Best Scandal Sheets Podcasts (2024)

1
What Made You Ugly In The Ancient World? 43:06

13m ago43:06

43:06

When we think about Greek and Roman beauty, we think of marble statues of huge men with tiny...feet. But what did it mean to be a beautiful woman? What role did their ideas of ugliness play in these ideas? And how did Christianity throw a curveball in all of this? Taking us back to this world is Caroline Vout, author of Exposed: The Greek and Roman…

1
“The Blair Witch Project” Is Resurrected For Its 25th Halloween 1:04:28

1d ago1:04:28

1:04:28

GREAT VIDEO VERSION: https://bit.ly/4fkIlNq “Scariest Movie Ever”? Time Magazine thought so in September of 1999. Hmmm…. Cinematic masterpiece? – or, let’s be honest – marketing masterpiece? Was it one of the greatest Tinseltown hoaxes in history? Or, brilliantly made by Alfred Hitchcock’s ghost? And let’s not forget, it was coronated with the holy…

1
Inside the Witch Trials: Salem | Fear In A New World 43:00

1d ago43:00

43:00

We often think of the witch trials as something in the deep and distant past. But, as we'll hear in today's episode, the attitudes and behaviour that led to witch trials is as present today as it was then. In this third and final episode of our limited series, Inside the Witch Trials, we go back to Salem, Massachusetts, to find out how colonialism,…

1
18th Century Dating: From Booty Calls to 'Bundling' 37:25

5d ago37:25

37:25

What was life like as a single person in the 18th century? What if you became pregnant out of wedlock? In today's episode, Kate talks to Angela Muir, author of Deviant MaternityIllegitimacy in Wales, c. 1680–1800, to find out what navigating single life was like for the lower classes: from strange dating customs such as 'bundling', to evidence we h…

1
Frankenstein: Creature With A Thousand Faces – Complete Episode 46:09

7d ago46:09

46:09

AMAZING VIDEO VERSION: https://bit.ly/3ND5SgN BOO! In celebration of Spooktober, we dare to dissect the body parts of the most popular horror story of all time – Frankenstein’s monster. We excavate its little known and shady origins, what accounts for its 200+ year longevity, as well as the tragic life of its teenage author, Mary Shelly. We are joi…

1
Inside the Witch Trials: Iceland | The Men Who Burned As Witches 32:35

10d ago32:35

32:35

When we think of the witch trials, we often think of women being charged. Whilst misogyny was at the heart of many of the witch trials, this isn't the full story. In this second episode of a limited series, Inside the Witch Trials, we go back to the the Westfjords of Iceland, to find out why it was mostly men, not women, who were burned at the stak…

1
040. What are ISA accounts in UK? 6:22

9d ago6:22

6:22

In this episode, we explore ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) and how they can help you save or invest tax-free. We'll break down the different types of ISAs—Cash, Stocks & Shares, Lifetime, and Innovative Finance—and discuss which one might be right for your financial goals. Whether you're saving for the future or looking to grow your investments…

1
Frankenstein: Creature With A Thousand Faces – Part 1 6:59

13d ago6:59

6:59

BOO! In celebration of Spooktober, we dare to dissect the most popular horror story of all time – Frankenstein’s monster. We excavate its little known and shady origins, what accounts for its 200+ year longevity, its reinterpretation over many generations, as well as the tragic life of its teenage author, Mary Shelly. Here in Part 1 we bring you on…

1
Nefertiti: The Greatest Ancient Egyptian Queen? 1:00:28

13d ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Ancient Egyptian rulers, incest, the Nazis and female empowerment, all in one episode! 'But how?' You say. 'What story could possibly bring all of these things together?' This is the story of Queen Nefertiti and her bust. Kate is joined by Joyce Tyldesley and Monica Hanna to find out just who this woman was, and how a statue of her ended up in Berl…

1
039. What is staking? 6:01

20d ago6:01

6:01

In this episode, we dive into the world of crypto staking—what it is, how it works, and why it's gaining popularity among cryptocurrency investors. We'll explain the basics of staking, how it differs from mining, and how you can earn rewards by helping to secure blockchain networks.

1
Inside the Witch Trials: Pendle | The Child Who Condemned Her Family 36:18

15d ago36:18

36:18

People in the 17th century were at spiritual war with the devil. It was a time of huge upheaval. What became known as the witch trials soon followed. In this first episode of a limited series, Inside the Witch Trials, we go back to the English village of Pendle in 1612, to find out how and why a nine year old girl was able to condemn her family to …

1
038. What are treasury bonds? 8:22

24d ago8:22

8:22

In this episode, we break down the world of Treasury bonds—what they are, how they work, and why they're a key tool for both investors and the U.S. government. From understanding interest rates to exploring the role of bonds in your investment portfolio, we’ll cover the basics and help you decide if Treasury bonds are the right fit for your financi…

1
Orgasms & Skincare According to a Medieval Nun 38:04

19d ago38:04

38:04

Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th century nun, was a certified genius and a true polymath. From her many side hustles to her skincare recommendations, she wrote about everything from what happens when the world ends to what the female orgasm feels like. Why would a celibate nun know about this? What did she have to say about swollen testicles? And why …

1
Sex & Scandal in Catherine of Aragon's Court 41:51

22d ago41:51

41:51

When Henry VIII wanted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, he needed to prove that she was not a virgin when they wed. One woman was key to proving this: Catalina of Motril, Catherine's enslaved servant who was always present in the royal bedroom. Before the divorce, though, what was Catalina's experience like in the heart of the Tudor court? What …

1
037. What is digital custody? 3:23

30d ago3:23

3:23

In this episode, we unravel the complexities of digital custody for crypto assets—exploring the hot and cold storage, and the best practices for keeping your digital wealth safe. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the blockchain, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of protecting your crypto.…

1
Illegitimacy: Sex & Secrecy in the 18th Century 44:24

26d ago44:24

44:24

Why were children punished for illegitimacy in the 18th century? And what does the word even mean? The truth is quite shocking, and probably still affects a lot of the people you know today. Joining Kate today is Kate Gibson, historian and author of Illegitimacy, Family, and Stigma in England, 1660-1834, to explore the ways that female sexuality pl…

1
036. What is the difference between DB and DC pension funds? 6:21

29d ago6:21

6:21

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of retirement savings with a breakdown of the two heavyweights: Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) pension plans. Wondering which one can better secure your financial future? We'll explain how DB plans promise a steady retirement income while DC plans offer flexibility and growth potentia…

1
Baseball Legend, PETE ROSE, Passes Away At Age 83 40:20

1M ago40:20

40:20

Rose's death was reported on September 30. In honor of this amazing, iconic … but also tragically-cursed athlete, we are replaying our episode from 2021 – “Forgive Pete Rose? Fall Of A Legend” We re-open the case of Pete Rose, one of the greatest baseball players in history. He has several performance records that may never be broken. But to the su…

1
Medieval Chastity Belts: History Unlocked 45:38

29d ago45:38

45:38

Sexual purity was hugely importance in the medieval world, especially for women. How did chastity work in practice? Why was it so important? And was the infamous chastity belt really used? Joining Kate today is friend of the show and co-host of our sister podcast, Gone Medieval, Eleanor Janega, to help us unlock the mysteries of Medieval chastity o…

1
“Blazing Saddles” Hits The Big 5–0! 52:58

1M ago52:58

52:58

AMAZING VIDEO VERSION: https://bit.ly/3ZJBxo6 Oh, NO you didn’t! … uhh, yeah, we did. We take on one of the most controversial, social and movie genre satire films ever made in the Hollywood studio system. 1974’s “Blazing Saddles” is known for its many racial slurs and, almost endless, “socially incorrect” and “un-woke” scenes. But 50 years later, …

1
035. What is the difference between Top-down and Bottom-up approaches to investing? 6:36

1M ago6:36

6:36

In this episode we’re diving into two very different approaches to investing.

1
Sex in Ancient Mesopotamia 50:40

1M ago50:40

50:40

How sexually liberated were the people of Ancient Mesopotamia? In what is modern day Iraq and dates back to around 3000 BC. The answer may surprise you, with gender fluidity and sexual diversity quite commonplace. Look no further than their frisky goddess, Ishtar. Taking us back to this fascinating period is Stephanie Budin, historian and author of…

1
Underwear: Codpieces, Loin Cloths & Thongs 34:35

1M ago34:35

34:35

Whatever your underwear preferences, have you ever wondered about their history? From the Tudor codpiece to Victorian bloomers, they've all got a story to tell. Sharing them with Kate today is Nina Edwards, author of The Virtues of Underwear: Modesty, Flamboyance and Filth. This episode was edited by Max Carrey, the producer was Stuart Beckwith. Th…

1
What Did The Vikings Really Look Like? 40:04

1M ago40:04

40:04

Were the Vikings the original trendsetters? Even when they were raiding the poor monks in Lindsfarne in 793, they were passing on hairstyles that annoyed some of the local elders. Why did they file their teeth? How often did they bathe? And what influence did their gods have on all of this? Joining Kate today to explore the beauty standards of the …

1
Cruising & Cottaging: Sex in Public Places 39:23

2M ago39:23

39:23

With privacy being a modern luxury, where did people in the past go to meet and hook up? Public toilets were (and can still be) a popular option. But what were secret signals? And what were the risks? Especially if, like many of the people who did it, you were part of the gay community. Joining Kate today is Dr. Jeff Meek, lecturer in economic and …

