Taboo Science

(00:00:00) Trans 101: What Detransitioners Want You to Know (00:03:44) What Is Detransition? (00:08:52) Maddie's Story (00:13:40) Eri's Story (00:21:00) The Healthcare Dilemma (00:27:14) Who Detransitions? (00:32:27) Moving Forward If you support trans people, you probably believe that detransition almost never happens and when it does, it's only due to discrimination. But new research shows that's not the full picture—and avoiding the conversation isn't protecting anyone. This episode explores the largest study ever designed to understand detransition, featuring two people with completely opposite experiences. One transitioned in her twenties and later regretted it, losing her entire friend group not when she detransitioned but when she admitted the regret. The other was blocked from hormones by a gatekeeping therapist and spent 13 years forced to live as the wrong gender before finally retransitioning. One needed more scrutiny before accessing care, the other needed fewer barriers—yet both were failed by the system. Researcher Kinnon MacKinnon breaks down what the data actually shows and why preventing detransition might be the wrong goal entirely. This isn't ammunition for either side of the political battle. It's about what happens when we're too afraid to acknowledge complexity.More from Kinnon MacKinnon:The One Percent on Substack: https://theonepercentdetrans.substack.com/Website: https://www.kinnonmackinnon.com/Citations and transcript: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-what-detransitioners-want-you-to-know/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

How many studies does it take for something to be "settled science"? For trans athletes—who face state bans across the country, which recently reached the Supreme Court—there's hardly any research at all. In this episode, we're digging into what that research actually found, and it's way more complicated than the “fairness” advocates would have you believe. Dr. Blair Hamilton walks us through findings showing that trans people gain some advantages and lose others after transitioning. Champion triathlete Chris Mosier talks about what trans kids actually lose when they're banned from sports—and why the real threats to women's athletics have nothing to do with trans people. Whether you’re against trans athletes competing or you’re just trying to understand why politicians are obsessed with a few dozen athletes, this episode will uncover the nuance in the noise.00:00:00 - Introduction: Where Support Falls Apart 00:01:20 - How Sports Became the Wedge Issue 00:04:08 - The "Settled Science" 00:10:24 - How Many Trans Athletes Actually Exist 00:13:23 - Can't Win by Losing, Can't Win by Winning 00:15:11 - Why Ban Chess and Darts? 00:16:35 - The Playbook of Using Women's Safety 00:18:00 - Genital Inspections and Racial Targeting 00:19:35 - What's Lost: Community, Belonging, and Identity 00:25:17 - Solutions: Sport-Specific Analysis and Evidence-Based Policy 00:27:06 - Why We Celebrate Some Advantages But Not Others 00:29:11 - ConclusionMore from Blair Hamilton:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blair90x/?hl=en X: https://x.com/BlairH_PhD More from Chris Mosier:Website: https://www.thechrismosier.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrismosier/Buy the book “Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports” https://thenewpress.org/books/fair-game/ Citations and transcript: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-trans-athletes-what-the-science-actually-says/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Every notification is a gamble: Is this a genuine connection or another person who swiped right just to tell you you're disgusting? Welcome to dating while trans. In this episode, we're exploring the disclosure dilemmas, infrastructure failures, and stigma that make dating "super hell" for trans people—featuring author and theorist Julia Serano (Whipping Girl). You'll hear why the design of dating apps fails trans people, how anti-trans stigma poisons relationships even when the attraction is real, what "chasers" are and why the fetish mindset is so harmful, and why trans women face wildly different (and more dangerous) dating experiences than trans men. Not attracted to trans people? Nobody’s gonna force you to change that—but we are going to help you examine whether your feelings come from you, or from the stigma society planted in your head.Plus, stick around until the end of the episode for a bonus clip all about trans sex from Sex Ed with DB. You can listen to that full episode here.More from Julia Serano:Julia’s website: https://juliaserano.com/Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/julia-serano/whipping-girl/9781541604520/ Julia’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/juliaserano More from Oliver Haimson: Oliver’s website: https://oliverhaimson.com/ Trans Technologies book: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262551861/trans-technologies/Trans Technologies Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/transtechnologies/Citations and further reading: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-dating-while-trans-with-julia-serano/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

