between superstition and religion? Let’s go Betwixt the Sheets to find out.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale, and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT.</p><br><p>Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://historyhit.com/subscribe." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe.</a></p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The polyamory movement has a long and interesting history. It takes in Pilgrims meeting Native American Indians, Mormons having their take on it, and a modern version born from 60s counterculture and the civil rights movement.</p><br><p>But what beliefs underpin this lifestyle choice? And who are the figureheads who have defined it historically?</p><br><p>Today we’re joined by Glen Olsen, author of <em>50 Years of Polyamory in America</em>, to find out more.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale, and produced by senior producer Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. </p><br><p>Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey here: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>A good old smooch. It’s something that we do on a daily basis in one form or another (if we’re lucky), and yet have you ever stopped and wondered <em>why</em> we do it? </p><br><p>Wonder no more. </p><br><p>On today’s Betwixt the Sheets we’re joined by Emmy award-winning scientist and author of The Science of Kissing, Sheril Kirshenbaum, to find out answers to questions such as, why has the letter X has come to mean a kiss? What role has the colour of our lips played in our evolution? And why do men prefer kissing with more saliva? </p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards here: <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p><br><p>Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Most of us present ourselves with some form of cosmetic, so it’s strange that historically there’s been so much judgement around the use of it.</p><br><p>It’s something that’s been there from the Ancient world to the present day, and speaks to so much of the human experience.</p><br><p>Today we’re joined by Susan Stewart, author of Painted Faces - A Colourful History of Make-Up, to answer questions such as, how did religion shape beauty trends? What does make-up tell us about different social standings through time? And what were the effects of Queen Elizabeth’s lead-based face powders? Spoiler: it wasn’t the most beautiful result.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>You would think that a woman who was queen several times, commanded armies and was possibly the most powerful woman in medieval Europe would need no introduction…yet here we are.</p><br><p>On today’s show we’re joined by author and new co-host of the History Hit podcast Gone Medieval, Eleanor Janega, to learn more about this most badass medieval woman: Eleanor Aquitaine.</p><br><p>Did she really have an affair with her own uncle? What was her relationship with her cousin? And how did medieval society take to such a powerful and influential woman?</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale. The Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/receipt?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="http://historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p><br><p>You can take part in our listener survey <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6FFT7MK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>From the seaweed-strewn shores of Ancient China to the American army camps in the Middle East, lube has been on a long and slippery journey. </p><br><p>Wherever it’s been derived from, the history and importance of this substance is as fascinating as its ingredients. </p><br><p>What does its marketing tell us about our own prejudices? Did the Ancient Greeks really believe it was a contraceptive? And why is there such shame around the use of this wonderful product? Kate is joined by author Hallie Lieberman to find out. </p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code BETWIXT. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>We’re connected to the past in more ways than you might think. </p><br><p>For example, the 1861 Offences against the person Act is an abortion law that is still largely in place today. What does this Victorian law dictate? How does it still effect our lives today? And who were the brave pioneers who challenged it? </p><br><p>Today we’re joined by historian Lesley Hall to find out more about what abortion meant in the 19th century, and learn more about the contraceptive options available, too. </p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_source=promo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Barbie is many things: an astronaut, a robotics engineers, a judge, and now a movie star! But can she be considered a feminist icon? </p><br><p>For a toy with such incredible appeal around the world, especially to young children, it’s an important question to ask. </p><br><p>Today we’re joined by Lenore Wright, author of <em>Athena to Barbie: Bodies, Archetypes, and Women’s Search For Self</em>, to find out what this global icon really represents. </p><br><p>This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_source=promo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>One thing royal families strive for is the common touch. Whilst some have struggled with it, King James IV and V in the 15th and 16th centuries excelled in it. </p><br><p>It could be said, however, they took the term ‘common touch’ too literally, as it wasn’t uncommon for them to have sexual liaisons with their subjects. </p><br><p>Who were some of the women they had their many affairs with? And what does this tell us about how liberal life north of the border was back then? Today we’re joined by author Linda Porter, to find out. </p><br><p>This episode was edited by Siobhan Dale, and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?utm_campaign=Podcast&utm_source=promo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.</p><br><p><br></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The world of tennis in the 1940s wasn't made for someone of Althea Gibson's background.</p><br><p>She was the descendent of slaves, and grew up in South Carolina with the nearest tennis courts available to an African American at that time being hundreds of miles away.</p><br><p>How did Althea Gibson go on to become the first African American to win a Grand Slam title? What challenges did she face on and off the court? And what's her legacy today?</p><br><p>Kate is joined by Ashley Brown, author of <em>Serving Herself: The Life and Times of Althea Gibson</em>, to find out.</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Stuart Beckwith, and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.</p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>When we think of the biggest pop icons of all time, we might reach for Madonna, Elvis, or yes, even Michael Jackson. </p><br><p>One name that’s not thrown into the pot is Mozart. But why? His music was undoubtedly the pop music of his day, and as we’ll find out today, he had all the stardom and groupies of anyone in the modern day. </p><br><p>Joining us is Judith Grohmann, author of <em>The Real Mozart: The Original King of Pop</em>, to provide answers to questions such as what was he really like as a person? What influence did his relationship with his father have? And why did he write a song about eating excrement?!</p><br><p>This episode was edited by Tom Delargy, and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long. </p><br><p>If you're enjoying Betwixt please vote for us at the British Podcast Awards <a href="https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. It would mean the world to us!</p><br><p>Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Kate Lister, Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Mary Beard and more.</p><br><p>Get 50% off your first 3 months with code <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?code=betwixt&plan=monthly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BETWIXT</a>. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribe.</p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>