Conversations with Tyler Mary Roach on Disgust, Death, and Danger (Live at Mason)
Oct 18, 2017
Mary Roach, a bestselling author known for her explorations of science and the human body, chats with Tyler Cowen about her quirky curiosities. They dive into the psychology of disgust and how societal views on death shape scientific progress. With her signature humor, Roach discusses the perils of bedpans and the ethics of cadaver usage. The conversation also touches on mindful eating, unique astronaut dining experiences, and the absurdity found in technical specifications, showcasing her ability to make even the oddest topics engaging.
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Maintaining Wonder
- When exploring a topic, maintain a sense of wonder and hesitation.
- Avoid becoming too comfortable with the subject matter to preserve fresh perspectives.
Stimulated vs. Unstimulated Saliva
- Mary Roach discusses stimulated vs. unstimulated saliva and different collection methods.
- She explains how the mouth produces saliva even when chewing on a non-food item like a tampon.
The Nature of Disgust
- Disgust often targets things that are smelly, dangerous, or bacteria-laden, serving an evolutionary purpose.
- Bodily fluids become disgusting upon leaving the body, highlighting the boundaries of self, which can extend to loved ones.