1
Ancient Goddesses: Rebellion, Magic & Sexual Liberation 44:41

2M ago44:41

44:41

Struggling for role models in the modern world? We've got your back, looking way back to the ancient world. Join Kate and Jasmine Elmer, author of her new book, Goddess With A Thousand Faces, as they explore the remarkable stories of some of histories most incredible ancient Goddesses and the lessons we can learn from them. What can Artemis the Gre…

1
9-11 Recollections – Part Two 45:59

2M ago45:59

45:59

VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcE9YPfeKKg Many people forget that the 9-11 attacks also involved the Pentagon, which for decades, was the largest office building in the world and is still a symbol of US military power since World War 2. My guest, Joe Duffus, has been a frequent guest on this podcast. In 2001, we and several others …

1
9-11 Recollections - Part One 57:34

2M ago57:34

57:34

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/ShaIdj40mCo On the 23rd anniversary of the US’ greatest foreign attack since Pearl Harbor, we look back. Part 1 focuses on the World Trade Center attacks. Joined by seasoned guests – the New Yorker brothers Jason and Rob (famous for our 7/4 Nathan’s Hot Dog episode) – we dive deep into their experiences on the day it…

1
Pagan Ritual Nudity 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

Rituals are a big part of this funny human experience, aren't they? Whether that's morning rituals like making your bed... or pagan rituals that involve stripping down to your birthday suit for certain ceremonies. The importance of nakedness is a big part of it, too, that can help separate you from this world and bring you closer to nature, and oth…

1
What The Ancient Greeks Got Wrong About The Female Body 46:47

2M ago46:47

46:47

Why did the Ancient Greeks depict a womb as an octopus in their textbooks? Their writings and (mis)understandings of the female body might seem borderline comical now, but how did these beliefs on the physical indicators of womanhood still impact us today? Joining Kate is Helen King, author of Immaculate Forms: A History of the Female Body in Four …

1
“The Wizard of Oz”, 85th Anniversary Celebration – Complete Episode 51:25

2M ago51:25

51:25

*GREAT! VIDEO VERSION: https://bit.ly/3ZdVAuO America’s favorite movie (and other countries too) is celebrating a milestone birthday. So why a scandal? Well, most people don’t know that the production of this cherished family film was fraught with many bizarre difficulties and life-threatening events for certain actors. Just a sample - Margaret Ham…

1
Could You Survive Victorian Surgery? 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

What was it really like inside a Victorian operating theatre? Did people really smoke cigars and eat oysters while they watched high risk surgery taking place? And what were the most common procedures? In today's episode Kate joins Dr. Monica in the Old Operating Theatre in London, to find out about the sights, smells and screams you would have hea…

1
“The Wizard of Oz”, 85th Anniversary Celebration - Part One 6:25

2M ago6:25

6:25

My friends and I are following the yellow brick road to podcast fame. So we bring you one of our pod’s famous audio theater/cold opens. This one is about the first day of filming on, what would become – America’s – as well as, and much of the world’s - favorite movie ever. Our repertoire troop of amazingly talented actors have all collaborated to R…

1
Medieval Life During Plague & War 40:42

2M ago40:42

40:42

When so much of history is written by men, Margaret Paston's letters offer us a rare insight into the life of a woman and the world around her in 15th century England. How did she cope with waves of plague wiping out her town? What did she do when the War of the Roses reached her home? And what family gossip did she write about? Joining Kate today …

1
The Real Princess Diana 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

However you feel about the royal family, there's no denying, there was something about Princess Diana. From the clothes she wore to the causes she championed, she set the template for the modern royal, ruffling a lot of feathers in the process. Why did she speak to us so much? Was there any truth to rumours of the affairs both Charles and Diana had…

1
Life Lessons From Historical Women 35:48

2M ago35:48

35:48

When women's stories aren't being flat-out ignored from the history books, they can often be sidelined. Well not here! Joining Kate today is the comedian and author of Life Lessons from Historical Women, Eleanor Morton, to share some of her favourite stories of inspirational women through history and the lessons they have taught her. What would it …

1
Renaissance Beauty: Snails, Cat Poo & Fatal Make-Up 44:43

3M ago44:43

44:43

Why did Renaissance women say the Lord's prayer while removing pubic hair? If you're like us you definitely want to know the answer to this, and so much more about beauty culture during the Italian Renaissance between the 15th and 17th centuries. Joining Kate today is Professor Jill Burke, author of How to be a Renaissance Woman: The Untold History…

