
Taboo Science
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 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.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2021 • 40min
STIs (with Ina Park, MD)
How long have STIs been around? Why don't we have anything higher-tech than the condom? And when did we stop saying "STD," anyway? Featuring Ina Park, MD, associate professor at the UC San Francisco School of Medicine and author of the book "Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs." Pick it up here: https://amzn.to/3uGrs8h See citations for this episode: https://www.tabooscience.show/s2e4-stis/ 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.Mentioned in this episode:Taboo Science Listener SurveyFill out the listener survey here (and thank you!): https://bit.ly/43gcMAh

May 20, 2021 • 37min
Bodily Fluids (with Erika Engelhaupt)
Erika Engelhaupt, science writer, delves into the world of bodily fluids like earwax, saliva, and urine. Debunking myths about sweating and urine, she explores the importance of these fluids for our health. From fecal transplants to gut microbiome, this podcast challenges taboos and reveals the fascinating science behind our bodily excretions.

May 6, 2021 • 41min
Ageism (with Dr. Hannah Swift)
Dr. Hannah Swift discusses ageism, societal norms, and discrimination based on age. Topics include age-related jokes, age-imposed restrictions, gender and race biases in aging, and fostering intergenerational friendships to combat ageism.

Apr 22, 2021 • 34min
Eating Animals (with Dr. Melanie Joy)
Why do we treat some animals as food and others as family? Is animal agriculture really as bad as vegans say it is? And if I want to change things, is veganism my only option? Featuring Melanie Joy, social psychologist, founding president of the NGO Beyond Carnism, and author of "Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows." Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Suggest a taboo topic via ashley@tabooscience.show. Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music. Mentioned in this episode:Taboo Science Listener SurveyFill out the listener survey here (and thank you!): https://bit.ly/43gcMAh

Mar 25, 2021 • 41min
Marriage (with Stephanie Coontz)
What was the original purpose of marriage? What's up with all those wedding traditions? And what makes a marriage last? Featuring Stephanie Coontz, researcher and author of Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage. Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Suggest a taboo topic via ashley@tabooscience.show. Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Mentioned in this episode:Taboo Science Listener SurveyFill out the listener survey here (and thank you!): https://bit.ly/43gcMAh

Mar 11, 2021 • 39min
Dying (with Jennie Dear)
How will most of us die? How do our expectations of death go wrong? How can we all have a good death? Featuring Jennie Dear, author of “What Does It Feel Like to Die?: Inspiring New Insights into the Experience of Dying."Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.Suggest a taboo topic via ashley@tabooscience.show.Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Mentioned in this episode:Taboo Science Listener SurveyFill out the listener survey here (and thank you!): https://bit.ly/43gcMAh

Feb 25, 2021 • 36min
Childbirth (with Tina Cassidy)
Author Tina Cassidy discusses the evolution of childbirth, debunking myths and highlighting the importance of emotional support. The podcast covers pregnancy symptoms, debunking misconceptions, and explores alternative birthing positions. It delves into post-birth challenges, advocates for home births, and discusses disparities in midwifery practices and maternal mortality rates.

Feb 11, 2021 • 35min
Lying (with Judi Ketteler)
Is honesty really the best policy? What's the difference between a good lie and a bad lie? And how much do we lie to ourselves? Today's guest is Judi Ketteler, author of the book “Would I Lie to You?: The Amazing Power of Being Honest in a World That Lies.” You can download a preview of the book right here. Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Suggest a taboo topic via ashley@tabooscience.show. Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Mentioned in this episode:Taboo Science Listener SurveyFill out the listener survey here (and thank you!): https://bit.ly/43gcMAh

Jan 28, 2021 • 33min
Necrophilia (with Dr. Victoria Sullivan & Dr. Jens Foell)
Dr. Victoria Sullivan and Dr. Jens Foell discuss the origins of necrophilia, exploring psychological motivations and societal perceptions. They delve into the nuances of death fetishes, debunk common misconceptions, and advocate for destigmatization of unconventional sexual interests.

Jan 14, 2021 • 39min
Infidelity (with Lucia O'Sullivan)
It's the #1 cause of breakup and divorce. What if we're approaching infidelity all wrong? Today's guest is Dr. Lucia O'Sullivan, a social psychologist and professor in the department of psychology at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. Click here to see citations for this episode! Follow Taboo Science on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Suggest a taboo topic via ashley@tabooscience.show. Visit tabooscience.show for more. Taboo Science is written and produced by Ashley Hamer. Theme music by Danny Lopatka of DLC Music.Mentioned in this episode:Taboo Science Listener SurveyFill out the listener survey here (and thank you!): https://bit.ly/43gcMAh