When someone in your family comes out as trans, what do you actually do? Turns out "I love you, I believe you" goes a long way—but it's also way more complicated than that. In this episode, we're exploring why parents have the hardest time with transition, why aunts and grandmothers often step up when parents can't, and whether families who reject ever come back around (most do!). We'll hear from parents about those pivotal coming-out moments and the fears that kept them up at night, break down why rejection usually isn't sudden and why extended family tends to be more accepting than you'd expect, and talk to trans people about what it's like when your family doesn't accept you—and how some are thriving anyway. This episode won't sugarcoat how hard the current moment is, but it will show you that family acceptance isn't the only path to a good life.Listen to the Transparently Speaking podcast: https://transparentlyspeakingpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Learn about the Family Housing and Me project, cofounded by Amy Stone: https://www.instagram.com/fhamproject/ See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-when-a-loved-one-comes-out-what-should-you-do/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

In this bonus episode, Ashley sits down with Oliver Haimson, associate professor at the University of Michigan's School of Information and author of Trans Technologies. They explore how mainstream technology often excludes trans people—from face filter apps designed for cisgender amusement to healthcare systems that force patients to become DIY experts. Haimson reveals why trans people are simultaneously more tech-savvy and more skeptical of AI than the general population, and discusses how online communities provide lifelines for isolated trans people in rural areas. The conversation tackles the tension between scrappy, community-built solutions and the burden of maintaining them, while highlighting tools that help allies learn without putting emotional labor on trans people. It's a fascinating look at how technology both fails and serves transgender communities—and what it would take to do better.Resources mentioned:Trans Technologies by Oliver Haimson: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262551861/trans-technologies/Trans Technologies Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/transtechnologies/The Trans Language Primer: https://translanguageprimer.com/What Do Transgender Software Professionals Say About A Career in The Software Industry? IEEE: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2303.12913Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Here's a wild statistic: nearly a quarter of trans people in the U.S. avoid going to the doctor specifically because they expect to be disrespected. And honestly? They're probably right. In this episode of Taboo Science, we're pulling back the curtain on a healthcare system that requires trans patients to prove they're "really trans," charges thousands of dollars for basic care, and somehow graduates doctors who've never learned how to treat trans bodies. You'll hear from sociologist stef shuster about the folklore of trans medicine that doctors still believe, psychologist Stephanie Budge about the critical difference between over-emphasizing and under-emphasizing gender in treatment, and comedian Max Gross about what it's like to be your own medical educator at every single appointment. This episode is not gonna make you like your insurance company, but I promise there's hope at the end. More from stef shuster:Website: http://stefshuster.com/Buy their book: https://nyupress.org/9781479899371/trans-medicine/More from Max Gross:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxgotjokes/See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-finding-healthcare-that-wont-kill-you/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

What if the government declared you don't exist? In 2025, that's exactly what happened to nonbinary people—but they're not going anywhere. This episode breaks down what nonbinary actually means (hint: it's not "between man and woman"), why they/them pronouns are harder for our brains to process, and how some nonbinary people use hormones to craft their perfect gender recipe. With help from psychologist Dr. Em Matsuno and our sensitivity reader Newt Schottelkotte, we're exploring everything from microdosing testosterone to why misgendering is the default for nonbinary folks—along with the benefits to the journey of gender discovery. Whether you're nonbinary yourself, know someone who is, or are just trying to figure out how to not mess up someone's pronouns, this episode will help you understand what it means to make your own gender from scratch.More from Em Matsuno: Empowerment Lab website: https://empowermentlab.wordpress.com/Empowerment Lab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerment_lab_asuMore from Newt Schottelkotte:Website: https://newtschottelkotte.com/See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/nonbinary-101-beyond-the-binary/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

