Podcast Episodes

History's Worst F*ckboys: Raphael

Episode 354

The Renaissance is known for its heady combination of sex, art and exciting new ideas about the world.

Was Raphael, one of the superstar painters of the period, a Renaissance top shagger? Were sex wor…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

Alexander the Great's Mummy Issues: Olympias

Episode 353

They say behind every great man is a great woman. In this episode, we meet the woman behind Alexander the Great's success. From securing his status, to influencing his succession, Olympias was a forc…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

History's Worst F*ckboys: Charles II

Episode 352

Our mini-series exploring the worst f*ckboys in history is back!

In today's episode, Kate is joined by Dr. David Taylor of Oxford University to get to know the so-called Merry Monarch and the many wom…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Shag, Marry, Kill: Roman Emperor Edition

Episode 351

Which would be better for a fling, which would you not touch with a barge pole, and which is marriage material? There's only one way to find out.

This episode was edited by Tim Arstall and produced by…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Origins of Virginity

Episode 350

From luring in unicorns to protecting the Roman Empire, myths have surrounded virginity for centuries. But is virginity itself a myth?

In this episode from the archive, Kate speaks to Anke Bernau abou…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

How Hot Was Henry VIII?

Episode 349

With SIX wives, Henry VIII must have had something going for him, right? Was he handsome? Charming? Intelligent? Just plain powerful?

In this episode, Kate is joined by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, ho…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

The Real Virgin Mary

Episode 348

Why has the idea of the Virgin Mary’s virginity been 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 to…

Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago

How Wild Were The Last Days Of Rome?

Episode 347

As Rome fell, was it really non-stop orgies and parties?

That's become a popular connotation, and in today's episode Kate is joined by historian and friend of the show Emma Southon (https://www.emmaso…

Published on 3 months ago

The Strangest Tudor & Stuart Aphrodisiacs

Episode 346

Forget oysters, have you tried eating sparrows with a side of phallic vegetables to stir your lust?!

Getting in the mood isn’t just a modern preoccupation, but the reasons behind it have definitely ch…

Published on 3 months ago

Did Henry VI Have A Sex Coach?

Episode 345

Henry VI didn't fit the medieval image of masculinity, or that much of a king, either.

Who gave sex education to someone of this stature? How did his controversial marriage to the French Margaret of A…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago