{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"SAINTS, SEX, SENTIMENT, AND CHOCOLATE: A SHORT HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY","description":"SAINTS, SEX, SENTIMENT, AND CHOCOLATE: A SHORT HISTORY OF VALENTINE'S DAY The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series \ud83d\udc8c Valentine\u2019s Day wasn\u2019t always about roses and chocolates. In fact, it started with a goat. Yes, really. In our latest  Smithsonian Associates Interview Series episode on The Not Old Better Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Roth, cultural historian, prolific lecturer, and scholar-in-residence at the Jefferson Educational Society.  Smithsonian Associate Dr. Andrew Roth will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates and you can find out more  HERE, but we have Dr. Roth today to talk about Saints, Sex, and Chocolate: The Surprisingly Naughty History of Valentine\u2019s Day Dr. Roth\u2019s talk, titled \u201cSaints, Sex, Sentiment, and Chocolate: A Short History of Valentine\u2019s Day\u201d, is a tour-de-force through the strange, sensual, and surprisingly political roots of this global celebration of love. From pagan fertility rituals and medieval courtship to the Victorian explosion of mass-produced valentines, this episode asks: What are we really celebrating each February 14th? For older adults, many of whom have witnessed several decades of changing cultural norms, this episode is especially resonant. It\u2019s not just about romance\u2014it\u2019s about how we express care, connection, and desire across generations. And yes, we cover the juicy stuff, too. So whether you\u2019re single, smitten, or somewhere in between, this conversation will make you think twice the next time you unwrap a heart-shaped chocolate. \ud83d\udc98 Happy Valentine's Day! \ud83c\udfa7 Listen here on Apple Podcasts: &amp;nbsp;https:\/\/notoldbettershow.info\/NewEpisode #NotOldBetterShow #ValentinesDayHistory #SmithsonianAssociates #LifelongLearning #Over50Voices #LoveAndCulture  https:\/\/smithsonianassociates.org\/ticketing\/programs\/valentines-day ","author_name":"The Not Old - Better Show","author_url":"https:\/\/www.notold-better.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39999250\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/2d676d\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/198237530"}