Podcasts about Betwixt

The 17th century witch trials in Scotland were many and they were brutal.Amongst the many people tried for being a witch, one woman's confessions stood out for being the most scandalous across all of Europe: Isobel Gowdie.What made Isobel confess to having sex with the devil? What are the details of what she said? And what was happening in Scotland to create such a fear of witches?Joining Kate today is author and witch historian Mary Craig, to help Kate find out more about this woman.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome one and all to what might be almost Spring...but not quite!! On this episode, Scarlet and Blackbird continue their journey into a land of their own creation (with the help of much art, history, astrology, etc!) and discuss what could possibly be the card that would go in between the Strength card and the Hermit.  Join the witches as they go through the many possibilities for this card (it might just be Scarlet's favorite.)  Scarlet has added to her Spreadsheet o' Plenty, so please join with a snack or a drink, and enjoy the back and forth about this new card!  

By the age of 30, George Sand's literary career was soaring. She was internationally renowned, outselling Victor Hugo in English. So why is she now better known for wearing mens clothes and having a relationship with Chopin?In this episode, Kate is joined once again by Fiona Sampson to meet the woman behind the name. Who was Aurore Dupin? Why did she dress in men's clothes? And why have her literary achievements been overwritten in the history books by her personal life?Fiona's book on this is 'Becoming George: The invention of George Sand'.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennie L Spohr reads from her reformation era court romance, HEIRS AND SPARES. She talks about why she wrote two versions of each book in this series (one closed door, one open door), how her degree in theology inspired her plots, and writing a romance trilogy about a single couple.   00:33 Meet Jennie L Spohr: Bestselling Author 01:30 Reading from 'Heirs and Spares' 14:28 The Concept of Dual Versions: Spicy and Closed Door 19:44 Crafting a Historical Romance Series 22:48 The Intersection of Theology and Romance Writing 27:51 Love It or Leave It: Romance Rules 32:06 Conclusion and Farewell   Find out more about Jennie L Spohr: https://jennielspohr.com/   HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh  Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler)    Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor)  Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

If people are still talking about your divorce and rumoured penis related issues 500 years later, it's safe to say you've had a bad break up.For the final episode in our Worst Breakups series, we're heading back to Renaissance Rome to meet Lucrezia Borgia, the daughter of history's naughtiest pope, and her first husband, Giovanni Sforza, in a story that ended mired in controversy over incest and impotence.For this episode, Kate is joined by Catherine Fletcher, author of ‘The Beauty and the Terror', ‘The Black Prince of Florence' and ‘Our Man in Rome: The Divorce of Henry VIII'.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daily Morning Prayer (2/23/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 110-113; Deuteronomy 3; Luke 6; Metrical Psalm 38:1-14, and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies1 Thy chast'ning wrath, O Lord, restrain, though I deserve it all; Nor let at once on me the storm of thy displeasure fall. 2 In ev'ry wretched part of me thy arrows deep remain; Thy heavy hand's afflicting weight I can no more sustain. 3 My flesh is one continued wound, thy wrath so fiercely glows, Betwixt my punishment and guilt my bones have no repose. 4 My sins, that to a deluge swell, my sinking head o'erflow, And for my feeble strength to bear too vast a burden grow.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (2/23/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 114-115; Deuteronomy 4; Galatians 6; Metrical Psalm 38:3-8, and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies3 My flesh is one continued wound, thy wrath so fiercely glows, Betwixt my punishment and guilt my bones have no repose. 4 My sins, that to a deluge swell, my sinking head o'erflow, And for my feeble strength to bear too vast a burden grow. 5 Stench and corruption fill my wounds, my folly's just return; 6 With trouble I am warped and bowed, and all day long I mourn. 7 A loathed disease afflicts my loins, infecting ev'ry part; 8 With sickness worn, I groan and roar, through anguish of my heart.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Morning Prayer (2/23/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 110-113; Deuteronomy 3; Luke 6; Metrical Psalm 38:1-14, and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies1 Thy chast'ning wrath, O Lord, restrain, though I deserve it all; Nor let at once on me the storm of thy displeasure fall. 2 In ev'ry wretched part of me thy arrows deep remain; Thy heavy hand's afflicting weight I can no more sustain. 3 My flesh is one continued wound, thy wrath so fiercely glows, Betwixt my punishment and guilt my bones have no repose. 4 My sins, that to a deluge swell, my sinking head o'erflow, And for my feeble strength to bear too vast a burden grow.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Daily Evening Prayer (2/23/26) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 114-115; Deuteronomy 4; Galatians 6; Metrical Psalm 38:3-8, and a brief reading from the Books of Homilies3 My flesh is one continued wound, thy wrath so fiercely glows, Betwixt my punishment and guilt my bones have no repose. 4 My sins, that to a deluge swell, my sinking head o'erflow, And for my feeble strength to bear too vast a burden grow. 5 Stench and corruption fill my wounds, my folly's just return; 6 With trouble I am warped and bowed, and all day long I mourn. 7 A loathed disease afflicts my loins, infecting ev'ry part; 8 With sickness worn, I groan and roar, through anguish of my heart.If you find this ministry edifying, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular contributor here: https://trinityconnersville.com/give/To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/

