Podcast
From Caves to Raves - an unofficial, and irreverent history of gay men from the Stone Age to Modern Times.
Hosted by Alan · EN
Welcome to the ‘From /Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.
Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men.
In each episode, we’ll be uncovering stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors.
So join us as we dive into the past and bring to light the lives of gay men across England’s rich and turbulent history. This is ‘From Caves to Raves’ – stories of survival, community, and the enduring spirit to live and love openly.
With contributions from:
Dr Pierce Ing
Dr Huw Janus
Dr Phil McCracken
Dr Ben Dover
And Dr Betty Swallocks.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Knight Moves – The Bonds Between Knights and Their Squires.
Jan 15, 202500:13:30Tap to summarizeIn our latest episode, Knight Moves – The Bonds Between Knights and Their Squires we will be examining the relationship between knights of old and their squires. Did their relationship move from mentor and mentee to something physical?Join me as we uncover the stories, challenges, and resilience of our queer ancestors during one of humanity’s toughest timesIf like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357#gayhistory #gaymen
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Ye Olde Cottaging.
Jan 15, 202500:14:21Tap to summarizeYe Olde Cottaging.Welcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. Did you know that cruising in bath houses or bars isn’t a modern thingIn our latest episode, “Ye Olde Cottaging,” we examine the various settings gay men met other like-minded people and some of them might be surprising.Join me as we uncover the stories, challenges, and resilience of our queer ancestors during one of humanity’s toughest timesIf like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357#gayhistory #gaymen
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The Black Death was a Total Drag.
Dec 12, 202400:16:04Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. The Black Death was a Total Drag!Did you know the Black Death wasn’t just a time of plagues and panic but also a moment that reshaped communities—including gay ones? In our latest episode, "The Black Death Was a Total Drag," we dive into how medieval Europe’s darkest hour intersected with the lives of gay men. From unexpected bonds in the face of disaster to the social shifts that changed intimacy forever, this is history like you've never heard it before.Join me as we uncover the stories, challenges, and resilience of our queer ancestors during one of humanity’s toughest timesIf like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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Using gay codes in literature
Dec 5, 202400:17:07Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. Today's episode is called: Medieval Shade - Using Codes in Gay Literature and examines how knights, troubadors and monks referred to same-sex relationships in an indirect way.If like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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Piers Gaveston and Edward II: Forbidden Romance at Court.
Nov 23, 202400:15:12Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. Today's episode is called: Piers Gaveston and Edward II: Forbidden Romance at Court and takes a poke at the possible sexual relationship between the king od England a former squire. And yes, using the term 'poke' is particularly apt in Edward's case.If like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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Richard the Lionheart: The Cruising Crusader King?
Nov 23, 202400:13:30Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. Today's episode is called 'Richard the Lionheart: The Cruising Crusader King?' and it examines the possible relationship between a King of England and the King of France. Richard has been traditionally portrayed as the ideal of knightly manhood. But was he more interested in cruising than the crusades? If like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout or Patreon from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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Monky Business.
Nov 15, 202400:14:30Tap to summarizeMonky Business.Welcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. In today’s episode: 'Monky Business', we'll be asking why monks spent so much time on their knees. Was it praying or was something else going on?If like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout or Patreon from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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Viking Voyages: Raids and Love on the High Seas
Nov 15, 202400:13:29Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. In today’s episode: Viking Voyages: Raids and Love on the High Seaswe examine the possibility of same-sex relationships, both male and female, amongst the Vikings. It wasn't just their hats that were horny!And, if like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout or Patreon from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!And if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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Saints or Sinners? The Sex Lives of Early British Clergy.
Nov 8, 202400:14:05Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. In today’s episode, the full episode of which is: Saints or Sinners? The Sex Lives of Early British Clergy. Unveiling the Sexual Ambiguities of Saints and Bishops During the Early Medieval Period. We examine the history of various Saints and Bishops and ask the question of whether they indulged in more than just 'brotherly love.'With special thanks to my family and the following academics:Dr Pierce IngDr Huw JanusDr Phil McCracken Dr Ben DoverAnd Dr Betty Swallocks.And, if like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!Also, if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
Transcribe →The Saxon Shuffle: Anglo-Saxon Codes and Crusaders of Love.
Nov 8, 202400:18:21Tap to summarizeWelcome to the ‘From Caves to Raves’ podcast taking us on a journey through the history of gay men in England (and the rest of the UK after 1701), from prehistoric caves to the neon-lit dance floors of today.Hosted by Alan Cox, and yes that is his name! ‘From Caves to Raves’ is an outlet for his other side – the slightly silly and irreverent one which is very different from his everyday life as an ICF-accredited Life Coach working with gay men. In each episode, we’ll be uncovering the stories of ordinary men with extraordinary resilience living their lives from the shadows of ancient times to the glow of modern Britain. But don’t worry, the journey won’t be academically dry and will be irreverent at times thanks to the other contributors. In today’s episode: 'The Saxon Shuffle: Anglo-Saxon Codes and Crusaders of Love' we will be examining the rather fluid nature of gender identity at the time of the Saxons and unearthing evidence that they might have believed there was a third gender.With special thanks to my family and the following academics:Dr Pierce IngDr Huw JanusDr Phil McCracken Dr Ben DoverAnd Dr Betty Swallocks.And, if like me, you have a slightly silly and irreverent nature then you can sponsor the work I do via Buzzsprout from as little as $3. I promise I will invest that money in buying academic books and not gin!Also, if you’re interested in starting a podcast too, and I would recommend it, then I would suggest you approach Buzzsprout who hosts my show.There is a referral code here for you: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2318357
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