History Is Sexy
109 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 141 ratingsHistory is Sexy is a podcast presented by historian Dr Emma Southon and writer Janina Matthewson answering listener questions about history. What did the Romans do for us? Where did marrying for love come from? What was world war one all about? Produced and edited by Oliver Kealey. Theme music by Ketsa.
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Episodes
Episode #53 - Ra Ra Rasputin Part III
May 20, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBThe final part of our Rasputin series features Boney M, Anastasia, and Rasputin's alleged dick! Show notes and merch available at https://historyissexy.com/
Episode #52 - Ra Ra Rasputin, Part 2
May 06, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 86 MBIn part two of our Rasputin series, we talk about actual Rasputin! His life, his death, and our new favourite historical personage, his murderer. Show notes and merch available at https://historyissexy.com/.
Episode #52 - Ra Ra Rasputin, Part II
May 06, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 86 MBIn part two of our Rasputin series, we talk about actual Rasputin! His life, his death, and our new favourite historical personage, his murderer. Show notes and merch available at https://historyissexy.com/.
Episode #51 - Ra Ra Rasputin, Part I
April 22, 2021 00:00 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBIt's a series! Part one of a three part look at that cat that really was gone, Rasputin. Show notes and merch available at https://historyissexy.com/.
Episode #50 - The History of Clothing that was Banned (and underwear)
April 08, 2021 12:31 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB*reupload to fix sound problems at the start!* This week, Emma and Janina talk about clothing laws, colonialism and pants! Show notes, contact details and merch are at www.historyissexy.com
Episode #50 - The History of Banned Clothing (And Underwear)
April 08, 2021 12:31 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB*reupload to fix sound problems at the start!* This week, Emma and Janina talk about clothing laws, colonialism and pants! Show notes, contact details and merch are at www.historyissexy.com
Episode #49 - What's the history of birth control?
March 25, 2021 10:51 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBThis week, Janina and Emma discuss the ways in which people mostly people with uteruses) prevented pregnancy in the past! Content warnings for miscarriage, abortion and a lot of horrible things gong into vaginal canals! For show notes and merch, see our shiny new website! www.historyissexy.com
Episode #49 - What's The History Of Birth Control?
March 25, 2021 10:51 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBThis week, Janina and Emma discuss the ways in which people mostly people with uteruses) prevented pregnancy in the past! Content warnings for miscarriage, abortion and a lot of horrible things gong into vaginal canals! For show notes and merch, see our shiny new website! www.historyissexy.com
Episode #48 - History's Greatest Poisons
March 08, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 76.2 MBEmma and Janina talk all things poison and unexpected methods of poisoning people throughout the ages. Sources at https://historyissexy.com/
Episode #47 - The History of Pets
November 16, 2020 00:34 - 1 hour - 98.1 MBThis time Emma and Janina take a look at the history of pets, where did dogs come from? Why were cats persecuted in the middle ages? What were the favourite pets of the Romans? 😺🐶🐦 Show notes and references https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-47-history-pets
Emma's Book Launch Live Episode
September 17, 2020 21:16 - 1 hour - 138 MBEmma's new book is OUT NOW! To celebrate the launch of A Fatal Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, we had a lovely Live Episode/Q&A event. Here is the unedited audio recording for you to listen to at your leisure. Buy A Fatal Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fatal-Thing-Happened-Way-Forum/dp/1786078376/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1600377106&sr=8-1 https://www.bookdepository.com/Fatal-Thing-Happened-on-Way-Forum-Emma-Southon/9781786078377?...
Live Episode Announcement! 17th September 7pm
September 14, 2020 11:39 - 52 seconds - 813 KBEmma has a book out so we are having a live episode (on zoom) for free and we invite you to join us! Register here (for free) https://bit.ly/3itHqxb
Episode #46 - How Long Has The Idea of Extraterrestrial Beings Existed?
September 11, 2020 08:38 - 1 hour - 91.6 MB👽👽👽 We're back for another episode! This time Emma and Janina dive into the weird and wonderful world of aliens, and for just how long people have believed in them. So strap into your UFO chair, drink your weird blue milk, and enjoy the ride! 👽👽👽 Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-46-history-aliens
Episode #45 - The History of Wrestling
June 06, 2020 08:03 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBThat's right folks, this time Emma and Janina step into the ring to examine the surprising history of everyone's favourite grappling-based sports entertainment, wrestling!