Neither woman expected to rule, but Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici became two of the most powerful women in Europe.Was their relationship a fierce rivalry or something more respectful? And how did they navigate the Mary Queen of Scots crisis?Joining Kate today is the fantastic historian and author Estelle Paranque to help us get to know these two women.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 'bad boy' of Austrian art meets the 'loveliest girl in Vienna', what could possibly go wrong? Why did artist Oskar Kokoschka commission a life sized doll of his ex lover, Alma Mahler? And why did that doll end up beheaded in his back garden?Kate is joined by Caitlin Hoerr, art historian and writer who is currently Chief of Staff and Board Liaison at The Phillips Collection in Washington DC.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frida Kahlo is an icon of art, feminism and... eyebrows.Her art and imagery has entered into the mainstream like few artists have, and her life was as colourful and challenging as her creations.She lived through revolutions, crippling accidents and illness, had a complicated marriage (to say the least) and many lovers.Who was the woman behind all of this?Joining Kate is Professor Patience Schell, Chair in Hispanic Studies at the University of Aberdeen, to help us get to know her.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He had at least 14 known mistresses and a hoard of illegitimate children; Charles II's private life was as politically charged as it was scandalous. He presided over the Restoration court, a world of excess, intrigue, gambling, gossip and a lot of sex. Dan is joined by the host of the Betwixt the Sheets podcast, Dr Kate Lister, to explore the salacious side of Restoration England and examine how power, pleasure, and reputation collided at court.A warning that this episode isn't suitable for children! Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore.You can learn more about Nell Gwynn from Kate in her TV documentary on the History Hit website: sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe to watchDan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sending a lock of hair to your lover has fallen a little out of fashion. Sending a lock of pubic hair to your ex-lover ... well, we aren't sure that was ever in fashion.This is just one of the things that Lady Caroline Lamb is alleged to have done when her heart was broken by Lord Byron.For this episode, Kate is joined by Professor Paul Douglass to discuss the affair between Byron and Lamb, how it ended, and whether Lamb has been unfairly treated in the telling of this story.Paul is Professor Emeritus of English and American Literature at San Jose State University, and the author and editor of ‘Lady Caroline Lamb: A Biography' and a selection of Lady Caroline Lamb's letters, ‘The Whole Disgraceful Truth'.This episode was edited by Hannah Feoderov. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wuthering Heights is a story full of passion, violence and sexual tension.So it's no surprise that it shocked Victorian readers when it first came out. How did Emily Brontë, the daughter of a clergyman, create such a provocative world? How did the Brontê sisters write about sex and sexuality in their work? And how accurate is the new film to the original story?!Joining Kate today is Dr Claire O'Callaghan, author and Brontë scholar, to take us back to Victorian England at the peak of the Industrial Revolution, and find out more about this scandalous story.For tickets to the live show of Betwixt the Sheets in May, follow the link here https://www.fane.co.uk/betwixt-the-sheets This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a brand new mini-series on Betwixt the Sheets, where our host, Dr Kate Lister, takes you through the most catastrophic breakups in history.We're starting with one that our guest, author and historian Gareth Russell, calls "the most important breakup in British history by a country mile."Find out the ins and outs of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon's breakup, including all the awful gossipy details.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The witches hope that everyone is beginning to thaw out, and are wishing everyone an Imbolc to remember!  A new beginning is around the corner, even though it doesn't feel like it for some of us - brrr, remove us from this deep freeze!  But with the celebration of the full moon, what better cards to contemplate than those that deal with the very nature of change?  Scarlet and Blackbird pose thought-provoking questions to each other and to you, dear listeners.  What could be the midpoint in between these two cards?  As has been customary in this series, the witches are loving the sharing of ideas and collaboration, and are excited to share these with you.  Enjoy and thank you for listening! 

