

Taboo Science
Ashley Hamer Pritchard
Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you're not allowed to ask. It's hosted by Ashley Hame Pritchard, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don't talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large. Why don't we eat people? Why are my swear words different than my parents'? And what makes porn, porn? It's science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. It's Taboo Science.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 29, 2023 • 31min
Race (with Agustín Fuentes, Ph.D.)
Get ready to rethink everything you know about race. With the help of anthropologist Agustín Fuentes, this episode debunks the idea that race exists within our biology. We're unraveling racist stereotypes, explaining why race is nothing like dog breeds, delving into the devastating effects of race in health and medicine, and explaining why your 23andMe results aren't what you think. This episode isn't just about debunking misconceptions - it's about highlighting our shared humanity. Pick up Agustin's book Race, Monogamy, and Other Lies They Told You: Busting Myths about Human Nature right here: https://amzn.to/3NSrCGDSee citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/s3e6-race/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:Important Not ImportantScience for people who give a sh*t. Want to feel better AND unf*ck the world? The 6-time Webby nominee delivers deep conversations with the world's smartest people (scientists, doctors, CEO's, farmers, and more!), and digestible news updates every single week, loaded with tips and steps you and we can take to fix this place right up.Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Jun 15, 2023 • 30min
Nudity (with Ruth Barcan, Ph.D.)
Dr. Ruth Barcan discusses the complex concept of nudity, including its historical, cultural, and legal dimensions. Topics range from art's influence on nudity perception to laws on female toplessness in the US. The podcast also explores the origins and motivations of the European nudism movement, societal challenges associated with nudism, and the evolution of nudism from aesthetic idealization to acceptance and diversity.

Jun 8, 2023 • 1h 3min
Introducing: Based on a True Story
Taboo Science will continue next week with a regularly scheduled episode, but I wanted to give a nod to Pride Month by sharing a podcast episode I love from the show Based on a True Story. Subscribe to Based on a True Story here: https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com/follow/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Jun 1, 2023 • 34min
Breastfeeding (with Bridget McGann & Sascha Mayer)
Lactation scientist Bridget McGann and Mamava co-founder Sascha Mayer discuss the mysteries of breastfeeding, breastmilk components, breastfeeding versus formula feeding, workplace support for pumping, and the importance of normalizing breastfeeding in society.

May 18, 2023 • 38min
Poop (with Bryn Nelson, Ph.D.)
Grab your squatty potty and put your squeamishness aside: we're going elbow-deep into human waste with science journalist and author Bryn Nelson. This episode digs into the microbiome, probiotics, and fecal transplants. It uncovers the surprising benefits and uses of human waste, from healing autoimmune conditions to fertilizing crops, and even the ancient practice of collecting and selling 'night soil'. Also: how many synonyms for poop can Ashley stomach? Find out.Pick up "Flush: The Remarkable Science of an Unlikely Treasure" right here: https://amzn.to/3My0wUzSee citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/s3e3-poop/Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:PreconceivedPreconceived examines the preconceptions that shape how we view the world and challenges the paradigms by which we live our lives. The show is hosted by ophthalmologist Zale Mednick. Listen to Preconceived wherever you get your podcasts.Preconceived podcastNeed music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

May 4, 2023 • 34min
Asexuality (with Canton Winer & Sarah Costello)
In this podcast, sociology PhD candidate Canton Winer and Sarah Costello discuss asexuality. They cover topics such as the split attraction model, history of asexuality, intersection with other identities, and the need for acceptance in the LGBTQIA community.

Apr 20, 2023 • 31min
Addiction (with Judy Grisel, Ph.D.)
Today we're diving into the world of addiction and drug use with Judy Grisel, a behavioral neuroscientist who's been down the road of addiction herself. We'll cover why humans are so drawn to altering our consciousness with chemicals, how addictive drugs affect our brains, and some common misconceptions about drug use. Plus, we'll explore the factors that contribute to addiction, like age, genetics, and even random chance.Judy Grisel's book is "Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction." Pick it up here: https://amzn.to/41k96ei See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/s3e1-addictionNeed music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show: Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabooscience Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473Mentioned in this episode:Your Highness PodcastListen to Your Highness Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-highness-podcast/id1274665676Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Mar 9, 2023 • 2min
Season 3 Is Coming
The long wait is nearly over — Season 3 drops on 4/20.Taboo Science is a podcast that answers the questions you’re not allowed to ask. It’s hosted by Ashley Hamer, a science writer and podcaster. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don’t talk about it, and the impact that has on society at large. Why don’t we eat people? Why is it impolite to talk about money? And if drugs are so bad, how did addiction evolve? It’s science class if science class had one of those anonymous question boxes. It’s Taboo Science.Can't wait for season 3? Here's what to do in the meantime!Connect with the show: Subscribe to the newsletter: https://tabooscience.show/ Folow on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabooscience Listen to some of Ashley's favorites from previous seasons:Cannibalism: https://www.tabooscience.show/004-cannibalism/ Penises: https://www.tabooscience.show/003-penises/ Eating Animals: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e1-eating-animals/Disability: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e11-disability/Leave a review and rating here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473 Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Sep 23, 2021 • 22min
Butts (with Dr. Jeanne Bovet)
Why do we have such big butts? Why does society admire women's butts more than men's? And what does race have to do with all this? Featuring Dr. Jeanne Bovet, senior lecturer at Northumbria University in Newcastle. https://www.jeannebovet.com/ See citations and a transcript for this episode: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e12-butts/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter/ Follow Taboo Science: https://twitter.com/tabooscience https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience/ Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473

Sep 9, 2021 • 31min
Disability (with Emily Ladau)
It affects 1 billion people worldwide, so why is disability considered a niche issue? How can we make life easier for people with disabilities? And what does any of this have to do with As Seen on TV products? Featuring Emily Ladau, disability rights activist and author of the new book, “Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally.” Pick it up here: https://amzn.to/3heTUKF See citations and a transcript for this episode: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e11-disability/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter/ Follow Taboo Science: https://twitter.com/tabooscience https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience/ Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2hConnect with the show:Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/tabooscienceLeave me a voice memo: https://podline.fm/tabooscienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscienceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscienceWebsite: https://www.tabooscience.show/ Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473