The right says doctors are mutilating children. The left says nothing permanent is happening. They're both oversimplifying, but they're not equally wrong. Meet Maya, who started transitioning at 13 with puberty blockers, then hormones, then surgery at 16. Now 25 and thriving, she walks us through what actually happened—and why she says it saved her life. We also talk to pediatrician Dr. Michelle Forcier, who breaks down the real medical process. We're busting the "most trans kids change their minds" myth with actual research, covering what puberty blockers really do, why some trans kids hate being on them, and the question nobody wants to ask: what happens to kids who don't get care? Turns out inaction is also a decision, and it comes with permanent consequences too. This episode won't give you easy answers, but it will show you what the science actually says and why everyone who knows trans youth best says the same thing: listen to them. Content note: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and suicidality. More from Michelle Forcier:Brown UniversityLinkedInSee citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-trans-kids-the-reality-of-youth-transition/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

For decades, doctors tried to psychoanalyze trans people out of being trans. Spoiler: it didn't work. This episode dives into the medical reality of gender transition—from how hormones actually work at the cellular level to the emotional rollercoaster of a second puberty. You'll learn what estrogen and testosterone really do to the body, what bottom growth actually means, and how modern surgery can create everything from boobs to fully functional penises with hydraulic erections. We cover the psychological shifts, the physical changes, the hilarious terminology trans people have coined, and why medical transition isn't about "fixing" anyone—it's about letting people finally be themselves.More from Michelle Forcier:Brown UniversityLinkedInMore from Riley Black:WebsiteOrder her latest book, The Last Days of the DinosaursBlueskyMore from Hibby Thach:WebsiteTwitchBlueskyMore from Charlie James:WebsiteOrder his book, I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to DillydallyingTikTokCitations and transcript: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-how-transgender-hormone-therapy-changes-body-and-brain/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Got a rainbow sticker? Follow trans creators? Have trans friends? Cool. But if you're like most people—even the well-meaning ones—you probably know just enough about trans people to be dangerous. In this episode, we're dismantling the "born in the wrong body" narrative and exploring what being trans actually means. With help from University of Victoria transgender studies chair Dr. Aaron Devor, paleontologist Riley Black, PhD student Hibby Thach, and comedian Charlie James, we're breaking down sex vs. gender vs. gender expression, debunking the "social contagion" myth, and explaining why asking "but have you had The Surgery?" is never okay. Trans people are rarer than redheads, but somehow they're at the center of a political firestorm—so let's actually understand what we're talking about.More from Aaron Devor:WebsitePodcast for Inquiry appearanceMore from Riley Black:WebsiteOrder her latest book, The Last Days of the DinosaursBlueskyMore from Hibby Thach:WebsiteTwitchBlueskyMore from Charlie James:WebsiteOrder his book, I’m Just a Little Guy: How to Escape the Horrors and Get Back to DillydallyingTikTokSee citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/trans-101-everything-you-think-you-know-but-probably-dont/Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

When it comes to transgender issues, most of us are working with incomplete information—and that's a problem when real people's rights hang in the balance. This season, we're exploring what it actually means to be trans in America today, from the science of gender identity to the daily realities of healthcare, relationships, and family. With the help of researchers crunching the numbers and trans people sharing their stories, we'll tackle the questions you might be curious about but wouldn't know how to ask, without the political noise—just honest conversations about human experience. The first episode of Trans 101 drops October 2nd. Subscribe/follow so you don't miss it.Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