They say people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. The Victorians might have done well to live by that rule.For all of the dirt that the Victorians threw at other eras, suggesting that all those who came before them were filthy, they weren't that clean themselves.Lee Jackson joins Kate for this final episode of our filthy series to talk toilets and more. Lee is the author of ‘Dirty Old London', ‘Palaces of Pleasure' and ‘Dickensland: The Curious History of Dickens's London'This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin in the 18th century was a wealthy colonial capitol, but only for a select few.Amongst this hugely divided and politically charged world was the infamous sex worker Peg Plunkett, who counted some of society's most well to-do as her clients.What was life like for most people in the Empire's 'second city' at this time? Did she really flirt with royalty? And what scandals did she get wrapped up in?Joining Kate today is historian, author and co-host of our sister podcast After Dark, Anthony Delaney, to help us get to know this fascinating woman.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello Winterlings!  This episode was super fun for Scarlet and Blackbird, as they already had an idea of where this one was headed... it had to be ECLIPSE!  While the symbols and art might have been very clear for Scarlet, your witch friends had to hash out what the meaning of this card could be.  Join them with your ears and please everyone, STAY SAFE AND WARM this weekend (also, if you wanted to do some hexing of a destructive and degenerate governmental agency that shares a name with a certain water formation, no one is stopping you!!)

The Renaissance, a period of transformation in art, learning, philosophy and science that brought us Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello (the artists, not the turtles). This era of the Early Modern period seems to have been tinted with reds and golds, it all sounds very classy ... but how filthy was it?Kate is joined once again by Dr Julia Martins to explore how Early Modern people washed, how they got rid of their waste, and how dangerous some of their methods were.Julia can be found at juliamartins.co.ukThis episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been estimated that between eight and twelve percent of soldiers in contracted a venereal disease during the American Civil War. What on earth were they up to?Kathryn Olivarius is a Professor at Stanford. She joins Kate to discuss syphilis, why it spread so far during the war and how it's impact continued after the war ended.Kathryn is the author of 'Necropolis: Disease, Power, and Capitalism in the Cotton Kingdom'.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there's one sure way to irritate an historian of the Medieval period, it's to ask why the people of the Middle Ages didn't wash.In this episode, we did just that with Dr Eleanor Janega. Kate and Eleanor get into whether there really was poo everywhere, how the Victorians ruined the Medieval reputation, and what they were actually up to at the public baths.Eleanor co-hosts our sister podcast Gone Medieval and is the author of 'The Once And Future Sex'.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The witches are so excited and are on a roll (is two a roll?) with this new series!  On this episode, Scarlet and Blackbird ponder the shared aspects of two more major arcana cards - The Hanged Man and Death.  Could these shared qualities lead to the meaning of the between card, or will it be more of a vibe, a moment in time, a transition?  Join the ladies to find out where this conversation takes them.  Also, not to brag, but Scarlet gives you some red hot tips for (insert latest slang for "really great") mac & chee.  Snuggle up, grab that comfort snack/blanket/friend and listen!  

