For the Love of History - world history, women’s history, weird history

Buckle up, history besties—this episode is not safe for work (unless you’ve got headphones and a rebellious streak). We’re diving deep into the history of sex with none other than Esmé Louise James, the brilliant mind behind Kinky History!

In this delightfully scandalous conversation, we uncover:

🔥 How Esmé went from studying religious history to becoming a sex historian

🔥 The wild story of how the history of the dildo launched her career

🔥 The medieval obsession with…well, rimming and witchcraft (yep, you read that right)

🔥 How history’s censorship laws gave birth to tentacle hentai

🔥 The long-standing and surprisingly biological reasons behind the world's foot fetish

But beyond the laughs, this episode is also about representation in history. Esmé’s book isn’t just a collection of spicy facts—it’s a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like their identity wasn’t reflected in the history books. Because let’s be real: there is nothing new under the sun.

Want to keep the kinky history party going? Support Esmé by grabbing a copy of Kinky History in print, digital, or audiobook (trust us, you’ll want to hear her narrate that passage). And while you’re at it, subscribe to For the Love of History for more weird, wonderful, and eyebrow-raising stories from the past.

Now go forth, spread the historical filth, and stay curious! 🎙️🔥

Where to Find Esmé

Website: www.esmeljames.com

Instagram: @emse.louise

TikTok: dr.esme.louise

Podcast

🍆SexTistics 2🍆

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025

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Happy Valentine’s Day, history besties! Whether you’re blissfully in love, dodging dating apps like a pro, or just here for the weird history (respect ✊), this episode is for you. We’re diving deep into history’s strangest, grossest, and most WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT aphrodisiacs and ancient booty calls. Spoiler: some people really went to extreme lengths to set the mood.

💘 What’s on the Love Potion Menu?

🪲 Spanish Fly: The original "love potion" (also, uh, poison).

📞 YOU UP?: The 5 am booty call of Heian Japan

💍 What Came Before Dating: a brief history of what came before tinder

🐦 Bird Spit Soup: Because nothing says romance like eating a swiftlet’s spit.

🔥 The Worst One Yet: I won’t spoil it, but trust me—your flabbers will be GASTED.

💋 Why Listen?

If you’ve ever side-eyed modern dating, this episode will make you grateful that the worst we have to deal with is ghosting and bad pickup lines. At least no one's force-feeding you... well, you’ll see.

🎧 Tune in now for a wild ride through history’s freakiest aphrodisiacs and courting practices! And if you love the show, spread the love by supporting the show on Patreon—where history is always juicy, weird, and never boring.

👉 Listen now and cringe with me!

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025

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Welcome to For the Love of History! In this episode, we dive into a lesser-known yet fascinating tale of maritime history with author and archaeologist Andrew Celyn. His latest book, Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White, uncovers the harrowing journey of a free Black teenager who was abducted and forced aboard the infamous Confederate raider, the CSS Alabama.

We discuss how David Henry White’s story defies Confederate propaganda and serves as a powerful counterpoint to the glorification of the Lost Cause. Andrew shares his journey from archaeology to Civil War history, his research challenges, and the surprising cultural connections between Cape Town and the Confederacy. From forensics to historical analysis, this episode is packed with revelations about one of history’s unsung heroes.

Episode Highlights:

Call to Action:

Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that challenges traditional Civil War narratives and brings a hidden story to light. Subscribe to For the Love of History wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review to help us continue uncovering fascinating historical tales. Share this episode with your friends who love learning about untold stories from history!

Guest Information:

Find out more about Andrew Celyn and his book Kidnapped at Sea: The Civil War Voyage of David Henry White by visiting kidnappedatsea.com

Additional Notes:

Check the show notes for a link to Andrew’s website and updates on upcoming book signings and events. Stay tuned for more captivating episodes on history that you didn’t know you needed to hear.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, share it, subscribe, and come back next time for more historical deep dives.

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

https://trovatrip.com/trip/asia/japan/japan-with-tehya-nakamura-aug-2025

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Welcome back, my delicious doughnut! 🍩 This week, we’re peeling back the velvet curtain on one of London's most scandalous and fabulous crime syndicates: the Forty Elephants, an all-women gang who ruled the shoplifting scene from the Victorian era well into the Roaring Twenties.

Think Oceans Eleven, but make it corsets, diamonds, and bloomers with pockets big enough to hide a whole department store.

💎 How these women outsmarted Victorian shopkeepers with handmade “grafter bloomers” (yes, pockets galore!)

💎 The rise of Alice Diamond, the fierce queenpin rocking diamond-knuckled rings

💎 The jaw-dropping heists that left London buzzing (hello, mink coats worth thousands!)

💎 Why luxury goods weren’t just about vanity but a defiant statement of independence

It's history with sass, scandal, and some seriously clever ladies who knew how to game the system. If you've ever wondered whether you'd survive as a Victorian-era crime boss, this episode will have you dreaming up your own heist team.