Episode #44 - Women's Suffrage in New Zealand/Countess Markievicz/Switzerland
April 01, 2020 20:04 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBIt's a three-in-one this time as Emma and Janina tackle three questions, all on the theme of Women's suffrage! Why did New Zealand grant universal suffrage so early? Who was the *real* first woman MP? Why is Switzerland so weird? Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-44-womens-suffrage Janina's Musical: https://open.spotify.com/album/27pikGLOASw0WtUnfxBbCh?si=bgANPckGSSuULrBoJMJpdg
Episode #43 - Redheaded History
March 16, 2020 07:40 - 55 minutes - 75.7 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they take a look at the topic of redheads in history, and why something as simple as a hair colour has been consequential for so many people. Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-43-red-headed-history
Episode #42 - More Quick Questions!
February 13, 2020 09:42 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBWe're back! This time Emma and Janina tackle some quicker listener questions! Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-42-more-short-questions
Episode #41 - Who Were The Coolest Women In Rome After 68CE?
December 08, 2019 19:24 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBWe're back! This time we're taking a deep dive into the stories of the coolest Roman women from after 68CE! www.ko-fi.com/hispod www.twitter.com/sexyhistorypod Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-41-coolest-roman-women
Episode #41 - Who are the coolest women in Rome after 68CE?
December 08, 2019 19:24 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBWe're back! This time we're taking a deep dive into the stories of the coolest Roman women from after 68CE! www.ko-fi.com/hispod www.twitter.com/sexyhistorypod Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-41-coolest-roman-women
Episode #40 - Were Pirates Communists?
October 17, 2019 10:28 - 52 minutes - 72.4 MBYo ho me hearties! We're back with another swashbuckling episode for all you landlubbers. Emma and Janina answer another burning question: Were pirates communists? Did they also occasionally get married to each other? Just how good were they anyway? Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-40-were-pirates-really-communists
Episode #39 - Queer Royalty and Gender Norms
September 20, 2019 11:07 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBThis time, Emma and Janina tackle a very complicated pair of questions. Which royal figures in history were queer/LGBT, and has the gender binary/heteronormativity always been that way? Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-39-queer-royals
Episode #38 - The Weird History of Gynaecology
September 07, 2019 13:11 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they take a deep dive into the strange and surprising history of gynaecology. Featuring: Speculae! Forceps! Babies with slightly squashed heads!
Episode #37 - China, Dynasty by Dynasty pt. 2
August 16, 2019 22:39 - 1 hour - 120 MBEmma and Janina return for the second bit of their two-part quest to tackle Chinese history, dynasty by dynasty. There's so much of it! www.ko-fi.com/hispod
Episode #36 - China, Dynasty by Dynasty, Part 1
July 31, 2019 21:01 - 1 hour - 88.9 MBIt's our most ambitious episode ever, can we fit thousands of years of Chinese history into just two hours? We'll certainly give it a try! Strap in for a whistle-stop tour of Chinese history, as told by Emma and Janina.
Episode #35 - Did Anyone Expect The Spanish Inquisition?
July 18, 2019 00:27 - 1 hour - 94.2 MBThis time our duo investigates a dark period of history that lasted a lot longer than you might think. The subject of a famous Monty Python bit, the Spanish Inquisition features plenty of grotesque terror for everyone to enjoy! Featuring: Papal Bulls! Martin Luther! Neighbour disputes! and, lots of torture! Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-35-spanish-inquisition
Episode #34 - Was It Better To Be A Hetaera Than A Wife In Ancient Athens?
June 27, 2019 12:29 - 58 minutes - 80 MBWe're back! This week, Emma and Janina take a look at the lives of women in ancient Athens. Was it really better to be a hetaera (courtesan) than a wife? Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-34-hetaera-athens
#33 - "Was The Airship Age A Real Period of History, or a Technological Fad?"
May 18, 2019 10:26 - 1 hour - 100 MBThis time, Emma and Janina don their goggles and take to the skies to answer a very burning question. Was the "Airship Age" a real thing? How did people use Airships? Why did they very suddenly disappear? Featuring: The word "Dirigible"! An indoor water park! The humanity! Oh, the Humanity! Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-33-airships
Episode #32 - "Chinese Tickle Torture?"
May 01, 2019 22:01 - 46 minutes - 63.3 MBThis time on History is Sexy, Emma and Janina investigate the persistent notion of tickling being used as torture. Where does this story come from? Are there any sources at all? What are Mario and Luigi doing in that picture? Content Warning/Listener discretion is advised: This episode contains descriptions of mutilation and torture. Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-32-chinese-tickle-torture www.ko-fi.com/hispod
Episode #31 - Why Did People Drink So Much Beer In The Middle Ages?