For over a century, a series of gruesome murders have gone unsolved. Until now?The Thames Torso Killer terrified Victorian Londoners by dismembering their victims and scattering their body parts along the River Thames. Kate is joined by Lucy Worsley in this episode to discuss their investigation into the Thames Torso Killer for 'Lucy Worsley's Victorian Murder Club'. They discuss how the killer evaded discovery, and how their crimes were presented by the press.Watch Lucy Worsley's Victorian Murder Club on BBC Two to see Kate, Lucy and a host of other experts including Sarah Bax Horton, Samantha Lundrigan and Marie Cassidy. All episodes from the series now available on BBC iPlayer.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lead in eyes, scented animal fat melting over wigs, teen circumcision - the Ancient Egyptians went to great lengths for beauty and hygiene. So how clean were they, and how has the colonial perspective impacted history's view of them?To find out, Kate is joined once again by Manchester Museum's Campbell Price.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being single in 2025 is a major disadvantage, so what was it like as a single woman in the Medieval period?!Joining Kate today is the always-fantastic Eleanor Janega, author and co-host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval.How common was it to be single in this period? What kind of life could you hope to have? And why would both Kate and Eleanor have been looked at suspiciously in the medieval period?This podcast was edited by Nick Thomson and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some of the key remnants of the Roman Empire are their public baths - huge complexes, multiple different rooms, the basis of many of our modern spas. But were the Romans clean?How regularly did they wash? Were they really using urine to wash clothes? And what's this about a communal wiping stick?Kate is joined by the wonderful Alexander Meddings for the first episode in a series where we are trying to find out just how smelly people were in history. Alex is a Rome-based historian and tour guide. Find out more about his work here: https://alexandermeddings.com/ This episode was edited by Nick Thomson. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a bit of interest around Shakespeare at the minute - can we call this the Paul Mescal effect?The Bard's work featured many references to sex and sexuality - some more obvious than others. But what does the work reveal about the sexuality of Shakespeare himself?Despite being married with three kids to Anne Hathaway in the sleepy suburbs of Stratford-upon-Avon, there's much to suggest he lived a more extravagant life during his visits to London.Joining Kate today is author of The Life of the Author: William Shakespeare, Anna Beer, to unpick the hints and clues to the playwright's sexuality that lay within his work.This episode was edited by Tomos Delargy. The producer was Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How 'mad, bad and dangerous to know' was Lord Byron really?We know the Romantic poet had a bit of a reputation, but how true was it? And how unusual would his behaviour have been?In this episode from our series on the worst f*ckboys in history, we're digging into Byron's relationships with Andrew Stauffer, President of the Byron Society of America, professor and chair of the Department of English at the University of Virginia, and author of 'Byron: A Life in Ten Letters'.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Love and Laughter under Moonlit Ice: A Christmas Betwixt Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-24-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De ijskristallen fonkelen in het maanlicht terwijl zachte kerstklokken door de lucht zweven.En: The ice crystals sparkle in the moonlight while gentle Christmas bells float through the air.Nl: De schaatsbaan, omgeven door eeuwenoude ruïnes, biedt een magisch decor voor de kerstviering van het dorp.En: The skating rink, surrounded by ancient ruins, provides a magical setting for the village's Christmas celebration.Nl: Kinderen lachen, volwassenen praten, en iedereen geniet van de feestelijke avond.En: Children laugh, adults chat, and everyone enjoys the festive evening.Nl: Bram staat aan de rand van de baan.En: Bram stands at the edge of the rink.Nl: Hij kijkt naar de schaatsers met een mix van bewondering en angst.En: He looks at the skaters with a mix of admiration and fear.Nl: Hij wil deel uitmaken van de vreugdevolle chaos, maar zijn voeten voelen als lood.En: He wants to be part of the joyful chaos, but his feet feel like lead.Nl: "Wat als ik val?"En: "What if I fall?"Nl: denkt hij bij zichzelf.En: he thinks to himself.Nl: Sanne, met haar warme, vriendelijke glimlach, ziet hem en besluit dat vanavond de avond is om haar kans te wagen.En: Sanne, with her warm, friendly smile, sees him and decides that tonight is the night to take her chance.Nl: "Hee, Bram!"En: "Hey, Bram!"Nl: roept ze vrolijk terwijl ze naar hem toe glijdt.En: she calls cheerfully as she glides over to him.Nl: "Kom je de baan op?"En: "Are you coming onto the rink?"Nl: Haar ogen stralen, en Bram voelt zijn wangen rood worden.En: Her eyes shine, and Bram feels his cheeks turn red.Nl: "Ik weet niet of dat een goed idee is," mompelt hij, terwijl hij naar zijn versleten schoenen kijkt.En: "I'm not sure that's a good idea," he mumbles, looking down at his worn-out shoes.Nl: Ondertussen trekt Joris, de