Kinky History
Kinky History explores the evolution of human sexuality, from scandalous stories in the ancient world to the intimate secrets of famous historical figures. Host Dr Esmé Louise James discusses these topics in an educational, entertaining, and accessible way. The podcast aims to break down dangerous taboos that still surround identity, gender, and sexuality. It grew out of Esmé's Kinky History TikTok series, which she created in 2020 and which has since attracted more than 3.5 million followers worldwide.
Episodes
Witch, Please! Debunking the Alewife Myth (with Dr Christina Wade)
Did medieval women who brewed beer inspire the modern iconography of the witch? Pointy hats, black cats, bubbling cauldrons… according to a viral historical theory, the iconic image of the witch actually began with medieval alewives. But is there any truth to this tall and pointy tale?This week, I am joined by medieval historian Dr Christina Wade to separate fact from folklore, uncover the fascina
The Horny History of Halloween
In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it... And as it turns out, there’s actual academic research (and a long and kinky history) to back that up!In this episode of Kinky History, sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James investigates the surprisingly complicated history of Halloween, from the Gaelic festival of S
Did You Miss Me?
Did you miss me? Because I’ve certainly missed you. 💋After ghosting you since 2023 (rude, I know), sex historian Dr Esmé Louise James is BACK with a bigger and decidedly bustier Kinky History. Welcome back to the podcast where we uncover the dirty secrets they probably left out of your history books. And this time, we’re doing things a little differently...Introducing the Double D’s: Deep-dives an
Esme Talks About Sex With Her Mum
The World is Full of Sex Data and this week, for a special 'Sextistics' episode, Esme is joined by her equally nerdy (and brainy) mum - Dr Susan James. They unpack the changing definitions of sex over history, some very surprising sex statistics and why former US President Bill Clinton wasn't lying when he said "I did not have sexual relations with that woman". Follow Kinky History on everything &
The Polyamorous Life of Albert Einstein
Einstein, the genius that gave us the theory of relativity and so much more, was the original fuck boy. Albert Einstein was married twice but had dozens of lovers in his lifetime. Join me this week as I uncover the polyamorous life of the world's most famous scientist, and his lesser known "theory of infidelity". Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky Histor
The History of the Vibrator is Not What You Think It Is
You've seen the Hollywood versions and probably heard the myths, but the real history of the vibrator is not what you think it is. Join me today as we spread the good vibes and learn the truth about the origins of the world's most popular sex toys. Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History Uncensored here Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listen
To Infinity and Beyond - Kinky History Joins the Mile High Club
Universal orgasms, alien spunk, black holes and tentacle porn. This episode will have you seeing stars as I team up with friend, astrophysicist and fellow academic Kirsten Banks to talk all things kinky space. And would you believe neither of us made a joke about Uranus! Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History Uncensored here Contact Kirsten here and f
Its a Kinky History and TikTok10 Quiz Mash Up!
This week something a little bit different and a whole lotta fun. Joining me in the red room of pleasure is fellow nerd and quizmaster Miles Glaspole - host of the incredibly popular TikTok10 Quiz. Miles tests my Kinky knowledge and I find a honeymoon destination in the process. Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History Uncensored here Find Miles Glaspol
The Rock Hard History of the Dildo
Grab this episode with both hands and hear how the dildo has been used and revered around the world for almost as long as humans have existed. This now-common bedroom accessory has its roots in ancient cultures, religion, spirituality and sexuality across all of history,... and it might just get you into heaven. Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History
Was Hans Christian Andersen Asexual or Just Complicated?
This week we look at the complicated and fascinating life of the prolific Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen. Most well known for his fairy tales, in this episode we can clearly see the parallels between the tale of the Little Mermaid and the painful unrequited love in Anderson's life. While his romantic desires and experiences are certainly complicated, many historians have concluded that thi
Fellatio and Cunnilingus - The History of Oral Sex
Come with me as we explore the changing attitudes and depictions of oral sex throughout the ages. From the ancient Egyptians to Shakespeare and beyond, humans have been performing oral for as long as we'e been having sex. Intimate and at times disgusting, the act of oral stimulation has a delicious history. Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History Unce
The Fart Letters of James Joyce
James Joyce was an Irish novelist, poet, and literary critic. He was a part of the avant-garde movement and is regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century. He also delighted in the sounds and smells of his beloved wife, Nora Barnacle's farts. Come with me as we explore the intimate, sexually explosive and complex relationship between Nora and James through the
Lust or Disgust? The History of the Foot Fetish
Step back in time with me and let me tickle your fancy because in this episode I dip my toes into the long and interesting history of the foot fetish. From ancient Chinese foot binding to unusual findings during the AIDS epidemic, it seems we've long had a fascination with our feet. Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History Uncensored here Produced by DM
The First Pornographic Novel Had it All
In this episode I want to introduce you to the first ever pornographic novel and share why it was so radical, and why it is so important. Brace yourself, Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleveland has it all, which is why it was banned for over 200 years. So get off Porn Hub and check out the very first, and very popular, pornographic novel from 1748. Follow Kinky History on everything &
The History of Rimming
In recent times rimming has increased in popularity but the history of Rimming is long and,...er.. juicy. Many years ago if you were caught rimming you could be charged with witchcraft and even killed. And, which famous composer wishes he could lick his own arse? Get 'tongue in cheek' with Esme as she explores our changing behaviours and views on rimming. Follow Kinky History on everything & c
Why is Kinky History Important?
Hello and welcome to Kinky History. In this very first episode, I'd like to share with you why the History of sexuality and kink is important, how I came to study it and what we can learn from the past. Follow Kinky History on everything & contact Esme here Subscribe to Kinky History Uncensored here Produced by DM PodcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trailer
Kinky History is a podcast series that explores the evolution of human sexuality - from scandalous stories from the Ancient World to the saucy secrets of famous figures. TikTok IG Coming Soon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