🎧 Ready to dive in? Hit play now, and if you loved this peek into women's badass history, don’t forget to support us on Patreon. Your support keeps the history (and the fun) coming!

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

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Welcome back, dear one! This week, we’re scrubbing in and diving scalpels-first into the history of surgery. From ancient skull drilling to the OG rhinoplasty (nose job, anyone?), this episode explores the bizarre, bloody, and brilliant evolution of ancient surgical techniques. Spoiler: it’s not all medieval barber surgeons and questionable hygiene.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

📚How Neolithic humans invented brain surgery (and somehow survived!).

📚Why ancient Egyptian surgeons were ahead of their time (magic spells optional).

📚The shocking origin story of India’s first nose job—a bloody masterpiece.

📚How one Roman hotshot (we’re looking at you, Galen) stalled surgical progress for 1,000 years.

📚Quirky, gross, and oh-so-fascinating, this episode unpacks the twists and turns of medieval medicine and beyond. Whether you’re a history buff or just morbidly curious, you won’t want to miss this.

🎧 Hit play now, and don’t forget to leave a review! What did you think of this episode? Your feedback keeps us slicing into history’s quirkiest corners.

⭐⭐Calm History ⭐⭐

Try the new podcast, Calm History: www.calmhistory.com

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

What’s the Tea with the Community Census?

Your voice matters! Fill out the For the Love of History 2025 Community Census and tell me what you want more of (or less of!) in upcoming episodes. Plus, you’ll get the chance to win a free t-shirt or one of my favorite books. Sweet deal, right?

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Welcome, history besties and ink enthusiasts! This week on For the Love of History, we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of tattoo anthropology with none other than Lars Krutak, author of Tattoo Traditions of Asia.

Lars shares jaw-dropping stories from his 25+ years of fieldwork, uncovering the hidden meanings behind indigenous tattoo traditions across Asia and beyond. Ever wondered why a hornbill or centipede might make it onto someone’s skin? Or how tattoos protected warriors in battle (think magical meteorites and spiritual rituals)? Get ready for a wild ride through culture, identity, and artistry!

⭐⭐Calm History ⭐⭐

Try the new podcast, Calm History: www.calmhistory.com

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Lars’s research isn’t just academic; it’s an adventure story featuring remote villages, motorcycles, and cultural revivals. Whether you’re a tattoo lover, a history buff, or someone who just loves a good Indiana Jones-esque tale, this episode is for you!

Where to find Lars

Website

Vanishing Tattoo Documentary

Instagram

Tattoo Traditions of Asia (get your copy here)

🎧 Hit play now, and don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly dose of world history, women’s history, and all the quirky, unexpected topics in between!

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

What’s the Tea with the Community Census?

Your voice matters! Fill out the For the Love of History 2025 Community Census and tell me what you want more of (or less of!) in upcoming episodes. Plus, you’ll get the chance to win a free t-shirt or one of my favorite books. Sweet deal, right?

🤩App Info🤩

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Did you know that Socrates—yes, that Socrates—had a teacher who was a woman? And not just any woman, but Aspasia of Miletus, the queen of ancient philosophy, rhetoric, and savage comebacks. In this episode, we’re diving deep into her life, her legacy, and the absolutely wild smear campaigns she endured (spoiler: haters gonna hate since 450 BCE).

Get ready to learn how Aspasia schooled some of the smartest guys in Athens, ran academic salons that gave women a voice, and may have even written some of Pericles’ greatest speeches. Buckle up, because we're about to hop in our time machine for a spicy mix of history, scandal, and feminist truth bombs.

What’s Inside This Episode?

TrovaTrip Alert!

Oh hey, history buffs! Want to nerd out with me in person? Join me on a dreamy trip to Japan (hello matcha, temples, and Kyoto sunsets!) from August 24–30, 2025. Spots are limited, and early birds get a discount—don’t sleep on it!

What’s the Tea with the Community Census?

Your voice matters! Fill out the For the Love of History 2025 Community Census and tell me what you want more of (or less of!) in upcoming episodes. Plus, you’ll get the chance to win a free t-shirt or one of my favorite books. Sweet deal, right?

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

If you’re into Greek history, badass women, or just want an excuse to feel smarter than everyone at your next trivia night, this one’s for you. It’s part historical deep dive, part roast session, and 100% a love letter to one of the most overlooked women in history.

Final Thoughts:

The haters may have tried to erase Aspasia, but not on my watch. Let’s reclaim her legacy and give this queen the credit she deserves. Tune in, sip some wine (or tea), and enjoy the sassiest history lesson of the season!

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📚Resources can be found here!📚

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🇯🇵 JAPAN TRIP🇯🇵

💛💙Community Census💙💛

Welcome back, dear one! Season 10 kicks off with a bang as we hop into our time machine and zoom back to the Minoan civilization—the OG seafaring fashionistas of Crete. Were they ruled by thick (with two C’s) nature mommies? Or was it all just ancient patriarchy with a side of fabulous frescoes? Let’s find out!

