Taboo Science

Ashley Hamer
Taboo Science

Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you're not allowed to ask. It's hosted by Ashley Hamer, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large. Why don't we eat people? Why are my swear words different than my parents'? And what makes porn, porn? It's science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. It's Taboo Science.

  1. Philias: Foot Fetishes Kick the Stigma

    11 JUL

    Philias: Foot Fetishes Kick the Stigma

    Ever wondered why some people have a thing for feet? In this final Philias episode, we're flying feet first into foot fetishes. Social psychologist Dr. Justin Lehmiller breaks down the origins of fetishes (and the truth to that "crossed wires in the brain" factoid), while writer and "Educatrix" Tina Horn gives us the lowdown on why feet can be such a turn-on. We also step into the cultural aspects of foot fascination and debunk some common misconceptions. Whether you're a foot fanatic yourself or just interested in what makes people tick, this episode will shed light on a often misunderstood aspect of human sexuality. So go ahead, press play and put your feet up—and maybe snap a pic or two while you're at it. Resources from Dr. Justin Lehmiller: Website: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/Book: https://amzn.to/4cCcyqmPodcast: https://www.sexandpsychology.com/podcasts/Twitter/X: https://x.com/JustinLehmillerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinjlehmiller/ Resources from Tina Horn: Website: https://tinahorn.net/Book: https://amzn.to/45YPJuwPodcast: https://tinahorn.net/yapitTwitter/X: https://x.com/tinahornsassInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinahornsass See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/047-foot-fetishes/ Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h Connect with the show:  Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience  Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473 Mentioned in this episode: Tailor Mushrooms Go to www.tailormushrooms.store and use code...

    36 min
  2. Philias: Diapers, Age Play, and the Psychology of ABDL

    13 JUN

    Philias: Diapers, Age Play, and the Psychology of ABDL

    You've definitely wondered why some grown adults like to wear diapers—so let's get into it. In today's episode, we rip off the velcro to understand the world of of ABDL (Adult Baby/Diaper Lovers) and uncover the diverse desires and expressions within this often misunderstood community. From the psychological and emotional aspects to the truly prolific amount of gear options, we explore what draws people to this kink and how it can be a source of comfort, coping, and even healing. With the help of researcher B. Terrance Grey, The Usual Bet podcast hosts and age players Sophie & Chloe, and veteran kinkster Benny, we also tackle the tough stuff like shame, stigma, and navigating relationships. So grab your favorite sippy cup, settle in, and join us for a judgment-free journey into the heart of this fascinating community. Resources from B. Terrance Grey: Understanding Infantilism: https://understanding.infantilism.org/ Resources from Sophie & Chloe: The Usual Bet podcast: https://episodes.fm/1489108968The Usual Bet on X: https://x.com/TheUsualBetSophie on X: https://x.com/TheUsualSophieChloe on X: https://x.com/TheUsualChloe Resources from Benny: Twisted Tryst: https://www.twistedtryst.com/ See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/045-abdl-age-play-diapers/ Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h Connect with the show:  Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience  Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473 Mentioned in this episode: Tailor Mushrooms Visit www.tailor.store and use code "taboo" at checkout for 30% off your first order.

    35 min
  3. Philias: Zoophilia and the Hidden Community That's Into Animals

    30 MAY

    Philias: Zoophilia and the Hidden Community That's Into Animals

    Get ready to learn about the underground and frequently misunderstood world of zoophilia. With the help of paraphilia researcher Alexandra Zidenberg and hosts of the zoophile podcast Zooier Than Thou, we'll unravel what it really means to be attracted to animals. We'll learn what it is that attracts "zoos" to non-human animals, explore the hot-button issue of animal consent, wrestle with the ethics of bestiality, understand the incredible diversity within the zoophile community itself, and hear about the immense challenges zoophiles face in a society that's quick to judge what they don't understand. Tune in for an ultra-taboo episode that will challenge what you thought you knew about the world. Resources from Alexandra Zidenberg: Website: https://www.alexandrazidenberg.com/Dissertation: https://harvest.usask.ca/items/aeb0600d-3e6d-48e1-9008-906c050cae23Twitter: https://x.com/Lexi_M_Z Resources from Zooier Than Thou: Podcast website: https://zoo.wtf/Twitter: https://x.com/zooierthanthouBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/zoo.wtf See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/044-zoophilia/ Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h Connect with the show:  Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience  Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

    35 min
  4. Philias: Cuckolding Is More Than Just Cheating

    16 MAY

    Philias: Cuckolding Is More Than Just Cheating

    "Cuck" is way more than an internet insult. In this episode of Taboo Science, we're stepping out and diving in to cuckolding, the real-life kink and lifestyle all about the thrill of your partner sleeping with someone else. Join us as we chat with clinical psychologist Dr. David Ley and popular cuckolding podcaster Venus Cuckoldress, who shed light on the psychological quirks and deep emotional connections in this often misunderstood practice. We're also breaking down how it all plays into the complicated dynamics of race, power, and gender. If you're curious to understand a taboo that's reshaping how some people view relationships and empowerment, give it a listen. Let's get into why cuckolding is having a major moment right now and what it could mean for you. Resources from Dr. David Ley: Website: https://www.davidleyphd.com/Insatiable Wives: Women Who Stray and the Men Who Love Them https://amzn.to/3V0mRy4 Resources from Venus Cuckoldress: Podcast: https://www.venuscuckoldress.com/Matchmaking service: https://www.venusconnections.com/ See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/042-cuckolding Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h Connect with the show:  Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience  Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

    35 min
  5. Philias: Why Pup Play Appeals to Grown Adults

    2 MAY

    Philias: Why Pup Play Appeals to Grown Adults

    Fox News recoils at the idea of pup play—but we're looking closer. In this episode of Taboo Science, we dive into the fascinating subculture of humans who enjoy roleplaying as puppies. We'll explore the origins of this kink, from post-WWII leather culture to the rise of online pup communities, and learn what draws people to don a pup hood and bark. Kink researcher Dr. Liam Wignall and sex educator and pup play enthusiast Pup Amp share insights on the gear, the headspace, and the joys and challenges of being a pup. We also tackle the stigma and misconceptions surrounding this kink, and why it's important to approach it with an open mind. So, sit, stay, and listen up—this episode will satisfy your curiosity about the world of pup play, and maybe even inspire you to unleash your own inner puppy. See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/042-pupplay/ Resources from Dr. Liam Wignall: His book, Kinky In The Digital Age: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/kinky-in-the-digital-age-9780197503195?cc=us&lang=en&Faculty page: https://research.brighton.ac.uk/en/persons/liam-wignall Resources from Amp Somers: Website: https://www.wattsthesafeword.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WattsTheSafewordTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/WattstheSafeWord Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h Connect with the show:  Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscience Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience  Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/  Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

    33 min

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About

Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you're not allowed to ask. It's hosted by Ashley Hamer, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large. Why don't we eat people? Why are my swear words different than my parents'? And what makes porn, porn? It's science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. It's Taboo Science.

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