The Original STI: A Shameless History of Syphilis
Update: 2025-07-25
Description
Before HIV, before chlamydia, there was syphilis — the original venereal villain. In this episode, Robert and Anna take you on a wild ride through the scandalous history of syphilis: from Columbus and the French pox to mercury treatments, Mad King George, and the Tuskegee Study. We’ll cover the myths, the science, and the utter insanity of how people used to “treat” it.
Spoiler: “A night with Venus, a lifetime with mercury” wasn’t just a poetic phrase — it was a death sentence.
You’ll learn:
- How syphilis reshaped Europe
- Why some people raised a pinky as a secret sign
- Which historical icons may have had it
- The difference between chancre and shanker (seriously)
- And why it still matters right now — including the massive rise in congenital syphilis
This isn’t your high school health class. This is the raw, ridiculous, and real story of the STI that just won’t die.
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