What’s in Store:

🛕 A deep dive into Minoan palaces (hello, indoor plumbing and menstrual pits—yes, you read that right).

🎨 Frescoes, frescoes, and more frescoes! Boobies out, bulls flipping, and goddesses reigning supreme.

🧵 The juicy debate: Matriarchy, egalitarianism, or just plain misunderstood?

😏 Why this history matters and what it says about us today (spoiler: thicc nature mommies might just save the world).

Special Announcements:

✨ Japan trip alert! Join me and fellow history nerds this August for an unforgettable adventure to Japan. Buddha statues, tea ceremonies, and maybe even the Blood Temple? Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!

Final Thoughts:

History isn’t static; it’s a conversation. And this season, we’re channeling all the thick, curvy, snake-goddess energy to dig into overlooked stories and rewrite the narrative. Tune in, sip the Kool-Aid, and let’s get to it!

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📚Resources can be found here!📚

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It’s time for a creepy, cozy Christmas! In this episode of For the Love of History, we delve into the chilling legend of Krampus, the infamous counterpart to Saint Nicholas. This horned, mythical creature has haunted Alpine folklore for centuries, delivering punishment to those who land on the naughty list. Discover the fascinating origins of Krampus, from his roots in Norse mythology to his connections with the goddess Perchta in Alpine pagan traditions.

We’ll explore:

This episode also touches on the broader themes of winter folklore and how societies have used mythical figures like Krampus to reflect their fears, values, and celebrations.

What You’ll Learn:

Keywords: Krampus folklore, Alpine traditions, Christmas mythology, Krampusnacht, Saint Nicholas legends, pagan winter traditions, history of Krampus, creepy Christmas tales, Perchta mythology, winter solstice folklore.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this eerie holiday tale, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your history-loving friends! Let us know your favorite winter folklore character, and join us next week for the kickoff of Season 10. Until then, stay curious and cozy!

🤩App Info🤩

📚Resources can be found here!📚

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If you’ve ever wondered about the wild, weird, and occasionally disgusting history of colors, you’re in for a treat. In this week’s episode of For the Love of History, we’re joined once again by fan-favorite and resident archaeologist Hannah—a walking encyclopedia of ancient technologies. Together, we dive into the fascinating history of pigments and explore how colors shaped human history, art, and even survival.

From poisonous paints to snail-squeezed purples, this episode is packed with quirky facts, unexpected science, and plenty of laughs. You’ll never look at a paint swatch the same way again!

🖌️ The Science of Color

Hannah starts with the basics—what is pigment, and how do we even see color? You’ll learn about the visible light spectrum, why magenta technically doesn’t exist, and how your brain tricks you into seeing colors that aren’t there (yes, it’s a thing).

🍊 Orange the Fruit vs. Orange the Color

Did you know the fruit came before the color? English didn’t even have a word for “orange” until the 1500s. Before that, they called it “yellow-red.” That’s right—orange is late to the color party.

👑 Marie Antoinette’s Flea-Colored Dress

Ever heard of the color puce? It literally translates to “flea” in French. Find out how Marie Antoinette turned this questionable shade into a trend after a snarky comment from King Louis XVI.

💀 Deadly and Bizarre Pigments

🧪 Egyptian Blue: The World’s First Synthetic Color

5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians created a vibrant blue pigment that still shines today. Hannah explains how this “sexy standout” color was made and why it fluoresces under infrared light—making it useful for modern forensics.

🐌 Snails, Purple, and Roman Fashion

Tyrian Purple—the OG royal color—was made by crushing predatory sea snails. It took thousands of snails to dye a single robe, making it worth more than its weight in gold. But here’s the kicker: Emperors reserved the right to wear it, and wearing the wrong shade could literally get you killed.

👀 Colors and Language

Does language shape how we see color? Russian speakers distinguish light and dark blue as separate colors, while Japanese calls green traffic lights “blue.” Hannah also explains why Homer described the sea as “wine-dark” and what that tells us about how ancient Greeks understood color.

This episode is a perfect mix of science, history, and the downright bizarre. You’ll learn how ancient humans used pigments to create cave art, how the Egyptians crafted synthetic blues, and how people risked death (or poisoning) in the name of fashion. Plus, Hannah’s storytelling and banter with TK keep things light, entertaining, and endlessly fascinating.

Hannah is a seasoned archaeologist finishing her PhD at Simon Fraser University. She’s passionate about ancient technologies, pigments, and the weird ways humans left their mark on history. You can find her experimenting with art, illustrations, and crafts when she's not geeking out about color.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and explore the wild history behind the pigments that shaped our world. From ancient caves to Egyptian tombs, you’ll walk away with quirky facts and a new appreciation for the colors around you.

💬 What’s your favorite weird color fact? Drop TK a comment or leave a review!

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📚Resources can be found here!📚

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