Frisky History

“Frisky History” is a gender and history-focused podcast that blends humor with critical analysis, exploring how sexuality and gender norms have evolved throughout history. The show demonstrates how seemingly personal topics are deeply political and historically contingent.

Representative content includes “The History of Birth Control,” tracing contraceptive methods from ancient practices to modern technology, revealing how reproductive autonomy has been contested across cultures and centuries. “Sex Scandals in American Politics” examines how political figures’ sexual conduct intersects with power structures, demonstrating the gendered nature of political accountability.

“The Criminalization of Sex Work” explores the historical treatment of sex workers and legal changes affecting their rights, contextualizing contemporary debates within broader patterns of moral regulation and economic exploitation. “Hysteria & the Vibrator” analyzes the intersection of medical gender bias and body politics, revealing how supposedly scientific practices reinforced patriarchal control over women’s bodies.

“Sex Ed Through the Decades” chronicles the evolution and controversies of American sex education policy, showing how sexual knowledge has been regulated as a form of social control. The podcast excels at connecting historical patterns to contemporary debates, making complex gender theory accessible through engaging storytelling.

Suitable for audiences interested in gender norms, body politics, and cultural critique, particularly communities interested in the intersection of sexuality and history. The show’s relaxed yet informative style serves as an important bridge between gender studies and popular culture, demonstrating how historical understanding can illuminate current feminist struggles and celebrations.