1
Sex Work in 18th Century Paris 42:17

3M ago42:17

42:17

Paris was a wild place in the 18th century. It was the Age of the Enlightenment, cafe culture was exploding along with the world of ballet and opera, and there's the small matter of the Revolution in 1789. Before that kicked off, though, there were estimated to be 30,000 sex workers in Paris, plus an additional 10,000 high-class courtesans. What wa…

1
House of Dragons – Supreme Court 2023/24 Term Review 58:39

3M ago58:39

58:39

VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/PVGDOzqPwCM The most activist Supreme Court in US history continues its relentless conquest against the co-equal Executive and Legislative Branches. While destroying century old legal precedents, certain members also enjoy lavish, million-dollar ethics violations - without accountability or fear of prosecution. We ar…

1
The Real Cleopatra 45:34

3M ago45:34

45:34

Cleopatra. One of the most famous people from history, and remembered for her beauty, power and scandalous love affairs. But how accurate is her legacy? Did you know she married not one, but two of her brothers? Or that she could speak eight languages? Or that she lived closer to the invention of the iPhone, than the construction of the pyramids (w…

1
The Curious History of Beds 33:51

3M ago33:51

33:51

Sex and beds have a long, interwoven history. Here on Betwixt we often cover sex history, but we haven’t done a deep dive into the history of where it’s often done… in bed. So today we have something a little different for you, here’s an episode all about the history of beds, and it’s a story that will take us from medieval France, to 17th century …

1
Panic At The Amusement Park 29:52

3M ago29:52

29:52

Who doesn’t love going to an amusement park in the summer with their kids or grandchildren? BUT – are the rides safe and are ‘express lanes’ fair and in the spirit of our democratic nation? But where did these parks come from in the first place? We send our co-host on an all-expense paid trip to one of America’s favorite parks – to investigate firs…

1
The Real Anne Boleyn: Sex, Scandal & Betrayal 50:56

3M ago50:56

50:56

Anne Boleyn was smart, sophisticated and had SO much charisma. She kept Henry VIII waiting for SEVEN YEARS before they finally got together, and even then it was on her terms. So where did it all go wrong for Anne Boleyn? Were any of the wild accusations made against her true? And what do her last words tell us about her? Joining Kate today is the …

1
How Nudes Changed Britain 32:07

3M ago32:07

32:07

Why were nudes so significant in Victorian England? What role did painting them play in wider social change at that time? And why didn't men think that women had the capacity for genius? Joining Kate today is Tabitha Barber, curator of the Tate Britain exhibition Now You See Us, which explores women artists in Britain over the last 500 years. You c…

1
The Dark History of Bearded Ladies & the Victorian Freak Show 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

What would it have really been like to visit a Victorian freak show? Were "freak performers" exploited, or empowered in a world that would likely have otherwise rejected them? And has the Victorian freak show ever really gone away? Joining Kate today is John Woolf, author of The Wonders: Lifting the Curtain on the Freak Show, Circus and Victorian A…

1
History of Grief: Sky Burials & Victorian Death Photos 43:23

3M ago43:23

43:23

Why did the Victorians dress up their dead relatives for photo shoots? What are the origins of embalming? And why do most of us have such a separated relationship with death? Helping Kate get to the bottom of all of this is the wonderful Brandy Schillace, author of Death's Summer Coat: What the History of Death and Dying Teaches Us About Life and L…

1
Flagellation Brothels: Georgian Spanking Houses 39:18

3M ago39:18

39:18

18th century London was a haven for kinky connoisseurs, and flagellation houses were at the heart of it. Whatever your preference to be spanked by - birches, whips, paddles - they had you covered. What went on behind closed doors? Who was being spanked, and why was it all the range for upper class men? Taking Kate into this naughty underworld today…

1
SHARK ATTACK !!! 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

Shark attacks are on the rise! Since the 1975 film, “Jaws” broke every box-office record, sharks became America’s favorite, summer terror. While Caribbean/Gulf sharks in New England waters were pure fiction 50 years ago…that is not true today. For the last several years, there has been an explosion of unprecedented shark sightings and attacks in No…

1
Incest & Royalty: House of the Dragon & Beyond 47:55

4M ago47:55

47:55

With the House of the Dragon featuring *that* incest scene, we thought we'd look into the real history of sexual relations within families. Has it always been taboo? How have the necessary degrees of separation between partners grown and shrunk over the years? And why were so many royal families keen on familial relations in the past...Hapsburg chi…

1
Gaslighting to Woke: Origins of Modern Buzzwords 40:27

4M ago40:27

40:27

What does it mean to be 'woke'? What did the bluesman Leadbelly mean when he coined the phrase? And what does a story set in Victorian London have to do with the term gaslighting? Joining Kate today is Robbie Morgan, Lecturer and Consultant in Applied Ethics at Leeds University, to chat about the buzzwords we use and how their meanings have changed…

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