
Tim Dean
James M. Benson Professor of English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and scholar of sexuality studies; author of Unlimited Intimacy and co-author of Hatred of Sex (2022).
Best podcasts with Tim Dean
Ranked by the Snipd community

Dec 1, 2025 • 49min
Oliver Davis and Tim Dean, "Hatred of Sex" (U Nebraska Press, 2022)
In this engaging discussion, Oliver Davis, a professor of French studies, and Tim Dean, a sexuality studies scholar, explore their book Hatred of Sex. They delve into how society often overlooks the 'unpleasurable pleasures' of sex, arguing that pleasure can quickly tip into discomfort. The duo critiques current trauma-focused therapies and how they recast sexual difficulties as abuse, warning that strict identity categories can limit sexual experiences. Their take on the intersections of sexual theory and identity is thought-provoking and essential for anyone intrigued by sexuality's complexities.

Dec 1, 2025 • 49min
Oliver Davis and Tim Dean, "Hatred of Sex" (U Nebraska Press, 2022)
Oliver Davis, a professor of French studies, and Tim Dean, an English professor focused on sexuality, delve into the complex feelings surrounding sex in their work, Hatred of Sex. They argue that our relationship with sex often includes an intrinsic antipathy, revealing how pleasure can lead to pain. The duo critiques cultural norms that suppress sexual expression and explores the ties between sexual identity and personal upheaval. Their insights challenge ongoing sociological and therapeutic narratives, advocating for a deeper embrace of the chaotic nature of sexual experiences.