April 17, 2019 22:09 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBThis time, Emma and Janina dive into a big vat of history, answering a question from Emma's Mum's friend: "In medieval times, how come there was so much ale available. What was it made of, how come it was so available and how was it made and transported?" Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-31-beer-middle-ages
Episode #30 - "What Links an Emperor, an Actress, and a Goose?"
April 04, 2019 09:08 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBThis time, Emma regales Janina (and us) with the story of Procopius, a cautionary tale of historical bias, fake news, and bizarre stories about geese! Featuring: Power couple Justinian and Theodora! 🤴👸 Sports teams that are also mafia gangs! 🏇 🗡️ https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-30-actress-empress-goose The Hagia Sofia, it's pretty neat! ⛪ Support us here: bit.ly/supportsexyhistory
Episode #29 - Why Are So Many Musicals About Revolutions?
March 21, 2019 08:34 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBAfter a short break, Emma and Janina dive into the world of musical theatre, examining important shows and pondering the question, why are so many musicals about revolution? Featuring: Rambunctious revolutionaries! Corpulent kings! Bangers, wall-to-wall bangers! Support History is Sexy here: www.ko-fi.com/hispod
Episode #28 - What Was The Nazi Lebensborn Program?
February 21, 2019 00:01 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBThis time, Emma and Janina take a close look at a topic not many people are aware of: the Nazi breeding program. What was Lebensborn? How did it operate? Why is it largely forgotten and relatively unknown in today's society? Featuring: A mighty mangling of German! A lack of levity Lots of kidnapped kinder Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-28-lebensborn
Episode #27 - The Lives of Viking and Mongolian Women
February 07, 2019 00:01 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBPlease take our listener survey, we'd love to hear your feedback and how you think we could improve the show! https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JQVH895?fbclid=IwAR1XURKStu4Xj7f-Juy9kUtfDAHnRBKOSsn6LmMbjrtrneJrkhRpeS07y9Y This time Emma and Janina take a look at the lives of women in the very martial Norse and Mongolian cultures. How were their lives different from those of their contemporaries in other cultures? Featuring: A very novel use for a sack of silver! The grave matter of burial goo...
Episode #26 - Before AD & BC, How Did People Classify Years & Time?
January 25, 2019 12:29 - 1 hour - 82.9 MBThis time, Emma and Janina take a deep dive into the history of time and how we measure it! How did people in the pre-Christian world mark dates and years? What other calendars are there? Did the time period between 340AD and 911AD even exist?? Featuring: Lots of Kings and Emperors! 🤴🤴🤴 Water clocks and sundials! 🕰️⏰ A grand and ridiculous conspiracy theory! 🕵🏼♀️🤔 This audio has been updated due to a prior error Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-26-time
Episode #25 - What's The History Of Witch Trials?
January 10, 2019 00:01 - 1 hour - 96.5 MBThis week Emma and Janina dive into the history of witch trials and the story of the possessed nuns of Loudun! What's the real story behind one of medieval Europe's most famous possession stories? What happened to the townspeople of Salem, Massachusetts? Featuring: A whole host of demons, signing a contract! 👿✒️ Some really gruesome executions! 💀💉 Nuns doing things that nuns aren't allowed to do! ⛪💞 Sources: https://historyissexy.com/show-notes/episode-25-witch-trials
Episode #24 - Quick Christmas Questions Special!
December 24, 2018 00:01 - 1 hour - 113 MBIt's Christmas! To celebrate the season of goodwill, we're answering your excellent quick questions in our bumper Xmas special! Where does Santa come from? Is Christmas really a pagan thing? Who is Father Christmas? How was he different to Santa? Why did the Puritans hate him? And much more!
Episode #23 - What's the History of the Crimson Wave?
December 12, 2018 22:06 - 1 hour - 86.6 MBIn this episode, Emma and Janina take a deep dive into the history of menstruation! What methods did people in the past use to cope during their periods? What cultural attitudes and taboos did historic societies have towards the subject of menstruation? Why do modern people tend to have heavier periods? Featuring: All manner of bizarre "feminine hygiene products" (designed by people who have not menstruated) The Period Hut Various belts and apparatuses!
Episode #22 - What's The History Of Albinism?
November 29, 2018 00:01 - 1 hour - 82.3 MBThis time on History is Sexy, Emma and Janina dive into a listener's question about the history of people with albinism. Why did the Romans think they came from Albania? How has their history shaped understandings of race? and what challenges do they face in our modern world? Featuring: Noah being embarrassed 😳👴 The man who made Icelanders very angry ❄️🤬 Voltaire being awful 🇫🇷💢 And plenty more!
Episode #21 - What's The History of Omens?
November 15, 2018 01:13 - 1 hour - 93.8 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they consult the oracle, examine the augurs, and read the stars in their quest to answer another question: What's the history of omens? Featuring: Magpies! Some very unfortunate chickens! Your mum's spine!
