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

The Aztec Empire might conjure up images of human sacrifice.

And whilst religious violence was part of their society, theirs was also a very egalitarian society where pleasure was valued and sexuality was an unashamed part of every day life...

What is the origin of the word fetish? How did the war play a part in shaping fetishwear? And what are some of the styles that are most enjoyed?

Kink and fetish scenes have been a part of society for years, and the clothing that participants wear is often very specific, and a key part of what makes them, well, effective. 

It’s a fascinating history, and to explain it to us is Frenchy Lunning, author of Fetish Style...

The word drag is synonymous with flamboyant, fun performances. But where does the term come from and what does it mean? 

This more modern story of playing with gender identity’s dates back to the 1870s, and it’s a history that takes in the wars, censorship and fears. Heaven forbid!

Taking us through this fascinating history of drag as we know it today is Jacob Bloomfield, author of Drag: A British History. 

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy...

King James I was a man whose sexuality was known by people in France, let alone (the newly formed) Britain of the early 17th century.

So it may come as no surprise that men, such as the handsome George Villiers, might use their sexuality to their advantage and gain status, money and power whilst romancing the king.

Helping Kate explore the sex and scandal of the Jacobean court is Anthony Delaney, historian and co-host of History Hit sister podcast After Dark...

We think we know the Vikings, but how well do we really know them?

From the insignia we think they wear, to the names they call themselves and the way they spoke to each other, there's a lot to uncover.

Joining Kate today is Dr. Caitlin Ellis, historian and Associate Professor at the University of Oslo, to take us back to this world and find out more.

This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long...

Of all the taboo topics covered on Betwixt the Sheets, this one might make you wince the most.

But it cannot be denied that poo and our management of it through history has massively shaped human civilisation...

We've been fascinated by royalty for hundreds of years, but what do we know about their sex lives? Quite a lot, it turns out.

Today we're revisiting an episode Kate recorded with bestselling author Eleanor Herman to find out about what it took to not just be a mistress of a royal, but keep competitors at bay, too.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and Matt Peaty. It was produced by Stuart Beckwith and Sophie Gee, the senior producer was Charlotte Long...

Whilst ballet is undoubtedly one of the most graceful and elegant art forms, it also has a long and dark history of sexual exploitation...

Abraham Lincoln is often thought of as the most loved president in America's history, but how much do we know about his personal life?

Furthermore, how much do we know about his sexuality, and the potential he might have been gay?

Joining Kate today are Callie Hawkins and Joan Cummins, who work at Lincoln Cottage, where he lived for over a quarter of his presidency...

This is the story of one of the most notorious women of the Ancient world.

Phrynne was a sex worker in the 4th century BC who came from an impoverished background to be one of the most talked about, and wealthiest, women in Greece...