beste schaatser van het dorp, de aandacht met indrukwekkende pirouettes en sprongen.En: Meanwhile, Joris, the best skater in the village, draws attention with impressive pirouettes and jumps.Nl: Iedereen klapt en juicht, maar Joris merkt Bram aan de kant.En: Everyone claps and cheers, but Joris notices Bram on the side.Nl: Met een knipoog richt hij zich tot hem.En: With a wink, he directs himself to him.Nl: "Kom op, Bram!En: "Come on, Bram!Nl: Doe mee!"En: Join in!"Nl: zegt Joris uitdagend.En: says Joris challengingly.Nl: Bram aarzelt.En: Bram hesitates.Nl: Hij wil niet afgaan, maar de aanmoedigingen maken dat zijn hart sneller klopt.En: He doesn't want to mess up, but the encouragement makes his heart race.Nl: Sanne legt haar hand op zijn arm.En: Sanne places her hand on his arm.Nl: "Ik ben hier om je te helpen," glimlacht ze oprecht.En: "I'm here to help you," she smiles sincerely.Nl: "We kunnen samen schaatsen."En: "We can skate together."Nl: Dit is het moment van de waarheid.En: This is the moment of truth.Nl: Bram verzamelt zijn moed en knikt.En: Bram gathers his courage and nods.Nl: Langzaam schuifelt hij met Sanne de baan op.En: Slowly, he shuffles onto the rink with Sanne.Nl: De kou prikt in zijn wangen, maar haar zachtheid sterkt hem.En: The cold nips at his cheeks, but her gentleness strengthens him.Nl: Samen glijden ze over het ijs, stap voor stap, terwijl de ruïnes boven hen de tijdloze schoonheid van de avond versterken.En: Together, they glide over the ice, step by step, while the ruins above them enhance the timeless beauty of the evening.Nl: Even verderop start Joris een nieuwe set met gewaagde moves.En: A bit further away, Joris begins a new set with daring moves.Nl: Hij geniet totdat hij zijn evenwicht verliest en bijna valt.En: He enjoys himself until he loses his balance and almost falls.Nl: Er klinkt een gesmoord gelach en opluchting wanneer hij zich herstelt.En: There is stifled laughter and relief when he recovers.Nl: Deze hachelijke situatie zorgt voor een moment van gezamenlijke schok, en daarna breekt er gejuich los.En: This precarious situation creates a moment of shared shock, and then applause breaks out.Nl: Bram, inmiddels wat zelfverzekerder, lacht luidop.En: Bram, now a bit more confident, laughs out loud.Nl: Er ontstaat een nieuwe dynamiek tussen de drie.En: A new dynamic emerges between the three.Nl: Joris, die inziet dat zijn competitiespel een beetje te veel was, komt naar hen toe en biedt zijn hand.En: Joris, realizing his competitive play was a bit much, comes over to them and offers his hand.Nl: "Zullen we het samen proberen?"En: "Shall we try together?"Nl: vraagt hij vriendelijkheid in zijn stem.En: he asks with kindness in his voice.Nl: Bram glimlacht en accepteert de uitnodiging.En: Bram smiles and accepts the invitation.Nl: Sanne ziet haar kans en nodigt hen uit om samen een rondje te maken.En: Sanne seizes her opportunity and invites them to take a lap together.Nl: Terwijl ze met zijn drieën glijden, genieten ze van de kameraadschap die meer voldoening geeft dan welke individuele prestatie dan ook.En: As they glide as a trio, they enjoy the camaraderie that provides more satisfaction than any individual achievement.Nl: De avond eindigt met warme chocolademelk en koekjes.En: The evening ends with hot chocolate and cookies.Nl: Bram, die zijn aanvankelijke angst heeft overwonnen, deelt verhalen met zijn nieuwe vrienden.En: Bram, having overcome his initial fear, shares stories with his new friends.Nl: Sanne voelt zich dichterbij hem dan ooit en is blij dat haar inspanningen vrucht hebben gedragen.En: Sanne feels closer to him than ever and is glad that her efforts have paid off.Nl: Joris voegt zich bij de groep met een ontspannen glimlach, tevreden met de nieuwe vriendschap die voor hem belangrijker is dan persoonlijk aanzien.En: Joris joins the group with a relaxed smile, pleased with the new friendship that is more important to him than personal prestige.Nl: Samen lachen ze nog na over de avonturen op het ijs, onder de betoverende sterrenhemel van hun kleine, hechte dorp.En: Together, they continue to laugh about the adventures on the ice, under the enchanting starry sky of their small, close-knit village. Vocabulary Words:crystals: ijskristallensparkle: fonkelenancient: eeuwenouderuins: ruïnesadmiration: bewonderinglead: loodmumbles: mompeltworn-out: versletenpirouettes: pirouettesattention: aandachtwinks: knipoogchallengingly: uitdagendhesitates: aarzeltencouragement: aanmoedigingensincerely: oprechttruth: waarheidgathers: verzameltcourage: moedshuffles: schuifeltgentleness: zachtheidstrengthens: sterktdaring: gewaagdebalance: evenwichtstifled: gesmoordprecarious: hachelijkecamaraderie: kameraadschapsatisfaction: voldoeningendeavors: inspanningenenchanted: betoverendeprestige: aanzien

On this episode, Scarlet and Blackbird feel like it's been awhile since you've been given a good series from them, so hey, they are DOING IT!  Scarlet's fever brain has come up with a glorious concoction of "what ifs" this week, and just in time for the holiday food coma you will be enjoying.  The witches discuss what a card would look like in between these two major arcana characters...a little bit of mystery, a little bit of abundance, but the possibilities are really fun to consider.  So please, wear all your new clothes so the Icelandic Christmas Monster Cat does not eat you, but also, pull up next to the fire and listen!  Hope the new year finds us all well and safe.  

