#1156 Eric Sprankle: The History and Science of Masturbation and Pornography

Sep 29, 2025

Dr. Eric Sprankle, a clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist, dives into the fascinating history and science of masturbation. He discusses the surprising prevalence of masturbation in the animal kingdom and contrasts historical attitudes, revealing how it was once seen as natural before being branded sinful. Sprankle debunks common myths from the NoFap movement and examines the psychological impacts of guilt and shame associated with masturbation. He also addresses the facts about pornography and its effects, challenging misinformation while promoting healthy sexual attitudes.

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ANECDOTE

Wild Animals Masturbate Too

Eric Sprankle recounts a walrus named Thor masturbating on an English beach, which halted a town fireworks display.
He uses this to show masturbation occurs in wild animals and isn't uniquely human.

INSIGHT

Historic Views Shifted Over Time

In ancient Greek and Roman societies masturbation existed but was largely inconsequential and sometimes a joke.
It became problematized later when religious and medical narratives reframed it as sinful or pathological.

ANECDOTE

Onan Story Fueled Religious Prohibitions

Eric explains the Genesis story of Onan was later interpreted by rabbis as a prohibition against 'spilling seed.'
This religious reading influenced Jewish and Christian prohibitions on masturbation.

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Dr. Eric Sprankle is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He is also a licensed clinical psychologist and AASECT-certified sex therapist affiliated with the Minnesota Sexual Health Institute. He is the author of DIY: The Wonderfully Weird History and Science of Masturbation.

In this episode, we focus on DIY. We start by discussing why a book on masturbation is important. We then talk about masturbation in animals, masturbation in early civilization, and when masturbation was turned into a sin and a disease. We discuss masturbation in utero and the development of childhood masturbation. We debunk claims made by the NoFap movement and people who promote semen retention. We talk about what science really says about masturbation. We discuss whether there is such a thing as masturbation addiction. We then get into claims made by anti-porn feminists, and discuss whether porn addiction is real, whether porn is psychologically harmful, and whether it is harmful to children. Finally, we talk about the importance of sex education.

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