Leigh Cowart, a science journalist and author of "Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose", dives deep into the intriguing world of masochism and pain. She reveals how pain can be transformed into pleasure and discusses the nuances of having a sadist's imagination. The conversation also touches on the societal implications of derogatory language, especially among youth, and hints at navigating intimate relationships, particularly the challenges of long-distance romance. Cowart’s insights are as enlightening as they are entertaining!

There is nothing hotter than Puckerbutt Farm’s Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce... and author Leigh Cowart gargles it for FUN!!! Why do we sometimes get a happiness high from painful and scary things? And what if we want to experience the fun of discomfort and danger... but without the risk of coming to real harm?  With the help of Leigh, psychology professor Paul Bloom and the Yale philosopher Tamar Gendler, Dr Laurie Santos finds out how we can fool ourselves into reaping all the benefits of danger without actually being in peril.  For further reading: Leigh Cowart - Hurts So Good: The Science and Culture of Pain on Purpose. Paul Bloom - The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.