

Episode 51 - Pain on Purpose
Feb 11, 2022
Leigh Cowart, a science writer and the author of 'Hurts So Good', dives into the intriguing world of pain and pleasure. The conversation unpacks why some people find joy in pain, exploring emotional and physical masochism. They discuss how pain can serve as a path to empowerment and emotional release, with personal anecdotes adding depth and humor. The episode also highlights cultural attitudes towards pain, consent in BDSM, and the juxtaposition of socially accepted pain versus stigmatized practices. A captivating and enlightening exploration for anyone curious about this complex relationship!
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Episode notes
Origin of 'Masochism' Term
- The term "masochism" was coined by Richard von Kraft Ebbing without Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's knowledge.
- Masochism was named after one man's sexual preference, which led to stigma surrounding the term today.
Consent Shapes Pain Experience
- Pain is always subjective and context-dependent, with no universal measurement.
- Consent and expectation shape the pleasure derived from experiencing pain intentionally.
Brain's Pain Perception Example
- A pain researcher nearly died after his brain underestimated pain from a snakebite, later overreacting to a twig.
- This illustrates that pain perception depends greatly on context and expectation, not just stimulus.