With Christmas around the corner and everything being oh-so wholesome, we thought we would offer an episode from the archives of something not-so wholesome: a history of porn.What did porn look like before the internet? Who was it for? And how has it changed since?In this episode, Kate chats to Kathleen Lubey, a professor at St. John's University and specialist in eighteenth-century literature.Kathleen talks us through the history of pornography… that is, the type of history that can't be deleted.Produced by Charlotte Long and Sophie Gee. Mixed by Anisha Deva.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite virginity being a myth, why has Mary's virginity been considered so important?What does this tell us about the relationship between Christianity and sex? And what else do we know about this woman?Joining Kate today to help her get to know more about Mary, her life and its influence is author and historian Sir Diarmaid Macculloch.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the one we've all been waiting for!The Oedipus Complex; the oral, anal and phallic stages; penis envy; psychoanalysis - we've all heard of Sigmund Freud's work. But who was he?What did Freud really think about sex and sexuality? What was his own sex life like? And finally, why do we owe so much of today's understandings of psychology to a woman called Anna O?Kate is joined by Carolyn Laubender, Head of the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex. Her previous book is 'The Political Clinic: Psychoanalysis and Social Change in the Twentieth Century'.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can't move for people talking about the Roman Empire or the British Empire, but what about the Ottoman Empire?It spanned a huge period of time and at the heart of it was the Royal harem: enslaved women who lived in closed-off servitude to the Sultan.Peaking in the 17th century, who were these women? What were their lives like inside the palace? And why have westerners been particularly fascinated by this part of history?Joining Kate today is Dr Michael Talbot, Professor in the History of the Ottoman Empire and Modern Middle East at University of Greenwich, to help us find out.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever heard of Margaret Beaufort? Probably not. But whilst her name has been overshadowed by those of her son, grandson and great-grandchildren, her impact on history remains.Lauren Johnson joins Kate for this episode to explain how this woman put the Tudors on the throne. Why was she married aged 12? How did she use marriage to her advantage? And was she as manipulative as she has been portrayed?Lauren's new book is ‘Margaret Beaufort: Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker'.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did the Ancient Egyptians think about sex? Is there any truth to a rumoured royal sex scandal? What did they think of same-sex relationships?In today's episode, Kate's joined by the fantastic historian and author Dr Campbell Price to go back thousands of years to the always-fascinating world of Ancient Egypt.Find out why the Victorians sexualised the Ancient Egyptians, what an Ancient Egyptian mummy smells of, and what the first recorded chat-up line in history is!*TW: This episode includes references to sexual assault*This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myths are incredibly powerful, especially when it comes to creating nations.Why are mythical women so central to how we think about our nations? When women had so little power in creating them in the first place.Joining Kate to explore these fascinating and important ideas today is the fantastic author and historian Dr Janina Ramirez.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who was Aphrodite? She's often thought of as a goddess of sexuality, but there's so much more to this woman.Which ancient civilisation was she created by? How did the early Christians react to her overt sexuality? Was she ever thought of a sex worker?Joining Kate today is the fantastic author and historian Dr. Stephanie Budin, to introduce us to this fascinating goddess.*TW: This episode includes references to sexual assault*This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mitfords could rank as the strangest family of the 20th century.Unity and Diana were passionate fascists who became obsessed with Adolf Hitler, while Jessica became a communist. Unity even became mates with Hitler and was in Germany as the war broke out.How did these aristocrats move in such controversial circles? What happened when the Second World War broke out? How did their stories end?Joining Kate today is the author and cartoonist, Mimi Pond, who has written a new book about the Mitford sisters.