Taboo Science

Dr. Brandy Schillace discusses the taboo topic of head transplants, exploring the history, challenges, and ethical considerations involved. Topics include the difficulties of spinal cord reattachment, the evolution of organ transplants, defining death, controversial experiments on monkeys, and the complexities of transferring consciousness.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.