The History of Sex: A new podcast by B. T. Newberg

What was it like to be a cunning woman during the witch trials of Renaissance Europe? Or a eunuch priest of Cybele in ancient Rome? Or a cross-dressing shaman in Siberia when Europeans first came knocking? That’s the kind of thing we’ll be exploring in the new podcast The History of Sex.

[Dead Ideas] “Steampunk Rome”, by B. T. Newberg

For our final series, we’re doing the steam technology of the ancient world that died and had to be resurrected in 18th-century Europe. How close was Rome to being able to construct a working steam locomotive? That may sound silly, but you won’t think so after this episode!

[Dead Ideas] “Canals of Mars”, by B. T. Newberg

Is the surface of Mars criss-crossed by lines so long and straight they can only be constructions of an advanced alien civilization? Many astronomers in the late 19th and early 20th century thought so. Join us in this jaunt into the frailty of human perception. Learn all about it in this episode of Dead Ideas.

[Dead Ideas] “Court Eunuchs”, by B. T. Newberg

Did you know that Byzantine culture recognized three genders? We talk about that and more in our new series on court eunuchs. Follow the spectacular rise and fall of these beardless Byzantines.

[Dead Ideas] “Viking Shieldmaidens and Badass Women”, by B. T. Newberg

We’re continuing to explore the Viking world, and today we ask: did Viking women really fight? Were they truly badass?

In this episode, we bring you historical and archaeological evidence, and plenty of stories of women in the Viking Age.