You requested and I delivered: I'm answering your Philias questions on the podcast. With the help of interviewer and podcast industry extraordinaire Arielle Nissenblatt, learn about the most controversial episodes, fascinating facts that didn't make it into the show, how I got people to talk about this stuff, and whether my mom listens (she absolutely does). Resources from Arielle:Earbuds Podcast Collective: https://earbuds.audio/ Twitter: https://x.com/arithisandthatThreads: https://www.threads.net/@ariellethisandthatSee important links and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/048-qa/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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/tinahornsassSee 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/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:Tailor MushroomsGo to www.tailormushrooms.store and use code...Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Consider today's episode a sampler platter of unconventional kinks. We're talking exhibitionism, financial domination, wet and messy fun, fat fetishes, lactation fascination, golden showers, and even the fantasy world of vore. Don't worry, we're keeping it classy (well, as classy as you can when discussing people who get off on being peed on). Whether you're a seasoned kinkster or vanilla as they come, this episode is guaranteed to teach you something fascinating about human desire. Just don't blame me if you suddenly develop an urge to splosh around in some baked beans.See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/046-kinksampler/Get 30% off of Tailor Mushrooms with code "taboo" here: https://www.tailor.store/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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/TheUsualChloeResources 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/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:Tailor MushroomsVisit www.tailor.store and use code "taboo" at checkout for 30% off your first order.Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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_ZResources from Zooier Than Thou:Podcast website: https://zoo.wtf/Twitter: https://x.com/zooierthanthouBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/zoo.wtfSee 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/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

"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/3V0mRy4Resources 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-cuckoldingNeed music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

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-wignallResources from Amp Somers:Website: https://www.wattsthesafeword.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WattsTheSafewordTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/WattstheSafeWordNeed music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

The furry fandom gets a bad rap. But on this episode, we're digging beneath the stereotypes to uncover the truth about this misunderstood community. We'll chat with furry researcher Dr. Courtney Plante along with Riley Black, a science writer and a furry herself, to explore what the furry culture is really all about, from the artistry of fursuits to the appeal of fursonas. And yes, we'll go there—investigating whether being a furry is actually a fetish (spoiler alert: for most, it's not, but for the others, we'll explore why). So put your preconceptions aside and get ready to learn what makes the furry community so fascinating—and maybe even find yourself with an urge to join in the fun. Resources from Dr. Courtney Plante:FurScience: https://furscience.com/ Resources from Riley Black:Website: https://rileyblack.net/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/restingdinoface.bsky.socialSee citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/041-furries/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Leave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceNewsletter: 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/id1533606473Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Whips, chains, and... legal pads? In this episode of Taboo Science, we dive deep into the world of BDSM to explore its long history, the science behind subspace, the submissive rich guy stereotype, and why aftercare is essential for everyone (even vanilla folks!). With help from paraphilia researcher Dr. Christian Joyal, the Ask a Sub podcast's Lina Dune, and the Loving BDSM podcast's Kayla Lords and John Brownstone, we're debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the reality of safe, consensual BDSM practices. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about the lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Hey, it's way better than Fifty Shades of Grey.(02:50) What kinksters think of Fifty Shades(04:49) BDSM definition(05:07) BDSM history(07:37) What the DSM has to say(09:32) Why do people like BDSM?(14:56) Powerful man stereotype(27:04) Subspace(27:48) Domspace?(31:17) The Dom's role(37:40) AftercareResources from Christian Joyal:University of Quebec faculty page: https://oraprdnt.uqtr.uquebec.ca/pls/public/genw050.afficher_fiche_perso?owa_cd_secteur=0800&owa_cd_fonction=49&owa_no_personne=134064&owa_contexte=$211-37Philippe-Pinel Institute faculty page: https://pinel.qc.ca/christian-joyal-ph-d/ Research on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,5&q=c+joyal&oq=Resources from Lina Dune:Ask a Sub podcast: https://askasub.substack.com/podcastNewsletter: https://askasub.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askasub2.0/ Resources from Kayla Lords & John Brownstone:Loving BDSM podcast: https://lovingbdsm.net/loving-bdsm-podcast/Website: https://lovingbdsm.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovingds1/ See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/040-bdsm/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience  Twitter: Connect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473