Episode #20 - What Are The Best Historic Ghost Stories?
October 30, 2018 16:13 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBAs it's that time of year, we dive into history's most mysterious and macabre ghost stories. What is a ghost anyway? Would you want to do the hoovering for eternity? Emma and Janina investigate these troublesome tales of terror and share their favourite spooky stories from history. Featuring: Spooky spectres! 👻😱 Mysterious mishaps! 🏴☠️ Gruesome ghouls! 🍔👶 Sexy skeletons! 💀👙
Episode #19 - How Have Natural Disasters Shaped The World?
October 17, 2018 16:59 - 1 hour - 87 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they tackle a historical topic you might not have heard much about, just how have natural disasters changed the world we live in? Featuring: Volcanos, which we ought to worship really. 🌋🌋🌋 Earthquakes 🏚️ Famines 💀 and much more!
Episode #18 - What's The History Of Names?
September 26, 2018 23:03 - 1 hour - 96.5 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they delve into the historic and linguistic mysteries of names. Why did medieval kings have nicknames? Where do surnames come from? Featuring: A million Gaius Juliuses John le Fucker If-Christ-had-not-died-for-thee-thou-hadst-been-damned Barbon
Episode #17 - Have Children Really Never Had It So Good?
September 13, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they dive into the depressing history of childhood, and explore how even children in the not-too-distant past suffered in ways that today's children can only dream of. Featuring: Spinning Jennies! 👩🏭🏭 Infant Mortality! 👶👻 Corporal Punishment! 👴💥 and much more!
Episode #16 - How Did Britain Collapse When The Romans Left?
August 29, 2018 23:01 - 1 hour - 116 MBThis week, Emma and Janina are joined by guest James Harland to discuss what exactly happened after the Romans abandoned Britain. Was it an apocalyptic event, or was it all a bit more complicated than that?
Episode # 15 - Quick Questions II
August 16, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBHow did people wipe their bums a thousand years ago? How many messengers actually did get killed? Who was the first Barry? It's another quick questions!
Episode #14 - Why Did Christianity "Win"?
August 03, 2018 11:41 - 1 hour - 103 MBThis time, Dr Emma and Janina examine a question close to the good doctor's heart, how did Christianity grow from such humble beginnings to become a dominant force in the world? How do religions spread? What did Christianity do differently? Featuring: Grumpy Jesus! 🙍♂️🕊️ Grumpy Paul! 👴 Constantine, The Chrissy Teigen of Rome! 👑 ♻️ NZ national anthem performed by Hayley Westenra.
Episode #13 - Did The Nazis Really Go Looking For The Lance of Longinus?
July 18, 2018 23:08 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBThis week, Emma and Janina take a deep dive into the bizarre world of Nazi pseudoscience and occultism. Did they really go all Indiana Jones and look for powerful holy relics? Featuring: Golden people who reproduce like flowers! 👨🌸 Operation Barbarossa - What were they thinking?!❄️💀 Flying saucers! Death rays! Anti-gravity machines! 👽🔫
Episode #12 - Who Are Your Favourite Everyday Heroes?
July 04, 2018 23:28 - 1 hour - 92.4 MBJoin Emma and Janina as they examine the stories of some real life, honest to goodness heroes you may never have heard of. Courage, bravery, grit, virtue, and general goodness, these fine people have got them in spades! Featuring: Daring diplomats! 👨⚖️ Superlative spies! 🕵️♀️ Fearless fashionistas! ✂️ Courageous cosmonauts! 👩🚀
Episode #11 - Who Is The Most Powerful Person In History?
June 20, 2018 23:08 - 1 hour - 106 MBThis week, Emma and Janina tackle a particularly difficult question: Who is the most powerful person in history? Featuring: Enormous turbans! 👳♂️ Brutal conquest! ⚔️ A distinct lack of amusement! 👑 Chinese revolutionary history! 🇨🇳
Episode #10 - How Has Music Changed Over History? - Feat. Dr Anna Scott!
June 07, 2018 12:54 - 1 hour - 105 MBThis week, Emma and Janina are joined by our first ever guest, Dr Anna Scott, as they attempt to unravel the mysteries of the history of music! Featuring: Bone flutes (or wolf bites?)🦴🐺 Why are harpsichords so rubbish? 🎹 What's the least cool instrument?🤓 Mystical chanting and visions 🧞♀️ and much more! More from Anna: https://challengingperformance.com/interviews-recordings/anna-scott/ Synaulia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJLXyBzMci0 Musica Romana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...