Intelligence Squared

Gut Feelings: A History of Our Most Mysterious Organ, with Elsa Richardson

Jul 22, 2024

45:59

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Cultural historian Elsa Richardson discusses the intimate history of the gut in her book. Topics include the gut-brain connection, gendered associations with gut health, historical links between witchcraft and women's gut health, and the evolution of the gut-brain connection throughout history.

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Quick takeaways

Throughout history, the gut-brain connection has been viewed differently, from ancient Greeks associating the gut with corrupt emotions to modern 'trust your gut instinct.'

The emotional link to the gut has been both positive and negative, highlighting the complex relationship between gut health and emotional states.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Gut-Brian Connection Across History

Throughout history, the connection between the gut and brain has been recognized, dating back to ancient civilizations. The interpretation of this connection has varied, from ancient Greeks associating the gut with corrupt emotions to modern concepts like 'trust your gut instinct.' The understanding of this link has evolved, from viewing the gut as hostile or demonic in the past to embracing it with phrases like 'gut instinct' in present times.

Intro

4min

Exploring the Historical Perspectives on Gut Instinct and Gut-Brain Connection

14min

Gendered Associations with Gut Health

4min

Gender Perceptions and Advertising in Constipation Health Advice

2min

Historical Link Between Witchcraft and Women's Gut Health

8min

Exploring the Historical Evolution of the Gut-Brain Connection

12min

Cultural historian Elsa Richardson discusses her book, Rumbles: A Curious History of the Gut. It looks at our relationship over the centuries with a very intimate part of the body but one for which many know little more about than having a general gut feeling. Richardson is Lecturer of History at the University of Strathclyde and holds a Chancellor's Fellowship in the History of Health and Wellbeing at the Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare. In addition to lecturing in the history of medicine and her own research, she also curates arts and science events for public institutions, including the Wellcome Collection. Joining Richardson in conversation for this episode is the historian Helen Carr, an award-nominated writer and broadcaster specialising in medieval history and public history. Her popular books include The Red Prince and the upcoming Sceptered Isle.

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Intelligence Squared

Gut Feelings: A History of Our Most Mysterious Organ, with Elsa Richardson

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Evolution of Gut-Brian Connection Across History

The Complicated Emotions and Guts Relationship

Historical Perspectives on Gut Health and Wellness Industry

Navigating the Complexities of Wellness and Gut Relationship

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AI-powered
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Intelligence Squared

Gut Feelings: A History of Our Most Mysterious Organ, with Elsa Richardson

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Evolution of Gut-Brian Connection Across History

The Complicated Emotions and Guts Relationship

Historical Perspectives on Gut Health and Wellness Industry

Navigating the Complexities of Wellness and Gut Relationship

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

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podcast player

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highlights

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