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She was 'the Other Boleyn Girl' - Anne's sister, Mary, who supposedly had an affair with King Henry VIII. Such drama!What evidence is there that the two got betwixt the sheets together? How likely was it?!Joining Kate today is the historian and author, Estelle Paranque, to get to the heart of the these rumours.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Twits, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda. Roald Dahl wrote some of the world's most loved children's books.But what do we know about the man himself? Was he really a spy? Was he a good husband? And why have some editions of his books been edited?Kate is joined by Rosie Gailor, who is on instagram as @rosieandroald.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Queen Isabella of France do to deserve the nickanem She-Wolf? What sex scandals happened in the 14th century? And why did the Black Death improve peoples' sex lives?!Joining Kate today is the fantastic author and historian, Helen Carr, to take us back to this time to find out.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

However you pronounce his name, one thing is for certain: Van Gogh made made his mark on the world.But how did he interact with the world around him? From his relationship with a sex worker in the Hague to his time at the asylum in the south of France.Joining Kate today is Teio Meedendorp, Senior Researcher at the Van Gogh Museum, to help us get to know this complex man better.*TW: This episode contains references to self harm and suicide.*This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Odourless, tasteless, colourless, lethal. In the mid-17th century, men were dropping like flies in Italy. And this wasn't just the plague - it was the work of the poison Aqua Tofana.So what is Aqua Tofana? And who was its apocryphal purveyor, Giulia Tofana? In this episode we are diving back to Renaissance Italy to learn more about a circle of women poisoners, and the men they chose to murder. How did they eventually get caught? What is their legacy?Kate is joined by Cathryn Kemp, author of historical novel, 'A Poisoner's Tale'.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frankenstein and his monster are household names - even if one is often confused for the other. But what of their creator?In this episode we are meeting Mary Shelley. Did she really lose her virginity on her mother's grave? Did she keep her husband's heart after his death? And where did the gothic novel 'Frankenstein' come from?Kate is joined by poet Fiona Sampson to explore Mary and her life. Fiona's biography of Mary Shelley is entitled ‘In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein'.This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by Sophie Gee. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Picture a witch. Chances are, you're thinking of a woman.But in 17th century Iceland, over 90% of the people killed for being a witch, were men.Why were more men being accused than women for being a witch? And what happened inside their trials?Today we're revisiting an episode from 2024 to take you back inside the Icelandic Witch Trials. Kate is joined by Dr. Ólína Kjerulf Þorvarðardóttir, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Bifröst.You can also watch Kate explore Icelandic witch trials further, in a brand new documentary for History Hit. Watch Witchmen: Witch Trials in the Land of Fire and Ice on HistoryHit.com, now. This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Mary I was Queen, no other woman had worn the crown of England.This made her a Tudor trailblazer, and a target.During her short reign she burned some 300+ people, earning her the nickname 'Bloody Mary'. Was this nickname justified or was it a case of bad press?Joining Kate today is the fantastic Anna Whitelock, historian and author of books including Mary Tudor: England's First Queen, to help us get to know this woman.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With six wives, Henry VIII must have had something going for him, right? Was he handsome? Charming? Intelligent? Just plain powerful? In this episode, the tables are turned on Professor Suzannah Lipscomb as she becomes the guest of Dr. Kate Lister on our sister podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. Together they discuss the vanity of Henry VIII, his sporting prowess, and his injuries. Listen to discover just how terrible this Tudor king smelt.MORE:Sex and the TudorsHenry VIII's Billionaire WardrobeHear more intimate stories that would make your history teacher blush, on Betwixt the Sheets: the History of Sex, Scandal and SocietyPresented by Dr. Kate Lister. Edited by Tim Arstall and Amy Haddow. The producers are Sophie Gee and Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.