History’s favourite sex toys

History’s favourite sex toys

June 14, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

This episode explores the history of sex toys and female pleasure through archaeological findings.

*CONTENT WARNING* This episode explores mature themes such as sex and masturbation. When the wooden object was unearthed, the archaeologists were stumped. What was this thing? It looked like a club and was found among bits of cloth so they thought it was a darning tool. But it was another kind of tool. One that would raise eyebrows and cause some people to blush. Sex historian Dr Kate Lister (Flick: The Story of Female Pleasure) charts the history of female pleasure with Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole), unearthing sex toys from archaeological digs to nunneries. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Dr Kate Lister

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Books & works: Flick: The Story of Female Pleasure, Stuff The British Stole

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