Podcast Episodes

The Truth About Roald Dahl

Episode 374

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 h…

Published on 4 hours ago

Sex and Scandal of Medieval Royals

Episode 373

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 th…

Published on 4 days, 4 hours ago

The Truth About Vincent Van Gogh

Episode 372

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 Ha…

Published on 1 week ago

Who was the Husband Poisoner of Renaissance Italy?

Episode 371

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 T…

Published on 1 week, 4 days ago

The Truth About Mary Shelley

Episode 370

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 virginit…

Published on 2 weeks ago

Inside the Icelandic Witch Trials

Episode 369

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 …

Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago

How Bloody Was 'Bloody Mary'?

Episode 368

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 'Blo…

Published on 3 weeks ago

How To Fake Virginity

Episode 367

Why, just why, would one put a leech up their .. you know where? It's all in the name of virginity, or the faking of it.

Kate is joined by Dr Julia Martins to find out why virginity was so necessary t…

Published on 3 weeks, 4 days ago

Inside Concentration Camp Brothels

Episode 366

Even among Holocaust researchers, this subject is taboo. Starting in 1942, the Nazis set up brothels inside some of the camps, not for the guards, but for the prisoners.

What was the point of these br…

Published on 4 weeks ago

Wife-Swapping Magician of the Tudor Court

Episode 365

The 16th century was a dangerous time to be talking about magic and hidden forces, so how did John Dee end up being invited into Elizabeth I's court?

He was an astronomer, occultist and alchemist who …

Published on 1 month ago