Throughout history one thing has had more impact on women’s lives than almost anything else - giving birth to children. In this episode we will explore various aspects of this paramount and awe-inspiring process and how it has changed across cultures and through time. From how we think about conception and fertility to some rather kooky pregnancy tests; from ... Show More
Oct 6
Royals, Nobles & Mistresses with Syphilis
From sex-crazed libertines, to noble courtesans, to innocent Empresses; syphilis was a devastating disease which ravaged many, and sometimes changed the course of history. Let’s meet 10 royal and noble victims of this sexually transmitted infection. Lorenzo de’Medici, Duke of Urb ... Show More
33m 44s
Sep 22
Anne, Queen of Great Britain & Ireland
Queen Anne was the younger sister of Mary II, half of England’s only joint monarchy, William and Mary. When they died, Anne had no interest in sharing the throne with her husband. She was the first married Queen of England to rule on her own. Anne was a strong political player an ... Show More
30m 19s
Jul 2025
Childbirth in Medieval Times with Kate Lister
<p><strong>This episode contains explicit language and graphic descriptions of birth</strong></p><br><p>Today we're delving into historical childbirth's stark realities, facing the medieval attitudes toward childbirth, its dangers, and grizzly details. Dr. Eleanor Janega pays a v ... Show More
37m 8s
Jun 2025
The History of the C-section
Almost half of births in the UK are delivered via Cesarean section. But when was this operation first performed?Kate Lister is joined by Hannah Marsh, author of 'Thread, A Cesarean Story of Myth, Magic, and Medicine', to hear how this medical procedure developed, and how it has b ... Show More
54m 1s
Aug 2020
Ep. 258 Empowering women to have awesome births
It's a topic women have been conversations about for all of human history: bringing babies into the world! This week, the conversation continues as Meg invites Bryn Huntpalmer - creator and host of The Birth Hour podcast - to share about her passion for women, birth, and babies. ... Show More
54m 37s
Jul 2021
SMNTY Classics: A History of Pregnancy Tests
<p>Pregnancy tests have a colorful history tracing back to 1350 BC -- and, as you might imagine, the methods have varied greatly over the centuries. In this classic episode, Caroline and Cristen look at the history of pregnancy tests. </p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices ... Show More
23m 52s
Feb 2024
122: The Dark History of Childbirth: We’ve been giving birth ALL WRONG
Hi friends, happy Wednesday!Despite what some people may say, birth is not a problem that needs solving–it's a natural journey that we just need guidance to help us get through (And of course, doctors, midwives, doulas…you get it). As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how scary an ... Show More
57m 40s
Jun 2021
A History of Pregnancy Cravings, Part 1: Pickles and Ice Cream
<p>Pregnancy is amazing — and scary, and beautiful, and a thousand other things. The modern world has stereotypes and tropes aplenty about pregnancy, especially including the phenomena known as pregnancy cravings. But how far back does this go? In the first part of this series, B ... Show More
41m 12s