AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Sex and Psychology Podcast
Episode 343: The Fascinating History Of Sex Toys
Nov 8, 2024
Esmé Louise James, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne and author of 'Kinky History', sheds light on the surprisingly rich history of sex toys. She explores the ancient origins of dildos, dating back 28,000 years, and unpacks the evolution of vibrators from medical devices aimed at men to symbols of sexual pleasure. The conversation also humorously addresses the unconventional marketing tactics for sexual wellness products and reveals the fascinating history of cock rings and ancient contraception methods.
31:20
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The historical use of sex toys, like ancient dildos and cock rings, reveals a long-standing human fascination with sexual pleasure.
- Gosnell Duncan's invention of the silicone dildo in the 1960s marked a pivotal moment for sexual wellness, emphasizing safety and inclusivity.
Deep dives
The Ancient History of Dildos
The use of dildos dates back approximately 28,000 years, with discoveries of early versions made from stone found in a German cave. These ancient dildos reveal that humans have been creating sexual aids long before the advent of writing or other modern inventions, showcasing a nearly universal aspect of sexual expression across cultures and history. Many artifacts have been uncovered, with designs that suggest they were used for pleasure, evidenced by a particularly polished top attributed to wear from usage. This highlights that the practice of using sexual aids is deeply rooted in human history, indicating the importance of pleasure across millennia.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode